The Vashon Park District is proud to present Concerts in the Park once again this year in partnership with Vashon Events. Concerts will be held every Thursday night, beginning on July 31st and ending on August 28th from 7:00pm - 9:00pm.
Concerts in the Park is a family friendly series of events that bring the community together to enjoy free outdoor music concerts. Taking place at Ober Park, which is located between the Vashon Public Library and the Vashon Park District, the park features grassy berms that make perfect amphitheater seating. You are invited to bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the music.
Sound equipment and lighting will be provided by Laird Gonter of Bandstand Music Inc, and Martin Feveyear of Feveyear Master/Mix will be dialing in the sound. Enjoy live music performing against one of Vashon's most beautiful outdoor backdrops and bring the family. There's plenty of grass and natural berms to spread out those picnic blankets and enjoy some wonderful music on a warm summer night.
However, your blanket or chair may not get much use because each concert features a different music genre that will keep you dancing. Each concert presents something new to experience!
Going out with a real bang, last in line for Concerts in the Park on August 28th is a reunion that you won't want to miss...The Great Divide!
In 1987, the Vashon Island-based band The Great Divide achieved a significant milestone by winning the Marlboro Country Music Talent Roundup. This victory awarded them a $5,000 grand prize and the prestigious opportunity to open for renowned country artists Alabama, The Judds, and George Strait at the Tacoma Dome, performing before an audience of 20,000.
Formed in the early 1980s, The Great Divide is an all-islander band from Vashon Island. They initially gained local popularity before expanding their reach by touring with blues guitarist Elvin Bishop. Their musical style encompasses a blend of country rock, Texas swing, and straight-up rock, contributing to their dynamic performances and broad appeal. Beyond their notable 1987 performance, they have also opened for other prominent acts such as Asleep at the Wheel and Charlie Daniels.
The Great Divide last performed publicly at Strawberry Festival in 2018. This year's show will be one for the books and could very well be the last, but we've said that before... Notably, the band will be joined by Dan Tyack on pedal steel, which is a perfect fit. Dan is deeply experienced and has actually worked with many of the bands we have rubbed elbows with over the years.
The Great Divide is Loren Sinner on bass & vocals, Bob Goering on rhythm guitar & vocals, Jerry Wilks on fiddle & vocals, Lonesome Mike Nichols on harmonica & vocals, Greg Hitch on drums & vocals, Randy Webb on lead guitar and Dan Tyack on pedal steel guitar.
Fiddle player Jerry wilks comes from Yakima, and lead vocalist Bob Goering will be flying in from his home in Kona, Hawaii.