Benefit Concert Series

Lick Observatory presents a variety of performers in a summer concert series to benefit the Lick Observatory Visitors Programs. Doors open and seating begins one half hour before the concert.

Talks by our famous research astronomers begin right after the music. Viewing through both the 36-inch Great Lick Refractor and the Nickel 40-inch Reflecting Telescope follows, weather permitting. Amateur astronomer volunteers provide additional outside viewing and informal talks. Attendance not advisable for children under ten years old.

Only 160 seats are available each night. Concerts sell out quickly and ticket requests are filled in the order received.

Tickets

Sign up to receive email updates for 2010 SVP and Music of the Spheres

Contact the Lick Observatory Gift Shop at 408-274-5061 or giftshop@ucolick.org if you have further questions about the Music of the Spheres Concerts.

Directions to Mt. Hamilton

Lick Observatory is located on the summit of Mt. Hamilton in the Diablo Range east of San Jose. To get there from Hwys 101, 280, or 680, take the Alum Rock Avenue exit from Interstate 680. Go east onto Alum Rock Avenue. Turn right onto Mt. Hamilton Road (California Route 130). Allow about one hour from San Jose, and please drive carefully as the road is good, but winding.

From the east, take Interstate 580 west to Interstate 680 south. Then follow the directions above

Alternatively, you may take take California Route 130 to Mt. Hamilton from the east, but please allow about 1-3/4 hours from Interstate 5 to reach the Observatory. The road is long and winding, but well-maintained. Take the Diablo Grande Parkway exit off Interstate 5, heading west (away from Patterson). Take the first right on Puerto del Canyon Road (toward Frank Raines Park). Look carefully for this turn because there is not much signage. At the Junction Cafe, turn left to stay on California Route 130.

Keep in mind that at 4209 feet, evenings on Mt. Hamilton can be cool, so bring a sweater or coat. We provide wheelchair access to the concerts and to the 36-inch telescope. There is no gas station at the Observatory. Parking is limited so please car pool, if possible.

For more details, call 408-274-5061, between 12:30 and 5:00 pm, or email giftshop@ucolick.org

Dome Safety Modification Project

We're continuing to work on renovating our 36-inch refracting telescope dome. When completed, this renovation will benefit Music of the Spheres Concert series and Summer Visitors Program:

  • Concerts will be held inside the 36-inch dome again.
  • Because the dome will accommodate larger groups, visitors can stay in the dome longer. Their eyes will become dark-adapted, so they will actually see more through the telescope.

We invite you to donate in any of the following ways:

  • Send a check payable to UC Regents to Lick Observatory, PO Box 85, Mt. Hamilton, CA 95140. Write Donation: Dome Safety Modification in the memo area of the check.
  • Donate through UCSC ticket office when purchasing Summer Visitor Program tickets
  • Bring your donation to the Observatory when you visit
size comparison: person at 36-inch refractor
The public is invited to look through the historic Great Lick Refractor after the concert, weather permitting. VIP tickets holders may also tour the Shane telescope dome before the concert.
© UC Regents/Lick Observatory

2010 Concerts

Details will be added as they become available

Saturday, June 19
Dave Rocha Jazz Trio
Doors open: 8:00pm
Start event: 8:30pm
Speaker: TBA
Talk: TBA

The Dave Rocha jazz trio is one of the hottest jazz groups in the Bay Area. The trio performs a wide variety of originals, uniquely arranged standards, and music from other genres. From fiery uptempo compositions to jazz waltzes, and from Latin modes to beautiful sensitive ballads, trumpeter Dave Rocha will take you to unknown frontiers in the jazz universe.

Saturday, July 3
John Nilsen: Piano
Doors open: 8:00pm
Start event: 8:30pm
Speaker: TBA
Talk: TBA

Description of music TBA

Saturday, July 17
Men of Worth: Celtic
Doors open: 8:00pm
Start event: 8:30pm
Speaker: TBA
Talk: TBA

Description of music TBA

Saturday, July 31
Oscar Reynolds: Andean
Doors open: 8:00pm
Start event: 8:30pm
Speaker: TBA
Talk: TBA

Description of music TBA

Saturday, August 14
Euphonia: Free Range Folk
Doors open: 7:30pm
Start event: 8:00pm
Speaker: TBA
Talk: TBA

Description of music TBA

Saturday, August 28
Daniel Roest & Tim Thompson
Doors open: 7:30pm
Start event: 8:00pm
Speaker: TBA
Talk: TBA

Daniel Roest's Great Guitar concerts have been a favorite of Lick audiences for many years. Daniel plays the first set, followed by a set by his guest artist.

This year Daniel hosts 2008 International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion Tim Thompson, who will be joined by his teenaged son Myles.