Ralph Woodson’s Purple Haze is not your typical tribute band. Woodson has studied his idol Jimi Hendrix to the point of being able to play the guitar behind his back and with his teeth. Woodson is a Hendrix authority, and that knowledge was on display June 16 at the kickoff of Milpitas’ Summer Concert Series at Sunnyhills Albert Augustine Jr. Memorial Park.

The band’s set brought back memories for those in the crowd who grew up with Hendrix’s music. “I had a band in high school, and I played these songs,” said Henry Nichols, who graduated from Samuel Ayer High School in Milpitas in 1968.

The free summer concert series rolls on through early August. Performances are 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Milpitas Sports Center, 1325 E. Calaveras Blvd., unless otherwise noted:

  • Sacred Fire Band: July 4, rock & roll. Requires admission to the Fourth of July event.
  • Jordan T: July 21, island reggae. Pinewood Park, Starlite Drive and Lonetree Court.
  • Billy Martini Show: Aug. 4, 1970s-80s classic hits.
  • Other People’s Money: Aug. 5, 1990s-2000s classic hits.

Source: www.mercurynews.com