I love summer. One thing I look forward to are free summer concerts east coast and west coast. And outdoor concerts mean it’s time to whip up your summer picnic specialties (or make a quick run to Trader Joe’s or your favorite deli). Coming here soon Melissa Lanz with healthy summer dishes….something you don’t want to miss!
And summer concerts also mean it is time for me to get out my picnic basket. For the longest time I’ve used a nostalgic wooden version. Last summer I’ve made a switch to I found the perfect picnic tot From Cost Plus World Market. I am happy to say they have continued this basket again this year adding a number of fresh new prints. They also have a number of new options including a nostalgic metal painted picnic basket. The variety and prices are great. They have over a dozen new options for summer 2014 outings with prices as low as $12.99. They range from metal to grapevine rattan and insulated vinyl. Some options are only available online.
When it comes to summer concerts Levitt Pavilion is one of my free outdoor concerts, began their 2014 season June 15h at six Levitt Pavilion locations across the country from Los Angeles’ MacArthur Park and Pasadena to Westport, CT. The concerts are a great mix of world music and indie music. You are almost certain to discover new music you love and a bit of cultural appreciation as the musician engage with audiences between songs. My other favs are LA County Museum of Art – Jazz Fridays, Latin Saturdays and the museum is open late and fee for your pleasure – And The John Anson Ford for terrific outdoor setting. The stacked parking can be tricky but there are shuttle options. LAist has a guide to summer music in the LA Area. And there are some great outdoor movie venues east coast/west coast. For LA info visit laparks.og and Pershing Square Friday Night Flicks. For New York visit http://gonyc.about.com.
New York city’s outdoor concert scene is sizzling this year. In NYC I always love Central Park Summer Stage. Music at south Street Seaport is special because it at Pier 17 right on the water. And you don’t want o miss the NY Philharmonic and Metropolitan Opera in the park — all free! And there is list of special superstars NYC concerts highlighted on the WABC-Tv website including stars like Jennifer Lopez and Enrique Iglesias, to hip-hop-artist and entertainment mogul Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, to country superstars Brad Paisley, Keith Urban and Luke Bryan, to pop R&B sensation Jason Derulo, to rock bands Kings of Leon and Paramore, to pop singer Demi Lovato, to Robin Thicke.
There are summer concerts throughout North Carolina including the North Carolina Symphony, summer concerts at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Checkout concertful.com for more North Carolina music info
I’m sure you have tons of favorites of your own. Please post and share with us. For all of us planning road trips this summer your posts and suggestions here will be much appreciated. SHARE: 
