Arts District Liberty Station kicks off Summer Arts Fest with Whitney Shay
Summer Arts Fest at Arts District Liberty Station will offer free concerts on the North Promenade and other activities beyond music such as a display of classic cars. (Photo courtesy Arts District Liberty Station) Arts District Liberty Station will begin its Summer Arts Fest series on Saturday, inviting the public to soak up the sun while enjoying free music. The Summer Arts Fest is scheduled for Saturday and the second Saturday of the following two months, Aug. 9 and Sept. 13. “This event is truly special because it highlights the incredible talent within our local music scene and gives artists a platform to connect with the community,” said Lisa Johnson, president and CEO of Arts District Liberty Station. “Summer Arts Fest isn’t just about great music but also about celebrating creativity and keeping San Diego’s vibrant artistic spirit thriving. “Whether you’re a blues, pop, R&B or jazz music fan, we invite everyone to come out and soak up the good tunes.” Saturday will feature the blues vocal talent of Whitney Shay. Her latest release, “Ruf Records Stand Up!” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Album Charts and reached No. 1 on the Roots Music Report Blues Album Charts. Produced by Concert For Your Cause, emceed by Apt 4 Music, a music instructional program at Arts District Liberty Station, and sponsored by California Bank of Commerce, the festival hours will run from 4-7 p.m. On Aug. 9, Kogee Soul Reprise, led by singer Kori Gillis, will bring “soul, storytelling, and global experience to the stage,” according to the Arts District. After graduating from the Armed Forces School of Music, Gillis became the lead male vocalist for both Navy Band Southwest and the Naval Forces. His most recent project, Silver Lining, received a San Diego Award nomination for Best R&B album. On Sept. 13, Bambú Sound Exchange will bring its “analogue dance music collective” to Liberty Station’s North Promenade, “synthesizing global groove music with soulful moods of deep house and electronica.” Led by producers and DJs Andrei Taru (bass) and Mitchum Yacoub (drums), the group frequently invites guest musicians and creates spontaneous arrangements to fit the mood of the crowd. Attendees are encouraged to bring along picnic blankets, chairs, and snacks for the free concerts. –City News Service
