2003 Archived News

Tracy Chapman to kick off 'Concerts at Marymoor' on June 7

» Upcoming Outdoor Concerts

Excitement for the Puget Sound's newest outdoor concert venue jumped again today with the announcement that gifted singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman will open the summer series at King County's Marymoor Park in Redmond.

The Lakeside Group, House of Blues Concerts and King County today announced that Tracy Chapman will perform the series' inaugural show on Saturday, June 7, at 7 p.m. Tickets for the show go on sale Monday, April 14 at 10 a.m.

The Tracy Chapman show is the third major announcement for the new Concerts at Marymoor series. Concert promoter Dave Littrell of the Lakeside Group launched the series in grand style in February with the announcement that Grammy-sweeping jazz-pop artist Norah Jones would perform August 5. Littrell, House of Blues and the King County Parks and Recreation Division in March, announced rock and roll legends The Moody Blues will perform two shows, June 14 and 15. The entire summer series lineup, including more of the best blues, jazz, bluegrass, acoustic and contemporary artists performing today, will be announced later this month.

Since her remarkable debut in 1988, Tracy Chapman has captivated audiences around the globe with her pure voice, evocative songs and intense spirit. Along the way she has sold millions of albums and won four Grammy Awards. Few artists can match Tracy's gentle but passionate vibrato, her literate lyrical compassion and her uncompromising stance. From the startling honesty of her multi-platinum debut, which features the now-classic "Fast Car," to the phenomenal reaction she received for New Beginning and its gem "Give Me One Reason," she has always shared with her audience stories that matter and songs that ring true. Let it Rain, Chapman's sixth studio album, marks another major achievement in a career that already spans nearly 15 years.

The new concert venue will be located on the great lawn next to historic Clise Mansion. The King County Parks and Recreation Division has constructed a naturally shaped earthen berm at the park to accommodate outdoor seating. Construction on a state-of-the-art stage is expected to begin later this month. The picturesque venue will feature space for 600 reserved seats and 4,400 general admission lawn tickets.

Marymoor Park is conveniently located in Redmond, Washington, near the Microsoft Corporate campus. The Park's 640 acres border the 520 Freeway on the north, Lake Sammamish Parkway on the West, and the waters of Lake Sammamish on the south.

The King County Parks and Recreation Division's partnership with the Lakeside Group to produce the Concerts at Marymoor series is part of a new way of doing business in the parks division that encourages revenue-producing amenities that complement parks. The County is headlong into dealing with a 2003 budget crisis by exploring new and innovative concepts that enhance services and generate revenue to operate parks and pools.

Tickets for Tracy Chapman are $32.50 general admission and $49.50 reserved (plus service charges) and go on sale Monday, April 14 at 10 a.m. at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at ticketmaster.com (external link) or by phone at 206-628-0888.