Summer 2015: Outdoor Festivals
Hermosa Beach’s Concerts on the Beach have become one of the South Bay’s signature musical events. Photo
South Bay boasts some of the biggest, longest-running outdoor summer concerts in the county. Redondo Beach is hosting its beachside series every Thursday and Saturday from July 2 to Sep. 5 at the end of its historic pier. Beach Boys tribute band Woodie & the Longboards will kick off the series, which is hosted by the Redondo Pier Association. Amid a lineup racked with rock, classic rock, rockabilly and country groups, there’s also an orchestra (562nd United States Air Force Band, July 18), gypsy rock (The Vignatis, Aug. 1) and reggae (West Swell, Sep. 5). The last concert will take place at the Octagon lot below Kincaid’s.
Manhattan Beach’s Concerts in the Parks series kicks off July 5 and runs every Sunday evening through Sep. 6 at Polliwog Park. The kickoff event on June 28 is a picnic and tribute to the troops with live music. This summer’s lineup includes returning acts like Elvis impersonator Scot Bruce (Aug. 2) and Beatles tribute band Hard Days Night (Sep. 6) and new faces such as Bonne Musique Zydeco (July 12) and eclectic South Bay-native trio LIFE (Aug. 23). Don’t forget to bring a blanket and a low-backed beach chair.
Hermosa Beach Summer Concerts seem to grow every year. Last year, Discovery Channel sponsored the series to promote Shark Week, and thousands gathered on the sand to hear Jimmy Buffett sing “Margaritaville.” Past performers also include ZZ Ward and the Spazmatics. The details for this year’s lineup have not been released yet, but it surely won’t disappoint.