Summer Concert Series Brings More Great Music to Idyllwild

Idyllwild’s free Summer Concert series continues its 25th anniversary
season Thursday, July 11 with Sherry Williams and Friends, backed by an
orchestra led by series founder Ken Dahleen. Next week, on the 18th,
series veterans SouthBound and Company will bring their classic rock
tribute, Double Shot. Sandii Castleberry and Lily McCabe will open that
show.

Sherry Williams has been part of Idyllwild’s jazz experience for many
years. She has graced the Summer Concert Series many times, as well as
Jazz in the Pines and Master Chorale concerts. Her friends are fellow
vocalists Nicolas Beard and Yve Evans. Beard, who she compares to Lou
Rawls and Joe Williams, works out of San Jose. Evans, who lives in San
Bernardino, always touches Idyllwild audiences with her soul, humor, and
musicianship. They will be bringing their considerable talents and
beloved, infectious chemistry to a mix of big band favorites and blues.

SouthBound and Company fields a number of different shows, all of which
have appeared in the Summer Concert Series. They have tributes to Buddy
Holly, Credence Clearwater Revival, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, and their Double
Shot Classic Rock, which we will hear at the Butterfield Amphitheater
next week.

The Crier spoke with SouthBound and Company frontman Daryl Reed to hear
about the band he is bringing up with him this summer. Their Classic
Rock Double Shot has 5 members; 2 guitars, Bass, Drums, and keys. Daryl,
on vocals and guitar, occasionally adds sax or harmonica. Michael Finn
joins him on guitar, Steve Gronki, on bass, Mike Hunter on drums, and
Patrick Vargas on keys. Like all our visiting performers they look
forward to our cooler temperatures. “We did a gig last Saturday in Palm
Desert that was 108.”

This will be their fifth visit, and their second time at the Butterfield
Amphitheater. Reed said he enjoyed the big stage and the catwalk he
prowled last year. “We love playing up there in Idyllwild, the people
are always super fun and engaging, it’s such a beautiful area to be able
to play for. The Butterfield Amphitheater is just an awesome venue. That
stage was killer, running out on that catwalk. I loved it. There’s gigs
you remember, that one I really remember.”

Sandii: Castleberry will be opening the show with Lily McCabe,
performing songs from what she calls the “Great Americana Songbook;” KD
Lang, Joni Mitchell, and Alison Kraus, to name a few. Expect to hear a
little bluegrass and blues as well.

Sandii says her first time on the Summer Concert roster was in 2004,
when the concerts happened in San Jacinto State Park. In addition to
celebrating several of her own birthdays on stage, she fondly recalls
the time Lisa Haley of the Zydekats asked her and her friends to join
them on stage.

This will be the second year with nine concerts. The series began with
just four concerts in 2000 and five in 2001. The Summer Concerts are
always free and open to all. They are supported entirely by donations,
with this year’s budget for 9 shows $49,000. Founder Dahleen told the
audience at the July 4 season opening concert that the first series
began when he and three friends all kicked in $500 each to get the ball
rolling. He still begins each year on a wing and a prayer, trusting the
generosity of locals to get the bills paid. Donations can be made either
at the concert when the “hat” is passed, or by sending a check, payable
to “Idyllwild Summer Concert Org,” to PO Box 1542, Idyllwild CA
92549-1542. Or call (760)413-4638.

Sherry Williams and Friends, 7 p.m. Thursday July 11, SouthBound and
Company with Sandii Castleberry and Lily McCabe, Thursday July 18 at
6:05. Butterfield Amphitheater, 54201 Ridgeview Drive, access through
the Idyllwild Community Center Playground Parking lot on Highway 243
just south of town.