There’s absolutely no denying that the past year has been a pretty challenging time, and while it seems as though California may be facing yet another mask mandate because of new COVID variants and, once again, increasing reported cases, most Angelinos are continuing to enjoy the summer season in the most fun-filled ways possible – and the Valley Cultural Foundation is providing another exciting avenue to do so.
On Sunday evenings from 5:30 to 8 pm, the Free Concerts at Warner Park program will once again heat up the summer, with community members able to enjoy no-charge shows amidst the backdrop of one of California’s most awe-inspiring venues. The series kicked off on June 27 with Emerging R&B Artists: Terrell Edwards, Brittney Crush and AV/VA and will conclude on September 5 with Elton John – The Early Years, with event parking opening at 4:30 pm and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health regulating the series during ongoing pandemic concerns.
Do you like it hot…and are you ready to get your rock ‘n soul on? Head on down to 5800 Topanga Canyon Boulevard and have a fantastic time with fellow music lovers at Warner Park!
Following the aforementioned June 27 kickoff show highlighting emerging R&B artists, the Free Concerts at Warner Park schedule hosted Councilman Bob Blumenfield’s Fourth of July Extravaganza on Independence Day, and then Kenny Cetera’s Chicago Experience on July 11. On July 18, a sizzling performance by The Como La Flor Band – Tribute to Selena rocked Warner Park to the delight of excitement-fueled Selena fans passionate about her music.
On July 25, the Surf City All Stars will come to Warner Park, all members of the tribute band having been taught their vocals by original Beach Boys members Mike Love and Brian Wilson. The Surf City All Stars remain the only band in the world to have played and sung lead vocals in both the Beach Boys and Jan and Dean bands; performance begins at 6:30 pm.
On August 1, two of the most iconic classic rock bands ever to grace a stage will go head-to-head in a tribute group battle to end all battles – Fleetwood Mac vs. Heart will heat up Warner Park, with tribute bands Mirage: Visions of Fleetwood Mac and Dog n Butterfly: The Heart Experience scheduled to recreate the look and sound of one of the most influential eras in rock music history. Spot-on live versions of memorable hits like “Go Your Own Way,” “Don’t Stop,” “The Chain,” “Dreams,” “Rhiannon” and more will be belted out by members of Mirage, while Dog n Butterfly will perfectly capture the original Heart band’s high-energy concert experience, complete with retro-inspired costumes and renditions of songs like “Barracuda,” “Crazy On You,” “Magic Man,” “These Dreams” and more. Concert begins at 6:30 pm.
On August 8, Warner Park will play host to a unique performance dubbed Bands on the Rise: Plastic Culture, Strange Brew and Spencer Krasch, part of the Emerging Artists Showcase that also included Emerging R&B Artists. Plastic Culture is a “DIY unsigned dynamic duo” based out of Los Angeles and formed in 2012, with founding member/lead vocalist Katlin A. “Sauceyhead” and lead guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Eddie G. making it their mission to bring back the heart and soul into rock ‘n roll. Their unique method of blending multiple genres of music like rock, soul, psychedelic, reggae, ska, hard rock, metal and funk will definitely get your feet moving, your head banging and your hips grooving. Strange Brew, meanwhile, is another L.A.-based band that spent their time practicing on the Venice Beach boardwalk of all places, comprised of a self-producing and recording trio that fuses an eclectic blend of reggae and hip-hop. Concert begins at 5:30 pm.
On August 15, The Rockestration Show featuring The Tribe and a 40-piece youth orchestra will take the stage at Warner Park in collaboration with the Valley Cultural Foundation, an event poised to be an exquisite night in the park as The Tribe takes you on a journey through some of the greatest rock and roll songs of all time. The show will feature an array of stellar singers and a specially-selected youth orchestra, and will definitely fill your heart and soul with magical overtones emanating from a collective of some of L.A.’s top musicians and singers. Performance begins at 6:30 pm.
A favorite of Concerts at Warner Park devotees, The Long Run – Experience the Eagles returns to the park on August 22, the tribute band earning its place among the top-drawing acts in North America and continuing its legacy as the finest Eagles tribute show working today. Handpicked to perform the music of the Eagles by Mark Cuban and Ryan Seacrest’s network AXS-TV – their 90-minute live concert for the hit TV show The World’s Greatest Tribute Bands which was broadcast to millions of viewers across five countries – The Long Run is characterized by lush vocal harmonies and exceptional musical accuracy, every performance delivering a reverence for the beloved Eagles recordings blended with a unique live concert persona. Concert begins at 6:30 pm.
On August 29, Tierra – named Best R&B Vocal Group by four leading magazines including Billboard – will take its East Los Angeles-inspired fusion of rock, pop, jazz, R&B and salsa to the main stage at Warner Park, performing classics like “Together,” “Gonna Find Her,” “Memories” and “Zoot Suit Boogie.” Founded in 1972, the band has performed internationally and continues to dazzle with its uniquely smooth and soulful sounds; Tierra was the first Latino band to boast four songs on the national charts and two simultaneously in the Top 100. Performance begins at 6:30 pm.
Ending the 2021 concert series will be Elton John: The Early Years on September 5, combining four seasoned musicians, two background singers and the top-notch music of Sir Elton John during his early sound-making period. Indeed, “Kenny Metcalf as Elton,” as he is known, leaves you feeling like you went back in time, what with the polyester flared bell pants, platform shoes, glasses, glitter and sequins.
The Valley Cultural Foundation provides diverse programs and events in the arts that bring together talent, community and business throughout the San Fernando Valley. Enjoy concerts and films, as well as exciting Children’s Performance Series programs – all for free every summer.
No Comment