Hi-Yu Concert in the Park proves kids love big-band tunes too

Just so happens the song was “The Children of Sanchez” when we got that video of The Children of West Seattle (some of ’em, anyway) romping during the West Seattle Big Band‘s hour-and-a-half Hi-Yu Festival Concert in the Park tonight @ Hiawatha. Good-sized crowd – band manager Jim Edwards told us afterward that concertgoers started showing up as early as an hour before showtime (great night for a picnic dinner!). Ahead, more video (including an extremely young “assistant bandleader”), and your next chance to enjoy free outdoor summer concerts in West Seattle (one of which will also star the WSBB):

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Here’s another clip, featuring Stephanie Cortes, who sang — beautifully — with the band (which is directed by Donn Weaver):

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And as we checked our video, we couldn’t resist one more “cute kid” moment – check the little guy who decided to play “assistant bandleader”:

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Your next chance to enjoy a free outdoor concert in West Seattle is August 1st, when Providence Mount St. Vincent starts its series of Friday night concerts — first up is Duwamish Dixieland Jazz Band, and the Aug. 15 concert at The Mount will feature the West Seattle Big Band (which, by the way, is an all-volunteer group that donates proceeds from paying gigs to nonprofits, like the West Seattle High School music program to which it recently gave $500 for keyboards). As for West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival activities, they continue Friday with the Kids’ Fun Festival at Hiawatha Community Center, noon-3 pm; the Junior Court Coronation happens during those festivities, at 1 pm Friday.

KitchenClosed July 16, 2008 (6:32 am)

We had a great time. Music was delightful, sounds of laughter everywhere, beautiful summer evening.

Stacey Fuda July 16, 2008 (8:27 am)

We (my daughter especially) had a GREAT time! The music was awedome. It’s great to get outside during the summer in West Seattle to let the kids play and mingle with the community! Thank You to the nice people who shared there fruit with her.

Deb in Morgan Junction July 16, 2008 (9:01 am)

Great evening for the big band. Good turnout, nice to see so many families of all ages having dinner and enjoying the music. The Jr. bandleader was so cute and he did a great job! Thanks so much to Hi-Yu for organizing this event every year. Only drawback was not being able to hear the announcements and the Hi-Yu Court introducing themselves, the sound was not loud enough and the crowd noise drowned it out.

dameDonna July 16, 2008 (12:16 pm)

Last night was our first Hi-Yu concert in the park. We had a WONDERFUL time and can’t wait for next year’s show! Our 2 1/2 year old had a blast! We’ve never seen her dance, jump, twirl and gallop around so much. All the kids were a hoot to watch and they kept me cracking up. It felt like a nice small-town community event. Thanks!! :-)