Audubon Park presents music under the pines

Sitting in the park listening to music on a summer night is a great way to meet people in your neighborhood and have a good time.

The Northwest Neighborhood Association will present “Concerts Under the Pines,” a series of three concerts starting today in Audubon Park, 3405 N. Milton St., from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The concerts will be held every other Thursday through Aug. 9.

Concertgoers can bring picnic dinners to eat while they sit back and enjoy the music.

The concert series has been around since 1999 when the association came up with the idea to gather the neighborhood for some fun.

“We have a pretty good turnout,” said Victor Frazier, one of the event’s organizers.

Much like the Browne’s Addition Concert Series, the “Concerts Under the Pines” are paid for through advertising in concert programs. Donations also will be accepted during intermission.

The neighborhood association pays the performers, and also pays park fees and liability insurance premiums.

Various military bands and the Spokane Symphony Orchestra have played in the park in the past. This year, the concerts will feature the band Ultraglide, violinist Pamela Benton and the big band Men of Rhythm.

“They’re delighted to come and perform at the park,” Frazier said.

Parking is at a premium for these concerts; there are many places around Audubon where it is illegal to park and your vehicle could be towed.

Frazier recommends carpooling and getting to the concerts a little early so you have time to walk a couple of blocks.

He said people come from all over the city to attend the shows. He added that many senior centers organize trips to the park.

The neighborhood association will give concertgoers information about its meetings, which are held at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month at Audubon Park United Methodist Church, 3980 N. Driscoll Blvd. Meetings aren’t held during the summer; they will pick up again on Sept. 20.

Issues and projects in the neighborhood are discussed. The association keeps in close contact with city government and also is in charge of distributing dump passes for neighborhood residents a couple of times a year.

Frazier says he enjoys meeting people and making friends at the concerts, but after a hard day preparing for the shows, he’s looking for a little fun.

“My favorite part is enjoying an evening in the park listening to music,” he said.