Robert Cray to headline Groovin' on the Grass, highlighting summer concert, theater event schedule

Summer just got smoother with word that the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District’s summer entertainment schedule will feature five-time Grammy Award winner Robert Cray.

The Robert Cray Band will headline THPRD’s fourth annual Groovin’ on the Grass concert at the Howard M. Terpenning Recreation Complex (15707 SW Walker Rd., Beaverton) on Aug. 9.

Cray, a rock and blues icon and Blues Hall of Famer, will headline a knockout twin bill at Groovin' on the Grass. Blues queen Shemekia Copeland will open the show. Gates open at 4 p.m.

Groovin’ on the Grass unites music lovers for a night out at THPRD’s main campus. Food, beer and wine will be available for purchase from multiple on-site vendors, including event sponsor Golden Valley Brewery and Restaurant.

General admission is $5 for this outdoor show; children under five get in free.

Summer Concert & Theater in the Park series includes six shows

In addition to Groovin’ on the Grass, six free events – four concerts and two stage productions – will make up the district’s Concert & Theater in the Park schedule at six neighborhood parks July 3 through Aug. 14.

This year’s concert lineup includes 5 Guys Named Moe (July 10 at Garden Home Park), Picante Latin Jazz (July 17 at Center Street Park), The Blackberry Bushes (July 31 at Greenway Park) and Coolade (August 14 at Raleigh Park).

Theater productions include Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” performed by the Original Practice Shakespeare Festival (July 3 at Arnold Park) and “Side by Side by Sondheim,” performed by the Beaverton Civic Theatre (July 13 at Schiffler Park).

“We are excited to showcase a wide variety of musical styles and talents this year, highlighted by a great Groovin’ on the Grass lineup,” said Deb Fife, THPRD volunteer coordinator and organizer of the summer series. “And better yet for our community, almost all of these shows are free.”

All six of the district’s free Concert & Theater in the Park events will occur 6-8 p.m. and will include family-friendly activities, including the THPRD Rec Mobile and Nature Mobile. District volunteers will oversee games and other fun activities for young visitors. Leashed dogs are welcome (except at Groovin’ on the Grass).

Sponsors for Groovin’ on the Grass and the Concerts & Theater in the Park series include:

• Golden Valley Brewery and Restaurant
• NW Natural
• Schulz-Clearwater Sanitation Inc.
• Oregon Cultural Trust
• Cultural Coalition of Washington County
• ePrint
• Hilton Garden Inn

Additionally, Raleigh Park Neighborhood Association and Greenway Neighborhood Association provide support for the Concerts & Theater in the Park series.

For more information on venues, musicians and other park district events, visit www.thprd.org.

About THPRD

Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning about 50 square miles and serving 230,000 residents in the greater Beaverton area. The district provides year-round recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Offerings include thousands of widely diverse classes, more than 90 park sites with active recreational amenities, 60 miles of trails, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, and 1,400 acres of nature preserve. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503/645-6433.