RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - Even before The Cripple Creek Band sounded a note at the Lake Clementia Amphitheater on July 6, the second concert of the season had already broken two records.

This news came from Jane Rosetta, the president of Entertainment, Theatre & Culture for Rancho Murieta (ETC), which presents the summer concert series. 

“The first thing that is record-breaking is this crazy heat. You guys are tough,” Rosetta told the crowd. “And we also have never sold out this early. That’s because Cripple Creek has such a loyal following.”

Nor did the Sacramento-based band disappoint as they shared their southern rock style of country music with the packed amphitheater.

Before the concert began, two youngsters from the Murieta Dance Company performed in a short program, and the Entertainment, Theatre & Culture emcee recognized the sponsors and used a cannon to fire T-shirts into the crowd. The concert also served as the wedding reception for a Rancho Murieta couple, with about 250 guests in attendance.

Cripple Creek

The Cripple Creek Band first performed at an Entertainment, Theatre & Culture concert in 2016, sharing the billing with a Taylor Swift tribute band. The band has also performed at various events, including the Gold Rush Classic golf tournament, the Rancho Murieta Community Church, at private parties and at the annual fundraiser for the Murieta Bulldogs traveling baseball team, with the next one slated for Aug. 10.

According to lead singer Neal Morgan, that connection has made a difference. 

“We’ve just connected with Rancho Murieta in a way that is different from other places,” he said. “I think it is because, deep down, we are patriotic and I think they are, too.”

Another factor is drummer Travis Simas, who lives in Rancho Murieta. 

“So it helps that Travis is deeply rooted in the community and constantly reminds people we are out here,” Morgan said.

Morgan expressed the band's gratitude for the opportunity to perform in Rancho Murieta. 

“We enjoyed every second, although it was hot,” Morgan said.

The band’s playlist reflected the influence of country artists such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Eagles, Alabama and Tom Petty. Even “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix came out as country. They also included five original songs from three albums.

“We really appreciate you guys singing along and at least pretending to know the words,” Morgan told the crowd as he introduced one of the original songs, “Coming In Hot.”

An enthusiastic crowd packed the dance floor throughout the performance, and their exuberance reached new heights with singing and fist-pumping as the band performed their last encore, “Wagon Wheel.”  

Program 

Entertainment, Theatre & Culture emcee and Board Member JT Turner began the program by thanking several sponsors, including the title sponsor, Realtor Karen Hoberg. 

He also reported that another sponsor, Pac Machine Company, which has been providing generators for the Entertainment, Theatre & Culture concerts for the past 20 years, had come through after an emergency earlier in the day. 

After learning the power supply used for several recreational vehicles had burned up in a recent fire on Clementia Hill, “Fred (Kesich) was kind enough to come down and get it sorted out,” he said.

Turner also introduced two students from the Murieta Dance Company, siblings David and Gemma Schneider. They performed a duet, “I Am Here for You,” which illustrates the unconditional love between brother and sister. 

“They cleaned house at every competition with this dance,” Turner told the crowd.

Turner also demonstrated a new cannon that fires T-shirts supplied by Go 4 Pizza and Zeta Broadway. Since it was his first time, Turner had some trouble aiming the new device. But all of the ejected T-shirts found eager takers.

The concert also served as a wedding reception for Jason Russo and Charlotte Dubey, with approximately 250 attending. The couple purchased 125 tickets at the Entertainment, Theatre & Culture Kick-off. The other guests bought their tickets at Ace Hardware.

“This was a second wedding for both of us,” Dubey explained. “We wanted for it to be a casual affair with our children, family and friends who were all going to attend the Cripple Creek concert anyway, as we all have for years.”

They had planned to hold the ceremony at the bocce ball court park, but they had to move it to the RMA Building at the last minute.

“But my amazing community of friends pulled together to give me a gorgeous event, and I married Jason Russo, and everything was absolutely perfect,” she said.

On July 6, the temperature set a new record at 110 degrees, although it had dropped to 102 degrees by 8 p.m. Attendees coped with the heat, according to Board Member JP Peterson. “People showed up a little later than usual, but it didn’t affect the energy or participation,” he said. “Everyone really enjoyed the concert regardless of the warm weather.”

The third Entertainment, Theatre & Culture concert of the season will take place on July 27 with Bee Gees Gold, the ultimate salute to the Bee Gees. Tickets can be purchased at Ace Hardware in Murieta Plaza.