On Thursday, July 21 City Beat, lays down the law with its hard-hitting horn section and popping percussion at the Idyllwild Summer Concert Series (ISCS). The band, composed of serving and retired law enforcement officers (plus a couple ringers), found its target with last summer’s Idyllwild audience with a playlist of Chicago, Tower of Power, Blood Sweat and Tears and other brass-heavy pop bands.
“We patrol the streets and bring everyone the basic beat,” said Ed Riojos, Burbank Airport police officer and guitarist with the 11-piece ensemble. Its lineup (no pun intended) includes Riojos on guitar; Paul Orlowski (Burbank Police Department) on bass; Johnny Martinez (retired California Highway Patrol) on drums; Jonny Walker (Los Angeles Police Department) on lead vocals; Carol Davis (Los Angeles Police Department) on Etta James and other bluesy vocals; Bob Binder (Los Angeles Police Department) on tenor sax; Dan Glass (retired El Monte Police Department) on trombone; Jack Poster (Redlands Police Department) on trumpet; Ryan Clarke (civilian with the Drug Enforcement Agency) on baritone sax; and civilians Chuck Paul (lawyer) on keyboard and Kevin Kline (the teacher, not the actor) on trumpet.
Last summer, City Beat’s pulse and drive had local dancers crowding the tennis court dance floor. So if dancing is your thing, and a full horn section playing solid arrangements gets you moving, make sure to be there for City Beat’s downbeat at 7 p.m. Opening for City Beat are the Surf Riders Quintet at 6:15 p.m. Surf Riders Pete Holzman, Vince Day, Will Bonnar, Kevin Hamby, Rodger Reeder and Sue Parker cover Beach Boys, the Ventures, Jan and Dean and the golden era of surf music.
Check the ISCS fundraising thermometer and contribute what you can when the donation jar is passed. Each year ISCS promoter Ken Dahleen and his board launch this series on faith, with minimal funds on hand when concert acts are scheduled and booked. Contributions at the last concert were $1,494 and two additional season sponsors signed up. Dahleen and the board now have $9,794 out of their 2011 budget of $19,500, leaving a balance of $9,706.
Contributors and sponsors can contact Dahleen at (951) 659-2229, deposit checks into the ISCS account at BBVA Compass Bank in Idyllwild, or send checks to Idyllwild Summer Concerts, Inc., P.O. Box 1542, Idyllwild, CA 92549.
