Music in the Pines returned on Thursday, June 24th, with the first of a four-concert series happening this Summer in the parking lot of the Community Building in Wrightwood.  A crowd of approximately 300 were in attendance to see the opening act Charlie B. Roberts and the Love Switch, with the Seville Street Blues closing the show.

Claudia Campbell coordinated the entertainment and said she was very happy with the turnout. “Oh my gosh. I’m so grateful. Everybody out here, we’re so excited to get to see each other again and not have a mask on.” The next concert will be on July 8th, and it will be Louisiana Night. “It’s going to be so much fun. I hope you’ll come.”

The Girl Scouts were in the park offering babysitting services so that those in attendance could enjoy themselves without having that concern. The stage was set on a flatbed trailer, and the sun was receding behind the mountains as Roberts and the Love Switch jammed out in front of the crowd. He says his band is inspired by 70’s music but can sometimes delve into something a little bit weirder. “It’s an amazing fun thing,” says Roberts about performing in front of a crowd again. “This is really what it’s all about. To be present in a moment like this.” By the time the Love Switch was entering their final songs, the audience was already on the dance floor and polishing off rusty dance moves. You can catch the Love Switch again on July 17th at The Social in Apple Valley and again at Music in the Pines on August 5th.

Concessions present at the event were Mexico Lindo, the Wrightwood Blues Society, Rose Noir Chocolates, Snowie California, The Village Grind, and the Pine Needles Quilt Guild.

Moments before the Seville Street Blues started their set, during the soundcheck, the murmur and chatter of the audience filled the evening that was fast approaching night as hundreds of conversations took place at the same time. With anticipation in the air, the band suddenly began their set by playing their rendition of Tom Petty’s American Girl to the crowd’s delight. There seemed to be an audio problem getting in the way of the band really letting loose for the first two songs. But by the third song, Tennessee Whiskey, they were firing on all cylinders, and the dance floor was filled with smiling faces.

The first show for Music in the Pines, which is entering its 16th season, was a tremendous success with a lot of fun had by all who attended. The next concerts will be on July 8th, July 22nd, and August 5th, and begin at 6pm.