Joan Baez, Smokey Robinson, Beach Boys Start Queen Mary’s First Outdoor Concert Series

LONG BEACH, CA–(Marketwire – July 21, 2010) –  The “Summer Concert Series at the Queen Mary” kicks off on Fri., Aug. 13 at 7:30 p.m. with a performance by folk music legend Joan Baez and special guest Roger McGuinn. This will be the first of several concerts planned for August and September at the Harry Bridges Memorial Park at the Queen Mary including performances by Motown giant Smokey Robinson on Wed., Aug. 18 at 8 p.m., legendary Southern California rock band the Beach Boys on Thurs., Aug. 19 at 8 p.m. and three-time Grammy®-Award winning folk-rock artist Lucinda Williams and special guest JP, Chrissie & The Fairground Boys on Thurs., Aug. 26 at 7:30 p.m.

The Queen Mary is hosting these concerts as part of the summer-long 2010 Long Beach Sea Festival. Additional shows and dates will be announced later this month. 

Baez, the supremely accomplished interpretive folksinger of the ’60s, has influenced nearly every aspect of popular music during her still-strong career and more than 30 albums. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer McGuinn is one of the pioneers of electric rock music in America and was the front man for the legendary band, The Byrds. Smokey Robinson’s distinctive voice and songwriting skill has led to a 50-year career full of awards, including Grammys and induction into both the Songwriter Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Beach Boys, ranked #12 in Rolling Stone magazine’s 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, were awarded a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 2001. Singer-songwriter Williams is the object of cultish adoration and hailed as a major talent, by both critics and fellow musicians, who emphasize songs rich in literary detail and poetic imagery. JP, Chrissie & The Fairground Boys are a new collaboration that brings together Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders with Welsh singer-songwriter JP Jones. Their first album together, “Fidelity!” is set for release next month.

Tickets for the first three shows are $35 for lawn seating and $65 for reserved seating (plus parking) and go on sale Fri., July 23 at 9 a.m. through Ticketmaster, at the Queen Mary box office, or online at www.queenmary.com. For Corporate VIP tents or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Bruce Skidmore at [email protected] or call 562-499-1701. To join the Queen Mary concert series email list for early announcements and ticket specials, email [email protected].

Harry Bridges Memorial Park at the Queen Mary is a unique, intimate venue accommodating up to 3,000 guests in a combination of reserved and lawn seating for each performance. This outdoor venue has sweeping views of the ship, harbor, marina and the picturesque Long Beach skyline. It is one of few venues providing this atmosphere in southern California.

About the Queen Mary and its Summer Concert Series

Located in the Port of Long Beach since 1967, the Queen Mary features a rich history, authentic Art Deco décor, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach city skyline. Its award-winning restaurants include the signature Sir Winston’s. History buffs enjoy the ship’s museum and Behind the Scenes tour while guests of all ages love the Ghosts & Legends Show.

Public transportation to the Queen Mary is available and encouraged through Long Beach Transit (please check www.lbtransit.com for fares and schedules). The ship will be open to guests who want to explore on board the days of concerts. Admission price, normally $24.95 for adults and $12.95 for children (5-11), will be offered at Buy-One-Get-One-Free for concert ticket holders on show days only, and includes admission to the Ghosts & Legends Show (additional tours can be purchased on-site). Special overnight hotel packages, including concert tickets, will be available online at www.queenmary.com. For more information or for reservations, see www.queenmary.com or call (800) 437-2934.