Every Friday and Saturday night between July 5 and Sept. 28, San Anselmo hosted its yearly “Live on the Avenue” music event. At the intersection of Creek Park and Town Hall, the streets of downtown San Anselmo bustled with families and music. With a wide variety of entertainment, the “Live on the Avenue” event provided activities for groups of all ages, including outdoor family movie nights, Tiki Bars, food vendors, concerts and much more.
San Anselmo Mayor Eileen Burke was proud to explain how “Live on the Avenue” has strengthened the San Anselmo community.
“[Live on the Avenue] is an opportunity for all ages to just get out and relax. The music is a draw, but just seeing the other community members is really the nice part of it,” Burke said.
In addition to enjoying the company of the community, Burke highlights the benefits of attending the event and the environment surrounding it.
“You don’t have to worry about traffic, you can see your friends, and your kids are safe,” Burke said.
“Live on the Avenue” features a variety of local bands and music, including rock ‘n’ roll, country, blues, indie and pop music. “Live on the Avenue” even features a “Teen Takeover” event, opening the stage to aspiring teenage musicians.
Domingo Alvarez, a San Anselmo resident and regular at “Live on the Avenue” expressed his love attending the event with his wife to enjoy the live music. Alvarez also appreciates that the event provides a welcoming space for all.
“[I have enjoyed] just getting out and seeing friends, people that I know, having dinner and a glass of wine,” Alvarez said.
“Live on the Avenue” not only strengthens the community but also helps to boost the establishments of many family-owned businesses spread across San Anselmo by providing a location that draws attention to different products.
Redwood alumnus Matteo Lucina is the owner of Mexican restaurant and disco bar, Taco Jane’s, and the tiki bar stand extension, The Baja Bar. Both are featured at “Live on the Avenue”. Lucina’s disco and tiki bar kicked off during the pandemic and has since grown into a successful business. With the town’s backing, “Live on the Avenue” gives businesses extra recognition through their attendance at the festival.
“I think that local businesses, as well as the general population, gain from this festival,” Alvarez said.
While the community brings in constant spirit, the contribution of donating to and participating is vital for the continuation and success of “Live on the Avenue.” Burke reiterates his gratitude for the support of the town that makes the festival such a success. importance of the contribution
“The town does pay for [the weekly event]. I personally contribute by encouraging people to participate and also just spreading a good vibe,” Burke said.
Burke hosted a volunteer stand where she encouraged people to volunteer for the City of San Anselmo or to sign up to help generate funds for the event the following year. The contribution of San Anselmo town members assists in the success of the ongoing event. As Lucina acknowledges, this is not the case for every town, as he values the collective effort of San Anselmo community members.
“To the best of my knowledge, San Anselmo is the only town in Marin that does this every single Friday and Saturday night,” Lucina said.
“Live on the Avenue” offers Marin County Residents the opportunity to attend a festival with food, movies and games each weekend by bringing together people of all age groups and backgrounds. Lucina values the way the Town of San Anselmo comes together to gather and celebrate “Live on the Avenue.”
“I think what makes San Anselmo’s [Live on the Avenue] so great is that it takes the [power of the] whole town[to create something everyone can enjoy],” Lucina said.
