NEWS RELEASE
Shows scheduled for July 22, July 29, August 5 and August 12
Wilsonville, Oregon (June 25, 2021) — The Wilsonville Rotary Summer Concerts were dearly missed in 2020, but they’ll be back for 2021, starting with Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts performing on Thursday, July 22 at Town Center Park in Wilsonville.
“We’ve heard the public and we’re pleased to say the concerts are back,” said incoming club president Curt Kipp. “We have a fabulous lineup booked. We had been prepared to hold the shows with distancing and pod seating, but with the governor’s lifting of the risk level structure by June 30 or sooner, those won’t be in place. We still encourage people to take the steps they feel necessary to protect themselves.”
As always, the shows will provide the opportunity for guests to donate to End Polio Now, which is Rotary International’s ongoing campaign to eradicate the crippling polio virus. But in a new twist, people will be able to donate cash in person, or electronically via the club’s PayPal account, accessible at www.wilsonvilleconcerts.com. Proceeds go to vaccinate children in the Third World, including the last two countries where the virus is still endemic — Afghanistan and Pakistan.
“Over the years since we’ve held this series, we’ve raised close to $80,000 for End Polio Now,” Kipp said. “And that’s before the money is matched by other sources, such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, as has been the case most years. We are very humbled by the generosity of the Wilsonville community over the years and the contribution it has made towards ending polio forever. We are almost there, but effort must continue for us to reach our goal.”
All shows will take place on a Thursday evening, with an opening act taking the stage at 5:30 p.m., followed by the headline act at 6:30 p.m. The 2021 lineup of performers will be as follows:
- July 22 — Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts will return to the Wilsonville stage for the 17th consecutive Wilsonville Rotary Summer Concerts season. The Portland stalwarts, representing the classic era of rock n’ roll, has been in business for an incredible 43-year run, continuing to draw appreciative crowds. Opening will be the local duo of Christine & Bryan.
- July 29 — Petty Fever, a full production tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, will perform. Led by singer-guitarist Frank Murray, the band faithfully delivers four decades of classic tunes from one of America’s most beloved rockers. Opening the show will be local singer-songwriter Rob Rainwater.
- August 5 — Soul Vaccination, a high-energy, 12-piece funk and soul band, will make their debut on the Wilsonville stage. “Given the name, it may seem surprising they haven’t played our series before, but we’ve been working on it a long time, and it’s finally happening,” Kipp said. “It’s a natural. We’re so glad.” Opening will be the Wilsonville duo Basso á Deux, comprised of husband and wife Andrea Vorvick on vocals and Paul Vorvick on upright bass.
- August 12 — Ben Rice and his band will return to the Wilsonville stage, performing his distinctive and original blend of blues, soul, rockabilly, jazz and funk. Delivering impressive vocals and lead guitar, Ben never fails to impress or move a crowd. Opening the night will be singer-guitarist Timothy James, an impressive performer of blues, soul and pop in his own right.
For the 2021 season, no in-park food vendors will be offered, but patrons are encouraged to either bring dinner, or order pickup or delivery from a local restaurant.
The Wilsonville Rotary Summer Concerts were founded in 2002 as a way for the club to give thanks to the local community for its support of Rotary projects and causes throughout the year. The shows always take place the last two Thursdays in July and the first two in August. The shows are funded through the generosity of sponsors and are free of charge to attend. For more information on the series and the performers, log on to www.wilsonvilleconcerts.com.
About Rotary
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 36,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping those in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. Through Rotary’s disease treatment and prevention programs, members educate and equip communities to stop the spread of life-threatening diseases like polio, HIV/AIDS, and malaria. For more information, visit Rotary.org
About the Rotary Club of Wilsonville
The Rotary Club of Wilsonville was founded in 1975 and is dedicated to friendship and service projects. The club carries out several signature service projects throughout the year, including the innovative Through A Child’s Eyes program at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, the annual Wilsonville Rotary Summer Concerts, several Good Eggs omelet and pancake breakfasts throughout the year, the Wilsonville First Citizen awards program, and much more. The club meets weekly, Thursdays at noon, and has 35 members. Log on to www.wilsonvillerotary.com for more information.