Swinging at the Starlight

Entertainment reminiscent of the USO shows and Latin and classic rock ‘n’ roll will fill the Starlight Bowl amphitheater in Burbank for the 14th annual summer season concert series.

The music begins in a big way with the Fourth of July celebration, featuring The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra playing the big band selections of the 1940s that brought dancers who were “In the Mood,” scrambling to the dance floor.

Mistress of ceremonies will be Mary Lou Metzger, said Garth Nelson, deputy director of Burbank Park, Recreation and Community Services. She was Lawrence Welk’s dance partner on his weekly TV show during the 1950s through the ‘70s.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to have a wide variety and quality entertainment for the July Fourth concert,” Nelson said. “It’s going to be a full evening of great entertainment.”

The Drifters, popular during the late 1950s and ‘60s, were known for such classic hits as “Under the Boardwalk,” “This Magic Moment” and “Up on the Roof,” he said.

The DeMarche Sisters mix three-part harmony singing with lively choreography, and The Crew Cuts, known for the hit “Earth Angel,” round out the bill.

Gates open at 6 p.m. followed by entertainment at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks are set for 9 p.m.

The grand opening ceremony will include the national anthem and the dove and confetti release, Nelson said.

“And we are anticipating a flyover by an F-16, depending on the weather conditions and the scheduling,” he said.

Tickets for the Fourth of July show go on sale Monday, and Garth encourages patrons not to delay purchasing because this event traditionally sells out.

The Sunday evening concert series begins five days later, and this year’s talent is a blend of familiar and new acts, Nelson said.

A beach party theme kicks off the series on July 9 with The Surf City All Stars with Dean Torrance of Jan & Dean. The group will be singing classics the group made famous in the 1960s, Nelson said. Also scheduled is the Surfaris, who performed the classic favorite “Wipe Out.”

Also new this season is Tito Puente Jr., appearing on July 16 in an all-Latin jazz evening featuring mambo, cha-cha and merengue music, Nelson said.

Opening the show is the L.A. Mambo Combo, who opened for Poncho Sanchez when he appeared at the Starlight Bowl, Recreation Services Manager Kristen Smith said.

Also returning to the Starlight Bowl are Beatles tribute band, The Fab Four, and the popular Captain Cardiac and the Coronaries, which performs classic rock ‘n’ roll from the 1950s and ‘60s, Nelson said.

“The Fab Four is traditionally our highest attended concert,” he said.

To wrap up the season, the city of Burbank and Warner Bros. are collaborating to present a free screening of the studio’s new animated feature “The Ant Bully” on Aug. 19. Lending their voices to the characters are Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts and Nicolas Cage.

This is a fundraising event for Burbank Temporary Aid Center, which provides temporary food and shelter for the needy. Admission is a donation of nonperishable food items. The only cost is the $5 for parking, Nelson said.

Cooking up the food for hungry patrons this year is Handy Market of Burbank, Smith said.

“We’re very excited to have Handy Market as the official concessionaire for the Starlight Bowl this season,” she said. “The same great tri tip sandwiches that you can get at their store on Magnolia will be served hot off the barbecue at the Starlight Bowl.”

The menu will be very affordable, Smith said, offering an assortment of salads, sandwiches, snacks like kettle corn, fresh-made doughnuts, potato chips, and desserts, like gelato, homemade cookies and brownies and beverages including beer and wine.

FYI

WHAT: City of Burbank Starlight Bowl Summer Concert Season

WHERE: Starlight Bowl, 1249 Lockheed View Drive, Burbank