Colleen Janssen, RSRPD

Kayla Latzer gets a great view of the band while sitting on the shoulders of her friend's dad, John Franzblau. More than 3,500 people attended the free concert on July 19 at Rancho Simi Community Park featuring the Eagles tribute band, Hotel California.

Colleen Janssen, RSRPD

Band members joined together to harmonize during one of the many Eagles songs performed during the evening.

Do you have that peaceful, easy feeling? You would, if you had attended the free concert featuring Hotel California, an Eagles tribute band, Saturday night, July 19, in Simi Valley. Hosted by Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District and the Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise, the concert was the third of four offered for the 2008 Music in the Park summer concert series.

The largest concert crowd ever seen for this annual series, more than 3,500 people sat on the grass or in lawn chairs, swaying and singing along to their favorite Eagles songs. The line-up included favorites such as "Tequila Sunrise," "One of These Nights," "Life in the Fast Lane," "How Long," "James Dean," crowd favorite "Desperado," "I Can't Tell You Why," "Get Over It," "Peaceful, Easy Feeling," "Heartache Tonight," and, the final song for which the band is named, "Hotel California."

Band members, who play all over the world, included band founding member, Wade Hogue, who serves as the lead singer, keyboards, acoustic guitar and percussion; Dicky-Lee Dickinson, vocals, mandolin, pedal steel, harmonicas, and lead, rhythm, slide, acoustic, and electric guitars; Phil Rowland, drums and percussion; Scott Fronsoe, vocals and bass; and Steve Probst, vocals, banjo, lead, rhythm, acoustic, double neck and 12 string guitars. To find out more about the band, their upcoming concert schedule, and bios on the members, view their website at www.HotelCal.com.

The dance area in front of the stage was full during the second set as adults, teens, and children jumped, swayed, and cheered. Many of the children climbed up on mom's or dad's shoulders to get a closer look at the band.

One concert date remains for the summer. Scheduled to perform on August 16 will be Savor, a Santana tribute band. Concert admission is free and it is recommended that concert-goers bring a blanket or folding chair for seating. The concert will begin at 6:00 pm at Rancho Simi Community Park, 1765 Royal Avenue, Simi Valley. For more information, view the District's website at www.rsrpd.org/recreation/upcoming events or call (805) 584-4400. Video footage and photos of the 2008 concert series may also be viewed on the District's website under prior events.