Although many are focused on the grass tournaments underway, the American hardcourt season will kick off this summer soon enough. Many of the smaller events that are part of the U.S. Open Series are not only offering fans a chance to see their favorite players, but are including concerts not only as added entertainment for fans but as a way to support local charities and non-profit tennis organizations.
In Los Angeles, the Farmers Classic, formerly known as the L.A. Tennis Open, is taking advantage of being in the center of the entertainment capital of the world by hosting two concerts featuring some big names. And with local favorites and defending doubles champions Bob and Mike Bryan, who also have their own band and album, set to defend their title in L.A., don’t be surprised to see the hard rocking twins offer their own jam session before the week is through.
On July 23, the event’s signature benefit Starry Night concert will feature country star Keith Urban along with folk/rock stars the Avett Brothers. Taking place three days prior to the start of play, this concert will benefit the GRAMMY Foundation® and its GRAMMY in the Schools® music education programs for high school students and the Southern California Tennis Association Foundation.
On August 2nd, “KLOS Rocking the Net Starring Bret Michaels”, takes place and will also benefit the Southern California Tennis Association and its youth programs. Michaels, the former lead singer of the rock band Poison, recently made headlines after recovering from a near fatal brain hemorrhage earlier this spring. Michaels is set to release a new solo record called “Custom Built” later this July. California based rock band Tesla will also join Michaels for the event.
“We’re very excited that an artist like Bret Michaels is willing to help us with our ongoing efforts to provide more opportunities for children in Southern California to get involved with tennis,” said Tournament Director Bob Kramer. “This is one of several unique events we have planned around this year’s Farmers Classic that allows us to put the community first while also hosting a world class event.”
Tickets for both concerts and the Farmers Classic are now on sale. For more information, please visit either Ticketmaster.com or the event’s website here.
Adjusting the Net 