Guild treats community to free summer concert

The free summer ending “Fleetwood Mac” tribute concert performed by the “Little Lies Band” and hosted by the Canyon Lake Fine Arts Guild became a six-hour community event throughout the afternoon and evening this past Saturday.

The Guild estimates that over a thousand attendees enjoyed part or all of the Hot August Night event. Under the stars and a full moon, approximately 900 people enjoyed the comfortable mid-80s temperature during the evening concert. Another large number of attendees enjoyed the evening concert aboard approximately 75 boats anchored in the lake adjacent to the seawall.

Guild President Travis Montgomery said, “We were thrilled with the response to this event. This is the first time the grassy amphitheater area was used in this manner and now we don’t see how it can be the last.”

The amphitheater features an expansive view of the lake as a backdrop to the setting.  Sitting at the edge of the water, the stage provided what many attendees described as the perfect venue for Canyon Lakers and their friends to hear the Inland Empire’s own “Little Lies Band” perform many of Fleetwood Mac’s most iconic hits.

“With school starting soon, we wanted to do something memorable to help bring summer in Canyon Lake to an exciting end for families,” said Guild Program Director Ron Martel. “Based on immediate feedback as well as social media lighting up the screens, we think we achieved our objective.”

The Guild kicked-off the evening’s activities at 4 pm in the upper grass area of Holiday Harbor Park with the arrival of “Thunder,” the Lake Elsinore Storm mascot. He frolicked with young and older alike. Throughout the pre-concert in the upper park area, the Guild treated guests to the music of “Moon Shot,” a local rock and country oldies band.

The Canyon Lake Jr. Women’s Club (JWC) sponsored a couple dozen vendor booths with sellers offering various types of popular merchandise. JWC Vendor Coordinator Julie Aquirre said, “The event was awesome. Our vendors were impressed that such a cross section of the community participated.”

JWC also sponsored its own beer and wine grotto for those who wanted to quench their thirst with adult refreshments. “We were happy to see so many Canyon Lakers come out and support such an event,” said JWC President Alissa Rackstraw.

The Canyon Lake Family Matters Club joined in by sponsoring a bounce house, for the younger attendees, and face painting. The club also staffed the Holiday Harbor snack bar, selling hot dogs, corn dogs, nachos, soft drinks and other snacks.

“We were happy to be a part of this first-time event in Canyon Lake and were gratified that we sold-out all our food,” said Family Matters Club Founder Shawna Bowen.

The City of Canyon Lake Emergency Preparedness Committee was present during the entire event. The volunteers responded to one medical emergency by helping to stabilize a patient until the arrival of the paramedics. “We sincerely appreciate the city making this valuable service available to our event,” said Travis.

The Guild’s next concert will feature the music of “Santana.” The event will be held Oct. 14 in the Holiday Bay Room at the lodge. General admission tickets are $25; VIP reserved seating tickets are $45. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the POA office, on the Guild’s website, or by calling 800- 838-3006.

For more information about the Canyon Lake Fine Arts Guild, visit canyonlakeguild.com.

Photo by Donna Ritchie

Photo by Donna Ritchie.

Photo by Donna Ritchie.

Photo by Donna Ritchie.

Photo by Donna Ritchie.