Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Saturday, July 14

2018 marks the 25th anniversary of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s remarkable arrival onto the music scene. Since its formation in the early 90's in Ventura, California, the band has toured virtually nonstop, performing on average over 150 shows a year, and has produced a sizable catalog of recorded music, with sales of over 2 million albums to date. Early on, during their legendary residency at the Derby nightclub in Los Angeles, they reminded the world, in the midst of the grunge era no less, that it was still cool to swing. The band, cofounded by singer Scotty Morris and drummer Kurt Sodergren, was at the forefront of the swing revival of that time, blending a vibrant fusion of the classic American sounds of jazz, swing, and dixieland, with the energy and spirit of contemporary culture.

After 25 years, 11 records, over 2800 live shows, and countless appearances in film and television, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is showing no signs of slowing down, and is looking forward to celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2018.

Michael McDonald
Friday, July 20

One of the world’s most distinctive singing voices, Michael McDonald is often imitated but never duplicated (although Justin Timberlake has come close on “The Tonight Show” to comedic effect, as has actor John Viener on “Family Guy”). He’s had enough humility over the years to freely blend that voice with others’, whether as a member of Steely Dan, a Doobie Brother, as a highly successful solo artist and songwriter, a member of the supergroup the Dukes of September or, most recently, reaching the Coachella generation as a celebrated co-star on Thundercat’s indie hit “Show You the Way.” Fans who’ve wanted to hear that 50,000-watt clear channel of a voice all by itself have had to bide their time—not just minute by minute, but year by year—waiting for McDonald to reclaim a solo spotlight.

Enter Wide Open, McDonald’s first new album in nine years, and his first set of all-original material since 2000. McDonald has nonetheless remained relevant through the early 21st century; he received his 13th Grammy nomination for Motown, a platinum-selling tribute to the greatest of all soul labels. He subsequently released a top 10-charting sequel, Motown Two along with a Christmas album, both of which certified as Gold Records. Following came Soul Speak, a collection of classic covers and a handful of original songs. But Wide Open finds him rediscovering his other voice—that is, his songwriting voice—in a big way, penning or co-writing 11 of the album’s 12 tracks. It’s a cogent reminder that he won Record and Song of the Year Grammys for co-writing as well as singing the Doobie Brothers hit “What a Fool Believes.” Wide Open marks a return to that classic’s emotional urgency alongside fiercer and fresher band arrangements than he’s ever created before.

Castle Rock Summer Jam
Sunday, July 29

Castle Rock Summer Jam was started by local musicians Bill Clarke and John Saunders in 2017. This year's lineup includes Big Head Todd & the Monsters, Johnny Richards, Sarah P and the Dirty Logger, The John Saunders Band, and Solar! The purpose of Castle Rock Summer Jam is to provide an opportunity to enjoy an all-day music festival close to home, complete with local food and beer vendors, while making a positive impact in the community. A portion of the proceeds from 2018 jam will benefit the Douglas / Elbert Task Force. A number of Castle Rock Summer Jam scholarships will also be created in 2018 to benefit local high school students who participate in music programs.

Join us for a Sunday afternoon in the park, July 29 at the Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park. Doors open at 2 p.m., and the fun will last until 10 p.m. Get your tickets before they are gone!

Summer Jam schedule:

GATES OPEN 2 p.m.

2:15-3:05 p.m. Johnny Richards

3:15-4:05 p.m. Sarah P and the Dirty Logger

4:20-5:30 p.m. The John Saunders Band

6-7 p.m. Solar

7:30-9 p.m. Big Head Todd & the Monsters