Venues from around Orange County will take advantage of the season's warmer weather and present numerous outdoor concerts. From jazz to rock 'n' roll, whatever genre you prefer, you are sure to find a concert or two that fits your style.

The Summer Jazz Series at the Hyatt Newporter kicks off this season's string of concerts. The three-day event, presented May 18-20, features world-class performances by 25 top jazz artists. Saxophonist Richard Elliot begins the series May 18 as he combines elements of jazz, pop and R & B for an energetic performance. Other performers include Peter White, Boney James, Jody Watley, Euge Groove, Poncho Sanchez, Jeffrey Osborne, Jonathan Butler, Jeff Golub and others. For a complete list of this year's lineup, visit summerjazzseries.com

Classical melodies will flow into Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine during Pacific Symphony's Summer Festival. The largest orchestra formed in the United States in the last 30 years, the symphony will be joined by other well-known musicians, including jazz pianist Shelly Berg, The Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, movie Maestro Richard Kaufman, and others. The series begins July 4 with "Good Vibrations - a Fourth of July Celebration" by Grammy-nominated surf band Papa Doo Run Run and continues on select days through Sept. 8. Each show begins at 8 p.m. and concludes with a fireworks show. Information: pacificsymphony.org

In addition to the Summer Festival, other concerts will be offered at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater throughout the summer. English rock musician and songwriter George Roger Waters takes the stage June 15. Waters is known for his hit songs "Money" and "Another Brick in the Wall." Later in the season, Gwen Stefani, whose hit songs include "The Sweet Escape" and "Wind it Up," will perform two performances (June 22-23.) And Rush, known for their songs "Tom Sawyer" and "Closer to the Heart," will perform July 25. Tickets: 714.740.2000.

The Lexus Summer Concert Series at Pacific Amphitheatre will offer additional opportunities for outdoor concerts among the warm evening air. Held in conjunction with the OC Fair, this year's event is presented July 13-Aug. 2. Known for its headline entertainment, the series offers a wide variety of genres. Among this year's lineup is Earth, Wind & Fire (July 15), Kenny Loggins (July 19), Lynyrd Skynyrd (July 24), Bob Dylan and Deanna Carter (July 26), Heart and The Bangles (July 27), Martina McBride (July 28), LeAnn Rimes (July 31) and others. For tickets and a complete list of concerts, visit OCFair.com. (Fairgoers can also enjoy free daily concerts in the Grandstand Arena.)

Headline entertainment will also be offered during Fashion Island's Summer Concert Series, held Wednesday evenings from July 11-Aug 15. Known as Southern California's longest-running concert series, the event is presented at 7 p.m. in the Bloomingdale's Courtyard. Beatles tribute band The Fab Four, known for its live rendition of Beatles' songs, takes the stage July 18. New Wave techno-pop band Berlin, whose hit songs include "Take My Breath Away" and "No More Words," will perform Aug. 1. Other shows include Micky Dolenz of The Monkees (July 11), The Ricky Nelson Remembered Tour, featuring Nelson's hits songs performed by his two sons (July 25), Johnny Rivers (Aug. 8), and the Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band (Aug. 15). General seating is complimentary and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Information: shopfashionisland.com or 949.721.2000.

Further south, Mission San Juan Capistrano's annual Music Under the Stars concert series returns June 23. The sixth annual event features dining and dancing to a variety of live music, including Big Band, Latin, Motown, swing and more. The series concludes Sept. 1 with a celebrity concert by Beatles tribute band The Fab Four. Concerts are presented from 6:30-9:30 p.m. in the Mission Courtyard. Admission: $19 general/$15 children and seniors. Information: missionsjc.com or 949.234.1300.

If you would rather escape the sun and heat, Honda Center provides a cool alternative. From country to rock 'n' roll, the venue will offer several concerts. Three-piece rock band The Police will take the stage June 21. Influenced by punk and reggae music, the band's hit songs include "Every Breath You Take" and "Message in a Bottle." And county singers Tim McGraw and Faith Hill will perform Aug. 10 and 11 as part of their Soul2Soul Tour. Other artists scheduled to perform include Chayanne (June 14), Fall Out Boy (July 2) and Josh Groban (Aug. 25). Information: 714.740.2000.

Concerts will also be presented throughout the summer at The House of Blues in Anaheim, The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, Galaxy Concert Theatre in Santa Ana, The OC Pavilion in Santa Ana and The Grove of Anaheim. For a complete entertainment lineup visit hob.com, thecoachhouse.com, galaxytheatre.com, ocpavilion.com and thegroveohanaheim.com.
    
Tracy Bennett is Churm Media's calendar coordinator.