Fair Warning, an upcoming local classic rock band that showcases iconic bands including Van Halen, AC/DC, Stone Temple Pilots and Guns N’ Roses, will perform in Dixon. Photo courtesy of the City of Dixon

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Get ready to sit back, relax and enjoy the show.

The City of Dixon and Dixon District Chamber of Commerce collaborated again for another Concerts in the Plaza lineup starting May 16. Every first and third Thursday from May until October, nearly a dozen bands will perform at Pardi Plaza from 6 to 8:30 p.m., beginning with Fair Warning.

The upcoming six-member local classic rock band showcases covers from iconic bands, including Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, Heart, and Sammy Hagar. 

"This will be the third year we are hosting the concert series," Madeline Graf, Dixon public information officer, said. "The series started in 2022 as a four-part series in October and has expanded to 11 concerts from May to October."

Dixon Chamber of Commerce President Shauna Manina said the series is more than just concerts.

 Residents lounge during a Pardi Plaza concert, enjoying free music and entertainment provided by the City of Dixon and Kaiser Permanente. Photo courtesy of the City of Dixon

"It is families with their little children coming out and laying out their blankets and running around, playing and dancing," Manina said.

The series is also for the solo.

"It's for the disabled man who comes out in his wheelchair and tells me he looks forward to this because it gives him a chance to get out of the house because he feels isolated, enjoys music and being around people," Manina said. "Pardi Plaza was created to bring the community together."

Graf said sponsors, including Kaiser Permanente, provide the Pardi Plaza entertainment at no cost.

"This free event allows families and individuals to come to the plaza and enjoy live entertainment," Graf said.

"These events are an opportunity for social connection and allow the community to get outside and enjoy our downtown at no charge."

 Dixon’s annual Concerts in the Plaza draws out dozens of residents on the first and third Thursday of the month during the summer, beginning May 16. Photo courtesy of the City of Dixon

Dixon Councilmember Jim Ernst thanked the chamber for putting the series together, saying, "I know it takes a lot of work," and "It is bringing commerce into our downtown."

One of those patrons is Vice Mayor Kevin Johnson, who shared his experience with the Pardi Plaza concerts.

"I have made sure I had timed the ones I have attended perfectly, so I was sitting in one of the outside restaurants with that in the background and it was fabulous," Johnson said.

For those relaxing on the lawn, food trucks and vendors will be available in the Pardi Plaza parking lot for patrons who wish to enjoy refreshments during the concerts.

But according to the Graf, it's not just about the crowd.

"The concerts are an opportunity for local artists and bands to perform in our community," Graf said. 

After Fair Warning debuts on May 16, Normal Paranormal and Live Wire will play on June 6, and Strange Brew will take the stage on June 20. Following is Hey Jude on July 18, Now and Then on Aug. 1, Bonanza King on Aug. 15 and Pub Kats on Sep. 5. The series winds down with Kindred Spirits on Sept. 19, Ramana Vieira on Oct. 3 and Enemy of Fate on Oct. 17.

"Each week, we feature a different band or artist," Graf said of the 11-band lineup scheduled for five months. This variety ensures that there's something for everyone to enjoy." 

 Full 2024 Concerts in the Plaza Schedule. Photo courtesy of the City of Dixon