Are you ready to dust off those lawn chairs and celebrate the annual Picnic in the Park concert series? This free community event is hosted by the Crook County Foundation is back after a COVID hiatus to provide residents with access to more local performing arts. Over 60 bands have come from all over the west coast to play in gorgeous Prineville. Thousands of people have filled Pioneer Park connecting with friends, enjoying the beautiful scenery, and dancing to well-known tunes!
The Picnic in the Park series kicks off on Wednesday, July 21 with the return of THE ROCK BOTTOM BOYS. This trio graced our stage for the first time in 2019 and were loved by the crowd! They are said to do rock n’ roll with a hillbilly soul! Tantalizing three-part harmonies, superior musicianship and incredible showmanship that all add up to something that is virtually unmatched in today’s entertainment market…a show that tickles the memories, makes you laugh, and leaves you smiling.
July 28th brings a new band to Central Oregon – The Band Fresh from Los Angeles. They are known as the west coast’s #1 Selena tribute band and will play a mix of popular Latin songs with today’s country and top 40. Start practicing those salsa moves, as we are expecting that grass dance floor to be packed with this band on stage!
We then take a break from Pioneer Park and move out to the Fairgrounds for the August 4th concert. Our long-time partnership with the Crook County Fair is welcoming The Diamonds back to town that night. This award-winning quartet will feature your favorite doo-wap and classic rock and roll songs from their 16 hit records. Since 1957, this band has been playing around the world to audiences of all ages and are always a favorite of our local venues.
Moving back to Pioneer Park on August 11th, we are excited to bring back the High Street Band. This crowd loved party band will have you dancing in the aisle with the best songs from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today! With a mix of lead singers, they can belt out the most popular top 40, Motown, jazz, blues, funk, and more!
First time PIP performer, Olivia Harms, will wrap up our free concert series on August 18th. Olivia is the daughter of country singer Joanie Harms, and is well on her way to writing hit songs of her own. She will be accompanied by our local Moss Brothers Band to play some of the best country from years gone by, as well as current hits, and her own originals.
This popular annual event series could not be possible without the generous support of our local community. Over the years, over $260,000 of sponsor support from businesses and grants have allowed these free concerts to happen. Our presenting sponsors again this year are Mid Oregon Credit Union and Oregonians Credit Union. Gold Record sponsor support is provided by Amerititle, The Associated Real Estate, Bigfoot Beverages, Endura Products, Erickson’s Thriftway, Loan Depot, Meadow Lakes Golf Course, Medicare Benefits NW – Shellie Davis, Mid Oregon Personnel, and Pacific Source. The series has also been appreciative of grant support from the Crook County Cultural Coalition, our local administrative program of the Oregon Cultural Trust, and in-kind support from the Crook County Parks and Recreation District.
Grab that lawn chair out of the garage, pack up a picnic dinner with your favorite (non-alcoholic) drinks, and join us! We will see you on gorgeous Wednesday nights in Pioneer Park July 21-August 18 from 6-8 pm, catching up with friends, enjoying amazing entertainment, and appreciating our great community.
If you are interested in learning more about the Crook County Foundation or have questions about our Picnic in the Park concert series, contact Brandi Ebner, Crook County Foundation Executive Director at 541-362-1210 or info@crookcountyfoundation.org. Also, please visit our website www.CrookCountyFoundation.org to learn more about the variety of programs and events that we offer in Crook County.