The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department’s yearly Concerts in the Park has been a hit since it began. The series started out small, but has grown over the years, finally reaching a point where a huge variety of quality music ensembles are performing for families at several local parks.
The Rotary Centennial Park is the nexus of Concerts in the Park. The Recreation and Parks Department’s portable stage is set up on the large lawn that leaves more than enough room for picnickers and dancers.
However, the first concert this year won’t be at Rotary Centennial Park, but rather Los Flores Ranch Park, located off of Highway 101 about a mile south of town. The park is a popular equestrian destination for locals, so country group Teddy Spanke and the Tex Pistols will be performing live on June 29. Spanke and his band are regulars at the Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez, as well as plenty of other local hangouts.
The series always offers a variety of music, from 1960s rock ’n’ roll, to Latin jazz and R&B, all the bands put on high-quality and family-friendly shows. Concerts in the Park has always been about providing cultural events for local families and friends in beautiful public spaces.
The series wouldn’t happen, though, if it weren’t for generous donations made by several local agencies. Groups that pitched in include the Rotary Club of Santa Maria, the Rotary Club of Santa Maria South, the Kiwanis Aktion Club, the All-American City Committee, Elks Recreation, Coastal Community Builders, and the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce. All of these groups, along with the city, understand the importance of something as simple as sitting in the grass and listening to live music.
Live on the patio
Montemar Wines offers live music on Saturdays from 3 to 6 p.m. including a performance by Kyle Reilly on June 28 at the winery, 1501 E. Chestnut Court, suite E, Lompoc. More information is available at 735-5000 or montemartr@verizon.net.
Triple threat
The Chumash Casino Resort presents R&B groups SWV, Tony! Toni! Tone!, and Dru Hill performing June 26 at 8 p.m. at the Chumash Casino Resort, 3400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez. Cost is $25, $35, and $45. More information is available at 1-800-CHUMASH or chumascasino.com.
Cruise by the Romeos
The Drive-In Romeos perform at the Mad Bomberz Car Club’s third annual pin-up contest on June 28 at 7 p.m. at the 510 Event Center, 510 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. More information is available at driveinromeos.com.
Feel the frequency
Ian Franklin and Infinite Frequency perform live eclectic rock at Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company on June 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the brewery, 45 Industrial Way, Buellton. More information is available at (510) 545-3155, info@ianfranklinmusic.com, or ianfranklinmusic.com.
Jazz in the garden
The Solvang Festival Theater presents Under the Oaks, which showcases jazz artists including Bear Erickson and friends performing June 29 at 3 p.m. at the Solvang Festival Theater, Solvang. More info: solvangfestivaltheater.org.
Live at Blacklake
The Blacklake Golf Resort presents its Wednesday Night Summer Concert Series featuring Rio Salinas performing on July 2. Call for times. Blacklake Golf Resort, 1490 Golf Course Lane, Nipomo. More info: 343-1214, Ext. 400, or blacklake.com.
Get down at GreVino
Ca’ Del GreVino Cafe and Wine Bar features live music in the tasting room and café on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., including Chris Beland on July 2. Ca’ Del GreVino Cafe and Wine Bar is located at 400 E. Clark Ave., Suite A, Orcutt. More information is available at 937-6400, dcp@grevino.com, or grevino.com.
Fresh off D’Vine
D’Vine Wine Bar and Bistro features regular live music, including Jerry Stickell on June 26, Reggae night with DJ Ariel LaVie on June 28, Tony Botello on July 1, and Emily Wrynn on July 2. Music begins at 7:30 p.m. at the wine bar and bistro, 107 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc. More information is available at 430-8356 or dvinewinebarandbistro.com.
Maverick music
The Maverick Saloon offers regular live music, including Teddy Spanke and the Tex Pistols live on June 27 at 8 p.m. Concert on the Deck is with Travis Mersola on June 28 at 3 p.m. The Teddy Spanke Band performs June 28 at 8 p.m. Suds, Song, and Sandwiches features Jammin’ With Guy on June 29 at 3 p.m. Celebrate America Nite with the Jimi Nelson Band is July 4 at 8 p.m. at the saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. More info: 686-4785.
Arts Editor Joe Payne is ready to sip, view, and enjoy. Contact him at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jun 26 – Jul 3, 2014.