Tomorrow night reggae group Irie Still kicks off free summer concerts in the area at Anythink Wright Farms in Thornton.
For more than 20 years, Northglenn and Thornton have hosted outside live entertainment and now Anythink Libraries is getting in the mix.
Anythink’s Backyard Concert Series will occur the second Friday in June, July and August at Anythink Wright Farms, 5877 E. 120th.
“The 1-acre park adjacent to the library is perfect for these types of events, with the beautiful built-in amphitheater space and ample lawn for people to sit, relax or dance,” said Stacie Ledden, communications director with Anythink. “We believe this is another great way to bring the community together and have some fun.”
Concert-goers will be able to purchase barbecue boxed dinners from Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Westminster and other snacks and beverages will be available. Proceeds from food and beverage sales will help fund the building of Nature Explore classrooms at other Anythink locations.
The costs for the three concerts are covered by sponsors.
Northglenn’s Sounds of Summer Concert Series
Country performer Megan Redmond kicks off Northglenn’s summer concerts at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park, 11701 Community Center Drive.
“The City and the Northglenn Arts and Humanities Foundation believe strongly that the arts are a big contributor to creating a valuable and vibrant quality of life,” said Kimberly Jongejan, cultural programs coordinator with Northglenn. “Having these free concerts bring our community together in an open and outdoor setting. They have been extremely popular and a great tradition.”
Northglenn’s summer concerts are on Wednesday nights through August (there won’t be a concert on July 3) at E. B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park.
“The bands are strictly from Colorado and are researched based on quality and appropriateness for a family friendly crowd,” Jongejan said. “We strive to bring a large variety of music styles and groups — rather than copying the same bands that play at many of the other community’s outdoor series. Our theme this year is ‘Saddle Up for Summer’ and will feature bands that fall under the country music genre.”
New this year, beer and wine will be available at most of the concerts. Proceeds from the alcohol sales go to benefit the foundation.
The total cost for the concert series, featuring six performances, is just under $20,000, with 89 percent of the cost funded through grants, sponsorships and the foundation, Jongejan said.
Thornton’s Twist & Shout Concert Series
A majority of Thornton’s concerts this summer will take place at the newly opened Carpenter Park Amphitheater, 3482 E. 112th Ave.
Country singer Brad Lee Schroeder kicks off the Twist & Shout Concert Series at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 20, at the amphitheater.
“Summer concerts create an opportunity for our citizens to spend an affordable evening out listening to a wide variety of great talent,” said Buz Hedglin, arts and cultural manager for Thornton. “The concerts promote family time together and a chance to get out and meet your neighbors.”
Thornton’s lineup is a variety of genres, including bluegrass, Latin pop and reggae.
The cost of the 2013 concert series, which includes the agency fees, performers and sound and light technicians is $16,850 for seven concerts, Hedglin said. Three sponsors have offset that cost by nearly $4,000, he added.
Concert-goers will have the opportunity to buy pizza from Anthony’s II.
City council members will host their ice cream socials at the concerts:
Ward 4 on June 27;
Ward 1 on July 18;
Ward 3 on Aug. 1;
Ward 2 on Aug. 8.
