Love Oakdale’s Concerts in the Park, presented by Oak Valley Hospital, closed out the 2026 season in spectacular fashion Friday evening, July 31, drawing a record-breaking crowd to Dorada Park.
“Chairs began appearing early in the day, and by 3:30 p.m., much of the park was already covered with lawn chairs and blankets as families and friends claimed their spots in anticipation of the evening’s festivities,” noted Love Oakdale Director Lisa Kjeldgaard.
Kicking off the final concert musically was the Oakdale High Steelband, led by Director Ross McGinnis.
“Despite the summer heat, the talented students delivered a lively performance that energized the crowd. The Steelband, which also opened the series on June 5, returned by popular demand for the season finale,” Kjeldgaard said.
Local musician Scotch Beck, former member of Flying Blind, followed with an engaging acoustic set. Armed with his smooth vocals and guitar, Beck treated the audience to a mix of songs he proudly describes as ‘California Farmer Rock.’
“Then came the moment the hometown crowd had been waiting for,” said Kjeldgaard. “The Alex Lucero Band took the stage and delivered a performance worthy of closing out one of the most successful concert seasons to date. Alex Lucero’s high-energy stage presence and infectious enthusiasm were matched by the undeniable chemistry he shares with his wife, Justina. The high school sweethearts, who grew up attending Concerts in the Park as children, returned to the very event they once enjoyed from the audience.”
Joining the Lucero duo were Russell Kreitman on keyboards, Jordan Smallwood on drums, and Mark Putnum on guitar. Together, the band played for nearly three hours as thousands of fans sang along, danced, and celebrated under the summer sky.
“The set featured a handful of crowd-pleasing covers and the band’s original music that had fans singing every word,” shared Kjeldgaard.
The music paused briefly for one of the evening’s highlights—the “Most Mustang Spirit” contest. The winners walked away with a gift certificate generously provided by the Oakdale High School Sports Boosters. It was just one of many special contests offered throughout the concert season, ranging from best picnic set up to best kid dance moves, adding an extra layer of audience engagement to the popular series, which draws fans from throughout the region.
“Beyond the electric atmosphere, the evening also served a greater purpose as attendees rallied behind Love Oakdale’s Shoes for School initiative,” explained Kjeldgaard, who reflected on the overwhelming generosity displayed. “The community of Oakdale never ceases to amaze me. With just a little encouragement on my part, donations for our shoe drive started flooding in and far surpassed our goals. More than 60 children in Oakdale will get to go back-to-school shopping for new shoes thanks to the generosity of so many. A special shout-out to Big 5 for their generous donation of coupons that will allow every donated dollar to go even further for local families.”
It was also fitting that the Luceros were on stage for the finale, as their impact on the concert series extended far beyond their performance. Kjeldgaard noted that Alex, Justina, and tour manager Jake Stephens played an important role behind the scenes, helping Love Oakdale elevate the concert experience this season. Their creativity, vision, and guidance helped shape many of the exciting changes concertgoers enjoyed throughout the summer.
Looking back on the nine-week series, Kjeldgaard reflected on what made the event so special.
“I think Concerts in the Park are my new favorite event,” she admitted. “I love seeing people from all walks of life gathered together each week. I love watching older couples with their elaborate picnic setups sitting alongside young children dancing in front of the stage. That’s community at its core. I also loved the opportunity to support local businesses through our concert prizes and give local vendors greater exposure. Most of all, I’m beyond grateful for the sponsors who made this season possible.”
Love Oakdale, Kjeldgaard said, “extends its heartfelt thanks” to Presenting Sponsor Oak Valley Hospital; Series Sponsors Gilton Solid Waste Management, Murdoch Construction, and SIG Solar; and Music Sponsors Oakdale Grocery Outlet, Ellis Storage, Oakdale Chamber of Commerce, Apparel Graphics, Greet Magazine, Sunrise Rotary, TWFG Insurance, Oakdale Rotary Club, and Dying Breed Brewing.
Additional thanks go to Jump City Rental for providing bounce houses throughout the season and Swift Site Rentals for supplying clean, modern portable restrooms.
“It took an incredible partnership of local businesses, volunteers, sponsors, musicians, and community members to make this year’s Concerts in the Park such a resounding success,” Kjeldgaard summarized. “Judging by the record crowds and unforgettable memories made this summer, people are already counting down the days until the music returns.”
Love Oakdale’s Concerts in the Park will resume on June 4, 2027.
