Jimi Hendrix Park Set for ‘Cultural’ Renovation; Experience Hendrix Lineup Rocks ‘Lopez Tonight’

The Jimi Hendrix Park in Seattle is ready to undergo a makeover, now that a design team has been chosen to renovate the public space. The Friends of Jimi Hendrix Park have selected Murase Associates to help turn the park into a primary destination for cultural events and community gatherings.

The park, which was named after Hendrix in 2006 by the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department, is a 5.8 acre green space in the city's Central District. An organization called the Friends of Jimi Hendrix Park has been raising funds to develop the park, with an ultimate goal of $2 million. The selection of a design firm comes after the organization received some major donations in excess of $500,000.

“I was most impressed with the passion for this project expressed in Murase’s application and presentation, as well as their commitment to creativity, innovation and community involvement,” said Jimi's sister Janie Hendrix, the founder of the Jimi Hendrix Park Foundation, in a press release.

Murase Associates plans on holding a series of public meetings in order to get the community involved in the design of the park. The first forum will take place Tuesday, May 17.

In other Hendrix news, the 2011 edition of the Experience Hendrix Tour is set to kick off May 20 in Las Vegas. The all-star trek features features various musicians, including Jonny Lang, Aerosmith's Brad Whitford and Jimi's former Band of Gypsys bass player, Billy Cox. The rockers offered a preview of the tour recently with a performance of 'All Along the Watchtower' on TBS' 'Lopez Tonight.'

Watch the Experience Hendrix Lineup Perform 'Along Along the Watchtower' on 'Lopez Tonight'