Everett concert brings a big boost in police patrols

EVERETT — Extra police will be on the road before and after the KUBE-FM birthday bash Saturday at the Everett Events Center.

The State Patrol will have 26 troopers out looking for drunken drivers, according to Lt. Jeff Jones.

The birthday bash has been held at KeyArena in Seattle in previous years. This is its first time in Everett.

"Last year, there were some problems with this event, so we’ll be targeting the roads leading to and from the concert," Jones said.

Fights and disturbances spilled into bars near KeyArena last year, so the state decided to assign extra troopers, Jones said.

The Everett Police Department plans to add extra officers but would not say how many.

The decision was based on the number of people expected to attend the concert, the history of the event at other venues and the type of event, Sgt. Boyd Bryant said.

"In no way are we targeting or condemning a particular genre of music," he said.

The concert will feature hip-hop, R&B and rap musicians, including Big Boi, Jagged Edge, Ying Yang Twins, Baby Mash, Marques Houston and Caissidy.

No alcohol will be sold at the concert, according to Kim Bedier, general manager for Global Spectrum, the company that manages the center. That decision was based on the history of the event, which often draws a younger crowd, she said.

Security checks at the entrances also will be stepped up, Bedier said.

"Everything is a first for us. We want to make sure it goes smoothly," she said.

Bedier said the center looked at the history of KUBE events but noted that those that had problems were at different venues.

Two years ago, a man was shot to death and two others were injured at the KUBE Summer Jam concert at the Gorge amphitheater near George.

"We have a much more controlled venue," she said.