Top concerts coming to Rady Shell this summer
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Sunset views of Rady Shell. Photo: Andy Keatts/Axios
The Rady Shell's summer schedule is packed with world-class performances that offer chances for picture-perfect San Diego nights on the water, under the city's skyline.
Why it matters: The San Diego Symphony's $83 million venue at Jacobs Park quickly became a premier attraction since opening in 2021, and its summer season is further solidifying that place.
Catch up quick: When the Shell opened, The New York Times called it "a project of such architectural and acoustical distinction that it would distinguish San Diego on any cultural map."
Driving the news: The fourth summer season begins June 28, with a handful of rare or exclusive performances with the symphony.
- July 3 — The symphony orchestra performs a world premiere of a celebration of the work of Marc Shaiman — a Tony, Emmy and Grammy winner.
- July 5 — Ziggy Marley plays his only concert with an orchestra this year.
- Aug. 11 — San Diego's Jason Mraz and the Superband concludes his tour with one of a few dates with symphony orchestras this year.
- Aug. 15 — John Legend performs one of three shows he has planned nationwide this year with an orchestra.
The latest: Big pop, rock and R&B acts are playing without the symphony orchestra, too.
- .July 4 — The Commodores (along with the Big Bay Boom firework display).
- July 23 — Jewel and Melissa Etheridge.
- Aug. 4 — Los Lobos, Los Lonely Boys and Son Rompe Pera.
- Aug. 24 — Gary Clark Jr.
- Sept. 1 — The Beach Boys.
- Sept. 6 — Trombone Shorty with Orleans Avenue and Big Boi.
- .July 4 — The Commodores (along with the Big Bay Boom firework display).. down last year on public access for people without tickets during events, but you can still post up on the public benches along the water by the venue for free.
If you go: The Port of San Diego crac.ked down last year on public access for people without tickets during events, but you can still post up on the public benches along the water by the venue for free.
- Get there early to snag a bench — and if this week's Khruangbin show was any indication, the pro move is to bring along fat burritos.
- You can also walk around the promenade during shows or sit and enjoy the show from the nearby basketball court.
Fun fact: Most San Diego Symphony rehearsals at the Shell are also free to the public.
Here's the full schedule for the 2024 Conrad Prebys Summer Season:
- Concerts without the San Diego Symphony Orchestra marked with an asterisk.
June 28 — Summer 2024 Opening Night with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra.
June 29 — The music of John Williams.
June 30 — An evening with Audra McDonald.
July 3 — An evening with Marc Shaiman and his Music: Sleepless in Seattle, Hairspray, Beaches, Sister Act, Smash and more!
July 4 — The Commodores*
July 5 — Ziggy Marley with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra.
July 6 — Harry Connick, Jr.*
July 7 — Icons of Song: The music of Paul Simon and Stevie Wonder.
July 12 — Beethoven by the Bay.
July 19 — Field of Dreams in concert.
July 20 — Disney in concert: The Sound of Magic.
July 23 —Jewel and Melissa Etheridge*.
Aug. 2 — RENT in concert.
Aug. 4 — Los Lobos & Los Lonely Boys: The Brotherhood Tour, with special guests Son Rompe*.
Aug. 9 — Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in concert.
Aug. 10 — Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in concert.
Aug. 11 — Jason Mraz and The Superband: The Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride.
Aug. 15 — John Legend: A night of songs and stories with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra.
Aug. 16 — Totally '80s with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra.
Aug. 17 — Miles Davis: Kind of Blue*.
Aug. 18 — Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes*.
Aug. 23 — Sondheim Tonight! A celebration of genius.
Aug. 24 — Gary Clark Jr.*
Aug. 25 — Pink Martini featuring China Forbes: 30th anniversary tour.
Aug. 30 — Tchaikovsky Spectacular.
Aug. 31 — Classic Albums Live Performs The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club*.
Sept. 1 — The Beach Boys*.
Sept. 6 — Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue*.
Sept. 21 — Classic Albums Live Performs Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours." *
Oct. 6, 2024 — The Avett Brothers*.