The third fabulously free Concert in The Grove series is primed and ready to ignite Clayton rockers. Shows begin this Saturday, May 8, with Aja Vu featuring danceable R&B and classic rock hits from Steely Dan, Sly and the Doobie Brothers.

“This is promised to be the best season as far as quality of bands,” said Councilman and concert organizer Howard Geller. “We took back the cream of the crop.”

Mamaluke – with four members who attended Clayton Valley High, Mixed Nuts and Diamond Dave from Lafayette all return as popular favorites for their third year.

New bands include Laurent Fourgo & His Orchestra on July 31, fulfilling a popular request for big band sound. The group boasts a six-piece horn section and soaring vocals.

“Swing appeals to another generation,” promised Councilwoman Julie Pierce, concert coordinator for the city, “and introduces the younger generation to big band sounds.”

A new country band also should satisfy some requests, Pierce noted. The Michael Paul Band, slated for July 17, entertains with hot new country and Southern rock.

An unbelievable season finale is promised on Sept. 11 with the Hit Waves, a 12-piece, high-energy dance band that will “take you on a musical journey” from the ’60s to now and “propel you out of your seats.”

“Expect big crowds,” Geller said. Last year’s concerts grew 700-2,000 attendees.

Blankets and chairs can be set up on the grass after 4 p.m. for the 6 p.m. concerts, keeping The Grove available for recreational use during the day. “Order take-out from downtown food establishments and have an early picnic,” Pierce suggested. “What a nice way to spend a Saturday night, with Mt. Diablo as a backdrop.”

Christiane Brinkerhoff describes the beauty of the setting. “You get the alpenglow on the western facing hills when the sun sets,” she said. “It makes living in Clayton more fun.”

“You see lots of people you know,” adds Dana Wiggenhauser, whose family attended concerts last year when out walking their dog. “We got a place on the grass even though we got there later,” she added.

The 10-concert series is sponsored by the city of Clayton, the Clayton Business and Community Association and Allied Waste Services and only promoted through the Clayton Pioneer and a banner at the Town Center entrance.

“Howard Geller is the driving force behind the series,” Pierce said. “He puts in a lot of time and effort out of the goodness of his heart.”

Jars passed last year netted $7,000 in donations toward the $25,000 cost. “Folks were very generous,” said Pierce, noting that the city would like the concerts to be self-supporting. Donation jars will be located by the sound engineer booth and each end of the bandstand.

“That’s what makes Clayton so great – the way so many people pitch in,” said Pierce.

For more information, visit cityofclayton.org, and click on Concerts in The Grove.