Free Music at Skypark returns Sunday

This summer’s third Music at Skypark concert will strike its first chords Sunday at 3:30 p.m. in Scotts Valley. The Joint Chiefs, a popular band based in San Jose, will open the show with a mix of funk, acid jazz and classic R&B. Headlining will be Santa Cruz’s own Extra Large, a favorite in the Valley and voted the Best Local Band in Santa Cruz eleven years running. 
Though attending the Kiwanis-sponsored show costs nothing, proceeds from the sale of food, wine and beer offered by local restaurants will benefit Scotts Valley public school-based music programs. Profits from the past four years of concerts add up to nearly $40,000 and have allowed Scotts Valley music programs to purchase choir dresses, send teachers to conferences, and afford entrance fees for various music festivals.
Concert organizers plan to present a check for $5,000 to Scotts Valley Unified School District trustees between bands this Sunday — a down payment of sorts — to start the school year. The fourth concert of the year is scheduled for Sept. 29.
Music at Skypark is now in its fifth year in Scotts Valley. In 2009, according to sponsors, the concert series raised $4,000, in 2010: $7,000, in 2011: $19,500, in 2012: $11,500 and the total sum is still to be determined this year.
The fundraising benefits the music programs at each of the four Scotts Valley public school campuses.
Music at Skypark
When: 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25
Where: Skypark, 360 Kings Village Road, in Scotts Valley
Cost: Free admission
Info: www.svkiwanis.org