North Coast Current — Diversity marks Street Fair music scene

By David McAtee

The Encinitas Street Fair is upon us again this spring, bringing with it a tight cross section of local music — from ambient-based indie rock to bluegrass and world music. The fair takes place the weekend of April 25 and 26, and brings not only great local music, but impressive local beer as well.

According to Tess Radmill with the Downtown Encinitas MainStreet Association, bands were mainly selected by a demo-tape submission process, with the search focusing on the variety of talent available in the San Diego area.

Republic of Letters, an ambient-based indie rock band from San Diego and arguably the youngest band to perform during the two-day fair, acknowledges the variety of acts by saying that “having other genres on the bill just adds to the event. We basically get on stage and play Republic of Letters music and connect with whoever is willing to listen.” In an email from the band, lead vocalist and guitarist Chris Venti states, “I think our unique sound and energy will add to the event,” and explains that the band was invited back to play this year's street fair after performing at last year's festivities. This time around, however, Republic of Letters has the opportunity to play on a larger stage.

Musical acts will be found on two stages in the Lumberyard parking lot: the Beer Garden Stage at Highway 101 and the Lumberyard Center Courtyard Stage. The music starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. on both stages.

Stone Brewing Company will be serving up their most famous brews in the Beer Garden, including Stone Pale Ale, Stone IPA, Levitation Ale and Arrogant Bastard. They will also be educating fairgoers as to what they are drinking and where their beers come from. Stone will be encouraging everyone to use their cups for their second filling as part of the reduce-reuse-recycle initiative, as well as rolling in their bio-diesel-powered delivery truck.

Kicking off the fair on April 25 in the Beer Garden spot is John January and the Mags, with their classic barroom blues-rock. Next up is Republic of Letters, pumping out atmospheric space rock. At 11:30 on April 26, the Retro Rocketts will be taking the stage with a doo-wop rock and roll sound. The Bill Magee Blues Group will be wrapping up the Sunday set starting at 2:30 p.m.

The bands in the lineup at the Lumberyard Center Courtyard have a far more acoustic and roots music feel. Busting out at 11 a.m. on Saturday is Superstrings, bluegrass and self proclaimed “old timey music” purveyors. Following Superstrings is the father/son led six-piece salsa outfit Luna Llena, out of Vista.

The first act of Sunday in the Courtyard Center is Allegato World Music, delivering songs from as far flung as Japan, Brazil, and France. Closing the festivities on Sunday is the gospel/bluegrass/swing group Blue Creek.

According to DEMA, limited parking will be available in the morning hours. Suggested parking spots are at City Hall, located on Vulcan Avenue; the Moonlight Beach Parking lot, located on Third Street; and the two Coaster Station parking lots – Vulcan and S Street, and Vulcan and E Street.

David McAtee is a San Diego based freelance writer