Aspen country-folk musician opens concert series Thursday night

"Hot Summer Nights" kicks off 7 p.m. Thursday in Norris Park as Jim Salestrom of Vale, Colo., performs his country-folk sounds for Southwest Nebraska.

Salestrom, formerly of Kearney, Neb., is a guitarist and songwriter who has worked with many stars, including Dolly Parton, John Denver, Kenny Rogers, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. He was nominated for a grammy in 1997 for his childrens album "All The Colors". The Salestrom concert is co-sponsored by the Southwest Nebraska RC and D.

The fourth annual Hot Summer Nights Concert Series, sponsored by McCook National Bank, continues Aug. 1, 15, and 29, in the Norris Park bandshell.

Aug. 1, brings the local band the Saggy Bottom Boys. This bluegrass band has performed in McCook previously during the Barn Again! exhibit festivities earlier this year.

Platte River Jazz will perform at the Aug. 15, concert. Platte River Jazz is from Kearney and plays big band and jazz music.

The series ends with Black Water Haze on Aug. 29. Another local group, Black Water Haze plays a mix of country, rock and classic rock music.

The McCook Chamber of Commerce will again make available "summer treats" for the August concerts and MNB will have giveaways at the August concerts.

The Hot Summer Nights Concert Series is free to the public and is supported by the efforts of Russ Ankersen, McCook Chamber of Commerce officials, Matt and Walt Sehnert, Mike Thomas and Lonnie Weyeneth.