Week six of summer concert series kicks off a weekend of live music with Americana Fest set for Saturday

Historic Folsom’s Twilight Concert Series continues Thursday night with an evening of high-energy entertainment as the Lyric Michelle Band takes the stage at the Zittel Family Amphitheater, kicking off the first of two major nights of live music in Historic Folsom this week.

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Known for its energetic performances, powerful vocals and crowd-pleasing mix of current hits, the Northern California band has built a loyal following with audiences throughout California, earning a reputation for keeping dance floors full and concertgoers engaged from the opening song to the final encore.

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 strong crowds throughout the summer, bringing residents and visitors to Historic Folsom for evenings of live music, dining, shopping and community gathering in the heart of the Historic District.

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Leading the group is vocalist and songwriter Lyric Michelle Fernandes, whose soulful voice and engaging stage presence have made her one of Northern California’s emerging performers. Beyond her live performances throughout California, including the Tahoe and Reno region, Fernandes is also an accomplished songwriter who regularly travels to Nashville to collaborate with fellow musicians and share her original music with broader audiences.

Whether performing original songs or contemporary favorites, Fernandes has become known for connecting with audiences through heartfelt performances while delivering the energy expected from today’s top live entertainment acts.

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The Lyric Michelle Band has performed at county fairs, music festivals, weddings, corporate events, private celebrations and community festivals across the region. Their versatility allows the group to entertain audiences of all ages while delivering a wide-ranging setlist that spans multiple genres and keeps the atmosphere lively throughout every performance.

Joining Fernandes on stage is lead guitarist Zach Waters, whose dynamic playing brings another level of excitement to the band’s live shows. Bassist Jarom “Funk Daddy” Horner provides the driving grooves that anchor the group’s sound, while drummer Brian Collins, a graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, delivers the rhythm and percussion that help power each performance. Together, the four musicians create a polished, high-energy show that has become a signature of the band’s growing popularity.

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The group’s appearance continues another successful season of live music in Historic Folsom. Since the series opened earlier this summer, audiences have enjoyed performances by CCsegerR, Sugar High Band, Invisible Son, Wayward Buffalo and Steelin’ Dan, with each week bringing a different musical style to the Zittel Family Amphitheater.

Each Thursday evening, the Historic District comes alive as visitors enjoy local restaurants, outdoor patios, specialty shops and free live entertainment in one of Folsom’s most recognizable gathering places. The Twilight Concert Series has become one of the city’s signature summer traditions, attracting music lovers from throughout the Sacramento region.

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Following Thursday’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 series 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.

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Thursday’s free concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Zittel Family Amphitheater in Historic Folsom. For more information on the Twilight Concert Series and other Historic Folsom events, visitwww.historicfolsom.org.

Americana Fest returns Saturday with “Sweethearts & Storytellers”

The music doesn’t stop when Thursday night’s concert ends.

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Historic Folsom’s busy weekend of live entertainment continues Saturday as the Wildwood Performing Arts Foundation returns to the Zittel Family Amphitheater for the second installment of the inaugural Folsom Americana Fest. Beginning at 7 p.m., “Sweethearts & Storytellers” celebrates the trailblazing women whose voices and songwriting helped shape country music through an evening that blends live performances with storytelling.

Hosted by The Wildwood Roses, the production features Kristen Brown and her full band, Cynthia Renee & JB, Mae McCoy & Her Neon Stars and The Wildwood Roses, while also showcasing Foundation Young Artist Grace Emeline as part of the evening’s celebration of emerging talent.

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“Sweethearts & Storytellers” is the second of three productions making up the inaugural Folsom Americana Fest, a summer concert series celebrating Americana, roots music, storytelling and American heritage. Held on select Saturdays throughout the summer, the series showcases Americana, country, bluegrass, folk and rockabilly while exploring the stories and traditions behind the music.

As communities across the nation commemorate America’s 250th anniversary throughout 2026, the festival celebrates the music, storytelling and cultural traditions that have connected generations of Americans. Unlike a traditional concert, the production combines live music with storytelling, offering audiences a deeper appreciation of the artists and influences that helped define country music.

The festival opened in June with the sold-out 10th anniversary presentation of “American Legend: A Tribute to Johnny Cash’s Life in Song” and will conclude later this summer with “Honky Tonk Highways,” a celebration of California’s rich country music heritage.

“As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Folsom Americana Fest is a meaningful way to celebrate the music, storytelling and traditions that continue to shape our culture,” said Sunny Mitchell, founding director of the Wildwood Performing Arts Foundation. “There’s something incredibly special about bringing people together through live music in the heart of Historic Folsom.”

Proceeds from Folsom Americana Fest support the Wildwood Performing Arts Foundation’s workshops, concerts and educational programming focused on connecting the community through music and the performing arts.

“Sweethearts & Storytellers” begins at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Zittel Family Amphitheater in Historic Folsom. Tickets and additional information are available through the Wildwood Performing Arts Foundation.

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