2 Salem businesses help city save Concerts in the Park

Once on the chopping block due to budget cuts, Salem's Concerts in the Park series is returning Friday to Riverfront Park.

Three bands will play at the free concert held at the Gerry Frank Salem Rotary Amphitheater from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The event will return to downtown Salem again on Sept. 13.

Due to proposed budget cuts, the concert series, along with Movies at the Park, splash pads and relay races, looked to be doomed earlier this year . A last-minute motion to use on-time funds ultimately saved the events, but the future remained uncertain for the concerts.

With a tight timeline and a reduced budget, two Salem businesses stepped up to bring the concert to life, said Salem's events program manager Kathleen Swarm.

"Without the support from RiverCity Rock Star Academ y and Salem's Historic Grand Theatre it would have been difficult to make this year’s concert series happen," she said. "Their backing is providing A/V staff, equipment, event planning assistance, and most importantly positive, enthusiastic support of live music and fun events for our community."

Friday's lineup features RiverCity Royals, an audition-only, skill and experience-based program designed for advanced students at RiverCity Rock Star Academy, ranging from ages 14 to 20.

Salem's guitar ensemble Rondalla Sentimiento Latino will also play traditional, regional, romantic and popular music in a classical-style with only guitars.

The event will also feature Salem-based powerhouse trio Boundless Joy mixing elements of metal, rock and funk to create a sound that is driving, rhythmic and heavy.

Swarm credited the two businesses, along with the hard work of the Parks and Recreation staff, with making the event possible.

"We believe Parks (our outdoor, natural, and green spaces) and Recreation (fun and activities) are absolutely essential to a thriving community, and we are moved to know our community feels the same and has stepped up to support us," she said.

For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodworth@statesmanjournal.com , call 503-910-6616 or follow on X at @wmwoodworth .

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: 2 Salem businesses help city save Concerts in the Park