Summer music fun continues in west Menlo backyard

If you’re thinking that last Wednesday’s summer concert in Fremont Park signaled the end of seasonal outdoor concerts in Menlo Park, think again. You can hear live music and picnic through September – in the backyard of Menlo resident Gwen Fuller.

For the last six years, Gwen has hosted Blue Rock House Concerts. “Live music has been a passion of mine for along as I can remember,” she says. “My freshman year at Stanford, I had an 18-year-old’s dream job. I was the Stanford Daily’s photographer for all the best rock concerts in the Bay Area. I honestly got spoiled by having tickets close to the stage and by the occasional backstage pass.

“Many years later, I found myself constantly ranting about the lousy acoustics at most concert venues, the parking hassles, the ticket prices, the bad food, the distance from the performers, etc. There had to be a way to experience great live music without all the drawbacks. In a wave of midlife momentum, I set out to find it!”

The first of 2010’s three backyard concerts will be this Sunday (8/15) featuring Celtic band Molly’s Revenge. The yard opens around 5:00 for picnicking (bring your own food and beverage); the music starts at 6:00 and continues until 8:00.

While not free, Gwen charges “to pay the band.” For Molly’s Revenge, the cost is $25 for one – and a special price of $35 for two. Bring cash to pay at the door, but reserve in advance as the backyard events often reach capacity (120 people).

Future concerts feature Night Moves on Sept. 11 for a picnic lunch and Luce on Sept. 25 for Saturday evening entertainment. Gwen promises to keep us posted about a couple of smaller indoor events later this year.

Photos courtesy of Gwen Fuller