Village merchants present Haute La Jolla Nights this Saturday

Haute La Jolla Nights is a free event sponsored by the La Jolla Village Merchants Association (LJVMA) that brings together La Jolla’s world-class arts community, fine dining, unique shopping experiences and live music.

The event is set for 6-9 p.m. Saturday, July 21 to amp up the energy throughout the Village with 15 music groups performing jazz, blues, pop, classical music, alternative, and a whole lot of rock ‘n’ roll.

The Haute La Jolla Nights series kicked off June 9 with much acclaim by participating businesses and patrons. By all standards, the first event was a huge success. From the quantity and quality of music, to the creativity of participating merchants and the lively art gallery receptions, the event was bigger and more exciting than anyone could have expected for a first-time event.

“We have a challenge to make the event bigger and better each time,” said volunteer organizer Julie Matibag. “For the second event, we’ve introduced a contest that will help to drive traffic into stores.”

To participate, guests should look for the full-page advertisement in the La Jolla Light, Carmel Valley News, Solana Beach Sun and the Del Mar Times and use the form on the ad to enter for a chance to win a free, two-night stay and spa package from La Costa Resort. Entry forms will be accepted at the nine advertised locations. To increase their chances of winning, guests may enter once at each locale.

But not all the fun will be on the street. At the last event, merchants pulled out all the stops to create shopping experiences their customers would not soon forget. Adelaide’s put on quite a show with demonstrations that transformed ordinary vegetables into magnificent floral arrangements. Warwick’s served craft brews and tiramisu made with rich, dark beer called “Beerimisu.” Most merchants offered wine, Champagne and appetizers.

The art galleries exhibited their panache by introducing guests to new artists with lively receptions.

The musical line-up for the next Haute La Jolla Nights will include MOR SOL (jazz/rock/Latin), Chilla Trio (jazz), Old Man Wizard (progressive rock), Saline Solutions (alternative rock), Carlos Rock Experience, Mr. Hunter (acoustic guitar), Neveready (alternative rock), Aja Lee (blues/pop) Fakebook (rock/R&B), No Name City jazz/rock ‘n’ roll), Larry Johnson (solo pop), Hausmann Quartet (chamber music), Dialog Project (original rock/jazz/blues), Gus Mezza (singer) and Ron Jones (Boomers Deejay).