It’s one of Redlands’ most time-honored traditions: the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival.
Now in its 96th season, the festival brings incredible performers to the Redlands Bowl stage, at no charge — other than a goodwill donation — to the audience.
Know before you go:
All performances begin at 8 p.m., with seating first come, first served. No tickets are needed, and goodwill donations can be made during intermission. Guests are welcome to bring picnic dinners to the Bowl, but alcohol is prohibited and coolers must be small enough to fit under bench seats. Smoking is not allowed at the Bowl, nor is recording or photographing performances without permission from the artists. Service animals are welcome to attend shows, but pets may not. The Redlands Bowl is at 25 Grant Street, and there is limited handicapped parking on Eureka Street by the Bowl, after 5 p.m.
For a full descriptions of the performances, please take a look at the Redlands Summer Music Festival brochure.
FRIDAY, JUNE 21:
Broadway and Beyond
Redlands Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Frank Fetta, featuring Nicole Henry
Why you should go: It’s opening night, and this is sure to be a smash. Nicole Henry is a Soul Train Award winner and has three hit jazz albums under her belt. She will perform selections from Les Miserables, West Side Story, Dreamgirls, and The Wiz, while Maestro Frank Fetta will conduct the Redlands Symphony Orchestra in Alexander Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances and a John Williams Fiddler on the Roof medley.
TUESDAY, JUNE 25:
Papa Doo Run Run
Why you should go: These Grammy-nominated surf music icons are sure to perform hits from their debut album, Be True To Your School. The band is comprised of musicians who have played — or still share a stage — with the Beach Boys, Jan & Dean, Frankie Valli, and Brian Wilson.
FRIDAY, JUNE 28:
Skerryvore
Why you should go: Skerryvore blends folk, rock, Americana, and Scottish traditional music. This award-winning band, from the Scottish isle of Tiree, will knock your socks off with their eclectic songs.
TUESDAY, JULY 2:
Grand Finals of the Young Artists Concerto Competition
Why you should go: Every year, incredible musicians enter the Young Artists Concerto Competition, and the best of the best make it to the Redlands Bowl stage. The five finalists will perform this evening, with the winner announced at the night’s conclusion. Violinist Lindsay Deutsch will also appear as the concert’s guest soloist. She is known for her work on movie soundtracks, and is currently touring the world with Yanni.
TUESDAY, JULY 9
“A Salute to Glen Campbell,” by Jeff Dayton
Why you should go: No one knew Glen Campbell like Jeff Dayton, who spent 15 years as his bandleader and guitarist. This show, a tribute to his late friend, is filled with Campbell’s greatest hits, with Dayton also sharing fun behind the scenes stories about his time on the road with the country singer.
FRIDAY, JULY 12
Mariachi Divas
Why you should go: These women know how to put on a show, thrilling crowds with their lively mariachi performances. They are the official mariachi of Disneyland, and go down in history as the first all-female mariachi band to be nominated for and win a Grammy Award.
SATURDAY, JULY 13
“Those Were the Days — The Spirit and Songs of the ’60s”
Why you should go: Reminisce about the sounds of the ’60s during this upbeat night of music. William Florian, a former member of The New Christy Minstrels, will perform songs from his band, as well as favorites from The Mamas & The Papas, John Denver, Peter Paul & Mary, and Pete Seeger.
TUESDAY, JULY 16
The Kalama Brothers
Why you should go: If you can’t make it to the islands, this is the next best thing. The Kalama Brothers weave together music and storytelling, sharing their Polynesian culture with the audience. They will also be joined by the spectacular Polynesian Paradise Dancers.
FRIDAY, JULY 19
Mozart by Moonlight
The Redlands Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Ransom Wilson
Why you should go: Who doesn’t want to hear Eine Kleine Nachtmusik? This is a great opportunity for Mozart fans — and those who aren’t as familiar with his work — to hear pieces by the beloved composer. The night will include selections from his Jupiter Symphony.
THURSDAY, JULY 25 – SUNDAY, JULY 28
Public dress rehearsal Tuesday, July 23
Singin’ in the Rain
Why you should go: Every summer, the highlight of the festival is the musical, and this time around, it’s Singin’ in the Rain, the classic that will get you tapping your feet and singing, “Good Morning!” Singin’ in the Rain takes place when “talking pictures” are becoming all the rage, which is bad news for the squeaky-voiced Lina Lamont. To find out what happens when her voice is replaced by a young actress who sweeps Lina’s leading man off his feet, you’ll have to come out to the show.
TUESDAY, JULY 30
ABBA Revisited
Why you should go: “Dancing Queen.” “Mamma Mia.” “Take a Chance on Me.” All of ABBA’s hits will be played by ABBA Revisited, a tribute band formed in 2001. It’s not just their harmonies that will keep you entertained — ABBA Revisited is also known for their spectacular and authentic costumes.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2
The Annie Moses Band presents “From Copland to Cash”
Why you should go: Known for their take on classic Americana tunes, this Nashville-based musical ensemble is comprised of Juilliard-educated siblings. Their name is a tribute to their great-grandmother, Annie Moses, who instilled a love of music into their grandmother, which was passed down to the siblings.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 6
A Night of Big Band Swing
Why you should go: The Pete Jacobs Orchestra will bring the sounds, while the Hollywood Hotshot swing dancers provide the moves. This fun evening of big band swing will keep you entertained — just try not to dance along to the “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.”
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9
New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players
Why you should go: During the Bowl’s annual opera night, the six New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players start off with a rousing rendition of The Pirates of Penzance in one act. Following intermission, they return in black tie and gowns to perform more works from Gilbert & Sullivan’s comic operas.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 13
U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West
Commander’s Jazz Ensemble
Why you should go: The only active-duty Air Force band west of the Rockies, the Commander’s Jazz Ensemble tours the western United States, playing pop, big band, and patriotic music. The Air Force Band of the Golden West is based at Travis Air Force Base, and uses music to connect with the people they meet.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16
Fireworks Finale
Redlands Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Frank Fetta, with Vijay Venkatesh on piano
Why you should go: The 96th season of the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival will literally end with a bang. Enjoy a night of classical music, featuring a onetime winner of the Redlands Bowl Young Artist Competition, Vijay Venkatesh. With the Redlands Symphony Orchestra, he will perform Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5. After that, the sky will light up with a fireworks show you won’t soon forget. —Catherine
Posted: June 19, 2019
