‘In A Landscape’ sets the stage for a summer of outdoor arts

From Seattle’s Benaroya Hall to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland, the Pacific Northwest is home to its fair share of opulent performing arts venues, but even the most sumptuous stages don’t come close to the natural beauty in our own backyard.

Inspired by the majestic snow-capped peaks and enchanting evergreen forests, musician Hunter Noack saw an opportunity — to create an immersive and intimate concert-going experience that connects us to the land and to one another. 

Now in its 10th year, “In A Landscape: Classical Music in the Wild” continues to build on that idea, bringing the show to urban and rural communities in settings like Shore Acres, where the waves beat a sonorous metronome against the rugged coastline. Or Fort Rock, a natural amphitheater carved over eons by a sea long turned to high desert. Golden Gardens Park, where the sea and sound seem to go on forever, is another stop on the tour.

If you’re unfamiliar with how the show works, attendees first gather a set of wireless headphones which are connected to Noack’s mic and his 1912 Steinway grand piano. There are no assigned seats; in fact audience members are encouraged to wander the surroundings, letting the melodies become the soundtrack to their musings. 

In every sense of the word, it’s a breath of fresh air, as are these performances pushing the boundaries to make the arts more accessible and enjoyable this summer.

Shakespeare in the Park, put on by Seattle’s GreenStage from July 11 through August 16, is a free presentation of The Bard’s well-known works in more than 20 different parks across the metro. No tickets are required — just bring your picnic blanket or lawn chairs and settle in for the show. “Much Ado About Nothing” and “Richard III” are this year’s mainstage productions, while Backyard Bard will be touring abbreviated versions of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “The Taming of the Shrew.”

For more cinematically inclined folks, the Seattle area also has plenty of organizations that screen movies outdoors. While some require a ticket, some are free, like the double features in Kirkland’s Juanita Beach Park and Heritage Park. Seattle Center’s Movies at the Mural starts at 9 p.m. (preceded by showings of short films by Cornish College for the Arts students) and there will be plenty of food carts on site when you get hungry.

Kickstand Comedy in the Park has quickly become a must-see event that draws thousands of people to Portland’s wooded Laurelhurst Park thanks to its rotation of up-and-coming local comics as well as its pull of big names in the industry. The free show aims to be family-friendly with “clean” material (no swearing or adult content), but keep in mind there may still be themes that aren’t suitable for the kiddos.

Another Portland program, Opera a la Cart brings the arias to the open air, traveling to wineries, libraries, and other public spaces to brighten people’s days and educate about the dramatic artform. The mobile unit, designed by Portland State University architecture students, features a fold-out stage and “menu” of the day’s planned songs.

Wherever your interests lie, it’s hard to top artistic expression in the outdoors.