Slow Food brings local salads to House Blend Band concerts

The edge of spring verging onto warmer summer months marks the start of the House Blend Band concerts on Second Avenue. The concerts start on Saturday, May 18, at 6 p.m., with one concert every month throughout the summer.

This year, the House Blend Band event will be working with the Boulder County chapter of Slow Food to provide salads at the event in addition to the spaghetti that is typically served at Old Oak Coffeehouse. All of the ingredients for the salads are locally sourced from farms and businesses in or around the Niwot area to help support both the event and local businesses at the same time. The audience is expected to bring their own chairs for the event and Second Avenue will be closed between Murray Street and Franklin Street during the concerts.

During the concert on May 18 the salad will come from Crooked Roots Farm, with a coriander lime vinaigrette salad dressing from La Musette. On June 15 a salad with vegetables will be provided by Ollin Farms and an Italian salad dressing from Cimmini’s Restaurant.

The salad on July 20 will be provided by Kilt Farm, with a salad dressing from 1914 House. Due to 1914 House’s recent closure announcement, the dressing may come from another venue.

The Aug. 10 concert will feature vegetables from Sprout City Farms and dressings provided by the Niwot Market. Finally, on September 14, greens will be provided by Sunflower Farm and dressing from Farow Restaurant.

“Slow Food Boulder County was approached with the idea to help lead a dinner on 2nd Avenue last year,” stated Jodie Popma, Slow Food Boulder County Board Member. “It was late in the season, and the House Blend Band and Old Oak Coffeehouse were already permitted to run events. It is much better to support events than it is to create a new one from scratch. I approached Patty (Machen) in late 2023 to see how our chapter could help with their existing event. She said they do not offer salads, and we could help fill this gap. A partnership was born.”

Jodie Popma and Suze Fischer who helps lead the events for the Boulder County chapter are coordinating the House Blend Band concert salads. Slow Food is a national organization, with 80 different chapters across the U.S., that helps communities connect with the local food in their area. The Boulder County chapter of Slow Food has 70 members in the area.

“Slow Food Boulder County specifically works to educate the community about our local food system, which includes farmers, restaurants, markets and schools.” Pompa said. “The House Blend Band events are a perfect opportunity to showcase produce from a local farm while promoting a local restaurant by using a custom salad dressing. We are inviting the farmers to each event and will be paying for their dinner, which will allow for attendees to meet the farmer. We are paying for the produce and dressings, while requesting donations from those wanting salads.”

Don’t miss the first concert on May 18 at 6 p.m.