Music series

04/25/2012

Written by Jonathan Reid

The Desert Botanical Garden is again hosting its annual “Music in the Garden” series, a weekly event that showcases local artists in a variety of genres.

The concert series, which has been a staple of the Garden for more than 15 seasons, features an artist every Saturday night outdoors at the Garden’s Ullman Terrace.

“It’s a really unique experience. We have such a special venue where you are outdoors among your native plants, it’s just a really relaxing evening,” said Sara Zeck, special events coordinator at the Garden. “It’s a great opportunity to see just different genres of local bands that really just represent all of the talent that lives and thrives here in the Valley.”

In addition to live music, the Garden offers food and beverages by Fabulous Food Fine Catering and Events, which has chef-attended specials it themes to fit the music performer for that week. There is also boutique wine sale where people can buy wine by the bottle.

While there are many repeat favorites that perform during the series, Zeck is always open to find new talent.

“We have ones that we bring back because they are member favorites and then we always keep an eye out for artists that are giving a good buzz,” she said. “We get contacted by a lot of bands that want to play here. I’ll go out and see them live and if I think they put on a good show, we’ll welcome them to come and perform a concert.”

The Garden has concert series during three seasons including a 21-and-over Friday night series during the fall and an all-ages Sunday afternoon series in the winter.

Offerings include:

May 4: Flamenco guitarist Domingo Degrazia with violinist Beth Daunis backed by a full band.

May 11: Jazz and soul artist Chele’.

May 18: Old-time Appalachian string band Pick & Holler.

May 25: Flamenco guitarist Chris Burton Jácome with his ensemble.

June 8: Crossing 32nd Street Presents a Musical Tribute to the Who.

June 15: Brazilian, world and batucadad artist Grupo Liberdade

June 22: Delta blues band The Sugar Thieves.

June 29: R&b and blues band Cold Shott and the Hurricane Horns.