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There may be few things more pleasant in life than a warm summer evening, and yet Montalvo always seems to know myriad ways to make those midsummer nights even better.
Recently, the Saratoga-based performing arts organization announced its summer season schedule, which will fill Montalvo's two outdoor performance spaces with an eclectic lineup of concerts.
As usual, the intimate Garden Theatre will feature most of the performances, with the expansive Front Lawn hosting three major musical shindigs: dynamic Latin songsters the Gipsy Kings on July 1; jazz great George Benson on July 25; and a jazz super-quartet composed of saxophonist Dave Koz, trumpeter Rick Braun, bassist Wayman Tisdale and guitarist/vocalist Jonathan Butler on Aug. 22.
The summer series includes such audience favorites as musical Pulitzer Prizewinner Wynton Marsalis on June 13; legendary blues singer Etta James on June 24; smooth jazz specialists Guitars & Saxes on July 15; jazz king Dave Brubeck on July 30; and a trio of top guitarists, Craig Chaquico, Strunz & Farah, on Aug. 6.
Two huge new names will grace Montalvo's marquee this year: tenor José Carreras will perform on June 9 in a benefit for Montalvo's education, outreach and arts programs. Ultimate chanteuse Liza Minnelli will make life a cabaret on Aug. 15.
Other artists new to Montalvo's lineup this year include popular rockers Train, July 2122; all-girl group the Go-Go's on July 28; and a Songwriters Festival with Richard Thompson, which offers a day of performances by singer/songwriters on Sept. 12.
Additional highlights include singer/songwriter India.Arie on July 20; Midsummer Mozart with award-winning pianist Jon Nakamatsu on Aug. 5; pop folkie Natalie Merchant, Aug. 1718; and of course, the 2004 Summer Gala, featuring versatile songstress Linda Ronstadt, backed by a 40-piece orchestra, on July 23.
All performances take place at 15400 Montalvo Road, Saratoga. For the full schedule or ticket information, call 408.961.5858 or see www.villamontalvo.org.
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