Hazel Miller and Nalani bring 2024 Rock & Rails season to a glorious, celebratory conclusion

On August 29, Hazel Miller & the Collective, along with Nalani Clisset (stage name Nalani) performed the final show of the 2024 Rock & Rails season at Whistle Stop Park.

As Nalani was setting up for her opening set, headliner Hazel Miller was standing by the performance gazebo greeting arriving concertgoers like old friends. Energized and radiating joy, Miller promised them that they "were in for a great evening and plenty of dancing."

Miller's band members were fired up for their set. Lead guitarist Cody Carbone, a full-time general contractor by day, praised Miller as "a really good boss, but she also keeps us (the band members) really busy." His wife, Haley, said, "I try not to miss the band's Rock & Rails performances because of Niwot's amazing vibe and enthusiastic audience."

Nalani, playing bass guitar and accompanied by her guitarist and drummer, had been the headliner at Rock & Rails the prior week. This time as the opener, she performed as a soloist with her upright bass.

Nalani said that although she emphasizes jazz and pop, the sound of a bass, "implies a jazz song no matter what songs I play." She said she "also occasionally improvises scat over her songs for a funky, soulful effect."

She began her set with "Tell Me Something Good." Her follow-up was a pleasing rendition of "Lovely Day," during which Miller surprised her onstage and added a low-keyed backup vocal.

Miller and Nalani demonstrated festive camaraderie throughout the evening when each added vocal jamming for part of the other's set.

Their relationship goes back decades. Miller first invited Nalani to join her on stage when Nalani was only eight years old, and Miller has been a mentor ever since. Nalani said, "It's almost a tradition opening for Hazel and it's a reunion getting together....She is my 'music mama.'"

When it was Miller and her band's turn to take the stage, the very large audience, including many long-time fans, was ready to party. The dance patio was packed. The lively piece, "Something's Got a Hold on Me," began her high-octane set which one fan described as a raucous celebration that rocked the evening away. A medley of Aretha Franklin songs was a highlight. Miller finished with her favorite song, "Come Together," a fitting piece for a person of such enthusiastic good will.

Collections from the evening's tip jar proceeds of $2,524 will provide support for the Niwot Community Association (NCA) and the Niwot Historical Society (NHS).

Although the Rock & Rails season has ended, the music will continue for one more week. The annual RISE Benefit Concert supporting the Jared Music Foundation will be held on Thursday, Sept. 5 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Whistle Stop Park. Donations will support the organization's mission of expanding access to music education. Entertainment includes Zivanai Masango as the opening act and Funkiphino as the headliner. Food trucks and beverages will provide refreshments.