PORT TOWNSEND — A highlight of Port Townsend’s social season will begin Thursday when Concerts on the Dock enters its 18th year.
The free series will kick off with a performance by Kevin Mason and the PT All Stars, which is one of the summer’s largest draws according to music coordinator Dominic Svornich.
“Both Kevin and Locust Street Taxi [appearing July 28] bring people out to dance and drink beer,” he said.
“The best bands appeal to a wide variety of people, since we get everyone from three-year-olds to people with walkers and in wheelchairs.”
Concerts on the Dock are scheduled on consecutive Thursdays through Sept. 1 at Pope Marine Plaza in a setting with Port Townsend Bay as a backdrop.
Seating will open at 4:30 p.m. Shows will begin at 5 p.m. and wrap up by 7:30 p.m.
Svornich said there is an “amazing variety” of local bands from which to choose but not every one works in this environment.
“I’ve had to give disappointing news to bands, that they don’t fit in,” Svornich said.
“I love jazz and folk and bluegrass myself, but they aren’t the kind of bands that brings people out.”
Crowds can get as large as 500 people, for a popular group and draw an average of 300 on a sunny day, he said.
The concerts go on rain or shine and are moved into the Pope Marine Building in inclement weather.
This has only happened twice, Svionich said.
Main Street Executive Director Mari Mullen characterizes the summer weather as “fickle and tricky.”
This year’s lead sponsor is Homer Smith Insurance which Mullen said “came to us just in the nick of time.”
Ryan Smith, who represents the third generation of his family to work for the agency, said both his father and grandfather have been big community supporters.
“This is a good event,” Smith said. “It brings in tourists and benefits the local economy.”
Concerts on the Dock began in July 2004 in the old Quincy Street dock area adjacent to what was then Water Street Brewing and Ale House.
It moved to a paved area near the Northwest Maritime Center and moved to its current location in 2011.
This is the sixth year in that location, although previous years have needed to accommodate various stages of construction.
Seven concerts are scheduled this season.
■ July 21 — Uncle Funk and The Dope Six; dance band.
■ July 28 — Locust Street Taxi; variety band.
■ Aug. 4 — Toolshed Trio with Abakis; dance band.
■ Aug. 11 — Olympic Express Big Band; dance tunes from 1920s-2000s.
■ Aug. 18 — Cold Comfort with Kilcid; alternative, rock.
■ Aug. 25 — Joy in Mudville; bluegrass, folk, rock, blues and funk.
■ Sept. 1 — Lucky Brown and The Funk Revolution; jam-rock, reggae and funk.
For more information, or to volunteer, call 360-385-7911 or go to ptmainstreet.org.
Free outdoor concerts also are scheduled in Sequim and Port Angeles.
Music in the Park
In Sequim, Lobo del Mar will perform Celtic, bluegrass and flamenco fusion from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday during Music in the Park at Carrie Blake Community Park, 563 N. Rhodefer Road.
Bands will perform each Tuesday through Aug. 30.
Parking is available at Carrie Blake Community Park or at 500 N. Blake Ave.
Sequim city organizers encourage attendees to bring chairs or blankets and picnic baskets to the concerts.
Here is the lineup for the rest of the summer.
■ July 19 — Locos Only; rock and blues.
■ July 26 — Andre Feriante; Spanish guitar and ukulele, vocals.
■ Aug. 2 — Navy Band Northwest; variety.
■ Aug. 9 — Joy in Mudville; bluegrass, folk, rock, blues and funk.
■ Aug. 16 — Stardust Big Band; Big Band sound.
■ Aug. 23 — Fifth annual Sequim Karaoke Night; contest.
■ Aug. 30 — Farmstrong; bluegrass, country, folk and rock.
Port Angeles
In Port Angeles, Black Diamond Junction will perform ’60s to ’80s classics from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on City Pier during the Concerts on the Pier series.
The series, organized by the Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce, runs every Wednesday through Sept. 7.
Food vendors will be available. If heavy wind or bad weather is expected, the performances might be moved to The Gateway pavilion at the corner of Lincoln and Front streets.
Audience members are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs to the informal, family-friendly performances.
No smoking is allowed on City Pier during the concerts.
Here is the series lineup for the rest of the summer.
■ July 20 — Twisted Roots; blues, Western swing and old rock.
■ July 27 — Three Too Many; popular rock.
■ Aug. 3 — The Weavils; bluegrass and swing.
■ Aug. 10 — The Strait Shots; classic rock ‘n’ roll.
■ Aug. 17 — Ian McFeron Band; folksy rock ‘n’ roll.
■ Aug. 24 — Sweet T & Justice; Americana blues.
■ Aug. 31 — Joy in Mudville; Americana funk rock.
■ Sept. 7 — The Buck Ellard Band; country.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
