Concerts at the Cove Opens 12th Season With Free Outdoor Opera Performance

Concerts at the Cove begins its 12th season with a free outdoor performance by Open Opera, a professional company dedicated to bringing opera to the public. The concert will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 14 at Crab Cove, 1252 McKay Ave. in West Alameda.

The concerts are presented by the West Alameda Business Association (WABA) and the East Bay Regional Park District on the second Friday of May, June, July and August. This is the second year that the series has been extended from three performances to four and kicked off with classical music.

The addition of opera to the series adds a new dimension to the concerts, which have primarily featured jazz, rock and salsa music, says WABA’s Executive Director Kathy Moehring. “We’ve seen how popular outdoor opera concerts have been in other areas and wanted to bring the same excitement to Alameda,” she said.

Founded in 2008, Open Opera’s mission is to provide opera free to the public as well as showcase talented Bay Area singers. The cast includes both students and professionals. In its first two seasons, Open Opera produced free concerts in Alameda, Berkeley and Orinda.

The second concert in the series on June 11 features “Foreverland,” a 14-piece San Francisco-based Michael Jackson tribute band. The July 9 concert is devoted to the Cuban, timba, salsa stylings of Cuban-born singer-songwriter Fito Reinoso and his orchestra, and the final concert of the season on August 13 will be “Casino Royale” playing songs from the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Concerts at the Cove have become an Alameda summer tradition, with people spreading blankets on the lawn to picnic and listen to the music and dance when the spirit moves them. Premium Drake’s beer, Rock Wall wine and food from West Alameda businesses will be on sale throughout the event. No outside alcohol is allowed in the park.

The Crab Cove Visitor Center, which is adjacent to the concert area, will be open until 8:00 p.m. each night during the concerts offering organized activities for families and children. Free parking is available at Crown Memorial Beach and parking lots at Santa Clara at Webster and Taylor at Webster. Free valet bicycle parking will be available from Bike Alameda at the concert site. For more information, visit www.westalamedabusiness.com.

Contact:
Allan Mann
West Alameda Business Association
allanmann68@gmail.com