San Diego’s biggest annual music happening, the Adams Avenue Street Fair, returns for it’s 42 nd Annual two day run, on September 21 and 22. A free, all ages event, music performances will take place on seven stages set along Adams Avenue in Normal Heights, with 75 performers taking part. Amongst the weekends highlights will be punk legends, The Zeros 77, long running self-described, “Scariest Band in the World,” Deadbolt, and award-winning country singer, Sara Petite. For Southern California music fans, it doesn’t get much better than this.
“The importance of events like these is not to be understated,” said Jessie Burns of SDMA winning combo, The Brothers Burn (Saturday, Felton Street Stage. 2:45 p.m.). “It’s a showcasing of the musical and artistic culture that resides right here in San Diego, and it gives a chance to connect with a wider array of fans and potential collaborators.”
Tatiana Mac of Poison Hearts A.C. (Saturday, Casbah Rock Stage. 2:30 p.m.). concurs. “Growing up in San Diego, events like the Adams Avenue Street Fair were oftentimes my first introduction to bands that would be otherwise inaccessible before I turned 21,” she said.
Meanwhile guitarist Nathan Raney (Saturday, Vibe Variety Stage. 2 p.m.) considers another important part of the AASF. “Supporting Local is important!” he said. “And with Adam’s Ave support for these events it only pushes for a stronger community and growth for local businesses and music.”
Chicken Bone Slim & The Biscuits
Do artists treat regular indoor gigs differently than outdoor events like this? “Sun screen is first rule for outdoors,” joked guitarist Larry Teves, aka Chickenbone Slim, who will perform with his band, The Biscuits, featuring Blues guitarist of the year, Laura Chavez (Saturday, Blues Stage. 2:45 p.m.). “Personally, my favorite part is bringing out the 59’ Fender Bassman, as outdoors you really need some oomph! With the quality of sound at Adams Avenue we always have at Adams Avenue Street Fair, I feel like it’s gonna be
like ice cream and pie.”
Some artists will make special adds to their set list on the day. “Fans of the punk rock classics will surely dig “PHAC on 45” our signature medley that combines a dozen of our favorite songs into one big, bold arrangement,” said Mac. “We rarely play it live, but this seems like the perfect venue for it.”
Burns notes that while his approach doesn’t change from indoor shows, “but it’s definitely a different vibe. At events like this, we do try to catch the eye of the passer by and draw them to the stage. It’s always fun when you can stop someone in their tracks and get them to engage and listen to you for a
moment, or longer.”
What is Burns looking forward to most on the day? “This is our first time officially playing, but we’ve been attending since we were knee-high to a Big Wheel,” he said. “We’re most looking forward to playing on the stage, in the middle of the street, in the neighborhood we literally grew up in. This is a full-circle moment for us!”
For Raney, it’s all about the camaraderie. “Honestly, Adam’s Ave brings the best out of bands and people, and has an overall powerful energy that is just fun and awesome to be a part of. It’s something I look forward to every year, performing or just attending.”
Meanwhile, Teves already has his schedule lined up for the big weekend. “I guarantee after we play that I will get a Louisiana Hot Sausage, and probably hit Marianne’s Ice Cream,” he said. He counts Deadbolt amongst his “must-see” groups this year. “Otherwise, it’s as many as I can get to, there are always interesting acts to catch…and if you don’t like someone, walk a block or two and hear something completely different!”
DETAILS: Adams Avenue Street Fair September 21st & 22nd, 2024
