Playboy Jazz Festival Community Concert, June 1st 2008

This year The Auto Gallery Porsche in association with Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) is proud to sponsor the 2008 Concerts in the Park.

Back by popular demand, the Playboy Jazz at Warner Park will return with another exciting talent lineup.

Saxophonist Michael Lington, one of the hottest stars on the contemporary jazz scene today, will captivate the crowd with his compelling mix of cool funk, innovative melodies, and passionate playing. Veteran jazz vocalist, Ernie Andrews, offers interpretations of classics from Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, and more. The B-Side Players bring their trademark sounds to the party mix as polyrhythmic beat melds with a mix of reggae, salsa, Latin jazz, and politically charged lyrics. Rounding out the afternoon is local vocalist, Raya Yarbrough, who will capture the crowd with her mesmerizing blend of jazz, pop, and R&B. The cool sounds of the Chatsworth High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Larry Williams, will be this year's opening act.

Since 1975, Valley Cultural Center has presented free Concerts in the Park. Initially presented in Shadow Ranch, by year two, Concerts in the Park moved to its current home in Warner Center Park, the 20-acre plot of land on Topanga Canyon Boulevard donated to the City of Los Angeles by the Harry Warner family. In 1993, the stage facility was dedicated as the Lou Bredlow Pavilion in honor of Valley Cultural Center's founder. A focal point for the Valley's summer entertainment, Concerts in the Park features rock, classical, jazz, R&B, Latino pop, country, cowboy, Dixieland, folk and more, entertains more than 140,000 Valley residents and visitors each year.

In addition to the outstanding talent, VCC has upgraded the Food Court to include sixteen vendors serving a variety of food and beverage to satisfy everyone in the crowd. The Children's Play Zone will also be upgraded to include bounce rides, clowns, face painting and balloon artists.

Parking is available for a $8 donation in three nearby parking structures; Califa street between Topanga and Owensmouth and Owensmouth Avenue between Oxnard and Califa. Proceeds help offset the cost of the concerts.

For more information or to become a member, park for FREE and receive incentives, contact VCC at (818) 704-1358 or visit www.valleycultural.org.

2008 Concerts in the Park 

Article posted on: 08-May-28