Vendors, game area, food and drinks will be available

Published in the Oct. 2-15, 2013 issue of Morgan Hill Life

By Jeff Dixon

We are less than two weeks until Kihncert, and the excitement is building in the community and within our team putting on the event.

Jeff Dixon

Jeff Dixon

For us, the excitement is often felt as a type of pressure. The fact that bringing this event to Morgan Hill is great for the community is sometimes forgotten in the next deadline, the next task. Sometimes, not always …. we are enjoying the experience of the ground-breaking event we are creating and “experience” is the key word.

This year’s Kihncert is really a KIHNsperience. Expanded from its usual format, the Kihncert runs from noon to 10-11 p.m. Oct. 12 with a Sound Check Party starting at 11 a.m.. Those buying a Sound Check Party Package will receive two tickets to the show, preferred parking, preferred seating, a meet-and-greet with Greg Kihn, two beverages and two hot dogs. Once inside the fun begins with great classic rock and roll music. Our partnership with the ARTTEC’s team is going well. They take care of production and working with the artists while Morgan Hill Youth Sports Alliance’s team is responsible for operations, infrastructure and permits. The experience that ARTTEC brings, combined with Outdoor Sports Center General Manager Dave Payne’s organizational brilliance, means every aspect of the show is studied and comprehensively addressed.

One important aspect is the parking and traffic plan. Learning from the July 4th fireworks show, we have met with Morgan Hill police for six weeks now creating then revising and revising yet again our traffic and parking plan. These plans are now finalized and can be viewed at www.kihncert.com. Those with concerns or questions should email [email protected]. We have also met with residents and businesses around the facility to share our plans with them.

To make all this happen requires a lot of effort. Community support has been tremendous. In addition to the hard work by the MHPD, Jolie Hunter from city staff has worked closely with our team, police, CalFire and Santa Clara County Fire to ensure the safety of attendees. Local businesses such as Mama Mia’s, Dutchman’s Pizza, Huntington Station, StriXe Lounge and the Morgan Hill Cigar Shop, as well as the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce are selling tickets. We still need help in the beer and wine garden, at the game pavilion and assisting with parking. Those willing to volunteer can email [email protected].

Community spirit is what has always made Morgan Hill special. Our headliner and host feel the same.

Come join us and be part of this exciting event. See you at the Kihncert. All for $15 in advance/$20 at the door.

Jeff Dixon is president of the Morgan Hill Youth Sports Alliance.

Entertainment at 2013 Kihncert

• Brett Michaels, • The Tubes, • DADA,
• XEB, • Mad Jack, • Brodie Stewart
Inside the Kihncert
• Beer and wine garden, • Second stage with local and emerging artists. • Exotic and classic cars, • Arts and crafts vendors, • Game pavilion with old style classic video games and tables, • Food trucks featuring Texas BBQ, burritos and tacos, Asian cuisine, coffee drinks and more.