Rock & Rails in full swing

Dark skies and the threat of rain didn't deter a large crowd from enjoying the second Rock & Rails concert of the season on Thursday, June 8.

The music kicked off at 5:00 p.m. with Dean Himes, a local country artist. Himes wowed the crowd with a combination of his original songs and well-loved covers. Himes is no stranger to Niwot having played at the Niwot Tavern, First Friday Art Walks and Rock & Rails in the past. Himes was inducted into the Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame in 2022.

Headliner Chris Daniels and the Kings featuring Freddi Gowdy kicked off the dance party at 6:30 p.m. They were introduced by a surprise guest, Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald, a Denver veterinarian and accomplished stand-up comedian, may be best known for his role on Animal Planet's popular Emergency Vets show.

The Grammy-nominated band got crowd members on their feet with their mix of blues, funk and rock, playing new music and covers of crowd favorites. A spate of rain around 8:15 p.m. didn't stop the festivities.

Chris Daniels and the Kings featuring Freddi Gowdy have been on the Colorado music scene for 39 years and counting. They are always a fan favorite at Rock & Rails, drawing large crowds every year. Daniels was inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame in 2013.

Patrons were generous with tip jar donations of $2,046, going this week to P.E.O. (A Philanthropic Education Organization). The organization, started in 1869, assists women pursuing educational goals by providing grants, scholarships, awards and loans in the U.S. and Canada. Niwot is home to a P.E.O. chapter.

Next up at Rock & Rails on June 15th: Taylor Shae opens for country/southern rock band CW & Twenty Hands High. For a full schedule and more information visit https://niwot.com/rock-rails/.