The 28th season of the City of Carlsbad’s “TGIF Jazz in the Parks” free outdoor concerts features a lively mix of beloved local bands, last year’s favorite debut groups and great new ensembles. The music covers a wide range of jazz-oriented, danceable music from big band swing to rhythm & blues to Latin salsa, with Afro-pop, zydeco and soul in the mix as well. The 2013 TGIF concerts begin on June 28 and continue through Aug. 23, presented by the City of Carlsbads Cultural Arts Office. All concerts begin at 6 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. More information on TGIF Jazz in the Parks concerts can be found at www.carlsbadca.gov/arts or on the Arts Info Line: 760-434-2904. Watch a timelapse video of an entire concert in 100 seconds.
Stagecoach Community Park
3420 Camino de los Coches
Free parking is at La Costa Canyon High School, 1 Maverick Way at Camino de los Coches.
June 28
Madame LeRoux & Krewe plus Euphoria Brass Band – New Orleans R&B
Last summer’s inspired combination of two great local groups specializing in dixieland, street parade marching music, zydeco and rhythm & blues returns for a remix of Mardi Gras in June!
July 5
High Street Band – Swing
A group brand new to the TGIF stage and sporting an old school approach, this ten-piece band brings the 1940s roaring back to life. Their goal is to get everyone in the park onto the dance floor!
July 12
Brave Combo – World Mix
Brave Combo is almost impossible to describe: these players can create danceable music out of anything from “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” to “The William Tell Overture.” They love to apply polka beats to unsuspecting ballads. Brave Combo’s return to TGIF might be the summer’s biggest reason to celebrate.
Poinsettia Community Park
6600 Hidden Valley Road
Free shuttle service will operate between 4:30 and 9 p.m. from North Coast Calvary Chapel, 1330 Poinsettia Lane at Aviara Parkway.
July 19
Café R&B - Rhythm & Blues
Another debut smash in 2012, this LA ensemble led by the TNT-packed Ms. Roach on vocals and the flaming guitar of Byl Caruthers, is back for some serious strutting, singing and high-kicking.
July 26
Louie Cruz Beltran – Brazilian/Afro-Cuban
Percussionist extraordinaire Beltran leads a very hot ensemble in salsa, cumbia, merengue, samba and all the Cuban sizzle an audience can handle in one night.
Aug. 2,
The Bayou Brothers - Zydeco
This beloved San Diego group is making its TGIF debut. The Cajun zydeco these brothers serve up is as authentic as étouffée and alligator sausage.
Calavera Hills Community Park, 2997 Glasgow Drive, on the corner of Carlsbad Village Drive.
Free shuttle service will operate between 4:30 and 9 p.m. from Sage Creek High School, 3900 Cannon Road at College Boulevard.
Aug. 9,
Sierra Leone’s Refugee All-Stars – Afro-Pop
Known worldwide as the voice of the dispossessed-yet-optimistic people of Africa, SLRAS was the greatest success story of the 2012 TGIF season: infectious, irresistible, inspiring.
Aug. 16
The Styletones - Soul
This band hasn’t been around long but it’s built quite a reputation for performing the strong music and truthful, emotional vocalizing that is the essence of soul. And then there are those horns!
Aug. 23
Big Time Operator - Big Band Swing
The summer ends on a high note: the clear voice of band leader Warren Lovell and the sustained wail of the region’s hottest brass section. Without a doubt, this group is the TGIF audience’s favorite band.
What to bring, and what not to bring to the concerts
Patrons should bring low-back beach chairs and ground cover to TGIF concerts. Long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and insect repellent with “deet” are recommended as a precaution against mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus. Many patrons bring picnics; light refreshments are also available for sale. Opportunity drawings are conducted during the intermission by the Carlsbad Friends of the Arts to support the concert series and other cultural programs. The use of bikes, skateboards, skates and roller blades is not allowed in the parks during concerts. Pets, smoking and personal barbeque grills are not allowed in city parks by municipal ordinance
Performers’ websites
Media contact information
Colleen Finnegan, community arts coordinator, Cultural Arts Office, City of Carlsbad, colleen.finnegan@carlsbadca.gov or 760-434-2900 (not for publication)