News Release
April 22, 2008
Contacts
Leslye Asera, Community Relations Manager, (925) 671-3272
lasera@ci.concord.ca.us
"Striking a cord in Concord" - Music season opener includes unveiling of public art project
The city of Concord is celebrating 20 years of music in downtown Concord this year. The May opening of the summer music season in Todos Santos Plaza is just around the corner. A huge celebration is in store for opening night of the Thursday Night Music and Market series on May 8.
The season opener will feature the unveiling of Concordstock, the public art project celebrating 20 years of music in Todos Santos Plaza and featuring 27 three-foot tall guitar sculptures painted by local artists.
On stage at 6:30 p.m., the Zydeco Flames will heat up the evening with some of the best Cajun music in the Bay Area.
For race car lovers, Infineon Raceway at Sears Point will be bringing four cup cars and an ethanol vehicle. Youngsters will enjoy free face painting and a bounce activity. After the music, stay for a special screening of the 40-minute NASCAR racing documentary, offering a behind the scenes peek at one of America’s favorite sports.
A ‘Concord on the Green’ environmental fair will also take place that night with booths and displays encouraging attendees to educate themselves about environmental issues. The fair is sponsored by the Todos Santos Business Association.
The Farmers’ Market will be in the plaza from 4 to 8 p.m. and will give away an overflowing basket of fresh produce to one lucky attendee.
Todos Santos Plaza is located at Willow Pass Road and Grant Street with free parking available at two nearby garages on Salvio Street. The Thursday Night Music and Market series continues through Sept. 18.
MomDay in the Park
On Sunday May 11, MomDay in the Park will make a return appearance to Todos Santos Plaza from 2 to 4 p.m. where the three winners of the “Concord’s Best Mom” essay contest will be recognized from the stage. The highlight of the event is a free concert with Rick Ellis and his tribute to Frank Sinatra.
Music at Noon
The popular Music at Noon concert series is back beginning Tuesday, May 6 from noon to 1:30 p.m. along with the Tuesday Farmers’ Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Beginning July 1, the music moves to the evening hours, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The July 1 kick-off will feature an attempt to break the Guinness Book world record for largest guitar ensemble. Organizers want to attract 2008 guitarists to play “This Land is Your Land” led by ‘60s singer Country Joe McDonald. Details are available at www.concordtsba.org.
Kidfest
Families can also look forward to Bay Area Kidfest returning to Todos Santos Plaza on Memorial Day Weekend, May 24 to 26 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The annual event features family-friendly entertainment and educational activity zones including: Arts & Sciences, Environmental Awareness, Health & Safety, Sports & Adventure and Citizenship & Community. The KidFest Web site is www.kidfestconcord.com.
For information about all the events, visit www.concordfirst.org or call the hotline at 671-3464.
