Summer Music Series to Continue

When state legislators eliminated redevelopment agencies throughout California, the City of Concord  Turns out it will, but on a trimmed schedule. 

Fundraisers and sponsor donations are what brought the shows back, according a message from the city. (see story below for featured musicians, highlights)

The shows and market events attract more than 200,000 people to the downtown each year, according to city figures and are a key source of revenue for downtown businesses. 

Key Changes

No more Tuesday shows. Thursday shows will take place, but instead of starting the first week of May, shows will begin May 31 through Sept. 13. The farmers market runs from 4 to 8 p.m., with live music begining at 6:30 p.m.

The California Symphony pops concert, will take place on Thursday, Aug. 30, instead of a Saturday.

No more August movie nights.

Oh! And bring out your kids to watch NASCAR stock cars parade around the plaza on the first day, May 31.  

Fundraisers and sponsorships credited by the city for assistance:

• 50,000 community grant from Concord Disposal Services
• $14,100 from a banner project with the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce
• $12,000 in proceeds from the April 15 Save Our Series benefit event
• $10,000 in donations collected from audience members last summer
• $10,000 sponsorship from Tesoro Golden Eagle Refinery for the July 4th parade
• $5,000 grants from both Sonoma Bank and Grocery Outlet
• $4,000 grant from the Pacific Coast Farmers' Market
• $1,000 grants from the Hot Dog Palace, Concord Police Officers Association and downtown property owner Ed Andrews.

Music to include: The Sun Kings, a Beatles tribute band on May 31. Other highlights include the rock-and-soul sound of The Fundamentals on June 28, Latin jazz favorite Carlos Reyes and the Electric Symphony on July 12; Motown greats the Best Intentions on July 26, and the Michael Jackson tribute band Foreverland on Aug. 9.

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Which band are you most looking forward to? Are you happy to see the series not going away? Tell us in the comments.