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 'til 10 p.m. Get your tickets before they are gone!

David Pack's Legends Live
Saturday, Aug. 18

Four legendary superstars on one stage singing their biggest iconic hits makes this a once-in-a-lifetime night! This very special evening features Grammy-winning singers and recording artists that have sold a collective 500 million albums, and will include timeless songs from the 70’s and 80’s that have been part of the soundtrack of our lives for decades.  

Also appearing is jazz piano icon David Benoit, performing in honor of the Centennial of world-renowned composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein. Benoit will perform selections from Bernstein’s master works, along with his own hit songs.

The evening will conclude with an encore featuring all five legends together on one stage.

The headliners for this epic performance are:

• Gary Wright - singing Dream Weaver, Love is Alive, and more 
• John Elefante (former lead singer of KANSAS) - singing Dust in the Wind, Carry On Wayward Son, and more 
• Jim Peterik (founder/singer IDES OF MARCH, songwriter .38 Special, and formerly of Survivor- singing Eye of the Tiger and Vehicle 
• David Pack (former lead singer of AMBROSIA) - singing Biggest Part of Me, You're the Only Woman, and more 
• David Benoit - performing Linus and Lucy, Key to You, and “Overture to Candide” in honor of Leonard Bernstein’s 100 Centennial Celebration