ALL SHOOK UP. Elvis impersonator Danny Vernon and his backing band the Devilles will be bringing the King’s signature sound to the stage at the August 1 Summer Sound and Cinema event at South Park. (Photo courtesy of Metro Parks Tacoma)
Metro Parks Tacoma is ensuring that the economy does not get in the way of families having fun this summer, and their Summer Sounds & Cinema series is one more way locals can get out, enjoy their parks and have fun with every member of the family this sunny season for free.
Every Saturday at 7 p.m. starting July 25 and going through August 29, a concert and special themed activities will be taking place at one of six local parks. Every night will include a concert and accompanying events, and three of the concerts will have a movie following them beginning at dusk.
Lori Crace, events coordinator for Metro Parks Tacoma, affirmed that the movies and concerts that are grouped together were each chosen for a reason. “I like to have a variety of music and things that appeal to different audiences. People get to hear someone (play) that they might not otherwise. We try to make a connection between the movie and music or the place and music. Sometimes there’s a theme, for instance at Portland Avenue Park, the event will be in conjunction with World Vision for a back to school event.”
The main goals of this series are to get people outdoors and to enjoy time with good company. “(We want) to get people out in the parks for fun with friends and family. That’s why we do it in different parks, to maybe bring people to a park they haven’t experienced or bring it to a park in their neighborhood,” Crace affirmed.
A few highlights of this year’s Summer Sounds and Cinema series include Elvis night at South Park, featuring Elvis impersonator Danny Vernon and the Devilles playing the King’s music as well as an Elvis costume contest and a classic car show. “The Vassault Park event will be showing ‘Twilight,’ and I think that could be really fun. It will be a memorable evening,” Crace stated.
Visitors to the events are encouraged to bring blankets or folding chairs to sit on as seating is on the lawn.
Admission to the Summer Sounds & Cinema is free. For more information on parks, movies and participating bands, call (253) 305-1007 or visit www.metroparkstacoma.org.
