SeeCalifornia.com

California summer concerts in the park usually offer approx. 6 to 12 concerts during a summer run in most cities throughout the state. However, there’s a unique  concept that brings close to 50 outdoor concerts to cities throughout the U.S., including two cities in California–Pasadena and Los Angeles.  Called Levitt Pavilions, the national nonprofit organization designed to strengthen the social fabric of America, does so by partnering with cities to transform neglected outdoor spaces into welcoming destinations where free, live music brings people together and invigorates community life.

There are currently six Levitt pavilions across the country, forming the only national network of outdoor venues offering free concert series–Pasadena, Los Angeles, Arlington (TX), Memphis, (TN), Bethlehem (PA), and Westport (CT).  In 2011, more than half a million people experienced these concerts.    Each Levitt music venue is managed and programmed by a local Friends of Levitt Pavilion nonprofit organization.  Sound interesting? The goal is to expand the music into cities like yours. Check out their website for more information: levittpavilions.org

For those looking for a concert to enjoy on Sundays, here are a few cities where you’ll find great entertainment in your local park on Sunday, June 24, 2012:

• GROVER BEACH – Neon Russell, tribute to Leon Russell band. Grover Beach Summer Concerts Time: 3 – 6 p.m. Location: Ramona Garden Park Center, 993 Ramona Avenue, Grover Beach, CA Call: (805) 473-4580, grover.org
• HUNTINGTON BEACH – Summer concerts with Americana & Patriotic Music Performed by our very own Huntington Beach Concert Band, this is a must-see event! Summer Concert Series Public/Free, 5 p.m. Huntington Beach Central Park, 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach, CA
• LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE – David Sagal Jazz Quintet Smooth Jazz, concert. La Canada Flintridge Summer Music in the Park Time: 6 – 8 p.m. Free. Memorial Park 1301 Foothill Boulevard La Canada Flintridge, CA (818) 790-8880 lacanadaflintridge.com
• LA VERNE – Doc Rock-It, band. 2012 La Verne Summer Concerts In The Park. Concert begins at 6:30 p.m. at Heritage Park, 5001 Via De Mansion, east of Wheeler and north of Baseline.
• LONG BEACH – Bernie Pearl, Blues band. Invite friends and family to Rancho Los Cerritos Summer Concerts 2012 on the historic grounds. Gates open for picnicking after 5 p.m., with concerts from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The adobe home will be open for tours. Free.
• LOS ALTOS – Los Altos Ye Old Towne Band Summer Concerts. Time: 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Shoup Park, 400 University Ave. See: windband.org
• LOS GATOS – Zebop!, Tribute to Carlos Santana. Music in the Park, Sundays 5 -7 p.m. Music in the Park, Los Gatos Civic Center, 110 East Main Street, Los Gatos, CA. Cost: Free. lgmip.com
• MARINA DEL REY – Susie Hansen’s Latin Band, Live jazz, Latin, R&B, Blues at Fisherman’s Village Concert Series 2 – 5 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday at Fisherman’s Village, 13755 Fiji Way, weather permitting. Parking is available for two hours with validation. Call: (310) 305-9545, visitmarinadelrey.com
• PASADENA – Barbara Morrison, Jazz, Blues, Soul at Levitt Pavilion Summer Concert Series. Show begins at 7 p.m. Location: Levitt Pavilion Bandshell in Memorial Park, corner of Walnut and Raymond in Old Town Pasadena. Call: (626) 683-3230. Cost: Free. levittpavilionpasadena.org
• PLEASANT HILL – Stompy Jones, concert. San Francisco based sextet known for jumpin’ rhythm, wailing improvisations, jazz and Rock and Roll (stompyjones.com). Pleasant Hill Summer Concerts. Time: 6 to 8 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: City Hall 100 Gregory Lane Pleasant Hill, CA
• POWAY – The Silver Beatles – Beatles Tribute Band. Summer Concert in the Park. Time: 5:30 – 7 p.m. Lake Poway 14644 Lake Poway Road Poway, CA (858) 668-4576
• RANCHO CUCAMONGA – Rancho Cucamonga Community Band. The free community event is conducted by Don Jaramillo. This is an outdoor event and seating is limited. Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center, Bank of American Imagination Courtyard, 12505 Cultural Center Drive. Call: (909) 447-2752, vgculturalcenter.com
• REDONDO BEACH – Riviera Village Summer Street Festival, June 23-24, 2012, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. both days! Free admission. Location: Redondo & Catalina I Avenues, Redondo Beach, CA rvsummerfestival.com
• RIVERSIDE – Riverside Plaza Showcase. Main St. performances on Sundays Time: 4 – 6 p.m., unless otherwise noted at Riverside Plaza. Riverside Plaza is located off Central Ave. between Riverside Ave. and DeAnza. Call: (951) 683-1066 x113. shopriversideplaza.com
• SCOTTS VALLEY – Music at Skypark. Bring your chairs to the park and enjoy the music of great bands. Food & beverages from local vendors. Cost: Free event in Santa Cruz County. Scotts Valley, CA Call: (831) 438-1010. scottsvalleychamber.com
• WALNUT CREEK – Opera in the Park. Time: 5-7 p.m. Location: Civic Park, 1275 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek, CA. Call: (925) 939-7600, broadwayplaza.com