The Concerts on Green ain’t the opera, and for good reason ” it’s more fun dancing barefoot in the grass to big band swing or Rockola’s version of a Beatles tune.
The annual free concert series continues to be a popular summer event for the entire family. Acts may rotate from summer to summer, but entertainment is always top notch and guaranteed to get spectators of all ages up and dancing the afternoon away.
This year the concert series committee has struggled to make ends meet, after learning of additional fees due to a shortage of city funds as well as cutbacks for the city’s Park and Recreation Department.
“Because of the cutbacks, there are not people to help out at the park like there has been in the past,” said Georgina Smith, committee chair for the Concerts on the Green. “Also, we have to pay for a Dumpster to be available every Sunday of the concerts.”
Thanks to a $3,000 county grant from District 3 Supervisor Pam Slater-Price, the fund-raising kicked off to a good start. While fund-raising this year has helped pay for many of the fees, there are still a few things unpaid for, such as those unexpected Dumpster fees.
“We’re going to make it ” by the skin of our teeth ” but we’re going to make it,” Smith said. “We’ll still pass the hat around, even if it’s just a dollar, every dollar helps.”
The 2006 season consists of a concert every Sunday, starting July 23, for four weeks. This year’s premiere performances features The Screamin’ Primas, a Louis Prima tribute band that transports audiences back to the era of classic swing music.
The concerts continue with the San Diego queen of boogie-woogie, Sue Palmer and her Motel Swing Orchestra on Sunday, July 30.
Palmer has toured the world with blues sensation Candye Kane and Palmer’s album “Live at Dizzy’s” was voted Best Blues Album at the 2002-2003 San Diego Music Awards. She promises to create “an atmosphere reminiscent of small clubs and cafes of 1932 Paris, Harlem, West Texas and Hawaii.”
Latin A-Go-Go, a Lemon Grove based group, is a little bit of everything Latin, including salsa, Latin-jazz and more. They provide authentic Latin sound with their use of flute, saxophone, keyboards, bass and percussion, including congas and timbales. They perform Sunday, Aug. 6.
America’s premier classic rock experience, Rockola, closes the concert series Sunday, Aug. 13. A local favorite, Rockola is a regular performer for Concerts at the Green, they feature rock classics from the ’60s, ’70s and beyond.
Concertgoers are encouraged to arrive early and should be reminded that tents are not allowed during the concert. Umbrellas, canopies and dogs on leashes and under control of the adult owner are allowed only in side sections of the venue. They should also bring their own blankets chairs. The center section of the venue is reserved for blanket seating and very low beach or sand chairs.
Box lunches are available by pre-order from Lotsa Pasta. The lunches consist of an appetizer, gourmet salad and dessert, with prices ranging from $8.99 to $10.99. A kid’s box of fruits, vegetables, peanut butter & jelly sandwich and cookies is available for $4.99. Orders can be made by calling (858) 581-6777 or on the Pacific Beach concert series Web site at www.pbconcerts.org.
Concertgoers are welcome to bring their own picnic, but should be reminded that barbecue grills and glass containers are not permitted in Kate Sessions Park.
“The things to remember is to be considerate of the people who were there before you,” Smith said.
All concerts are free and open to the public. They are from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Kate Sessions Park is located at Lamont street just north of Beryl Street/Soledad Road.