Music for the kids -- and mom and dad, too

By TRISH McMAHON

The Mirror

Children and their parents will all recognize the songs performed at the next concert in the Summer Sounds at the Beach series.

On Wednesday at 7 p.m., singer-guitarist Patrick Daugherty will perform traditional children’s music at Steel Lake Park. The songs are aimed at children ages 3 to 12, but with recognizable songs, parents and other family members could enjoy the show, as well.

Daugherty’s first-ever performance at Steel Lake will feature a program full of audience participation. He explained, “Most (of the songs) have something for the audience to do –– sing, clap.” Everyone gets into the show, he added.

Daugherty will not perform any original songs, instead focusing on traditional children’s music. He said he will sing a selection of modern songs by popular artists such as Raffi, but will emphasize the traditional ones because both parents and children will know them.

Some well-known tunes he plans on singing are “This Land is Your Land,” “She’ll be Coming ‘Round the Mountain” and “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad.”

Daugherty performs mainly within the Puget Sound area. He said he has been involved with music “in one way or another” for 35 years, professionally for the last four. He usually plays children's programs and also some senior programs.

“It’ll be a fun time,” Daugherty said of next Wednesday's show.

Daugherty’s performance adds to the growing list of musical offerings from the Summer Sounds at the Beach concerts. The seven-week series is put on by Federal Way’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department. Jazz, reggae, dance/funk and Americana have been among the music genres performed at previous shows.

Only two concerts remain in the series. Aug. 11 will feature country rock by Raucous. Aug. 18 will end the series with the musical storytelling/folk sounds of Brad Warren.

All concerts begin at 7 p.m. and last approximately one hour. Admission is free. Shows are located at Steel Lake Park, with the rain location at Klahanee Lake Community Center, 33901 Ninth Ave. S

News intern Trish McMahon: editor@fedwaymirror.com

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