DAVE GAROFALO -- Mayor’s Column

The arrival of Labor Day doesn’t mark the end of summer -- not for

those of us who call Huntington Beach home.

Look no further than the popularity of Pier Plaza Presents, the

popular concert series held at our beautiful outdoor amphitheater

adjacent to the city’s historic pier. The concerts have become a major

draw for residents and visitors.

Throughout September and October, we will have a number of exciting

and special concerts scheduled at Pier Plaza, 401 Pacific Coast Highway.

And because of corporate sponsorship, there is no cost to attend any of

these concerts.

Pier Plaza Presents is a sonic forum for sounds and rhythms from

around the world, as well as right here in Surf City. Our next scheduled

concert will be Sept. 23 and will feature Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite

Boys. The group fuses rockabilly, folk, bluegrass, western swing and rock

into a wonderful blend that is bound to please music fans of all ages.

On Sept. 24, we will offer a double bill when the Irish-styled rock of

The Hooligans and the modern pop-rock of Walter Clevenger & the Dairy

Kings will be featured on the outdoor stage. It promises to be a

wonderful weekend of music by the beach.

Other dates to schedule a trip to Pier Plaza Presents include Sept. 30

for Laura Coyle and rock blues great Larry Horne and Small Change; Oct. 1

for the Jazztronauts and Dale Fielder; Oct. 7 for Burns, Toth and Halpin

and 2nd Avenue Klezmer Ensemble; Oct. 8 for the Africa’s Soukous Stars;

and Oct. 21 for Anaheim guitar legend Kid Ramos.

Capping the upcoming series of shows will be a full-length performance

from Grammy award-winning Asleep at the Wheel. The western swing group

will perform Oct. 22.

To learn more about Pier Plaza Presents, call the concert series

24-hour hotline at (714) 374-1657.

* DAVE GAROFALO is mayor of Huntington Beach.