RANCHO SANTA FE — The Village is a place where community, creativity and an appreciation for the arts blend together.
Community Concerts of Rancho Santa Fe is part of this tapestry and ready to unveil its 2015 series Oct. 9.
A 501(c)(3), nonprofit, Community Concerts of RSF has been a gathering place in the heart of the Village for the last 16 years.
The idea of a community concert series was started by Holly and Tony Wilson.
“Holly sent out a whole bunch of postcards to all of her friends and any other address she could get a hold of,” said Gail Kendall, president of the Community Concerts of RSF. “They started as mostly a classical music series, and its home was the Garden Club.”
Sixteen years ago, the grassroots effort had an attendance of around 50 guests.
When word “got out” about the musical talent and they eventually grew out of the Garden Club.
Their larger venue is now at the Village Church Fellowship Hall, which holds 300 or more attendees at their concerts.
Kendall contributes the growth due to the fact that their music potential continues to improve, attracting a more robust crowd. The concerts are also making a positive impact in the community.
The allure of Community Concerts of RSF is that residents don’t need to drive to downtown San Diego to attend a concert, and for many, need to drive back home that very same evening.
Kendall said most attendees are five minutes away from home. She receives many thanks for bringing good music and a fun evening right into the community.
And then there are the preconcert parties.
“Everyone is just having a good time because they are meeting all their friends,” she said.
Over the years, the music genre has shifted, too. Concerts vary from light classical, jazz, big band crooners, bluegrass, Broadway hits, R&B, and so much more.
There is something for everyone.
On the musical roster this year is Vivace, a diverse repertoire, who performed at the 2010 Winter Games; The Young Irelanders performing Irish music and dance troupe with Celtic instruments; Juno award nominee and big band singer, Matt Dusk; and, high energy music with Savannah Jack.
The concert series begins in October and closes in April 2016.
Ticket prices for these top tier performances are at an impressive price point, Kendall said.
A season membership, which includes the four concerts are $225 per person, while single concerts are $75. Children may attend for free when accompanied by an adult.
There are also tiered categories for “giving” and special concert series “perks.” Donations are tax deductible.
Kendall wants people to know that their music series is getting better with each passing year. Annually, Community Concerts of RSF handpicks its upcoming choices with Live on Stage, an agency who manages the talent. This yearly conference is held in July.
Live on Stage tours these artists from the east to west coast.
Kendall is delighted with the eclectic music they have on their concert menu this year.
“We start with a preconcert party, and we try to keep it a party,” she said.
For more information about the Community Concerts of Rancho Santa Fe, visit online at ccrsf.org or email them at [email protected].
