Newport Beach has a long history of appreciation and support for cultural arts events, education, and organizations. Highlights of the City’s long-standing support for the arts include the establishment of the Balboa Theatre in 1912, the same year that a City Hall was established, the founding of the Orange County Museum of Art in 1962 (previously the Newport Harbor Museum of Art) and the beginnings of South Coast Repertory on Newport Blvd. in 1964. As Newport Beach has grown to be a burgeoning and sophisticated city, the role of arts and culture became even more prominent. In 1972, the City’s arts and cultural infrastructure was formally established with the birth of the Newport Beach Arts Committee. The group transitioned into the Newport Beach Arts Commission in 1974. Since then, the City has become home to numerous art galleries and cultural events, including: Newport Beach Film Festival, the Newport Beach Jazz Festival, the Southern California Children’s Chorus, Baroque Music Festival, and the Newport Beach Art Exhibition.
Newport Beach has also been home to many artists such as renowned painters Rex Brandt and Joan Irving Brandt, animator Chuck Jones, fashion icon Don Ed Hardy, writers Dean Koontz and Joseph Wambaugh, architect William Pereira, violinist Jascha Heifetz, “The King of Surf Guitar” Dick Dale, actors June Allyson, Joey Bishop, Ray Milland, John Wayne,Buddy Ebsen, Kelly McGillis and the legendary Helena Modjeska.
The City of Newport Beach Arts Commission presents its annual Summer Concerts Series on the Green featuring an array of performers for your entertainment. Bring your low-slung beach chairs and blankets and enjoy an evening in a fun atmosphere. Pack a picnic dinner or purchase from on-site gourmet food trucks . No alcohol is permitted.
Unless otherwise noted, all concerts are held on the Newport Beach Civic Center Green (100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach). Admission and parking are free, on a first come, first served basis.
BILLY NATION (Billy Joel Tribute)
July 17, 2022, 6:00-7:30 p.m., Civic Center
Billy Nation is a premier Billy Joel tribute band. Complete with Billy’s signature grand piano, growling saxophone, and rich harmonies, Billy Nation will have audiences singing along to top hits such as ‘Piano Man’, ‘You May Be Right’, and ‘Just the Way You Are’. Billy Nation features diverse professional musicians in Southern California who have performed with some of the biggest names in music.
YOUNG GUNS (Country Cover Band)
August 21, 2022, 6:00-7:30 p.m., Civic Center
Young Guns is an international touring country band that plays songs from bands like Florida Georgia Line, Charlie Daniels Band, Rascal Flatts, Garth Brooks, Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw, Big & Rich, Dierks Bentley, George Strait, Blake Shelton, Johnny Cash, and many more legendary country artists. Featuring dueling electric guitars, heartfelt acoustic ballads, and electric fiddle and violins, Young Guns creates a lively atmosphere that you won’t want to miss!
BRITAIN’S FINEST (Beatles Tribute)
September 18, 2022, 6:00-7:30 p.m., Civic Center
If you’re a Beatles fan and have always wished you could see them, Britain’s Finest may be just what you’re looking for. Lee DeCarlo, recording engineer for John Lennon’s “Double Fantasy” album, stated after a performance at a private event, “You remind me so much of the lads.” Featured twice on AXS TV’s “The World’s Greatest Tribute Bands” and in an article by Niki Payne on CBS Los Angeles, Best Tribute Bands in L.A., Britain’s Finest is an experience unlike any other.
STONE SOUL (Classic Soul & Motown Tribute)
October 2, 4:00-5:30 p.m., Marina Park
STONE SOUL is an 8-piece, horn-blowing, foot-stomping Classic Soul & Motown tribute band. With their snazzy suits and spot-on renditions of Classic Soul & Motown hits, STONE SOUL will have you dancing The Jerk, The Mashed Potatoes and The Twist to smash hits from Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, Otis Redding, James Brown and more!