Free Summer Concert Series Returns To Gandara Park

SANTA MONICA, CA – The Jazz on the Lawn free summer concert series will return to Santa Monica each Sunday in August for its thirteenth year. Jazz and world music, free dance lessons, intermission performances on select dates, and some local food will be available in Gandara Park.

Family activities will be available from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. each week, including corn hole and giant blocks. Music starts at 5 p.m., according to the City of Santa Monica press release.

The schedule is as follows:

• August 5
  
  • Music: Vibraphonist/marimbist and composer Nick Mancini will perform with his instrumental group the Nick Mancini Collective, along with featured vocalist Laura Mace, according to the press release.
  • Food Trucks: The Berlin Truck (grilled cheese sandwiches and German style sausages) the Yalla Truck (falafel and chicken kabob sandwiches) and the Paradise Cookies & Ice Cream (fresh baked cookies and homemade ice cream).
• August 12
  
  • Music: Scambooty, a five-piece vocal band, weaves jazz, swing, folk, blues, jump, country and the Great American Songbook into tight, three-part vocals. A free swing dance lesson at 4:30 p.m. will be led by Marshall Watson, professional swing dancer and DJ, along with his dance partner Chelsea Beach, according to the press release.
  • Food Trucks: The Berlin Truck (grilled cheese sandwiches and German style sausages), Tacos Super Gallito (burritos, tortas, quesadillas and tacos) and King Kone (ice cream and sweet treats).
• August 19:
  
  • Music: Twanguero connects Spanish guitar, American folk, blues, rockabilly, flamenco and tango. Twanguero, a Latin Grammy winner, is a pioneer in the Latin twang genre, according to the City of Santa Monica.
  • Intermission Performance: An intermission concert at 5:50 p.m. will feature The Samohi Jazz Combo performing contemporary jazz standards.
  • Food Trucks: The Gastrobus (farmers’ market bistro with locally-sourced dishes), the Yalla Truck (falafel and chicken kabob sandwiches) and the Paradise Cookies & Ice Cream (fresh baked cookies and homemade ice cream).
• August 26:
  
  • Music: Orquesta Tabaco y Ron performs a high-energy, hard-edged brand of salsa music with a tropical sound that has appealed to devoted salsa dancers and Latin music DJ's worldwide, the press release said. The 10-piece big band orchestra is comprised of musicians from all over Latin America. A free salsa dance lesson will be offered at 4:30 p.m. before the concert, led by Rudy Zalez, a professional salsa dancer known for his charisma and distinctive style.
  • Food Trucks: The Gastrobus (farmers’ market bistro with locally-sourced dishes), Tacos Super Gallito (burritos, tortas, quesadillas and tacos) and King Kone (ice cream and sweet treats).

Gandara Park includes a children’s playground, restrooms and accessible parking. Free bike valet will be offered starting at 4 p.m. in the Gandara Park lot.

Jazz on the Lawn is presented by the City of Santa Monica Cultural Affairs Division, with in-kind support provided by the City of Santa Monica Water Resources Division.

For more information on the series, visit smgov.net/jazz.

Image via Shutterstock