Nine-year-old Grant Bakken, of Bremerton, was walking down Water Street the evening of June 2 with his brother Luke, 8.
His parents were busy buying pizza at Waterfront Pizza and had told the boys …
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Nine-year-old Grant Bakken, of Bremerton, was walking down Water Street the evening of June 2 with his brother Luke, 8.
His parents were busy buying pizza at Waterfront Pizza and had told the boys to "go find something to do," Grant Bakken said.
So, they walked along the sidewalk with their bikes until they came to Adams Street Park, where they found a man with a drum looking like a UFO.
The musician, who goes by Christopher of the Wolves and lived in Port Townsend for several years, asked if the boys would like to play.
Grant Bakken, already a seasoned young musician who plays the guitar and wants to learn more instruments, tried his hand at the Halo steel drum, unofficially called the "UFO drum," and was delighted.
His little brother watched as Grant practiced keeping a steady beat while Christopher of the Wolves played the penny whistle.
"He's got ability!" Christopher said to parents Jen and Scott Bakken when they showed up, pizza in hand.
"Do we have to eat dinner?" Grant Bakken asked. He wanted to play some more. "Just 10 more minutes!" he begged.
"He's our entertainer for sure," his mom laughed.
Grant Bakken asked his mom if he could buy a Halo drum; she reminded him he already spent all his money on candy. "And ice cream!" he exclaimed.
After a couple more taps on the drum, Grant Bakken left with his parents and brother for their campsite at Point Hudson.
"That was fun, thanks!" he said to Christopher, who responded, “I'll look out for your name someday."
Christopher of the Wolves has been playing hand drums since 1991, and now makes steel drums, which he sells on his website, dragondrum.com. He's busked around the world, playing up to five instruments simultaneously, and busked to many years at Adams Street Park in Port Townsend before moving to Bend, Oregon.
Making music and connecting with others is his passion.
Busking street musicians are a common sight in downtown Port Townsend, especially during the summer months musicians show up early to claim their coveted spot. There are regulars who show up often, and also youngsters just learning their instruments.
