Summer doesn’t last long in the Northwest, but we sure make the most of it. Outdoor theater, outdoor cinema – and plenty of outdoor concerts, too, in gorgeous parks that are (usually) dry and sunny this season. You don’t have to look far to find free music near you: Bring a picnic and blanket, your kids and the dog, and take it all in.
GIG HARBOR FREE SUMMER SOUNDS CONCERTS
These weekly waterfront shows feature The Beatniks (July 19), Sambatuque (July 26), Swing Reunion Orchestra (Aug. 2), Ali Marcus (Aug. 9), Funaddicts (Aug. 16) and David Correra (Aug. 23). 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 23. Skansie Brothers Park, 3207 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor. 253-857-4842, www. gigharborguide.com.
CURRAN APPLE ORCHARD SUMMER CONCERTS
It’s too early for apples but this is a fun place anyway, with a sloping natural amphitheater and a family feel. Bands include the Department of Washington American Legion Band (6:30-8 p.m. July 28). Curran Apple Orchard Park, 3920 Grandview Drive W., University Place. 253-460-2530,www.curranappleorchard.com
MUSIC OFF MAIN
Views of Mount Rainier, small-town charm, plenty of good restaurants – what more do you want in Sumner? Oh, outdoor music too. Tonight’s show is the Funaddicts, then it’s Maia Santell and House Blend jazz (July 22) and The Neil Diamond Experience (July 29). 6:30-8 p.m. Fridays through July 29. Heritage Park, 906 Kincaid Ave., Sumner. 253-299-5520, www.ci.sumner.wa.us/Living/MusicOffMain.htm.
AMERICAN LAKE PARK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Kick back in Lakewood with the American Lake Park series. There’s Lakewood’s Brightest Star local talent competition finals (July 19), the Golden Band of the West and the Travis Air Force Base rock band (July 26), a Blues Brothers Revue (Aug. 9), and the Latin guitar and world fusion of David Correa and Cascadia (Aug. 16). 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 16. American Lake Park, 9222 Veterans Drive S.W., Lakewood. 253-983-7834, www.lakewoodparksandrec.com
WESTSOUND HOME AND GARDEN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
More music at Gig Harbor, this time on Thursdays. Too Many Cooks (July 21), Robin Moxey Band (July 28), Austin Radio (Aug. 4), Common Ground (Aug. 11), Hard Tail (Aug. 18), Broken Trail (Aug 25). 6-8 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 25. Uptown Gig Harbor, 4701 Point Fosdick Drive N.W., Gig Harbor. 253-851-4557, www.uptowngigharbor.com
KENT SUMMER CONCERTS
They really lay on the summer music in Kent, where you have three concert series to choose from.
Wednesday Picnic Performances run noon-1 p.m. every Wednesday through Aug. 10 at Town Square Plaza, Second and Smith streets, Kent. 253-856-5050, www.kentarts.com
Take-Out Tuesdays run noon-1 p.m. on Tuesdays through Aug. 16 at Kent Station Plaza, 417 Ramsay Way, Kent. 253-856-5050, www.kentarts.com.
Thursdays at the Lake are from 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursdays from July 21-Aug. 11 at Lake Meridian Park, 14800 S.E. 272nd St., Kent. 253-856-5050, www.kentarts.com.
10TH ANNUAL CONCERT IN THE PARK
This one’s not a series but an annual Northeast Tacoma event led by the folks who bring the free monthly jazz concerts to Marine View Presbyterian. This year’s Concert in the Park features Jim Kerl’s Swing Session Big Band. 5-8:30 p.m. July 24, Browns Point Lighthouse Park, 201 Tulalip St. N.E., Tacoma. 253-229-9206, www.marineviewpc.org
Rosemary Ponnekanti: 253-597-8568 rosemary.ponnekanti@thenewstribune.com
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