“It’s a smile, it’s a kiss, it’s a sip of wine. It’s summertime,” the Kenny Chesney song goes. To me this perfectly describes summer in Playa Vista.
As spring rolls into summer, the Playa Vista community can look forward to happy beach days with smiling kids, romantic evenings under the bluffs, and some of the best rosé Whole Foods has to offer. But that’s only the beginning.
Upcoming free outdoor concerts include R&B soul band Blue Breeze at Concert Park on June 23, tribute band Queen Nation playing all of Queen’s greatest hits at the Central Park Bandshell on July 21, and the Summer of Love-inspired Woodstock Tribute Band, also at the bandshell, on Aug. 11.
When I spoke to Queen Nation frontman Gregory Finsley, who’s been channeling lead singer Freddie Mercury for over a decade, he told me how inspiring it is to see a whole new generation discover the music of Queen. “Our kids are delving into the old CDs,” says Finsley. “You’ll see them at the show in their Queen T-shirts, or dressed up as Freddie Mercury and having the best time of their lives. It’s really a blessing to see all the ages come together and enjoy it.”
This summer will also bring Yoga for a Cause to Concert Park on Saturday mornings, plus several picnic-friendly free outdoor movie screenings: the Oscar-nominated “Green Book” at the Bandshell on June 21 , the animated superhero flick “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” in Concert Park, and “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” on Aug. 2 at Concert Park.
The Loyola Marymount University Theatre Arts Department is once again producing two free outdoor Shakespeare plays with student and professional actors — the romantic comedy “As You Like It” on June 30 at Concert Park, and “Pericles,” one of the Bard of Avon’s histories, on July 28 at the Bandshell.
While families are out having fun, Runway is at work to replace vehicle traffic with a pedestrian promenade and hangout area that, along with some exciting new shops and restaurants, promises interesting summer strolls for
years to come.
I hope you enjoy this issue of Playa Vista Direct, which includes a recipe from chef Alejandra Schrader for the perfect summertime salad. Made with English peas, blood oranges, arugula and crumbled feta cheese, you’ll want to eat it all summer long. Cheers!
Shanee Edwards
Managing Editor · editor@playavistadirect.com
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