RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - The Blockbusters didn’t have to work hard to get Rancho Murieta concertgoers on their feet on June 20.

From the opening song until the encore, what became a packed dance floor sang nearly every lyric, cheered every joke and enthusiastically answered the lead singer’s playful banter as Entertainment, Theatre & Culture for Rancho Murieta launched its 2026 summer concert season and celebrated its 25th anniversary at the Lake Clementia Amphitheater.

The Southern California band delivered more than 90 minutes of 1990s rock, pop and alternative hits, transforming the dance floor into one giant sing-along. Audience members danced shoulder-to-shoulder throughout the evening, belting out favorites including “All the Small Things,” “Sugar, We’re Goin Down,” “Stacy’s Mom,” “Teenage Dirtbag,” “Tubthumping,” “Jump Around,” “Take On Me,” “Santeria,” “Basket Case,” “Mr. Brightside” and the Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage.”

When the scheduled performance ended, the crowd responded with chants of “One more song,” prompting the band to return for an encore of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”

The evening began with a community celebration before the first guitar chord.

ETC Board President JT Turner introduced the organization’s volunteer board and recognized the sponsors and volunteers who make the annual concert series possible. Vice President Jane Rosetta recognized students who participated in ETC’s annual poster contest, and board member Brenda Allen Booth presented a volunteer appreciation raffle basket, which was won by Jeanette Edwards. Turner also thanked title sponsor Karen Hoberg, production volunteers, Sacramento County Sheriff’s deputies, emergency medical personnel, and the businesses that supported the event before using a cannon to launch T-shirts and fleece blankets into the crowd.

Turner also led a patriotic tribute honoring Father’s Day and the nation’s upcoming 250th Anniversary. As he spoke about America’s July 4 milestone, Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” filled the amphitheater while a vintage T-6 warbird from the Aerospace Museum of California made two flybys over Lake Clementia, prompting applause from the audience before the concert began.

The Blockbusters, who describe themselves as a high-energy “’90s Hits & Beyond” band, immediately established a playful rapport with the audience.

“I want to live here,” the lead singer joked after learning about Rancho Murieta’s homeowners association.

Throughout the evening, he traded jokes with audience members, marveled at the number of multi-generational families in attendance, complimented the community and teased residents about the evening’s persistent insects. Each comment drew laughter and enthusiastic responses from the crowd, whose energy matched the band’s from beginning to end. Rather than simply watching the performance, concertgoers became part of it, singing every lyric and eagerly responding to the band’s on-stage banter.

When Turner returned to the stage to thank the musicians, the audience made it clear the night wasn’t over. Chants of “One more song” echoed across the stage until the band returned for its encore, sending dancers into one final singalong before the season opener came to a close.

Post Concert Comments
The turnout exceeded our expectations,” Turner said after the concert. “The Blockbusters drew a fantastic crowd, and the atmosphere was electric all evening long. Seeing families, friends and neighbors gathered together enjoying great music made for a perfect start to our concert season.”

“Celebrating ETC’s 25th anniversary is a special moment for our organization and community,” Turner added. “For 25 years, ETC has been bringing people together through entertainment and community events, and we’re grateful to everyone who has supported that mission along the way.”

Turner also praised the addition of Drewski’s food trucks, calling them “a tremendous addition” and “a big hit with attendees,” and noted that the food received favorable reviews throughout the evening.

Drummer Jeff Rocket also commented after the concert, telling the River Valley Times that Rancho Murieta had provided one of the band’s best audiences of the year.  

“Phenomenal, phenomenal, one of the best audiences we’ve had … easily all year so far,” Rocket said. “That makes all the difference. When you have a great audience, it’s easy to have a great show. The audience is just as important as the performance.”

The Blockbusters opened ETC’s five-concert summer series. Upcoming performances include Billy Joel 2 Elton John Face to Face on July 11, Titans of Rock on Aug. 1, Hip Service on Aug. 22 and Rhinestone Rodeo on Sept. 5.