June 21, 2005 > 2005 Summer Concert Series On Tour

by Susana Nuñez

What better way to enjoy the warm summer sun than with great music? Summers in Milpitas have been rockin' since the city's concert series began in 1984, and this year is no exception. Bands range in genres from rock and roll to island beats and audiences of all ages are invited to attend this free concert series.

Organized by the city's Special Events Coordinator, Samu Tiumalu, the concert series will kick off on Tuesday, June 28. Tiumalu, the self-proclaimed "one man show," organized the event last year, as well, but the job of choosing the right bands did not get any easier. "I had to choose five bands from 135," he said, "so the level of professionalism of these bands is really high up."

The first performance will be by the jazz/funk/soul fusion band Safari, who once performed for the late Latin legend Celia Cruz on her birthday. The next show will be performed by Daddy-O, a 50s-60s group that performed at the Miss Universe pageant.

Also in the line-up is a Milpitas favorite, the big band of Mark Russo and the Classy Cats. Hailing from the south Bay Area are the Houserockers, who often play in San Jose venues and pubs. A returning group that has attracted the biggest audience, however, is the Hawaii based, Island Riddim. "Last year, the Island Riddim band attracted 500 [people]," Tiumalu said, "and the concerts usually attract two to 500 [people], 500 being the biggest we've ever had."

Bring your friends and family to see these bands in action. Concerts will be held on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and each will be held at a different Milpitas venue. For more information, call (408) 586-3222.

Tuesdays:
June 28 - Augustine Park: Safari
July 12 - Murphy Park: Daddy-O
July 26 - Pinewood Park: Mark Russo and the Classy Cats
August 9 - Hall Park: The Silicon Valley Houserockers
August 23 - City Hall/ Community Center: Island Riddim