A Night of Nostalgia and Music at Mercer Island
On the evening of July 17, Mercerdale Park was alive with the sounds of The Beatles as the tribute band Paperback Writer delivered an unforgettable performance. This marked the first event in the Mercer Island Parks and Recreation’s Mostly Music in the Park series, which will run every Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. through August 21. The free and family-friendly event is sponsored by Seattle Airstream Adventures and the Mercer Island Community Fund, offering a perfect way for residents to enjoy live music under the stars.
Paperback Writer, known for their incredible attention to detail, began the show in matching early-stage suits before transitioning into vibrant Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band outfits. Their two-hour set featured classic hits 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,” and “Paperback Writer.” The crowd sang along, danced, and relived the magic of The Beatles’ golden era.
Seattle resident Dennis Zapata, who watched The Beatles’ legendary first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, said the event brought back fond memories. “It’s a good gathering. They have a nice sound. I got up and jumped around,” he shared. For Zapata, the night was more than just a concert—it was a trip down memory lane.
Mercer Island residents Dylan Alvarez Salinas and Justin Diller were equally enthusiastic about the performance. Alvarez Salinas described the atmosphere as “perfect” and noted that everyone was “chilling and vibing.” He mentioned that the band’s switch into Sgt. Pepper attire added to the overall experience. Diller, a self-proclaimed Beatles fan and vinyl collector, praised the band’s performance and highlighted the charm of Mercerdale Park as a venue for live music.
City recreation program supervisor Katie Herzog estimated that approximately 300 people attended the event. She expressed excitement about featuring Paperback Writer, an out-of-state band that has performed in countries around the world, including Disneyland. “We actually kick off their Washington tour,” she said. Herzog also emphasized her personal love for The Beatles and the joy of booking such a popular act.
The city allocated $25,000 for the six-week series through its recreation fund, covering costs for bands, stage, and sound equipment. Herzog explained that her goal is to book acts that appeal to a wide audience. “Tribute and cover bands really bring in the crowd. It’s something for everyone, whether it’s nostalgic or a new experience,” she said.
In addition to national acts, the series will also feature local talent. On July 24, Mercer Island’s own cover band MIMX will take the stage. The event also included a variety of interactive booths, such as those from the Mercer Island Visual Arts League, Mercer Island Martial Arts, and Bellevue College Parent Education. Food vendors like Chick’n Fix offered meals, while children enjoyed games like cornhole and Connect 4.
Other sponsors of the event include Covenant Living at the Shores, Mercer Island City Lifestyle, 4Culture, The Crawlspace Gastropub, and Neil Kelly Company. Together, they helped create a vibrant community gathering that celebrated music, art, and local culture.
