Chris Daniels & The Kings with Freddi Gowdy deliver summer concert magic at Rock & Rails

On July 18, Rock & Rails continued its summer concert series with performances that showcased seasoned talent.

The evening kicked off with Mark Oblinger, a five-time Emmy-winning and Grammy-nominated composer/producer. Oblinger, accompanied by Linda Lawson, invited e-Town's Christian Teele, Eric Moon, and the night's headliner, Chris Daniels on stage with him. They treated the crowd to a unique blend of original music as concertgoers walked in, set down their fold-up chairs, and grabbed food and drinks.

Oblinger's experience includes performing with Pure Prairie League and Firefall, as well as Richie Furay of Buffalo Springfield and Poco, Garth Brooks, Amy Grant, John Oates, Jeff Hanna, and Michael Martin Murphy.

As Oblinger and friends wrapped up their set, the crowd eagerly awaited the headliner, Chris Daniels & The Kings with Freddi Gowdy. Celebrating their 40th anniversary, the band did not disappoint. They kicked off with a rousing rendition of "I'll Take You There" by The Staple Singers, followed by "Takin' It To The Streets," a track from their collection with Hazel Miller.

The setlist was a diverse mix of funk, blues, and classic rock, including songs by Delbert McClinton, Pharrell Williams, Wild Cherry, and The Temptations. The crowd ate up the whole night, waving their hands in the air and dancing nonstop.

A special moment in the evening occurred when Oblinger and Lawson were invited back on stage for a new song, "Jump," then "Sweet Memphis," and "Everybody is a Millionaire."

The band's well-planned set made for seamless transitions between songs to keep the energy high throughout the night. The audience also got to celebrate two special birthday shoutouts to Nissi's founder, Teresa Taylor, and a concertgoer named Ryan.

Chris Daniels & The Kings' new album, "Forty," named in honor of the forty years they have spent together, promises more great music from this iconic band. Freddi Gowdy, who has been with the band for the past fifteen years, will also be featured on the album, along with Oblinger and Lawson.

The tip jar recipients were the Niwot Patriotic Cookie Moms and Niwot Community Connection. The tip total was over $2,600, reflecting the crowd's generosity toward two charitable organizations in Niwot who do important work, bringing care packages to those in the military service, and providing social opportunities for seniors in the Niwot area, respectively.

The July 25 concert will feature Wendy Woo, as the opener, with headliner, Ain't No Mountain High Enough with Dzirae Gold to follow. Niwot Youth Sports and Cake4Kids will share the tip jar proceeds.