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Second “Rock the Park” event: Great music on a beautiful warm afternoon

by George Custer | Jul 24, 2023 | Arts, Entertainment and Events, Front Page

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Satori Bob performs Americana and folk style music in the early afternoon as part of Saturday’s concert series.

By GEORGE CUSTER/Editor  —  Between the food booth provided by the local Moose Lodge, a beer garden, and craft vendors, there was everything one would need to sit back and enjoy the music. The Concerts-in-the-Park organization puts on a free series every summer for the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike. Private and business sponsorships, along with city funds from the transient room tax/rural tourism marketing program, make the event possible. The concert series is a program under the Oakridge Community Festival Association, Inc.

Herald photo

L-R: Carinna Shorer, concerts secretary; Rene Gobelman, concerts Chairperson; and Kevin Gobelman, concerts treasurer, man the token booth at the entrance to the beer garden. Organizing these events is a yearlong process for these volunteers.

Greenwaters Park seems to always be cool in the summer

The band Dubious Rubes kicked things off with their mellow sounds. Nice relaxing music that was perfect for toe-tappin’. Though the skies were cloudless and Mr. Sun was heating up the day, it was staying cool; supported by a continuous breeze that was chilled as it passed over the river. Many sat in the shade of pop-up canopies or in the shade of the numerous trees that Greenwaters Park affords you. Some people took in the warmth of the full sun. Warm sunshine is something we know to appreciate after spending our winter months looking forward to it.

Satori Bob performed for the middle set. Their brand of music seemed to combine folk, ballads, and Americana styles. The cello player was most impressive. She seemed to give a certain depth and warmth to the music. The deep, soothing notes added a sense of emotion to the words being delivered.

Have a sip, do a little dance

Let’s not forget the vendors. I had to spend some time in the beer garden; it’s my job. The beers were tasty, per my review. I chatted with a number of folks who were enjoying the day. Some sat around slowly sipping their beer, wine, or ciders and hard seltzers. Others turned the beer garden into a dance floor. Our local Moose Lodge was cooking up hot dishes and cold lemonade for the hungry. Several craft vendors were on hand plying a variety of hand-made goods.

The Moose Lodge was serving up food, drinks and smiles for the hungry and thirsty.

I’m barely old enough to remember Woodstock, but the dancing in the beer garden reminded me of the kids (?) who danced in front of the stage during that historic, open-air concert in 1969.

Third on the music schedule was Simple. With a blend of rock and fusion jazz, they had people rocking in their camp chairs, if that’s even possible. The three-piece band pumped out a lot of music from the Banner Amphitheater stage.

Though attendance was sparse, those who made the trip were rewarded in spades. Those of you who missed out will have to look forward to next years concert series.

 

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George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.

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Written by George Custer

July 24, 2023

Alpine Stream Construction Highway 58 Oakridge Oregon

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