August marks a busy and fruitful time for the San Carlos Community Garden (SCCG) and there is still time to enjoy the final days of this month.
On Aug. 25 the garden will hold its closing summer concert in the Stuff the Pantry concert series.
Local musicians Mark Montijo, Thea Tochihara and concert organizer Sandé Lollis, will be performing from 5 – 7 p.m. in the garden amphitheater. With a backdrop of Cowles Mountain and the intimate surrounding of summer crops and flowers growing in the garden, concertgoers are treated to live music and storytelling from the artists.
SCCG Board Chair Carol Lockwood explained the concert’s unique atmosphere.
“The SCCG’s concert series couldn’t have happened without the vision and organization of musician/volunteer Sandé Lollis,” Lockwood said. “Sandé brought together nine talented local artists to perform during the summer in the Garden’s idyllic setting, a perfect environment to bring the community together for relaxation and fun on a Friday evening. The musicians tell stories, sing their own compositions and engage the audiences in ways not often seen in larger venues.”
As mentioned, Lollis, lead singer and song writer of indie folk band Enter the Blue Sky, has dedicated countless hours and resources to these events. For this last production, she will be performing as a solo artist, as well.
“I’m really excited about performing,” Lollis remarked. “Not only are we [the performers] introducing ourselves to the community but also to each other. They’ve all said it’s so nice to get to know each other and be a part of this community.”
Beyond enjoying the music, the Stuff the Pantry concert series focuses on an important cause — food insecurity.
So far, the SCCG has collected more than 160 pounds of food donations which are donated to the Good Shepherd Food Bank of El Cajon. The garden has a goal of collecting 200 pounds of food from guests during this next concert.
“A record amount of donations was collected at our last concert, and we hope to set a new record at this next event” Lockwood said. “Joining together to help others and get to know our community is always our Garden’s goal.”
Taking place from 9:30 – 11 a.m. on Aug. 26, is the SCCG’s monthly Produce Swap and Music Share. The event is open to the public and visitors are encouraged to bring produce, recipes and stories to share with their community. Lollis’ band, Enter the Blue Sky, will also be performing for the duration of the produce swap.
Both musical productions take place in the garden’s amphitheater — a popular and well-loved area covered in decorated tiles and surrounded by various plants and flowers. The amphitheater was installed and donated by Precision Concrete Designs, a construction company based in San Diego and founded by CEO Kenny Schindler (pictured with his family).
“We wanted to help and be a part of the San Carlos Community Garden and now here we are a decade later, and hopefully the amphitheater stays there for a decade more and is something that all young kids and families can enjoy when they visit the garden,” Schindler said.
Likewise, Golden State Plumbing, a sponsor of the SCCG’s Stuff the Pantry concert series, has been providing professional plumbing installation and repair services throughout San Diego. President and Owner Felipe Velasquez recounted his desire to support the SCCG.
“The San Carlos Community Garden has enhanced the community for all of us who live here,” Velasquez said. “As a business owner that lives and works in this community, giving back is just the right thing to do.”
For more information, visit: sancarloscommunitygarden.com.
