
It only figures that the green consciousness, centering on the nation’s fledgling movement toward a sustainable-energy society, would work its way into the entertainment industry. That means that this year’s Street Scene will mark two milestones — the event’s 25th year and the first to feature a solar-powered stage. San Diego’s largest urban music festival returns to downtown’s East Village Aug. 28 and 29. Featuring 45 bands on five stages over two days, this all-ages event has come a long way from its humble beginnings advertising “5 bands, 5 hours, 5 bucks.” Founded by La Jollan Rob Hagey and co-produced with The Casbah’s Tim Mays, this year’s lineup will, as expected, feature a diverse array of artists. Headlining Friday are The Black-Eyed Peas, Modest Mouse, Cake and Cage the Elephant; and on Saturday, MIA, Thievery Corporation, Silver Sun Pickups, Ozomatli, Public Enemy and soul and funk diva Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. “You get a lot of crossover audiences,” Hagey said. “It’s a nice collaboration between myself and (Mays).” Staying true to its grass-roots heritage, the lineup features a mix of local talent, including singer-songwriter and former local DJ Anya Marina and rock band Dirty Sweet. The Beastie Boys were originally scheduled to headline Street Scene but have cancelled tour dates pending bassist Adam Yauch’s treatment for cancer in a salivary gland and lymph node. Yauch said in a recorded statement on his Website that doctors believe the cancer is localized and fully treatable and will not affect his voice. According to Hagey, Street Scene has added 10 acts this year (five each day) and a second entrance at 14th Street and Imperial Avenue. Last year, there was only one entrance, on J between 13th and 14th. The festival will span the area adjacent to Petco Park on 13th and 14th avenues and taking in J, K and L streets. This year will also debut a new “green stage,” where sound and lighting will be generated by solar power. This is made possible with the help of Sustainable Waves, an organization that provides sustainable energy systems for the entertainment industry and is gaining popularity at music festivals across the country. Street Scene had its beginnings downtown in the days before Petco Park, towering condo buildings and nightclubs with bottle service. The first Street Scene was held in 1984 as a biennial event in the spring and summer. By 1987, the festival was held annually, and bands soon started playing simultaneously on multiple stages. Street Scene also evolved to encompass more diverse genres of music and counts bands such as Los Lobos, Concrete Blonde, Social Distortion, Foo Fighters, the Marley Brothers, Snoop Dogg, Bedouin Soundclash and many others among its alums. Over the years, attendance swelled, and in 2004, Street Scene reached it peak when more than 100,000 people walked through the gates over the two days. By 2005, the event, known for its mardi gras-like atmosphere, had outgrown downtown and, much to the chagrin of Street Scene purists, moved to the sprawling Qualcomm Stadium parking lot, where it was held for two years. Last year, Street Scene returned to its roots, taking to the streets of the East Village once again, scaled back as a two-day festival headlined by Devo and Beck. “It’s great (being back downtown). The urban vibe, the skyline, is an integral part of Street Scene’s history,” Hagey said. “It’s unmatched [by] a festival of its kind, a whole different feeling.” Doors open both days at 4 p.m., and the shows run until midnight. Parking around Petco is easily available, and the trolley delivers attendees to the event’s front doors. MTS will run special Coaster trains to and from North County. The event is all ages, although a beer garden for those 21 and up will be featured. Food, beverages and other items are sold for cash only. A one-day pass costs $65; a two-day pass is $122. VIP passes are also available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.street-scene.com.