House Blend Band returns Aug. 19

The House Blend Band resumes its summer concert series on 2nd Avenue in Niwot on Saturday, Aug. 19, from 6 to 9 p.m.

2nd Avenue from Murray Street to Franklin Street will be closed for the duration of the event to provide room for the portable stage set up, seating, and dancing in the street.

The inside of The Old Oak Coffeehouse will be closed during the event, but spaghetti will be served from the window, along with other food and drinks. Other businesses, including 1914 House and The Niwot Wheel House, will be open as usual.

Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs as seating is very limited.

The House Blend Band is the creation of husband and wife team Michael Tomich and Patty Machen, co-owners of the coffeehouse, along with friends, family, and at least one featured fan or employee of the coffeehouse.

Tomich plays piano and guitar, and is one of the lead vocalists. His daughter Paris, helps create "familial harmonies" with the band. Tomich, a retired music teacher, played music with his fourth and fifth-grade students for over 25 years, but now leads his own band.

Machen, also a retired teacher, originally played viola, but now plays violin and mandolin, and has added some percussion to her repertoire. Andrew Bunin on bass and background vocals was one of the first non-family members to join the group.

John Lawrence on drums was also an early member of the band. Trumpet player Eric Ottem makes up part of the horn section, along with David Mitchell on woodwinds, and Zach Kaufman on trombone. Derek Olson plays lead guitar for the band.

Tomich recruited recent CU graduate Christian Alejandro Garibay to mix the sound for the band.

Tomich said, "We have also invited The Niwot Gig to have one of their kids' bands play a short set during our intermission. Patty and I being teachers in our previous careers really like this idea.

Also, The LOCO ukulele group will be doing a short warmup set starting at 5 :45 p.m. just before our show."