Music Lovers

Summer is a great time to be a music lover. Beginning the weekend of Memorial Day, Memorial Park in La Cañada Flintridge launches its annual Music in the Park Summer Concert Series. These free concerts are held at the park every Sunday night at 6 p.m. (except for Memorial Day) through Labor Day. Most genres are represented over the summer; for example, last Sunday the Wise Guys Big Band entertained the crowd. Steve and I have made ourselves comfortable while listening to FM Radio and Past Action Heroes (who never disappoint!). We typically bring a light dinner plus a bottle of wine and it’s not unusual to join friends who are also there to enjoy the tunes.

It was a surprise for me to learn that Descanso Gardens, also in La Cañada, has a varied entertainment line-up on its grounds. Though some of its music-driven events are already sold out, other options are still available including its Beer Garden Nights.

Of course not all offerings are outside or available just during the summer. The Rose in Pasadena has become one of my favorite spots. Steve and I have enjoyed the music of Ambrosia and Little River Band and the comedy of Sinbad, regardless of the weather outside. Every week CV Weekly publishes the calendar of upcoming performers at The Rose and there are usually several that we make a note to see.

For those who enjoy classical music, check out the schedule at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The California Philharmonic Orchestra performs on Sunday afternoons and plays some favorites, many times paired with more contemporary bands. This Sunday, in honor of Apollo 11, the program is titled “Space: A Giant Leap.” Music from the films “Apollo 13,” “Star Wars,” “Star Trek,” and more will be performed, accompanied by projected never-seen-before NASA and JPL images. I try to include their calendar of events on a regular basis in our Leisure section.

Closer to home is The Wine Cave on Honolulu Avenue in Montrose. An extensive wine list plus the ability of having food delivered from neighboring restaurants are definite pluses for us. Countless times we have ordered dinner from Giuseppe’s (across the street) then gone over to The Wine Cave to meet friends and listen to music. Soon after dinner arrives. Easy!

The downside of The Wine Cave is trying to find out who will be appearing there. Their Facebook site doesn’t include a calendar of upcoming events and their website is basically broken. Steve is actually pretty good in finding out who is scheduled to perform based on the performers posting their information on their social media sites then sharing them elsewhere.

Not all outdoor events are music-driven, though. On Saturday night, Two Strike Park will be the site of Silent Movie Night when projectionist Joe Rinaudo will be screening some of his favorite silent movies. It’s free to attend and a fun way to spend a Saturday night.

  robin goldsworthy