CONCERTS IN THE COURTYARD
Every First & Third Friday of the Month!
12-1PM
Enjoy a free afternoon concert, every first and third Friday of the month!
Concerts in the Courtyard will feature local artists from all genres including jazz, opera, classical, world music and more. Concerts will take place in the courtyard, weather permitting. Otherwise the concert will take place in the Kiwanis Great Room. Doors open at 11:45am. Earlier entry and seating is not available. Seating is open and available on a first come first served basis. Reservations are not required.
Please no outside food. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
Please note, entrance to Concerts in the Courtyard is FREE to attend,
but donations are welcome and greatly appreciated.
Questions?
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Email us at info@ljcommunitycenter.org
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Call us at (858) 459-0831
Eric Dickerson
Baroque Lute Masterworks: Music from Johann Sebastian Bach and Sylvius Leopold Weiss
Friday, June 2. 12-1pm.
SDSU Master of Music, Eric Dickerson, will perform his arrangement of the first cello suite by Johann Sebastian Bach and masterworks from Weiss and Logy on his 13-course Baroque lute.
Eric Dickerson holds a Master's Degree in Music Performance from San Diego State University. With over 20 years of musical experience, Eric has committed himself to preserving the art of Historical Performance Practice, performing Early Music on historical lutes, guitars and mandolin.
Eric began studying the Classical guitar with Fred Benedetti, in 2010. After completing his Bachelor's Degree, Eric began studying the Baroque and alto-guitar with Andreas Koch of Germany. He later completed his graduate studies on the 13-course Baroque lute, under the guidance of Vinicius Perez of Brazil. In 2021, Eric was awarded the Robert Crim Scholarship from the Lute Society of America, for excellence on the Baroque lute. In 2022, he received a full endorsement from the San Diego Early Music Society, providing educational outreach on historical instruments.
Melonie & Justin Grinnell
Jazz Standards
Friday, June 16. 12-1pm.
Active as an educator and performer, Melonie Grinnell began studying piano at an early age and has since been recognized not only for her skills as a pianist, but also for her abilities as a vocalist, music educator, and musical director. Melonie received her Bachelors of Music degree in Music Education with jazz emphasis from the University of Miami and a Masters of Music performance degree in Jazz Studies from San Diego State University.
Melonie has been a music educator at the collegiate level for 23 years and is an Assistant Professor at Grossmont College where she serves as director of piano studies and the vocal jazz ensemble.
As a freelance musician, she performs throughout San Diego area throughout the jazz community. She also enjoys subbing as a keyboardist with the San Diego Symphony during their pops season.
Justin Grinnell is a San Diego-based freelance jazz bassist and music educator. More importantly, he is a husband to pianist/educator Melonie Grinnell and father to their two sons. Justin frequently performs with his own groups and as a sideman. He is often performing with San Diego's most respected jazz artists, including Holly Hofmann, Christopher Hollyday, Duncan Moore, Jim Plank, Richard Sellers, Peter Sprague, Tripp Sprague, Mike Wofford, and Mikan Zlatkovich. Justin is a long-standing member of the Danny Green Trio, a melodic and nimble piano trio featuring Green's original compositions and his creative combination of Modern Jazz, Brazilian Jazz, and Classical influences.
In addition to performing, Justin maintains an active teaching schedule as adjunct faculty at University of San Diego and Grossmont College, and as faculty for the Francis Parker Annual Summer Jazz Workshop. He has also served as an adjudicator and clinician at local music festivals, such as the Coronado Jazz Festival and the San Diego Bass Fest.
Justin received his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Jazz Performance from San Diego State University while studying with bassists Gunnar Biggs and Bert Turetzky. Justin also achieved ABD (all but dissertation) status for a doctoral degree in Jazz Studies at the University of Southern California. Besides studying privately with Los Angeles' first-call jazz bassist, Darek Oles, Justin's enrollment at USC gave him the opportunity to study with internationally-recognized jazz artists Peter Erskine, Russ Ferrante, Bob Mintzer, and Alan Pasqua. Justin Grinnell is a member of the San Diego Music Union, American Federation of Musicians, Local 325.
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TBD
Friday, July 7. 12-1pm.
The Steph Johnson Band
Anything Goes: The Music of Cole Porter & More
Friday, July 21. 12-1pm.
Cole Porter was a prolific composer and songwriter known for his contributions to the American musical theater. His works are beloved for their witty lyrics, catchy melodies, and clever wordplay. Enjoy a variety of Porter's most famous songs, such as "I've Got You Under My Skin." These timeless classics showcase Porter's skillful use of language, his knack for creating memorable melodies, and his ability to capture the spirit of the times in which he lived. Overall, this concert is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest composers of the 20th century and a reminder of the enduring power of American musical theater. Steph Johnson (vocals and guitar), Rob Thorsen (bass), and Carter Key (piano) make up the Steph Johnson Band.
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