By Sofia Williams
Managing editor
The Point mall in El Segundo hosted the “Sounds of Summer” concert series every Wednesday in July, August, and September from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to feature local bands.
The concert series featured a variety of genres, in-cluding reggae, pop, rock, and cover bands. The event promoted local musicians and encouraged attendees to shop at businesses and eat at restaurants in the mall by providing discounts and special promotions, according to Pressed Juicery manager Tiffany Haney.
“The [Sounds of Summer concert series] has definitely increased traffic to the store,” said Haney. “The events have been successful in promoting our business because it gives us a chance to sample our products and gain new customers.”
The performances took place in the central area of the mall, where concert atendees brought lawn chairs and beach towels. The first concert took place on July 7, and the final concert will occur on Wednesday.
“I think that the concert will generate publicity for our band,” said Ben Sieke, drummer in the ‘90s cover band, So Rad. “We were scouted along with several other bands to play for this event.”
According to Sieke, the band booked a slot in the “Sounds of Summer” concert series using a booker who was in contact with the organizers of the event. The band has been playing together for eight years and plays ‘90s music because they grew up listening to it.
“[The Sounds of Summer concert series] seemed like a lot of fun,” said Sieke. “We play all over the place—bars, nightclubs, and other venues and it’s a lot of fun to play gigs for families.”
According to Haney, the concerts have helped busi- nesses in the Point increase traffic and sales. The “Sounds of Summer” concert series has helped them to publicize their products by offering samples and gaining new mem- bers to the Pressed community, according to Haney.
“[Pressed Juicery] has been involved geographically due to its location in the center of the mall,” said Haney. “The events have also helped us because we go outside and introduce ourselves to concert-goers, which has helped us gain new members.”
According to two-time concert attendee Elizabeth Lefler, the concerts are kid-friendly and give the commu- nity a chance to socialize. Families are encouraged to at- tend the concerts together, and community members from throughout the South Bay attended the event throughout the summer to listen to live music and shop at the mall.
“I would say this event is very family friendly,” said Lefler. “I’ve been to the summer series twice so far be- cause I like to come with my family and friends. It’s a great way for the community to gather together.”
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