Gardens of the World Announces 14th Annual Free Concert Series

The Gardens of the World in Thousand Oaks, CA is hosting its 14^th annual, free summer concert series that will run on four consecutive Sundays beginning August 7, 2016.  This year’s program features accomplished artists performing an eclectic array of music, including salsa, blues, soul, rock, and jazz.

The first concert August 7 brings the exciting sounds of Louie Cruz Beltran and his band for a high energy evening of everything from Latin jazz to R&B classics to American Songbook Standards.  Beltran is recognized as a top percussionist, talented singer, and crowd-pleasing entertainer and has played at the Hollywood Bowl, Concord Jazz Festival, and hundreds of other concert locations.

August 14 will see guitar virtuoso Carl Verheyen displaying his many musical styles and wide range of songs.  Regarded as one of the world’s top 10 guitar players, this former member of the 80s British rock group Supertramp is a critically acclaimed musician, vocalist, songwriter, and producer.  Verheyen and his group tour globally and are highly sought after for concerts, festivals, and other entertainment venues.

Jazz, blues and soul singer Jeanne Tatum graces the Gardens of the World stage August 21. The charismatic entertainer has her own, unique style that recalls traces of Nancy Wilson, Roberta Flack, Sara Vaughn, and other vocal luminaries.  At home with jazz, R&B, and pop genres, Tatum and her musicians promise to light up the night.

Closing out the Garden’s summer concert series August 28 is the Pete Myers Jazz Orchestra, a versatile ensemble that will bring down the house.  The audience can expect to hear tunes from Count Basie and Duke Ellington, plus some special musical arrangements such as Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” and Henry Mancini’s “Peter Gunn Theme.”  Vocalist Loree Frazier will perform rock, pop, and jazz favorites to add to an exciting evening.

The Sunday concerts will run from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Gardens of the World at 2001 Thousand Oaks Boulevard.  Lawn seating is available in front of the Gardens of the World’s American Bandstand.  Blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets are welcome; however, smoking, glass containers, alcohol, and pets are not allowed. 

No parking is permitted at the Gardens of the World for these events.  There is free parking along Thousand Oaks Boulevard in front of the Gardens.  Paid parking is also available at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza across the street.   

For additional information and sponsorship opportunities, contact the Gardens of the World at 805-557-1135 or e-mail info@gardensoftheworld.info.   

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About the Gardens of the World: It is a 4.5-acre cultural garden open free to the public and located at 2001 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, across the street from the Thousand Oaks Civic Center.  The authentically landscaped Gardens commemorate various cultures of the world, including Italian, French, Japanese, and English.  There is also a California Mission Courtyard, an American Bandstand for free summer jazz concerts, and the Resource Center, where local artists can exhibit their works.   The Gardens of the World is owned and operated by the Hogan Family Foundation, Inc.  Reservations are required for Docent tours and any group visit.  For more information, call 805-557-1135, e-mail info@gardensoftheworld.info  or visit www.gardensoftheworld.info.