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Sgt. Pepper
updated: Aug 18, 2012, 11:00 AM
By Lauren Bray
There's something magical about summer nights in Santa Barbara. Add a Beatles cover band to that
equation and it's pure bliss. Thursday night was the last installment of the free concerts in the park at
Chase Palm. I must admit that I missed a few other concerts due to scheduling conflicts and after work
laziness, but this was one I knew I had to attend.
I texted a group of friends and assured them I would secure a sweet spot on the grass. The flier said
that blanket set-up started at noon, and if there is anything I know about the locals here, it's that they
mean business about blanket set-up. I live downtown but figured I'd give myself about 20 minutes to find parking and walk over. I took my lunch break at
11:40 and was on the hunt for parking. It seemed like everyone else in town had the same idea as me. People were pulling over in red zones, taxi parking
and unloading zones. I drove by the park and saw a mass of people with chairs and blankets in hand being held off by park officials. It looked like the
beginning of a marathon race, people jockeying for position as if the Beatles themselves were playing tonight. I parked at 11:55 and arrived at the
park by 12:02 to find this:
You guys don't mess around!
Six p.m. could not come soon enough and Chase Palm Park was packed. People, children, and animals were on every square
inch of grass. The vibe was cool and mellow, just as the Beatles intended. As persnickety as people were
about their blanket placement, most seemed very welcomed to share the space once the music started. Everyone brought some type of dinner picnic to go
with the music as well as some beer and wine. Sorry Parks & Rec, it appears the no alcohol sign is more of a suggestion.
Everyone was grooving out to "Come Together," "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," and "Whole Lotta Love." Wait a
minute, "Whole Lotta Love" isn't a Beatles song. Who cares! Anyone who can attempt to cover Robert
Plant's high pitched groans earns a medal in my book.
It was a beautifully calming evening that really shows off what Santa Barbara summers are all about. Awesome music, great locals, and a beautiful
setting.
Lauren is a member of the Dedicated Staff and is currently working on her first novel.
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