Play your heart out in Port Townsend this month beginning with an Independence Day celebration with Centrum’s Festival of American Fiddle Tunes. Artistic Director Suzy Thompson, husband and longtime musical partner Eric and daughter Allegra fill Fort Worden with their music, inspiring hundreds of musicians from around the nation to join in.
Over the past three decades, Suzy has been a leading force in many influential roots music groups. A renowned flatpicker, Eric’s playing is exceptional for its purity of tone, speed, and soulfulness. Allegra was raised on a steady diet of American roots music, everything from Delta Blues to Appalachian fiddle tunes. She currently plays bass and sings old fashioned Bluegrass, Old-Time, Honky-Tonk, and Cajun music.
Rock out this summer at Port Townsend Main Street Program’s Concerts on the Dock, in downtown Port Townsend Thursdays July 10 through August 28 at the Pope Marine Park/City Dock Civic Plaza. Local vendors and a Beer, Wine and Cider Garden will contribute to the festive atmosphere. Seating opens at 4:30 pm, concerts begin at 5 pm and end at 7:30 pm.
“Concerts on the Dock are a favorite way to celebrate summer in Port Townsend. The blend of bands will appeal to many tastes, and there’s lots of danceable music lined up. Bring a picnic, or grab food to go from one of our local businesses,” says Dominic Svornich, Main Street’s festival coordinator.
2014 is shaping up to be an epic year for Jazz Port Townsend, Washington’s longest-running summer jazz festival. Artistic Director John Clayton has worked with Centrum to assemble a truly outstanding collection of jazz artists from around the country.
Listen to talented artists NEA Jazz Master Bill Holman, clarinetist/saxophonist Ken Peplowski, pianist Benny Green, in addition to Jeff Hamilton, Wycliffe Gordon, Ingrid Jensen and Geoffrey Keezer. Jazz Port Townsend includes main stage performances at Fort Worden, as well as Jazz in the Clubs July 25 and 26 from 10 pm to 1 am at various venues around Port Townsend.For more information or to buy tickets, go towww.centrum.org.
Key City Public Theatre presents Shakespeare in the Park with two plays over four weekends. Experience both comedy and tragedy outdoors this summer. “The Trojan Women” runs August 1 through 10, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 6 pm. In the aftermath of war, what happens to the women and children left behind?
“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” runs August 15-24, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 6 pm. Three overachieving actors attempt to perform all 37 of Shakespeare’s play in one fast-paced, witty and physical performance!
Visit us this summer and enjoy everything Port Townsend!