Strolling through downtown, soul music and the buzz of the social Bellingham crowd gets more distinct. As one rounds the corner onto Bay Street, a live band is getting warmed up at a free, all-ages block party in Bellingham’s Arts District on a summer night. For the past 12 summers on several Wednesday evenings, Bay Street between Prospect and Champion is closed to host Downtown Sounds. On Wednesday, July 13 was the second round of Downtown Sounds 2016, featuring Snug Harbor and Marmalade, both bands funk-focused. On July 20, Downtown Sounds featured Americana focused bands Fruition and Vaudeville Etiquette. Snug Harbor has been around about as long as the Downtown Sounds event. They are an 8-piece funk and soul group that feels straight out of the 70s, but they are not regurgitating covers. Snug Harbor feels both familiar and original. Frontman William Glazier, who handles vocals and trumpet for the group, is a 2013 Western graduate. “I think [the funk] is still alive,” Glazier said when asked about the Bellingham music scene. “It’s definitely making a comeback.” He plays in other groups locally, most notably Willdabeast, a horn-driven electronic group known for hosting events like Soul Night at the Green Frog. A 30-minute interlude of Latin dance music, eased the break-down/set-up time between bands. A handful of dancers led the crowd from in front of the stage, and a smaller live band set everyone in motion. Several dozen folks near the front were following along enthusiastically and synchronized with the dancers. Marmalade is a funk-reggae fusion group out of Seattle. They headlined the July 13 event. Singer Tiffany Wilson guest starred for most of their set, bringing another level of reggae style to the sound. While Snug Harbor was well received, the crowd really filled in and got moving for Marmalade. Whether it was the more reggae driven sound, or just the mood of the evening setting in, Marmalade felt like the hit of the event.