Concerts in the Park series continues with Kellee Bradley
August 4, 2015
NEW — 6 p.m. Aug. 4, 2015
Newcastle’s Concerts in the Park series continues Wednesday when vocalist Kellee Bradley takes the Lake Boren Park stage.
Concerts begin at 7 p.m., but attendees should get there early to take advantage of food vendors selling their offerings.
After Bradley’s performances, there is only one concert left. Soul Purpose, a soul and classic rock band, takes the stage Aug. 12.
All concerts last about an hour and a half, and are at Lake Boren Park, 13058 S.E. 84th Way.
Concerts in the Park series continues with Off the Hook
July 28, 2015
NEW — 12:45 p.m. July 28, 2015
Newcastle’s Concerts in the Park series continues Wednesday when Off the Hook, a classic funk and soul band, brings its brand of “old skool kool” to Lake Boren Park. Read more
Community spotlight — Concerts in the Park start this month
July 2, 2015
The city of Newcastle’s annual Concerts in the Park series kicks off this month, starting with The Fabulous Roof Shakers (at left), a blues band, July 22.
Off the Hook, a classic funk and soul band, brings its brand of “old skool kool” to the park July 29, followed by vocalist Kellee Bradley Aug. 5 and Soul Purpose, a soul and classic rock band, on Aug. 12.
Concerts begin at 7 p.m., but attendees should get there early to take advantage of food vendors selling their offerings.
All concerts last about an hour and a half, and are at Lake Boren Park, 13058 S.E. 84th Way.
Hazen brings back marching band
June 4, 2015
Hazen High School will reinstitute its marching band program in the fall thanks to contributions from parents, students, staff and the community.
An anonymous donor pledged a $2,000 matching gift if band students could raise $2,000 by the end of the school year.
Highlander band students, under direction of band and orchestra teacher Chris Coy, met the goal through a breakfast fundraiser at Applebee’s, online donations from parents and the public, and other means.
Coy will use the funds to purchase a sousaphone, marching French horns, marching baritones, uniforms and more. Students will begin practice during the summer and be ready for performances at parades and field shows. Read more
City seeking Newcastle Days parade participants
April 30, 2015
The city of Newcastle will host its annual Newcastle Days celebration Sept. 11-12.
Part of the festival includes a parade through Lake Boren Park opening the event on Saturday, Sept. 12.
This year’s festival coincides with the National Day of Service and Remembrance, so the organizing committee is inviting veterans to participate in the second annual Newcastle Days Parade.
The parade serves as the official kickoff to the Sept. 12 event featuring music, activities, food and more. The exact time of the parade is yet to be determined, though it will likely begin at either 10 or 10:30 a.m., depending on the number of participants. Read more
Newcastle composer Bob Ingalls up for international award
April 30, 2015
Newcastle composer Bob Ingalls describes his version of “Ave Maria” as an experience.
The eight-minute piece, written for choir and strings, brings the music to its listeners, as three sopranos stand embedded in the audience. Read more
March is music month for Renton Schools
March 12, 2014
NEW — 9 a.m. March 12, 2014

By Christina Corrales-Toy
Members of the Hazen High School jazz band perform during a practice last year.
The Friends of Renton Schools are on a mission to raise $10,000 for Renton School District music programs in the month of March. The goal is to strengthen music programs in the district and make those programs accessible to as many students as possible. Read more
Band Fishwives joins Fourth of July lineup
July 1, 2011
NEW — 3:45 p.m. July 1, 2011
Cover band Fishwives has joined the Fourth of July lineup, City Manager Rob Wyman said. The band will play from 6-7:30 p.m., opening for Shelley and the Curves, which takes the stage at 8 p.m.
Vendors at the celebration will be Tastyz Kettle Corn, Charlie’s Buns ‘n’ Stuff — which serves burgers and hotdogs — and Molly Moon’s Ice Cream, Wyman said.
The celebration begins at 6 p.m., and fireworks begin at 10 p.m.
Rotary Club of Renton honors Josh Viles as teacher of the month
July 1, 2011
The Rotary Club of Renton selected Josh Viles as one of its Teachers of the Month for May.
Viles is the choral music teacher at Hazen High School.
Viles attended Western Washington University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music education and choral conducting. In addition to teaching, he has been involved in the Soundview Region Music Educators Association and has served as president.
Viles is also part of the Washington Chapter of the American Choral Director’s Association and serves as the repertoire and standards chairman for the men’s choirs.
Viles has been a teacher in Renton for seven years.
Light up the Newcastle night sky
July 1, 2011
Don’t miss the city’s annual Fourth of July celebration at Lake Boren Park. The festivities start at 6 p.m. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m.
The evening will include music from Seattle band Shelley and the Curves, and food vendors. The new playground will be open for children.
Don’t forget to bring a blanket to spread on the grass.
Lake Boren Townhomes contributed $10,000 to sponsor the event.