It’s nearly summertime in Los Angeles and The Original Farmers Market kicks off the season with its annual free Friday Night Music Series on May 18. The Market will be rockin’ every Friday night through August 31 covering a range of musical genres from around the world on the West Patio stage from 7 to 9 p.m.

Third & Fairfax comes alive with music and fun for patrons of all ages and tastes. This year’s series features 16 acts performing a variety of rock, Latin and jazz tunes during which Market grocers, restaurants, shops and bars are all open for business.

The series kicks off on May 18 with a preview performance from The International Swingers, an all-star energetic punk/’80s band that includes the Farmers Market’s very own Gary Twinn. Having previously sung vocals for Australian glam/punk rock band Supernaut, Gary Twinn of Bar 326 and E.B.’s Beer & Wine joined forces with Clem Burke (Blondie), Glen Matlock (The Sex Pistols) and James Stevenson (The Cult) to form The International Swingers. Tom Kenny (a.k.a. the voice of SpongeBob) and the Hi-Seas follow on May 25 with their high energy Rock N’ Soul style.

June’s featured musical guests begin with Rick Whitfield, who has performed with legends such as Lou Rawls, the Gypsy Kings, Mel Torme and Styx. The Caribbean band, Upstream, brings live reggae and soca to the West Patio, followed by L.A.’s authentic Cuban orchestra, Orquesta Charangoa. The rockin’ blues of Bleeding Harp and modern jazz melodies of the Jennifer Leitham Trio wrap up the month.

In July, Bad Haggis entertains with their cutting-edge Celtic music and the L.A.-based Skin & Bones take the stage playing Americana tunes. The Bobby Matos Tribute playing Afro-Cuban Jazz, and Jennifer Keith and her Swing Quintet, who have played prestigious venues such as the Queen Mary, The Wynn casino in Las Vegas and the Sydney Town Hall round out the month’s line-up.

Finishing off the series in August are five acts, beginning with Nutty, a hard-swingin’ octet that performs jazz arrangements of classic pop/rock songs. Master percussionist Louie Cruz Beltran will captivate the Market audience next with his dynamic stage presence and wonderful Latin jazz vocals, followed by veteran sax man, Larry O. Williams, who has performed for and/or with some of the industry’s elite entertainers. Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys and their western swing, rockabilly music and Katia Moraes & Brazilian Hearts will electrify audiences with their Choro & Samba tunes.

The full 2018 Summer Music Series schedule is as follows:

Parking is free for 90 minutes with a Market validation, available with a purchase from any merchant; two-hour validation is offered from select market grocers. One-hour free parking is available in The Grove parking structure. The complete series schedule is available at www.farmersmarketla.com.

About The Original Farmers Market:

The Original Farmers Market has been Los Angeles' favorite gathering place since 1934. With more than 100 grocers, retailers and restaurants—as well as year-round activities for shoppers of all ages—the Farmers Market is a beloved gathering place for locals and one of the top tourist destinations in Los Angeles.  For more information on The Original Farmers Market, visit www.farmersmarketla.com.   Follow the Farmers Market on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @FarmersMarketLA.