Guild treats community to evening of music

The Canyon Lake community was treated to an evening of music, food and camaraderie last Saturday evening at the amphitheater at Holiday Harbor Park. Arguably one of the most breathtaking venue settings anywhere, the Canyon Lake Fine Arts Guild sponsored the event, as well as the earlier Jimmy Buffet tribute concert in June, as a way to give back to the community.

“It’s Only Rock n’ Roll” featured the energetic Rolling Stones tribute band Jumping Jack Flash as well as the local rock group, Southern Reign Band. The event included a picnic in the park, vendors, food trucks and adult beverages offered by the Junior Women’s Club. Guests were welcome to bring their own picnic baskets.

Attendees began arriving as early as 6 a.m. to save spots for the evening’s concert. By 9 a.m., the main venue was about 70 percent occupied, but many were comfortable on the lawn areas above and adjacent to the amphitheater. Counting the hundred or so boats in the water, total attendance was estimated at 2,000 enjoying the event.

The Southern Reign Band kicked off the evening with hard-charging rock and country cover songs from the 60s, 70s and 80s. The energetic Jumping Jack Flash took the stage at 8 p.m., performing songs from the Rolling Stones’ extensive catalog.

A surprise of the evening was the arrival of Lake Elsinore Storm’s mascot Thunder, who danced on stage with the band as well in the audience.

The Canyon Lake Fine Arts Guild’s mission is to promote quality entertainment and music to the community. “The Guild is pleased to provide the music, but we also strive to make the entire evening a distinctive Canyon Lake experience,” said Fine Arts Guild President Ron Martel.

The Fine Arts Guild will wrap up its 2019 season with a Doobie Brothers tribute concert on Sept. 7 and a Neil Diamond tribute concert on Oct. 19. Both events will be held at the lodge.

Tickets for all of the Fine Arts Guild’s concerts at the lodge are $25 for general admission and $45 for VIP. Tickets are on sale now at CanyonLakeGuild.org and the POA office.