It’s that time again!
Dust off your beach chair, pack some wine and cheese, and relax with ocean breezes at what is billed as “the coolest jazz series anywhere”. Best of all, it’s free!
For four Sundays in August, the City of Santa Monica is holding its 4th annual free Jazz on the Lawn series at City Hall. With room for a picnic on the front lawn of Santa Monica City Hall and fresh breezes from the beach nearby, Jazz on the Lawn is the place to be for four Sundays from 5-7pm starting August 9th. The series features free jazz and world music performances from hot talent and future stars.
August 9th- Upright Cabaret
Upright Cabaret brings some of the best vocalists of Hollywood and Broadway together for a live performance sure to knock your socks off! For their August 9th appearance, the Cabaret plays host to Tony Nominee Valarie Pettiford. Hearkening back to the days of supper clubs like the Coconut Grove, Upright Cabaret boasts one of the most extensive and diverse rosters of talent in the country. Broadway divas, talented troubadours, cabaret legends, Hollywood notables, pop sensations and many future stars have found their way to the Upright stage. Featuring stars from shows such as Wicked, Xanadu, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Hair, this group has brought the Golden Age of entertainment back to life with style and sophistication.
August 16- Group Falso Baiano
This hot young ensemble performs choro, a musical form created by blending African rhythms with the structures of classical music. Dating from the 19th century, choro has evolved into many forms including the samba while retaining its daring improvisation, highly sophisticated counterpoint, and syncopated Afro-Brazilian rhythms. Listen to mandolin, 7 string guitar, reeds and percussion create “the true incarnation of Brazilian soul”.
August 23- Double G
Composer, saxophonist, and impresario Geoff “Double G” Gallegos has pioneered a musical fusion of jazz, classical, and hip-hop that has delighted both fans and critics alike. Known for his leadership of local favorite the DAKAH hip-hop orchestra, he has played to capacity crowds at Disney Hall, Royce Hall, The House of Blues, the South By Southwest Music Festival, New Orleans Jazzfest and the 2005 Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl among others. Come help “shape the evolution of a new sonic consciousness” with Gallegos as he continues to challenge musical conventions.
August 30- John West
Fresh from selling out the Roxy, Louisiana native John West will arrive in Santa Monica fresh from triumphant performances in New York and London. This talented singer-songwriter creates soul without crooning, R&B without formula and pop without gloss. His musical influences range from Otis Redding, Cat Stevens, Jill Scott, and Jack Johnson, and fold together jazz and soul with a bluesy undercurrent. Catch this rising young star on the intimate Jazz on the Lawn stage while you can!
Bring your friends and relatives all ages. Parking is conveniently located at the Santa Monica Civic Center (free after 4pm). City Hall is located at 1685 Main Street. Soft drinks and water are available for purchase, proceeds benefiting the Virginia Avenue Park Teen Center, a unique youth arts and recreation center providing educational and cultural arts programs designed by teens for teens.
Where: Lawn of Santa Monica City Hall, 1685 Main Street
When: 8/9, 8/16, 8/23, 8/30; 5-7pm
Cost: free!
Parking: free after 4pm at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main
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