Eagles tribute band The Long Run returns to Rock & Rails

The Long Run, Colorado's Eagles tribute band, has made its share of memories playing summer Thursday nights at Whistle Stop Park. Last year, the band's performance took place just a day after Randy Meisner, a founding member of The Eagles, passed away. Rock & Rails is the only concert on their schedule where the group plays from a gazebo.

One of the things the band appreciates most about performing in Niwot is the enthusiastic crowds, ready to sing along and move, that come out to see them. Band leader Mark Trippensee once said how much the group appreciates that the mournful whistle of a passing train is always a possibility during any performance. Perhaps this is the year it happens during their cover of "Midnight Flyer." That would be another Rock & Rails memory for everyone. Founded in 2009, the band is collectively and individually packed with musical experience. Trippensee, a Niwot High School graduate, has played with 38 Special, REO Speedwagon and Winger. Bassist Rick Pappano has played with Loretta Lynn and Orleans. Drummer Chris Stongle has worked with John Oates, and members of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. The Long Run has performed at Red Rocks, and The Paramount Theater in Denver. They're also a staple at community-based concerts during the summer, including Buffalo Bill Days in Golden and September's Autumn Gold Festival in Estes Park.

As with every Thursday night concert, the Long Run will take the stage as headliner at 6:30 p.m. But crowds will start to gather as early as 5 p.m. for drink specials and opening act Danny Shafer. Shafer, a Chicago native turned Coloradoan, is a prolific singer-songwriter who has been playing music in the area for more than three decades. In addition to opening at Rock & Rails, he has played at The Wheel House, Abbot and Wallace Distilling and The Dairy Arts Center.

Left Hand Giving Circle, a group of local women who support a variety of local charities, will be the tip jar recipient this week at Rock & Rails.