Concert & Theater in the Park series opens July 7

Blues giant Curtis Salgado, whose new album “The Beautiful Lowdown” was released to critical acclaim in April, opens the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District’s free Concert & Theater in the Park series with a July 7 show at Garden Home Park.

The six-event series includes one live theater performance – Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” – and five live music performances, each at a different THPRD park. Shows typically run 6-8 pm.

These performances are designed to unite friends, family and neighbors at several community parks while providing outstanding musical entertainment. At most shows, THPRD will provide family-friendly activities, including the Nature Mobile, the Rec Mobile, face painters and other activities. Event sponsors and community partners will also participate. Food and drink will be available for purchase from local vendors.

“This our 12th straight year offering high-quality entertainment in a park setting in the summertime,” said THPRD’s Deb Fife, who organizes the performances. “The fact that all of these shows are free just makes it even better. It’s one way for us to give back to our community that helps make us a successful park district.”

This summer’s lineup again showcases a wide variety of musical styles. It includes American Idol finalist Britnee Kellogg (country), Steve Hale & the Super Soul Heroes (funk), and Dancehall Days (pop).

The July 14 show features 14-piece ensemble Banda Aguila performing big band sounds of central Mexico. That show, at Center Street Park, will be the district’s first concert collaboration with the City of Beaverton. At 5 pm, Beaverton Mayor Denny Doyle will host a Picnic in the Park with a free meal for guests while supplies last. The THPRD concert begins at 6 pm.

Here is the complete 2016 Concerts & Theater in the Park schedule. All shows begin at 6 pm unless otherwise noted:

• July 7 Curtis Salgado at Garden Home Park

• July 10 “The Tempest,” Original Practice Shakespeare Festival at Schiffler Park

• July 14 Banda Aguila (mayor’s picnic at 5 pm, concert at 6 pm) at Center Street Park

• July 21 Steve Hale & The Super Soul Heroes at Greenway Park

• Aug. 11 Britnee Kellogg at Cedar Mill Park

• Aug. 25 Dancehall Days (at 5:30 pm) at Raleigh Park

In addition to THPRD’s free shows, music lovers can purchase tickets to see The Temptations on Aug. 20 at the HMT Recreation Complex (15707 SW Walker Rd., Beaverton) on Saturday, Aug. 20.

The Motown super group will headline the park district’s annual Groovin’ on the Grass show. General admission seats are just $20 in advance and $30 on the day of the show, which begins at 6 p.m. Children under age 5 will be admitted free. Groovin’ tickets can ordered online through Aug. 19 at www.thprd.org/groovin.