Summer Concert Series in Palos Verdes

It’s summer, so why not put away your iPod and listen to some live music for a change? The concert scene in local towns really seems to kick into high gear after Memorial Day, so now is the perfect time to see your favorite musicians live, discover new artists, and enjoy the added benefit of fun, sun and a brisk summer breeze!

While not all summer concerts are outdoors, longer days and nicer weather seem to inspire many of us to venture out and appreciate the musical arts.  If pop, rock, classical or jazz suits your tastes, it’s time to hunt down a venue and enjoy a performance.

Concerts may be free, corporate sponsored, or held as a fundraising event. No matter. Pack a picnic, grab a few lawn chairs and load friends or family into the car and head to a park, a popular location for outdoor summer concerts. The Palos Verdes Library District hosts concerts in Farnham Martin's Park next to the Malaga Cove Library every Wednesday at 7 p.m. through Aug. 28. The Lunada Bay Homeowners Association has also scheduled two more concerts at Lunada Bay Park (2201 Palos Verdes Drive West, Palos Verdes Estates) at 5 p.m. on July 21 and 28.

An added perk of summer?

A tad more free time, coupled with the increased availability of concert sites allows venues to expose attendees to lesser-known bands or musical ensembles. And you sure don’t need to be a regular churchgoer to attend musical reviews presented in religious institutions. St. Luke's Presbyterian Church on Rolling Hills Road in Rolling Hills Estates occasionally hosts concerts in its garden, and the Rolling Hills Methodist Church on Crenshaw Boulevard has also hosted musical events in the past.

Concert-going can provide a multi-generational arts experience. Enlighten youngsters by exposing them to classical music or, conversely, allow them to expose you to new, rising bands.

Restaurants and pubs tend to step up the frequency of in-house entertainment, delivering the combined diversion of food, refreshing libation and music for families to enjoy. Nelson's at Terranea Resort holds concerts every Friday and Saturday evening through Labor Day. 

Or you can opt for the traditional route.

Concert and recital halls, as well as libraries, high schools and universities showcase many talented musicians throughout the year—with chairs just waiting to be filled.