MORAGA, CALIFORNIA – Big crowds covered the hill in front of the bandstand in Moraga Commons Park last night as the city continued its popular, free Summer concert series.
Families picnicked, couples sat in folding chairs, and everyone enjoyed the warm (until the sun went down, anyway) weather. I was there with my family and a group of friends for last night’s concert.
The season opened June 11 with The Sun Kings, a reggae-and-Beatles tribute act, followed by The Purple Ones’ Prince tribute performance on June 18. Last night, The Refugees brought Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers classics to the Commons, giving locals a chance to sing along to favorites like “Free Fallin’,” “American Girl” and “Learning to Fly.”
The series is a Moraga institution, having brought free outdoor music to the community for more than four decades. It is organized by the Moraga Park Foundation and held at Moraga Commons Park, where the hillside gives concertgoers a natural view of the bandshell stage.
The concerts are free, no tickets are required, and attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and picnic dinners. Food trucks and vendors are also on site, while community groups (Kiwanis during our visit) sell beer and wine for adults. Loards has ice cream!
There is plenty more music ahead this summer.
The next show is set for Saturday, July 4, when The Wayhighs and Neon Velvet will take the bandshell for a special Independence Day double bill. The series then returns to its usual Thursday schedule, with country-rock group Bell Brothers on July 9, cello-led blues-rock act Dirty Cello on July 16, and blues band Delta Wires on July 23.
Later in the season, the lineup includes The Hitmen on July 30, local Lamorinda Idol performers and Big Blu Soul Revue on Aug. 6, Dream Like Taylor and Cassie B on Aug. 13, and Fleetwood Mac tribute act Fleetwood Mask for the Aug. 20 finale.
The food was great during our visit. We enjoyed a full rotisserie chicken from Roadside Rotisserie, the perfect concert picnic food.
As is often the case in the 925, parking was the only challenge for many visitors. We arrived about an hour early and got a spot in the main lot, but if you arrive later, plan to park along the road nearby and walk in.
The Moraga Summer Concert Series takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Moraga Commons Park, 1425 St. Mary’s Road.
