One of the true pleasures of summer is enjoying live music outdoors as the sun sets, cooling down after a warm day. Winters Friends of the Library (WFoL) is set to host the 2026 Summer Concerts at the Gazebo, inviting residents to enjoy local bands while supporting their community library.
This marks WFoL's 28th year of hosting these concerts, which build community and raise funds for the library.
The free outdoor concerts will take place on Thursday evenings in July, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Rotary Park, located at Main Street and Railroad Avenue in downtown Winters.
The series kicks off on July 2 with Bonanza King, performing a high-energy blend of Western swing, old country, jazz, and blues, including catchy originals and classic covers. Powerhouse singer Kari King fronts the band, backed by top-notch guitar, bass, drums, and steel guitar players.
On July 9, local favorites Los Tres de Winters will play Norteño-style music, featuring accordion, bajo sexto, and bass. This lively music originated in northern Mexico and has become a beloved style throughout Mexico and the United States.
On July 16, the Natalie Cortez Band takes the stage. These versatile Sacramento stalwarts play folk-rock-pop to swing-lounge-rockabilly, with some surf and hard rock thrown in.
Natalie is known for her vocal stylings and is a Sacramento Area Music (SAMMIE) Hall of Fame winner.
July 23 will feature the vibrant energy of Boca do Rio. The legendary Bay Area band plays Psychedelic Samba, a multi-layered electro-funk party sound that honors Brazilian traditions.
The series concludes on July 30 with Paddy on the Binge, playing lively, joyful traditional Irish and Scottish music, including jigs, reels, hornpipes, and ballads, with the warmth and intimacy of a gathering at your cozy local pub. More information is available at paddyonthebinge.com.
Concerts are free, but donations are gratefully accepted. WFoL will have refreshments and quality used books for sale, with all proceeds supporting the Winters Community Library.
For more details, visit wfol.org. This year's concert series is sponsored by Oates Country Store.
If, two days before a concert, temperatures are predicted to exceed 105 degrees or the Air Quality Index is predicted to be above 125 at 7:00 p.m. on the day of the event, WFoL will cancel the concert.
Check the website for updates.