Strong Recommendation for ‘Sundays at Six’ Concert Series at Griffen Park

Longtime La Mesan Paula Strong learned to play guitar because of its lightweight convenience, but the skill has served her well—especially in her cowboy western band Trails and Rails.

“I learned piano when I was younger, but when I went to Europe I knew I couldn’t take my piano,” said Strong, who first performed at age 6. “I’ve always been a singer, so it’s just a natural to play the guitar to back it up.”

Strong will perform July 17 with bandmate and premier banjo player Walt Richards and bass player Mike Craig in the Chipotle “Sundays at Six” Summer Concert Series at near Grossmont High School.

The lineup is as follows:

• June 12    Navy Jazz Band Southwest
• June 19    San Diego Concert Band
• June 26   Tinku (Latin folk music)
• July 10     Rhythm Jacks (Rhythm and Blues)
• July 17     Trails and Rails (cowboy and train Songs)
• July 24    Jazz West

If you go, keep an ear out for some banjo and bass duets.

“It may sound strange, but it’s really exciting,” Strong said. “For bass and banjo players, it makes a lot of sense.”

La Mesa Patch is a co-sponsor of Sundays at Six.