The smooth sounds of jazz is set to fill the air at Stewart Street Park every Sunday in August from 5-7 pm, beginning this weekend thanks to the return of the free Jazz on the Lawn series.
The event, presented by Santa Monica Cultural Affairs, is entering its ninth year.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic, blanket, beach chairs, family, and friends to enjoy the sampling of free music.
Many artists are set to perform over the course of the month, such as Critical Brass, Adaawe, the Tom Nolan Band, Cats with Class, and Orquesta Charangoa.
Schwee Miguel, the bandleader for Critical Brass, said he was excited to perform this Sunday.
“It is our first time playing the Jazz on the Lawn series, and we plan to shake up the scene with a unique blend of spontaneous dance jams that mash up Mardi Gras Funk and Roll, Hiphop Jazz, Afro-Latin Grooves, Buckjump Blues, and Dixie Soul explorations,” Miguel said.
He said the band has played at nightclubs, private parties, and traditional New Orleans ‘second line’ funeral parades since forming in 2002.
“Critical Brass is one of the only bands on the West Coast to play authentic Sixth Ward Treme Style brass band music,” he said. “Our biggest thrill is to turn every show into a legendary dance party, to take the crowd on a trip down the Crescent City rabbit hole… Into a magical swamp where the nights are thick with infinite possibilities… To raise the roof, and rock the body. This is a sound that invites you closer to your own wild side, just follow the horns…”
The event offers more than just music.
There are also food and dessert trucks full of ice cream, and other treats to be enjoyed. Desserts include Sweet Lucie’s Organic Ice Cream, which is 100 percent organic and available on Aug. 3 and 24, A ROCKin ICE Hawaiian Shave Ice on Aug. 10 and 31, and Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream on Aug. 17.
The event includes many savory food options as well.
Dogtown Dogs will be serving their classic hot dogs with a twist on Aug. 3 and 24.
The Lobos Truck, which boasts about their “comfort food with a conscience,” will be served on Aug. 10 and 31.
Finally, The Yalla Truck, which serves 100 percent vegetarian falafel pitas, will be available on Aug. 17.
Stewart Street Park is located at 1836 Stewart Street, Santa Monica. Free bike valet will be available in the parking lot.
Free parking available will be available after 3:30 pm in the Agensys lot, 1800 Stewart Street.
For more information, visit www.smgov.net/jazz or www.facebook.com/jazzonthelawn.
