Valencia Jazz & Blues Concert Series Celebrates Uniting SCV for 20 Years

 Santa Clarita Magazine and élite Magazine are pleased to be media sponsors for the 20th annual Valencia Jazz & Blues Concert Series.
Celebrating two decades of uniting the community through music and dance, the 2019 Valencia Jazz & Blues Concert Series will be at an exciting new location—Town Center Square—with the new series sponsor, Westfield Valencia Town Center, commencing Friday, June 14. The popular eight-week series will run every Friday from 7-9:30 p.m. until August 2.
“We are thrilled to celebrate our 20th year fresh and new with the beautiful surroundings of Westfield Valencia Town Center,” said Barbara Myler, president/CEO of Summit West Public Relations & Marketing, and owner/producer of the concert series. “This concert series offers a safe and festive atmosphere for our guests, bringing the community, families, businesses and non-profits together, contributing to the incredible quality of life in the Santa Clarita Valley.”
More than 50 different regional, national, and international original artists have performed over the years. This year’s series will bring back seven of the fan favorites and welcome a first-time recording artist in celebration of the 20th anniversary. As usual, there will be additional activities for children and fundraising for local non-profits.
In 1998, the original developer of the mall approached Barbara and asked her to develop a concert series to bring the community together in a family friendly atmosphere. When the series kicked off in 1999, the hope was to work up to a crowd of 500.
“We were pleasantly surprised when, with less than a week of promotion, opening night exceeded that goal… and we never looked back,” Barbara said. “We had no idea how instantly popular this event would be.”
In addition to live music, guests can purchase food from Salt Creek Grille and BJ’s Restaurant and beverages – including wine for adults as well as Wolf Creek Brewery beer – from onsite tents. With a VIP experience guests can entertain clients, celebrate company or personal milestones and enjoy additional food selections and bar service. No pets and no outside food or beverages are allowed.
Joyce and Lee Shulman, married 51 years, have attended the series for about 10 years. “From the first time we went, we loved it,” Joyce said. “It is wonderful to be in a community that blocks off the street, brings in free music, and has people dancing in the street.”
The sponsors and vendors for the concert series make it possible for attendees to enjoy the world-class music for free. The sponsors include Westfield Valencia Town Center, Princess Cruises, City of Santa Clarita, Mercedes-Benz of Valencia, Chiquita Canyon, and a variety of weekly sponsors.
“Westfield is excited to welcome the Valencia Jazz & Blues Concert Series to their new venue at Valencia Town Center,” said Corrine Barchanowicz, senior general manager of Westfield Valencia Town Center. “We love to bring people and families together at the heart of the community. Hosting the 20th anniversary of this concert series was an opportunity we were excited to support.”
D’Wilfri DanceArt & Entertainment is one of many weekly sponsors for the concert series. Twice each season, Wilfrido Arroyo and wife Ingrid Blanco have performers do a floorshow during intermission. Then they help guests learn basic dance techniques. “Willy and Ingrid are amazing performers and teachers,” said Barbara, who happens to be a world champion ballroom dancer herself.
Twenty years since she started the event, Barbara has enjoyed witnessing its evolution. “We have literally watched our community grow as guests meet, mingle, make life-long friendships, marry, and have children,” she said.
For more information about the series, sponsorship & VIP reservations, visit www.ValenciaJazzandBlues.com or call Barbara at 661-290-2911.

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