The ninth annual Point Loma Summer Concert Series will open its five-part musicfest Friday, July 17 at 6 p.m. For resident Lynne Krepack, that means summer has officially arrived and it’s officially the weekend. “When it comes to Friday nights in the summer I just can’t wait to start my weekend at the concert with a pizza from The Venetian (restaurant),” Krepack said. “I work all day and don’t have time to cook, so we pick up a pizza from Joey (Giacalone) on our way to the concert.” She and husband Brian Boswell and their teenage son, Taylor, have been attending the free concerts since the series’ inception in 2001. Like past years, the event is in the same location, Point Loma Park, 1049 Catalina Blvd., near the intersection with Varona Street. Each installment starts and ends at the same time — 6 to 8 p.m. — and is welcoming with many familiar faces. “We’re anxious to get together with friends and see people we haven’t seen in a while,” Krepack said. “We see people our son went to preschool with, and people Brian plays poker with. We even see our dentist.” David P. De Rosier, DDS is one of the many sponsors of the concert series. New to this year’s event are three bands and a weekly raffle to support concert operations. Tickets will be sold by volunteers for $1 each or six tickets for $5. Donated prizes are music related: The Guitar Hero Band Edition, First Act Percussion Pack and a PL Summer Concerts stadium blanket. Winners will be drawn at intermission. The music lineup includes the familiar sounds of San Diego’s queen of boogie, Sue Palmer, as well as the Soul Persuaders. Newcomers are Atomic Groove, Jumping Jack Flash and Hot August Night. Atomic Groove, a variety dance band, kicks things off this Friday. On July 24, Jumping Jack Flash brings its re-creation of the Rolling Stones to the stage. Sue Palmer and her Motel Swing Orchestra serenade July 31. Neil Diamond fans will want to join the fun Aug. 7 when Dean Colley of Hot August Night does his tribute to the songwriter who penned “Sweet Caroline.” The Soul Persuaders wrap up the summer concerts Aug. 14 with top hits of Motown, soul and R&B. For many, the food and celebration are as important as the music. “We pack up chairs and blankets,” Krepack said. “I’ve even brought a table cloth and flowers for a centerpiece. Just like the comforts of home, only better.” For concertgoers who aren’t a member of the picnic basket club, five local restaurants offer meals specifically for the event. Miguel’s Cocina, Shades, Stump’s Family Marketplace, Solare Ristorante and The Venetian offer concert meals. Participants may call ahead and pick up their picnic on the way to the park. Or they can stop by when the music ends at 8 p.m. for an après concert nosh. Organized concertgoers can even plan a week in advance, pre-order a box supper from C.J.’s catering and pick up their meal the night of the concert. During the concert, snacks and sodas are sold by the Peninsula Lions Club. Presented by Willis-Allen Real Estate of Point Loma and Ocean Beach, the concert series is played in the key of community, with wide-reaching support from individuals, businesses, foundations and government. Major funding is provided by the city of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture and San Diego County’s Community Enhancement Program at the recommendation of Greg Cox. Other sponsors include the Point Loma Community Bank, Dick & Dorothea Laub and the Pacific View Foundation. Individual sponsors are David P. De Rosier, DDS, Point Loma Nazarene University, Wear Community Fund with the Ryan Peninsula YMCA, Frontier Trading, Inc., Wendy Gillespie in support of Junior Achievement in San Diego, Ellen James in support of San Diego Center for Children, San Diego County Credit Union, Warren-Walker School, Stump’s Family Marketplace and United Portuguese SES, Inc. Raffle sponsors are the Recreational Music Center – David and Leslie Gereghty, MADCAPS (Mothers and Daughters Club Assisting Philanthropies) and the city of San Diego allocated by District 2 City Councilmember Kevin Faulconer. Dogs are welcome at the concert series but must be on a leash. There is no smoking, alcohol, glass containers or barbecues allowed at the events. Event organizers encourage concertgoers to leave bikes, skateboards, skates, Frisbees and sports balls at home. There is free parking and free shuttle service is provided from Silver Gate Elementary School. Parking is also available on neighborhood streets. For more information, visit www.plconcerts.org.