Westside Pavilion has a dozen shows this summer

“We’re excited to kick off our second season,” exclaimed B.J. Nelson, executive director of operations at the Black Oak Casino Resort in Tuolumne. The concert series at Westside Pavilion, 17807 Tuolumne Road, Tuolumne, has 12 shows in 2019. “We have the hottest performers among those touring this year, including Peter Frampton on his farewell tour.”

“We started booking early,” he admits. The fact that this is the second year of the series makes Tuolumne County a more appealing stop to performers. According to Nelson, country and classic rock music have the broadest appeal for the audience, so the lineup leans toward these genres.

“But we also have Snoop Dogg on tap – he’s a musical legend – and the rapper and pop artist Pitbull, who will create a different kind of party atmosphere,” Nelson said.

The new Westside Pavilion is off Tuolumne Road next to Summerville High School, the same venue that hosts the fall Strawberry Music Festival and the Westside Tribute Band and Brew Fest. The Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians purchased the 328-acre property in 2004 and completed the entertainment venue in 2018. Named for the logging enterprise that once occupied the land, Westside Pavilion holds 6,000 concertgoers, with 2,500 reserved seats and 3,500 general admission tickets.

“We have a 140-foot stage that can accommodate big productions and the largest video walls in an outdoor venue in Northern California. There are no bad seats,” Nelson said.

Parking is free whether in lots adjacent to the venue or at the casino. Nelson encourages folks to park at the casino.

“You can hop on a shuttle that drops you at the entrance to the pavilion,” he said. “Shuttles run continually from the casino from the time the venue gates open at 4:30 until one hour after the show.”

Taking the shuttle omits the walk from the parking lot and also the congestion after the show.

“We have California Highway Patrol helping folks leave the parking lot,” Nelson added, “but there’s no waiting when you take the shuttle. We have large charter buses, so everyone can be accommodated at once.”

Nelson reminds attendees that no outside foods or beverages are allowed, but plenty of vendors in the form of food trucks with various offerings are on-site.

“We have full service for beer, wine and liquor,” he explained, “with several local wineries in attendance. Expect bag checks and wanding as you pass through the gate and remember no professional photography is allowed.”

There was a great buzz among my circle of friends when we learned Pat Benatar and Melissa Etheridge would appear at the pavilion on July 21. We all purchased tickets ready to dance up on storm on the lawn.

The shows are at 7 p.m. and tickets are sold at blackoakconcertseries.com or inside the casino.

June 20 – Sublime With Rome and the Common Kings, tickets are $38.50 to $228.50.

June 21 – Lee Brice with Tyler Farr, $40 to $225.

June 27 – Pitbull with a guest, $55 to $325.

July 5 – Chris Young with Lindsay Ell, $39 to $250.

July 6 – Snoop Dogg & Friends with the Isley Brothers, Warren G and Kurupt, $59 to $325.

July 21 – Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo with Melissa Etheridge, $49 to $525.

Aug. 9 – Bush and Live, $49 to $475.

Aug. 16 – Brantley Gilbert and a guest, $43 to $375.

Sept. 1 – Bad Company with the Wallflowers, ticket prices had not been disclosed as of press time.

Oct. 6 – Peter Frampton with Jason Bonham’s Jed Zeppelin Evening, $49 to $1,300.