Hot Lunch on a hot night at Whistle Stop Park

After the opening night concert was cut short due to a thunderstorm, concertgoers were eager to get back on the dance floor at week two of Niwot's Rock & Rails summer concert series at Whistle Stop Park. The event featured a summery night of fantastic music, dancing, and community energy from 5 to 9 p.m.

The evening began with The George Street Duo, which took the stage from 5 to 6 p.m. The talented pair, featuring lead singer George Street on guitar and Niwot resident Joe Pacheco on bass, captivated the audience with their versatile music style, blending Americana, rock, and blues. Their engaging performance set the tone for the evening, as concertgoers entered the park, claimed a spot with their fold-up chairs, and took to the dance floor.

The Hot Lunch Band, based in Denver, took the stage at 6:30 p.m. Known for their high-energy funk, the band had the dance floor hopping from start to finish.

They delighted the audience with their twist on several songs, including "Rock Steady" by The Whispers, "I'll Be Around" by The Spinners, "24K Magic" by Bruno Mars, and "Country Girl" by Luke Bryan. The band's promise of an "electrifying funky good time" was actualized, as concertgoers could not help but move their feet.

Satir DeMarco, who books the bands for the concert series, had predicted the band's success, saying, "They're a great dance band, people will have a wonderful time." Her confidence was well-placed, as Hot Lunch's funky rhythms and lively stage presence had everyone on their feet.

Luke Weatherspoon shared his enthusiasm for the event, saying, "I love how many people show up each week." Weatherspoon and Jamie Shunk came dressed up for the concert and spent the evening running off the dance floor in between songs for a quick outfit change. They were a lively duo on the dance floor, guaranteeing everyone was dancing and having a great time.

In addition to the great music, attendees were greeted by volunteers from the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center (CTRC) and the Women's International Niwot Club (WINC), the week's tip jar recipients. Although the summer concert series is free, patrons are encouraged to show their appreciation with tips that support Niwot-connected non-profits. This week the tip jar totaled over $2,100, which was higher than last year's average.

Rock & Rails is also committed to being a zero-waste event. This means any trash brought in with concertgoers must also be taken out with them, as there are no trash cans inside the venue. Instead, there are recycling and compost bins. Everything sold at the venue is either recyclable or compostable, but items brought into the event may need to be packed out.

The volunteers, referred to as Gargoyles, sitting atop the recycling and composting bins are meant to aid attendees in correctly sorting their waste properly, and it is important to treat them with respect as they do their jobs. Event managers reported several instances of patrons throwing trash on the ground last week, or verbally harassing the Gargoyles. Anyone observing such behavior is encouraged to promptly report it to event managers at the front gate or at the Depot building. Offenders will be required to leave the event.

Several Gargoyles walk the park and collect plates, cups, napkins, cutlery, and cans no longer in use. At the end of each concert, the Gargoyles collect and store all of the road signs placed around town to assist patrons with parking.

Western Disposal handles recycling for the event, and Rock & Rails has partnered with Wompost: Women-Owned Composting to help sustain the event's zero-waste policy.

The June 13 concert will feature opener Tim Ostdiek & Jenny and headliner The Alcapones.