Descanso Kicks Off Summer Jazz with New West Guitar Group Concert

Descanso Gardens kicked off its summer concert season with a special performance by the New West Guitar Group on Thursday evening, June 11.

The jazz preview concert is a summer tradition for the Center Circle Associates, Descanso’s highest membership level. About 80 people gathered in the Rose Garden on a warm summer evening to enjoy fresh, gypsy-infused jazz performed by New West Guitar Group. Patina Restaurant Group passed finger foods that captured the al fresco vibe of the evening, while guests enjoyed refreshing mint juleps.

Among the guests who turned out were former La Canada Flintridge Councilmember Laura Olhasso; Gene and Mindy Stein of La Canada Flintridge; Descanso board members Hope Tschopik Schneider, Katie Poole, Rich Atwater, Margaret Checca, Georgianna Erskine and Leslie Zasa; Descanso Chief Executive Officer David R. Brown and Descanso Chief Operating Officer Juliann Rooke. (Guest list follows)

Descanso Gardens’ Music on the Main jazz series is a highlight of Descanso’s extended midweek summer hours. Descanso stays open late, from 9 am to 8 pm, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from June 18 to Aug. 20. Music on the Main jazz concerts (named after the Main Lawn, where the concerts take place) are Thursdays, June 18 to Aug. 20. World Rhythms global music concerts are Tuesdays, June 23 to Aug. 4. Concerts start at 6 p.m. on the Main Lawn. (Picnicking is allowed for concert evenings on the Main Lawn only.) Concerts are free with admission.

Admission is $9 for adults; $6 for seniors and students with a school I.D.; $4 for children 5 to 12, and free for age 4 and younger. Join Descanso Gardens and enjoy free admission and early entry year-round. Descanso Gardens is open daily (closed Christmas) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended summer hours from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, June 18 to Aug. 20.

Founded as a public garden in 1953, Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge. For information, call (818) 949-4200 or visit www.descansogardens.org. Descanso Gardens is a member-supported garden accredited by the American Association of Museums.