Green grass, bat boxes or homes for real bats, music and wine with picnic baskets. Such was the remix at the latest Santee Summer Concert Series at Santee’s Town Center Community Park East on Aug. 8.
The concert, the seventh out of ten slated for this summer, featured the reggae band Upstream.
Lead singer, Mr. Haile Blackman, said, “We are well received.”
Green grass, bat boxes or homes for real bats, music and wine with picnic baskets. Such was the remix at the latest Santee Summer Concert Series at Santee’s Town Center Community Park East on Aug. 8.
The concert, the seventh out of ten slated for this summer, featured the reggae band Upstream.
Lead singer, Mr. Haile Blackman, said, “We are well received.”
Since this is the second appearance for the reggae band, they appeared a couple years ago. Tyler Becker, with the City of Santee, estimated the crowd at 1,000.
Miss Santee, Elizabeth Shank, was on hand to judge the best picnic party. The winner received a $40 gift card from Phil’s BBQ.
MacKenzie Furr enjoys the free summer concerts so much that she comes with her young son, Gage, every Thursday. Gage was busy getting his face painted.
A Chick fil-A bounce house, open areas for playing ball or soccer, and dancing was offered up to the kids (and adults) for activities as well. It was not unusual to see groups of the under-five crowd playing together.
Paleo & Primal, Frida’s Cocina, and Devilicious were a part of the food truck offerings. Devilicious offered up duck confit or lobster grilled cheese sandwiches. Just a part of its menu.
Beer and wine is allowed but only if it is consumed out of a non-glass container. A small area for smoking is sectioned off on the east side of the park.
Becker said this is the 31st year the concerts have been held with the hours typically running from 6:30 -8 p.m.
The bat boxes were recently erected to combat mosquitoes in the area. Sparrows are also out in good number and are welcome to consume as many mosquitoes as they want.
“I can see clearly now” was not just a song from Upstream’s show, it was also the beautiful, clear summer night with a light breeze that described the night. Another highlight was the band and audience member ‘s singing “Day O” reggae style. Day O banana boat style.
The City of Santee and Barona Summer Concert Series is every Thursday through Aug. 28. Yet to come is Wingstock, the Clay Bolton Band and James Kurk & The Big Boss Men.
