Every summer Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego transforms its Tide Pool Plaza into an outdoor music venue unlike any other for The Green Flash Concert Series.

Named for the rare optical phenomenon caused by the refraction of light as the sun sets on the horizon — which is often visible during the concerts — the Green Flash concert series combines live music with panoramic ocean views, stunning sunsets, and admission to the aquarium, all while supporting Birch Aquarium’s mission to connect understanding to protecting our ocean planet.

The 14th annual Green Flash Summer Concert Series line-up

Wednesday, May 22

TOMMY CASTRO & THE PAINKILLERS

Killin’ It Live Record Release Tour

Whether he’s squeezing out the deepest blues or playing the funkiest soul grooves, legendary blues and soul giant Tommy Castro knows how to ignite a crowd. The Blues Music Award-winning artist has performed all over the world, earning countless fans with his legendary, sweat-drenched, exhilarating live shows.

Wednesday. June 19

WILD CHILD

Wild Child is a Los Angeles based tribute to The Doors.. They successfully recapture the original: sound, feel, mood, dynamics and delivery of Jim Morrison and the Doors. The show includes the band’s classic rock hits “Break on Through (to the Other Side),” “Light My Fire,” “L.A. Woman,”“Love Her Madly,”“Riders of the Storm,” and more.

Wednesday, July 17

PINE MOUNTAIN LOGS & VENICE

Green Flash fan favorites Pine Mountain Logs return to the Green Flash stage. With talent that has toured with Roger Waters (Pink Floyd), Pine Mountain Logs will rock the aquarium with their unique mashup of classic rock hits ranging from Led Zeppelin to the Jackson Five, Tom Petty, TLC, Aerosmith and more. Their insidious alter egos, Venice combine stellar harmonies with the classic Laurel Canyon sound.

Wednesday, Aug. 14

THE MOTHER HIPS

The Mother Hips’ ability to sing it sweet and play it dirty has helped their live show become the stuff of legend. Through countless headline shows, massive festival appearances, and dates with everyone from Johnny Cash and Wilco to Jackie Greene, Lucinda Williams, Steve Poltz and The Black Crowes, The Mother Hips features the breezy harmonies of The Beach Boys, the funky roots of The Band, the psychedelic Americana of the Grateful Dead and the Soulful Twang of The Byrds.

Wednesday, Sept. 18

10,000 MANIACS

With 8 Billboard charting songs — including “Because the Night,” “Trouble Me,” and “These are the Days” — 10,000 Maniacs has covered plenty of ground in its 35-plus years, from cult-herodom to international stardom, to their current status as a cornerstone alternative band. But the sound and spirit of 10,000 Maniacs remains consistent.

Proceeds support exhibits and educational programming at Birch Aquarium at Scripps. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit aquarium.ucsd.edu.

See you there!