“The most rewarding part of having programs at the Garden is being able to step outside of the typical daily world of our busy and sometimes anxious or isolated lives to do something unique and fun with others in such a beautiful, calm, serene and healing place.”
For Linda Bolt, Marin Art and Garden Center isn’t just a venue; it’s been a part of her life for over three decades. From attending graduations and fundraisers, to leisurely walks around the property and visits to the Annual Spring Plant Sale, The Shop, and Pixie Park, Linda’s connection with the Garden runs deep. However, it wasn’t until the aftermath of the pandemic that Linda’s relationship took on a new dimension when she stepped in to bolster the beloved Summer Concert Series.
When Marin Art and Garden Center found itself at a crossroads, grappling with the challenge of reviving its Summer Concert Series as the world emerged from lockdowns, Linda received a call from now-Executive Director, Iris Lax. “The Summer Concerts had been a well-loved tradition for years, but they were no longer financially feasible,” Linda says. “Iris asked if I could work with her to come up with a sustainable solution that could make it possible to keep bringing great music to the community.”
With her extensive background in curating an array of inclusive events for other local organizations, Linda was uniquely positioned to provide innovative ideas. “Prior to the pandemic I had been the Director of the Performing Arts department of a local nonprofit,” she says. “There, I booked, created, executed, and marketed hundreds of diverse and multi-cultural events including music, authors, speakers, comedy shows, chef talks, films, dances, community discussions, and more. My passion for community manifests itself in almost everything I do, and so creating multi-cultural and multi-generational events expanded to partnering with small local businesses, schools and nonprofits. I worked with venues on and off site with theaters seating 500 to 800 people, a thousand-seat outdoor venue, and a more intimate lounge.”
Collaborating with Iris, Linda embarked on a mission to breathe new life into the Summer Concert Series, ensuring that the community could continue to enjoy live music amidst the serene beauty of the gardens. “2024 will mark my fourth season of curating music for the Summer Concerts at Marin Art and Garden Center,” Linda says. “Starting slowly with two events the first year and four the following two summers, we’ve presented Jazz, Americana, Zydeco, Latin, Rock, and more. This year, I am thrilled to be working with Iris Lax in her new role as Executive Director. We’ll be presenting nine Summer Concerts.”
What sets Linda’s programming apart is its thoughtful curation. The events are designed to cater to different tastes and preferences. From concerts tailored for the very young to grand Gazebo Lawn shows, and intimate gatherings in the Redwood Ampitheater, Linda ensures that there’s something for everyone at Marin Art and Garden Center.
Amidst the lush greenery and tranquil surroundings, the concerts take on a familial atmosphere, fostering connections and camaraderie among attendees.
“I am particularly proud of the mix of talent with three different categories of events,” Linda says. “First will be a concert for children on the Gazebo Lawn followed by four weeks of big-name bands with lots of room for dancing. Then, there will be four weeks of shows in the intimate Redwood Amphitheater on the seated benches built within the terraced landscape. All nine concerts offer fabulous music from incredibly gifted artists in a family-friendly, safe setting with affordable prices.”
Beyond the concert series, Linda’s involvement with Marin Art and Garden Center has deepened her appreciation for the Center’s community spirit. From the warm and welcoming staff to the dedicated volunteers and visitors, it exudes a sense of belonging that extends far beyond its gardens. “Marin Art and Garden Center is an oasis of garden beauty in Marin. It’s an incredibly warm environment. There is something uniquely wonderful that trickles down to the staff, volunteers, and visitors. The concerts feel like a big family gathering, warm and casual,” she says.
“The most rewarding part of having programs at the Garden is being able to step outside of the typical daily world of our busy and sometimes anxious or isolated lives to do something unique and fun with others in such a beautiful, calm, serene and healing place. Offering concerts in this setting is incredibly unique and magical. At the concerts, for me personally, I love seeing the differences in our community and how it comes together, particularly the intermingling of generations. I love watching young families with toddlers connecting with other families and audience members bonding over commonalities and music. Other programs, just like the concerts, are eclectic and may offer something new or be an all-time favorite, often with a unique twist. I like that. The art gallery, yoga on the lawn, and the pop-ups from local artists are just a few examples of other innovative programs I have taken part in and enjoyed.”
Reflecting on her journey at Marin Art and Garden Center, Linda offers advice to anyone considering engaging in a project at the Garden. “Take a walk around the grounds and see what a welcoming, calm, beautiful space it is,” she says, “Then, check out the website calendar and programming. It’s highly likely that you’ll find something that will speak to you.”
