CL celebrates ‘Margaritaville’ at new amphitheater

The Canyon Lake Fine Arts Guild presented “Margaritaville by the Lake,” a tribute to Jimmy Buffett and the tropical music genre, on Saturday evening at the Holiday Harbor Park amphitheater.

An estimated 1,500 people filled the amphitheater and the adjacent areas. A few dozen boats anchored in the water behind the stage.

The show opened with The Bad Dancers, followed by Stars on the Water, which had the audience dancing and singing along.

Two food trucks and the Jr. Women’s Club provided the food and beverages for the picnic in the park that preceeded the main act.

The Fine Arts Guild distributed free water and fans to wave off the heat, even if the weather, which ranged from the high 70s to the mid-80s, was generally regarded as pleasant. The attendees were thrilled with the new amphitheater and the music, but a highlight was the spectacular sunset, which set just off to the left of the stage and lit up the lake and venue with brilliant shades of yellow, orange and blue.

“With such an enthusiastic well-behaved audience, remarkable music, perfect weather and that dazzling sunset, we were extremely pleased with our initial event at this stunning new venue,” said Fine Arts Guild President Ron Martel. The Fine Arts Guild invites the community back to the amphitheater on Aug. 10 for a Rolling Stones tribute concert, featuring Jumping Jack Flash. Ron adds, “We will be ready for an even larger crowd.”