All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
Mark Oblinger brought Chris Daniels up on stage for the last song of his opening act.
The Niwot community showed up to the opening night of Rock and Rails armed with umbrellas and rain coats, determined to see the full night through.
Freddi Gowdy gestured to the crowd while playing with Chris Daniels and the Kings.
Face painting and henna tattoos were popular among concertgoers at Rock & Rails.
The weather was no match for the dedicated crowd at the first Rock & Rails concert of the season on Thursday, June 5. Despite the cool temperatures and persistent drizzle during the headliner, fans filled Whistle Stop Park to enjoy an unforgettable start of Niwot's beloved summer concert series. This was not a concert to miss.
The night opened with Mark Oblinger, a renowned musician and Emmy-winning composer, who took the stage with Linda Lawson and two other award-winning musicians. Oblinger's set, filled with heartfelt original tunes and energetic performances, set the perfect tone for the evening. The crowd joined in for a sing-along of Oblinger's catchy tunes, including "Standin' on the Threshold."
Throughout the performance, Oblinger's connections to the music world were evident, such as having worked with names like Garth Brooks and Amy Grant. Oblinger and friends' music kept the energy high, setting the stage for what was to come.
Concertgoers continued to pack into the park, armed with umbrellas and rain coats throughout the opening act. As the weather cooled, the energy heated up when the headliner, Chris Daniels and the Kings with Freddi Gowdy took the stage.
Kicking off their set with a birthday shoutout to Satir DeMarco, the event's booking agent, the band wasted no time diving into their extensive repertoire of classic rock, funk, and blues. Songs like "I Feel Good" by James Brown, "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" by the Temptations, and "Play That Funky Music" by Wild Cherry had the crowd dancing in the mist, while a saxophone solo during "Stand by Me" by Ben E. King added an unforgettable touch to the evening.
The high-energy show featured seamless transitions between songs, keeping the momentum strong throughout the night. The crowd responded enthusiastically, especially when the band played originals such as "I Like Your Shoes" and classics, including "I've Got Sunshine" by The Temptations.
During what is typically a break for the band, Oblinger and Lawson joined Daniels on stage to serenade the crowd for the second time while the band members caught their breath.
Savory Saigon, which has been feeding the event for many years, was back for another year, and was joined by Abo's Pizza, Nacho Mama's Tacos, Georgia Boys BBQ, and Sweet Cow's MooMobile.
The evening's tip jar recipients were Niwot Hall and the Left Hand Giving Circle. Despite the rain, the tip total was $1,680.18.
The June 12 concert will feature Colorado Country Music Hall of Famer Dean Himes of Gunbarrel as the opener, with headliner The House Blend Band to follow. The Rotary Club of Niwot and the Niwot Cultural Arts Association's Native Art project will share the tip jar proceeds.
The concert series is put on every Thursday night during June, July and August by the Niwot Cultural Arts Association and the Niwot Business Association, along with many business sponsors and over 100 volunteers. Funding is also provided by the Niwot Local Improvement District.
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