Free performances celebrate diverse cultures
OLYMPIA – May 9, 2019 – The Washington State Parks Folk and Traditional Arts Program announces a summer-long lineup of free performances and dances taking place at parks throughout the state.
The series of performances feature traditional music, dance and storytelling representing a variety of cultural communities found in Washington State. The Folk and Traditional Arts Program also presents a full lineup of cultural festivals. For more information, visit https://parks.state.wa.us/folkarts.
Performance schedules are as follows:
CAMA BEACH FAMILY DANCE SERIES
Cama Beach State Park
Live music and family square dances were a traditional part of 1930s summer activities at Cama Beach when the state park was a fishing resort. The Summer Music and Dance Series includes informal acoustic jams on the beach featuring fiddle, guitar and banjo around an open fire as well as live music and experienced callers to get everyone on their feet and dancing. All events are family oriented and open to all ages and levels. No dancing experience is necessary. At the Saturday dances, callers will teach circle, square and contra dances.
1 - 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 8 — Crankie-making workshop
7 – 9 p.m. Saturday, June 8 — French Canadian music, dance
8:30 - 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 12 — Tunes on the beach
7 – 9 p.m. Saturday, July 13 — Kick Up Your Heels and Dance with caller Alex MacLeod
8:30 – 9:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16 —Tunes on the beach
7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17 — Kick Up Your Heels and Dance with caller Gabe Strand
AMERICAN ROOTS SERIES
7 – 8 p.m., Saturdays from July 6 through Aug.24
Deception Pass State Park, West Beach Amphitheater
- July 6: Meshugga Daddies — Klezmer, Yemenite, and Arabic music
- July 13: Ruže Dalmatinke — Croatian folk music & dance
- July 20: Unexpected Brass Band — New Orleans street music
- July 27: Squirrel Butter — Old time music and clogging
- Aug. 3: Bays Family Irish Band — Irish reels, jigs and airs
- Aug.10: Whozyamama — Cajun, Creole and Zydeco music
- Aug.17: The Juan Manuel Barco Conjunto — Tejano and conjunto music
- Aug. 24: Lisa Ornstein and Dan Compton — Quebecois and Acadian music
WAIKIKI CONCERT SERIES
7 - 8:30 p.m., second and fourth Saturdays June-August
Cape Disappointment State Park, Waikiki Beach Amphitheater
- June 8: Ben Hunter and Joe Seamons — American roots music
- June 22: Unit Souzou — Japanese Taiko and dance
- July 13: Beltain — Celtic music
- July 27: The Brownsmead Flats — Bluegrass music
- Aug. 10: The Winterlings — American folk music
- Aug. 24: Unexpected Brass Band — New Orleans street music
INTERNATIONAL CONCERTS ON THE BORDER
2 - 3 p.m., Sundays in August
Peace Arch State Park
- Aug. 4: Chaopraya Ensemble — Thai classical and folk music and dance
- Aug. 11: En Canto- Brazilian — Forró music and dance
- Aug. 18: Juan Manuel Barco Conjunto —TexMex, Conjunto, Tejano music
- Aug. 25: Radost Folk Ensemble & Dunava — Eastern European folk dance and a capella music
All performances are free. A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to parks, except for June 8 and Aug. 25, which are State Parks free days.
About the Folk and Traditional Arts in the Parks Program
The summer concerts are part of a broader series of events celebrating Washington’s diverse cultures presented by the Folk and Traditional Arts Program, with funding provided by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as support from the Washington State Parks Foundation. For more information, contact Makaela Kroin, Folk and Traditional Arts Program Coordinator, (360) 902-8635 or makeala.kroin@parks.wa.gov. More information about the program and upcoming events is at: https://parks.state.wa.us/folkarts.
News media contacts:
Makaela Kroin, Folk and Traditional Arts Program Coordinator, (360) 902-8635
Toni Droscher, Communications Office, (360) 902-8604
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
News release number: 19-024