House Blend Band 2022 - bigger and better

Back by popular demand, the House Blend Band will start its 2022 concert series after Around the World Day in Niwot on Saturday, May 14.

The eight-piece band, consisting of Old Oak Coffee House owners Michael Tomich (lead singer, keyboard, guitar) and Patty Machen (viola, mandolin and percussion), Michael's daughter, Paris Tomich (Lead vocals and percussion), and local Niwot/Boulder/Longmont residents Andrew Bunin (bass guitar, backing vocalist), John Lawrence (Drummer), Eric Ottem (trumpet, harmonica), Derek Olson (lead guitar) and David Mitchell (saxophone, French horn and flute).

The band's name originated from a play on words with a combination of "House Band" and the "House Blend Coffee" Old Oak owners Tomich and Machen serve in the coffee shop.

Together the band members create a beautifully orchestrated concert consisting of an eclectic mix of classic songs from the 60s, 70s , 80s and 90s. It can be anything from Motown and Chicago, to Elton John and the Eagles.

The block on 2nd Avenue outside their coffee shop will be closed from 6 to 9 p.m. so families can bring their lawn chairs, dogs and dancing shoes and listen to some of their favorite songs that will take them back in time.

The band has gradually grown over the past three years, and this year they invested in some new high quality sound equipment. Tomich and Machen were able to obtain some LID funding to cover some of the other expenses associated with putting on the free concert series. This year they will even have a sound man mixing the band.

"Technically, and hopefully, it should sound much better this year -- it is very exciting," Tomich said. He explained that he and his daughter will sing one Elton John song the way they used to sing every song when she was little, sitting in the back of the car. "She would simply harmonize throughout the entire song. It was both wonderful and totally obnoxious," he laughs.

Available to purchase that evening will be Old Oak's famous spaghetti and meatballs, created from Tomich's grandma's recipe which she brought from Italy in the early 1900s. Tomich said, "My wife Patty and I are super grateful for the support of the community, the business community, their staff and coffee shop customers. We feel very well loved and supported. It 's been a wonderful experience. Niwot is very special to us!"

One addition to the middle three concerts of the series will be that one of their employees from the coffee house will be showcased at each show, and will sing a song with them.

Concert dates are May 14, June 19, July 16, August 20 and September 17, from 6 to 9 p.m., plus Lobsterfest on September 3rd.