Michael McDonald to launch Hyatt summer series

Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Michael McDonald, whose track record includes stints with the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan, will kick off the Summer Concert Series at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach at 8 p.m. Friday.

Known for fusing soul, pop and R&B with rock, McDonald is the headlining artist at the hotel’s “ReOpening Night.” Sixteen performances, including Boney James, Jeffrey Osborne, Acoustic Alchemy, and Keiko Matsui and Hiroshima, are in the pipeline through Oct. 18.

“The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach puts the Summer Concert Series on each year because we enjoy bringing our guests and locals live music in our Hyatt’s Back Bay Amphitheater — a beautiful one-of-a-kind amphitheater that is the perfect intimate venue for guests and locals to enjoy world renowned musicians,” General Manager Daniel Kuperschmid said. “We enjoy hosting this event, which is a compelling experience for both local residents and visiting guests looking for the perfect summer evening.”

Now in its 20th year, the series has previously featured Robin Thicke, Chris Isaak, Michael Bolton, Chris Botti and the Commodores, among others. Organizers estimate nearly 1,000 people will attend each concert.

These shows will also highlight the property’s $15-million renovation, which granted makeovers to the grand front drive, porte-cochère, lobby, 407 guest rooms and suites, three new pools, extensive grounds and restaurants. The hotel, established in 1962, now also counts a location of SHOR American Seafood Grill among its attractions.

Season passes are available for $1,745, while tickets for individual shows range from $55 to $110.

For more information, visit https://www.hyattconcerts.com or call (949) 360-7800.