Woods Family Band to rock Natrona with free concert

Blues musician Tim Woods will light up Natrona Community Park on Thursday with soulful sounds from his newest album, “For You,” currently charting in the Top 10 on the National Blues Rock radio list.

The Greensburg resident will belt out classics with his five-piece Woods Family Band, which includes his son, Derek.

“We’ve been playing there for years,” said Woods, originally from Murrysville. “It’s so beautiful. We really enjoy that park.”

The free concert will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the park along River Avenue.

Hosted by neighborhood advocacy group Natrona Comes Together, the event is among several summer programs aimed at boosting pride in this Harrison neighborhood.

“What could be better than classic rock ‘n’ roll under the moonlight in the colorful park adorned with art sculptures that were designed and created by the Natrona community?” said Bill Godfrey, president of the nonprofit.

“It will be a magical night in Natrona when the Woods Family Band takes the stage as the sun sets and the stars emerge.”

Woods, 61, got a start in the music industry as a teen. The singer and guitarist said his father was a piano player and “music was always in the house.”

Through the years, Woods has shared the stage with many well-known musicians, most recently performing with Mick Fleetwood and the House Shakers at Fleetwood’s on Front St. in Maui.

In 2012, Woods was inducted into the New York Blues Hall of Fame.

With a repertoire of more than 200-plus songs, Woods said he believes in musicians supporting other musicians. His newly released album features special guests Paul Hornsby of the Marshall Tucker Band and Erik Lawrence of Little Feat.

Woods said he cherishes moments that he shares on stage with other artists and friends. He particularly enjoys when his other son, Ryan, joins the band for a performance.

Godfrey expects a lively crowd to fill the park for the concert.

“They’ve built a nice following here,” Godfrey said. “People stop me in the streets, asking, ‘Is the Woods Family Band coming back this year?’ ”