PALMDALE – The City of Palmdale has announced the lineup for its summer concert series and Family Movie Nights at the Palmdale Amphitheater (The Amp).
“Our residents spoke, and we listened,” said Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford. “They said that in addition to the great legendary acts we’ve brought in the past, they’d like to see some up-and-coming performers, as well as a top name Hispanic act. This year’s roster does just that.”
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, The Amp will kick off its summer concert series on Saturday, July 12 with an appearance by country star Phil Vassar, followed by up-and-coming sensation Zendaya on July 19, R&B legends The Whispers on July 26, and Banda Machos on August 2.
Phil Vassar on July 12
Phil Vassar’s career has seen the release of eight albums, two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year trophies, Billboard Country Songwriter of the Year, countless hits as a singer and songwriter, a mantle full of awards, and the launch of his own Rodeowave Entertainment label. He has hit the Top 5 seven times with songs like “Carlene,” “Last Day of My Life” and “American Child,” and topped the charts with “In A Real Love” and the perennial favorite “Just Another Day in Paradise.” Known as one of Nashville’s top tunesmiths, his songs other artists have taken to #1 include “My Next Thirty Years” by Tim McGraw, “She’s Right On The Money” by Alan Jackson, and Jo Dee Messina’s “Bye, Bye” and “I’m Alright.” New artist David Nail had a hit with Phil’s “The Sound of a Million Dreams,” which Billboard named the #1 song in their Top 10 Country Songs of 2012.
Zendaya on July 19
Zendaya, a multi-talented actress, author and platinum-selling artist, recently released her self-titled 2013 debut album where she delivers soulful pop with an urban edge. Her first single on the album, “Replay” was certified platinum for selling 1,000,000 copies in the U.S. this January, and now has over 44 million views on VEVO.
Zendaya will also star in the movie, “Zapped” which premieres this summer. She was the break out star and runner-up on Season 16 of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, and has performed around the world, including the White House and the 2011 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, as well as performing on numerous talk shows such as Ellen, the Today show, Extra and BET’s 106 & Park.
The Whispers on July 26
The Whispers are one of only a few “old school” groups that can boast of having over 40 years in the industry with a worldwide fan base, maintaining their vocal dominance and original members. They have amassed four decades of pop and R&B hits including “Rock Steady,” “It’s a Love Thing,” “And the Beat Goes On”; seven gold albums, two platinum albums, 12 top twenty singles, 40 chart hits, and nominations from the American Music Awards, Soul Train Awards and Grammy Awards. The Whispers were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2003.
Banda Machos on August 2
Since their formation in 1990, Banda Machos (or “La Reina de las Bandas” as they’re commonly known) have been blazing a trail in the Mexican Regional market. Their unique blend of Banda, Quebradita and Ranchera sounds have led to #1 singles, platinum albums and countless awards from their musical peers.
Now 22 years into their career, this 13-piece ensemble is going strong and kicking off the most exciting phase of their career as the creators of Quebadrita with their techno banda style. On the social networks, Banda Machos are a dominant force as well. Their smash single “No Hay Problema” has earned nearly two million YouTube views and videos for “Sangre De Indio” and “Al Gato y El Raton” (their all-time biggest hit) are well into the millions.
“We’ve got something for everyone in this year’s lineup,” said Palmdale’s Recreation and Culture Director Keri Smith. “The variety and depth of quality performers this year makes this one of the most exciting concert series we’ve ever had. Besides, there really is no other venue in the region that is a beautiful, picturesque and comfortable to see a concert than at The Amp.”
Tickets on sale April 16, how to purchase
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, April 16 at 7:30 a.m. at www.cityofpalmdale.org/amp. Tickets are $10 for all ages for general admission seating.
A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $20, which includes express entry and seating at the front of the stage, ensuring that VIP ticket holders can arrive just before the concert and still get one of the best seats in the house. VIP seating is theater style (first-come, first-served), with chairs provided courtesy of the Antelope Valley Mall.
VIP and individual concert tickets will also be available beginning Wednesday, April 16 at the recreation and culture office, located at 38260 10th St. East, open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cash, MasterCard® and Visa® are accepted.
Tickets will also be available the day of each concert, beginning at 4 p.m., on a cash-only basis.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Carry-in food, beverages, coolers, alcohol and pets are not permitted. Food, beer and wine will be available for purchase.
The summer concerts are sponsored by American Medical Response, Antelope Valley Mall, Double D Cupcakes, Lancaster JetHawks, Lockheed Martin, Time Warner Cable News, Valleywide Dental, and Ventura Graphix.
Family Movie Nights starting Aug. 1
Following the concert series will be the popular “Family Movie Nights,” coming to The Amp on four consecutive Friday evenings beginning Aug. 1.
“We had a great response from our residents last year who were so glad that we brought back ‘Family Movie Nights,’” said Palmdale’s Recreation Supervisor Annie Pagliaro. “We chose four movies that give families and friends the opportunity for a great evening out together.”
The movies are:
- Despicable Me 2, Friday, Aug. 1;
- The Blind Side, Friday, Aug. 8;
- Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone, Friday Aug. 15; and
- Finding Nemo, Friday, Aug. 22.
Tickets for Family Movie Nights are $2, with kids 12 and under admitted free. The gates will open at 6:30 p.m., and movies will start at dusk. Moviegoers are allowed to bring a picnic dinner and non-alcoholic beverages to Family Movie Nights.
Family Movie Nights are sponsored by American Medical Response, Lockheed Martin, Time Warner Cable News, and Valleywide Dental.
Sponsorships are still available for the concert series and Family Movie Nights. To learn more about either series of events, contact Sponsorship & Marketing Specialist Stella Devine-Knight at 661-267-5120 or sknight@cityofpalmdale.org.
For more information on the summer concert series and movie nights, visit www.cityofpalmdale.org/amp or call 661-267-5611.
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Angela says
My daughter, niece and nephew will be super excited to see Zendaya as they have watched her in Disney’s Shake it Up! They love her music! I can not wait to take them to see her!
Steve R. says
`A new low. Not a single bit of interest in any of these acts.
I do not fault them for including up-and-coming acts, just not at the expense
of the so-called legendary acts.
Is Phil Vassar the legendary act? The Whispers?
I’ve gone to shows there since before the Amphitheater was built but
I don’t see any reason to attend this season.
Very disappointing.
Daniel Valenzuela says
Obviously you know nothing of tradition and values of the Antelope Valley and the people who live and are positive here. People like you are the reason that many events cannot be enjoyed. Do all of us a favor and move out of the AV and into a place that can allow you to enjoy your unsatisfyable commodities.
Chuck says
you have obviously been under a rock for a LONG period of time you [removed]. the whispers are very much a legendary act that sells out the hollywood bowl frequently along with many jazz concerts throughout the world as I have seen them on many occasions..The N to name a fewewport Jazz festival, Long Beach Jazz, Pasadena Jazz just to name a few you [removed].
valleygirl says
Not to mention that Phil Vassar is a legendary and very popular country artist and song writer. Geeze, people, try spreading your wings and diversify your listening.