Nothing says summer like sitting in a lawn chair in the beautiful South Valley, listening to some live music, gnoshing on tasty picnic treats and imbibing on refreshing drinks. If this sounds like your idea of a perfect summer night, grab your friends and family and head out to one of the many concerts available for free—or next to nothing—in Gilroy, Morgan Hill, San Martin and Hollister.
Here’s a guide to local summer concerts and music venues.
Friday Nights Music Series
Pack up the lawn chairs, kids and the grandparents and get ready to dance the night away at the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce Friday Nights Music Series through Aug. 28 in the Downtown Amphitheater. Beer, wine and hot dogs are also available for purchase. The bands play from 6 to 9 p.m.
June 26—The Jesse Charles Band
July 10—Tree McGee with RodeoHouse
July 17—Busta Groove
July 24—Shane Dwight
July 31—Tina Michelle and the Rhinestone Cowboys
Aug. 7—Forejour
Aug. 14—The Cocktail Monkeys
Aug. 21—Sage
Aug. 28—Houserockers
Downtown Amphitheater
17000 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill
morganhill.org
5th Street Live
Gilroy’s 5th Street Live summer music series, co-sponsored by the Gilroy Arts Alliance and the Gilroy Downtown Business Association, sets up right downtown from 7 to 9 p.m. every Friday night through Aug. 7. Admission is free.
July 10—Mike Malinao and the Red Barn Rockerz
July 17—HackJammers
July 31—JJ Hawg
Aug. 7—The Director’s Cut
Fifth Street at Monterey Street, Gilroy downtowngilroy.com
Music in the Vineyard
Fortino Winery in Gilroy hosts Music in the Vineyard, a summer evening of food, wine and rockin’ tunes, on select Fridays. Bring a picnic, blankets and chairs. Tickets are $5 in advance, $10 at the door for ages 21 and up. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the band plays from 7 to 10 p.m.
July 24—The Houserockers
Fortino Winery, 4525 Hecker Pass Hwy., Gilroy (408) 842-3305
fortinowinery.com
Time for Wine
Pack a picnic and enjoy beautiful views, live entertainment and free admission this summer at the Time for Wine Music Series at Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin every Thursday night through Sept. 3. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the concerts run from 6 to 9 p.m. This is a 21 and up event for adults only.
July 2—Sage
July 9—South City Blues Band
July 16—HackJammers
July 23—David Johnson
July 30—JJ Hawg
Aug. 6—Soul Kiss
Aug. 13—Houserockers
Aug. 20—Tsunami Band
Aug. 27—OTR Band
Sept. 3—Retro-Rockets
Clos LaChance Winery,
1 Hummingbird Lane, San Martin
(800) 487-9463 Clos.com
Vines & Vibes
Every other Wednesday through Aug. 19, Guglielmo Winery’s Vines & Vibes Summer Music series features free admission, live music for dancing and wine, beer and creative cuisines available for purchase from local food trucks and caterers. You can also bring a picnic dinner. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the band plays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
July 1–Tsunami Band
July 15–The Closers
Aug. 5—Sonic Addiction
Aug. 19—HackJammers
On select Friday evenings, the Guglielmo hosts Ladies Night with live music, dancing and shopping. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the concerts are from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
July 31—Tsunami Band
Aug. 21—The Emphatics
Guglielmo Winery, 1480 E. Main Ave., Morgan Hill (408) 779-2145 guglielmowinery.com
Groov’n in the Grove
Head down to Hollister for the Groov’n in the Grove Summer Concert Series at Leal Vinyards and enjoy a night of wine and music in a beautiful Tuscan-style olive grove setting. Ticket price includes “chef’s choice” wood-fired pizza and live music for dancing. Doors open at 6 p.m and bands play from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person or $15 for club members.
Aug. 7—Isaiah Pickett
Aug. 28—Soul Kiss
Leal Vineyards, 300 Maranatha Dr., Hollister (831) 636.8925
lealvinyards.com N
