Every summer Laguna Beach hosts free (voluntary donations accepted, however) concerts in Bluebird Park nearly every Sunday evening.  The bands are quite varied: rock, folk, comedy, cover bands, etc.  The crowds are lively, and because it's a BYOB event, there is quite a bit of dancing as the event progresses.

The day generally starts out with concert-goers-to-be setting out blankets to stake their territory.  The lawn looks like a patchwork of odd bad blankets. . .

For as long as we have been going, this blanket staking process has been occurring.  People actually get to the park at 10:00 am or earlier to set up their space.  Then they show up at about 4:45 pm, just minutes before the show to claim their territory.

Now, however, this practice is no longer allowed.  Any blankets placed before 3:00 are removed.  So those of us who like to get there early and STAY are in good shape! 

Anyway, we generally like to get there with our food, beer, and wine at about 3:30 to get the party started.  The park is a great place to hang out with friends.

We generally set up on the left side of the field, on a small hill to view the scene.  Since it's a local crowd activity, you see a lot of folks you know.

Helene, Keith, Andrew (low), Megan (high), Nicole, Jeff, and Dana

One of the local fixtures of the event is a very physically-fit Laguna Dude who, shirtless, dances for the entire two-hour length of the concert.  It wouldn't be a complete outing if this guy isn't spotted.

Another delight is our friend Rick's delicious cooking.  He always goes all-out to prepare gourmet treats for classy outdoor dining.  Rick has a cool website, where he sells high-end cooking supplies.  Based on the treats he regularly prepares, his expertise in this field is unquestionable!

On this occasion, Megan and I got to the park before everybody else, so we had the daunting task of saving precious lawn space for our imminently sizeable crowd.  Megan occupied her time by doing crossword puzzles, and I tasted some new wine while taking up my photographer duties.

At about 4:00 or so, our friends started rolling in.  We had a group of about eight to ten, but not all in the same place at the same time.  That happens all the time.  Our friends know other people, who in turn know other people, etc.  And the festivities encourage making new friends on the spot.

The summertime Music in the Park is one of Laguna Beach's best little local events!

Megan