July 11, 2024 2:50 a.m.

In the KQEN Cultural Spotlight:

The longest running free summer concert series in Douglas County, Music in the Park, kicks off their 37th year Thursday night, at Millsite Park in Myrtle Creek.

Organizers focus on keeping the music local and regional. Most of the bands and groups that are booked don’t come from any farther away than Grants Pass to the south, Salem to the north, or the Oregon coast to the west.

Event coordinator Ted Romas said this year’s genres include blues, classic and country rock, pop and oldies, with a mix of ballads, standards and originals. Concerts run from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. most Thursday nights through August 29th.

The series was originally presented by the Myrtle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce. Then the concerts were organized and presented by Bill and Marilyn West for 12 years. Since 2007, the event has been presented by the Myrtle Creek-Tri City Area Chamber of Commerce.

The first concert will feature blues and rock group, the Tim Hall Band from Gig Harbor, Washington.

For more information about Music in the Park, call 860-2037.