Bluegrass, Jazz, and Blues Festivals and Events in L.A. County: Summer 2011

Whether you're new to these genres or a lifetime fan, there's something for everybody to enjoy in L.A. this summer. Here are three categories of events to choose from: Free; Ticketed; and Slightly out of the area, but worth it.



FREE:



The 2011 Free Summer Concert Series at the Peter Strauss Ranch will take place on the second Sundays of the summer: June 12, July 10, August 14, and Sept 11, from 3-5 PM, and is absolutely free. The ranch is located in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, just outside of Agoura Hills. It's a wonderful excuse to drive through a beautiful part of north L.A. County; before enjoying an afternoon of Bluegrass music with friends and family.



The Keyes Lexus of Valencia Jazz & Blues Concert Series is a safe, family friendly venue with opportunity for a great dinner while listening to some relaxing Jazz & Blues for free. This series runs every Friday from 7:00-9:30PM, between June 10-August 26. Keep in mind that traffic between Valencia and LAX flows heavier Southbound in the morning and heavier Northbound in the evening. If you're coming from the beach cities, try to leave by 3 PM. This will give you time to peruse the many, wonderful shops adjacent to the music. For those with older children, stay overnight and enjoy Six Flags Magic Mountain. For those with younger children, try the tour and petting zoo at the William S. Hart Park & Museum.



TICKETED:



Long Beach Bayou & Blues Festival brings a taste of Louisiana to L.A. County, offering a musical smorgasbord of Blues, Jazz, Cajun, and Zydeco, with ample parking at Rainbow Lagoon Park. This two day festival runs Saturday, June 25 from 11:00AM-9:00PM, and Sunday, June 26 from 11:00AM-8:00PM. General admission is $25 in advance, $30 at the gate, seniors and students are $20 in advance/$30 at the gate, ages 13-17 are $10 either way, and under age 12 is free.



Long Beach Jazz Festival is a local favorite that has also become a destination attraction. This is the Top Dog of the list, with an impressive Jazz lineup and tickets ranging from $45-$180, with an additional $10 for parking. Show starts at 7PM on Friday, August 12, and 12PM on Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14.



SLIGHTLY OUT OF THE AREA, BUT WORTH IT:



http://www.mammothbluesbrewsfest.com



16^th Annual Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza Leave the kiddos at home. Enjoy Blues, brews and views in the scenic Mammoth Lakes area. August 5-7, 2011, with a variety of ticket options ranging from $30-135.



The 2011 Blues For The Zoo Concert is a fundraiser for the Moonridge Animal Park; and a superb excuse to visit the beautiful Big Bear Lake area. The gates open at 1PM, and music plays from 3:00-7:00PM on August 6. Advance purchase for $30, or at the gate for $35. Parking is $3.