Are you ready to celebrate the 15th annual Picnic in the Park concert series? This free community event is hosted by the Crook County Foundation as one way to expose residents to performing arts. Over its tenure – over 55 bands have come from all over the west coast, last year we even had a band from Nashville, to play in gorgeous Prineville. Thousands of people have filled Pioneer Park connecting with friends, enjoying the beautiful scenery, and dancing to well-known tunes!
This popular annual event series could not be possible without the generous support of our local community. Over the years, over $245,000 of sponsor support from businesses and grants have allowed these free concerts to happen. Our top sponsor has been Mid Oregon Credit Union and they are joined again this year as a Rock Star Sponsor by Oregonians Credit Union and as a Platinum Sponsor the Prineville-Crook County Chamber of Commerce. There are also several businesses who provide important in-kind support that help host the performers and promote the shows. The series has also been appreciative of grant support from the Crook County Cultural Coalition, our local administrative program of the Oregon Cultural Trust. Please visit our new website and click on Picnic in the Park under Programs to learn about all the incredible 2019 sponsors.
Our committee worked hard to make 2019 the best line-up yet! The Picnic in the Park series kicks off on Wednesday, July 17 with one of Central Oregon’s most popular bands – Precious Byrd. They have been voted #1 Party Band in Oregon multiple years running they have played for brands like Nike, Deschutes Brewery, Pendleton Whiskey, and more! Their fresh renditions of modern and classic hits, along with several high energy originals are sure to fill the dance floor and get people on their feet!
First time PIP performers on July 24 will be Joe Shinkle and 99 West based in the Willamette Valley. Joe and his band are a hit at fairs and festivals across the northwest. Playing some of the most popular country songs from today, and the classics, you will hear all you favorites!
July 31 will welcome a new group to Prineville – THE ROCK BOTTOM BOYS. This trio is unlike anything you have seen before – said to do rock n’ roll with a hillbilly soul! Tantalizing three-part harmonies, superior musicianship and incredible showmanship that all add up to something that is virtually unmatched in today’s entertainment market…a show that tickles the memories, makes you laugh, and leaves you smiling.
PIP is excited to continue our great partnership with the Crook County Fair, where on August 7 The Modern Gentlemen will hit the stage in the big tent at the fairgrounds. This dynamic quartet feels very fortunate to have worked alongside many of the artists they celebrate. They bring their charm, high energy, and spot on vocals with harmonic perfection!
We head back to Pioneer Park on August 14 with another act that is new to Picnic in the Park, but not Prineville. The Scott Brockett Band is sure to please with a mix of classic rock, blues, R&B and originals. Scott now resides in Portland, but as a 2000 Crook County High School graduate, many have heard him singing for years.
Lastly, we wrap up this year’s concerts with The Notables Swing Band on August 21. The big band era comes alive whenever they play the great swing music of the 1930's - 50's. This 17-member band based out of Bend, provides rousing big band music including the classic swing music popularized by musicians such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Glenn Miller, but also a big variety of more recent favorites, all played with the traditional full sounds of a classic big band.
Dust off your lawn chair, pack up a picnic dinner with your favorite (non-alcoholic) drinks, and join us! We will see you on gorgeous Wednesday nights in Pioneer Park July 17-August 21 from 6-8 pm, catching up with friends, enjoying amazing entertainment, and appreciating our great community.
If you are interested in learning more about the Crook County Foundation, or any of our programs, contact Brandi Ebner, Crook County Foundation Executive Director at 541-362-1210 or info@crookcountyfoundation.org. Also, please visit our website www.CrookCountyFoundation.org
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