|
|
| August in Santa Monica is the perfect time of year for lazing in the sun or relaxing in the shade. And repeating last year’s successful summer concert series, the City’s Cultural Affairs Division will make it possible to do both while experiencing a sensational musical encounter by the sea. Taking full advantage of this delicious summer weather, the City of Santa Monica’s Jazz on the Lawn returns to Santa Monica on four consecutive Sundays in August. From 5:00 to 7:00pm on August 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st, the City will present five dazzling jazz ensembles on the lawn in front of City Hall. Bring your friends, your family and a picnic dinner to this series of free outdoor concerts where you can spread a blanket on the grass, stretch out in your lawn chair and doze in the shade of your own beach umbrella and enjoy the coolest breezes and hottest sounds in all of Southern California. | |
|
Michael Sullivan
Michael Sullivan is starting off this exciting month of jazz with an engaging show that is sure to leave everyone cheering for more. With heartfelt original lyrics and captivating low-key sounds, this extremely talented up-and-coming artist and his band have already enchanted crowds throughout the country. Touring at colleges and festivals nationwide, Mike Sullivan Band’s charming performances have brought smiles to faces everywhere and are serving to quickly build a fan base.
Born in Chicago, Michael came to California to pursue his musical career, and now lives in Hermosa Beach. His music is a unique blend of sound combined with smooth jazz flavored vocals that reach out to the audience personally. Check out Michael's MySpace page and watch his (unfinished but great) video! |
|
|
Louis Van Taylor
Louis Van Taylor will give an exhilarating performance with a diverse blend of sound. Exceptional on all the saxophones and woodwinds, he incorporates acid-jazz, Brazilian, Afro-Caribbean, funk, blues and traditional jazz influences. This sought after musician has worked with reputable artists including Ray Charles, the Temptations, Bobby Womack, and Kool and the Gang. Enjoy his performance Sunday, August 10, made possible by the Los Angeles Arts Commission.
|
|
|
Billy Porter &
Billy Porter takes the stage and brings along his friends from the Reprise Theatre Company's production of Once on this Island, and the evening is sure to be a treat! Prepare to be dazzled by the director and cast members from the Caribbean themed musical. America first got a taste of Billy’s amazing voice on Ed McMahon’s Star Search--he was the 1992 $100,000 male vocalist grand champion. Shortly thereafter, Billy made an unforgettable impression on Broadway, appearing in Smokey Joe’s Café and in all the original casts of Miss Saigon, Five Guys Named Moe as well as the revival of Grease starring Rosie O’Donnell. He also memorably played the role of James Thunder Early in the Dreamgirls: 20th Anniversary Broadway Concert. In 1997 A&M Records released Billy Porter’s debut album. Billy can also be heard on the platinum selling A Very Rosie Christmas, Gershwin and Sondheim Benefit Albums, Hercules (Disney) and Anastasia (Warner Bros.), Liz Callaway – The Story Goes On, Alvin Ailey/Revelations, Broadway Cares Home For The Holidays, and Great Joy: A Gospel Christmas with the Broadway Inspirational Voices. He has recently been featured on HRC’s Love Rocks album, benefiting gay unions. Most recently on the small screen, Billy uncannily captured the energy of Little Richard in the CBS mini-series, Shake Rattle & Roll had a recurring role on Another World and played a transsexual in an updated gay themed version of Oliver Twist called Twisted. |
Billy has also directed a critically acclaimed recreation of The Wiz and conceived a musical revue entitled Signed, Sealed, Delivered: The Music Of Stevie Wonder, which starred Chaka Khan, Peabo Bryson and Melissa Manchester and ran at The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas in the spring of 2002. The final line-up has not been set yet but performers could include Ledisi, Yvette Cason, Vanita Harbour, Patina Miller, Jesse Nager, Leslie Odom Jr., and Nita Whitaker. |
|
Russ
Mullen &
Russ Mullen
started playing piano at age four. He began trumpet in junior high
school and taught himself the other brass instruments soon
afterwards. By the time Russ was in high school, he was playing
professionally and teaching brass instruments. currently directs
the John Adams Middle School (JAMS) Jazz Band and Jazz Workshop in
Santa Monica California, and has been honored by the California
State Legislature and the City of Santa Monica for his work with the
JAMS Jazz Program. |
|
|
Opa Opa
Opa Opa was
created in 1987 by Oswaldo Bernard and his good friend Anthony
Apollo. They set out to use their musical talent honed since their
childhood, to create a band that would have a unique and distinctive
sound - rich percussive rhythms, remarkably unique sounding vocals
and robust brassy horns. These elements have contributed greatly to
the powerful sound that identifies Opa-Opa. Each member of this diverse group of musicians has added their own special flare and flavor to the band's sound. Soon Opa Opa became one of the premiere salsa bands in Southern California, signed a contract with Warner Brothers Music and released their first CD, mojaditicos. |
|
|
Free parking is available after 4:00 pm at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium at 1855 Main Street and on the streets surrounding City Hall. Free parking validations will be available to anyone parking in the new Santa Monica Civic Center Parking Structure. And you can support the Virginia Avenue Park Teen Center by buying waters and soft drinks from our local teens. The kids will even have a selection of their artwork including hand screened t-shirts and other creations available for purchase. Jazz on the Lawn is produced by the City of Santa Monica Cultural Affairs Division with support from the Los Angeles County Arts Commission. |
|
|
|
|
|
Sign up to receive the Palette every Thursday in your e-mail here! |
|
