Lucas at Elizabeth Park

From the stage at Elizabeth Park, Whatcom County's only klezmer band, What the Chelm, performed their traditional Yiddish songs, as well as some music of Israel, favorites from the Yiddish theater of the 1920’s, Ladino (Spanish/Hebrew) songs from the Jewish communities of Spanish, Balkan, and Middle Eastern countries, and the occasional classic show tune with a tinge of the Jewish music idiom.

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Meanwhile, Lucas enjoyed popcorn.

He was decorated by a body-paint artist.He sat in his chair and enjoyed the concert.
And could not seem to resist the urge to smile.
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As the What the Chelm band played their tunes, other members from the community led people from the audience in traditional Yiddish folk dances. This video provides a good example of the type of dancing performed in the park tonight.

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The Elizabeth Park neighborhood contains a number of the older, original houses of the early Bellingham area, many of which are listed on the National Registry of Historical Places. Drawn first to the round window on the third floor and then to its cozy front porch, I noticed that this house has such a placard next to its front door indicating that it, too, is listed in that registry.

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Perhaps next time, Lucas, I will see that dinosaur costume.