South of Chicago, down the fabled Route...

South of Chicago, down the fabled Route 66 and into Missouri, there once was a place called Barney’s Bar and Buffet where big bands steeped in the blues tradition played the nights and early mornings away.

On Wednesday, at the opposite end of the continent, where for decades Route 66 passed through the eastern San Gabriel Valley, a rhythm-and-blues group--the Sin Twins--will recreate that Barney’s Bar feeling at the San Dimas Civic Center Park.

The 18-member band, led by Dan Chadwick and Tom O’Leary, will start its performance at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.

And the park--at 245 E. Bonita Ave., just behind City Hall--is a great place to put down a blanket and stretch out on the grass with a picnic supper.