OLYMPIA – July 6, 2017 – The Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission’s Folk and Traditional Arts in the Parks Program invites the public to the free Summer Music and Dance Series at Cama Beach Historical State Park. The series features acoustic music around the campfire on and family dances with live callers and musicians.
The Friday Tunes on the Beach are from 7 to 8 p.m., July 14, 21 and Aug. 11. The Saturday Family Dances are from 7 to 9 p.m. July 15 and 22, in the Boathouse on the beach and Aug.12, at the Cama Center at Cama Beach Historical State Park, 1880 SW Camano Drive, Camano Island. (Directions)
Live music and family square dances were a traditional part of 1930s summer activities at Cama Beach when the state park was a fishing resort. The summer music and dance series includes informal acoustic jams on the beach featuring fiddle, guitar and banjo around the open fire as well as live music and experienced callers whose aim is to get everyone on their feet and dancing. Both events are family oriented and open to all ages and all levels. At the Saturday dances, callers will teach circle dances, square dances and contra dances.
July 14: Tunes on the Beach with Carol Piening, Eric Schlorff, Nina Richardson and Mike Schway.
July 15: Family Dance at The Boathouse with Nina Richardson, Eric Schlorff, and Mike Schway. Carol Piening, caller.
July 21: Tunes on the Beach with Gabe Strand, Brittany Newell, and Johnny Fitzpatrick.
July 22: Family Dance at The Boathouse with music by The Silly Geese. Gabe Strand, caller.
Aug. 11: Tunes on the Beach with the Atlas Stringband.
Aug. 12: Family Dance at the Cama Center with music by the Atlas Stringband. Alex MacLeod, caller.
All of the programs are free of charge. A Discover Pass is required for parking at Cama Beach. All concerts are accessible to persons with disabilities. For special accommodations, call the park at (360) 387-1550 or (800) 833-6388 (Washington Telecommunications Relay Service). Requests must be made in advance.
[Note to media: Photos are available upon request]
About the Folk and Traditional Arts in the Parks Program
The music and dances at Cama Beach Historical State Park are part of a broader series of events celebrating Washington’s diverse cultures presented by the Folk and Traditional Arts in the Parks Program, with funding provided by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Washington State Parks Foundation and the Cama Beach Foundation.
For more information about the Folk and Traditional Arts in the Parks program, including upcoming events, visit: http://parks.state.wa.us/folkarts or contact Debbie Fant, Program Coordinator, at Deborah.Fant@parks.wa.gov or 360-902-8635.
About Cama Beach Historical State Park
Cama Beach Historical State Park is set in a spectacular, 433-acre waterfront location against a forested backdrop on the southwest shore of Camano Island facing Saratoga Passage. Cama Beach offers visitors a chance to step back in time to a 1930s-era Puget Sound fishing resort complete with waterfront cedar cabins and bungalows. The park is connected by a mile-long trail to Camano Island State Park, a 134-acre camping park. Both parks are open year round for day use or overnight stays. For more information about Cama Beach Historical State Park, including how to reserve a cabin, visit: http://parks.state.wa.us/483/Cama-Beach.
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
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Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at http://adventureawaits.com/
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
1111 Israel Road S.W.
P.O. Box 42650
Olympia, WA 98504-2650
Washington Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388