Big Turnout for Music in the Park in Chehalis on Friday, the First of Three Shows

Jul. 25—Friday night at Recreation Park in Chehalis was filled to the brim with lawn chairs, smiling faces and country music.

Event organizers estimated there were between 2,000 and 2,500 attendees over the course of the night.

The event featured award-winning country music singers Michelle Wright and Ty Herndon. Wright is in the Canadian Hall of Fame and Herndon is Grammy-nominated.

Music in the Park will continue the following Fridays, July 29 and Aug. 5, and will also feature prominent national artists.

Friday, July 29, will be themed "Classic Pop and Rock Night." The event will be opened by Randy Linder and headlined by Kalimba "The Spirit of Earth, Wind and Fire."

Linder, who serves as the Music in the Park technical director, will be opening with a selection of classic rock songs. He is known for his Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band which performed in last year's Chehalis Music in the Park finale show.

Kalimba "The Spirit of Earth, Wind and Fire" is an Earth, Wind and Fire tribute band based in the Pacific Northwest. Since its beginning in 2011, the band has evolved to a 10-piece group, performing across the country at casinos, state fairs and jazz clubs.

Former Earth, Wind and Fire guitarist Sheldon Reynolds has said, "out of 1,000 other bands that I have heard play this material, Kalimba is the first band that gets it like it's supposed to be played."

Aug. 5 will be headlined by The Marc Broussard Band for a "Classic R&B, Soul, Blues and Rock" theme.

Marc Broussard will end the 2022 Chehalis Music in the Park series with his band. The son of a Louisiana Hall of Fame guitarist, Broussard grew up in the vibrant music scene of Lafayette, Louisiana. His cover of "Cry to Me" has over 35 million views on YouTube, contributing to his over 100 million views on the website.

Shows are family friendly and free to attend thanks to numerous community sponsors. There is no sign-up required. Guests should bring their own chairs or blankets for seating. Each music night will start around 6:30 p.m.

"Just come and find a spot, sit back and enjoy awesome music on a warm summer's evening," stated a news release.

Food will be available for purchase, though attendees can also bring their own food with them. Due to the events taking place at a city park, alcohol will not be permitted.

There will be a meet and greet with the artists following each show.