Albany Democrat-Herald

Albany today announced the six acts that will play at the 26th annual River Rhythms concert series, which opens July 9 at Monteith Riverpark in Albany.

The concerts are free. They start at 7 p.m. and last about two hours. Food vendors will be on hand, and there will be children's activities prior to each performance.

The city works through a promoter, Northwest Events & Marketing, to find musicians for the concert series, said Joy Gilliland, event coordinator for the parks and recreation department.

She said this year the cost for performers is $34,500, down from last year's $55,000.

This summer's performers, announced by the Albany Parks and Recreation Department:

July 9 -The Young Dubliners blend their rock and Celtic influences to perform political tunes to those dealing with the travails of life. Members sing and play the violin, bass, keyboards, harp, mandolin and pennywhistle.

July 16 -Joe Nichols will perform as part of the Linn County Fair. He sings about loss, victory, depression, grit, love and fighting. Nichols, 30, is a native of Rogers, Ark.

July 23 - Chuck Wicks is a country singer who grew up on a family farm in Delaware. He said he was influenced by Alan Jackson, Kenny Rogers and Brian McKnight.

July 30 - The Coats from Seattle are making a return trip to the series this year. The a cappella group has previously sang for the president.

Aug. 6-Ricardo Lemvo blends Afro-Cuban rhythms with pan-African styles. The artist, born in Congo of Angolan ancestry, sings in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Lingala and Kikongo.

Aug. 13 -The Pablo Cruise quartet released its first album in 1975. The group describes itself as performing "honest, real, down to earth vocals accompanied by elegant, infectious grooves."

n Monday's at Monteith lineup/A3