I hope everyone had a chance to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday. We sure are lucky to have so many community events this time of the year; from the Willits Rodeo to the Fort Bragg Salmon BBQ, our area has a host of great activities for everyone.
Last week, I mentioned our city’s Moonlight Movie Madness events, which occur every other Friday evening at the Alex R. Thomas Plaza. These family-friendly, outdoor movies are a perfect way to spend a summer evening.
The next movie will be Zootopia on July 14, starting at dusk. Zootopia is a 2017 Oscar-winning animated feature film about a feisty rookie police officer, a rabbit named Judy Hopps. Officer Hopps lives in the town of Zootopia, which is inhabited by cast of several animal species. Come and enjoy this great family film as Officer Hopps works to solve a missing person’s case.
In addition to watching great movies in our downtown plaza, you can find wonderful entertainment at the City of Ukiah’s free concert series, Sundays in the Park.
You might not know that Sundays in the Park is the largest and most recognized concert event in Mendocino County. For 26 years, local concertgoers have filled Todd Grove Park to enjoy all kinds of music, including the blues, classical, country, salsa, soul, rock, and swing.
The concerts are a great place to throw a blanket down on the grass, sit back, and enjoy first-class performances. If you get hungry, you can bring along a picnic basket or some cash to buy great food from local vendors, including sushi or barbequed tri-tip.
To help everyone have a fantastic time at the concerts, here are a few things to remember.
Parking near the concert is limited, so if you need to park nearby, come early. The park borders a residential neighborhood, so please be extra careful not to block alleys, fire hydrants, and driveways when you park. After the concert is over, when you and everyone else wants to leave, please do so respectfully: watch your speed and be mindful of pedestrians.
Also, it’s important to remember that pets and smoking are prohibited in the main event area, and only low-back chairs are allowed.
This Sunday, July 9, the concert will feature the funky, afro-beat jazz sounds of the group Orgone. Orgone has been described as close friends and self-taught musicians who have spent the last decade expanding their roster, evolving a sound that simultaneously recognizes its roots in old school respect and pulsates with the force of the new millennium.
On July 23, Ozomatli, a Latin urban reggae band, will perform. According to fans, Ozomatli has created one of the most exciting, captivating, and flat-out fun live shows touring today. Opening for Ozomatli will be The Real Sarahs, a folk-rock, harmony-weaving group from Mendocino County comprised of Sarah “Songbird” Larkin, Sarah Ryan, and Sarah Rose McMahon. Their music is original, honest, evocative and heartfelt. With organic harmonies that enchant and uplift the spirit, The Real Sarahs will share their special gift of vocal synergy.
A week later, on July 30, a rocking country group called the David Luning Band will share its most dynamic and gripping collection to date from their album “Restless.”
Finally, the summer concert series will end on August 13 with Tainted Love, an 80s tribute band. Their show celebrates the music and the energy of neon-fueled, spikey-haired rock ’n’ roll favorites by artists including Duran Duran, Tom Petty, AC/DC, The Ramones, Journey, Pat Benatar and more.
Don’t forget, parking near the concert is limited, so if you need to park nearby, come early; and remember to respect the rules by leaving pets at home and not smoking at the event.
If you’d like more information about Movie Madness or the Sundays in the Park concert series, please visit www.cityofukiah.com/recreation.
As always, our mission at UPD is simple: to make Ukiah as safe as possible. If you have suggestions on how we can improve, please call me. If you would like to know more about crime in your neighborhood, you can sign up for telephone and email notifications by clicking the Nixle button on our website: www.ukiahpolice.com.
