Albany River Rhythms Concerts Lineup for 2006

Photo Courtesy: City of Albany

(ALBANY) - The Albany Parks & Recreation Department announces the lineup for the 23rd annual River Rhythms summer concert series:

• July 6th -- Grupo Fantasma. This Latin band represents a new generation of musicians who have successfully broken the barriers and cliches that often follow Latin music while staying grounded in the traditions that they respect and revere. www.grupofantasma.com
• July 13th -- Aaron Meyer. A concert rock violinist who has performed for world leaders and dignitaries and held solo appearances with major U.S. orchestras and ballet companies. His unique style is high-energy classical crossover, combining classical, rock, world, and pop styles of original music. www.aaronmeyer.com
• July 20th Western Underground. Backup band for the late Chris LeDoux, Western Underground has created their own identity while paying tribute to their longtime boss, mentor, and friend. Driving rodeo rock `n roll treats listeners with great sounds and good memories. (This show is presented in cooperation with the Linn County Fair and will be held at the Linn Fair & Expo Center.)
• July 27th -- Hit Explosion. An ensemble band that performs `70s disco and funk dance classics, they`re known throughout the West for their ability to captivate their diverse audiences. www.hitexplosion.com
• August 3rd -- Clumsy Lovers. A raging Celtic banshee rock group, featuring lightning fiddle playing, jamming bagpipes, melodic mandolin, and all around rocking guitar and bass. www.clumsylovers.com
• August 10th -- Billy Dean. A country music artist who writes his own songs that tap into his own experiences as a person and a father.
• August 17th -- Those Darn Accordions. San Francisco accordion-fueled rock and roll band pumps out quirky, catchy originals chronicling life in the weird lane. This group promises to forever rearrange your understanding of the accordion and be a great ending to this year`s River Rhythms.

Concerts are held Thursday evenings in Monteith Riverpark at the confluence of the Willamette and Calapooia Rivers in downtown Albany. Food booths open at 5:00 PM, children`s preconcert activities begin at 5:30 PM, and concert performances begin at 7:00 PM. Admission is free.