Jazzing It Up With Outdoor Concerts & Music!
Summer 2016 is officially here and you know what that means, outdoor concerts. We welcome in, with a wave of a hand, barbecues, and lazy days at the beach, swimming and yes, indeed, “music under the stars”! What better way to celebrate the warmer weather, than with solo artists, sultry bands and jazz quartets? Here is a quick run-down of some “not to be missed” events this summer in Newport Beach. Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss out on these stellar venues, and many are free to attend.
FREE EVENTS
Concerts On The Green
Sunday’s from 6:00-7:30pm
This series of three concerts are presented to us by the Newport Beach City Arts Commission and will be the perfect way to wind down the weekend in this large grassy setting, with the new, modern Civic Center as the backdrop.
July 31 Hollywood Stones- A Rolling Stones Tribute Band
Hollywood Stones brings the ultra-cool Rolling Stones look and sound to Newport Beach. With dead-ringer recreations of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood and Bill Wyman performances, the five piece line-up has worked closely together for over a dozen years at hundreds of gigs taking hardcore Rolling Stones fans by storm!
August 21 Rumours- A Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band
Relive the rock and roll magic of Fleetwood Mac with period-accurate equipment and costumes to spot-on characterizations and musical performances. Rumours takes you back to a time when music was an unbridled cultural experience and bands really put on a show. The band recreates the legendary group in its hey-day of 1975-79, with vocalists Jesika Miller and Rebecca Fishman, drummer Nic Brower, guitarist Taylor Locke and bassist Nic Johns.
September 11 Springsteen Experience- A Springsteen Tribute Band
As the Springsteen premier tribute band, this group will take you back in time to 1975, just after the release of Bruce Springsteen’s breakthrough album “Born To Run”. Josh Tanner is a Jersey-grown reincarnation of “The Boss” himself. Along with his explosive band, Josh delivers an authentic re-enactment of a Bruce Springsteen concert that leaves both audience and performers exhausted and elated.
Details For All Three Concerts: Admission to all three concerts are free and free parking is available in the Civic Center parking structure. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner, however no alcohol. Attendees should also bring low-slung beach chairs and blankets for the outdoor evening event. More info here.
Pacific Symphony Concert at the Newport Beach Civic Center
Sunday, August 14 – Family Activities 5:30pm, Concert 7:00-8:30pm
The City of Newport Beach and the Pacific Symphony will present a concert featuring Pacific Symphony, led by Music Director Carl St. Clair, as part of the “Symphony in the Cities” series.
The evening will begin with the Symphony’s “Musical Playground” starting at 5:30pm. This features many interactive and hands-on activities for children, including instrument making, a drum circle, an instrument petting zoo, and an opportunity to meet the musicians. Kids will have the chance to learn how to conduct with Maestro Carl St. Clair and later help lead the orchestra in Sousa’s “Hands Across the Sea” during the concert. The concert, featuring Pacific Symphony playing popular classics, selections from “The Sound of Music” and patriotic tunes, will begin at 7:00pm and end promptly at 8:30pm.
Details: Admission to the concert is free and free parking is available in the Civic Center parking structure. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner or purchase food and refreshments from food trucks that will be on site. Attendees should also bring low-slung beach chairs and blankets for the outdoor event.
For more information about concert sponsorship or cultural arts programs in the City of Newport Beach please go to the City’s Cultural Arts webpage.
ADMISSION FEE TO ATTEND
4th Annual OC Weekly Summer Fest 2016 at the Newport Dunes
Saturday, July 16 from 1:00 to 5:00pm
Mark your calendars for the 4th Annual OC Weekly Summer Fest presented by Cox Business. Join the party where Orange County beach culture meets the ultimate celebration of OC Weekly’s much-anticipated Summer Guide issue! Boasting incredible band performances on a beachside stage, beer and drink booths, food trucks, vendors and a VIP Cabana fitted with a Summer Cocktail Lounge and Taco Throw-down contest. This is one summer soiree that is not to be missed. This event benefits Krochet Kids and their mission to empower at-risk women abroad by providing training, careers and a chance to rise from poverty.
Band Schedule- Just so guests can plan their arrival, here is a brief summary of the band line-up for Saturday
1:00 Black Salt Tone- The founding members Joshua, Kobo and Tree have a reputation for innovating musically and blowing up the stage with high energy performances. They lovingly craft honest lyrics, brutal beats, thumping bass lines, scorching keys, passionate vocals and moving guitar solos. Having released two albums they are on a roll, as they continue spreading an honest message of hope, survival, love and progress on their musical journey.
1:45 Cali Conscioius-This barefoot beach reggae band blends 4-part harmonies, upbeat rhythms and lyrics that create an energetic, soulful groove. Their lyrics are upbeat, and promote a positive message of hope, and living with love in this global world. They are also philanthropically minded in their efforts to raise funds to fight homelessness along the way.
2:45 Rootz Underground-This six member outfit hails from Jamaica man, and has an electric, gritty and soulful Rastafari style taking guests on an emotional musical journey.
4:00 Fortunate Youth- A South Bay, six piece, reggae band with unique bass lines, multiple harmonies, guitar solos and a high energy approach to their stage presence.
Advanced Pricing- General Admission $40, and VIP Section $70.
At the door may not be available if this sells out. Prices would increase by $10, however it is anticipated tickets will sell out prior to the event.
To purchase tickets and more information view here.
Sunset Jazz on Wednesday Evenings At The Newport Marriott
Wednesday Evenings- see web site for schedule and artists
The 7th Annual Wednesday evening Summer Jazz Series is about to get underway at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa. The Rose Garden and Seaview Terrace provide the perfect outdoor backdrops for this collection of top artists. They will be playing two one-hour sets, separated by a half-hour intermission. The menu includes various dinner options and sandwiches, and the chef will be preparing a special Sunset Jazz Dinner for $21.00 (plus tax and gratuity).
Beginning Wednesday, July 6th, and continuing through mid-September, the line-up is quite impressive. Among the artists this year guests can enjoy: the Ken Peplowski-Chuck Redd Quintet, Ernie Andrews with Rickey Woodard, James Morrison Band, Bill Cunlilffe & Imaginacion With Carol Bach-y-Rita, Rebecca Kilgore All-Stars, Byron Stripling-Bobby Floyd Quartet, Barbara Morrison-Rickey Woodard Quintet, and Gordon Goodwin’s Little Phat Band.
For Tickets, review the seating chart online & call (949)759-5003 or view here.
Summer Friday Concert Series At Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
Friday Evenings- see web site for schedule and artists
Bank of the West presents this Concert Series in the on-property “Back Bay Amphitheater” which is a charming, outdoor setting. The Hyatt has created an intimate venue tucked amongst the lush gardens and foliage of the sprawling property. As the sun sets, a light breeze whispers that night is near, and the music glistens in the air as we settle in for a memorable evening of easy, jazzy listening under the stars.
Guests can arrive early and enjoy dinner in the SHOR American Seafood Grill restaurant. Another option is to gravitate to the “always happening” bar and terrace for a pre-concert cocktail and appetizer. We often meet friends out on the patio. Or, if we can gather early enough, we enjoy going to the nearby Bayside Restaurant, They will provide transportation to the concert and back, however this is limited to guests dining at the restaurant prior to the concert.
All summer long, many locals reserve Friday evenings for this fun series, and it runs through October 14th. Examples of the many talented artists & bands include: Brian Culbertson, Smokey Robinson, Al Jarreau, Allen Stone, Ottmar Liebert, Pieces of Dream and Larry Carlton with David Benoit & Sara Gazarek.
For tickets and more information view here.
8th Annual LobsterFest at Newport Beach
Sunday, August 7th from 3:00-8:00pm
This event is organized by the LobsterFest Foundation and is hosted by the Newport Dunes Water Front Resort and Marina. This beach party benefits two organizations: Leadership Tomorrow and the Make-A-Wish® Orange County and the Inland Empire. The LobsterFest at Newport Beach is now in its 8th year, and is a celebration of summer designed for fun, entertainment and most importantly to raise funds for deserving charities.
This annual beach party takes place in an incomparable Newport Back Bay setting with boats lining the periphery. Guests can enjoy the mile of beach front with swimming and a playground on the beach for kids. The Back Bay nature preserve can be experienced by renting a kayak, or bicycles are available on the premises.
As for the menu, the one pound Maine lobsters will be flown in fresh on the morning of the event and prepared on site by the Chef’s. Talk about fresh! These will be served along with grilled NY steak, salads, red potatoes, corn on the cob, drawn butter, rolls and dessert from Gelato Paradiso.
Guests will enjoy live entertainment on-stage at the beach. Lots of fun and an opportunity help raise funds for local charities. A percentage of the proceeds go to Leadership Tomorrow and Make-A-Wish® Orange County and the Inland Empire.
About the Band- “Pinch Me! is one of Southern California’s premier entertainment bands, made up of five seasoned musicians with respected backgrounds in the music world. The band features some of the greatest hits from the 60’s to today, providing a wide spectrum of entertainment rarely seen elsewhere. Powerful saxophone, keyboards and guitars accompany exceptional vocal harmonies. The band’s diverse song list emphasizes high-energy tunes for dancing and fun until the party’s over. Pinch Me! has a heart and is very active in supporting causes including: CASA, Down Syndrome, Autism Speaks, Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, Cure Duchenne and more. The five piece band include:
Chandra Reese – Lead Vocals, Wes Jones – Lead Guitar and Vocals, Bart Broadnax – Bass Guitar and Vocals, Gary Wails – Saxophone, Percussion and Vocals, and Rick Allen – Drums and Percussion, Vocals. Their web site for a sneak peek can be found here.
For Tickets, there are two options:
General Admission for $60 if pre-purchased. Walk Up Ticket Purchase will be $80,however this may not be available, as there will be a limited number of tickets sold. This includes the menu described above, and there will be a no-host full-service bar. Parking will be an additional fee.
The VIP program (advanced purchase only for $150 including: reserved table, china/silverware, complimentary wine (up to 3 glasses), and valet parking.
For tickets and more information view here.
