Award-winning horn-driven funk and soul band celebrates its 10th anniversary as it headlines Thursday night’s free Twilight Concert Series concert
Historic Folsom’s Twilight Concert Series turns up the funk Thursday night as Hipper Than Hip takes the stage at the Zittel Family Amphitheater, bringing its signature blend of powerhouse horns, soulful vocals and dance-floor favorites to one of the city’s most popular summer traditions. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, the Northern California favorite promises an evening packed with the classic hits of funk, soul and rhythm and blues that have made the band a crowd favorite throughout the region.
Presented by Bernau Development Corporation in partnership with the Folsom Historic District Association, the Twilight Concert Series continues its 13-week summer run with free Thursday evening concerts through Aug. 27. The series has once again attracted large crowds to Historic Folsom, where residents and visitors gather each week to enjoy live music, local restaurants, shopping and one of the city’s favorite summer traditions.
This week’s featured act promises an evening built around music that has defined generations of dance floors.
Drawing inspiration from some of the greatest names in funk, soul and R&B, Hipper Than Hip performs energetic renditions of songs made famous by Tower of Power, Earth, Wind & Fire, Chicago, Bruno Mars, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner and Stevie Wonder, putting its own signature spin on every performance while keeping audiences moving from the opening song through the finale.
The multi-member ensemble is comprised of some of Northern California’s finest musicians and describes itself as a diverse collection of seasoned professionals whose shared musical history, collaborations and friendships span more than four decades. That chemistry is evident on stage, where tight musicianship, polished vocals and a driving rhythm section are complemented by one of the band’s defining features — a powerful horn line that delivers the unmistakable sound of classic funk and soul.
Together, the musicians create what they describe as “industrial-strength funk” mixed with a healthy dose of classic R&B and soul. Their stellar vocals, powerful horn line and driving percussion combine to create an infectious groove that has become the band’s trademark over the past decade. The result is an upbeat, dance-driven show that appeals to audiences of all ages while paying tribute to some of music’s most iconic performers.
Whether performing timeless hits from the 1970s or adding a funky edge to more contemporary favorites, Hipper Than Hip has earned a reputation for keeping dance floors packed and audiences engaged throughout every performance. Their philosophy is simple: encourage everyone to get out, dance and “get hip,” because, as the band likes to say, they are Hipper Than Hip.
Thursday’s performance marks the seventh week of another successful Twilight Concert Series season. Since opening earlier this summer, the series has welcomed CCsegerR, Sugar High Band, Invisible Son, Wayward Buffalo, Steelin’ Dan and the Lyric Michelle Band last week, each bringing a different musical style to Historic Folsom while drawing enthusiastic crowds to the Historic District.
Each Thursday evening, the Historic District comes alive as visitors stroll Sutter Street, browse locally owned boutiques, enjoy award-winning restaurants and gather at the Zittel Family Amphitheater for free live entertainment beneath the summer sky. Concertgoers are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy dinner, shopping or refreshments before the music begins.
Following Hipper Than Hip’s performance, the Twilight Concert Series continues July 23 with AKAlive Band before welcoming LVVS on July 30. The August lineup features Dunsbar Road, Wayside Band and Daze on the Green before the season concludes Aug. 27 with Adam Aldama & The Aces.
The 2026 Twilight Concert Series is made possible through the support of numerous local sponsors and community partners. Bernau Development Corporation serves as the presenting sponsor for this year’s series, while Folsom Times returns as the series platinum sponsor. Gold sponsors include JL Audio Productions and Style Magazine. Silver sponsors include Plank Craft Kitchen + Bar, SMUD, Stanfield Systems Incorporated, Scott’s Seafood Roundhouse, Snook’s Candies & Chocolate Factory, Folsom Moose Lodge and Powerhouse Entertainment. Bronze sponsors include ACE Pickleball Club and Penney & Associates. Roadie sponsors include Ross-Campbell Inc., More Than Olives and Ruby’s Books, Ben and Jerry’s of Folsom and Red Bus Brewery.
Thursday’s free concert runs from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Zittel Family Amphitheater in Historic Folsom. Guests are encouraged to bring low-back lawn chairs or blankets and arrive early to enjoy the Historic District before the show.
For more information on the Twilight Concert Series and other Historic Folsom events, visit www.historicfolsom.org.
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