Pass at the Park: A month of music, food and festivities

WASILLA —Friday from 6-9 p.m. is the kick-off for the new Pass at the Park music event series. There will be established local artists performing each Friday through June 30. Besides music, there will be local food trucks, vendor booths, activities for kids — such as a bounce house provide by the National Guard — and a prize wheel.

Hatcher Pass Radio is hosting the event. According to General Manager Terry Walley, it is taking the place of the City of Wasilla’s previous music at the park venue, rebranded and improved.

“There’s been a few different incarnations of it,” Walley said. “There was music at the park and rock at the park so we’ve kinda taken that over.”

He said in the past the lineup was assembled on a volunteer basis and it was always “iffy” whether a band would show up. He also noted that the bands playing are more established and well known and have made an agreement to perform.

“For the artists, this a professional gig for them. We were able to get a higher caliber of bands that will show up to this event,” Walley said. “They’re all very notable bands in the Mat-Su Valley… They bring a bunch of fans with them too, so they all have followings.”

Each night will showcase a different band with the first night featuring The Carhartt Brothers, a country folk band that’s been playing since 1993.

Other bands performing include The Blue Voodoo Band June 16, Element 47 June 23 and Braided River June 30

“It’s gonna happen rain or shine and I think it’s gonna be a great event,” Walley said. “We’ve got a lot of people that have indicated they’re gonna be going on our event page so I think it’s gonna be a good crowd.”