Fan Favorite FACE Rocks Niwot

If it's not one thing, it's another... Through much of June and July, rain, hail and thunderstorms were the Thursday night concern. But now that we're in August, high temperatures have finally come to roost. However, judging by the number of chairs set out to save a space at Rock & Rails, the heat wasn't about to put a dent in enthusiasm for the evening.

Legitimate By Friday was Thursday's opening act. No strangers to the Rock & Rails stage, the band has performed six times at the event. Band members include NHS grads Michael Warren on guitar and Mike Anderson on drums.

The group played a mix of original songs and covers to get the crowd on their feet. Covers included Springsteen's "Atlantic City," and Bob Seger hits "Night Moves" as well as "Hollywood Nights," when Anderson's 10-year old son Rylan joined the band on keyboards.

For the night's performance, Legitimate By Friday reunited with two former band members, lead singer Andrew "Earp" Brentan now of St. Louis, and keyboardist Matthew "Shark" Shartsis from San Francisco. Also on hand were John Giarratano on bass, and Michael Ohara on guitar.

Ever popular FACE vocal band headlined the evening. Formed in Boulder, the band has been performing for more than two decades. Face performs over 100 shows each year worldwide including Scotland's Fringe Festival, but Rock & Rails is one of the shows they've been playing the longest.

In fact, FACE has never missed a year playing the event. They say that Rock & Rails is always one of their favorite shows, not only because it's a local show, but because of the crowd energy and enthusiasm. Numerous FACE t-shirts and even backpacks were spotted in the crowd during the show.

Early in the evening, the group announced it was the 54th anniversary of Woodstock and covered "Woodstock," originally a Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young hit. Other songs on the playlist included "Stuck in the Middle," "Call Me," "Thriller" and an ABBA mini-set including "SOS," "Mama Mia," "Waterloo" and "Take a Chance on Me." FACE has upcoming shows planned at Concerts in the Park in Erie, The Northglen Arts Festival, and Nissi's in Lafayette.

The night's tip jar totaled $1,767 and went to Women's International Niwot Club (WINC). This local group of women meets regularly for various activities, both social and charitable. Non-profits the group has supported include CASA Voices for Children, There with Care, HOPE Longmont, Community Food Share, and Longmont Humane Society.

Each year members vote to determine how and to whom funds are allocated. Social activities include a monthly Bunco night, Mah Jong, wine tastings, cooking classes and an annual Holiday Fayre, open to the public.

Next up August 24th : Wendy Woo opens for The Nalani Effect With Reggie and Adam Wooten. For a full schedule and more information visit https://niwot.com/rock-rails/.