The annual Anythink Backyard Concert Series, presented by Xcel Energy, returns in 2019 with a new lineup and opportunities to bring neighbors together through music. According to a 2019 study that focuses on the social and cultural value of live music, shows like the Backyard Concert Series contribute to a sense of creativity, identity and belonging in a community. As part of Anythink’s current strategic plan, the library continues to establish itself as a cultural destination in Colorado, where people can convene to experience and learn through music, literature, theater and the arts.

Hosted the second Friday of June, July and August at the one-acre park adjacent to Anythink Wright Farms in Thornton, Colo., the Backyard Concert Series is a chance for families and friends to gather for local music, food and beer in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

Doors open with food and drink available for purchase at 5:30 pm; bands perform from 6:30-8:30 pm. In addition to free Friday night entertainment, these events also serve as a fundraiser for the Anythink Foundation. Funds raised through food and beverage sales help Anythink to provide special programs and projects for the community. Supporters can also donate at the show or become an Anythink Foundation member online. This year’s lineup includes:

Union Gray – Friday, June 14
Irie Still – Friday, July 12
Mama Magnolia – Friday, Aug. 9

Concertgoers will have the option to purchase food onsite, provided by a variety of food trucks, including Basecamp Provisions, Corner of Gourmet, Smoke Stack 70 and Taste of Texas BBQ. Beer provided by Periodic Brewing and wine from the Infinite Monkey Theorem will also be for sale, with proceeds benefitting the Anythink Foundation. 

The Backyard Concert Series is presented by Xcel Energy and made possible by generous support from community sponsors Mountain States Toyota, The Smile Generation, Stifel, Periodic Brewing, Ciancio Ciancio Brown, P.C., Colorado Swim School, Butler Snow LLP, Secure American Insurance and TBK Bank.

Parking is limited, and attendees are encouraged to carpool or use alternative methods of transportation like public transit, bicycles, or ridesharing apps like Lyft and Uber.

About the bands

Union Gray: Union Gray is a grassroots country band from Denver. Their brand of country mixes flavors from the red dirt of Oklahoma down to the heart of Texas and up to Nashville. They have shared the stage as support for artists such as Cody Canada and the Departed, Craig Morgan, Dwight Yoakam and more.

Irie Still: Irie Still is a Colorado-based world dance band founded in 1995. Their style, steeped first and foremost in the danceable beats of reggae, incorporate elements of hop-hop, soca, dance hall, calypso, ska Afro-beat and tribal rhythms. Onstage, they are an overwhelming powerhouse. Playing mostly original music, the band incorporates audience participation, soaring vocal harmony and thought-providing consciousness into a live set.  

Mama Magnolia: Like a musical time-warp where Etta James fronted Lake Street Drive, Mama Magnolia pepper their brew of soul and rock with boisterous horns, jazzy flavor, gospel heart, classical resonances, and even a little hip-hop swagger. The Denver six-piece would be just as at home in a New York City jazz dive as they would be on forested festival grounds. 

Event Details
Backyard Concert Series
Presented by Xcel Energy | Benefitting the Anythink Foundation

Second Friday of the month
Doors open with food and drink available at 5:30 pm
Music from 6:30-8:30 pm

June 14 – Union Gray
July 12 – Irie Still
Aug. 9 – Mama Magnolia

Anythink Wright Farms
5877 E. 120th Ave.
Thornton, CO 80602