Looking for some great, live entertainment at an affordable price? Check out Pat’s Bar & Grill for live stand-up the first Wednesday of each month. Pat’s next show is Wed., September 1 from 7 to 9 pm and features Tommy Savitt. Tommy is the 2008 winner of the Seattle International Comedy Competition and the 2007 winner of The Boston Comedy Festival.

Tickets are $10 in advance, or $15 at the door. Come early for a tasty dinner or stay after to have a few drinks with your friends. See you Wednesday!

Pat’s Bar & Grill, 114 Railroad Ave. N., Kent, WA 98032
253-852-7287

This year’s Puyallup Fair is set for September 10 – 26. The popular fair includes entertainment, a rodeo, concerts, Sillyville, a treasure hunt, animal exhibits, rides and much more.

This year’s concert series features:

Puyallup Rodeo
Bret Michaels
Kenny Rogers
John Legend
We The Kings
Willie Nelson
Chris Botti & Natalie Cole
Dierks Bentley
Fiestas Patrias
Queensryche with Tesla
Adam Lambert
Daryl Hall & John Oates
MercyMe and Jeremy Camp
Billy Currington with Uncle Kracker
An Evening with Heart
Kid Rock

For concert times and tickets, click here.

For more information, visit the Puyallup Fair online.  To purchase tickets online, click here.

Every once in awhile someone will ask me why I love Kent. Sometimes it is someone far away from Washington who has no idea where Kent is or what it has to offer. Other times it is someone who visited Kent long ago and remembers it as a not-so-special place they wouldn’t go back to.

I’ve lived here for five years, but every week I discover something new to love about Kent. Here are 10 things I love about Kent, Washington!

1. People: Despite the fact that Kent is the fourth largest city in King County, it retains its small town feel. Everywhere I go I am greeted with a smile. People in Kent are some of the nicest I’ve ever met. They are open minded, welcoming and good natured.
2. Parks: Kent, Washington has a handful of beautiful-but-small lakes that are serene and peaceful. Most are adjacent to a city-owned park with almost every amenity you can imagine. There are specialty parks as well like Arbor Heights 360 and Wilson Playfields, encouraging outdoor recreation for kids and adults. Some of my favorite parks include Clark Lake Park, Lake Meridian Park, Fennewick Park and Town Square Plaza.
3. Entertainment: There is always something to do in Kent. We have everything here from Kent Station and ShoWare Center to a Historic District and Kent Historical Museum. We also have a wealth of arts programs and school drama programs that provide dozens of performances, plays and other opportunities every year. What’s even better is that many outlets offer free or affordable things to do. Who doesn’t love free?
4. Shopping: Kent does not have a mall, per se, but we have much more shopping than most people know about. In addition to the always-popular Kent Station, there are locally-owned stores like Marie Haggin Accessories, Fig & Feather, Cheryl’s Unique Boutique, Titusville Antiques and more. There are also little niche areas like the “International District” on 104th and the shopping plaza on 104th and Kent-Kangley Road (Joann Fabrics, Linda’s Apparel, etc.) No matter where I go, I can find something special that fits my taste and my budget. See our Shopping page for more stores.
5. Dining: No matter how picky or broad your tastes are, there are multiple restaurants, cafes and diners to suit everyone. For American diner-style food, Maggie’s on Meeker is a favorite. For Thai, I recommend Archa Thai in downtown Kent. For Indian, I love Punjab Sweets on the East Hill. Proud to display its diverse heritage, Kent has a little bit of everything. Visit our Dine page for more suggestions.
6. Diversity: It is politically correct to say you embrace diversity, but not everyone truly does. In Kent, though, I believe we have a diverse population as well as a culture of inclusion and acceptance. We have several areas of town and specific businesses that cater to particular populations (e.g., Indian, Ukrainian, Hispanic, etc.), but we are eager to learn from each other as well. With more than 120 languages spoken in our schools, for example, most schools have English-learning programs as well as International Days where students can share their culture. This year the city of Kent partnered with a group of citizens to put on the 2nd annual Kent International Festival in downtown Kent. As a more personal example, my daughter goes to Dr. Na of the Mountlake Acupuncture Clinic on Central Avenue. He was born, raised and educated in China. When we go for my daughter’s weekly treatments, we exchange stories about our respective cultures. I think we learn as much about Chinese culture as we do about acupuncture and healing!
7. Accessibility: When I say “accessibility,” I mean that people and government in Kent, Washington are accessible to the average resident. I truly believe that anyone in Kent can send an email to the mayor or place a call to the police chief and get a prompt, personal response. I feel very comfortable that are our local leaders are accessible as well as eager to listen.
8. Entrepreneurial spirit: I love the fact that people in Kent, Washington have an entrepreneurial spirit about them. This includes business owners who passionately build their own companies, but also teens and young adults in the area who want to make a difference. People in Kent don’t accept that we have to do things the way they’ve always been done. They say, “I don’t like this. Let’s change it.” One local citizens group, for example, wanted an off leash dog park on the East Hill. Recognizing that the city didn’t have the funds to build one, they created the park in cooperation with the city, raising money on their own and turning their dream into a reality. In another case, a group of teens calling itself Project U(th) formed this summer to create opportunities for work and leisure for their peers. In Kent, we are not afraid to work hard or to pave our own way. We are a spunky bunch!
9. Community pride: Kent has been called many derogatory names over the years, but those who love Kent remain proud of their city. We show up in the thousands for events like Kent Cornucopia Days, Seattle T Birds and Predators’ games and concerts like the Backstreet Boys and REO Speedwagon. We work together to show our spirit and to shout Kent’s strengths to the world. For example, Kent’s neighborhood program brings residents together to solve mutual problems, to beautify neighborhoods and to clean up graffiti. Call us what you want – we will love Kent anyway!
10. Beauty: While I’ve touched on this a bit in #1 through 9, I love the beauty of Kent which includes its parks, lakes and mountain views but also its historic buildings, its public art work and, most of all, its people.

Those are just 10 of the reasons I love Kent, Washington. Tell me some of yours! Post them here or email them to us at iLoveKent.net, and we’ll post them online.

Need a little more laughter in your life? Join Pat and friends to welcome nationally known comedian Morgan Preston to Pat’s Bar & Grill this Wednesday, August 4 at 7 p.m.

Pre-sale tickets are available for $10, or $15 at the door. For more info., visit Pat’s Bar & Grill online or visit Morgan Preston’s website.

Come early for dinner and enjoy outstanding food at affordable prices!

Thanks to Leora Schwitters of Rainier Youth Choirs for contributing this story.

Kent’s Rainier Youth Choirs received two standing ovations from an audience of 1,500 delegates representing 17 countries Tuesday night at the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Convention in Spokane.

The first ovation, early in the program, was for Kent composer and DKG member Janice Hannesson Moen’s composition, “We Sing for the Children”.  The song, selected by the United Nations as the theme song for UNICEF’s CD promoting the Afghan Teacher Training Project in 2008, holds special significance for the Delta Kappa Gamma organization.  “I have never heard my song sung so well!” was Moen’s reaction.   Many in the audience were moved to tears.

The choirs presented a variety of songs from around the world.  Among the favorites were Quick’s arrangement of “Loch Lomond” featuring Kentwood High School’s 2010 graduate, Ryan Callahan, tenor, and “For Good” (from Wicked) with solos by alto Devon Wilson, Kentwood High School, 2010, and soprano Katie Wenndt, Kentridge High School, 2010.  The final showstopper was a rendition of Marcos Leite’s “Trěs Cantos Nativos dos Indios Kraó”, a set of three short songs from the Brazilian rain forest that began with an amazing rainstorm effect using body percussion.  Leora Schwitters, Rainier Youth Choirs’ Artistic Director, stated, “This was one of our finest programs ever.  The singers were entirely engaged and their performance was electric.  The use of two giant video screens above the stage and professional sound reinforcement allowed even those in the very back of the giant hall to participate in the intimacy of a heartfelt sharing of songs.  We were all transported in that magical way that only choral music can allow.”

Moen reported these and other complimentary reactions from audience members:  “That is the finest youth choir I’ve ever heard.”  “It was so inspiring!”  “I loved the variety of music they performed.”  “They have restored my faith in the youth of today.”  DKG delegate Joy Lauderbaugh of Kent shared that the convention newsletter included these quotes from attendees:  “The young people’s chorale was the best thing on the program.”  “I loved hearing the choirs and watching them make music together.  Outstanding examples of young people!”  “The Rainier Youth Choir set a high performance standard.  Washington is lucky to have talented musicians and a great director.”

For more information about this community nonprofit, visit Rainier Youth Choirs online.

Icon Theatre presents The Seahorse, a play by Edward J. Moore in late July – early August.

Tony Driscoll and Jennifer O’Brien star in ICON THEATRE’S presentation of the The Seahorse by Edward J. Moore, directed by Rebecca Lloyd. This riveting play examines the lives of Harry Bales and Gertrude Blum inside the walls of The Seahorse, a seaport bar.

This play features only one man and one women alone on stage discovering each other and working on love. This is not a fairy tale love story. It is dark and clouded with the sum of the past, but it illuminates what is possible when you commit yourself to loving someone unconditionally. Due to strong language, this performance is for mature audiences only (13 and up only please).

July 29, 30 & 31 and August 5, 6 & 7
7 pm curtain
Kentwood Performing Arts Center
Kentwood High School 25800 164th Ave. SE., Kent, WA  98042
Tickets are $10 each
Purchase online at Brown Paper Tickets

[Bonus: The theatre will be air conditioned, so come out to support the community with a dramatic theatrical performance by local actors.]

Update-July 2, 2010:  Opening date pushed back to July 16 (was originally set for July 14):

The City of Kent is bringing back the Morford Family Carousel the summer.  Your favorite Kent amusement  ride returns on July 16 at Town Square Plaza, on the corner of 2nd Avenue and Harrison Street in downtown Kent.  You can ride the 1940s classic Venetian-style carousel carousel through August 22 for a $2.00 donation.

This summer the carousel’s donations will benefit the Girl Scout Troop 41104, to help send the girls, next summer, to Savannah, GA, the Girl Scouts’ home base.  They will also be participating in other fundraising efforts including crafts.  So come to Downtown Kent with your family, do some shopping and go for a spin.

Weekly hours (may vary) will be:

Wednesdays, 11 am – 1:30 pm;
Thursdays, 5-8:30 pm;
Fridays, 5-8 pm;
Saturdays, 10:30 am – 3 pm; and
Sundays, 1-5 pm.

For more information, call 253-856-5110 or visit the City’s website at www.ci.kent.wa.us.

Contributed by Melanie Mosshart

Sunshine!  Lots and lots of sunshine.  That alone will bring Kent residents out from hiding in their homes for fear of getting wet in the rain-drenched Kent Valley.  On Saturday, June 26^th however, not only were people fleeing from their homes to get outside, they actually enjoyed getting wet ~~ in the fountain downtown!

What curious event brought mommies, daddies, children and even dogs in droves to the Kent downtown area?  The captivating and exuberant Kent International Festival, that’s what.  It wasn’t the sunshine alone this time urging people to get out and go.  What a glorious day to partake in the second annual International Festival in conjunction with the Kent Farmers Market in downtown Kent.

Children splashed, vendors vended, cooks cooked, and dancers danced!  The Kent International Festival offered a variety of entertainment, food and an assortment of unique items with an international flair.

Kent’s Farmers Market started on a little plot of land near the Library with perhaps 8 booths, each housing the fruits of local growers and craftsmen. The Kent Farmers Market has grown substantially since its inception, and is a grand mixture of photography, crafts, colorful flowers, fresh garden vegetables and plants in addition to a diverse array of distinctive gifts for every taste.

Taste?  Did I mention taste?  The International Festival touted delicious food, whether your taste buds were craving hot dogs, Mexican, Indian, Thai or Teriyaki, food booths filled the air with the tempting aromas of your favorite cuisine, enticing wanderers to wander over for a plateful of delectable delights.

Delight?  Yes indeed, the dancing was decidedly delightful and the crowds enthusiastic with each and every entertaining event.  There were dancers representing Ireland, India and Chili to name a few, bringing broad smiles to the throng of onlookers.  In addition, the martial artists, drummers and various variety acts truly gave the event its international flavor.  And of course, our littlest dancer brought many a chuckle and applause as she twisted, dipped and tapped her toes with the music like the women on stage that she so enthusiastically emulated.

Representative Dave Upthegrove could be seen coaching the dancers and encouraging the crowd to support the efforts of Harpreet Gill, the chair woman of this successful event.  As a Kent resident, I took great pride in showing off Kent’s International Festival this weekend to a visitor from San Jose, who was duly impressed as well.  I was so pleased to have heard about the festivities through local vendors, because I hadn’t been aware of it before.  I have marked my calendar to watch for next year’s festival, and my suggestion is that you do the same; because if you are able to attend next year with me, I have no doubt that you too will be captivated by Kent’s tribute to a diverse culture and community.

Once again Kent Station is proud to present its free summer concert series, the Soulful Sounds of Summer, beginning Tuesday, July 6, 2010 with swing music by Casey MacGill’s Blue 4 Trio. Kent Station will offer the lively concerts on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through August 25.

Pick up lunch at one of Kent Station’s eateries for Take Out Tuesdays which run from noon to 1 p.m. and feature local bands and musicians like Rod Cook & Toast and Darren Motamedy. Before or after dinner, enjoy Kent Station’s Wednesday Date Night performances from 6 to 8 p.m. including EveryDay Jones, Knut Bell and more.

Kent Station’s Soulful Sounds of Summer concerts will be held on the Fountain Stage outside of AMC Theatres, and the live music is free to the public, thanks to premier sponsor Qliance and supporting sponsors Acura of Seattle at Southcenter and the City of Kent.

Qliance, a primary health care provider, officially opened at Kent Station in September 2009.

Meg Tronquet, marketing coordinator for Qliance, says, “Qliance is proud to be more than just a business in Kent, but an active participant in the community. We are delighted to support the concerts and offer free entertainment to the community and to our patients.”

The City of Kent is also sponsoring the free summer concert series as well as adding its own free entertainment line-up including Wednesday Picnic Performances at Town Square Plaza and Thursdays at the Lake at Lake Meridian Park.

“The City is pleased to continue its partnership with Kent Station for the summer concert series,” says cultural programs manager Ronda Billerbeck with the City of Kent. “These free events, along with our own, add value and entertainment to our community at a price everyone can afford!”

Sponsoring Soulful Sounds of Summer for the first time is Acura of Seattle at Southcenter.

“Acura of Seattle at Southcenter is a community partner and proud to support free events for local families and our customers,” says Cline Davis, General Manager.

For a complete schedule of the free summer concert series, visit http://KentStation.com, click on Events and Summer Concert Series. For a schedule of the City of Kent’s concerts, visit http://kentarts.com and click on Summer Concert Series.

Located on 18 acres in the heart of downtown Kent, Kent Station is an urban shopping village developed by Seattle-based Tarragon Development Company. The 470,000 sq. ft., mixed-use development features locally-owned and national retail stores, professional office space, and dining and entertainment, including a 14-screen AMC Theatres Cineplex and a branch campus of Green River Community College.

South King County Genealogical Society is hosting a Living History Performance on July 17 and 18 (1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.) at Saar Pioneer Cemetery and 91st and 212th Way in Kent.

This performance tells a living history of six characters whose stories were taken from those buried at the cemetery. Each character will tell his or her own personal story of life in Kent beginning with Margaret Saar and ending with Civil War veteran Elias Clark.

For more information, call 253-850-2777. Admission is $10/person. Reservations are required. View flyer here.

A collaboration between The Saar Cemetery Living History Committee, Book-It Theatre, and Living Voices

WITH THE HELP OF THESE SPONSORS:

• South King County Genealogical Society
• Greater Kent Historical Society
• Saar Pioneer Cemetery Project Committee
• Goodwill Industries
• and Hilda Meryhew

Thanks to Meilee Anderson of Seattle Southside Tourism for passing along this unusual – but very cool – event!

The City of Kent invites you to celebrate the Fourth of July at Lake Meridian Park (14800 SE 272nd St., Kent) in the city’s annual Fourth of July Splash celebration from noon to 11 p.m. today!

Activities include:

• Old-fashioned games
• Athletic skills contests
• Family games
• Craft project
• Big Blue, the Kent Parks Mobile Technology Bus
• Face painting by “The Magic Brush”
• Inflatable bouncers
• Watermelon and pie eating contests
• Boat parade
• Entertainment on the stage
• Fireworks display

For more info., including shuttle bus locations and schedule, visit the City of Kent website.

The event is proudly sponsored by Allied Waste, Campbell’s Dentistry, Dollarwise Check Cashing & Loan Center, Kent School District, Marlatt Funeral Home, McDowell’s U Frame It, Smith Brothers Daily and RSC.

See Pat’s Bar & Grill online for more info.

And don’t forget Pat’s has live music every Friday & Saturday. Check the bar’s online calendar for dates, times and bands!

Kent Cornucopia Days is just around the corner. The 39th annual street fair and community festival will be held in and around Kent July 8 – 11, 2010 with a variety of favorite events (dragon boat races, carnival, Grand Parade) and a few new additions (bike ride).

Highlights include:

• Crowning of Miss Cornucopia
• Funtastic Shows Carnival
• Kent Lions Street Fair & Taste of Cornucopia
• Farmers Market (Sat., 9-2)
• Kent Youth Soccer Association’s 11th annual Cornucopia Cup Tournament
• Kent Valley Artists Association Art Show
• Kent Cornucopia Days First Annual Bike Ride
• Plaza and Gazebo Stages
• Dragon Boat Races
• Blood Drive
• Safety Fair
• Beer Garden
• Pet Adoptathon from KCACC
• Grand Parade (Sun., July 11 at 2 pm) – It’s Kentastic!
• First Annual Bike Ride (25 & 60 miles) (Sat., July 10)
• Military Displays from the Army National Guard, etc.
• Lions Bingo
• 5k Fun Run & Walk
• Beatles Tribute Band

For a complete schedule, please visit the Kent Lions Club’s Kent Cornucopia Days website.

Friday, July 2:   Qualifying and racing:  9 am – 5 pm
Saturday, July 3:  Saturday practice and racing
Sunday, July 4:  Sunday practice and racing

$25-day-long passes available per day OR by a multi-day pass for $40
Children ages 7 – 16 are $5 per day
VIP parking – $5; Field parking – $FREE

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Alfa Romeo, the Pacific Northwest Historics will feature approximately 250 of the world’s rarest pre-1970 race cars at next weekend’s event including Ferraris, Lotuses, Cobras, Corvettes and more. Some of the vehicles are valued at over $1 million. Guest celebrity and sports car racing legend Augie Pabst will be on hand as well.

All proceeds for the event benefit uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital in Seattle. Over the past 21 years, the event has raised more than $7 million for the cause. This year’s goal is $525,000.

For more info., visit the Pacific Raceways website or call 206-389-5200 (race hotline).

See you there!

This Saturday the Kent International Festival committee presents the second annual Kent International Festival at Town Square Plaza. Located in downtown Kent at the corner of 2nd and Smith Streets, the day-long festival will include informational booths, an international fashion show, ethnic music and performances, authentic native attire and more!

The festival will be held from 10 am to 6 pm and it is FREE to the public. This year’s theme is “Learn From Each Other.” Informational booths will host activities and provide information from different countries and cultures to help us bridge the gap of diversity.

In addition, Town Square Plaza and 2nd Street will feature the Kent Lions Club’s Farmers Market from 9 am to 2 pm. Don’t miss out on the action!

Sponsors:

Allied Waste

Kent4Health

Great American Casino

Neighbor2Neighbor

Adam’s DJ Service

Kent Chamber of Commerce

Kent Community Fund

Kent Downtown Partnership

Kent Lions Club

In this weekend’s issue of the Kent Reporter, journalist Steve Hunter reports that Darren Motamedy, a popular Kent-based jazz musician and elementary school band teacher, is moving to Las Vegas. He started searching for a job 18 months ago when it seemed imminent that the Kent School District would soon be cutting school band programs from the budget. Although KSD offered him a teaching position at the middle and high school levels here, Motamedy and his family had already made the decision to move to Las Vegas where Motamedy had accepted a teaching position.

A Kentridge High School graduate, the 51-year-old Motamedy is a community favorite. He has won a Golden Apple award in 2009 for his teaching in Kent schools and was named Teacher of the Year by the Kent School District in 2008.  He has also won awards for his work as a composer and jazz musician. Though he plays a number of instruments, he is best known locally as a saxophonist and jazz musician.

One of Motamedy’s final performances in Kent will take place this Thursday, June 24 at the free Evening of Jazz and Art event at Kent Senior Center.

Having interviewed Motamedy several times along with his music students, I anticipate that his move out of the community will be a big loss to our cultural arts programs as well as to his students. There is no doubt, however, that he will be a success wherever he travels. Best of luck to you, Darren, and to your family! You will be missed!

File photo by Dana Neuts, February 2009

Where can you hang out with your friends, get great food at affordable prices and live entertainment? Pat’s Bar & Grill on Railroad Avenue. Pat’s is a comfortable, casual bar owned by Pat Ensign. Pat makes sure his guests have a good time while enjoying an affordable night on the town.

To keep his guests entertained, he features live comedy the first Wednesday of the month, sports nights featuring local teams, Taco Tuesdays (2 tacos for $2), poker tournaments and more. For a list of current events, check out Pat’s event calendar online.

In addition, Pat is an active member of the Kent community, volunteering, participating in and hosting fundraisers for local nonprofits including Children’s Therapy Center. Way to go, Pat!

So the next time you’re trying to decide where to go for a good time, check out Pat’s. It isn’t fancy, but you are guaranteed to have a good time! See you there!

Pat’s Bar & Grill
114 Railroad Ave. N.
Kent, WA  98032
253-852-7287

Hours:

Mon-Thurs.   10am to 11pm
Friday  10am to 1:30am
Saturday  9am to 1:30pm
Sunday  9am to 1:30am

Looking for affordable entertainment close to home? Check out ShoWare Center’s schedule for events, sports, concerts, and more!

July 23 – 25:  Elite Soccer Clinics

July 31:  Til Death Do Us Part, an Urban Theatre Play

August 5:  Backstreet Boys

August 7-8:  ShoWare Shootout 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament

August 27:  Seattle Mist Home Opener

September 25:  Seattle Thunderbirds 2010-2011 season begins!

Tickets:  253-856-6999

Event Hotline:  253-856-6990

Office:  253-856-6777

Join the Rainier Youth Choir on Saturday, Jun 19 for an evening of music. The “Sentimental Journey” concert begins at 3:00pm at the Kent Methodist Church located at 11010 SE 248^th St., Kent.  See youth of all ages from Kent, Maple Valley, Auburn, Federal Way, Enumclaw and Renton.  Tickets are $12/$10 purchased in advance and $15/$12 at the door.

RYC is a non-profit community organization, partially funded by the Kent Arts Commission and 4 Culture, which offers age-appropriate, exceptional choral singing experiences for boys and girls with a variety of levels.

“This will be a bittersweet concert with 14 seniors graduating, some of whom have sung with me and each other since they were in fifth grade,” observed Leora Schwitters, RYC’s Artistic Director.  “We’ll be programming several favorite songs from their past as well as adding a few new selections.”  Repertoire for this concert includes lighter Broadway numbers, folk songs, jazz ballads, spirituals, as well as newer selections by Stroope, Ratledge, Sevier and Quick.

Auditions for Rainier Youth Choirs are now available for the 2010-11 season by appointment for boys and girls with strong musical talent, grades 4 and up. RYC groups rehearse weekly throughout the school year in Covington, September through May.

For ticket orders and more information about Rainier Youth Choirs, visit www.RainierYouthChoirs.org .

If you are looking for star quality entertainment on a shoestring budget, check out Snoqualmie Casino’s summer concert series. Located about 25 miles away from Kent, Snoqualmie Casino has invited popular acts to perform this summer including Gallagher, Wynonna, Clint Black, Rob Thomas, The Beach Boys, ZZ Top and more.

Visit Snoqualmie Casino online for a complete summer concert schedule.