Portage Fill and Vashon Island Chorale

Summer Concerts in the Park:
Thursday, Aug 26, 7-9 pm
Ober Park
Free

Summer Concerts in the Park-Finale

Two mega-groups team up to create the ultimate harmonic convergence at the finale of this summer’s Concerts in the Park. Ending the series is an evening of music from the 1930s and ’40s, performed by Portage Fill Big Band and Vashon Island Chorale, both together and separately.

When Lou Engels and several other musicians formed Portage Fill in the late 1970s, they rehearsed at the old Portage Store and thought the name would be a fun play on words. The name stuck and more than 30 years later, Portage Fill currently boasts 17 members: 5 saxophones, 4 trombones, 4 trumpets, guitar, string bass, drums and piano. Music Director is Tony Willing. Youngest are VHS musicians, who often join the twice weekly rehearsals at Williams Heating garage.

“We’re the ultimate garage band,” says lead trombonist Jim Arthur with a chuckle. “I like playing this kind of music; it’s especially rewarding when people are dancing, smiling and tapping their feet.”
Portage Fill plays for weddings or special events/occasions and holidays. Interested in being part of Portage Fill? Please contact Jim or Tony. “We’re always looking for youngsters to carry on the tradition!”

Chorale’s Artistic Director Gary Cannon has chosen music from Gershwin, Ellington and other jazz composers for singers to perform along with the band. Anyone interested in joining the Chorale for this special session should contact Jo Ann Bardeen at jbardeen@yahoo.com. Rehearsals begin August 10.
Community members old and young are invited to enjoy the free concert. Bring picnics, and chairs or blankets for sitting on the lawns. Be prepared to dance if the spirit moves!

This year's Summer Concerts in the Park Series was co sponsored by Vashon Park District and Vashon Allied Arts with Giraffe. See you back in the Park next year!