By Khalida Sarwari
Campbell residents, get out your lawn chairs–the 2012 Summer Concert Series will kick off June 21 and will feature a new artist every Thursday at the Orchard City Green.
“This year, because of the 20-year anniversary, we tried to get more rock ‘n’ roll,” said John Araujo, the city’s recreation supervisor. “Generally, people want to get up and dance so they like the classic rock ‘n’ roll groups.”
This year’s series will feature artists performing British rock, Country and Western and of course, straight-ahead rock ‘n’ roll.
The series, popular with everyone from the little ones to their parents and grandparents, tends to attract anywhere from 800 to 1,100 on a given night, Araujo said.
“People just have a really good time,” he said. “It’s a real positive environment.”
Araujo recommends bringing beach towels and lawn chairs to the concerts. Blankets and ground tarps are not allowed.
Attendees can bring their own food, but the Campbell Museum Foundation will also have food for sale, including barbecued hot dogs, Polish sausages, chips, salad, cheese platters, cookies, wine, beer and soda. All proceeds from the sales will benefit the foundation.
“It’s the largest fundraiser of the year for the foundation,” said museum director Karen Lange. “The money will support the Campbell Historical Museum and the Ainsley House.”
At last year’s series, the organization raised about $25,000 from concession proceeds, Lange said.
Due to limited parking, attendees are advised to carpool or park in downtown garages and walk to the concert.
With the exception of guide dogs, organizers ask that attendees leave their pets at home as animals are not allowed in the park.
The concerts are free, but there is a suggested $1 donation for adults, said Araujo. Concerts will take place every Thursday through Aug. 23, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
The lineup is as follows: the Houserockers will kick off the 10-week series with rock ‘n’ roll music on June 21. The following week, Nigel and Clive and The British Invasion will present British oldies on June 28. Long Train Runnin’, a Doobie Brothers cover band, will play on July 5.
On July 12, the California Cowboys will bring their brand of Country and Western to the mix, and on July 19, The Shanks will perform classic rock ‘n’ roll. On July 26, the Groove Kings will close out the month with some more rock ‘n’ roll.
The final month of the series will feature Cocktail Monkeys performing rock and Motown on Aug. 2, The Hitmen playing everything from ’70s funk and disco to Latin music on Aug. 9, the Crocodiles playing ’70s and ’80s on Aug. 16 and Sage, an R&B dance band, wrapping up the series on Aug. 23.
Campbell 2012 Summer Concert series promises a lot of rock ‘n’ roll
