By Lookout Staff

August 20, 2025 -- Americana in the Park -- a free concert series showcasing American music -- returns next month with a special edition celebrating Santa Monica’s 150th Anniversary, Ciy officials announced last week.

The concert presented by two Santa Monica cultural institutions -- McCabe's Guitar Shop and public radio station KCRW -- takes place Sunday, September 14, from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Gandara Park at 1819 Stewart Street.

Kicking of its 5th year, Americana in the Park "brings a broad spectrum of Americana music from traditional roots, blues, jazz and folk to its modern forms," according to event organizers.

The concert lineup includes:

* El Rayo X -- Formed in 1981 by the multi-instrumentalist David Lindley, El Rayo-X fused rock, blues, reggae, and world music into a "genre-defying soul-stirring sound." The band pays tribute to Lindley’s legacy "while bringing the timeless El Rayo-X sound to life for a new era."

* Alice Howe & Freebo -- Renowned rock bassist Freebo "weaves his fretless stylings" into Alice Howe's "soulful, impeccably-tuned vocals for a harmony-driven performance showcasing two uniquely compelling songwriters."

* The Gumbo Brothers -- Formed in 2002, The Gumbo Brothers’ New Orleans and classic 70s funk added soul, upbeat R&B and hip-hop over the years, as well as vocalist and emcee Apollo Jai.

* Babilonia featuring Celia Chavez -- After years touring the world as a singer for major artists, Chavez "emerged as Babilonia, reclaiming pieces of herself through soul, jazz and folk—resisting melancholy" that resulted in "a luminous new sound that's wholly her own."

Americana in the Park feature kid-friendly activities provided by Rediscover Center, rotating food trucks and a McCabe’s Guitar Pop-Up Shop. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets.

Altadena Musicians, a group supported by the City’s Art of Recovery initiative and committed to assisting individuals who lost their musical instruments and audio gear in the recent devastating fires, will be on hand to share more information about their efforts.

Public transportation is encouraged. Big Blue Bus Route 43 serves Gandara Park, with buses running every 30 minutes.

Metro Rail’s E Line also serves the nearby 26th St./Bergamot Station, with trains operating between East Los Angeles and Downtown Santa Monica every 10 minutes.