The island has long been a destination for music fans and vacationers will discover live music on Catalina nearly every weekend. With a wide range of musical styles and experiences, three concert events offer something for everyone.
The Catalina Concert Series has become a must-do experience for many Catalina Island visitors. With concerts spread across several months, the series provides a reason to come back to Catalina again and again. Concerts range from tributes to ABBA to original artists and from a ukulele festival to a Rolling Stones cover band.
Always free, Catalina Concert Series takes place on Wrigley Stage overlooking Avalon Harbor and bring together the whole family for dancing in the streets. A beer and wine garden is available for those who would like some over-21 refreshment and a raffle brings the excitement of winning local prizes. Upcoming concerts include:
• June 16: Avalon Musician Review featuring the Catalina All-Stars – 7 p.m.
• June 24: Siren’s Crush – 8 p.m.
• July 29: Mick Adams and the Stones – 8 p.m.
• August 26: The Xceptional Tribute to ABBA – 8 p.m.
• Sept. 9: Catalina Uke-fest featuring Taimane Gardner and Kalama Brothers – 1 p.m.
• Sept. 16: Santana Ways – 7 p.m.
The Catalina Concert Series is produced by the Xceptional Music Company and is sponsored by a number of island businesses, including Catalina Island Vacation Rentals and Catalina Island Real Estate.
As fun as they are, the Catalina Concert Series concerts are far from the only live music on Catalina Island.
The Live at Descanso Beach concerts are returning to the popular beach retreat this summer. A May 28 concert kicked off the fun with popular musical activist Michael Franti along with openers Cali Conscious and Old School Common Sense Reunion. Live at Descanso concerts off a range of pricing and experiences, including general tickets, lounges and balcony seating with private servers. Additional concerts are scheduled for July 15, Aug. 5 and Sept. 3 with performers to be determined.
For more than three decades, Catalina’s biggest live music experience has been JazzTrax, a two-weekend extravaganza that brings some of the top names in smooth jazz to the Casino Ballroom for a festival that attracts jazz fans – and performers – from around the country. This year JazzTrax is scheduled for Oct. 12-15 and Oct. 19-22. Tickets for this event nearly always sell out and early accommodations reservations are a must.