San Jacinto kicks off Kool August Nights Concerts in the Park

The second annual Kool August Nights Concerts in the Park at the Estudillo Mansion begins next month in San Jacinto.

On the first three Wednesday nights of August, the Estudillo Mansion will be rocking with talented musical guests. The free music concerts start at 7 p.m.

"We had about 2,000 people attend the three concerts last year," said Lynn Peterson, the Estudillo Mansion liaison with the city of San Jacinto.

Peterson said they have about 15 sponsors for the second annual event. The city of San Jacinto had been a sponsor, but due to financial funding issues they had to step away, Peterson said.

DANCE, DANCE, DANCE: During last year's concerts people danced the night away and this year's music performances will get people dancing too. On August 6th, Stone Soul takes the stage with the best of 60's soul and Motown music. On August 13th, Ronny and the Classics will perform. The final concert in the series will be on August 20th, a tribute to the music of John Denver with Jim Curry and his band.

The first Kool August Nights Concert will be on August 6, when Stone Soul takes the stage with the best of 60's soul and Motown music.

"Stone Soul is a rock and roll band with a Motown vibe," Peterson said. "They have appeared at the Ramona Bowl before."

Ronny and the Classics perform the second show on August 13, singing popular tunes from the 50s and 60s.

"I've seen them at the Banning Concerts and we brought them to the Ramona Bowl," she said. "They are great and they wear sequin jackets!"

The final concert in the series will be on August 20, a tribute to the music of John Denver with Jim Curry and his band. Curry played earlier this year at the Historic Hemet Theater.

"He is one of my favorites," Peterson said. "I am a long time John Denver fan."

Curry, in his own natural voice, performs many of John Denver's hit songs including "Rocky Mountain High," "Annie's Song" and "Take me home, Country Roads." Curry, whose voice was heard in the CBS television movie "Take Me Home: The John Denver Story," has performed Denver's music in sold out shows throughout the country and has emerged as today's top performer of Denver's vast legacy of multi-platinum hits. Curry has a striking resemblance both in appearance and sound with the late John Denver.

The Francisco Estudillo Heritage Park is located at 150 S. Dillon Ave., in San Jacinto. People are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs and sit on the grass. Picnic baskets are welcome and food vendors will be available too. Officials said no pets or alcohol will be permitted at the event for public safety.