Teens gather for ‘Strictly Fest 2009’

Last Sunday, Aug. 9, the Luther Burbank Park Amphitheatre was turned into an all-day Music Festival, titled “Strictly Fest,” an event organized by Mercer Island Teen band, “Strictly Prohibited When Thunderstorm.” The 10-hour event featured 10 different Island bands/groups/soloists showcasing their talent throughout the day.

August 18, 2009 2:50 pm
Teens gather to hear the music of their peers at Luther Burbank Park for Strictly Fest last weekend.
Teens gather to hear the music of their peers at Luther Burbank Park for Strictly Fest last weekend.

Last Sunday, Aug. 9, the Luther Burbank Park Amphitheatre was turned into an all-day Music Festival, titled “Strictly Fest,” an event organized by Mercer Island Teen band, “Strictly Prohibited When Thunderstorm.” The 10-hour event featured 10 different Island bands/groups/soloists showcasing their talent throughout the day.

With the sponsorship of many Island businesses, “Strictly Fest” sold raffle tickets for great prizes and sold festival T-shirts to help pay for the sound company that ran the event, with any additional profit going to the Mercer Island High School band.

Katie Borden, Recreation Coordinator for the Parks and Recreation Department, worked with Colin Ramsay of “Strictly Prohibited” organized the event. “It was very well organized, and the amount of work that the band put into this event is extremely impressive,” she said. “The talent that these bands have is incredible, and I’m so happy to have been a helping hand.”

The turnout of spectators was very successful of both teens and adults throughout the day and into the evening. The headlining band, “Strictly Prohibited When Thunderstorm,” featured Allen Vizzutti, one of the world’s best trumpet soloists (straight off a plane from a performance in Spain).

Many community businesses donated food and services to the event.