Concert series gets save in Newport

Newport Beach’s summer concert series has a new location this year after nearly being yanked from the calendar altogether.

The annual event is usually at Fashion Island, but was canceled this year due to construction and a lack of sponsorship. But longtime director Gerald Ishibashi stepped in and organized a concert series of his own.

The concerts will be at 7 p.m. for the next three weeks at the Island Hotel, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach.

The first show is today and will feature Grammy winner Poncho Sanchez.

Dave Mason will perform Aug. 19, followed by a Carlos Santana tribute band Aug. 26.

The cost is $20 for general admission and $30 for VIP seating.

“I believe there is a market for shows like this,” Ishibashi said in a press release.

“I believe that if you build a show with music that resonates with a certain generation in a nice environment, they will come.”

For more information, call (949) 690-4412 or go to www.rendezvousroad.com.

— Paul Oginni