Forget about June gloom and kick off the summer on the Argyros Plaza! With tons of free events featuring country line dancing, pups on the plaza, summer jazz under the stars and so much more—there’s something for everyone. Segerstrom Center’s June plaza events are full of new activities and performances starting with Summer Jazz on the Argyros Plaza featuring internationally acclaimed jazz artists and hosted by radio personality Bubba Jackson, boot scootin’ fun during Country Line Dance Lessons and a Country Line Dance Party featuring the Arnie Newman Band, and the pup-friendly Yappy Hour. The summer fun continues with audience favorites: Live Band Karaoke with Casual Encounters and Live on the Argyros Stage featuring Adam Lasher.
Yappy Hour
Thursday, June 14, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Join us on the pup-friendly Argyros Plaza for tail-wagging fun including free portraits with your canine companion by caricaturist Dominic Arneson as well as free samples from Costa Mesa’s JustFoodForDogs and Centinela Feed and Pet Supplies.
Summer Jazz on the Argyros Plaza: OCSA Ambassador Jazz Orchestra, directed by Dan St. Marseille
Friday, June 15, 7-9 p.m.
Under the direction of Dan St. Marseille, the Orange County School of the Arts award-winning jazz orchestra performs a breadth of repertoire, spanning from early jazz to the present. Over the years, members of the ensemble have participated in the California High School All State Honor Jazz Band, Monterey Next Generation Orchestra, Jazz Band of America, Grammy Jazz Band, Reno Jazz Festival All-Star Combo and the Southern California School Band and Orchestra High School Jazz All-Star groups.
Praised by jazz critics worldwide, saxophonist Dan St. Marseille has worked with many major jazz and commercial artists, including conguero Poncho Sanchez, saxophonist Richie Cole and singers Cab Calloway and Mel Torme.
Live on the Argyros Stage: Adam Lasher
Wednesday, June 20, 6:15-7:15 p.m.
From American Idol to the Argyros Stage, Lasher is a Berkley-Trained musician who offers a soulful voice and a thrilling ability on guitar. It is a familiar sound for Lasher, who shares the stage with his uncle, Carlos Santana, from time to time.
Summer Jazz on the Argyros Plaza: Danilo Lozano and Cuba LA Opening with Dayren Santamaria and Made in Cuba
Friday, June 22, 7-9 p.m.
Flute soloist, musical director, record producer and educator Danilo Lozano performs both innovative and accessible music by Latin American, African-American, Latin Jazz and Cuban composers as well as rarely heart pieces of the classical and contemporary repertories. He is the son of noted Cuban musician Rolando Lozano and has been described as “a fresh new voice of outstanding ability and rare musical sensitivity.”
Cuban-born violinist Santamaria is the daughter of a musician father and an actress mother. She opted for a musical life and began to study violin at the age of 8. Today she has her own band, Dayren Santamaria and Made in Cuba with some of the best musicians in Los Angeles, including Oscar Hernandez, Jimmy Branly, Joey De Leon and Carlitos Del Puerto. Her musical vocabulary encompasses classical, jazz, R&B, salsa and Cuban folkloric. Santamaria is praised for her passionate renditions of works on both acoustic and electric violin.
Live Band Karaoke with Casual Encounters
Saturday, June 23, 6-9 p.m.
Pick a song, nearly any song, because live band karaoke is back on the Argyros Plaza! Make it a meet-up of your own “So You Think You Can Sing” party. Sing out, Orange County!
Country Line Dance Party
Tuesday, June 26, 6-8 p.m.
You are invited to Southern California’s newest line dance party. Expect good times, old boots and plenty of country at this free event. Featuring live music from the Arnie Newman Band, boot scootin’ on the outdoor dance floor, and specialty food and drinks for purchase at the Center 360 Café.
Summer Jazz on the Argyros Plaza: Matt Forbes and His Vintage Pop Orchestra Opening with The Ron Kobayashi Trio featuring Andrea Miller
Friday, June 29, 7-9 p.m.
Bringing a bold, new sound to “vintage pop,” Matt Forbes is hailed as the freshest voice to hit the genre in more than a decade. He has received widespread critical acclaim with national television appearances on E! News, CTV’s eTalk and The Marily Denis Show. His soulful vocals and unmistakable sound are wowing the millennials of his own generation with songs made popular decades before they were born. The Ron Kobayashi Trio featuring Andrea Miller will open for Forbes and his Vintage Pop Orchestra. The addition of Miller’s soulful and sensual voice to the jazz ensemble will be a perfect complement to Kobayashi’s piano melodies.
