Descanso Gardens offers concerts and extended hours

Summer is just a few weeks away. Descanso is gearing up for the season with 10 weeks of extended summer hours, increased evening entertainment and the return of the Camellia Lounge. Here is a quick look at what the summer holds for Descanso visitors:

Midweek Extended Summer Hours
June 21-Aug. 25 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays
For 10 weeks this summer, Descanso will keep its doors open late for guests to enjoy the Gardens in the cool of the evening. Enjoy family programs, jazz concerts or a walk under the oaks as the sun sets. Admission is $8 adults, $6 seniors/students with ID, $3 children 5-12, free children 4 and younger. No reciprocal garden admissions during extended hours of 4:30 to 8 p.m. Information: (818) 949-4200 or www.descansogardens.org.

Camellia Lounge
June 21-Aug. 25 3-8 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays
The Camellia Lounge returns to the Full Moon Tea House in the Japanese Garden. Purchase signature cocktails, small plates (appetizers) and snacks, all created by Patina Restaurant Group. Two popular drinks – the Pink Perfection and the Cherry-Tea-Ni (a hit at the spring Cherry Blossom Festival) return along with new libations. Also new: Taco Tuesdays! Entrance free with admission.

Jazz Evenings 2011
June 23-Aug. 25 5:30-7 p.m. Thursdays
Enjoy 10 cool Thursday evenings in the Gardens with live music from some of the finest jazz artists around. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring blankets, picnics and friends to savor the sounds of jazz! All concerts are free with admission and begin at 5:30 p.m. Lawn seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reciprocal garden admissions.

June 23 Jimmy Branly Rising star on the Latin jazz scene
June 30 Elliot Caine East coast jazz and be-bop
July 7 Gonzalo Bergara Gypsy jazz and tango influences
July 14 Sammy Miller Up-and-coming jazz drummer
July 21 Mitchell Long Brazilian tunes with Portuguese vocals
July 28 Kristin Korb California cool bass and vocals
August 4 Bob Sheppard Renowned reed player with straight-ahead jazz
August 11 Mandala Cuban jazz
August 18 Robert Kyle A favorite performing a Brazilian songbook
August 25 Denise Donatelli 2010 Grammy® nominee for Best Jazz Vocal Album

Family Tuesdays 2011
June 28-Aug. 2 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesdays
These hands-on activities and performances are sure to entertain children of all ages (and parents, too!) Picnics are encouraged while kids and adults enjoy a variety of music, theater and garden events. All performances are free with admission and begin at 5:30 p.m. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. No reciprocal garden admissions.

June 28th Rhythm Child on the Main Lawn
Children enjoy the pure joy of music with interactive drumming and beats.

July 5th A Midsummer Night’s Dream by the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in the Under the Oaks Theater
There’s no more perfect setting than the garden to experience this delightful and timeless tale of magic and romance.

July 12th Aaron Nigel Trio on the Main Lawn
Reggae-inspired tunes for kids and families.

July 199th Merry Wives of Windsor by the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in the Under the Oaks Theater
Introduce children to Shakespeare with this classic comedy of love and revenge.

July 26th A Faery Hunt Theater in the Under the Oaks Theater
Storytelling, singing, games and more with a whole cast of woodland creatures.

August 2nd Elizabethan Festival with the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum on the Main Lawn and Under the Oaks
Travel back in time to the reign of Elizabeth I with the talented thespians from Theatricum Botanicum. Enjoy an evening of interactive theater, learn some vintage dance moves and maybe even rub elbows with Mr. Shakespeare. Huzzah!

About Descanso Gardens
Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, near the interchange of the 2 and 210 freeways. The Gardens are open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily except Christmas Day. Parking is free. Admission fees are $8 for adults; $6 for seniors and students; $3 for children 5 to 12, and free for members and children 5 and younger. Fees for classes and programs include Gardens admission. For information, call (818) 949-4200 or visit www.descansogardens.org. Descanso Gardens is accredited by the American Association of Museums.