Mar 3, 2017
Darien Lake Theme Park will bring back its popular Free In-Park Concert Series for a third year in 2017.
This year’s slate will feature three shows that will be free with paid admission to the park or, including season pass holders and overnight accommodation packages. They are:
• May 27 — Sofia Carson with Jacob Whitesides
• June 24 — Forever in Your Mind
• July 1 — R5
The concert series has always promoted young, up-and-coming pop stars, and this year’s artists are no different. Carson, 23, is a singer/actress who has worked mostly on Disney projects, including the TV show “Descendants: Wicked World” and the film “A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits.” Whitesides, 19, got his start at 14 when he appeared on the reality show “X Factor” and released his debut album, “Why?,” this past fall. The boy band Forever in Your Mind formed when two of the members were eliminated from “X Factor” in 2013; they released their debut album, “FIYM,” last summer. R5 is an American pop rock band promoted through Disney that has released two albums, “Louder” in 2013 and “Sometime Last Night” in 2015.
Whitesides is the first returning artist to the concert series. He performed with Laura Marano in the 2016 opener. Other previous acts include Debby Ryan & The Never Ending, Jake Miller, Shawn Mendes, Rachel Platten and Sabrina Carpenter.
The concerts will once again take the stage in the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, which is attached to the theme park.
“We are always looking to present meaningful experiences for our season pass holders and are excited to continue our free concert series in 2017,” said Darien Lake General Manager Chris Thorpe in a press release. “Whether from the top of the charts or your favorite family TV series, each of these artists is familiar to many families across Western New York, and we are thrilled to present them free as an added value to your early summer visit.”
For more information on season passes, concerts or accommodations, visit www.DarienLake.com.
