In the valley most residents try to stay as far as they can from the scorching heat that makes the region so infamous. But at night the valley is starting to become quite the spot for outdoor entertainment.
Up and down the valley outdoor venues are popping up at parks, and amphitheatre. Most of these venues have started picking up large followings from different crowds and music genres around the area.
These venues are usually booked with up-and-coming artists, or artists looking to get back in the public eye. The venues according to 93.7 KISS Country morning show host Jody Jo, “Attract ‘B’ and ‘C’ artists, or new acts to get in front of 3,000 people who would not normally get to see them.”
93.7 KISS Country is one of the valley leaders in outdoor concerts. For a number of years now the station has been sponsoring the “KISS Country $5 concert series” which is held at the Woodward Park Rotary amphitheatre. The station features five of these concerts every summer. They start in May and end in September.
Some of the acts that have passed through this venue are now topping the charts in the country music world. The acts include Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton, Lady Antebellum, and Steve Holy.
At $5 a ticket the concert series allows entire families to go out and enjoy a beautiful valley summer night with good entertainment, and an even better atmosphere. “It’s back to nature! It is the fresh air and a beverage, it is open and free!” says Jody Jo.
This year’s line-up has featured popular country duo Steel Magnolia, Steve Holy, Phil Vassar, Sunny Sweeney, and the last concert on Sept.15 will have former American Idol finalist Danny Gokey.
A new venue in valley entertainment opened in the small community of Woodlake called Twilight Park. This venue is unlike any other outdoor venue in the area in the sense that it has the largest permanent outdoor performing platform in North America.
Twilight Park can also seat up to 10,000 but do not be fooled by the word “seat.” This venue encourages attendees to bring blankets or lawn chairs to performances.
Country music act Montgomery Gentry were the first to ever perform at Twilight Park a few weeks ago. Tickets to this venue will vary by act. Upcoming acts coming to the park include country duo Big & Rich.
106.7 KJUG Country morning show host Mike Pesto said, “Look for some big time acts to start taking a long hard look at all the venues now open to them in the valley.”
But along with the advantages that come with attending performances at these outdoor venues come disadvantages. “You always get the annoying kids running around wild,” said concert attendee Jamey Thomason.
But when it comes to large acts like Kenny Chesney, it is highly unlikely that he would come to one of the outdoor venues. “I would not want to see a major concert in an outdoor arena. It is hard to get good sound,” says Jody Jo.
