Diana Krall, Gloria Estefan highlight 2017 Green Music Center summer concert series lineup

The Green Music Center at Sonoma State University has announced the lineup for its gala fifth season of summer concerts, with 15 indoor/outdoor programs scheduled from July 4 to Sept. 24 at Weill Hall + Lawn. More shows are expected to be announced in coming months.

The concerts span a wide range of musical and performing genres, from country and folk to Latin, pop, rock and bluegrass music. Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist and singer Diana Krall will perform on Aug. 4 as part of the Gala Celebration for the fifth Summer at the Green series.

“We’ve got a pretty special summer coming up,” said Peter Williams, special consultant of popular booking.

“It’s fewer shows than in years past, but we’ve set the bar pretty high, and this summer should be the best yet - a little bit of everything, with several of our most popular acts returning.”

Concerts likely to draw a crowd include international superstar Gloria Estefan with Napafest Academy Orchestra on July 15, a concert co-sponsored by Festival Napa Valley; American Country rising star Jake Owen on Aug. 10; Chick Corea Electrik Band with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones on Aug. 18; Pink Martini featuring China Forbes on Aug. 25; American hip hop artist, poet, actor and film producer Common on Sept. 16; and norteño band Los Tigres del Norte on Sept. 23.

The summer season kicks off July 4 with the annual Independence Day Spectacular. a family celebration featuring country and bluegrass singer Kathy Mattea with the Santa Rosa Symphony led by Michael Berkowitz, kids’ activities on the lawn and a fireworks show at dusk.

Back for its fourth year, the Santa Rosa Symphony led by Berkowitz will present a free concert for the community on July 30 featuring Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jóse Hernàndez, who brings fresh rhythms and sounds to the world of mariachi.

Returning for the third year, the Bluegrass Festival on July 9 will showcase Del + Dawg Bluegrass Band (Del McCoury and sons with David Grisman), veteran fiddler Mark O’Connor and the O’Connor Family Band and mandolin prodigy Sierra Hull.

Back for a second summer, Blues at the Green will feature New Orleans legend Dr. John & the Nite Trippers, with blues and rock guitarist/singer Elvin Bishop opening, on Aug. 13.

Another Big Easy legend, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave., will share the bill with Alabama-based soul band St. Paul and the Broken Bones on Aug. 24. Smooth jazz saxophonist Kenny G will be joined by jazz guitarist George Benson on “The Breezin’ and Breathless Tour” on Sept. 8.

In a tribute to Latin percussionist Pete Escovedo, the Pete Escovedo Latin Jazz Orchestra will perform Sept. 9 with special guests Sheila E., Juan and Peter Michael and The John Santos Sextet with special guest Destani Wolf opening for them. That concert is indoor only.

Finally, a family performance featuring the Martial Artists and Acrobats of Tianjin, People’s Republic of China, will close the season on Sept. 24. This event is indoor only.

Tickets to Summer 2017 at the Green Music Center go on sale to season subscribers and Mastercard cardholders at 10 a.m. April 13 and to the general public at 10 a.m. April 18. Reservations are required for free shows.

For a complete listing and ticket information, go to gmc.sonoma.edu or 866-955-6040.