Folsom’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination is ready to bring live music back to the center stage as the Palladio’s 2025 Music in the Piazza series kicks off this Friday night. Leading off this year’s lineup is none other than local favorite Granite City 909, a band whose roots run deep in the Folsom community.
Granite City 909 is a tribute to the golden age of rock and to the city’s rich history. The band’s name honors Folsom’s original moniker of “Granite City” and nods to the historic elementary school at 909 that was an important part of their youth. With over 125 years of combined professional musical experience, the band brings a sound deeply inspired by the diverse scenes of Los Angeles, Lake Tahoe/Reno, and South Texas during rock’s most influential era.
The group is made up of four longtime friends and talented musicians who are dedicated to preserving the spirit of the 1970s for today’s audiences.
Jay Freeman (Guitar) was born in Houston, Texas, and toured extensively across the South and Midwest in the early ’70s, sharing stages with the likes of ZZ Top and Ted Nugent. Even after transitioning to a banking career, his love for music never faded. Freeman represented Wells Fargo in the Fortune Magazine Battle of the Corporate Bands, performing at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and at a Nashville event headlined by Cheap Trick.
Steve Miklos (Guitar), a Southern California native, began performing with his brother at outdoor festivals and corporate events from a young age. Influenced by his godfather and uncle, a Las Vegas headliner, Miklos carries the vibrant energy of 1970s rock in every note.
Bob Rogers (Guitar and Bass) grew up in Alaska before relocating to Folsom in 1975. A graduate of the original Folsom High School, Rogers is a seasoned musician whose natural ear for music perfectly complements the group. He recently added bass guitar to his instrumental talents to round out the band’s dynamic sound.
Scott Blakeslee (Drums) brings East Coast energy to the mix. Raised in New Jersey, Blakeslee was inspired to take up drumming after watching The Beatles and The Rolling Stones on the Ed Sullivan Show at just eight years old. His background includes performing in school concert and marching bands and earning accolades with a teen garage rock band.
Together, Granite City 909 delivers a high-energy, authentic experience that captures the heart of classic rock and the spirit of Folsom’s history. They are the perfect band to launch a summer season filled with live music under the stars.
Following Granite City 909’s performance, Music in the Piazza continues every Friday through June 27, offering a lively mix of musical genres and acts.
On May 9, Have Mercy will take over the stage with a set of energetic Top 40 hits that promise to get the crowd moving. May 16 brings Keep On Truckin’, a Woodstock tribute band that channels the sounds and free spirit of the legendary 1969 festival.
On May 23, Peter Morgan will blend smooth jazz with yacht rock classics, perfect for a laid-back evening vibe. AKAlive will fire up the Piazza on May 30 with a high-energy fusion of classic rock and funk.
June opens with a Beatles tribute as Revolution Beat performs beloved hits from every era of the Fab Four’s career on June 6. Brisco County brings country flair on June 13, combining modern and traditional influences for a fun-filled night.
On June 20, Jax Hammer will rock the Piazza with powerful guitar riffs and high-octane performances before Eazy Dubwraps up the 2025 series on June 27 with a smooth reggae and island-inspired sound, setting the perfect tone for summer.
Each free concert runs from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Palladio’s central Piazza and is open to all ages. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to enjoy the evening in comfort. Food and drinks will be available on-site, including a Beer & Wine Garden hosted by Barnes & Noble Kitchen, serving small plates and draft beer.
The 2025 series is made possible through the support of generous sponsors including Elliott Homes, AKT Development, Cummings Enterprises, and the Rotary Club of Folsom.
For more information on the Music in the Piazza series and other upcoming events at the Palladio, visit www.gopalladio.com or call Palladio Guest Services at 916-542-7408. More on Granite City 909 can be found on the band’s official website.
2025 Music in the Piazza Schedule at Palladio:
May 2 – Granite City 909 (Classic Rock)
May 9 – Have Mercy (Top 40 Hits)
May 16 – Keep On Truckin’ (Woodstock Tribute)
May 23 – Peter Morgan (Smooth Jazz & Yacht Rock)
May 30 – AKAlive (Classic Rock, Funk)
June 6 – Revolution Beat (Beatles Tribute)
June 13 – Brisco County (Country)
June 20 – Jax Hammer (Rock)
June 27 – Eazy Dub (Reggae)
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