It's A Beautiful Day in Concord
One of the many perks of summertime is the abundance of the free “music concert series” around the East Bay. From headliners to local favorites to tribute bands, the line-ups don’t disappoint.
Concord’s 31st annual Music and Market Concert Series at Todos Santos Plaza kicked off in May and continues through September. Located in downtown Concord at Willow Pass Road and Grant Street, the Thursday evening concerts in the park (6:30-8:00 p.m.) coincide with the Farmers’ Market whose array of choices are available from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Tonight you can catch Steelin’ Chicago (Chicago tribute band) followed by David LaFlamme’s It’s A Beautiful Day (www.davidlaflamme.com)on Aug. 8. Known for its signature ballad, “White Bird” featuring LaFlamme’s classic violin solo, today the band performs its original music as well as newer originals. Performing with LaFlamme are Linda LaFlamme on vocals, original drummer Val Fuentes, veterans Toby Gray on bass, Gary Thomas on keyboards, and Rob Cunningham on guitar.
The August line-up continues with Caravanserai (Santana tribute band) Aug. 15, Zepparella (All-female Led Zepplin tribute band) Aug. 22, and Andre Thierry Aug. 29. Additionally, Concord salutes Woodstock’s 50th Anniversary with a three-day celebration of peace, love and music that kicks off with the above-mentioned Caravanserai concert followed by San Francisco Airship Jefferson Airplane Evolution Aug. 16 and Purple Haze, a tribute to Jimi Hendrix, featuring Ralph Woodson on Aug. 17. For more details, visit www.visitconcordca.com/events/music-market-concert-series.
Over in Pleasant Hill, its Sunset by the Lake free concert series by City Hall continues with The Big Jangle (Tom Petty tribute band) this Sunday, Aug. 4 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Next up is the Beatles tribute band, the Sun Kings on Aug. 18, and Top Shelf saluting Motown on Sept. 1. Pleasant Hill also offers a Thursday night summer concert series at the plaza in front of Jack’s Restaurant and Bar from 6:30-8:30 p.m. with Stealin’ Chicago slated for Aug. 29 and East Bay Mudd Sept. 26. Visit shopdowntownpleasanthill.com.
East Bay Mudd also appears this Sunday, Aug. 4 at 5:30 p.m. at San Ramon Central Park for its final concert of its Summer Concerts in the Park series. Room for dancing is provided along with a great selection of food truck options from Food Truck Mania. Call 925-973-3200 or visit www.sanramon.ca.gov.
Blackhawk Plaza’s Rockin’ The Plaza takes you through August (7:00-8:30 p.m.) as well with Majestic (Journey tribute) tomorrow night, Aug. 2, Bless the Rains (Toto tribute) Aug. 9, Bay Area favorites Pride & Joy Aug. 16, and closes out the season with the legendary Pablo Cruise Aug. 23. Blackhawk Plaza is located at 3380 Blackhawk Plaza Circle in Danville. For more details, call 925-736-2751 or visit www.ShopBlackhawkPlaza.com.
Oakland’s Friends of the Golden Gate Library’s Jazz on Sunday series continues this weekend featuring the Brian Ho Trio Aug. 4, Rhonda Benin Aug. 11, Junius Courtney Big Band Aug. 18, and Denise Perrier Aug. 25. All concerts take place at the Golden Gate Library, 5606 San Pablo Avenue in Oakland with the exception of the Junius Courtney concert which will be held at Doyle/Hollis Park at 61st Street between Hollis and Doyle Streets in Emeryville. Each week the featured artist appears from 3:00-4:00 p.m. with the history of jazz from 4:30-5:00 p.m. and youth group performances from 5:00-6:00 p.m.
WEEKEND SCENE. Ohio Players Thursday-Friday, Joey Alexander Saturday- Sunday, Uncle Los Music Monday at Yoshi’s Jack London Square Oakland, yoshis.com … Mads Tolling, John Hanrahan Friday, Rhonda Benin and The North Beach Rhythm Traditional Jazz Band (Louis Armstrong Birthday Bash), Divinely Feminine Rotation Saturday, Soul Sanctuary Dance, Sofia Viola, Dat Garcia Sunday at Ashkenaz Berkeley, www.ashkenaz.com … Jim Cordiss Friday, Saturday at Zio Fraedo’s Pleasant Hill, www.ziofraedos.com … Rudy Ortiz Thursday, Plastic Cup Boyz Friday-Saturday, Cindy Kaza Sunday at Tommy T’s Comedy Club Pleasanton, tommyts.com.
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY SING-ALONG. Harveys Lake Tahoe has just added a unique and exciting attraction at its Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena for Labor Day Weekend on Sept. 1 with its ultimate Queen experience. The evening begins with a live performance by The Killer Queens, San Francisco-based only
all-female tribute band to Queen. This should get the crowd warmed up as a special unreleased “sing-along” version of the hit film Bohemian Rhapsody (2018, PG-13) debuts on the big screen for this family night. The evening concludes with a dazzling Laser Light Spectacular. Tickets are available now via Ticketmaster.com, the Harrah’s and Harveys Box Offices and at the door. Designed for all-ages, the General Admission show ticket prices are $15 plus taxes and TM fees. Bleacher and floor seating is available or bring your blanket and spread out near the front of the stage. Personal chairs, food and beverages are not allowed. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and The Killer Queens begin at 6:00 p.m. Enjoy a night of fun under the stars, the spirit of Freddie Mercury, and more!