While musicians are often the first to contribute whenever a community or individual needs help — from fundraisers and benefit concerts to education — it’s rare for them to receive recognition for their contributions. This year, a one-time program in the Peninsula area will place the spotlight firmly on the area’s music makers. Beginning in late May, a series of 48 banners, featuring the likeness of deserving musicians from the Peninsula area, will go up along Rosecrans Boulevard in the Point Loma Village. Sponsored by the Point Loma Association (PLA), the event will tie-in to the annual San Diego County Fair, opening June 12, which this year features a motif of “Music Mania.” “Each year the fair has a theme, such as last year’s, which was athletes. We like to use the occasion to celebrate local residents who have risen to prominence in their field,” said PLA chair Bill Klees. The banners feature portraits that are shot specifically for the musician, so a sitting is required. While the lineup was still being confirmed at press time, at least one Ocean Beach artist has already been named — Chuck Schiele. Best known as a frontman for the group, the Grams, and a multiple San Diego Music Awards winner, Schiele has also produced numerous local performers at his StudiOB recording studio, including John Miller and Podunk Nowhere. Perhaps more importantly, Schiele is also heavily involved in the community, helping with everything from fund raisers to the annual Ocean Beach Christmas Parade. Denny Knox, executive director of the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association (OBMA), nominated Schiele for banner recognition. Knox said Schiele was a unanimous choice among board members. “His was the first name that came up and everyone was in instant agreement,” Knox said. “He’s given so much of his time and done so much for the community that there was no dissension at all. “(Schiele) is such a good musician; we’re all really excited that this honor is going to him,” she said. Schiele jokingly considers the accolade to be well-timed. “I’m glad I got it when I was too old to be egotistical,” he said. He admits to being surprised when informed of the honor, but he said he’s thrilled. “It’s wonderful to know that somebody notices the good you do,” Schiele said. “When you sit down and write a song, you might think, ‘Maybe someday, I’ll be on the cover of Rolling Stone or might get to do a cool show.’ “But something like this is beyond all that. To have your community give you a nod, let alone put your face on a banner as a representation of good things in the community, makes me appreciate where I live even more,” he said.
