Nothing says summer quite like spending time outside surrounded by the beauty of nature, community, food, beverages and, of course, live music.
At the Marin Art and Garden Center, all of these pleasantries and more are wrapped up in a pretty bow with the upcoming summer concert series, a gift that keeps giving.
The Marin Art and Garden Center’s Summer Concert Series will occur from 5 to 7pm every Thursday and span from June 27 to Aug. 29 (except the 4th of July). Locals and visitors alike are invited to flock to the garden center to enjoy live music, food, drinks and the company of other like-minded individuals—who just want to have some fun in the sun or shade—during those hot summer months ahead.
“We really just want to provide a place for people to spend time outdoors in a very unique, relaxed setting,” said the Marin Art and Garden Center’s executive director, Iris Lax. “We’re one of the only gardens in the Bay Area that is open and free to the public, and our signature events like these concerts have become very very popular.”
This year marks the expansion of the garden center’s summer concert series, which has more than doubled the number of shows offered throughout the season, half of which will take place in the Redwood Amphitheatre alongside the usual Gazebo Lawn spot.
The first performance of the summer is the family-friendly Music Time with Megan, followed by Dirty Cello, Andre Thierry & Accordion Soul, Jinx Jones & the KingTones and Wreckless Strangers. In the Redwood Amphitheater, guests can enjoy a Brazil/East Bay Ensemble featuring Mary D’Orazi, Late for the Train, SonoTriette and The Cottontails.
“Going from four to nine concerts is a big jump for us, and we’re really looking at and responding to what our community wants,” noted Lax.
As a nonprofit organization, the Marin Art and Garden Center relies on its fundraising programs and the generosity of its donors to continue to provide and grow not only the gardens but all its other services as well. Those interested in supporting this free fixture of the community may do so by attending events or becoming a Friend of the Garden, a donation-based membership with perks aplenty.
“[The Friends of the Garden program] is an opportunity for people to support our garden,” explained Lax. “By becoming a Friend of the Garden, they are not only helping us—there are a ton of perks and benefits that come with it.”
The summer concert series opens its garden gates at 4:30pm for the Gazebo Lawn shows and at 5pm for the Redwood Amphitheatre shows. Adults pay $20 in advance and $25 at the gate, while children under the age of 17 may attend for free. Parking costs $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. Outside alcohol is not permitted on the premises, though beer, wine, non-alcoholic drinks and snacks will be available for purchase during the concerts.
The Marin Art and Garden Center is located at 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. in Ross and is open every day from sunrise until sunset. For more information about ongoing or future programs at the art and garden center, or to check out the online event calendar, visit the website at maringarden.org or call 415.455.5260.
