Submitted by the City of Santee
Santee's Summer Concert Series begins June 20 at Town Center Community Park East on the north side of the San Diego River between Cuyamaca and Magnolia avenues. Performances are every Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. through August 22, except for the first week in July, when the city sponsors a July 4th celebration called Santee Salutes.
The nine-concert series features-an eclectic lineup of bands that know how to entertain.
“We’ve been fine-tuning our concert series for the past 30 years, and I think we’ve figured out what people enjoy and how to bring it to them,” said Cherie Meek, the city’s special events supervisor. “This summer, we’ve got a rock-solid lineup of bands that are guaranteed to please.”
Elvis impersonators are encouraged to wear fake sideburns, wigs and white jump suits for the June 27 Elvis tribute concert by James Kruk and the Big Boss Men.
“The free concerts are more fun than ever because we’re drawing larger crowds and people are dancing up a storm,” Meek said. “But it’s still a mellow family atmosphere punctuated by kids, dogs and an occasional Frisbee.”
Bands perform on a raised stage overlooking two grass soccer fields at the east side of Town Center Community Park, a perfect setting for an evening family picnic. Individual barbecues aren’t allowed, but concert goers are welcome to bring their own prepared foods and beverages.
Food trucks will be present each Thursday (except July 18), serving a variety of great food and desserts. Visit the City’s web site at www.ci.santee.ca.us to see the food truck schedule.
The “Blues & BBQ” concert on July 18 will have extended hours from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This twin bill show features the return of the Bill Magee Blues Band for the third consecutive year, along with the series debut of the Mercedes Moore Band.
Phil’s BBQ, a San Diego County culinary institution, will be selling savory dinners. Santee’s own Manzanita Brewing Company will be serving adult beverages in a beer garden. Both businesses are donating funds to benefit the concert series. Both the food and beer garden are cash only. For your convenience, an ATM will be available on site.
Ample free parking is available at the park and surrounding area. Arrive early for the best parking and take advantage of the pre-concert entertainment beginning at 6:00pm.
The free concert series is made possible through the support of community partners, Barona Resort and Casino. Waste Management, Cox Communications, Daphne’s California Greek and Metropolitan Transit System.
Santee Summer 2013 Concert Lineup:
June 20 — Navy Band Southwest’s Showband
June 27 — James Kruk and the The Big Boss Men (Wear your Elvis gear!)
July 11 — The Mighty Untouchables
July 18 - Blues & BBQ Night Mercedes Moore Band Bill Magee Blues Band
July 25 — Left4Dead Band
August 1 — Len Rainey and the Midnight Players
August 8 — Rockola
August 15 — The Highwayman Show featuring Tony Suraci
August 22 — The Catillacs (Featuring a classic car display by the East County Cruisers)
For more information visit the city’s website or call the Special Events Hotline at (619) 258-4100 ext. 201
Grab a blanket or a folding chair and enjoy free live music on the lawn this summer!
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