A time-loved tradition by many Los Gatans, Music in the Park kicked off its 37th iteration two weeks ago. Every Sunday through Aug. 24, town residents will be treated to free musical performances in front of the Civic Center Lawn.
According to its website, “The Town is honored to continue to provide the opportunity for the community to enjoy a fun mix of musical genres in a family-friendly atmosphere.”
A wide variety of local sponsors are responsible for the six-date event, including the Alarm Company and Castoro Cellars, both of which set up booths offering food, drink and promotions during the events.
The first artist of the summer, Taylor Rae, found commercial success with “Mad Twenties”—an album released in 2021 that spent 30 weeks on the Americana radio charts. Now, she is touring “The Void,” which she released this past April. Rae’s tour extends into the fall, with dates spanning across the United States.
This past Sunday, attendees gathered to see Eyes Like Lanterns, an “indie Americana act” from Santa Cruz. Fresh off of a series of Northern California stops, including the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Eyes like Lanterns concluded their summer tour in front of hundreds of attendees.
Like most Music in the Park performers, Eyes Like Lanterns has local ties to the town of Los Gatos—namely, the Bywater, a Creole and Cajun restaurant on North Santa Cruz Avenue.
“We filmed a video down the street at the Bywater,” said frontman Joshua Cremer. “It was really cool. We got the whole crew in on it.”
The song in question, “Ghost I Know,” was one of many that Cremer played alongside bandmates Jesse Williams, Geo Lobato and Billy Reese. In addition to performing with the group, Cremer played a series of covers on his own, including songs from Zac Bryan and Gregory Alan Isakov.
His most lively cover—Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire,” which featured the whole band—prompted reactions from many listeners.
“You guys look beautiful tonight,” Cremer exclaimed. “Give it up for these dancers up here.”
The band’s excitement was likely spurred by audience involvement, with many attendees dancing in front of the stage during the song and cheering the band on as they played for nearly two hours.
Other concertgoers relaxed in lawn chairs and enjoyed picnics alongside family members, friends and furry pals. In addition to the laid-back setups on the grass, a drink area was set up across from the main stage, where refreshments were available for purchase near the sponsor tents. Artist merchandise was also available for purchase, with Eyes Like Lanterns selling records and T-shirts.
Next Sunday, Aug. 3, Music in the Park will feature the Southern sound of Wolf Jett. Originating from Tennessee, the group of five came together in Boulder Creek and is embarking on a West Coast tour prior to the release of their upcoming album, “Letting Go.”
Information about the series can be found on losgatosca.gov/mip.
