Under the leadership this year of Love Oakdale, the summer Concerts in the Park series will kick off Friday, June 5 at Dorada Park, 600 N. Second Ave., Oakdale.
Leading off the multi-week schedule will be longtime local musicians Barbara Findlay and Jim Ramont, with the OHS Steel Drum Band serving as the opening act.
“Love Oakdale is thrilled to have the opportunity to host this beloved tradition,” said Love Oakdale Director Lisa Kjeldgaard. “We are bringing our experience from the Oakdale Morning Market to the concert series and we are excited to build upon the rich history the Concerts in the Park holds. You’ll see some favorite artists from the past as well as some well-loved local bands making their first appearances.”
Residents can stake out their spot on the lawn at Dorada Park starting Fridays at 5 p.m.; food trucks and vendors will already be in place and open for business. The opening act takes the stage at 6 p.m., with the headliner performance starting at 6:45 p.m.
Concerts typically run until about 9 p.m.
The following is the scheduled for the June and July series.
June 5: Barbara Findlay & Jim Ramont with the OHS Steel Drum Band opening
June 12: Valley Fire with opener TBD
June 19: Clare McKeon with Brooke Cannedy opening
June 26: Willy Tea Taylor with Rita Taylor opening
July 3: Randy Mandy and the Frequency Experience with opener TBD
July 10: Fabulous Bluenotes with Jamie Byous opening
July 17: A Night of Worship (a collection of local musicians) with Matt Hallam opening
July 24: Weekend at Jimmy’s with Aidyn Davis opening
July 31: The Alex Lucero Band with Scotch Beck opening
“The Night of Worship is a first and will feature a group of local musicians from Mountain View and Big Valley Grace churches,” explained Kjeldgaard. “I’m especially thankful for the help Justina and Alex Lucero and Jake Stephens have offered as we’ve put the series together.”
She also said that, in addition to great music, a new feature will be a weekly contest, along the lines of best appetizer, craziest blanket, and cutest kid dance moves, with the person selected as the winner receiving a $100 gift card to a local business.
There will also be a selection of food trucks, for both dinner and dessert, available on site and Dying Breed will be in the park with a variety of cold brews for sale.
Love Oakdale will bring some of the best artisan vendors from the Oakdale Morning Market for shopping in the park and a Kids Zone will feature bounce houses, face painting and more.
Officials plan to show the concerts live on a video wall as well throughout the summer series.
“This event wouldn’t happen without incredibly generous local businesses,” Kjeldgaard said. “Sponsors will have booths so you can learn about what they do.”
Along with Presenting Sponsor Oak Valley Hospital District, the Series Sponsors are SIG Solar, Murdoch, Inc., and Gilton Solid Waste Management. Music Sponsors include Apparel Graphics, Dying Breed Brewing, Ellis Storage, Greet Magazine, Oakdale Grocery Outlet, Oakdale Chamber of Commerce, Oakdale Rotary, Sunrise Rotary and TWFG Insurance.
“It’s going to be an incredible season,” Kjeldgaard said. “Can’t wait to see everyone at Dorada Park on June 5.”
