KINGSTON — As commuters exited the Kingston ferry Tuesday night, they had to contend with more than just fellow commuters trying to make their way to the boat.

Upon reaching Mike Wallace Memorial Park, commuters had to dodge blankets, coolers, tables, chairs and children. A quick glance at the Port of Kingston building revealed speakers, amps, microphones and a lone keyboard set up out front. The cause for the growing crowd became clear as the members of the band flitted around the equipment, preparing to start their set.

When James and the Shifters started creating out their tunes, it was obvious how the audience felt. Groups of children who had been racing around paused at the first chord, then whirled into jerky twirls like a flock of disjointed birds.

“If the mood strikes her, she probably will (dance),” said Kingston resident Sue Friend of her 9-year-old daughter, Kendall. This is their third year attending the Tunes on Tuesdays at the park, and each year they enjoy it, Friend said.

“The nice thing is it’s such a family oriented crowd,” she said.

The concert, the first of five being held during August, was put on by Kitsap Facilities, Parks and Recreation, said Recreations Coordinator Toni Fuller. This is the sixth year the Tuesday concerts have taken the stage in Kingston and, every year, Fuller said the crowds are fantastic.

“It’s looking good tonight,” she said of the turnout for James and the Shifters. “Kingston always has a great crowd. People bring food and have a great time.”

Fuller added that every year, she tries to keep a steady flow of different groups. She is mostly approached by bands for the concerts in the park, and schedules groups no more than two years in a row.

James and the Shifters had performed once before at the Kingston venue, and were excited to do so again, said lead guitarist Mike Warren.

“Good, we’re feeling good,” said bassist Alex Cantor, adding that with the fabulous Warren brothers, nothing could go wrong. Steve Warren, Mike’s brother, was drumming for the show and echoed that he was ready to play for the Kingston crowds.

“I wish I had another Mountain Dew,” Mike said laughing. “I’m feeling pretty much mellow, relaxed and ready for the show.”

The band was rounded out with “Raven” on the keyboard, and they opened with a couple of covers before being joined by “Kendra,” who belted out sultry lyrics to classic country and rock songs. She later traded places with her partner, “James,” who moved the appreciative people with his Elvis impersonation and covers.

“We love it, they’re great,” Kendra said of the people camped out on the lawn. “We’re excited to be back here.”

As the band played on, even the people waiting for the ferry joined the concert crowd, clapping along while standing on the walkway separating the ferry holding lot from the grass. Residents from other communities showed up as well, expecting a good show on a nice summer evening.

“We love this,” said Hansville resident Dale Kelly. “Love it, it’s such a fun thing to do. I haven’t heard this band before, but they always have a good group.”

“These concerts usually get around 300 people,” Fuller said. “We always try to have that kind of group that will get people dancing and clapping.”

The onlookers whooped it up, and more showed up after the band started to play. Residents from nearby houses could hear the music, with Mike wailing on guitar and Steve setting the beat with his drums, Raven and Cantor collaborated with their own instruments. Residents dropped by because of the music and stuck around after being impressed by Kendra’s vocals and James’ Elvis impression.

“If they had this more often, it’d be more fun,” said 14-year-old Kingston resident Kierston Roslington, adding that in the small town it’s often hard for teens to find activities. She and her dad, Terry, who live near the park, enjoy walking down for an evening of warmth and melody.