This July and August, the Santa Clarita Shakespeare Festival presents its 3rd annual summer cultural series, the LA SummerFEST: 18 events in five weeks including music festivals, concerts,theatre performances,and special events. The 2016 season is officially launched and available for viewing at the website: www.LASummerFEST.org.

There are a number of exciting changes this summer: changes in the venue, VIP opportunities, and a new event.

Changes in the Venue: located on the Rivendale property in Towsley Canyon, the city of Santa Clarita has removed the old staples and red-tagged buildings that were on the site, leaving it a large open space. The festival will be utilizing the new area for artists and VIP parking. Audiences that don’t want to bring their own chairs will be able to reserve tables and chairs at selected events.

Also new this summer: MOVIES in the Canyon: Fun family movies under the stars for three consecutive Wednesday evenings. And this year audience can print out a schedule of the entire season, visit the website and click on the Schedule tab.

Because of the growth of the festival, the organizers are required to take on the responsibility of the patrons drinking in the park. Audiences bringing their own alcoholic beverages will need to receive a wristband and pay a small corking fee.

Special events this summer also include: the Induction to the Court of the Lord Chamberlain, a fundraising gala in support of the free events. This year the festival is recognizing Dr. Dianne G. VanHook,Chancellor at College of the Canyons. The evening includes dinner, wine, dessert and a special preview of the summer festival. The other special event this season is OUT OF THE BOX: A tribute to Jukebox Musicals of Broadway. The event is directed by the incomparable Leslie Berra and includes the best singers in Santa Clarita. The event is in support of the Santa Clarita Shakespeare Festival’s educational outreach program.

The Shakespeare in the Park production is Midsummer Night’s Dream, one of Shakespeare most beloved plays: Lovers lost and found, a trip into the woods, magic spells and fairies.
Events in July include: the Americana Fest, featuring folk and Americana music, with a special appearance of Whiskep Sunday, Southern California’s premier Americana Band. Praise: Music of Love, Hope, Faith, and Grace. The event brings together bands from local churches for an evening of inspirational music.

Other events during the festival include: A Night at the Opera, with Center Stage Opera, Friday August 5th; the BLUESFEST Saturday August 6th, the only west coast celebration of International Blue Music Day; jazz and wine at Rivendale and hosts the John Menzano Trio and the James Hagen Group; Singer Songwriter Concert Hosted by the LOCKE Brothers.

The Rivendale site is at the entrance of Towsley Canyon. There is no seating, so patrons are asked to bring blankets and chairs. Food trucks will be available at some of the performances, and beer and wine will be available at all performances. The festival draws audiences from across the valley and throughout the Los Angeles County region.

For more information about the festival and all the events~ check out the website at www.LASummerFEST.org or subscribe to the facebook page and receive updates and special discounts all summer long: facebook.com/LASummerFEST