Park yourself

If you are looking for a fine example of community outreach, a chance to relax, and some down-to-earth local music for free, then you won’t want to miss a single day of the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department’s annual Concerts in the Park Series. The concert series runs every Sunday from now through August at the Rotary Centennial Park in Santa Maria.

STEP UP! : Steppin’ Out—pictured performing last year—will keep people dancing again this year at the Aug. 28 concert at Rotary Centennial Park. Credit: PHOTO COURTESY DENNIS SMITHERMAN

The free community concert series is made possible by generous donations from the Rotary of Santa Maria No. 0682, Rotary Club of Santa Maria South No. 0687, and Rotary Club of Santa Maria Breakfast No. 21788.

“We’re really lucky, the city of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks has a really strong relationship with the Rotary Clubs of Santa Maria,” said Dennis Smitherman, Recreation Supervisor for the city. “We couldn’t do it without them and we are happy to have them as sponsors.”

Other sponsors, Smitherman explained, include the local KCOY 12 and Fox 11 news stations, the Sun newspaper, Mega 97.1 radio station, and Trader Joe’s grocery store.

The Concerts in the Park features a different musical group every week, each with their own distinct style. DJ & The Set Free Band opened the Concerts in the Park July 10 with classic ’50s era Rock ’n’ Roll and Blues. Performing at the upcoming July 17 concert is local Rock and Pop group Still Evolving, which has performed Concerts in the Park for the last five years.

“We love playing the big stage, and all the people just being able to relax and enjoy the weather and the music,” said Chuck Kossuth, bassist for Still Evolving. “It is a really great venue.”

Kossuth makes up one third of Still Evolving, which includes Russ Douglas on guitar and vocals, and Bill Hunter on drums and vocals. Together the trio performs just about everything from classic rock to modern pop music and some original works as well.

MORE THAN JUST MUSIC: : The Concerts in the Park Series will feature a farmers market, kids’ activities, bounce house, arts and crafts, food, and a beer and wine garden at each concert. Credit: PHOTO COURTESY DENNIS SMITHERMAN

“I think this gives people a good sense that the city organizations are trying to create things and get people out enjoying the park,” Kossuth said. “It’s nice when they put something on that’s free so you can enjoy the weather, the parks, and some live music.”

The following week will feature the only concert in the series that won’t be at the Rotary Centennial Park. The city is closing the McClelland Street Corridor to traffic and hosting a street festival with a live performance by DJ & The Set Free Band again at the Civic Center at 5 p.m. All the concerts, including the downtown concert, will feature a farmers market, bounce house, arts and crafts, food, and a beer and wine garden.

“We thought it would be an interesting event to bring into the downtown on a Saturday night,” Smitherman said. “People can come and enjoy live music, arts, some wine, maybe go out to dinner afterwards, or explore other parts of downtown.”

Following the downtown concert, the
series continues every week at the Rotary Centennial Park until the end of August. July 31 features the Latin Jazz, Funk, and R&B style of Soulamente.

“It’s always a party with Soulamente in the park,” Smitherman said.

The 1960s classic rock music of Unfinished Business is featured Aug. 7. The Usual Suspects will perform Aug. 14.

“They play Rock, Pop, Funk, Oldies, and Disco,” Smitherman said. “They really do offer something for everyone. It’s a fun two hours with the Suspects.”

KICK BACK: : Concerts in the Park is a free family-friendly concert in the park organized by the city and several nonprofits and business. Credit: PHOTO COURTESY DENNIS SMITHERMAN

Big Daddy’s Blues Band will perform several styles of traditional Blues music when it’s their turn to rock the park Aug. 21. And closing out the Concerts in the Park Series Aug. 28 will be none other than Sun Best of 2010 winner for “Best local band or musician” Steppin Out, which performs what can best be described as “Old School” R&B, Latin, and Motown. Steppin’ Out performed for the series last year and they’re ready to get people dancing again this year.

“We had a really good turn out last year,” lead singer Mike Arriola said. “We had about three hundred people out there. We are looking forward to doing it again.”

The city of Santa Maria wants to remind all planning to attend to arrive early to ensure seating. Lawn chairs, towels, blankets, picnics, and shade umbrellas are all welcome, but pop-up tents or pavilions are discouraged, and absolutely no alcohol is allowed except in the beer and wine garden.

“If you want to listen to some free music while your kids play on the playground it’s great for that,” Smitherman said. “It’s a great family-friendly event.”

Free at the fair

The Santa Barbara County Fair features R&B group Boyz II Men performing on the main stage July 14. Rick Springfield performs July 15. Clint Black performs July 16. All at 8 p.m. La Buena 105.1 FM presents a “Hispanic Concert” July 17 at 3 p.m., Santa Maria Fairpark, 937 S. Thornburg, Santa Maria. Cost is $7 fair admission. More info: 925-8824, officemail@santamariafairpark.com, santamariafairpark.com.

Music at the Maverick

The Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez hosts country band Merchants of Moonshine on July 15 at 8:30 p.m. followed by DJPJ at 11:30 p.m. “Concert on the Deck” with Mean Gene is July 16 at 3 p.m. Richt as Rain performs July 16 at 8:30 p.m. followed by DJPJ at 11:30 p.m. Tickets available at talesfromthetavern.com or 688-0383.