Soulful performance by Ain't No Mountain High Enough on the Rock & Rails stage

On a hazy Thursday evening, Ain't No Mountain High Enough with Dzirae Gold took the stage at Whistle Stop Park for an unforgettable Rock & Rails performance.

The July 25 night kicked off with Wendy Woo, an inductee into Westword Magazine's Hall of Fame and a five-time "Singer/Songwriter of the Year" Westword Magazine award winner. Highlights from her set included heartfelt renditions of "Closer to Fine" by the Indigo Girls, "Sweet Dreams" by the Eurythmics, and "Son of a Preacher Man" by Dusty Springfield. Her impressive vocals set the tone for the evening as patrons entered the park, claimed a spot with their fold-up chairs, and took to the dance floor. Woo also took the opportunity to promote her presence on Spotify.

Ain't No Mountain High Enough with Dzirae Gold took the stage at 6:30 p.m. Known for their ability to replicate the iconic sounds of '60s and '70s Motown artists, the group did not disappoint.

Dzirae Gold, who has been compared to Diana Ross, captivated the audience with her powerful voice. She and fellow bandmate, Devan Blake Jones, a contestant in the late rounds of season 20 of "The Voice," danced through their setlist, along with the crowd.

The setlist was a nostalgic journey through some iconic Motown hits, including pieces from Diana Ross, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder.

The band also features Ian Arras on keyboard, two bass players, a drummer, a saxophonist, and a trumpeter.

The camaraderie on stage and the obvious joy of performing together made for an engaging and entertaining performance.

Adding to the evening's celebratory atmosphere, the Niwot High School Class of 1984 held its 40-year reunion at the event. The group spent the night catching up, singing, and dancing together.

The night's tip jar recipients were Cake4Kids and Niwot Youth Sports. Cake4Kids bakes and customizes birthday cakes for at-risk youth, ensuring that every child has a special birthday treat. Since 2010, Cake4Kids has delivered over 65,000 cakes to kids across nineteen states, according to their website. Niwot Youth Sports is a non-profit organization that provides recreational and competitive sports opportunities for local youth, including baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, and flag football.

Although the summer concert series is free, patrons are encouraged to show their appreciation at the entrance and when purchasing adult beverages. The July 25 tip total was over $2,300.

The Aug. 1 concert will feature Stangebyrds as the opener and local favorite Last Men on Earth with Niwot's Mike Holubec on guitar to follow. The tip jar recipients will be Via Mobility Services, which provides transportation services in Niwot and beyond, and the Niwot Cultural Arts Association's Sculpture Park project on 79th Street and Niwot Road.