The concerts are back so get your summer on

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (May 18, 2022) — After years of reduced, virtual or canceled events, Concord, Clayton and Pleasant Hill are all slated for a summer full of live music.

Signaling a much-needed return to normal life, concerts at the plaza, the park and the lake offer everything from classical to blues and Rolling Stones cover bands. While city officials ask that anyone with a fever or other COVID-19 symptoms stay home, each concert series is expecting a full turnout and a return to pre-pandemic conditions and guidelines.

Concerts in The Grove

Clayton kicked off the festivities May 7 with The Fundamentals and looks forward to Concerts in The Grove 6-8:30 p.m. every other Saturday through Sept. 10. With the first full season since 2019, turnout is expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels.

“Bring the kiddos, blankets, picnic supplies and anything else you need to enjoy wonderful live music under a beautiful sunset and views of the mountain,” says Julie Pierce of the Clayton Concerts Committee.

For more information, visit claytonconcerts.com.

Music and Market/Tuesday Night Blues

In Concord, the 33rd annual Music and Market series in Todos Santos Plaza will run June 2-Sept. 29, starting at 6:30 p.m. every Thursday. In addition, Tuesday Night Blues will return for the first time since 2019, 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays in July.

Booking manager Jim Ocean encourages residents to enjoy charming Todos Santos with a wonderful, family-friendly lineup set amongst many restaurants, food vendors and a play structure for the kids.

For a full schedule, visit cityofconcord.org/downtownevents.

Sunset by the Lake

Pleasant Hill’s Sunset by the Lake Summer Concert Series returns Sunday, May 29, and will run 6-8 p.m. every other Sunday until Sept. 4.

Featuring bands like East Bay Mudd, The Unauthorized Rolling Stones and The Big Jangle, this year’s lineup promises opportunities for dancing, singing along or just relaxing with a picnic on the grass.

“We have a great lineup for the coming season, and we hope to see an excellent turnout,” says Geoff Gillette, Pleasant Hill community relations manager.

For details, visit pleasanthillca.org and click on “Festivals and Events.”

Despite many false starts, life in the East Bay seems to finally be returning to normal for most residents. There are few better ways to celebrate than coming together for live music and a picnic with your friends and neighbors.

Aaron Baker

Aaron Baker is a creative writer, educator, and musician in the East Bay. If he isn't reading or writing, he's probably practicing with his band Box of Matches, or playing pick-up basketball at the park.