News that Point Richmond’s free concert series is set to return soon is music to our ears.
For the 18th straight year, Point Richmond Music (PRM) is set to hold four free concerts in the historic square throughout the summer. The annual music festival occurs on the second Friday each month beginning June 14 with performances from Gator Nation and Afro Blue Grazz. All shows run from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Along with free music, the concerts feature an opportunity drawing, arts and education booths, face-painting for children, dancing in the street and a wide range of food options from local merchants to a rotating selection of food trucks.
Attendees are always encouraged to visit PRM’s no host bar, where proceeds directly support the music series.
Concertgoers are encouraged to bring their own chairs, as a limited number will be provided.
“We’re excited for a summer of great music and community celebration,” said Andrew Butt, PRM Board President. “Nearly 200 bands applied this year and it was tough to decide among all of the phenomenal local talent. We’ve put together a really exciting and diverse line up of original music that we can’t wait to share with Richmond.”
PRM is a nonprofit that also sponsors the Point Richmond Jazz series, which run October through May at the First United Methodist Church, and contributes to Washington Elementary School’s music program.
Mayor Tom Butt came up with the idea for the summer concert series when he was a councilmember in 2001, suggesting it to members of the Richmond Arts & Culture Commission.
Visit here for more information. See the summer lineup below.
PRM’s 2019 Line-up
Friday, June 14th
5:30pm – 6:30pm – Gator Nation https://www.gatornationband.com/
Gator Nation, formerly known as Gator Beat, the West Coast’s premiere Cajun, zydeco, and New Orleans R&B band, is a hand-clapping, foot-stomping, high energy concert and dance band.
6:45pm – 8:00pm – Afro Blue Grazz https://afrobluegrazzpascalbokar.com/
Afro Blue Grazz is the brainchild of composer, guitarist and vocalist Pascal Bokar. His music is an innovative fusion drawing from multiple traditional musical styles: West African rhythms, melodies and percussion fused with bluegrass, jazz, R&B and gospel.
Friday, July 12th
5:30pm – 6:30pm – Dirty Cello https://www.dirtycello.com/
Dirty Cello delivers a high energy and unique spin on blues and bluegrass. Led by vivacious cross-over cellist, Rebecca Roudman, Dirty Cello is cello like you’ve never heard before, from down home blues with a wailing cello to virtuosic stompin’ bluegrass
6:45pm – 8:00pm – Deep Blue Jam https://www.deepbluejam.com/
Mandolin based Americana/rock/roots jam band, featuring songwriters Lorin Rowan (lead vocals, mandolin, guitar) and guitarist/producer/arranger, Kirk Casey (lead guitar, keyboards, sound design and vocals). Lorin’s recording and performances include a long history with his brothers Peter & Chris as well as with such iconic and diverse musicians as Vince Herman & Leftover Salmon, Steve Miller, Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, Levon Helm, David Grisman, Bill Kreutzman, Jim Keltner, and Steve Cropper.
Friday, August 9th
5:30pm – 6:30pm – Maurice Tani & 77 El Deora http://mauricetani.com/
Known for his wry/rye-to-romantic songwriting, agile guitar style and expressive singing, Little Village recording artist Maurice Tani uses the term “Supercalifornographic” to describe his particular flavor of Americana. While rooted in country music, his writing is centered on an urban-western perspective.
6:45pm – 8:00pm – Pellejo Seco http://www.pellejoseco.com/
One of the most inventive Cuban bands in the Bay Area, Pellejo Seco draws on Afro-Cuban folklore and the latest Havana dance music. The name Pellejo Seco is partly a tribute to the hard lives of farmworkers and their sun-scorched skin, and it’s also Havana street slang.
Friday, September 13th
5:30pm – 6:30pm – Matt Jaffe http://www.mattjaffemusic.com/
Matt Jaffee is a singer/songwriter from San Francisco. Cutting his teeth on open mics around the Bay Area, Matt started pursuing music more seriously when Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads offered to produce his first record. Matt has opened for Mavis Staples, Wilco, and Blues Traveler, and co-written with the likes of Chuck Prophet and Tom Higgenson of the Plain White T’s.
6:45pm – 8:00pm – Extra Large https://www.extra-large.net/
Voted Best Local Band in Santa Cruz County nine times running, Extra Large splices together funk, Latin, reggae, and classic California rock. This veteran six-piece ensemble has become a California coast staple adept at heating up dance floors, concert stages, and festivals with their original dance music.
