The Lompoc Library Foundation, a local nonprofit organization, is responsible for more than $50,000 worth of book endowments to the Lompoc, Buellton, and Vandenberg Village libraries. The foundation also organizes several events throughout the year that get locals to the library, including the upcoming Concerts on the Library Lawn series.
This is the eighth installment of the series, which includes a variety of performers. While it used to cater specifically to jazz fans, organizers have diversified the lineup in the last few years to appeal to a wider audience, explained former foundation president Suzanne Schwark. The event begins with music of the bluegrass persuasion.
“First is our old favorite from the Southside Coffee Company, the Southside Bluegrass Band,” Schwark said. “They played for us on two previous years. They are great supporters of the library, great performers, and great guys!”
The band will be playing Bluegrass standards with the much-loved improvisational breaks that make the style so entertaining. The following concert on Aug. 9 will include the group Choro de Ouro, which is directed by Ron McCarley, jazz director at Cuesta College. The group specializes in the Brazilian jazz style known as Choro and has performed at jazz festivals across the country, Schwark explained.
The last concert is Aug. 16 and will feature The Agin Brothers and Territorial Law. The group is a favorite in the Lompoc Valley and has performed for the Lompoc Library concerts before, scratching any kind of country itch, from classic to contemporary. Schwark hopes the shows will appeal to a wide variety of people who can come listen to music and also enjoy the library’s services while it’s open during the Saturday concerts.
“We all appreciate what libraries do for us because they are able to keep the doors open to free press and keep access to publications open to all people,” Schwark said. “Also, there are technologically savvy folks in the library that keep everything current and keep all those resources in there.”
The Lompoc Library Foundation has dispersed $67,840 for books since 2006 and supports libraries in Lompoc, Buellton, and Vandenberg Village. Concerts on the Library Lawn is free community series that serves as friendly invite from the foundation to enjoy the library, inside and out.
“More than 80 percent of funding for libraries is local funding. It’s not national or state, it’s county and city funding,” Schwark said. “We call it a free service, but it’s not free; it requires support.”
A little bit country
O’Sullivan’s Pub features a concert by Clusterpluck on July 31 at 9 p.m. at the pub, 633 E. Main St., Santa Maria. More information is available at 925-0658 or osullivanspub.net.
Make the occasion
Occasional Mustache performs a live concert on Aug. 2 at 8 p.m. at the Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. More information is available at [email protected].
Incoming royalty
The Chumash Casino Resort presents Prince Royce performing live on Aug. 1 at 8 p.m. Cost is $25, $35, and $45. KC and the Sunshine Band perform live on Aug. 7 at 8 p.m. Cost is $35, $45, and $55. The Chumash Casino Resort is at 2400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez. More information is available at 1-800-CHUMASH or chumashcasino.com.
Bringing the jazz
Jazz in the Garden happens at the Solvang Festival Theater Under the Oaks, including Teka performing Aug. 10 at 3 p.m. at the Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang. More information is available at solvangfestivaltheater.org.
Rocking in the park
Concerts in the Park is a free concert series featuring live music, including Calo performing live on Aug. 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Rotary Centennial Park, Santa Maria. Free. More information is available at 925-0951, Ext. 260, [email protected], or cityofsantamaria.org.
Music all week
The D’Vine Wine Bar and Bistro features regular live music, including Mission Canyon on Aug. 2, Audition Night on Aug. 5, Dan Mally on Aug. 6, and Jerry Stickell on Aug. 7. Shows happen at 7:30 p.m. at the D’Vine Wine Bar and Bistro, 107 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc. More information is available at 430-8356 or facebook.com.
Hear Marquez jam
The Radisson Hotel presents live music every Friday and Saturday, including Juan Marquez on Aug. 1 and 2 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel, 3455 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria. More info: 928-8000.
Live on Blacklake
The Blacklake Golf Resort presents a Wednesday Night Summer Concert Series featuring Pitch and Rhythm on Aug. 6. The Blacklake Golf Resort is at 1490 Golf Course Lane, Nipomo. More info: 343-1214, Ext. 400, or blacklake.com.
Wine and music
Ca’ Del GreVino Café and Wine Bar presents live music, including Laura Vios performing Aug. 6 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the café and wine bar, 400 E. Clark Ave., Santa Maria. More info: 937-6400, [email protected], and grevino.com.
Maverick country
The Maverick Saloon offers live entertainment each weekend, including a performance by Gypsy Stew on Aug. 1 at 8 p.m. Concert on the Deck is Aug. 2, and Jerry Stickell performs on Aug. 3, both at 3 p.m. at the saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. More info: 686-4785 or [email protected].
Contact Arts Editor Joe Payne at [email protected].
