Music in the Mountains is in essence a summer concert series in Big Bear at the Discovery Center. There are usually 6 shows per year that take place on select Saturday evenings. The event is a fundraiser that benefits conservation, recreation, and education programs for our treasured public lands.
It is hard to envision just how fantastic these events are. Every show features amazing talent ranging from classic rock to country. There are either co-headliners like: The Long Run, Experience the Eagles, co-headlining with Led Zepagain – a Led Zeppelin Tribute; or a opening band followed by a main attraction.
The amphitheater is centered around a stage modernized with lights and sound. A dance floor welcomes the fancy feet right in front of the band. VIP seats are next – up close and personal. Then all others bring chairs and blankets, filling up the bowl like topography with glow sticks and happy shouts. The Music in the Mountains guest will have tidy restrooms, tasty mixed drinks – wine – and beer, as well as casual dining fare like burgers and fries.
What is it really like? Let me describe from personal experience one of my favorite evenings at Music in the Mountains. I arrived just after the gates opened with General Admission Tickets, my children and a Parking Pass. The helpful attendants directed me to a spot in the top row only 25 feet from the gates. My daughter and son carried pillows and activity bags and I carried the rest. We settled in a few rows back between a few trees and a large stump that was designated our “table”. The sun was setting and the shadows were low – light filtered in through the trees and made my sons face glow. The kids spread out their blanket and arranged pillows like a nest. They plopped down and opened their tablets. I sat in a chair and listened to the announcements – still trying to decide how I felt about the event. Then the music played. It carried over and through the trees in a way that made me close my eyes and feel it. Before long my foot was tapping – hoots and applause ebbed and flowed from the crowd. Happy kids ran around playing – and my children made some new friends! With darkness came the light effects of the stage as it glowed and pulsed with the songs. My son eventually put his tablet down and went with me to the dance floor. Someone bounced a beach ball across the crowd and cheers of delight ensued. At intermission there was a drawing and three winners were announced. As the evening came to a close the stars were decorating the sky in reckless abandon twinkling in what seemed to be in harmony with the songs on the air. A certain euphoria filled my heart as I realized I would always remember that moment in this place with my son in my arms.
This year’s concert series has come to a close – but I invite you to come share in this amazing experience next year. Get your tickets early because they can sell out – or book with Big Bear Vacations and your complimentary tickets will be waiting for you at check in.
