Ron’s Garage Band Brings Classic Rock Vibes to Concerts at the Park
SDCE residents gathered under the golden summer skies at Ramona Oaks Park on Saturday, July 19, from 6 to 9 pm for a lovely installment of the SDCE Concerts in the Park series, featuring none other than Ron’s Garage Band.
Ron’s Garage Band is a San Diego-based band known for its energetic takes on classic rock hits. With families spread out on blankets and lawn chairs, and kids dancing in the grass, the park came alive with the sound of harmonies and a warm community spirit.
“We have done the Ramona Oaks Park Concert for at least 10 years,” says Ron Wheeler. “Atmosphere is great, and the crowds are fun. Amy Holsapple is a treat. She is wonderful to work with and has a great personality!”
Wheeler started the band as a three-piece acoustic group in 1994. It has since evolved into the band it is today, playing a mix of classic rock, yacht rock, and ballads. Wheeler plays the acoustic/electric guitar (rhythm); Claudio Martin plays lead guitar; Gary Taylor plays percussion; and Phil Lean plays bass.
Ron’s Garage Band started out playing in Coronado at McP’s Irish Pub and Cafe 1134 (now Parakeet Cafe). They played for almost 19 years on the Sun Deck at the Hotel Del Coronado during the summer season. Their goal is to provide the highest quality music for friends to enjoy. The band now plays at The Galley at the Marina (Chula Vista), McP’s in Coronado, BNS Brewery in Santee, The Loma Club at Liberty Station, Hooley’s I and II, Coronado Shores Beach Club, and numerous private events.
Concerts in the park are a beloved pastime for SDCE residents. Sonia Munoz, who lives near Ramona Oaks Park, is a personal chef and works for a broker and a realtor. She enjoys attending concerts in the park throughout the summer and appreciates that they are held twice a month. In addition, she visits Ramona Oaks Park every day to have lunch, walks four miles a day, and frequently uses the pool. She enjoys all the amenities that SDCE has to offer. Munoz says this community is a great place to raise a family and is thankful to be a part of it.
“We have come to every single one for the last three years,” says SDCE homeowner, Amber Zuniga. She says the kids can play, and the adults can socialize and listen to music. She likes the community and running into familiar faces. She loves that she can run into friends that she hasn’t seen in years.
This year’s Summer Concerts in the Park started June 7 and continue every other weekend through October 18. Each concert features a different local band, providing residents with a fun-filled night of music. From June 7 through September 6, the music plays from 6 to 9 pm, and from September 20 through October 18, it will play from 5 to 8 pm. Bands in the series include Blind Miles Blues, Cadillac Fringe, Black Canyon, Ron’s Garage Band, Rewind, BB & Company, Dirty Confetti, Cool Rush, Whiskey State of Mind, and Steel Dawn.
The Summer Concerts at Ramona Oaks Park, located at 25341 Pappas Road, are more than just music; they’re a celebration of community.
Photos by Tiffany Pressler.
