Ambers Wake, Dark Passenger, Captive State and Still Counting bring heavy music before Yacht Rockers launch Summer Solstice celebration
From crushing breakdowns and metalcore intensity to smooth harmonies and soft-rock classics, The Boardwalk is offering two completely different musical experiences this weekend as a heavy Friday night lineup gives way to a Summer Solstice Yacht Rock party on Saturday.
The weekend begins Friday, June 12, with a stacked bill featuringAmbers Wake,Dark Passenger,Captive StateandStill Counting, delivering an evening built around modern metalcore, aggressive riffs and high-energy live performances.
Headlining the night is Ambers Wake, a band known for blending heavy guitar work, melodic hooks and emotionally driven songwriting into a sound that captures the intensity and accessibility that has helped metalcore remain one of heavy music’s most popular genres.
Drawing influence from many of the modern acts that have helped shape the scene over the last decade, Ambers Wake balances crushing breakdowns with memorable choruses and melodic passages, creating a sound designed to hit hard while remaining engaging and approachable.
Joining the lineup isDark Passenger, a Sacramento and Bay Area-based metalcore act whose music combines aggressive riffs with nu-metal influences and dark atmospheric elements.
The band’s sound is built around emotional intensity, eerie melodies and crushing heaviness, blending modern metalcore with the groove-oriented aggression that helped define the nu-metal era. Their performances have earned attention for delivering both technical musicianship and raw emotional energy.
Also appearing Friday isCaptive State, a Bay Area metalcore band formed in 2021 that has quickly built a reputation around groove-heavy songwriting and powerful live shows.
Built on aggressive riffs, driving rhythms and high-energy stage performances, Captive State represents the newer generation of California metalcore bands continuing to push the genre forward while remaining rooted in the heaviness that fans expect.
Opening the night isStill Counting, a Sacramento-based metalcore band that combines aggressive instrumentation with melodic depth and progressive influences.
Drawing inspiration from bands such as Invent Animate, ERRA, Polaris and Novelists, the group aims to expand the boundaries of modern metalcore through intricate songwriting, dynamic arrangements and emotionally charged performances.
Friday’s show begins at 8 p.m. and is open to all ages, though anyone under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
After Friday’s heavy music showcase, The Boardwalk shifts gears completely Saturday night asYacht Rockerstake over the venue for a Summer Solstice Party celebrating the smooth sounds of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Designed as a full-scale tribute to the yacht rock era, the Northern California group recreates the polished sound, rich harmonies and feel-good grooves that helped make artists such as Michael McDonald, Hall & Oates, Toto and Steely Dan staples of radio playlists and summer soundtracks.
Known for faithful musicianship and crowd-pleasing performances, Yacht Rockers transports audiences back to an era of breezy melodies, sophisticated songwriting and singalong favorites that continue to resonate decades after their release.
Saturday’s Summer Solstice Party invites guests to embrace the carefree spirit of the season while enjoying an evening filled with timeless classics and danceable soft-rock hits. Whether audiences come for the nostalgia, the musicianship or simply a fun night out, the performance promises a dramatic contrast to Friday’s metalcore lineup.
The Yacht Rockers show begins at 8 p.m. Saturday and is open to guests 21 and older.
Located at 9426 Greenback Lane in Orangevale, The Boardwalk remains one of the Sacramento region’s most recognizable live entertainment venues, regularly hosting touring artists, tribute acts, local performers, comedy shows and specialty events across a wide range of genres.
Tickets and additional event details are available atwww.rocktheboardwalk.com. All ticket sales are final.
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