RPL Effect, Sister Venus Perform at Nature Park

Nearly 200 people attended the kickoff to Lake Forest’s summer concert series on Sunday at .

Guests enjoyed barbecue as bands RPL Effect, from Lake Forest, and Sister Venus, from San Diego, performed in the afternoon sun.

RPL Effect played an eclectic set of music from different genres; Sister Venus performed hits from the 60s though present day.

“[We performed here] last year and it was amazing,” said Jeff Brady, band coordinator for Sister Venus. “We love Lake Forest; the people here are so nice.”

The band performed recognizable tunes by musicians including Bryan Adams and Pat Benatar.

Attendee Heather Martinez, 34, of Lake Forest, came to the concert and said she plans to return for more.

She said it was her first time attending a concert in the series put on each summer by the city of Lake Forest at its parks.

"It's fun, it's laid-back, it's outdoors. You get to hear good music," Martinez said.

The chance to hear live music was the draw for Kathy Hartwig, 58, of Lake Forest.

She attends outdoor concerts not only in Lake Forest, but also in other Orange County cities that sponsor performances during the summer, such as Dana Point, Rancho Santa Margarita and Laguna Niguel, she said.

"I love to watch them perform and sing," she said.

Next up in the series of concerts in Lake Forest is a June 24 performance by Mission Viejo's  and American Idol finalist Melinda Doolittle.

That concert begins at 5:30 p.m. in .