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Concerts In The Park Starting Friday
CofC-Tailights
Escalon’s Tailights performing at last year’s Concert in the Park - photo by PHOTOS COURTESY OF OAKDALE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
A warm summer night, a picnic dinner maybe with some wine or beer, and a free outdoor concert in Oakdale’s Dorada Park — what could be a better way to kick off the weekend?
Now in its 21st year, the no-charge Friday evening concert series starts July 15 and runs every Friday night through Aug. 26. From country and classic rock to jazz and boogie-woogie, the summer’s lineup promises something for everybody.
The music is free; just remember to bring a chair or blanket to sit on at the park.
The Oakdale Chamber of Commerce and City of Oakdale have teamed up since 1991 and offered the summer concert series that have been enjoyed and well attended by the community. The concerts promote a family and friendly atmosphere.
“The sponsorships offset the cost of the bands and security,” said Oakdale Chamber of Commerce CEO Mary Guardiola. “There’s no profit to the chamber, it’s done for the community.”
This year’s major sponsors, known as “Idols” include Ball Industries, Haidlen Ford, OID, Steve’s Chevrolet, Richardson Motors and Valley First Credit Union.
Bank of the West, Soroptimist International, State Farm Insurance (Dick Vermeulen), Rivers Journey, SpecOps, and Wells Fargo also contributed to the other levels of sponsorship, “Groupies,” “Fans,” and “Spectators,” for the events.
“This is also an excellent opportunity for local restaurants to offer take-outs,” said Guardiola. “It’s also one of the only times the city will allow alcohol in the park.”
Guardiola advised that even though alcohol would be allowed, glass containers were still banned.
The first concert of the series starts this Friday, July 15, with the Oakdale Community Band.
The band, organized in 1992, consists of 30 members from the Oakdale area and was originally formed to mark the 100-year anniversary of Oakdale High School.
Band Conductor Ron Quintanal said the band plays a wide variety of instrumental music consisting of country, rock, and marches.
“It’s a little of everything the whole family can enjoy,” said Quintanal.
The July 23 concert is still being arranged and July 29 will feature Remedy, which performs classic rock and country.
Remedy, led by Greg Rivera of R&T Power Equipment of Oakdale, has been playing in the Central Valley for over 15 years, performing at previous years’ Concerts in the Park, the Sierra View Music Fest, and many local events and parties. They have a huge repertoire of songs that is constantly expanding.
Dale Himes with Hip Hop Piano and Crew plays August 5th. Himes, a jazz pianist, started playing with “Al Ward and the Epics” in the late 60’s. He brings a selection of jazz and “boogie-woogie” music to the park that night.
August 12 will feature the Fabulous Blue Notes. The band specializes in a wide range of infectious dance music, including rock, funk, jump blues, and boogie.
The Fabulous Blue Notes, with singer Rick Jones of Oakdale’s Touchdown Properties, have opened for The Steve Miller Band, Fleetwood Mac, Elvin Bishop, The Grateful Dead and many more known artists.
Tailights, led by Escalon residents Mark Macsenti, Steadfast Heart, and Don Glor, takes the stage on Aug. 19 playing selections of classic rock, blues, and country favorites.
Tailights is a well-known group in the area performing at the “Central Valley Rocks” concert series in Tracy, Relay for Life ceremonies, and Concerts in the Park.
The free concerts conclude on Aug. 26 when the “heart-of-gold sound” of Oakdale’s Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit is presented.
Winners of the 2008 MAMA (Modesto Area Music Award) for Best Americana Band, the group of Will Taylor, Kris Dowd, Taylor Webster, Matt Cordano and Aaron Burtch play country, rock, Americana, and folk.
The Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit has been recording and performing original music since 2005. With two successful record releases under their belts—their self-titled debut and The Ghost of Good Manners—their fan base continues to grow.
“A lot of times, even when the days have been hot, it’s cooled off by 6:30,” Guardiola said. “We’re looking forward to another successful year at Dorada Park.”
Sponsor opportunities are still available in the following donation categories: Idol - $500; groupie - $250; fan - $100; or spectator - $50.
Contact the Chamber for more information at 847-2244 or events@oakdalechamber.com.