Redmond's Arts In The Parks Series Kicks Off This Week

There’s a little something for everyone at this year’s Redmond Arts in the Parks season, with music, dance and theater acts running through July and August. The free summer arts series is held on the , and 2011 marks its 31st year, said Marianne Johnson, the city's arts coordinator.

Performances for all ages will take place at 7 p.m. Fridays, with acts geared for children held at noon Tuesdays. Kids will get a chance to see a range of creative expression throughout the series, Johnson said.

“We like to look for acts that are entertaining but educational and cultural as well, so they can get a full experience,” she said.

On July 26, the Toy Box Trio will perform as part of the children’s series. Not strictly a kids' act, the trio performs classical music infused with carnival sensibilities.

“We wanted to try to get something different and really interesting,” Johnson said.

Most would agree that the Toy Box Trio qualifies. A three-piece of concertina, toy piano and double bass, the trio is the brainchild of Harlan Glotzer, who came up with the idea while studying composition in college.

The trio hearkens back to the classical piano trio, but the sound isn’t totally classifiable, Glotzer said.

“It’s somewhere between circus carnival and classical music,” he said. “It’s sort of reminiscent of music boxes, (but) everybody gets something different out of it.”

Although not geared specifically for children, kids seem to enjoy Toy Box’s music because the unfamiliar sounds and instruments pique their imaginations, Glotzer said.

“They don’t see it everyday,” he said. “It’s something new; it’s something different.”

The all-ages series will kick off July 15 with LeRoy Bell, a Seattle-based blues and soul performer who has written songs that have been recorded by artists such as Elton John and The Temptations. In the last 10 years, Bell has transitioned to more writing and performing his own music.

“In the last few years since I’ve started writing my own, it’s become more personal,” Bell said. “It was kind of like being free to do what I’ve wanted to do.”

Bell’s uncle is legendary producer and songwriter Thom Bell, and his connections in the industry helped LeRoy get started in the business. Lately, he’s gone on to open for acts as varied as BB King, Sheryl Crow and Van Morrison.

Friday, Bell will perform with his band His Only Friends, which has been scaled down to a three-piece from its original status as a six-piece.

“As a three-piece, you’ve got to add a little more power to it,” Bell said. “Everybody really has to pull their own weight.”

Performing at an outdoor summer concert lends a relaxed vibe to the proceedings though, he said.

“People are kind of hanging out and they seem a little more receptive to listening,” he said. “You’re more amongst friends.”

All Arts in the Parks events are free and open to the public and will be held at City Hall’s green space at 15670 NE 85th St.

Full Schedule

Children’s performances, noon on Tuesdays

July 12
The Not-Its!

July 19
Lelavision

July 26
Toy Box Trio

Aug. 2
Book-It Theater’s production of “The Secret Garden”

Aug. 9
Caspar Babypants

Aug. 16
The Brian Waite Band

All-ages performances, 7 p.m. Fridays

July 15
LeRoy Bell

July 22
The Tall Boys

July 29
Ananda Mela Festival presents Rhythms of Rajasthan

Aug. 5
GreenStage’s production of “The Tempest”

Aug. 12
Greenstage’s production of “Anthony and Cleopatra”

Aug. 19
Open Mic Night hosted by Clint McCune