A peaceful, easy feeling as The Long Run takes the stage at Rock & Rails

On a blistering Thursday evening, The Long Run, Colorado's Eagles tribute band, returned to Whistle Stop Park for another memorable Rock & Rails performance. Despite the record-breaking heat, the night was filled with the sounds of classic rock and an enthusiastic crowd for the first concert of July.

The evening kicked off with Danny Shafer, a seasoned singer-songwriter with over three decades of experience in the Colorado music scene. Sitting in the little shade he could find on the stage, Shafer played through the brute of the heat with his guitar strings falling out of key due to the high temperatures.

When a train passed by during his set, the conductor stuck his hand out of the engine's window to wave at the Rock & Rails crowd. Although the conductor was unable to see the crowd's response, the concertgoers waved back. Shafer serenaded the crowd with an acoustic melody to complement the noise of the wheels on the track, creating a whimsical moment for everyone in attendance.

After Shafer's performance, Satir DeMarco, who books the bands for the concert series, told the crowd that a train passing by during Rock & Rails is considered a sign of good luck in Niwot, and attendees are supposed to make a wish as they wave back.

The heat continued causing problems when The Long Run was scheduled to take the stage. With sound equipment overheating, DeMarco took an extra few minutes to remind the crowd that hydration was essential and to let her or other organizers know if they needed extra ice or any other assistance.

When the headliner was finally able to take the stage, the band's energy was palpable. The Long Run launched into an electric guitar rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" causing the crowd to stand, take off their hats, and place their hands over their hearts.

As the chords still lingered in the air, The Long Run seamlessly transitioned into their set of classic rock hits. The crowd's patriotic reverence quickly turned into enthusiastic cheers as the band opened with Joe Walsh's "Rocky Mountain Way," setting the tone for an unforgettable evening.

The band's performance was a masterful blend of Eagles favorites and other rock classics from Jackson Browne, Crosby Stills & Nash, Randy Meisner, Kansas, Mike + The Mechanics, and Elton John.

The crowd sang along and danced all night, getting lost in the music and forgetting about the heat. Many found themselves in the line for some Sweet Cow ice cream, which remained long for the entire duration of the concert.

As the sun set over Whistle Stop Park, The Long Run concluded its set with iconic hits like "Hotel California," "Life in the Fast Lane," and "Take It to the Limit" leaving the audience satisfied with the evening.

The night's tip jar recipient was the Left Hand Giving Circle, founded by a group of women who decided in 2017 that they would pool their financial resources and time to make an impact on the community. According to the website, since its origination, the group has grown past 50 members and granted more than $85,000 to local nonprofits, as well as investing over 1,000 volunteer hours into the community.

Although the summer concert series is free, patrons are encouraged to show their appreciation with tips at the entrance and when purchasing adult beverages. The July 11 tip total was over $2,500, the highest so far this summer.

The July 18 concert will feature the Mark Obliger Duo, as the opener, and Chris Daniels & The Kings with Freddi Gowdy.