By Michele Robertson An hour before sunset, Carlsbad residents and visitors gathered around the gazebo in anticipation of the evenings’ performance. Families set up chairs with space for kiddos to play, lovers and friends sat on picnic blankets and under trees. The air was alive with excitement to be out enjoying one of the many local happenings going on around town. Summer days bring with them fond memories of doing fun activities with family and friends. Now that we’ve been able to move past covid restrictions, we are able to once again seek and enjoy those activities that create the moments of our summertime. Every Saturday during the summer up to September 4th, you can experience a live performance at the new gazebo by the Carlsbad Water Park. Each Saturday night from 7-9 pm a different artist will be performing. Past performances include J.J. Aguilar, Malory Anaya, Red Sky, and Robin Scott. Playing on Saturday July 17th is Art Vandelay & the Shrinkage. The City of Carlsbad and Brandon Chandler are sponsoring this summer concert series. Art Vandelay & the Shrinkage is a cover band consisting of four members including Ron Haugen on drums, Dakota Newton as singer, Kyle Stewart on bass, and David Aguilar on guitar. The band has been together for three years and plays 1990’s and 2000’s rock covers. Their name pays homage to the 90’s sitcom Seinfeld. “That’s the fun about playing covers, people sing along,” shared Haugen. “Everyone decompresses at the same time after a long week,” he added. The vibe picks up and the crowd starts participating, which happens to be Haugen’s favorite. The band is available for bookings at public events or house parties. Find Art Vandelay & the Shrinkage on Facebook or Instagram and send them a message for more information. Robin Scott is a solo musician with a bluesy and soulful sound. He performed on Saturday July 10th to a mixed crowd thoroughly enjoying the show. "Ever since I wrote my first piece of music for a piano recital at age 4, writing, rehearsing and performing has been my identity. It is who I am and, quite honestly, it’s the only thing I’m good at.....it just comes naturally!” shared Scott. He also shared that his mother, a classically trained pianist is his biggest inspiration. “My favorite part about performing is getting a chance to connect with people using a deep communicative emotion that only music can provide!” Scott added.
Robin Scott is also available for bookings and can be reached at 575-910-3167 or inquire through his web page: www.therobinscott.comYou can also find him every Saturday night from 9 pm -12 am at Yellow Brix during their BRIX Tapas bar. Red Sky took the stage early on in the summer concert series, performing on June 26th. Rhythm guitar and lead vocalist Roger Smith shared that they had a great turn out in the beginning of their set, but then Mother Nature kicked in with high winds that drove the crowd away and caused the band to pack it in. Other band members include Pablo Mendoza on drums, Tom White on bass, and Sam Urquidez on lead guitar. The group has played together for three years and covers tunes ranging from BB King to George Strait. Their name Red Sky, refers to the New Mexico sky when it’s red at sunrise and sunset. The group is available for bookings and can be reached at mrsmith251969@gmail.comCommon themes across all the bands interviewed were that they were very active with shows before covid, and that their schedules are filling up once again. Be sure to follow them on their social media pages to find out when and where to catch them live. “If it wasn’t for the people, we wouldn’t exist,” Smith shared