The Coast News Group
Los Angeles-based Hiroshima will kick off The Grand Del Mar’s Summer Concerts at The Grand on Sun., July 15 at 7 p.m. Photo courtesy of Jaimee Itagaki
Arts

Grand Del Mar features star-studed summer concert series lineup

COAST CITIES — A star-studded lineup is set to wow audiences in the Grand Ballroom for the debut of The Grand Del Mar’s Summer Concerts at The Grand presented by Audi/ Land Rover/Porsche of San Diego. 

The series begins July 15 and continues through Sept. 2.

The Grand Del Mar, south of Highway 56, is nestled in the picturesque Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.

“Driving through the preserve to the resort you experience the beautiful aroma of lavender and eucalyptus,” President Thomas J. Voss said. “It’s quiet, pristine, phenomenal.”

Voss explained that The Grand Del Mar is only one of four resorts in the world to be awarded 15 stars by Forbes: five stars, hotel; five stars, restaurant; and five stars, hotel & resort spa.

He added that the idea for the concert series was driven by the popularity of the resort’s nightclub, Club M.

“So, we decided to go with a bigger venue and see how it works,” he said. “We thought it would be nice to do something for locals and guests at the hotel.”

In producing the summer concert series, Voss partnered with event producer and promoter Jim “Fitz” Fitzgerald of Wendy Jayne Productions to present a diverse lineup with broad appeal.

The performance schedule includes:

July 15 — Hiroshima. A pioneering voice in the contemporary world music movement of the late 20th century, Los Angeles-based Hiroshima blends jazz, pop and rock with traditional Japanese folk music and instruments.

July 22 — John Pizzarelli. Renowned jazz guitarist and singer, Pizzarelli performs classic pop, jazz and swing, while setting the standard for stylish modern jazz.

July 29 — ARRIVAL. The world’s greatest ABBA tribute band, ARRIVAL features some of ABBA’s original musicians. The production has sold out tours in more than 35 nations since it was founded in 1995.

Aug. 5 — Arturo Sandoval. A protégé of the legendary jazz master Dizzy Gillespie, and six-time Grammy Award winner, Sandoval is one of the world’s most acknowledged guardians of jazz trumpet and flugel horn, as well as a renowned classical artist, pianist and composer.

Aug. 12 — Keiko Matsui. Japanese-born pianist, composer and producer, Matsui is recognized for her gift of crafting memorable melodies, blending jazz, classical, world and new age influences.

Aug. 19 — Mindi Abair. An accomplished saxophonist, singer and songwriter, Abair’s brand of pop and soul meets jazz, adding a unique voice to an exciting new generation of crossover artists. She is joined by Jeff Golub, contemporary jazz guitarist and leader of the instrumental band, Avenue Blue, as well as David Pack, lead vocalist/guitarist/writer for the celebrated progressive pop rock group, Ambrosia.

Aug. 26 — Patrizio Buanne. Presenting a repertoire of romantic and fun songs from the Italian songbook, Buanne also offers his own contemporary interpretation of American classics that have found enthusiastic audiences across the globe.

Sept. 2 — Steve Tyrell. A Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist best known for his Sinatra sound, all seven of Tyrell’s American standards albums have achieved Top 5 status on Billboard’s jazz charts.

The ballroom offers VIP table seating near the stage for $95, with general admission seating priced at $65. Cocktails and beverages are extra. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the curtain rising at 7 p.m.

“The Grand Ballroom offers a dramatic setting in which to view a concert with its majestic décor — including imported wood and stone, and rich color accents of champagne and burgundy — all very reflective of the Mediterranean style of The Grand Del Mar,” Marguarite Clark, public relations director, said. “In addition, state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems make it an ideal venue for a live concert.”

Voss advises concert goers to arrive early and enjoy dinner in the Amaya restaurant. An after party in the Lobby Lounge follows each show.

Locals are invited to take advantage of a special Sunday Summer Package priced beginning at $445 plus taxes. It includes two general admission concert tickets and one night’s accommodation. For reservations, call (855) 272-2756.

For concert information, or to purchase concert tickets, visit GrandSummerConcerts.com or call (800) 820-9884. Season ticket packages are also available. For more information, visit thegranddelmar.com or call (855) 314-2030.