The public library is a cornerstone in any community, offering near limitless access to knowledge and information. The Lompoc Library Foundation—a nonprofit organization that supports libraries in Lompoc, Vandenberg Village, and Buellton—adds to that awesomeness by presenting an educational concert series.
“Free Family Concerts on the Library Lawn” is a series presented by the Lompoc Library Foundation over three weeks with three concerts, which aim not just to entertain, but to educate and get people out to the library.
“It has always been our No. 1 intent to get people in the community to the library and enjoying the library and all it has to offer,” said Suzanne Schwark, vice president of the Lompoc Library Foundation Board. “And we must thank our donors for making this a free family concert, because that’s what the library is for: for families.”
Sponsoring the concerts are local financial institutions, Schwark said, including Rabobank, Union Bank, Santa Barbara Bank and Trust, Wells Fargo Advisors of Lompoc, the Lompoc Community Bank, and Coast Hills Federal Credit Union. Thanks to donations from the various organizations, the Lompoc Library Foundation has been able to pay the performers as well as other expenses related to the event.
The first performance is scheduled for Aug. 5, with each concert running from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Lompoc Public Library, 501 E. North Ave., Lompoc. The featured performer is Dennis Headrick, who will be presenting “The Great American Songbook.” A Lompoc local (he actually works at the Lompoc Chamber of Commerce), Headrick enjoys singing songs from the Tin Pan Alley era of songwriting America. Between songs, he’ll also provide the background and history of many of the songs and composers.
“He always says he is born on the wrong side of the century because the music is from the 1910s to the 1960s,” Schwark said. “He does a lot of show tunes, blues, and jazz. And if you close your eyes, he sounds like Frank Sinatra—he has a very mellow voice.”
The second concert features some favorite musicians who are a part of Bluegrass West! Peter Feldmann and the Very Lonesome Boys will be performing a concert of live bluegrass music on Aug. 12. Bluegrass is a form of country music, and the band will be explaining the instrumentation, history, and songs of the bluegrass tradition.
“The whole program is an educational outreach program by the Lompoc Library Foundation to let people know that the library is here to educate, entertain, and inform,” Schwark said.
Closing out the concert series on Aug. 19 is Choro de Ouro, which performs Brazilian-style music. Choro actually refers to the distinctly Brazilian style of improvisational music forged in the cultural melting pot of Brazil. The result is a distinctly Latin style similar to jazz. The music makes use of several instruments including the flute, cello, bandolim, guitar, cavaquhino, saxophone, and panderio. The group will, of course, explain each instrument and its role in the music it plays.
“I think that the concert series is important because it gives people an opportunity to just enjoy the pleasures and offerings of their own community,” Schwark said. “It is a relaxing afternoon, and we get to tell the community what a great resource we have here in the public library.”
There will be tri-tip sandwiches available to purchase thanks to the Lompoc Host Lions. The community may bring lawn chairs, blankets, and food to eat while enjoying the free public concerts.
Bring the funk
The Chumash Casino Resort presents funk and soul allstars the Commodores in concert Aug. 2 at 8 p.m., Chumash Casino Resort, 3400 East Highway 246, Santa Ynez. More info: 1-800-CHUMASH.
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.
Get your boots on
The Maverick Saloon offers live entertainment, including the blues music of Morganfield Burnett on Aug. 3 at 8:45 p.m., followed by “Late Night with guest DJs” at 11:30 p.m. “Concert on the Deck” featuring Jim Townsend is Aug. 4 at 3 p.m. Morganfield Burnett performs Aug. 4 at 8:45 p.m., followed by “Late Night with guest DJs.” Tales from the Tavern’s 10th anniversary series presents the Paul Thorn Band Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. 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.
This article appears in Aug 2-9, 2012.