Closing Time Sessions: Local Beats on the Street Begin with Tunnel No. 3
Live music is taking to the streets—literally—in downtown White Salmon. Kicking off a new community-driven music series called Closing Time Sessions: Local Beats on the Street, the band Tunnel No. 3 is bringing heart, soul, and saxophone to our sidewalks on Friday evening after our 9-5 businesses close. The idea? Celebrate the end of the workweek with music, connection, and a little bit of unexpected joy.
The first few Closing Time Sessions have already left a mark, thanks to Tunnel No. 3’s welcoming vibe and powerful performances. What started as an experiment at Ace Hardware quickly grew into a roving musical event outside local businesses like Goodfellows and Kula Chiropractic. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s pure White Salmon.
“We’re not busking, and we’re not chasing stardom,” said frontman Casey Wykes. “We just want to fill the streets of White Salmon with music and invite others to do the same.”
Community, Not Stage Lights
For Casey and his bandmates, performing on the street offers something unique that you just don’t get at venues.
“On a stage, a band is on display—untouchable. Out here, people stop and talk. We hug old friends, meet new ones, and hear their stories,” Casey said. “Someone gave me a jar of jalapeño jam just to say thanks. That’s not something you get behind a mic at a bar.”
The spirit of these shows is less about being watched and more about being part of the fabric of downtown life. From kids dancing with ice cream cones to traveling couples inspired to move here, the vibe is community-centered and joy-filled.
The Soundtrack to Your Friday
So, why Friday? “It’s the day that makes the most sense—for visitors, for locals, and for anyone looking to unwind,” said Casey. The setlists? Rehearsals for upcoming gigs, spontaneous collaborations, or whatever the band is working on that week. “We’re not aiming for perfection—we’re just playing music we love, hoping it lifts someone’s spirit.”
Already, the sessions are sparking a shift. “White Salmon might not be known as a music town yet, but there’s something happening here,” Casey added. “We’d love to see more local musicians pop up on street corners and storefronts.”
The Community’s Role
The Closing Time Sessions are designed to be grassroots—simple, local, and free. They don’t need much to grow. Just support from business owners willing to share their storefronts and community members willing to pause, listen, and enjoy.
Julie Burgmeier, community leader and founder of Explore White Salmon, sees this as a natural expansion of the town’s live music initiatives: “We’re working hard to bring more live music to White Salmon, starting with the White Salmon Wine Walks and Nights in White Salmon. The White Salmon Business Alliance is excited to support the Closing Time Sessions!”
With summer in full swing, you can expect more evenings where music flows freely through the streets, inviting everyone to linger just a little longer downtown.
Get Involved
If you’re a local musician—or just someone with a guitar and a song—take a cue from Tunnel No. 3 and join in. These sessions aren’t about perfection. They’re about connection, joy, and community.
Stay tuned to ExploreWhiteSalmon.com and follow @explorewhitesalmon for upcoming Closing Time Session updates. And next time you’re downtown on a Friday evening, follow the sound—you just might find your weekend starting on the perfect note.
