Three nights of live music planned for 4th festival

The July 4 “Festival of America” music in the park program will stretch over three days, Coulee Dam Mayor Quincy Snow, the organizer of the music, said last week.

Music will begin Thursday, July 4, at 5 p.m., in the park below the Visitor Center, and conclude on Saturday, July 6, with a 6 p.m. presentation by The Cruizers.

Kayla Newland, well known to coulee music lovers, and a local to boot, kicks off the music Thursday, July 4 at 5 p.m., bringing her country music theme to the park.

At 6:30 p.m., reggae artist Raggs Gustaffe, will delight the crowd with his Bob Marley-like presentation.

“You will really enjoy Raggs and his music,” Snow said.

At 8:15 p.m., headliner Steve Sogura will make his eighth appearance in the coulee and will bring his “Elvis” performance to fans here. He will perform until the Laser Light Show presentation at 10 p.m., which will be followed by the fireworks show over the dam.

On July 5, Kathy Boyd will bring her music group Kathy Boyd & Phoenix Rising to the coulee for the first time.

The group’s bluegrass music has been recognized around the world and should play well here, Snow stated.

They will be followed Friday at 8:15 with another presentation by “Elvis” Steve Sogura, who will entertain fans until just before the Laser Light Show.

On Saturday, July 6, beginning at 6 p.m., The Cruisers, a classic rock dance party band, will take the stage. Members of that group include Tom Bergeron on the drums; Jeff Thornton with the guitar; Mark Gales, bass; and Tim Kromholtz on the keyboard.

The Cruisers performed here last year.

The town of Coulee Dam plans and provides the music for the Festival of America celebration each year and pays for it through its hotel/motel tax fund.