Some of our favorite things about summer are all the fantastic outdoor concerts that we have in the San Gabriel Valley! The cities come to life and we get to enjoy picnics while listening to talented artists and bands. By the end of June and throughout July Santa Anita Park is once again hosting the Summer Season of concerts under the stars!

If you live in Pasadena or in the surrounding areas you have the chance to experience these magical concerts together with your friends and loved ones! Maestro Victor Vener and his California Philharmonic have put together a spectacular program, inspired by popular and beloved blockbusters. These timeless movies would not be the same without the gripping music that takes the viewer through a roller coaster of emotions and suspence. We’re sure you will find some of your favorite movie themes in at least one of the concerts this summer!

Every Saturday, starting June 28 you can enjoy a concert under the stars at Santa Anita Park or swing by Walt Disney Concert Hall for the Sunday matinee performances in downtown LA. Both are local venues and an easy 15 to 20 minute drive from downtown Pasadena.

The opening night will bring to the stage the famous scores from John Williams & Friends’ movies such as Star Wars, E.T, Jaws and Jurrasic Park. There will also be some special performances including the father and son duo Cellist Dennis Karmazyn and Violinist Max Karmazyn who will perform the Theme from Schindler’s List.

In the third concert Magic, Fantasy & Adventure is the main theme and takes place on July 26. It’s a night where you will be transported to the world of animated classics and hear breathtaking music from The Lion King, Beauty and The Beast and The Little Mermaid. To bring the voice to these beloved pieces Cal Phil Harmonic is accompanied by Cal Phil Chorus under the direction of Maestra Marya Basaraba. What would this enchanted summer concert series be without the world of magic and fantasy?

For those who are first-time goers you will be pleasantly surprised to know that the Cal Phil Summer Show is much more than just an evening concert. Gates open at 5.30 pm for pre-concert dining, full bars and live jazz. The concerts begin at 7.30 pm and you can choose to go for table seating or enjoy the lush green grass of Santa Anita Race Track.

To purchase tickets and attend the magnificent Maestro Victor Vener and his California Philharmonic concerts at Santa Anita Race Track, call 626.300.8200 or go to www.calphil.com.