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Live Music is Back! The Bank of the West Summer Concert Series

07.22.21

The Bank of the West Summer Concert Series returns through–October 24 at Hyatt Regency Newport Beach for a summer of your favorite Smooth Jazz, Pop, and R&B artists! Tickets are on sale now.

The Series continues with one of the most uplifting R&B voices since the ‘70s, Jeffrey Osborne, along with saxophonist Gerald Albright. Later in the summer, acclaimed trumpeter Chris Botti returns, in addition to 10-time GRAMMY Award-winning guitarist George Benson, legendary vocalist Dionne Warwick, a rare appearance from hitmaker Richard Marx, platinum-selling saxman Boney James, and much more.

Since 1994, the annual concert series has drawn thousands of music fans to Hyatt Regency Newport Beach’s cherished Back Bay Amphitheater. The 1,000-seat outdoor venue offers a unique intimate setting, with all seats less than 100 feet from the stage.

Tickets are on sale now for individual shows and Season Passes. Season Passes include tickets to all ten concerts, including exclusive VIP benefits such as assigned premium seating, complimentary valet service, and access to the VIP Hospitality Suite with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Skyboxes are also available. For tickets and more information, visit hyattconcerts.com .

CASA of Orange County is the official non-profit partner of the Bank of the West Summer Concert Series. CASA of Orange County provides a powerful voice and meaningful connection for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Support their fundraising efforts by purchasing CASA of Orange County Preferred Seating, which donates $25 from every ticket purchased from this block of VIP seats.

2021 Schedule • Bank of the West Summer Concert Series

July 23: Jeffrey Osborne / Gerald Albright
Aug. 13: Will Downing / DW3
Aug.22: Richard Marx
Sept. 10: Jazz Tour of the Summer (To be Announced July 26)
Sept. 17: Chris Botti
Sept. 24: George Benson
Oct. 1: Dionne Warwick
Oct. 15: Very Special Guest to be Announced
Oct. 24: Boney James

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Fullerton Museum Center Re-Opens newest exhibit ‘Have Blues, Will Travel’

07.21.21

The Fullerton Museum Center is excited to welcome the community back to its re-opening with its newest exhibit “Have Blues, Will Travel." Opening Night is slated for Saturday, July 24, with a reception from 6 pm to 9 p.m. and will feature live music by Sista Jean's Blues Machine.

This high-energy act is led by Jean McClain aka Pepper Mashay, an American soul, house, and dance music singer-songwriter who has had success as a touring and studio performer, as well as a session player for such luminaries as Tina Turner, Mick Jagger, Cher, Lenny Kravitz, and more. Admission is free to past museum members; $20 for adults and $10 for children 5 to 18 years old for non-members. While the event will evoke a festive atmosphere, CDC Covid-19 guidelines will still be maintained.

“Have Blues, Will Travel” is based on the Negro Motorist Green Book (or simply Green Book) published from 1936-1966 to aid Black motorists during the Jim Crow era. Many blues musicians found safe places to lodge, dine, and perform by referencing the Green Book. Since Black artists were not paid royalties on their songs in the way Caucasian musicians were, touring was among the only ways to make money from their music. However, moving about the country as a Black person, especially in the American south, was incredibly dangerous. On the road, they were faced with segregation laws everywhere they went; intense prejudice; and even violence in some cases.

In popular culture, the well-received 2018 film "Green Book", directed by Peter Farrelly, garnered critical praise and proceeded to win numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Picture. Although this cinematic gem is informative, it leaves out several details about discrimination against Black people during the Great Migration and emphasized a white savior narrative. With the usage of artifacts, photographs, and songs, "Have Blues Will Travel" encapsulates the true struggle that Black blues musicians faced and illustrates that the Green Book was much more than a travel guide, but more of a lifesaving tool.

The "Have Blues Will Travel" exhibit was created in partnership with the National Blues Museum and graduate students from the University of Missouri at St. Louis and will be on view at the Fullerton Museum Center for the Summer of 2021.

Due to reduced funding as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic, the museum will be operating on a modified schedule. Gallery and Gift Shop hours are as follows:

Thursdays: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Fridays: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Saturdays: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.,

Gallery Admission will be $10 for adults and $5 for children 5 through 18 years of age. Visit fullertonmuseum.com for updates and more information.

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