Swinging bandleader, trumpeter, and singer Mr. Chris Norton brings his 8-piece Big Band to Elings Park for the first-ever “Music Under the Stars” concert on Saturday, August 12. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and popular local DJ Darla Bea opens the family-friendly, outdoor show with dance music at 5 p.m.
General admission tickets are now on sale, at $29 for adults, and free for kids 12 and younger.
Parking is limited, costs $20 per car, and must be purchased with event tickets. Ridesharing is encouraged. No dogs, please.
“There’s nothing quite like a concert under the stars at Elings Park on a summer evening,” said Dean Noble, the Park’s executive director. “You’re on the grass, surrounded by oaks, and the kids play while parents relax on blankets or dance, while the stars come out.”
Concertgoers are asked to bring blankets or low-backed chairs for seating, and a large dance floor is available. Food trucks onsite include Sassafras, serving “Elevated Comfort Food” (tri tip sandwiches, hot chicken nuggets, and grilled cheese, bacon, fried egg sandwiches), and Big Truck Foods (grilled sandwiches, burgers, loaded fries). Beer, wine, and soft drinks are also for sale.
Elings Park opened in 1985 thanks to community donations, which transformed the former city dump into a gathering place for recreation, arts, nature, and inspiration. At 230 acres, it is more than twice the size of Disneyland – the largest privately funded, public park in the country. The Park continues to operate thanks to donations and receives no regular government funding. Visit www.elingspark.org.
About Mr. Chris Norton
“Even before putting his lips to the horn or stepping up to the microphone to sing, Chris Norton already knows how to win over an audience, and he does it every time,” raves Jazz Monthly. Norton is celebrated for his soulful musicianship, unique voice, and interpretations of jazz standards, along with energetic pop, R&B hits, rock classics, and heartfelt ballads.
He has entertained celebrities during New York Fashion Week, played for philanthropists at the amfAR gala, wowed sports executives and football fans during official NFL Super Bowl events, and performed for heads of state, including former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.
His unique shows earned him artist residencies and private events in New York City’s most iconic venues including the Waldorf Astoria, The Rainbow Room, Cipriani, the St. Regis, the Plaza, the Standard Hotel, Le Cirque, Lincoln Center, Metropolitan Opera House, and Tavern on the Green.
Norton and his ensemble headlined Jane Fonda’s 80th birthday party, Golden Globes and Cannes Film Festival parties, two Whitney Galas, and at locations around the world.
About Darla Bea
Award-winning DJ Darla Bea was born and raised in Santa Barbara, California, and for the past 16 years has provided music and sound services to weddings, private parties, and corporate events in the local area.
She was voted “Best Event DJ” in the Independent’s 2022 Best of Santa Barbara Readers’ Poll – the only female DJ to win for seven years in a row. She recently opened for Diana Ross at the Santa Barbara Bowl. Also an on-air radio personality, her Sunday night radio show “Rock It Properly” can be heard on KCSB-FM 91.9.
