Rockin' in the park Rockin' in the park (May 27, 2005)

Silicon Valley Houserockers opens Concerts in the Park series
by Rebecca Guyon

With all of the unseasonal rain this month, it may seem hard to believe that summer is just around the corner, but all the signs are there: the air is warming, pools are opening and the Pleasanton Downtown Association will hold its first concert in the Park series next Friday, June 3. This year the series kicks off with the Silicon Valley Houserockers, a 10-piece rock n' roll band. Its claim to fame - a wide repertoire and high-energy performances.

"The Houserockers are a band for people who enjoy rock, swing, '60s - they play it all," said Christine Salidivar, executive director of the PDA.

This is the Houserockers' third year playing in the concert series. The group first discovered Pleasanton and the series after playing shows at Main Street Brewery, said Houserockers manager Paul Kent.

"We are always looking for great community venues to play our music and Pleasanton has such a warm downtown," Kent said. "We do a great family rock n' roll show that gets everyone involved and is unique to the area."

Last year's series packed Lions Wayside Park and some shows even spilled over to nearby Delucci Park, Salidivar said. Even though the shows start at 7 p.m., people were using blankets to reserve spaces as early as 5 a.m. for some shows.

"We recommend people start showing up at 5 or 6 p.m., get a dinner to go from a local restaurant or get some food at the park and make it an evening picnic," Salidivar said.

It's no surprise the concerts have gained such popularity as the Downtown Association has been doing the series for 20 years and earned a reputation for bringing great music on warm summer nights.

This year's musical line-up includes a mix of returning favorites such as Midnight Hour, Cantera, Magic Moments and Night Fever, as well as new artists Blair Hansen and RED DI.

"We keep a library of hundreds of bands and each year receive CDs from many fantastic local musicians, which allows us to have exceptional talent," Salidivar said.

The PDA goes through an extensive search to find the best Bay Area bands that will entertain Pleasanton audiences and provide an assortment of musical styles so everyone can find a reason to come out at least once during the summer, she added.

"We have such a variety that, no matter what kind of music you enjoy, there will be something for you," Salidivar said.
If you go

When: 7 - 8:30 p.m. every Friday night from June 3 to September 2

Where: Lions Wayside Park at First and Neal streets

Cost: Free

Tips: Get there early and bring a blanket.

Rules: No alcoholic beverages or plastic tarps

Visit www.pleasantondowntown.net for a full list of performers 1

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