Americana in the Park will return for its fifth year with a special edition celebrating Santa Monica's 150th anniversary, featuring diverse musical acts reflecting the city's creative spirit on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, from 1:30-6:30 p.m. at Gandara Park.
The event was previously scheduled for Sept. 21 but has been moved to Sept. 14.
Presented by Santa Monica's McCabe's Guitar Shop with KCRW as media partner, the free concert showcases a broad spectrum of Americana music from traditional roots, blues, jazz and folk to modern forms.
The 2025 lineup includes El Rayo X, formed in 1981 by multi-instrumentalist David Lindley, which fused rock, blues, reggae and world music. The original spirit of El Rayo-X returns to pay tribute to Lindley's legacy while bringing the timeless sound to a new era.
Alice Howe & Freebo will perform, with rock bass legend Freebo weaving his fretless stylings into Howe's soulful vocals for a harmony-driven showcase of two compelling songwriters.
The Gumbo Brothers, formed in 2002, brings New Orleans and classic 70s funk that became a Los Angeles hit. The band has explored soul, upbeat R&B and hip-hop, adding vitality with vocalist and emcee Apollo Jai in 2019.
Babilonia featuring Celia Chavez rounds out the lineup. After years touring as a singer for major artists, Chavez emerges as Babilonia, reclaiming pieces of herself through soul, jazz and folk with a luminous new sound.
Attendees can pack picnics and bring blankets and lawn chairs for the family-friendly entertainment. Local food trucks will offer options from Messi Burger's classic burgers to Caribbean fusion at Tropic Truck and sweet treats from Creamy Boys ice cream truck.
Kid-friendly activities will be provided by Rediscover Center, and a McCabe's Guitar Shop pop-up will feature merchandise and musical accessories.
Altadena Musicians, supported by the city's Art of Recovery initiative and committed to helping individuals who lost musical instruments in recent fires, will share information about their efforts.
Public transportation is encouraged. Big Blue Bus Route 43 serves Gandara Park every 45 minutes. Metro Rail's E Line serves nearby 26th St./Bergamot Station every 10 minutes between East Los Angeles and Downtown Santa Monica.
For more information about Americana in the Park, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/americana-in-the-park-tickets-1481827639359. For Santa Monica's 150th anniversary events, https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2025/07/10/discover-free-park-events-this-summer-and-fall-celebrating-santa-monica-s-150-years.
Edited by SMDP Staff