Admiral Neighborhood Association concert series debut a hit

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(photos by Christopher Boffoli)
3 months after first word the Admiral Neighborhood Association was planning a concert series, tonight’s opening night of Summer Concerts at Hiawatha was a hit. Organizer Katy Walum “guesstimates” about 250 people on hand for the free performance by Alma Villegas on the east lawn at Hiawatha – first of six consecutive Thursday night shows this summer.

We asked Katy for her thoughts post-concert:

The Alma Villegas Quintet put on a wonderful performance – really engaging the people (the kids were out dancing like crazy – so fun to see!).

The PCC KidPicks van was really fun, with lots and lots of samples for everyone. They added a nice element for sure.

Christopher got a photo of that too – at left in this shot:

Katy adds that a face-painter is in the cards for two shows, probably next month, and also says:

I had many people come up to me and genuinely thank me for putting something like this together, they had really been wanting to see something like this in the neighborhood, etc. That felt so good. People in West Seattle have been so positive about this whole thing, and that’s what’s really made it work. They want to be out in the park, enjoying the summer weather, hanging out with family and friends and neighbors, watching their kids run around like lunatics, so free. This series just gives everyone a good reason to take time out together to enjoy the summertime.

She notes that next week’s concert features Tom Colwell and The Southbound Odyssey, “a local favorite with lots of fun old folk tunes that everyone can sing along to,” and concludes, “And thanks to everyone else for coming out tonight, and for truly bringing my vision to life. I am so, so proud of this neighborhood!” That’s 6:30 pm each of the next five Thursday nights, on the east lawn at Hiawatha, not far from the play equipment and wading pool, a big grassy space (bring your own chair/blanket) with room for hundreds more. Full schedule for the series (which is co-sponsored by WSB) is at admiralneighborhood.org.

S5 July 23, 2009 (11:37 pm)

Great event for the neighborhood! I would suggest though, that the organizers take into consideration the noise level of the bands. It was really loud throughout the neighborhood compared to the big band concert or the recent Mediterranean Fantasy Festival.

AM July 24, 2009 (9:44 am)

hmmm… i live three blocks away and could barely hear it, and in comparison to the other mentioned events i thought it was the exact same. I’m not across the street or anything, but close enough to hear most concerts in the park. I let the weather scare me off from attending but i’ll be there next week for sure!

Katy Walum July 24, 2009 (10:20 am)

I appreciate your comments about the noise level at Thursday’s concert. Parks is monitoring the sound with a decibel-meter for each concert, and the Alma Villegas show was well within the range for permissible noise levels. Please know that noise at these concerts is a concern for both the ANA and Seattle Parks, as we want all to enjoy the music at the park but do not want to truly disturb park neighbors. We trust that ensuring that the noise does not exceed city-mandated levels for residential areas will most fairly address these goals.

baconbutt July 24, 2009 (11:44 am)

Kudos to Katy and the ANA.

I’d sure love to see the Admiral Neighborhood Association put out a donations/sponsorship jar so families can start donating toward next year’s series. And thanks so much to the local businesses that ponied up the money and resources to help get this started.

annon July 24, 2009 (12:02 pm)

I loved the concert! Thank you for putting it together. I look forward to the next 5. I also found it a bit loud – just as a person in the crowd.

Diane July 24, 2009 (1:10 pm)

I went first to the Delridge Playground Grand Opening Party, and then the ANA Concert at Hiawatha; both started same time so quite the dilemma; both awesome events with lots of families, young kids and babies, playing, dancing, laughing to fabulous music, beautiful evening; both spearheaded by incredible women; I am in awe of the power of women to bring such wonderful visions to fruition in collaboration with communities; you ladies inspire me beyond words; thank you!!!