The first of 2023’s Thursday night free Idyllwild Summer Concerts is set for July 6 at the Butterfield Amphitheater. It will feature series veteran Frank DiSalvo and his classic country band the Sundowners.

The Sundowners feature “the good old boys: Willie, Waylon, Cash, Buck, Merle, George Jones … no new country!” Like all the headliners, the Sundowners take the stage at 7 p.m.

DiSalvo is a versatile pro and a fixture in the Palm Springs nightclub scene. He fields a number of groups he has brought to the Summer Concerts, including his big band tribute to Frank Sinatra, and, last summer, Swing City II with a tribute to Earth Wind and Fire, Chicago and Blood, Sweat and Tears.

At 6:05 p.m., In the Pocket opens, playing modern roots, Americana and rhythm and blues. Locals Miles Thomas, Jeff Hixon and Scott Bump have been playing together about a year and a half. The trio play acoustic and electric guitars, and sing, bringing some original vocal harmonies to familiar material that incudes rock and blues and original tunes. You may have seen them around town at venues like Middle Ridge Winery or Café Aroma.

The series began in 2000 with four shows, and has grown steadily since. Last year the eight planned concerts were extended to a ninth night, featuring Jennifer Singer. Singer’s residencies with cruise lines culminated in her position as “Signature Artist” aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s Wonder of the Seas. She will return this year on Aug. 10 for “A Touch of Broadway.”

Each year, Ken Dahleen and his crew book the entertainment, make the necessary financial arrangements, and provide the sound and lighting set up to give the community professionally produced and memorable summer evenings. This summer, nine concerts are planned. Dahleen’s Big Band Staff always provides a special program, this year on July 13, when it presents a tribute to Barbra Streisand, featuring Sharon Owens. Dahleen said, “Sharon Owens is Barbra Streisand in the Vegas Legends Show. She tours the world. I was out on tour with her for seven weeks earlier this year. She is incredible.” That show will start at 7 p.m. without an opening act.

The guiding light in Dahleen’s programming has always been “something for everybody,” spanning the years, styles and generations, from the Ghost Notes’ Grateful Dead tribute to the U.S. Marine Corps 1st Division Band. Most of the acts will be familiar to series concertgoers. One new addition is Crucial Culture, a versatile Coachella Valley band with a Latin feel, scheduled for July 20.

The concerts are all free, but donations are gratefully accepted. The funding is met through contributions from the community, and the series always starts on a wing and a prayer. The budget this year is $36,900.

Dahleen told the Town Crier that the insurance for the series went up, without explanation, from $562 to $3,500. He is “questioning” the hike, one more bit of unglamorous but necessary behind-the scenes effort. Contributions, checks payable to Idyllwild Summer Concert Org, may be sent to P.O. Box 1542, Idyllwild CA 92549-1542, or call (760) 413-4638.

Remember that temperatures drop in the summer evening. Come prepared with an extra layer: Butterfield Amphitheater, 54201 Ridgeview Drive, access through the Idyllwild Community Center Playground Parking lot on Highway 243 just south of town.