Free concert series celebrates vets all month
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Yolanda Johnson, aka Creole Woman, performs Sunday, Nov. 14, in a free concert at 1 p.m. at the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa.
Born into a musical family, Johnson has been onstage since the age of 5. She and her father, Lindor “Red” Johnson, performed throughout California; Johnson often carries her father’s sax with her in his memory. Her lifelong love of the blues and jazz, with deep roots in New Orleans, Louisiana, is shared by her All Star Band: bassist Bill “Capt. Swoop” Pitman, keyboard and synth player Norm Weatherly, drummer Billy Butler, guitarist Vernon Neilly, sax-man Kenneth Rice, and vocalist Dianne White.
During November, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts celebrates National Veterans and Military Families Month with a series of free outdoor concerts on Argyros Plaza. The series concludes on Nov. 21 with the Scotty Barnhart Quintet featuring vocalist Natalie Jacob.
Everyone is invited to gather familyandfriendsforanafternoon of live music curated and emceed by Air Force veteran and radio personality Bubba Jackson. Attendees should bring their own chairs and blankets, and they can either purchase food from the center’s George’s Café or bring their own picnic; outside alcohol, glass containers, tables, barbecues and food preparation are not permitted. Masks are strongly encouraged.
Though a free event, tickets are required. They’re available via (714) 556-2787 or www.scfta.org/ events/2021/yolanda-johnson.
