Some of the region’s hottest talent will grace the stage at this summer’s free-entertainment event – Tunes@Tapps in Bonney Lake.
Headlining the nine-week event is Jonathan Harris, Riverbend and Becki Sue and Her Big Rockin’ Daddies. Riverbend and Becki Sue were finalists for KING 5’s “The Beast Local Band of Western Washington” competition which was won by Becki Sue.
The nine-week event begins July 8 and runs each Wednesday until Sept. 8 at Allan Yorke Park.
This is the third consecutive year the city of Bonney Lake has sponsored the event. Special Events Coordinator David Wells said the first event in 2007 was a four-week event and expanded to eight in 2008. He said an extra week was added because of Labor Day.
“Traditionally, we start the Wednesday after the Fourth of July until the Wednesday before Labor Day,” Wells explained. “Because Labor Day is later this year, we added the extra week.”
Wells said the performers will play a 90-minute set beginning at 7 p.m., with a 15-minute break in-between for “Stars of Stage” – a talent contest for local people.
“We try to bring the best bands for the best price,” Wells added. “I feel we have got some of the regions best talent coming to Bonney Lake.”
Depending on the weather, between 60 and 300 people attended the event last year, Wells noted.
A tent and stage will be set up in the ballfield area of the park.
The Rock Candy Band kicks off the first show July 8. The Seattle band plays music from hits in the 1960s to today’s hottest hits.
Illusion of Elvis by Danny Vernon takes the stage July 15. Vernon’s show includes all three decades of Elvis’ career including the hillbilly cat of the 1950s to the sexy 1970s jumpsuit years.
Idol Eyez, an exciting Top 40 dance/rock/party band, performs July 22. Their music includes current hits, as well as old school – something for everyone.
On July 29, African All Stars hit the stage with a repertoire of music that includes Soukous, Juju, Calypso and Reggae. The Seattle-based group has toured internationally.
Singer/songwriter Jonathan Harris will appear Aug. 5.
Since 1997, the Graham resident has performed all around the Pacific Northwest and has opened for country music stars such as Merle Haggard, Charlie Daniels Band, Jo Dee Messina and Sammy Kershaw.
The Great Pretenders take the stage Aug. 12. Since 1971, the tuxedo-wearing band has entertained thousands in the areas with songs such as “Duke of Earl” and “Can’t Buy Me Love.”
One of Seattle’s hottest bands, Riverbend, will perform Aug. 19. They opened for bands such as Daughtry and Tantric and performed at the last two Layne Staley Tribute Concerts.
Third Degree Burn, a classic rock/blues cover band, plays Aug. 26. With a broad appeal that reaches all age groups, their music is ideal for people who want to dance and have a great time. The band plays classic tunes from Steve Miller to the Rolling Stones.
Closing out the summer event Sept. 2 is Becki Sue and Her Big Rockin’ Daddies. The high-energy blues band has performed throughout the Northwest and nationally.
The park is at 7203 W. Tapps Hwy.
The event is sponsored by the city, but Wells said additional sponsors are being sought.
Anyone interested in sponsoring Tunes@Tapps, can contact Wells at 253-261-0023.
Reach Dannie Oliveaux at doliveaux@courierherald.com or 360-802-8209.
