By Daniel Larios
Staff Writer

April 16, 2014 -- The Santa Monica’s Main Street Farmer’s Market draws thousands of people every Sunday with fresh, locally grown, organic produce and a unique outdoor shopping experience suitable for the whole family. 

In order to provide quality, family friendly entertainment, City officials are looking for bands to play during the market hours.

“Our goal is to have a wide variety of music for the customers to listen to,” said Judi Low, coordinator for the Sunday Farmers' Market. “We are looking for acts that are family-friendly and comply with the City's noise ordinance.

“Since we have 52 markets each year, every band selected would get to perform at least once during the year,” she added.

The number of performances by each band depends largely on how many of the applicants are picked, according to Low.

“For example, if 26 bands are picked, each band would likely perform twice during the year.”

An average of about 5,000 people visit the market from all around Los Angeles County each Sunday, some of them celebrities who call Santa Monica home, according to officials.  As such, it is a great opportunity to be seen and heard.

“Not only is it good exposure, but it's also a lot of fun for the band as well as the shoppers,” said Low.

“The Sunday Market has developed a unique character distinct from the other three Markets in the City of Santa Monica and is an excellent marketing opportunity for musical entertainers,” officials said.

The 200 square foot performance area is located at the heart of the Market and is intended to be a family oriented performance venue where attendees sitting nearby can enjoy music and also maintain a conversation, according to officials.

The music styles of the bands that have played during the market include Irish, Blue Grass and jazz.  Low recalled a Ska band that performed a couple of years ago.

“Members of the band dressed up in Luchador costumes, which the kids loved,” she said.

“We get a lot of young families, so acts that get the kids dancing always do very well,” Low added.

The deadline to apply is Wednesday, April 30 at 5 p.m. To apply, visit the Farmers' Market online application at surveymonkey.com/s/FarmersMarketBands2014.