Descanso’s Summer Concert Series Starts with Lively Tribute to Fathers

Summer-Sunday concerts at Descanso Gardens, a virtual tour of the world with international artists and music, will begin June 18 as the highlight of special activities planned for Father’s Day.

The exotic women of Adaawe will make the music and Patina’s Café Descanso will provide a family-friendly picnic on this special day. The picnic will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Main Lawn. This is not a bring-you-own picnic, so even mothers can take a relaxing break on this Father’s Day.

The Adaawe concert, from 2 to 3 p.m., is the first of six Sunday afternoon concerts at the Under the Oaks Theater, just steps away from the Main Lawn. Each concert is free with Gardens admission and, with the exception of double-bill performances July 2, will begin at 2 p.m. The opening concert on Father’s Day will be a real drum-roll opening for the series.

Adaawe’s music, with djembe drumming as the foundation, is an international fusion of African music, R&B;/pop, Gospel harmonies, and funky original creations. Adaawe has opened for such musicians as James Brown, Mickey Hart, Los Lobos, Yolanda Adams, Sugar Hill Gang, Michelle Shocked, James Ingram, Harry Belafonte and many others.

At the Father’s Day picnic families may buy hamburgers, hot dogs, kid’s meals, corn on the cob, potato salad, macaroni salad, desserts, beverages and fine beers. Bring-your-own picnics are permitted only in the picnic area west of the main entrance, not inside the Gardens.

In-Gardens picnicking is not part of subsequent Sunday-afternoon concerts, but the music alone is worth the visit. After enjoying the sounds of Africa with Adaawe, families can return each Sunday through July 23 to enjoy the musical influences of:

Australia-Oceana, June 25: Dave’s Aussie Bush Band will serenade with guitar, fiddle, string bass and lyrics evocative of a walkabout through the outback. Comfortably familiar yet completely fresh, this band continues the amazing story-telling tradition of Australian folk music.

North America, July 2: All-American Dixieland Music, provided by two groups. A Dixieland strolling band will greet visitors in the Center Circle area from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and the Firehouse Stompers Dixieland Jazz Band will take to the Under the Oaks Theater stage from 2:45 to 4 p.m.

The Firehouse Stompers, back by popular demand, for a rousing concert based on Firehouse Five Plus Two.

Asia, July 9: On Ensemble explores new realms for traditional Japanese drums and incorporates varied musical influences into a provocative performance. Drums are interlaced with dance, bamboo flute, koto (Japanese zither), and Tuvan overtone singing.

South America, July 16: Brasil Brazil Show, featuring internationally renowned singers Ana Gazzola and Sonia Santos, leads a rousing concert in the style, rhythm and flavor of an authentic Rio de Janeiro Carnaval. Europe, July 23: Celtic Spring, the “Von Trapp Family of Celtic music,” is a dynamic fiddle and dance band composed of one family’s children sporting fiddles and dance shoes, with dad on the bodhran. Seating at the Under the Oaks Theater is available on a first-come-first-served basis.Descanso Gardens is at 1418 Descanso DriveAdmission fees are $7 for adults; $5 for seniors and students; $2 for children 5 to 12, and free for members and children 5 and younger. For information call949-4200 or visit www.DescansoGardens.org.GOOD TIME ? Adaawe will entertain fathers and their families during a special Father’s Day event at Descanso Gardens. This concert will be the first of six Sunday afternoon summer concerts at the Gardens.lap-descansofatherday.0-BPhotoInfo9I1S0NGT20060616j0ry3knc(LA)