Summer Concerts in Sacramento for the Whole Family

Who doesn't like to listen to live music on a balmy summer evening? Sacramento hosts several outdoor concerts every year, many of which are free to the public. Sometimes you find a single act, and others there are several musicians performing back-to-back. As you make plans for summer in Sacramento, don't neglect these inexpensive treats for the ears.

Friday Night Concerts in the Park

This free event happens every Friday night in downtown Sacramento from 5-9 p.m. Acts lined up for 2011 include The Golden Cadillacs, Mick Martin & The Blues Rockers, Exquisite Corps, and Breaking glass. Lasting from May 6 to August 12, Friday Night Concerts are open to the public and a family-friendly adventure that will expose you to new music and allow you to get to know others in your community.

The Friday Night Concerts are held at Cesar Chavez Plaza, which is located at 10th & J streets. In addition to good music, you can also grab a bite to eat and visit the nearby shops and stores. There are always plenty of vendors, which presents a unique opportunity to meet local Sacramento artists.

UC Davis Outdoor Concert

Presented by the UC Davis Health System, the Sacramento Metropolitan Youth Choir and the Cheeseballs will perform on campus. The event is free for anyone who wants to see the performance, and it is the coming back for the third year in a row. Feel free to bring your own food and beverages, or you can eat at vendors' stations when the mood strikes.

The combination of choir and dance team promises to be an exciting performance. Kids will enjoy the music and the dancing, and adults will appreciate the break for their wallets.

Usher

This summer, May 28, Usher will perform at the Power Balance Pavilion in Sacramento (formerly ARCO Arena), in the second leg of his popular OMG Tour. Tickets cost as little as $29.50, and the concert starts at 7 p.m., which is a good time for families with children.

There are other concerts at the Power Balance Pavilion this summer, including the Glee concert on May 22 and a Cirque De Soleil performance from May 11 through May 15. Britney Spears performs later in the summer, on June 16.

Pops in the Summer

This summer at Bertha Henschel Park in Sacramento, the annual Pops in the Summer concert series will commence. This is an excellent family-friendly excursion with all different types of music, from swing to classical to rock 'n' roll cover bands. Popular Christian group Mercy Me will perform on June 25.