By Lauren Elizabeth DiRe, Intern

The Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band opened and closed the ceremony for the grand opening of King Street Station's Jackson Plaza on Friday, June 24.

“We were happy to take part,” said Paul Beck, a percussionist in the band.

The ceremony celebrated the end of phase two of the King Street Station Restoration Project. The work on Jackson Plaza equated to about $15 million and made it a greener, more welcoming public space, Mayor Mike McGinn said.

The ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. and was over within the hour. The Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band opened with three songs before the mayor and three other speakers talked about the project and its goals.

“We’re taking our old buildings and making them ready for the new economy,” McGinn said during his speech.

A ribbon cutting ceremony took place after the speakers and marked the official opening of the plaza. The Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band then played one more time before the crowd dispersed.

“I think we added to the festivity of the occasion,” said Eben Sprinsock, a clarinet player for the Ballard band.

Up next for the Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band will be a performance in downtown Vashon Island on July 7, followed by their annual concert at the Ballard Locks on August 7.

Both performances are free and open to the public.

For more information on the Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band, member bios, and upcoming performances, visit www.sedentarysousa.com.