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closeSumner’s popular concert series celebrates 10 years
This summer’s selection of outdoor concerts in Sumner parks includes Elvis impersonator, swing, country and reggae
Roxanne Cooke
The 10th annual Music Off Main concert series will again utilize Sumner’s newest recreational area, Rainier View Park.
The Puyallup Valley Community Band needed more space than is available at Heritage Park, so it made sense to host their concert at Rainier View, said Sumner Arts Commission member Donna Hardtke. They will perform on Independence Day.
“We wanted that type of music for the Fourth of July,” she said.
Last year was the first for a Music Off Main concert in the new park, and Arts Commission members have received positive feedback about having more of the concerts there, Hardtke said. While moving the entire series to Rainier View Park is not in the cards right now, the Arts Commission still plans to use the park based on the needs of the musicians.
Music Off Main is also starting a week earlier than usual. In the past, the final Friday performance overlapped with Sumner’s popular Summer Art Festival. This year, concerts begin the last week of June and go through the end of July.
“We don’t like to compete with the Sumner Arts Festival,” said Barbara Bitetto, Arts Commission chair.
This year’s lineup includes an old favorite — Danny Vernon, Elvis impersonator. He performed at a previous Music Off Main concert and was a big hit with the crowds, Hardtke said.
“We wanted him back,” she said.
A subcommittee of the Sumner Arts Commission selects each year’s performers from a number of CD submissions and sometimes from CDs picked up at festivals and conferences, Hardtke said.
Other artists coming up this summer include a movement-oriented African group featuring reggae and other African musical styles. The Arts Commission usually aims for a diverse array of music.
“We wanted to get a variety,” Hardtke said. “We just like their sound and thought they would work well with the Sumner community. We want to appeal to everyone.”
Music Off Main began in 1999 after Sumner’s Cultural Task Force surveyed residents to find out what cultural events they would attend. Between 400 and 1,000 people typically attend the concerts.
The event is becoming more a family outing, Hardtke said. Many people bring their children and eat a picnic dinner while enjoying the music. Children even get up and dance sometimes.
“When we get the whole dance floor full we’ll know we’re a success,” she said.
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MUSIC OFF MAIN
This year’s lineup for the summer Music Off Main concert series includes an Elvis impersonator, big bands, country and reggae. All concerts are free. Concert-goers are welcome to bring chairs, blankets and picnics.
Heritage Park is located on Kincaid Avenue near Main Street in downtown Sumner. Public parking lots are available off Alder Street downtown. Street parking is also available.
Rainier View Park is located at the corner of Parker and Meade McCumber roads. Limited street parking is available.
> June 27, 6:30 p.m., Danny Vernon at Heritage Park
> July 4, 2 p.m., Swing Reunion Orchestra at Heritage Park
> July 11, 6:30 p.m., JC Hyke with Gerri Lynn at Heritage Park
> July 18, 6:30 p.m. Jimmy Free and The African All Stars at Heritage Park
> July 25, 6:30 p.m. Puyallup Valley Community Band at Rainier View Park
For more information, visit www.ci.sumner.wa.us or call 253-863-8300.