Massy Ferguson, Dusty 45s Close Out the 2017 Downtown Summer Nights Season
They say all good things must end, and the 2017 Downtown Summer Nights season isn't exempt. This Thursday (Aug. 17) is the final show of the summer.
But it's not over until the last note sounds, and THAT'S not gonna happen until around 9 p.m. after Massy Ferguson and the Dusty 45s wrap up their sets.
As usual, the stage will be set at 5:30 p.m., and the free, kid-friendly entertainment goes from 6-9.
Both bands have made numerous appearances in Yakima, and both always leave crowds wanting more.
Massy Ferguson's set will include tracks from their new album, "Run It Right Into the Wall," which continues the Seattle-based outfit's classic Americana tradition. (Think Drive-By Truckers, Son Volt, Uncle Tupelo.)
Singer/bassist Ethan Anderson says the band is comfortable in its own skin -- which you'd expect from a group that takes its name from a tractor manufacturer. "I don't have a problem with anybody saying we're a good bar band," Anderson says on Massy Ferguson's website. "Some bands take that as a negative. I think of it as a positive thing."
The band has played with Tim McGraw, CamperVan Beethoven, Luke Bryan, Lady Antebellum, Mike Gordon of Phish, Toby Keith, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, Dodgy, Mary Gouthier, Band of Heathens, Blackberry Smoke, Brad Paisley, Billy Kruetzmann of Grateful Dead, The Bottle Rockets, Larkin Poe, Scott Kanneberg of Pavement, Max Creek and Mark Pickerel of Screaming Trees.
Here's a little sample:
Seattle's Dusty 45s, meantime have been delighting Northwest audiences with original hits and American standards for more than 20 years. From Buddy Holly to Herb Alpert, Johnny Cash to Louis Armstrong, the Dusty 45s bring a crowd-stirring energy to all their shows.
Singer/trumpet player Billy Joe Huels leads the band, which also features Jerry Battista on (lead guitar, Robin Cady on upright bass, drummer Kohen Burrill and pianist William Stover.
The group's resume includes seven Bumbershoot appearances and shows with the likes of Wanda Jackson on Adele's "21" tour, Lyle Lovett, John Prine, Lucinda Williams, Kacy Musgraves and Brandi Carlisle.
The free weekly Downtown Summer Nights concert series is presented by Stewart Subaru and Downtown Association of Yakima on North Front Street between Yakima Avenue and Staff Sgt. Pendleton Way. Chinook Fest powers the music, while Legends Casino Hotel sponsors the stage.
While the music plays, enjoy a number of food options as well as a beer and wine garden.
Virginia Mason Memorial provides a cooling station complete with a misting tent. Regional Health hosts an interactive, safe and fun kids area, and MOD Pizza -- with help from Arts on the Move -- oversees all of the weekly activities. U.S. Cellular even offers cellphone charging stations for when you've drained your battery taking photos and videos.