Nothing sinks down into the bones quite like funk with beats that compel a body to move. And what better genre to showcase in a summer concert series than the kind that makes you dance? The Downtown Bellingham Partnership’s summer event series, Downtown Sounds, is bringing the funk in their 19th season of good times, groovy vibes, and great people. As always, entry to Downtown Sounds is free and open to the public, making this a must-do summer activity.
The Lineup
Downtown Bellingham Partnership Program Director Lindsey Payne Johnstone is thrilled to announce this year’s awesome lineup with the likes of The Cosmic Neighborhood, Five Alarm Funk, and Petty or Not, to name just a few. “REPOSADO is a Latin/Funk/Afrobeat/Soul group – I love how funk is infused in a lot of other genres,” says Payne Johnstone. “I’m very excited for this show.”
Five Alarm Funk originated out of Vancouver, B.C. and has been on Payne Johnstone’s radar for the event since she previously had them booked for the 2020 series. “They are incredibly dynamic with super high energy,” she says. “They’re one of my favorite bands and a group not to be missed.”
The 2023 complete lineup and dates are as follows:
- July 12: REPOSADO with The Cosmic Neighborhood (Tequila Funk + Brazilian Flavor/Western Pop)
- July 19: Five Alarm Funk with North Sound Soul (Horn Powered Percussion Funk + Early Motown/Horn-Driven 1970s Rock)
- July 26: Outer Orbit & Special Guests with The Harris Twins (Soul-Funk Collective + Soul/Funk/Rock)
- August 2: Petty or Not with Smooth Kiwi (Tom Petty & Fleetwood Mac Covers + Alternative Psychedelic Pop Rock)
- August 9: Polyrhythmics with Groovebot (R&B/Jazz/Afrobeat + Funk/Soul/R&B Covers)
Downtown Sounds starts at 5:30 p.m. every night of the series, with opening bands taking the stage at 6 p.m. and headliners starting at 7:30 p.m. and playing through to 9 p.m.
Merch
Attendees can sport their favorite festival all year long with merch designed by local artist Brad Lockhart.
“We have a fresh bandana design courtesy of Brad Lockhart and specialty event tumblers for sale,” Payne Johnstone says. “Merch will also include a “Downtown Sounds Closet Clear Out Sale,” which includes Downtown Sounds hoodies and tank tops in preparation for special 20th edition merch next year.”
There will be a photo booth with the option to digitally send photos to your phone, which is free to attendees and provided by Glitt3r Lyfe. Miraculous Eventz has also partnered with Downtown Sounds to bring face painting to concert goers.
Vendors and Food Trucks
“New this year is a non-alcoholic bar inside the 21+ garden featuring Kombucha Town,” says Payne Johnstone. “Other beverage vendors that will be on tap in addition to Boundary Bay are Wander, Kulshan, Aslan, Gruff, Structures, Bellingham Cider Co., and Cider Head.”
Don’t forget to feast on the likes of Back East BBQ, Cicchitti’s Pizza, Sammies (vegan), Hank & Bubby’s Ice Cream, Bry’s Filipino Cuisine, J Glizzy’s, and Antler Baking. There’s something for everyone and any age group!
In Partnership with WECU
Premier sponsor WECU is proud to once again partner with Downtown Sounds and ensure another wildly successful summer concert series in Bellingham. “WECU is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor for Downtown Sounds,” says Keith Mader, program manager for PR & content at WECU. “As a not-for-profit credit union, we’re strong supporters of our local community and events that bring people from all walks of life together.”
Since 2018, WECU has been the Presenting Sponsor for the series and even hosts a Game Zone in the Family Alley on Prospect Street. Check out cornhole, giant Jenga, or giant pong, and visit the WECU booth to spin to win some WECU swag. There will also be free popsicles at the WECU booth on July 26 for the first 400 people in celebration of its member appreciation week.
Other Sponsors
“We have a couple of new sponsors this year like Julian & Company — they’re going to be onsite as well and sponsoring our VIP area inside the beer garden,” says Payne Johnstone. “The VIP area is dedicated to our year-round sponsors, organization donors, and anyone who is an INSIDER at our $25+ level. SpringHill Suites is our hotel partner this year as we have a few bands traveling from out of the area. We have a lot of community partners that have been a part of this for years, as well.”
Other sponsors and partners include Groove Merchant Northwest, Boundary Bay Brewery, SPARK Museum, Wild Buffalo, Bayou on Bay, Bellingham Cider Co., Faithlife, Seeking Health, Visit Bellingham Whatcom County, and the City of Bellingham.
A Community Partnership
Downtown Bellingham Partnership Marketing & Communications Manager Jenny Hagemann highlights the ways businesses throughout the Downtown Bellingham neighborhood engage with the concert series.
“Several bars and restaurants downtown are planning happy hours, special menu items, and even to-go picnic boxes to extend Downtown Sounds into a full evening of activities,” she says. “Known as ‘Downtown Sounds Effects,’ the plethora of attractions and promotions happening before and after each Downtown Sounds set adds to the impact this event has on the local community. For folks coming downtown for the evening, the options are endless — and for the business community, Downtown Sounds truly acts as an economic engine.”
Learn more about the event and plan your activities at downtownbellingham.com/downtown-sounds.
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