Visitors to Point Loma Park may soon notice that in place of baseball players scooting around the bases, families will be picnicking on the field listening to the bands onstage.
Starting July 20, and then on the four following Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m., Point Loma Park is booked for the Point Loma Summer Concerts.
The Point Loma Association is presenting this series of five free concerts for the seventh consecutive year.
“It is a community service project of the Point Loma Association,” said co-chair Pat Baker. “But I really want to emphasize the cooperation of so many other groups and volunteers that help to make that a successful event. It is a communitywide effort.” More than a dozen local civic and youth groups are involved, according to co-chair Lee Lipsey.
“We have more than 100 volunteers. It is an entirely volunteers’ project,” Lipsey said.
Willis’ Allen Real Estate sponsors the 2007 season, and the stage sponsor is Point Loma Community Bank.
The remainder of the cost is made up through several public and private grants, business sponsorships and individual donations, according to organizers.
On July 20, Sue Palmer and her Motel Swing Orchestra will be the opening act. Palmer has roots in the Peninsula as a Point Loma High School graduate and has brought her swing and boogie-woogie tunes to the summer concerts before.
According to her Web site, she creates an atmosphere “reminiscent of the small clubs and cafes of 1932 Paris, Harlem, West Texas and Hawaii.”
“She likes coming to our concert,” said Baker. “That is the community she grew up in.”
The second concert on July 27 brings a taste of Motown with the performance of “The Oreo Divas.” The band carries songs like “Respect,” “Stop in the Name of Love,” and “Think” to its repertoire.
One of the groups returning to the summer concert stage is Joe Rathburn’s Island on Aug. 3. With Caribbean sounds and dancers, the local singer and songwriter and his talented ensemble take the Point Loma audience to tropical beaches, good friends and good times, organizers said. Island blends high-energy Caribbean music with the steel drum in the forefront with the laid-back tunes of Jimmy Buffett and Bob Marley.
On Aug. 10, the slate contains TapWater, a jam rock band from San Diego that blends all different styles of music together. TapWater uses percussion and is influenced by a variety of artists such as Pink Floyd, Willie Nelson, Tito Puente, Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, the Grateful Dead and the Doobie Brothers.
Rockola, which has also played past summer concerts, returns Aug. 17 with its high-energy songs of the ’60s, ’70s and beyond.
“We have a lot of danceable music this year,” said Lipsey. “We aim to select music that crosses generations. There are tons of young couples with their children, family groups, as well as older people with wheelchairs and walkers.” The organization recommends bringing chairs or blankets. It is a nonsmoking and nonalcohol event.
“Most people bring their own picnic,” said Lipsey. “We see gourmet picnics but also a lot of pizza boxes.”
This year, a box supper can also be preordered. Interested visitors can call in orders until noon on the day of the concert and the boxes will be delivered to Point Loma Park.
The Point Loma Lion’s Club will provide a beverage service on site.
“The average attendance last year was 1,800 to 2,000 people,” Lipsey said, many of whom attend more than one concert. “The bands also bring their local followers, which should be a lot of fun.”
Since the venue for the concerts is in the midst of the residential area, a lot of people walk to the concerts, said Lipsey.
“We also provide free parking and a free shuttle service,” Lipsey added.
The shuttle service runs from Silvergate Elementary School to the main entrance at Verona Street between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m.
Bill Klees, president of the Point Loma Association, encourages families to attend the concerts and have a good time.
“It is a family-oriented event and a community effort,” Klees said. “I am looking forward to five great concerts.”
For more information, visit plconcerts.org.