the mommy avenger

You know that first real night of summer? The one where the breeze is warm, the kids are sticky with treats they begged for, and you’re sitting outside thinking, Yep, this is the good stuff. That night is happening May 24th at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre, and it’s bringing a whole lot of CCR with it.

Let’s talk about “Revisiting Creedence”—an epic tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival. If you’re a fan of “Proud Mary,” “Bad Moon Rising,” or “Down on the Corner,” you already know the soundtrack. This isn’t some karaoke-style cover band. These guys—Dan McGuinness, Kurt Griffey, and crew—have actually toured with original CCR members, so the sound is as close to the real deal as you can get without time-traveling back to 1969.

The SCERA Shell itself is such a gem for family-friendly nights out. It’s nestled in SCERA Park in Orem, Utah, with a backdrop of trees and mountains and sky that goes on forever. You bring your blankets, your lawn chairs, maybe a hoodie (because Utah summer nights have that unpredictable twist), and you settle in for a concert under the stars. I’m telling you—there’s just something magical about watching live music outside with the people you love, while your kids dance barefoot on the grass or conk out halfway through the second verse of “Have You Ever Seen the Rain.”

What’s even better? They’re making a whole day of it. Before the concert, SCERA is throwing their Fine Arts Family Fest in the park from 2 to 6pm. It’s totally free and packed with hands-on art projects for kids and adults. Think pottery, painting, stained glass—all those “maybe we’ll try it someday” things your Pinterest board has been hoarding for years. There’s even a little train ride circling the park between 5 and 8pm.

Doors open at 6:30pm, which gives you plenty of time to grab snacks, find the perfect spot on the hill, and maybe hit up concessions before the music starts at 8:00. You can rent a lawn chair for $2, or if you want to splurge a little, grab tickets in the prime reserved section—they come with a free pre-set chair right in the sweet spot of the hill. No stress, no wrestling folding chairs from the back of the van.

Tickets are super easy to grab—just head to their website or call their box office at 801.225.ARTS. You can also just swing by in person if you’re local (they’re open weekdays 10-6 and Saturdays 12-6).

So if your summer calendar’s still looking a little empty, here’s your first must-do. “Revisiting Creedence” is one night, one legendary soundtrack, and one perfect excuse to slow down, sing along, and make some memories with your people.

See you on the hill!