Versatile Sacramento band headlines week two of Live on the Boulevard series in Town Center Amphitheater

EL DORADO HILLS — The summer concert season continues this Thursday at El Dorado Hills Town Center as Live on the Boulevard returns with another evening of free outdoor entertainment, this time featuring the high-energy sounds of Sacramento-based band AKA Live.

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Performing June 18 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Town Center Amphitheater, AKA Live will bring its “Electric Rock” themed show to one of the region’s most popular summer concert series, delivering an energetic mix of classic rock, country, funk, R&B and contemporary favorites designed to keep audiences singing and dancing throughout the evening.

For music fans looking for variety, AKA has built a reputation as one of Northern California’s most versatile live acts. The band’s extensive catalog spans decades and genres, allowing them to move seamlessly from classic rock anthems to country favorites, modern pop hits and crowd-pleasing ballads. Their performances regularly feature music from artists such as Bruno Mars, Luke Bryan, Green Day, The Beatles, Tom Petty, AC/DC, U2 and many more.

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That versatility has helped the group become a popular attraction at festivals, community events, private parties and concert venues throughout the Sacramento region. Whether playing danceable party favorites or singalong classics, AKA has developed a loyal following through its ability to connect with audiences of all ages.

AKAlive Band, also known simply as AKA, delivers a dynamic live show that spans rock, country, R&B and alternative genres. Known for exceptional vocalists and top-tier musicians, the group turns every performance into a full-on party packed with rhythm, energy and crowd engagement. Their setlists cross eras and styles, promising something for every music fan and a soundtrack built to get audiences on their feet. With a reputation as one of the region’s most versatile and entertaining acts, AKA brings a polished performance that consistently energizes crowds and keeps dance floors full.

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Leading the band is vocalist Carl London, joined by guitarist and vocalist Joe Snook, whose musical background includes early work with the Sacramento-based band CAKE. The lineup also features El Dorado Hills resident Spencer Grimenstein on drums, Dave Meyer on bass and vocals, and Steve Carrillo on keyboards and vocals.

Together, the musicians create a polished, high-energy performance built around strong vocals, experienced musicianship and audience interaction. Organizers describe AKA Live as a band that consistently turns performances into full-scale parties, keeping dance floors active and crowds engaged from beginning to end.

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Thursday’s performance continues another season of Live on the Boulevard, a long-running summer tradition that has become a staple of the El Dorado Hills entertainment calendar. Held at the Town Center Amphitheater at 4364 Town Center Blvd., the free concert series invites residents and visitors to gather each week for live music in a relaxed outdoor setting.

The experience has become familiar to many regular attendees. Gates open at 5 p.m. for chair setup, allowing concertgoers to secure a spot before heading to one of Town Center’s restaurants for dinner. The amphitheater opens at 5:30 p.m., and many attendees make an evening of the event by dining, shopping and socializing before the music begins.

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An online waitlist for early chair setup opens at noon on concert days. One registrant may bring up to four people, and participants are asked to line up by 5:15 p.m. in numerical order at the corner of Brickyard and Holiday Inn before entering the amphitheater.

Wine, beer and spirits are available for purchase inside the venue. Organizers remind guests that outside alcohol, beverages and ice chests are not permitted due to ABC regulations.

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The 2026 Live on the Boulevard series continues throughout the summer with a lineup featuring tribute acts, dance bands, country performers and crowd favorites.

The next scheduled performance comes June 25 with Adam Aldama & The Aces, known for their choreographed, high-energy blend of throwback hip-hop, R&B, pop and Top 40 hits.

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July begins with Viva Santana on July 9, bringing the music of Carlos Santana to the amphitheater through a tribute performance featuring Latin rhythms, soaring guitar solos and classic hits. Top Shelf Classics follows July 16 with a night of Motown, soul, R&B and dance favorites, while Super Bad takes over July 23 with its crowd-focused mix of dance hits spanning several decades.

One of the most anticipated events of the summer arrives July 3 when Town Center hosts its annual Fireworks and Freedom celebration. Separate from the weekly concert series, the event returns for its 15th year and has attracted crowds of approximately 31,000 people in previous years.

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The July 3 celebration will feature live entertainment in two locations throughout Town Center. Hip Service will perform at the amphitheater, while a second band is scheduled to perform in Theatre Plaza. Fireworks will launch from three separate locations, including both sides of the lake and the top of the Regal Theatre, creating a display visible throughout the Town Center area.

The event will run from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. and includes a variety of family-friendly activities. A dedicated kids area will feature bounce houses, face painting, shaved ice, balloon artists and a DJ leading up to the fireworks show. Following the fireworks display, Hip Service will return to the amphitheater stage for a post-fireworks dance set that continues until 11 p.m.

Country music fans will want to mark July 30 on their calendars when Cynthia Renee and Cripple Creek share the stage for a special double-bill performance.

A Sacramento-based country artist, Cynthia Renee has gained national attention through her powerful vocals and authentic songwriting. Her singles “Working on a Hangover” and “Good on Me” both reached the Top 100, while her latest release, “The Way God Made Me,” has earned award nominations and continued recognition within the modern country music scene.

Cripple Creek brings more than a decade of touring experience to the stage. Since 2012, the group has released multiple albums and earned national recognition in songwriting competitions in 2017, 2019, 2022 and 2025. Known for energetic live performances, Cripple Creek has appeared at major events including Sacramento’s Golden Sky Festival and Santa Rosa’s Summer Country Music Festival while sharing stages with artists such as Toby Keith, Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson and Dustin Lynch.

The final month of the season begins Aug. 6 with Journey Unauthorized, which recreates the iconic arena-rock sound of Journey through a live performance featuring many of the band’s biggest hits. The season concludes Aug. 27 with The Spazmatics, whose energetic tribute to 1980s new wave music has become a favorite among audiences throughout Northern California.

Concert organizers remind attendees that while admission is free, several venue guidelines remain in place. Bags must be clear plastic or smaller than 8-by-6-by-1 inches, and all bags and coolers are subject to search. Blankets, personal tables, barbecues and roped-off seating areas are not permitted.

With another crowd-pleasing band taking the stage this week and a summer lineup packed with entertainment still ahead, Live on the Boulevard continues to provide a soundtrack for Thursday nights in El Dorado Hills.

Remaining 2026 Live on the Boulevard Schedule

June 18 — AKA Live
June 25 — Adam Aldama & The Aces
July 3 — Hip Service (Fireworks and Freedom Special Event)
July 9 — Viva Santana
July 16 — Top Shelf Classics
July 23 — Super Bad
July 30 — Cynthia Renee and Cripple Creek
Aug. 6 — Journey Unauthorized
Aug. 27 — The Spazmatics

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