With destination music festivals on the rise, Jeff Trager is more interested in bringing music to people's backyards.
That's why when Traeger booked the lineup for the Fairfield Summer Music Series, they knew they needed to add more venues that would be accessible to audiences.
“If they don't want to go downtown, go to a park where there are more homes,” says Traeger of Frazier Traeger Presents.
That's exactly what will happen May 3, when blues singer Alvon Johnson begins the city's weekly concert series at Ridgeview Park.
In addition to finding a new space for the community to gather and have fun, Trager also wanted to welcome new bands. This year, Traeger added two rock bands, the Pubcuts and Wake the Bandits, as well as Mingo Ruiz, who played drums for Santana, among others.
“I don't do the same thing as Creekwalk. They bring in the same bands every year,” Traeger said. “I think people should be exposed to new bands.”
One exception to this is bringing back crowd favorites like Papa Joe's and the New Deal.
The family band, which started in Vallejo 13 years ago, is the quintessential neighborhood band. Playing famous hits from across the decades, the band guarantees that anyone who listens will have a good time.
“If the band has a secret, it's that we play happy music,” Papa Joe Lucero said. “We will perform pieces that will bring back fond memories of the past.”
As for their wide audience appeal, Lucero believes the age diversity of the band's members helped them reach the hearts of many generations. At its core, it is family-oriented, and strong bonds are formed even among members who are not related by blood.
“It gives us consistency every show. We try really hard to be the best band we can be, even if we're doing other people's music,” Lucero said. .
Lucero says it's not scary when a band expands beyond its community, whether it's a recent show at Napa's Blue Note or a summer concert in Fairfield. That's partly because they have consistent performances, and partly because they try to take the audience as far as possible.
When Lucero prepares for a gig, he treats the event like a neighborhood barbecue and invites everyone he knows. “When you go to a new place, your goal is to introduce it to everyone on your list,” Lucero says.
“Our goal is to bring you to the show and make you a part of the show and make you feel like you're part of the family,” Lucero said.
The concert will be held Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. Locations and artists can be found online: www.fairfield.ca.gov/our-city/fairfield-Summer-music-series