La Jolla Music Society’s popular free outdoor Wu Tsai QRT.yrd Concert Series is back for spring with five concerts kicking off in mid-March. Now in its fourth year, the series welcomes new audiences to The Conrad with free programming that shines a spotlight on local artists.

No tickets are required, though RSVPs are requested, making it an easy way to catch live music in La Jolla without planning too far ahead.

Swing, Sambas, and Dance With Besos Jazz Trio

Besos Jazz Trio opens the series with vibrant performances of music and dance. The worldly performers have been stirring up audiences since 2017, improvising, singing, and dancing their way through an eclectic mix of swing tunes, sambas, boleros, and musettes.

It’s the kind of performance that balances tradition with spontaneity.

A Centennial Tribute to John Coltrane

Brian Levy Quartet features tenor saxophonist Brian Levy, pianist Mikan Zlatkovich, bassist Luca Alemanno, and drummer Rick Montabano performing a tribute to the music of John Coltrane in honor of his centennial birthday.

The group will perform a variety of Coltrane’s compositions, standards he recorded, and original compositions inspired by his techniques.

The Padres Organist Takes the Stage

Bobby Cressey, best known as the organist for the San Diego Padres, brings his high-energy playing to The Conrad. A virtuoso of jazz, funk, soul, ska, reggae, and classical piano, Cressey has performed with everyone from Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg to The Glenn Miller Big Band.

He’s also a founding member of the acclaimed 18-piece ska ensemble Western Standard Time and leads his own jazz piano and organ projects.

Middle Eastern Music Meets Jazz and Classical

Ali Paris, an internationally acclaimed qanun player, blends the rich heritage of Middle Eastern music with elements of jazz and Western classical styles. He’s performed at the White House, the Kennedy Center, the Newport and Montreux Jazz Festivals, and the Royal Palace in Jordan.

He’s been a soloist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Michigan Philharmonic, and appeared in the Grammy-winning Spanish documentary Entre2aguas and the Hollywood film Noah.

From the Academy Awards to The Conrad

Rebecca Jade closes out the series. The singer/songwriter has shared the stage with world-renowned artists, touring with Sheila E. since 2017, performing with Sir Elton John at the Academy Awards, and appearing on the Emmy-nominated “Let’s Go Crazy: The GRAMMY Salute to Prince.”

She’s been honored with “Breakout Artist of the Year” and “Debut Artist of the Year,” plus multiple San Diego Music Awards.

See you there!

The Wu Tsai QRT.yrd Concert Series keeps proving that some of the best live music experiences in San Diego are the ones that don’t require tickets or planning weeks in advance.

📍 7600 Fay Ave, La Jolla
🎟️ Free with RSVP
ℹ️ More info here

See you there, San Diego!