Elizabeth Park concert series and Deadwood Revival

Last night marked the end of the summer concert in the park series at Elizabeth Park in Bellingham Washington and regional band Deadwood Revival brought it to a fine end indeed.  Sponsored by the Eldridge Society and supported by Bellingham Parks and Recreation, this series takes place throughout July and August in a four block by four block park historic Bellingham neighborhood; complete with play area for kids, tennis courts, lots of trees and grass, a lovely fountain area, and no kidding – a big gazebo.

I really looked forward to these concerts each Thursday night from 6:00 – 8:00 and spending quality time with my neighbors and dear friends Dorothy, Barb, Sharon, and Jan.  It’s a great way to wind down, relax, people watch, enjoy the awesome weather, and each other’s company.  You can tap your feet to and dance along with some great music each week from Marimba, Latin, Jazz, Salsa, and Reggae, to a Klezmer band, Bluegrass, Indie Rock, Blues, Swing, and Pop.

The music is typically not so loud that you can’t hear each other or yourself talk. Most folks bring blankets or chairs and relax on the grass under the huge trees and chat, listen to the music, nibble on a nice meal or snacks, and many go down down front or into the gazebo to dance.

Last night’s band and one of my favorites of the series was hillbilly bluegrass band Deadwood Revival.  This was the first time I had heard them and I really enjoyed their polished sound.  Jason on banjo, Kim on guitar, Ches on bass and Julie on fiddle make for a nice rounded sound and blended harmonies.  They played a nice mix of original music and some classics; I had a chance to talk with them a bit during their break and found them to be nice folk.  Apparently, they play all over the PNW in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.  I for one will be keeping an eye out for them in the future and I hope you do the same.  Check out their web site and performance schedule.  You can download their songs in mp3 format at the right or buy their CDs from their site.

2009 Elizabeth Park Summer Concert Schedule:

• June 25 • Bentgrass (NW String Band)
• July 2 • Yambique (Latin, Jazz & Salsa)
• July 9 • Amber Darland (Local Folk/Pop/Rock Singer-Songwriter)
• July 16 • Juba Marimba (Rhythmical Instrumental African Dancing Band)
• July 23• Deadfish Rising (Progressive/Americana/Reggae)
• July 30 • What the Chelm (Local Klezmer Band)
• August 6 • Saltwater Octet (Swing & Dance music made up of Bellingham’s finest musicians)
• August 13 • The Prozac Mountain Boys (Keeping the Pacific NW Safe for Bluegrass)
• August 20 • Dagwoods (From Rock to Blues, and Straight-up Pop)
• August 27 • Deadwood Revival (Unforgettable Hillbilly Jam-Grass Music)

I can’t wait for next year, neither can Jan, Barb and Dorothy.