— by Deborah Sparks, Orcas Issues reporter —
One of the women “behind the scenes” of the Orcas Island Community is Leslie Seaman.
She has volunteered for many events and helped so many people over the years. Of these events, most notably, Music in the Park, began in July of 2000. Then the covered Stage on the Green was finished in 2007 and amplification and lighting became a permanent addition to the concerts.
Sponsored by San Juan County Park Department and Director Donna Withnow, Music in the Park has been planned for July through September, every Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. and it’s free. The Stage on the Green is provided for free specifically for the concert series as long as Leslie Seaman and the musicians she lines up volunteer their time. In Seaman’s words, “Music in the Park brings together generosity, talent and community!”
Most of the musicians over the years have been local talent. A concert attendance is usually around 200. “In the past, the three concerts that got the attendance (estimated at 450) were Susan Osborn, Martin Lund, and The Olga Symphony.” And, Orcatrazz has performed “every year except one.” There have been performances by bands like Orcatrazz that have had 20+ members, small bands like Olga Symphony and Steve Alboucq and horns, Storytellers such as Eth no Tec, soloists Carolyn Cruso, Frank Ledgerwood, and youth such as the Crow Valley String Band and Almost Classical.
Over the years there have been around 50 performers who have volunteered to perform at the free concerts for the enjoyment of the community.
Leslie Seaman seems tireless year after year in finding performers for the four concerts she plans for Music in the Park. Her “biggest support” is her husband, Don, who sets up the “shade tents,” sound gear, and then takes it all down after the concert is over. People bring their own chairs, picnic dinners, beverages, and blankets (it gets windy sometimes).
This year opens with Tow Away Zone on July 7, Orcatrazz August 4, Mike Speece August 11, and Orcas Rising on August 25.
Look for Leslie Seaman at Music in the Park this season and ask her about performing or listen to her stories about the past performers.
Thank you Leslie and Don Seaman and to the participating musicians!
This is an event that makes summer on Orcas a great place to be for both locals and tourists. It is a relaxing, money free event. Bring a picnic and a chair or blanket. Listen to the music, get up and dance – say hello to a familiar face, and/or share a smile with a stranger.
Thanks to Leslie and Don Seaman, and to all of the musicians that keep the Sunday Music on the Green a delightful Orcas Island tradition! They make it look easy – but I know that organizing and maintaining this event and rehearsing/performing for it takes a lot of time and energy!
Leslie is a tireless supporter of community engagement! Thank you for creating a vibrant summer series and advocacy for community access to the Village Green.
Thank you Leslie and Don! One update – JP and the OK Rhythm Boys are also going to be playing, on July 21st!
Thank to Leslie and Don! And one update – now scheduled – JP and the OK Rhythm Boys on July 21st!