Our 10th Annual Concert Series opens with , a new group from Orange County, whose style and versatility has made them well received wherever they perform. Upstream was formed in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in the late 1980s by brothers Haile and Dereck Blackman. They moved to Southern California in the early 1990s and have made a name for themselves playing their unique blend of Reggae, Calypso and Soca. Soca is a mix of 70s soul and 30s jazz swing, calypso, East Indian and African rhythms. The line-up is Haile Blackman (Bandleader, rhythm guitar, & lead vocals), Stokley Molineax (guitar, bass, & vocals), and Johnny Blackman (drums, backing vocals). They are joined by other band members who provide keyboard, guitar, trombone, bass and vocal backups. You may visit them on-line at www.upstreammusic.com. This band promises to have us movin' and groovin' so bring your dancing shoes to Trolley Barn Park to welcome Upstream and the opening concert for Summer in the Park2006!.

Len Rainey and the Midnight Players were so much fun at last year's Concert Series that we're having them back for a second performance of bluesy, groovy tunes that will make you want to get up and dance! Len Rainey's Chicago roots make for a musical blend of blues, jazz, and rock n roll. His rugged yet soothing blues voice and nimble guitar work lay the foundation for the group. Fan favorites all over the Southern California region, the band has opened for world class acts such as Bobby Blue Bland, John Mayall, Chaka Khan and B.B. King. The band's third CD, "Better Love Somebody" has garnered major attention from the music industry. This talented group of musicians always puts on an exciting, fun filled show. Come on out to see Len Rainey & The Midnight Players - you'll be swingin and swayin to their great music!

NITRO EXPRESS: COUNTRY ROCK BAND

Though Nitro Express is billed as a Country Rock band, they play Classic Country, Classic Rock, Current Country, Swing, Rhythm & Blues, and even some Reggae if requested. Their musical influences range from Bakersfield to Liverpool, Nashville to London, from Texas to Chicago, and many points in between. They've combined these influences to create their own distinctive sound. Nitro Express will surprise and delight you with their enormous and varied song selections. Jim Pulsifer is the leader of his no-nonsense, red-hot guitar band. They play with feeling, and with four strong singers with superb harmonies and virtuoso musicianship, they are always fun and entertaining. There'll be a good time at Trolley Barn Park with the lively music of Nitro Express

July 28, 2006
The Bigfellas
Cabaret, Hip Hop, Country & Rock

Everyone has fun at a show, including the Bigfellas themselves: Shay Bell drums, Tim Hempstead bass, vocals, Charlie Recksieck piano, guitar, vocals and Don Hickok violin, piano. Their sound is dominated by piano and a fantastic rhythm section. Their songwriting features off-beat topics: Slackers ("In the Daytime"), rap& golf ("On The Green"), leaving suburbia ("Moving Day, Key To A Door"). They continue to play locally in San Diego & Los Angeles. The band bills itself as "another San Diego rock band," but that doesn't seem to be the case. No other band in town writes songs like theirs. It mostly comes down to the band members' influences, which range from classical and cabaret to hip hop, country and rock. Check out their website at www.bigfellas.net. So welcome this new group to our Summer in the Park and be prepared for surprises!.

To quote from a September 2005 City Beat article: "The lady on stage has the presence of a Baptist preacher." The group formed by Dottie (Dorothy Mae Whitsett) & keyboardist, Joe Guevara as a standard jazz duo, has since evolved over the past few years into a full-fledged band that includes drummer Andy Robillard, guitarist Nate Beale, and stand-up bassist Stephen Rey. People started to take notice a few years ago when the band began a regular gig at the Tower Bar in City Heights. revive a lost ideal in music by making the connection between audience and performer. They play the standards like they were meant to be played, capturing rock's initial intent: to make you happy & make you move. Lady Dottie & the Diamonds were the "2005 San Diego Music Awards Blues Band of the Year". In addition to performing regularly at the Tower Bar, they play at Henry's Pub and House of Blues every Saturday night.

Clyde & the Moonlighters is a group of eight singers and instrumentalists who offer a very unusual musical experience the best of the late 50's and early 60's. It not only encompasses Elvis, Buddy Holly and Chuck Berry but it also includes all of the great male and female doo-wop groups and even extends into the jazz experience of Carlos Jobim, Ella Fitzgerald and Tony Bennett. This group will get you slow dancing to the moody "In The Still of The Night" and then keep you prancing to "La Bamba" and "Blue Suede Shoes."

August 18, 2006
Sue Palmer
Boogie Woogie and Swing

Sue Palmer is back by popular demand for a sixth year at Summer in the Park. Sue Palmer has wowed audiences all over San Diego with her high energy shows. The Queen of Boogie Woogie, she amazes with her unique keyboard style and phenomenal left hand. Equally at home with 12-bar blues, boogie woogie, swing or jazz, Sue delights in creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the clubs and cafes of Paris, Harlem and west Texas of the 1930s. Always a favorite, Sue will close this year's Summer in the Park Concert Series with a blast of great music and fun! She regularly performs every Thursday evening at Martini's, 3940 Fourth Avenue,7 pm. Check out her website at www.suepalmer.com.