Courtney Brown:
Sept. 28 and 29 welcomed one of the most historic, cultural, jam-packed block parties in California. The 32nd annual Adams Avenue Street Fair hosted a unique array of more than 90 musical acts as well as over 300 food, retail and craft vendors.
The Adams Avenue district is known for its vintage character and residential festivities and this free event certainly showcased an overwhelming sense of community pride. The typically quaint streets lined with pubs and coffeehouses were now painted with colorful and exotic food tents ranging from South African cuisine to organic dining trucks. The broad spectrum of attractions included giant carnival rides, art vendors, and a plethora of musical acts which was great for people watching. As different and totally out there as this crowd was, everyone shared a strong sense of community and a desire to keep local culture appreciated and alive.
Each of the eight different stages had their own flavor. One that always seemed to have a happening audience was the Hawley Blues Stage. For instance, watching Lady Star & the Bustin Loose Blues Band perform should be on everyone’s bucket list. Even random pedestrians could not help but stop and listen to this down-home blues singing diva, who seemed to leave a part of her soul in every note that left her lips.
Not even a block away was Dimille’s Stage, which showcased contemporary artists such as San Diego natives, Mad Traffic. After a passionate set fused with a mixture of alternative, reggae and hip-hop elements, I had a chance to swap a few words with the band. Although young in age, these guys were able to share a lot of wisdom about the sacrifices aspiring musicians need to take in order to focus on music. This powerful respect for the art resonates through its unique sound and is definitely deserving of its nomination at the San Diego Music Awards for ‘Best Pop’ and ‘Best Alternative Album.’ As the San Diego sun set on the weekend, Adams Avenue was ended things with a bang.
Isabella Place:
Elliot and Natalie Bergman’s band, better known as Wild Belle, pleasantly closed the street fair with its 1970s inspired mixture of jazz and reggae. Sure it has been on “Conan” and performed for the masses in the midst of festivals such as Coachella, but seeing it play in a toned-down setting (aka the lawn of an elementary school) certainly didn’t cloud its isle-like stage. Lead vocalist, Natalie Bergman, mentioned that in its entire tour, she hadn’t seen such wonderful dancers among the crowd. Albeit this band has gained the merit to have a larger audience, it truly felt like someone had hired it to perform for you and friends at your backyard birthday party right before sunset. The event organizers have done it again; provided the public with amazing musical memories.
Information about Adams Avenue Street Fair can be found at adamsaveonline.com/StreetFair/
ALSO READ: Leave your cash at home for free fair
Photos by Kevin Serrano, staff photographer
