After a four-year hiatus, the much-beloved block party Taste of Lywnood is set to make a triumphant return Saturday, Sept. 16.
From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., the festivities will include live music, plenty of tasty food options and also games and vendor booths.
The action begins at 9:30 a.m. with the 1-mile Baker Hill Challenge. The first male and female to the top will win the coveted crowns of King and Queen of Baker Hill.
Or, just conquer the hill by walking your dog, pushing your wee ones in a stroller or just walk with friends because it’s all for a good cause. Visit www.bifunrun.com to learn more.
The “mild but wild” uphill foot race is a great warm-up before the actual Taste of Lynwood event. Also, the kids tug-o-war game will begin at 10 a.m. (Location to be announced). There is a $20 donation fee, which includes a Bainbridge Youth Services bandana and a water bottle.
The main stage musical lineup includes neighborhood favorites and big-time guests, as well.
From noon to 2 p.m.: Massy Ferguson.
Lead singer/bassist Ethan Anderson says the Massy Ferguson is Americana that leans more toward rock than country. Think Drive-By Truckers or some combination of Son Volt and The Hold Steady. Think Springsteen’s “Greetings From Asbury Park” or “Nebraska.” Those influences, 1970s Southern rock and good time classic rock bands like Thin Lizzy, have landed them gigs from Bumbershoot and Nashville to Iceland and England. They’ve shared stages with Tim McGraw, The Bottlerockets, Screaming Trees, and many other superstars.
From 3 to 5 p.m.: Carl Verheyen.
Best known for his 30-plus years with Supertramp, Verheyen has been recognized as “One of the World’s Top 10 Guitarists” by Guitar Magazine and “One of the Top 100 Guitarists of All Time” by Classic Rock magazine. The Grammy-nominated Verheyen is an institution in his own right. Hardly a day goes by that most people not living under a rock don’t hear his playing: as a first-call session player, Verheyen has performed and recorded with giants from BB King to Joe Bonamassa, Cher, Christina Aguilera, The Bee Gees, and hundreds of others. His is the guitar behind some of the most popular TV shows (“Seinfeld,” “Frazier,” “Cheers,” “Happy Days”) and movies of all time (“Star Trek,” “The Usual Suspects,” among others).
From 6 to 8 p.m.: LeRoy Bell and His Only Friends.
Bell has spent decades writing hits for superstars like Elton John, Al Green, Teddy Pendergrass, Lou Rawls and Jennifer Lopez. Then, at the tender age of 59, he became a star in his own right when he finished eighth overall in the inaugural season of X-Factor. He has shared stages with the likes of B.B. King, Van Morrison, Etta James, Mavis Staples and Taj Mahal. His smooth blend of soulful songwriting, melodic hooks, and powerful gritty voice have made him a favorite with live audiences throughout the world, in his own back yard of the Pacific Northwest, and especially on Bainbridge Island.
From 8:30 p.m. on, inside the Treehouse Cafe (21 and over): Hillstomp.
Straight from the Black Hills of Southern Portland, Hillstomp is the high octane duo of “Hurricane” Henry and “Lord Johnny Buckets.” Henry Christian plays guitar like he was flogging a mule and Lord John Johnson beats up on lard tubs like his life depended on it. Hillstomp is infamous for digging through the dumps and backwoods of American music, distilling it into their own unique moonshine. A sort of Flat & Scruggs meet The Cave Singers, Hillstomp leaves it all on the stage every night: blues, Mississippi trance, Appalachian jigs and a dash of punkabilly just for the kick.
On the second stage, the Harmonica Pocket, the Cuban Heels and the Ben Van Dyke Group will provide the party tunes.
Visit www.tasteoflynwood.org to learn more.
