For the Reporter

Linda Petersen’s violin sat silent for 52 years.

But after discovering the musical opportunities at the Kent Senior Center, Petersen decided to bring back the sound.

Petersen and members of the Washington Old Time Fiddlers Association joined other musicians at the center to revive the sounds of yesteryear last Saturday. It was part of the Kent Senior Center Bluegrass Jam and Concert series, which welcomes musicians of all genres to play for the crowd.

The donation-supported series comes to the center on the third Saturday, October through April, presenting a wide assortment of music from rock to jazz and swing, cowboy to bluegrass, country to blues and more.

The jam starts at noon and the concert plays from 1 to 5 p.m.

“It’s just fun,” said Petersen, taking a break between stringing together some classic songs on the violin her mother bought her for $15 back in 1951. “I didn’t know what bluegrass was until I started playing here. You meet some great people and play some great music.”

Live music warmed the center, a lineup that included Don Gardner’s new Take 7 Little Big Band playing swing favorites and instrumentals and featuring delightful singer Robin Dalynn. It also featured the easy listening guitar and vocals of Moore, Beck n’ Kayser, Bluegrass band Stillwater Hill, and Norm Heutmaker’s Washington Bluegrass Revue.

“It’s amazing music,” said Bob Jones, who helps coordinate the series. “It’s a beautiful thing to see.”

For more information about the series, call 253-856-5150 or 253-939-5594.