From Staff Reports
Less than a month after the “Concerts in the Courtyard” series ends, Apple Valley residents will have live music throughout the summer right around the corner.
The seventh annual Sunset Concert Series, presented by Heritage Victor Valley Medical Group and the Town of Apple Valley, will feature only High Desert-grown talent nearly every Thursday beginning June 20.
This year’s series represents a wide range of musical styles from the Latin flair of Latin Express to the classic rock sounds of Phoenix Rising; and with country, ’80s pop, southern rock, rockabilly and top 40 in between.
Julie Gilmer, events coordinator for the Town, said organizers didn’t have to look very far to fill the series’ bill.
“Our region has such a rich pool of talent, there was no need to search elsewhere to hire great bands for our concert series,” Gilmer said.
Latin Express is one such example. Victor Valley High School graduate Johnny Camarena formed this Latin and top 40 band more than 40 years ago. Although Camaera no longer plays in the band, he said his children have carried on the tradition and continue to make the band a staple of High Desert performances.
Camarena said while their name implies that they are a Latin band, the band is made up of people from many cultures. Their music reflects that diversity by incorporating old school, funk, pop and top 40 tunes.
“Our fan base ranges from young kids to middle-aged folks to older adults,” said Camarena. “When the parents go, the kids go, and the next thing you know we have three generations at our concerts.”
Latin Express will open the series from 6 to 9 p.m. June 20. The concert will also feature an array of food choices, a beer garden and a sampling of farmer’s market vendors. The park has inclined lawn seating, so concert goers should bring blankets or portable chairs.
The music will continue Thursdays through Aug. 8. The entertainment line-up for the summer includes:
• June 20: Latin Express (top 40 and Latin)
• June 27: Big Fat Steve Band (country/rockabilly)
• July 11: BOK (variety/dance)
• July 18: Pop Gun Rerun (’80s pop)
• July 25: Southern Spirit (southern rock)
• Aug. 1: Under Construction (top 40)
• Aug. 8: Phoenix Rising (classic rock)
Civic Center Park is adjacent to Apple Valley Town Hall and across from Super Target in the Apple Valley Commons shopping center. Parking and admission are free. The Town is seeking additional sponsors to ensure the success of the 2013-2014 events season. For more information, visit www.AppleValleyEvents.org or call 760-240-7000, ext. 7072.