Concerts in the park start May 30

The Douglas County Parks & Recreation Departments' 12th annual Summer Family Concert Series in Minden Park begins May 30 with Alice Stuart and the Formerlys.

Concerts are 6:30-8:30 p.m. with the exception of the Michael Powers Group concert which will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Aug. 29. The free community concerts are made possible through the contributions of Carson Valley businesses and organizations including Park Place AM/PM, Carson Valley Accounting, Country Financial, Rhonda Moore, Sean Marler, El Dorado Savings Bank, Dick's Fuller O'Brien Paints, Nevada Johns, Starbucks Coffee Co., Valley Door Works, M. Scott Properties, Danny's Ironwood Grill and A.C. Christian Construction.

n May 30 Alice Stuart and the Formerlys

Presenting sponsor: Carson Valley Inn. Co-sponsor: Stockdale Creative.

Alice is a true pioneer in rock and blues. She blazed the trail for women in rock and roll as one of the only females in the country to write her own music, front a male band, and play lead guitar on national and international circuits during the 1970's. Her trademark blues sound was inspiration for many that would follow her footsteps including Bonnie Raitt.

n June 27

Batdorf and Rodney Reunion

Presenting sponsor: GE Energy. Co-sponsor: Stor-All.

This group was considered a major influence of the acoustic harmony sound of the '70s and eventually recorded three albums. They toured for years with groups like Bread, Loggins and Messina, Three Dog Night, Dan Fogelberg, Seals and Crofts and Chicago. They have reconnected and are touring again for the first time in over three decades. They sound is as fresh and melodic as ever.

n July 11

Comstock Cowboys

Presenting sponsor: Buffalo Creek Ranch. Co-sponsor: Brooke, Shaw, Zumpft, Attorneys at Law.

A Northern Nevada legend, the Comstock Cowboys are known world over for their traditional Western sound and period outfits. Wear your best trail duds and watch the sun go down with some of the finest cowboy music on earth.

n July 25

The Surf All-Stars

Sponsor: The Town of Minden residents and employees.

Four veterans of the Southern California Surf sound of the '60s take the stage as members of the Surfaris, Chantays, Bel-Airs, and Dick Dale's group bring the sounds of the distant ocean to Minden Park. You'll hear Wipeout, Pipeline, Mr. Moto and all of the other hits played by the original musicians.

n August 29

The Michael Powers Group

Sponsor: ReMax Realty Affiliates.

Michael is back to finish up the concert series with a band. This joyful entertainer from Seattle puts on a show with music for all ages, turning his custom guitar into multiple instruments, including sax, flute, piano, drums, clarinet and more. The members of his backup group are stars in their own right. Get ready to spend a evening smiling: Michael Powers has that effect on his audiences.