Rockin’ again next weekend at Skypark

Music at Skypark returns for a second go-round next weekend, as the Scotts Valley Educational Foundation brings in a Bay Area band for a family show to support local schools.
“We’re anticipating a big crowd,” organizer Kim Jones said. “A lot of people are talking about it.”
City Rocks, a group of Bay Area musicians, brings to Skypark its tribute to the great artists of the Bay Area like Janis Joplin, Van Morrison and Steve Miller.
The eight-member band and its dancers will dress like hippies, bringing the spirit and vibe of the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s with them.
“It’s a music review, but I like the word celebration. It’s a celebration of this music, this era,” front man Marcus Salomon said.
Salomon has been part of the band for 18 years, but the group perfected the City Rocks performance in the past few years. The dancers sway to the music, hand out flowers and toss the occasional “psychedelic” beach ball into the crowd.
“One thing I like to do is tell stories about that era and (about) the people of that era,” Salomon said.
Not only is the show a lesson in the history of Bay Area music, it’s a chance to dance — and Salomon knows how to work the crowd.
“If you get the little kids to dance, the parents will follow,” he said.
Admission is free, and 100 percent of barbecue, concession and alcohol sale revenue goes to the Scotts Valley Educational Foundation, which supports public schools in Scotts Valley.
This year, the foundation is paying the salary of the district’s music teacher so the district can keep the program, Jones said.
This is the second of two Music at Skypark events this summer.
At a glance:
• WHAT: Music at Skypark featuring City Rocks
• WHEN: 4 to 7 p.m. Aug. 30
• WHERE: Skypark, 361 Kings Village Road
• DETAILS: Dinner starts at 4 p.m., concert begins at 5
• INFO: www.svef.net.