News Tri-Cities Community News for Kennewick, Richland, Pasco and the Surrounding Area

Live at 5 – Alive and Well at John Dam Plaza in Richland

People Watching the Band

by Veronica Salazar

When I first heard “Live at 5” I had no idea what that was.  After hearing through the grapevine that it was a free concert at the park on Thursdays during the summer, I had to go to check it out.  I wanted to see what the hype was all about.  I was off to John Dam Plaza.  As I drove up, the music from the band was pulsating and I noticed that there was a swarm of people and booths in the park.  The level of excitement increased. It was hard to believe that just earlier in the day the park was fairly empty and now there were men, women and children of all ages gathered around mingling, sitting on their lawn chairs or blankets enjoying the weather and the entertainment.  What?? A beer and wine garden? I had never attended an event like this before.  I thought it was the coolest thing that a city could provide to the community.  Even my daughter, being in her teenage years was excited to go and excited to be there.  She even made a stop at the Henna booth to be a human canvas.  We attended just about every week to get our fill of live music from local bands and to taste the delicious cuisine of the local restaurants participating in this event.

When we left I just kept wondering how this event came about? What are the details that it takes to coordinate this kind of event that draws the community together? Not only that, this was a great event for families to get out with their kids.  It was exciting to be a part of it.  So I got to thinking who do I ask about Live at 5.  Who coordinates this event?  Well, I was very fortunate to be able to speak to Pauline Dennis who works with New Northwest Broadcasters.  She coordinates the event along with help from her fellow coworkers.  Who is New Northwest Broadcasters?  They are a privately held radio group in the Pacific Northwest with over 30 stations in 6 markets.  Those markets are in Anchorage, Alaska, Astoria, Oregon, Fairbanks, Alaska, Klamath Falls, Oregon, Tri-Cities, Washington, & Yakima, Washington.  The Tri-Cities stations are Eagle 106.5, Wolf 94.9, Power 99.1, Star FM 98.3, New Talk Radio 1340 AM, & ESPN Sports 960 AM.

Getting a Panited Head

Live at 5 started six years ago and was brought to life due to a similar concept in Spokane.  The General Manager thought that it would be a great idea for the Tri-Cities.  So Live at 5 was born and was to be a 6-week concert series during the summer.  The first couple of years the average number of people that would attend was around 200.  Now, it’s averaging about 2000 people.  An added benefit this year was that the event was extended for three more weeks.  It ran from May 28th to July 23rd. The planning for next year’s event is already in the works.  Vendors were allowed to be sponsors at different price levels.  This allowed for exposure for businesses to the community.

So what does it take to be a vendor at the Live at 5?  There are levels of sponsorship and it goes by the night.  You can contact Pauline Dennis at New Northwest Broadcasters to put your name down for a possible slot next year. There isn’t a charge for non-profit organizations to take a part in this event and get a booth.  Operation-Thank You was there this year as well as the Knights of Columbus.  A big sponsor for this event and has been Toyota of Tri-cities.  I believe we have all heard the “Toyota Tri-Cities Live at 5.”  Ice Harbor and Preston Wineries have been the sponsors for the beer and wine garden.   The proceeds from the beer and wine garden go to the Knights of Columbus.  The bands that play are all local northwest bands.  This list of bands that played this year are as follows:  Jim Basnight Band, The Keep, Sattelite, Blynd Spot, The Cronkites, Shop 4 Sure, Cary Fly Group, Ultra Glide & The Parones.

A litttle FREE music to lift the spirits!

It has been heard that the “Live at 5” shift is the most requested by the police officers.  How funny?  I bet they have fun as well. I have mentioned this event to my mom who lives in South Texas and she has already indicated that next summer’s vacation is Tri-Cities, WA around the time of the Live at 5.  She says she loves free events.  What can be better than sun, fresh air, good food and a free concert?