Face Vocal Band brings a new performer and updated setlist to Whistle Stop Park Aug. 17

It's been a year since the last time Face Vocal Band took the stage at Rock & Rails. "For us, every year, it gets a big circle on our calendar," said Mark Megibow, vocal performer and one of the band's partners. "It's one of the most crowded, animated and excited groups we get to play for. People get loud and they have fun."

Megibow said that Rock & Rails is also one of the concert series that Face has been playing for the longest. That creates a lot of memories. In addition to the reliable energy of the audience, crowd stories are some of the things that the band members remember through the years. Megibow said that he's even heard from fans who listened to the band after being stuck in traffic on the Diagonal Highway.

As he considered his earliest days playing Rock & Rails, Megibow expressed appreciation for Satir DiMarco, who organizes the talent for the concert series. "Satir had a feeling for us long before we got attention from other places. It's one of the reasons we're happy to come back to this series again and again," he said.

Di Marco confirmed that Face, along with a handful of other groups including Chris Daniels and the Kings, are in the elite group of performers that haven't missed a Rock & Rails performance.

As Face returns this year, they'll be joined by Anderson Daniels, who replaced Cody Qualls. In 2022, the performers played one set with Daniels and a second with Qualls, Megibow recalled, "That's kind of cool, marking time and transitions. A year ago, we were in transition, now one person has been locked in for a year," he said. The group is using the different vocal performance nuances that Daniels brings as an inspiration for fresh material. As much as half the show will be new to audiences, he said.

The band is also feeling gratitude that they're getting busier as the effects of the pandemic ebb.Their schedule is as busy as it's ever been since 2019 and Megibow credits a loyal Colorado audience. "It's very refreshing, relieving and exciting. Locals continue to come out and support us year in and year out."

Megibow also encouraged the crowds to get there early. "Our fans from around the area are coming to see us that night. They know it's a great venue."

As is usual for the series, anyone planning to arrive in the earlier part of the night will have plenty to do. The evening's opening act, Legitimate By Friday, will take the stage starting at 5:00, during happy hour with drink specials and food trucks.

Legitimate by Friday has performed at Rock & Rails for several years, and features two Niwot natives, Mike Anderson on drums, and Michael Warren on guitar. The group, which took shape in a San Diego garage, was without a name until they were told on a weekend by a friend that they needed to be ready to play an opening set on the following Friday – thus the name, Legitimate by Friday. The band is bringing in two former members, one from St. Louis, and one from San Francisco.