Music lovers will ‘relax in Colfax’ when Rock the Quarry hits town June 30

COLFAX — The grass is green, school is over and the sun is out — it’s official, summer has arrived. It is time to relax, enjoy some music and let the good times roll in.

And for Colfax, there is no better way to do this than by heading to Quarry Springs Park for its summer music concert series, Rock the Quarry.

For the third year in a row, the majestic ospreys, the large mouth bass and the rambunctious fox squirrels will be bobbing along to rock-and-roll, country and blues music when three bands jam out at the quarry from 4 to 10 p.m. June 30.

Headlined by Jason Brown, Back Alley Jam and local favorite, Richard Arndt and the Brew, this year’s event aims to draw on the success from the four previous concerts and offer attendees a unique experience they can only have at Quarry Springs Park.

“This is the meeting of being able to sit outside and listen to some great music at a great price, as well as enjoy nature and have a good time,” Colfax Park and Auxiliary Board President Kim Seebeck said. “We will have a really neat stage being brought in, so it will be outside no matter what.”

This year, the auxiliary board originally planned to expand the concert into a full weekend of activities – dubbed “Relax in Colfax.” They hoped to add a softball tournament and a disc golf tournament to the music concert series. But due to scheduling conflicts, the disc golf tournament was moved to the following weekend, July 7 and the softball tournament canceled.

Despite the “Relax In Colfax” plans slipping through the cracks, Seebeck said this year’s bands will still ensure attendees an unforgettable weekend where they can truly relax in Colfax.

“It was just a matter of resources,” the board president said. “There is still a lot to do at the quarry. We have primitive camping, we have kayaking, we have fishing, trails you can watch. You can relax and enjoy the park ... and it is all right here in the heart of Colfax.”

This year’s concert will open with a performance by Back Alley Jam, who are known across the state for their covers from Bob Dylan’s classic “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” to the timeless “Hey Joe” by Jimi Hendrix.

Colfax’s own Richard Arndt will then hit the stage at Quarry Springs for the second time, showing off his vocals and guitar skills with his band, The Brew. Through a fusion of rock-and-roll, blues and a little bottle tonk, Seebeck said is one band residents will not want to miss.

The evening will round out with a performance with the heavily requested, Midwest, country musician, Jason Brown. In his first debut at a Rock The Quarry concert, the Pella native will perform several of his original tunes, including “Momma Was A Rebel,” “Touchdown,” “I’d Love You To Hate Me,” “You Don’t Play Fair” and “We’re All In The Same Boat” – all of which have been placed on the Billboard and MediaBase Country Charts.

“I know when we put out a request on Facebook about what people would like to see at this concert, we got a loud cry for Jason Brown. We went and sought him out. He seems like a really great guy who likes to do this stuff,” Seebeck said. “Richard Arndt lives right here in town, so he has quite a draw and a fan base. He is really personable and great to watch on stage. Back Alley Jam is a newer band. They are just getting started ... if you like live music, the Des Moines, Newton market is where it is at.”

Similar to previous years, Georgioz pizza, Cocina Hernandez Mexican restaurant and the Thirsty Turtle bar will serve food and drinks at the dance. The Music Booster Club will also offer several concession stand treats at the concert.

Cub Scout Troop 345 will host a silent auction at the event. There will be a 50-50 raffle to benefit the auxiliary board efforts.

To help spread the word, Seebeck said the auxiliary board will be giving a special “Relax In Colfax” weekend package through KCOB 95.9 FM. Leading up to the event, the auxiliary board will be on-air promoting the event and will give away the package to one lucky listeners.

“The whole package is free entrance to the concert with premiere sitting, getting to meet Jason Brown, a night stay at the Microtel, there is a party bus for the day, dinner at a local restaurant and a package of freebies from locals,” Seebeck said. “It is a great opportunity to enjoy yourself and relax in Colfax.”

Whether you are a fan of good music, the outdoors or tasty food, Seebeck encourages to bring out the lawn chair and head over to Quarry Springs Park for one fun night.

Admission costs $15 in advance, $20 at the gate and $5 for children in kindergarten through 12th grade. Tickets can be purchased at Colfax City Hall, The Hair Gallery, Cocina Hernandez, Newton Hy-Vee or online at quarryspringspark.com.

For more information, call 515-478-6272 or find Quarry Springs Park on Facebook.

​Contact Anthony Victor Reyes at areyes@jaspercountytribune.com