Yelm and 133rd Washington Army National Guard Band to host ‘Brass on the Grass’ concert

The City of Yelm’s Parks and Recreation Department is aiming to extend this year’s Independence Day celebrations through Sunday, July 6, as the city is set to partner with the 133rd Washington Army National Guard Band to host the first ever “Brass on the Grass” concert.

Set for 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 6, on the Yelm Centennial Stage at Yelm City Park, the 133rd Washington Army National Guard Band will bring their renowned performance ensembles for community members to enjoy for free.

According to Line Roy, Yelm’s communications and recreation coordinator, the 133rd Washington Army National Guard will bring two sections of its band, including The General 7’s, a traditional jazz band, and Brassquatch, a brass band.

“We’re really excited. We’re bringing in the 133rd Washington Army National Guard Band. It’s two sections of it. The General’s 7 is a traditional jazz band, and Brassquatch is a brass band. They’re going to play on Yelm Centennial Stage for about an hour on the sixth of July. It’s a way to extend your independence day holiday a little bit longer,” Roy told the Nisqually Valley News on Monday, June 23. “We are super thrilled to be partnering with the 133rd Washington Army National Guard. We hope to see the community come out to celebrate with us so we can continue bringing events like this to our community.”

“It’s free. It’s family friendly,” Roy continued. “Bring your chairs, your blankets, your picnics and set up on the grass to listen to these soulful jams.”

Roy said she and the City of Yelm thought it would be a great gesture to the military families in the community to host an event along the lines of “Brass in the Grass.” She hopes the event gives those families something fun to do, while serving as a way to honor the rich history between Yelm and Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

“The local military community was definitely something that came into consideration when we were planning this,” Roy said. “We are such a strong military community, and anything we can do to honor that part of our legacy is really just a great opportunity.”

After hosting two years of “Party on the Prairie” and a plethora of other local activities, the Yelm Centennial Stage has emerged as a focal point for local activity in the area. Roy believes the stage will be a point of emphasis for activities and events for years to come.

“I see the Yelm Centennial Stage as the anchor of free, family-fun entertainment in the park. It’s a place where we can bring super cool acts, like we just had at Party on the Prairie, but also events like the magic show at Prairie Days, or the Reptile Lady who will be there on Thursday, June 26,” Roy said. “It’s a centerpiece for the park, and a place where we’re always offering something new, fun and exciting. Yelm City Park is a cool little spot to build those community connections.”