‘Concerts in the Park’ Getting Santa Barbara Up & Movin’ for Upbeat Summertime Shows

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - With the many people watching their dollars and sometimes holding off on vacations, finding uplifting summer events for free can be the best way to build an enjoyable evening out these days. Santa Barbara's 'Concerts in the Park' has been hitting the right note for the month of July.

The four-concert show series concluded Thursday night after bringing an estimated 10,000 people to Chase Palm Park on the waterfront since July 2.

The music included Funk and Hip-Hop, Johnny Cash country covers band, rock and originals.   

The bands were from Santa Barbara and Ventura. They applied weeks ago and were chosen by the staff at the Parks and Recreation Department, which schedules the shows and reserves the park space.

The shows started at 5 p.m. with a warm-up band or soloist before the 6 p.m. headliner.

Fans put down their blankets and chairs, sometimes during the day, on the lawn in an area that has a perfect slope for the viewing of an elevated  concert area that is part of the park design. There's no special stage set up needed at this location.

The audio is managed by Islay Events for both the up close enjoyment of the dancers, and the easier paced conversations in the middle and back of the crowds.

Many people use the night for a picnic or dinner gathering, sometimes buying food from local restaurants or bringing in their own array of food and beverages for themselves and to share around their area. Food vendors are also on site.

Those attending often say it is a family friendly event and safe for children of all ages.  

The city is reviewing this year's show schedule, the turnout and the audience comments that have come in through a QR code that was posted around the property as it plans future events for this series and the nearby recently reopened bandshell at Plaza Del Mar.

(More details, video and photos will be added here later today.)

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