RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - Yacht rock – the smooth soft rock of decades past – drew about 800 attendees to the Lake Clementia Amphitheater on July 26, when Entertainment, Theatre & Culture for Rancho Murieta (ETC) presented its third concert of the summer season.

It was Mustache Harbor’s second performance in Rancho Murieta, following a successful debut concert in 2022. Formed in 2010, the San Francisco-based band rode the rising wave of a soft rock revival, embracing smooth hits from the 1970s and ’80s in a genre that came to be known as yacht rock.

JT Turner, the ETC Board president, said the band had delivered again.

“Just like in 2022, they brought that unmistakable yacht rock energy that gets the entire crowd smiling and singing along,” he said. “These guys know how to throw a party on stage.”

While many who attend Mustache Harbor’s concerts are longtime fans of soft rock, younger generations are also coming aboard: a trend that was evident in Rancho Murieta. After the concert, bandleader Jamie Browne said the crowd was just as energetic as it had been in 2022. But what amazed him this time was the number of young people on the dance floor. 

“It was incredible because a lot of this music came from the ’70s before these kids were even born, yet they were singing all the lyrics. They must have had a good upbringing.”

The band’s playlist featured hits from iconic yacht rock performers such as Christopher Cross, George Benson, Foreigner and Michael McDonald. They also performed two hits by Toto: “Rosanna” and “Africa.”

Mixed into the set were crowd-pleasing selections from other artists of the era – Fleetwood Mac, the Bee Gees and Elton John – all met with whistles and shouts of approval. The musicians closed out the night with an encore performance of “You’re Still the One.” 

When the band began to play, the dance floor was first claimed by enthusiastic youngsters. But adults soon joined in, packing the area so tightly there was little room left to move. That didn’t seem to matter; many sang along to every lyric and cheered the band’s onstage antics. At times, the musicians even paused to let the crowd carry the tune.

Dozens of attendees dressed for the occasion in captain’s hats, nautical-themed outfits and laid-back yacht-worthy attire. 

Some sported artificial mustaches, including Candy Hearn and her daughter.

 “I think people really got into the spirit of it, and it was a perfect night,” she said. 

Trish Mahan, who performed with a tribute band in the 1970s and ’80s, recognized many of the same songs in Mustache Harbor’s set. 

“When you are in a live band, the most important thing is that the people enjoy the music and have a good time,” she said. “It was obvious to me that was happening.”

JT Turner emceed a brief program before the concert. A highlight came when he used a specialized cannon to launch sponsor T-shirts into the crowd, while his young assistant, Max Clelland, tossed mustache keychains to eager children gathered near the stage. 

Turner also shared details about the event sponsors, recognized two birthdays and introduced the band. 

The concert also marked the debut of two food trucks, which were positioned exclusively for concertgoers. Drewski’s Food Truck served tacos and grilled cheese sandwiches. Turner confirmed the food trucks will return for the final two concerts on Aug. 16 and Aug. 30.

For more information about the concerts go to etc-rm.org or email [email protected].