LAKEPORT — A little bit of smoke and haze didn”t keep music-lovers from enjoying Friday”s concert in Library Park. Dancers spanning generations filled the grass area in front of the gazebo where they kicked-up their heels to the music.
The band Big Rain filled the evening with a mix of Southern rock selections inspiring the crowd to bare their feet and shake a leg. Others enjoyed the music from the comfort of portable chairs and picnic benches.
Lakeport Summer Concert series is brought to the community through a partnership with Bicoastal Media, KXBX radio and the City of Lakeport. The series runs a 10-week season; launched this month on Friday the 13th and will continue through Friday, Aug. 15.
Concerts are offered free of charge and all ages are welcome. Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m.
“It”s a great venue for families to come out and enjoy time together,” said Bicoastal Media Sales Manager Jamie Koppenhaver. “It”s just great fun and it”s a great way to show community support.”
The series is celebrating its 20th year in providing an event for all to enjoy in Library Park. Koppnenhaver said that a mixer is held in March in which Bicoastal Media invites all interested businesses to what she describes as a “listening party.” Bands considered for the series set up in different rooms at the media station where potential sponsors have an opportunity to listen to them and then decide which band they would like to sponsor.
The weekly sponsor for the June 27 show was Clover Hydroponics. Konocti Vista, which is a major sponsor and will participate the entire season, was also represented at the latest concert.
Koppenhaver said there are four major sponsors this year; Konocti Vista, Tulip Hill Winery, Hydro Pacific and Lea Palmer of Dr. Hopkins Alternative Medi Spa. She added that Safeway is expected to join the list soon. “Safeway is coming on board late in the season. They will be joining us in July,” she said.
The band line-up for the season offers a mix of styles from Cajun rock to electric funk/fusion and from blues and soul to rock-a-billy and classic hits, country and swing. According to Koppenhaver. “We try to keep local groups so we are supporting our local bands,” said Koppenhaver, adding that Bicoastal hosts another concert series in Eureka. “The bands playing here also play in Eureka (the night) before they come here. So, they are doing a two-night gig for us every week.”
Although alcohol is not normally allowed in Library Park, Koppenhaver said that a special permit was issued that allows alcohol consumption during the concert events. However, a permit is not be authorized for July 4 and standard park rules will apply during this Friday”s concert.
The July 4 concert will feature Bill Noteman and the Rockets. Style is described as blues and soul. The following bands will round-out the series as follows: “Lefty,” (rock-a-billy) July 11; “Richie Barron,” (rockin” blues) July 18; “Blusion,” (electric funk/fusion) July 25; “Soul Exciter,” (soul) Aug. 1; “Tom Righney & Flambeau,” (Cajun rock) Aug. 8; and “The LC Diamonds,” (classic hits) Aug. 15.
Included in each evening”s entertainment is an opportunity for concert-goers to win a prize for the “Dumb Stuff” they may bring with them. The contest is modeled after the old game show “Let”s Make a Deal” in which the host asks people in the crowd if they have various strange and bizarre items.
“For the most part people follow the rules and have a good time,” Koppenhaver said. “People feel safe with their children there and it”s become a real healthy environment.”
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
