The new season opens at 7 this evening for Culver City’s Boulevard Music Summer Festival, and the producer was asked if opening with a bluegrass duo was a strategic move.
“No,” said Gary Mandell, the musical maestro beginning his 17th summer in the Dale Jones Courtyard at City Hall. .
“Tonight was the only date they were available.”
In this season of all new performers, the Grammy-nominated country duo of Rob Ickes, the instrumentalist, and young vocalist Trey Hensley lead off. This is their Culver City debut.
Always candid, Mr. Mandell said that “on a perfect world, I might have preferred a high-energy act,” or at least one known to regular concert-goers.
“It’s a dilemma. A little bit of a risk. Some people probably will wonder why. Ickes and Hensley are outstanding in their field. Remember, they are Grammy-nominated. They are doing big venues, too.”
Lining up acts each season “is like putting a puzzle together,” Mr. Mandell said. “Never perfect.”
While concert seating is free, chairs may be reserved for $10 at Mr. Mandell’s Boulevard Music store, 4316 Sepulveda Blvd., 310.398.2583.
While one-hour free parking recently was instituted at Downtown garages, concert attendees can be validated for two hours, Mr. Mandell said.
