Americana in the Park 2022 Concert Series
June 14, 2022 10:37 AM
by Allison Ostrovsky
Sundays, September 4, 11, 18 and 25, 4 – 7 p.m., Gandara Park
Free and Open to All
Nothing feeds the soul quite like music. And nothing can possibly beat music outside! McCabe’s Guitar Shop and Santa Monica bring back Americana in the Park. Enjoy a showcase of a diverse group of Southern California artists and Americana styles from its roots to modern forms. Each concert features two family-friendly groups, food trucks, and a McCabe’s Guitar Pop-Up Shop.
This free event is perfect for everyone. Whether you come to enjoy it alone, with friends or family, or you want to show off your City to your end-of-summer guests, be sure to bring a picnic, blanket, and beach chairs.
The concerts will be held in accordance with the most current guidance from state and local health agencies.
Americana in the Park is made possible by Art of Recovery, an initiative of Santa Monica Cultural Affairs that harnesses the arts to play a major role in the City’s recovery efforts.
LINEUP
Sunday, September 4, 4 – 7 p.m.
Headliner: Prince Diabaté and Friends
Opener: Eric Hernandez
Tongva Land Acknowledgement and Blessing: Tina Orduno Calderon
Singer-songwriter, poet, author and culture bearer Tina Orduno Calderon, will open the series with a Tongva land acknowledgment and blessing. A performance by nine-time world champion Native hoop dancer Eric Hernandez will kick off the performances, followed by Prince Diabaté and Friends. Considered to be one of the leading kora players of his generation, Prince Diabaté and Friends brings not only total mastery over his ancestral tradition, but a commitment to renew it through fresh ideas and exchanges with musicians from many cultures.
Food trucks: The Tropic Truck | Gostosas Thrill From Brazil | Dulce Europa Shave Ice
Truck lineup is subject to change.
Sunday, September 11, 4 – 7 p.m.
Headliner: A.J. Lee and Blue Summit
Opener: McCabe’s Hootenanny Collective
Comprised of teachers and staff from McCabe’s Guitar Shop, the McCabe’s Hootenanny Collective invites attendees to bring their instrument of choice and to join a sing-along free-for-all. Next up the bluegrass group AJ Lee and Blue Summit perform a blend of country, soul, swing, rock and jam musical influences.
Food trucks: Stout Burger | Middle Feast | Drizzle Funnel Cakes & Ice Cream
Truck lineup is subject to change.
Sunday, September 18, 4 – 7 p.m.
Headliner: I See Hawks in L.A.
Opener: Earthworm Ensemble
I See Hawks in L.A., a leading Southern California alternative country, Americana and folk rock band headlines the day, with an opening set of songs from rockin’ children’s music group Earthworm Ensemble.
Food trucks: Grilled Cheese N Things | The Bollywood Kitchen | Creamy Boyz Ice Cream
Truck lineup is subject to change.
Sunday, September 25, 4 – 7 p.m.
Headliner: Little Willie G.
Opener: Jacob G. and The Score
The soul and jazz-inspired music of Jacob G. and the Score will open for Little Willie G. Nicknamed “The Godfather of Brown-Eyed Soul,” vocalist Little Willie G. gained fame with Thee Midniters in the 1960s and continues to thrill audiences with his local East L.A. brass-infused Chicano soul music.
Food trucks: Gostosas Thrill From Brazil | Grilled Cheese N Things | Drizzle Funnel Cakes & Ice Cream
Truck lineup is subject to change.
INFO
LOCATION Gandara Park is located at 1819 Stewart St. Gandara Park amenities include a children’s playground, restrooms, and limited accessible parking. Alternative transportation is encouraged.
PARKING Free parking is available starting at 2 p.m. in the Kite Pharma lot located at 1800 Stewart St., a half-block north of the park. In the event that the Kite Pharma lot fills up, overflow parking will be available in the Bergamot Lot located immediately west of the Kite Pharma lot, at 2525 Michigan Ave. The lot is approximately 1½ blocks from the park and a pedestrian walkway connects with the Kite Pharma lot. An attendant will be in the lot and can provide directions to the park. Please be courteous to the neighborhood residents and do not park in the neighborhood.
BIKE PARKING & SHARED MOBILITY Ride your bike or take an e-bike or e-scooter to the concerts. Bike racks will be available for bike parking starting at 3 p.m. in the Gandara Park lot, 1819 Stewart St.
BIG BLUE BUS Ride Big Blue Bus Route 5 to the concerts and get off at Stewart St. coming from either direction. A roundtrip fare is $2.50 – go cashless and download the mobile ticketing app from Token Transit. Plan your trip on Big Blue Bus.
EXPO LINE Gandara Park is an eight-minute walk from the 26th Street/Bergamot Expo Line Station. Walk east on Olympic Blvd. and turn right on Stewart St. to reach the park. Plan your trip on Metro.
ACCESSIBILITY A limited number of parking spots will be reserved for accessible parking in the Gandara Park lot and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Vehicles must have a government-issued accessible parking license plate, placard, hangtag, or sticker. The entrance to the park’s parking lot will serve as a drop-off location. A parking attendant will be staffing the lot. The park and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. For those using a wheeled mobility device, the walking or bike paths can be used to traverse the park. To view the concert, travel over grass will be required. The ground can be uneven in some areas of the park. For assistance with accommodations, contact Santa Monica Cultural Affairs at least one week prior to the event at 310-458-8350 or culture@santamonica.gov; TTY 310-458-8696.
Authored By
Allison Ostrovsky
Cultural Affairs Supervisor