Dennis Rowland and Full Spectrum Jazz played to a happy & packed audience last night for the opening concert in the Jazz on the Plazz series  at the Town Plaza Park.

The music, which played from 6:30pm to a little past 8:30pm, was fantastic. Dennis Rowland is an engaging performer, both when singing and when chatting with the audience.  The Full Spectrum Jazz is an awesome band by itself, but also worked in perfect sync with Mr. Rowland.

The crowd stayed to the end despite some fairly cool winds blowing in through the pass from Santa Cruz, especially after sunset (microclimates: it was warm and nearly windless out in Belwood, so the temp change caught me by surprise - next time, I'll remember to bring layers).  Loads of booths ringed the periphery, enabling concert attendees to buy a little food (oysters, anyone?), wine or coffee.  Patrons at Willow Street, just on the other side of North Santa Cruz Avenue, got to enjoy patio dining enhanced by great jazz. Not a bad way to take in the music!

Blankets are no longer permitted as they were causing loads of damage to the lawn, and most of the concert goers seemed aware of this and came prepared with soccer-viewing type chairs.  This seemed to actually improve the overall situation as more people fit into the lawn area with chairs rather than a patchwork quilt of towels and blankets.

Many thanks to all the sponsors who make Jazz on the Plazz possible.  See you next week!

For information on the schedule for Jazz on the Plazz, Music in the Park, and Vasona Vibrations (the three free music concert series in Los Gatos), please visit my post with the detailed schedule:Los Gatos Free Music Concerts in 2009: Jazz on the Plazz, Music in the Park and Vasona Vibrations

Los Gatos is home to many wonderful events, many of which are free - but few of which are as highly anticipated as the Grand Hallows Ball at Border's in Old Town Los Gatos (50 University Avenue). July 20th. The party runs from 9:30 - midnight. Books go on sale at 12:01am July 21st and those who pre-ordered will be paying 40% less. See you there!!

While we're talking upcoming events, here are a few more happening nearby in the next few days:

Friday July 20: Eddie Money performs at the (Santa Cruz) Beach Boardwalk's Free Friday Night Concerts, one at 6:30pm and one at 8:30pm.

Friday July 20: 8 pm Los Gatos Shakespeare in the Park - Julius Caesar at Oak Meadow Park at the corner of Blossom Hill Rd. & University Ave. (Tickets 800-838-3006, Office 408-996-0635) www.festivaltheatreensemble.org

Sat/Sun July 21-22: Relay For Life of Los Gatos 10am Saturday - 10am Sunday. An overnight event at Fisher Middle School ground to walk or run laps to raise money for American Cancer Society.  For more information, or to register, call 408-688-0108.

Saturday July 21: 5 - 7pm (FREE Music) Vasona Vibrations Outdoor Music Series - Ambergrass Unlimited (sibs Anne and Phil Pflager doing country/bluegrass)  at Vasona Park. www.southbayfolks.org/vasona

Saturday July 21: 12 noon - 2pm (FREE MUSIC) Music at Border's in Old Town, LG Katie Joy, acoustic singer/songwriter

Saturday July 21: 8pm Los Gatos Shakespeare in the Park - Pericles, Prince of Tyre at Oak Meadow Park at the corner of Blossom Hill Rd. & University Ave. (Tickets 800-838-3006, Office 408-996-0635 www.festivaltheatreensemble.org

Sunday July 22: 5 - 7 pm (FREE MUSIC) Music in the Park - San Jose Opera Guild (Operatic Arias)
at Civic Center lawn at 110 E. Main St. 5:00 to 7:00 PM (Community Services 408-354-6820) http://www.losgatosca.gov/index.asp?NID=1220

Sunday July 22: Los Gatos Shakespeare in the Park - Tartuffle by Moliere at Oak Meadow Park at the corner of Blossom Hill Rd. & University Ave. (Tickets 800-838-3006, Office 408-996-0635) www.festivaltheatreensemble.org

Need more ideas for this weekend?  Check out the Villa Montalvo (Saratoga) events calendar, and also the (Saratoga) Mountain Winery's concert offerings as well.