A Night of Nostalgia and Music at Mercer Island
On the evening of July 17, Mercerdale Park came alive with the sounds of the Beatles as the tribute band Paperback Writer delivered a memorable performance that had the crowd singing and dancing. This event marked the first installment of the Mostly Music in the Park series, which is sponsored by the Mercer Island Parks and Recreation department. The series will continue every Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. through August 21, offering free and family-friendly entertainment for all.
The event was made possible by presenting sponsors Seattle Airstream Adventures and the Mercer Island Community Fund. It’s a perfect opportunity for residents to enjoy live music while connecting with their community. The first night of the series featured the world-renowned tribute band Paperback Writer, who captivated the audience with their authentic performance.
During the two-hour set, the band performed a variety of classic Beatles hits. They began in early-stage matching suits and then transitioned into colorful Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band attire. The setlist included iconic songs such as “A Hard Day’s Night,” “Eight Days a Week,” “Ticket to Ride,” “Got to Get You Into My Life,” “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” “Paperback Writer,” and “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” Each song brought back memories for many attendees, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that resonated with fans of all ages.
Seattle resident Dennis Zapata, who watched the Beatles on their legendary first Ed Sullivan Show television appearance in 1964, was particularly moved by the performance. He described the event as a great gathering, noting that the band’s sound was spot-on. “I got up and jumped around,” he said, reflecting on the joy of reliving those memories.
Mercer Island residents Dylan Alvarez Salinas and Justin Diller were equally impressed by the experience. Alvarez Salinas, a casual Beatles listener, was drawn to the show after seeing a poster at the community center. He described the scene as “perfect” and noted that everyone was “chilling and vibing.” Diller, a self-proclaimed Beatles fan, appreciated the band’s performance, especially during their opening set when they wore suits. “They’re doing a great job. I’m very excited for this next set,” he said, adding that Mercerdale Park is a great place to unwind after work.
City recreation program supervisor Katie Herzog estimated that about 300 people attended the event. She highlighted that Paperback Writer is the only out-of-state band in the series and has performed in various countries, including Disneyland. “It’s really exciting to have them at Mercer Island,” she said, adding that the band kicked off their Washington tour at the event.
The city allocated $25,000 for the six-week series through the recreation fund for special events. This funding covers the cost of bands, the stage, and sound equipment. Herzog, who is a big music fan, looks forward to selecting the lineup each year. She explained that tribute and cover bands are popular choices because they bring in a wide audience. “It’s almost something for everyone. And hopefully some is nostalgic, some is experiencing new music, even if it’s old,” she said.
In addition to featuring local talent, the series will include Mercer Island cover band MIMX on July 24. While the music is the main attraction, the event also offers a variety of activities. Attendees visited booths from organizations such as the Mercer Island Visual Arts League, Mercer Island Martial Arts, and Bellevue College Parent Education. Chick’n Fix provided meals, and kids enjoyed games like cornhole and Connect 4 while the band played on.
Other event sponsors include Covenant Living at the Shores, Mercer Island City Lifestyle, 4Culture, The Crawlspace Gastropub, and Neil Kelly Company. The combination of live music, food, and community engagement makes the Mostly Music in the Park series a highlight of the summer for Mercer Island residents.