| | Published June 19th, 2024
| It's summer concert time in Moraga
| | | By Vera Kochan |  | | Locals enjoy Moraga's first band in the Summer Concert Series Photo Vera Kochan |
Put on your dancing shoes Moraga, because the Summer Concert Series is in full swing again. Not to be left out, Orinda and Lafayette have their own versions. All three venues offer free admission, food options, and plenty of room to boogie.
Moraga kicked off the summer series on a cold and breezy June 13 with East Bay Mudd, a classic soul and R & B band. This year marks the first time that beer and wine will be sold during performances. Presented by the Moraga Park Foundation, the 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. concerts are held at the bandshell on the grounds of Moraga Commons Park (corner of St. Mary's Road/Moraga Road). For a complete schedule visit: moragaparks.org.
According to Moraga Park Foundation's (MPF) past president Clay Serrahn, "The Summer Concert Series first debuted in 1984 when the concerts were held on Sunday afternoons at the Pavilion on the grounds of the Hacienda de las Flores. However, in those early days the programs were presented by the Moraga Playhouse and featured plays and music using local talent."
Serrahn explained that almost immediately, MPF began a fundraising campaign to build a bandshell in Commons Park. The campaign was called "Buy-a Board for $100" and managed to raise $18,000 for the cause. Other community organizations kicked in to help meet the $73,000 needed for construction costs. The bandshell was officially dedicated on July 4, 1985. It was on that day that the concerts were thereafter held on Thursday evenings.
The entertainment also changed to include nothing but musical groups from around the Bay Area. Local bands remained on the roster and included the Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School Band and Rossmoor Big Band.
Through the years, the number of concerts expanded to include anywhere between seven to 11 bands during the summer months of June through August. "We have bands coming out of our ears," stated MPF President John Greenblatt. "There are three or four people on the MPF committee that choose them. We are starting to skew the bands to a younger set that listen to the music from the 80s on up. Not many know who the Beatles were anymore." MPF doesn't mind getting feedback as to what types of bands should be included in a future series.
"The average crowd size is between 400 - 500 people," added Greenblatt. "It all depends on the weather more than the music. For the most part, these concerts are a social thing."
Lafayette Rock the Plaza Summer Concert Series. 3530 Plaza Way, Lafayette, (corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. & Moraga Road). Bring a picnic, chairs or blanket. Bands perform 6-8 p.m. Friday June 21: Bay Bridge Beat and Friday June 28: Lamorinda Idol Finalists.
Moraga Summer Concert Series Thursday evenings 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Moraga Commons Band Shell. June 20: Jazzphoria - Jazz Rhythm & Blues; June 27: Midnight Flyer - Eagles Tribute; July 4 : Houserockers - Rock & Soul (7 p.m. Concert); July 11: Mumbo Gumbo - Genre-bending Americana & Musical Stew; July 18: Steve Hanson & Carousel Cowboys - Modern Country; July 25: Purple Ones - Prince Tribute; Aug. 1: Native Elements - Reggae; Aug 8: Traveling Wilburys Revue - E.L.O, Orbison, Harrison, Dylan Tribute; Aug 15: 3 Day Weekend - Motown, R&B, Classic Rock
Orinda's Summer Concerts in the Park are held at the Orinda Community Park on Thursday night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Call (925) 254.2445 for information. Thursday, June 20 - Opera in the Park; Thursday, July 11 - Lamorinda Idol; Thursday, July 25 - August Reed Band; Thursday, Aug. 1 - Tin Man; Thursday, Aug. 15 - Vintage Jukebox; Thursday, Aug. 29 - Spill the Wine; Thursday, Sept. 12 - Patron |
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA