sponsored by: University Heights Community Development Corporation

145th Street's approach to The Blues is high energy,
soulful and rockin’. It is a San Diego band inspired
by the music of B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, and other great artists. Their music is driven by raw expressive vocals, exceptional harmonica and passionate, blazing guitar. Whether they are playing hard driving Chicago blues shuffle, gettin’ down with a steamy slow blues or funkin’ it up, they do it with flair, taste and excitement. There won’t be any summertime blues here, listening and dancing to this hot newcomer to Summer in the Park – a great start to this year’s concert series at Trolley Barn Park!

sponsored by: Mary Anne Stevens

The Working Cowboy Band was formed in 1995 by Rick Robledo. Hailing from Texas, Rick led a very popular band in and around the Dallas area. The band’s influences were firmly rooted in Texas Swing, and Traditional Honky Tonk. Rick’s smooth, pure singing voice fit the style perfectly. Since relocating to California, Rick started his new band, bringing to it years of experience. Complete with fiddle, mandolin, steel guitar, and all of the other instruments that make traditional country music unique, be prepared to swing up a storm with your partner.

sponsored by: Friends of Summer in the Park Community Appreciation Night

Len Rainey & The Midnight Players were so much fun at last year’s Concert Series that we’re having them back for another 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!

July 27, 2007
Peter Pavone Quartet
Big Band Swing Era

sponsored by: Friends of the University Heights Library

Mr. Pavone, vocalist, guitarist, song-writer and band leader, has been dazzling audiences with his artistic and soulful performances since 1979. His quartet will be performing music from the ‘20s till the present, featuring the hits of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Dean Martin, and Mel Torme. The audience is sure to enjoy the sounds and nostalgia of the Big Band Swing Era featuring Tripp Sprague on sax, Johnny Giulino on piano, Gary Nieves on drums and vocals by
Peter Pavone with arrangements by Duke Ellington,
Count Basie, Nelson Riddle and Don Costa.

sponsored by: University Heights Community Association

Alli & the Cats bring you an upbeat, eclectic jazz experience, combining favorites from the past and present from around the globe. The core group includes vocalist Allison Adams Tucker and the Cats Trio, with world-class musicians on piano/keys, drums, and upright bass. Allison was born with a passion for
music, the spoken word, and how they connect us. Although she focuses on world jazz, her voice is also trained in and wellsuited for R&B, blues, ballads, gospel, Broadway musicals, funk, soft rock, country,
and children’s music styles.

sponsored by: Tony Azar

Big Rig Deluxe is a five piece roots country band from
the deepest point in the Southwestern United States,
San Diego, California. They put their own spin on things with original songs as well as classic country covers. Johnny G. d’Artenay sings lead and plays acoustic guitar; Mike Hunter expertly plays the Upright Doghouse & Electric Bass; Robin Henkel joined the band to add his primal blues/western swing influenced lap steel, dobro, and resonator guitar treatments to the mix; Jon Harford came aboard as the electric guitar player and harmony singer; and Hal Smith decided to take a crack at playing the drums with the band in the beginning of 2006.

August 17, 2007
Sue Palmer

sponsored by: Friends of Summer in the Park Community Appreciation Night

Sue Palmer & Her Motel Swing Orchestra are renowned for their highly energetic shows and have received rave reviews for their live performances, including the Mammoth Jazz Festival, Ocean Beach Jazz Festival, KSDS 88.3 Jazz Radio “Live Lunch Series,” and, of course, their many years of performing at the Trolley
Barn Park. This year they will be joined by the wonderful doowop/a capella group, Pieces, featuring Sue’s lead singer, Deejha Marie, and her cohorts, Douglas Pope and Sharifa Muhammad. They will be accentuating some of Ray Charles’ greatest hits, the way they are supposed to be played and sung. Sue’s band plays a wonderful combination of swing, blues, New Orleans, and boogie woogie styles, and this year will also feature tunes from her new album “Sophisticated Ladies.” Check out her website at www.suepalmer.com.