Concert series comes close at Garfield Park

By Jenna Giulioni

Senior Staff Writer

The summer series of concerts held at Garfield Park ended Sunday, August 9 with a Latin American musical performance. Around 300 South Pasadena residents completely filled the designated seating areas and even spilled onto the sidewalk to watch Louie Cruz Beltran and his band.

The band, complete with vocals, flute, saxophone, drums, and bass, brought the crowd to their feet several times throughout the performance. Some even gathered in the front to dance along. Families set up blankets and had picnics in the grass while root beer floats and ‘Taquizas el Chato’ were sold in the back.

After the crowd cheered for one last song, lead singer, Louie Cruz Beltran ended with, “Take care of your children, hold on to them like diamonds.” The concert lasted from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and many stayed later to enjoy the cool evening.

“I really enjoyed taking my younger siblings to a few of the concert in the summer series,” rising senior Savannah Pierce said. “There were a couple good ones, but this was by far the best. Everyone was so spirited, really soaking up what’s left of summer.”
The final concert was sponsored by the LA County Supervisor, Michael D. Antonovich and hosted by the South Pasadena Parks and Recreation Commission as a summer celebration for the city.