Get ready to dance and sing along at the Lopez Center’s outdoor stage. On Saturday, Aug. 12, 5–8:30 p.m., there will be three great bands for your listening pleasure including local talent and a special treat of internationally renowned musicians from Los Angeles and Oregon. Everyone is invited to this family dance party! Children ages 12 and younger are even free!
Opening the Festival is Lopez Island’s own Los Hermanos. An ensemble of three of Lopez’s finest musicians: Colin Doherty on bass, Jaime Cordova on percussion, and Hawk Arps on the vibraphone. For three decades, these musical brothers have played live Latin grooves throughout the San Juans. They will be joined by The Lyrical Laureates of Love; John Platter on drums, Leah Platter on vocals and Gary Alexander on vocals, saxophone and clarinet. Together this ensemble combines Jazz Standards with Latin grooves to delight your ears, get you dancing and lift your spirits.
Up next is The West Coast All Star Rhythm Band, lead by the world-famous guitarist Richard Smith. The talent and experience of this band is truly world class! Richard Smith’s 13 solo recordings have established him as a fixture of the contemporary music world. Fresh off a European tour, Richard has assembled an all-star band! Mike Snyder will be on drums. Mike has played on hundreds of recordings in film, TV and movie soundtracks. On bass is Kevin Deitz. Kevin is a composer, arranger and cellist whose work has been featured on NPR’s morning Edition Radio Show. On vocals and guitar is Tim Kobza. Tim is a performer, songwriter, music director and educator. Joining this band on vocals is Melissa Faye Klein. Melissa is a classically trained session singer and voice over artist who tours internationally in musical theater productions. The West Coast All Star Rhythm Band will be performing rockin’ blues and pop favorites.
Headlining the festival is Lopez Island’s favorite dance band, Super Wide Groove! Featuring Nick Teague, Susie Teague, Lisa Geddes and Mehgan Herold on vocals, Colin Doherty on bass, Todd Goldsmith on drums, Hawk Arps on keyboards and Bill Johnson on guitar. Performing your favorite Soul, Funk and Motown dance tunes from the ‘60s and ‘70s by Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and others. Choreographed dance moves and period costumes add to the fun. Get ready to boogie!
Bring a chair and warm clothing for this fabulous event at the Pavilion. For your dining pleasure, you are invited to partake of the food vendors and Beer Garden on site. Tickets are $15. Youth 12 and under are free. Tickets available online at lopezcenter.org. Available also from: Lopez Center Office, Paper Scissors on the Rock, Blossom Organic Grocery, Lopez Bookshop, the Southend General Store and at the door.
