Musical memories at Fashion Island

Suzie Harrison

Enjoying live music, stars, atmosphere and fun, all packaged together

for free summer entertainment mid-week, is a tradition Newport Beach

residents have had since 1967 at Fashion Island’s annual summer

concert series.

Creating memories is the foundation behind the music they choose

for the concerts, marketing director Shayne Voorheis said.

“When we start planning each concert series, it’s important to

pick music that will create memories,” Voorheis said. “Whether it’s

classical, jazz, any of the different genres -- we’re seeking to

create memories for people to enjoy. All spark a memory lane for

different ages.”

The concert series will begin July 9 and run every Wednesday

evening through Aug. 13 at the Bloomingdale’s Courtyard.

“We always start the first Wednesday after the Fourth of July

weekend,” Voorheis said. “We view it as the kick off to summer --

school is out, everyone just enjoyed Fourth of July, so it keeps the

summer spirit going.”

Pop star of the 1980s Taylor Dayne will open the six-week series.

Dayne rose to the top of the Billboard charts with her first album,

which eventually went double platinum.

“Taylor Dayne is more ‘80s, upbeat, a lot of energy,” Voorheis

said. “Once you hear her, you’ll remember back in the ‘80s. She’s

still popular and puts on a wonderful show. We thought it would be a

good opener, a good start off.”

Grammy winner Juice Newton is the second show.

“She’s a classic. Everyone remembers her songs ‘Queen of Hearts’

and ‘Angel of the Morning,’” Voorheis said. “It brings back memories

of that era. She’s a classic.”

Newton has sold 10-million records worldwide with 15 top-10

singles on the charts.

The Motels will play July 23, led by the popular Martha Davis.

“The Motels are upbeat, edgy, new wave-type of music,” Voorheis

said. “Everyone can enjoy listening to them, snapping their fingers

and tapping their toes with songs like ‘Only the Lonely.’ You can

dance to that music.”

At many of the concerts, people will stand up out of their seat

and dance, she said.

“People will be in the aisle-ways dancing with friends,” Voorheis

said. “They do really get into the music and start dancing.”

Typically a crowd of 4,000 to 5,000 gathers. The record attendance

was 10,000 at the K.C. and the Sunshine Band concert in 1997.

One of the most popular bands of the ‘60s, the Association, takes

stage on July 30 with their classic hits “Never My Love,” “Cherish”

and “Windy.”

“[They have] such classic hits, no matter what age you are,

somewhere, somehow it touches the lives of a lot of different age

groups,” Voorheis said. “They are the ultimate classic group, whether

you heard them in a movie, on your parents radio or in a commercial.”

The Association has sold more than 70 million records, earning six

gold albums and one platinum.

Another ‘80s pop band, Lover Boy, will play their favorites

“Working for the Weekend” and “Turn Me Loose” the next week.

Closing the series on Aug. 13 is Grammy winner Poncho Sanchez.

“He’s a very popular Latin jazz musician, well known in the music

industry,” Voorheis said. “He has such a following. I think it’s a

good ending. His conga, percussion and brass sounds will rev up the

crowd.”

General seating at the concerts is free. In the last few years,

they have had special VIP seating that is $20 per person with tickets

going on sale June 1.

“Last year really made an impression on me,” Voorheis said. “A

customer came up to me and asked if it had to end -- because it

became such a natural place to be on Wednesday nights to meet with

friends, families and co-workers. What a wonderful way to celebrate

summer nights under the stars.”

Voorheis said the concert series was originally known as the “Big

Brass Band Sound Concert” and featured bandleader Henry Brandon.

A lot of the stores and restaurants will have series tie-ins and

promotions on Wednesday nights.

The VIP tickets are available at the concierge. The VIP section

has a martini and wine bar, and food can be bought to go from the

local restaurants.

For information or tickets, call (949) 721-2000.