Mission’s summer concerts: ‘Mick Jagger’ on Father Serra’s turf

He had the moves like Jagger.

The strut and swagger too.

When Mission San Juan Capistrano began assembling entertainment for its annual summer concert series, organizers knew that it made sense to have acts that would appeal to a large number of people. And that meant heavy on rock ‘n’ roll.

Enter Jumping Jack Flash, a tribute band devoted to the sounds of the Rolling Stones.

It might be hard to imagine Joey Jagger Infante, who performs as the inimitable Mick Jagger, dancing on the hallowed grounds once trod by Catholic priests of the Franciscan order. But organizers say the historic landmark and museum’s fundraising concerts take guests back to memorable musical times while allowing them to drink in the history around them — all while raising money to preserve the mission.

Infante opened the series June 27 in the Mission San Juan Capistrano’s courtyard, belting out tunes of the British Invasion. During the kick-off concert, a surge of concertgoers rushed to the dance floor upon hearing the beginning notes of “Under My Thumb.”

Dancing will continue all summer, with shows planned until Sept. 5.

The lineup features a variety of tribute bands, from the Long Run, a celebration of the Eagles, to Neil Diamond and Willie Nelson impersonators.

About 1,500 attendees were seated at tables in the mission’s garden for the opening show of the series, for which tickets were sold out weeks ahead, organizers said.

“People want to go to a wholesome place where they can hear nostalgic sounds but also walk the same grounds Father Serra walked,” said Mechelle Lawrence-Adams, executive director of Mission San Juan Capistrano. “It’s a celebration for all of us, and it’s great to bring families back to this historical landmark.”

Junipero Serra, the 18th century Spanish missionary who was beautified by Pope John Paul II on Sept. 25, 1988, will be canonized as a saint 27 years later, during Pope Francis’ trip to the United States in September.

Msgr. J. Michael McKiernan, the 35th pastor of Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano, greeted guests and remarked on how the concert series is a gathering place for people to enjoy classic rock while touring the historic setting.

“These shows bring people from all different walks of life, and with this experience, they can also see where Father Serra celebrated mass,” McKiernan said. “It’s an amazing visit.”

Mission San Juan Capistrano is the only Californian mission to name a church in Serra’s honor. Serra Chapel is where Serra celebrated mass in the mission’s newly built adobe church in 1783, a year before he died. It is the only surviving church in which Serra celebrated mass.

The popular music series has remained a favorite summer event. Families pack picnics, bring blankets to the evening show and purchase cookies and snacks at a stand. Each concert also features a silent auction with items ranging from spa packages to vacation rentals.

“We had a great time last year after friends invited us,” said San Juan Capistrano residents Carolyn Doyle and Scott Larson. “We’ll be here every year.”

Paul Fetters, who moved from Michigan to Huntington Beach more than 30 years ago, said he had never attended a concert in the “Music Under the Stars” series, but was interested in attending with his wife since the show was held in a historic setting.

“I love these kind of things where it has that community feel of like Pageant of the Masters,” said Fetters, who owns and operates the Training Spot, a personal fitness program with locations in Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa. “It’s interesting to learn the history here, and it makes for a beautiful evening.”

Though the music series is sold out, the mission will offer Adventure Sleepover on July 17 and 18. Children and parents may camp overnight on mission grounds and enjoy a flashlight tour, dinner and games and crafts.

The concerts, held Saturday evenings, will end with the Fab Four, a Beatles tribute band.

“It’s going to be a high-voltage night,” Lawrence-Adams said to the audience during the show’s intermission. “We’re going to have to ask the ladies not to jump onstage.”

For more information, call (949) 234-1306 or visit missionsjc.com