If you’ve lived in Park City for a long time, you’ll remember the summer concerts held in City Park way back when. They were wonderful! Neighbors you knew by name sitting on blankets with food and wine to share with friends, small-name bands that had local talent do the warm-up sets, and lingering to chat long after the show had ended. Then we got fancy. The concerts moved to Deer Valley and branded Big Stars, Bright Nights, with headline performers. The series brought in crowds from all over northern Utah. St. Regis Deer Valley took the local tradition under their wing and backed it steadfastly. Then, without much notice, Deer Valley pulled out as the sponsoring venue for this summer and Park City Institute had to scramble to find a 2018 venue. Our City government stepped up and allowed the concerts to be scheduled in their Quinn’s Junction sports complex, but it just wasn’t the same. Then a miracle occurred. The July 13thGrace Potter concert had to be held in City Park because Quinn’s Junction was pre-booked. After nearly two decades, the summer concert series had returned home, and it was magical!
After the Grace Potter show, locals quickly took to social media and campaigned to have the remaining concerts of the 2018 series to be held in City Park. The City Council acted at light-speed and passed the needed resolution to make the move achievable. Residents close to City Park were canvassed for their approval, and the impossible suddenly became possible. Traffic and parking are challenging, but complimentary buses are provided for those using the off-site parking at Park City High School. It’s also an easy walk or bike ride from almost anywhere in town. Cool grass, shady trees, food trucks, and incredible music – what else could we want for a perfect evening with our friends?
We at Chin-MacQuoid-Fleming-Harris encourage you to join us in what will most likely be our last chance to enjoy this throwback to our roots. The schedule for the rest of the summer, all held in City Park is:
August 10 – Corinne Bailey Rae
August 11 – Don Felder
August 16 – Bruce Hornsby and The Noisemakers
August 24 – The Wallflowers
September 2 – Nashville Cafe, Chris Carmack, Chip Esten
We applaud St. Regis Deer Valley for loyally standing by Big Stars, Bright Nights as Park City Institute finds next summer’s Big Stars, Bright Nights home. But, for the time being, please support the Institute by attending the remaining concerts this summer. The music filling the night air hasn’t sounded this sweet for 20 years!
