Santa Maria Sun / Music

Where the big names play

BY JOE PAYNE

Icons of every genre make their way touring across California, and a favorite stop for many of these big-name artists is Santa Ynez’s very own Chumash Casino Resort. The casino’s Samala Showroom is able to hold up to 1,400 people—but it usually sells out, sometimes weeks in advance. The casino currently has an all-star lineup booked for the rest of the summer.

Soul sensation: R&B all-star Seal will be performing at the Chumash Casino Resort Aug. 9 with guest star Macy Gray. PHOTOS COURTESY OF HILDY MEDINA

The R&B singer Seal will be joined by Macy Gray on Aug. 9 in the Samala Showroom. Seal is a British singer and songwriter specializing in soulful melodies. Macy Gray is a chart-topping R&B and soul singer who has appeared in several films, including Training Day and Spiderman.

According to a statement from the Chumash Casino Resort, performers receive A-list treatment from the moment they arrive. From their favorite snacks to special requests or amenities, the casino makes sure the performers are comfortable before a performance.

Gracing the Samala Showroom with their voices on Aug. 23 will be vocal pop group Wilson Phillips, made up of the female trio Carnie Wilson, Wendy Wilson, and Chynna Phillips, who made their sound heard in the early ’90s with songs like “Hold On.”

The Samala Showroom boasts a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. The event staff has even been with the casino since it first opened, and have mastered the raised seating, massive sound board, and live video technology it takes to make a truly memorable performance.

It takes three: Chart-topping vocal group Wilson Phillips entertains at the Chumash Casino Resort on Aug. 23. PHOTO COURTESY OF HILDY MEDINA

Closing out the month of August will be Los Tigres del Norte on Aug. 30. The Chumash Casino Resort regularly features big-name Latin ensembles in several genres. Los Tigres del Norte is a Salinas-based group that provides a distinctly unique fusion of norteño music with touches of bolero and cumbia.

September will see performances by Lonestar and Toto on Sept. 6 and 13, respectively. But besides music, the Samala Showroom also plays host to the Showtime channel’s ShoBox live boxing event with the next match on Sept. 21.

“The Samala Showroom offers guests a chance to see world-class entertainers up close and personal in a state-of-the-art venue,” Wayne Hurte, executive director of marketing at the Chumash Casino Resort, recently told the Sun. “Not only do guests enjoy it, but so do many of the entertainers. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Classic cars, classic rock

The Lompoc Police Department presents its 11th annual car show on Aug. 11. The event, a benefit for the Special Olympics, will feature a classic car show, a silent auction, concessions, races, kids’ activities and games, and live music by local 1960s rock’n’roll group Unfinished Business. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ryon Park, Lompoc. More info: 875-8108 or lompoccpd.com.

Bluegrass at the library

Fierce tigres: Los Tigres del Norte will be performing their distinct fusion of norteño, bolero, and cumbia music at the casino on Aug. 30. PHOTO COURTESY OF HILDY MEDINA

The Lompoc Library District Foundation presents “Concerts on the Library Lawn” featuring a concert by Peter Feldmann and the Very Lonesome Boys on Aug. 12. The event will also feature barbecue sandwiches from the Lompoc Host Lions Club. The event runs from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Lompoc Public Library, 501 E. North Ave., Lompoc. Free. More info: libraryfoundation@blackgold.org.

Enjoy the lineup

The 510 Event Center presents a live blues jam featuring local musicians led by Juan Marquez and Sangria Wednesdays from 7 to 10 p.m. DJ Orlando entertains Thursday nights starting at 10 p.m. (dress code enforced). Juan Marquez and Sangria perform R&B, Latin, soul, blues, and rock music Fridays from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., with a $5 cover. Saturday nights are Latin night featuring live norteño and banda music. Call for times. Come to the 510 Event Center, 510 South Broadway, Santa Maria. More info: 928-5510, 510eventcenter@gmail.com, facebook.com/510eventcenter, or 510eventcenter.com.

Maverick jams

The Maverick Saloon offers live entertainment, including the country music of Teddy Spanke and the Tex Pistols on Aug. 10 at 8:45 p.m., followed by “Late Night with guest DJs” at 11:30 p.m. “Concert on the Deck” featuring Michael Dean is Aug. 11 at 3 p.m. Teddy Spanke and the Tex Pistols perform Aug. 11 at 8:45 p.m., followed by “Late Night with guest DJs” at the saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. More info: 686-4785 or mavericksyv@aol.com.

Contact Calendar Editor Joe Payne at jpayne@santamariasun.com.