I Love Fair Oaks

Lifestyle & Events in Fair Oaks, CA Spotlight on local businesses, recreation, and activities in Fair Oaks, California

Fair Oaks Theatre Festival

Paperback Writer Concert in Fair Oaks

By

The Beatles tribute band, Paperback Writer, was a hit at the Fair Oaks Theatre Festival. The concert began with songs from the early 1960s. The band dressed in dark suits with the Beatle hair cut, also known as the mop-top as they wore on the Ed Sullivan show.

A large audience came out to watch the concert. It was amazing! Many happy faces enjoying the show. Under the stars with a half-moon shining so bright. A gorgeous night! Perfect weather and great music! I think many of us are lost in nostalgia when we hear the Beatles songs. It brings me back to my childhood.

The second half of the Beatles experience took us on a journey through the Sgt. Pepper’s years. “When I’m 64, and Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”, and my favorite, “Hey Jude.”

Instead of lighters, people in the audience swayed to the music with their cell phones being used as lights. It was beautiful! I wished I had captured it. Thanks to the Fair Oaks Theatre Festival and Fair Oaks Brew Pub for bringing us another spectacular evening of entertainment.

Fair Oaks Theatre Festival – Steelin’ Dan in Concert 2019

By

Steelin Dan performing at Fair Oaks Theatre Festival in Fair Oaks, CA
Steelin Dan performing at Fair Oaks Theatre Festival in Fair Oaks, CA

The summer of 2019 season of the Fair Oaks Theatre Festival has begun! Kicking off with a sophisticated rock and funky jazz sounds of Steelin’ Dan – the Music of Steely Dan. I enjoyed them so much last summer when they played at the Veterans Memorial Amphitheatre in Fair Oaks, CA.

It was a beautiful evening that began with a colorful sunset. Pinks & violets in the sky would later be an indicator of coming showers. There was this chicken so content with the crowd. Even sitting in laps and on shoulders. It walked through as people danced and also got up on stage and walked around the band as they played before finding a comfy spot to roost. It was the neatest thing.

It rained. There was a flash of lightning in the sky, and Sandford said that if it starts raining, you will see a bunch of musicians running off the stage. Well, it didn’t shower right away, but in the middle of a great set, we started to feel a drop, then another. Still dancing. Nobody wanted to acknowledge it, and the band played on as long as they could. When the drops starting coming down bigger and faster, we knew it was time to call it quits.

The band said that they would have loved being on Fair Oaks Live before the show. So, we did the next best thing. We walked over to Stockman’s in Fair Oaks Village. It was busy, but we found a booth and Sandford joined us. He’s one impressive dude. Wow!

I wish we had more time with the band members. All of them are wonderful and talented. I’m sure they are as exciting too. So often the lead singer gets the attention, and I think that’s why Sandford emphasizes that there are no prima donnas in the band.

Several of the band members also teach music.

Sanford teaches high school English and a culinary arts class to HS seniors. Both of his parents were college professors. He spent about 30 years working in the restaurant business and did well for himself, but he decided that he wanted to offer more by teaching.

The band enjoys playing together and feel like it’s a bonus that people want to pay them to do what they love.

I think you will enjoy listening to the interview and if you stick around to the end, you’ll see the chicken too.

It was a fantastic night! If you get a chance to see Steelin’ Dan perform, do it! Visit the Steelin’ Dan website and find out where they’re playing next. They have an interesting Facebook page with videos and an Instagram page for you to connect with.

What’s next at Fair Oaks Theatre Festival?

Gilligan’s Island! Opening June 14th – July 15th, 2019.

Mamma Mia! Opening August 9th – September 8th

HIGH TIDE
A Tribute to the Beach Boys and Surf Music
July 20,2019

SPECIAL EVENT
The New Christy Minstrels
JULY 28, 2019

CARAVANSERAI
The Santana Tribute
JULY 27, 2019

NIGHT MOVES
A Tribute to Bob Seger and Creedence Clearwater Revival
​SEPT 14, 2019

PAPERBACK WRITER
The Beatles Experience
OCTOBER 5, 2019

See showtimes and buy tickets at the Fair Oaks Theatre Festival.

Fair Oaks Theatre Festival

By

Opening Night of Mary Poppins at Fair Oaks Theatre Festival – Photo by Chrysti Tovani

If Fair Oaks is considered the crown of the Sacramento Valley, the Fair Oaks Theatre Festival is one of the most incredible jewels. Enjoy fun, friendly, and affordable entertainment under the stars brought to you by outstanding volunteers and a fantastic ensemble of talented actors and performers.

I loved Mary Poppins at the Veterans Memorial Amphitheater. We are blessed to have our Theater group in Fair Oaks. We started with an ice cream and champagne social for opening night. Mary Poppins was the first movie my mom took me to see in a theater as a child and it was magical.

journey revisited band hosted by fair oaks brew pub and fair oaks theater festival may 26 2018 i love fair oaks 4
Journey Revisited at Fair Oaks Theatre Festival Summer 2018 – Photo by Chrysti Tovani

I had the pleasure of jamming to live music of the greatest bands in my lifetime. We kicked off the concert series with Journey Revisited – A Tribute to the Music of Journey. With songs like, Don’t Stop Believin’, Wheel in the Sky, Any Way You Want It; we had to dance!

Steelin’ Dan – The Music of Steely Dan at Fair Oaks Theatre Festival Summer 2018 – Photo by Chrysti Tovani

Next up was Steelin’ Dan – the Music of Steely Dan. With sophisticated rock and funky jazz sounds of Steely Dan, we danced under the stars to Reelin’ in the Years, Hey Nineteen, Dirty Work, Rikki Don’t Lose That Number and other classic hits. This band nailed it! Lead singer, Sandford Wragg, and the band conquered! One of the best performances of the summer! After the show, some of us walked over to Stockman’s in Fair Oaks Village and had a drink with the band. It was a fantastic night! If you get a chance to see Steelin’ Dan perform, do it! Visit the Steelin’ Dan website and find out where they’re playing next.

Boys of Summer – Eagles Tribute Band Summer of 2018 – Photo by Chrysti Tovani

Last of the concert series was Boys of Summer Eagles Tribute Band. They played to a sold-out crowd.

What’s playing at the Fair Oaks Theatre Festival in 2019?

  • June 14th to July 14th, 2019 is Gilligan’s Island
  • August 9th to September 8th, 2019 is Mama Mia

Every year from June through August/September there are plays, concerts, and comedy nights. Tickets are available for purchase online, and you can pick them up at the box office before the show. It’s best to buy tickets early because they sell out fast. You can sign up to know as soon as tickets go on sale.

Follow The Fair Oaks Theatre Festival on Facebook. During the year they partner with other community organizations to produce family-friendly events like Safe Halloween, Winnie the Pooh Christmas Show and a St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner.