The free community-wide “Music at Skypark” concert series benefiting the music programs in local public schools returns for its sixth summer season on the last Sundays of July, August and September – July 27, August 31 and September 28. All concerts run from 3:30 to 7:00 pm at Skypark in Scotts Valley.
Two bands will perform at each concert, and local businesses and volunteers will offer for sale a variety of barbequed meat and vegetarian sandwiches, pizza, desserts, beer and wine and other picnic foods, with vendors donating all net proceeds to the schools.
The attendance at the concert series has increased each year, and concert sponsor Kiwanis of the Valleys expects this trend to continue.
Music at Skypark has raised about $60,000 through its first five seasons, funding the purchase of instruments, musician chairs, choral risers, music books, band suits and choir dresses, instrument storage cabinets, entry fees for school bands and choirs to participate in music festivals, and other expenses to maintain the music programs at local public schools.
Scotts Valley was chosen by a national organization as the recipient of the 2013 “Best Communities for Music Education Award” in part due to Music at Skypark proceeds supporting the musical education of local students. “It’s been amazing to bring our music program into the 21st Century!” exclaimed Beth Hollenbeck, music director of the Scotts Valley school district. “Music at Skypark has enabled us to buy new instruments and uniforms, repair damaged equipment, purchase proper musician chairs and teaching materials, participate in local music festivals and build our music library. On behalf of my students, the administrators and myself, words cannot express our gratitude to Music at Skypark sponsors and Kiwanis for helping us keep music alive in Scotts Valley schools!”
Here’s the schedule for the 2014 Music at Skypark concert series:
First Concert: July 27. Perennial favorite 10-member The Houserockers and its huge horn-driven and foot-stomping sound (winner of “Best Cover Band in the Bay Area” and KFOX’s “Last Band Standing”) will return to Music at Skypark for the sixth consecutive year to headline the July 27 concert. Funkranomicon, veterans of the San Jose Jazz Summerfest, will deliver an opening act full of high energy, danceable funk and soul.
Second Concert: August 31. The popular The Coffis Brothers, featuring the folk rock sound of Ben Lomond’s Jamie and Kellen Coffis and their talented friends, will headline the August 31 concert. Scary Little Friends, with Southern soul roots, uplifting melodies and big harmonies punctuated by driving drums, will open the concert.
Third Concert: September 28. The final concert on September 28 will feature two headliners, both of which have played multiple times at Music at Skypark: Joint Chiefs, a versatile dance band performing together since 1990, will open with a sound that mixes funk, acid jazz and classic R&B. Following will be Santa Cruz’s own Extra Large, well-known to Central Coast crowds for its driving, high-energy blend of funk, blues, reggae riffs, Latin beats, jazz and soul.
“We’ve lined up some terrific bands for this concert series. We hope people come hungry and support our concessionaires,” commented Kiwanis concert organizer Mike Stewart. “Our aim is to raise a lot of money for the schools while providing a true family event for the community.”
Kiwanis of the Valleys is seeking both sponsors and volunteers to help at each concert. Sponsors will be featured in concert banners and booths, media advertising, posters and social media. Visit www.KiwanisoftheValleys.org for details or phone Mike Stewart at (831) 439-8018.