A rising California folk-rock band known for its classic sound will grace the Pavillion Park stage at 6 p.m. Aug. 15.  

"An Evening with Dawes" comes two months after the release of the four-member band's fourth album, "All Your Favorite Bands." The free concert is part of Friends of Pavillion Park's 18th annual Summer Festival and serves as one of the highlights of this year's series of performances. 

The longtime volunteer who does a great deal of FOPP's heavy lifting when it comes to scouting and booking bands, Chris Apted, said that in Dawes, concert-goers will enjoy a critically acclaimed band with a national profile that is on the rise. Apted compared Dawes' sound to a "mix of the Allman Brothers, the Beach Boys and the Eagles."

This nod to a throwback sound with a modern vibe was reflected in a swarm of mostly positive media accompanying the June 2 release of "All Your Favorite Bands." Newsweek described Dawes as "the inheritors of ‘70s-style California folk-rock." The band also enjoyed plugs from Rolling Stone, NPR and the New York Daily News, among other outlets. 

The Chicago Sun-Times had an even more effusive take on Dawes: "With its modern take on old-fashioned songcraft and interplay, Dawes may ultimately be the most satisfying American band of its generation." 

Currently on an international tour, Dawes is composed of Taylor Goldsmith (lead vocals, guitar, lyricist), Griffin Goldsmith (drums, background vocals), Wylie Gelber (bass) and Tay Strathairn (keyboards, background vocals). In publicity materials, Taylor Goldsmith said the title track, which he co-wrote with Jonny Fritz and reads like an ode to a treasured friendship, was inspired by his own personal definition of wishing someone the very best. 

"The main line of the title track is ‘And may all your favorite bands stay together,'" Goldsmith said. "I know that my favorite bands are a really deep part of who I am. … I would love for someone wishing me well to put it in the terms of ‘may all your favorite bands stay together.'  That would be a real friend." 

Speaking of favorite bands, Dawes has a particularly famous disciple. 

"If you're looking for a rock n' roll band, this is pretty much all you need," David Letterman said when introducing Dawes for their sixth, and final, appearance on the "Late Show" during one of its swan song episodes in April.

After the band performed "Things Happen" from the new album, Letterman announced his own new gig.  

"People say to me, ‘When you're done with the show, what will you do?'" the iconic comedian deadpanned. "I'm happy to announce I'm joining Dawes."