Some of the performers taking the stage at this year’s Street Scene were just babies when the event debuted in downtown San Diego in 1984, advertising 5 bands, 5 hours, 5 bucks. Just as those little rockers have grown, so has Street Scene, to now more than 60 bands, 2 days, and, well, a lot more than 5 bucks.
Street Scene returns on Sept. 22 and 23 at Coors Amphitheatre in Chula Vista.
The local urban music festival turned giant headliner concert event is ever redefining itself, going through growing pains while still trying to cling to some of its core ideals of musical variety.
“Part of what has always defined Street Scene has been its vibrant eclecticism,” said Greg Terlizzi, a spokesperson for Live Nation, one of the producers of the event. “This year’s edition will share that spirit.”
Terlizzi said that in addition to bands ranging in genre from rock, electronica, hip-hop, Latin, alternative and reggae, there will be also be craft festivals, drum circles and a variety of foods for guests to enjoy.
Street Scene had its humble beginnings in downtown’s East Village in the days before Petco Park, towering condo buildings and nightclubs with bottle service.
Over the years, its attendance swelled, and in 2004, more than 100,000 people walked through the gates over the two days.
By 2005, the event, known for its Mardi Gras atmosphere, had grown out of downtown and moved to the hot, sprawling parking lot of Qualcomm Stadium, where it was held for two years.
The growth has not been without incident, however.
In 2004, 20 people were injured when a barrier collapsed on a crowd during an AFI show, and last year 17 people were transported to hospitals after a mosh pit got out of control during a performance by the band Tool, according to Union-Tribune reports.
Terlizzi said precautions are being taken to ensure a safe concert this year.
“We always view the audience experience as a top priority,” said Terlizzi. “Part of that is doing our utmost to create a safe and fun environment.”
This year’s Street Scene was originally scheduled to take place at the Del Mar Fairgrounds but switched venues to Coors Amphitheatre in early August. Live Nation owns Coors, a significantly smaller venue, with seating for about 20,000.
Headlining Street Scene on Saturday is Muse, Panic! At the Disco, G. Love & Special Sauce, Augustana, Village People and local bands Slightly Stoopid and B-Side Players.
Headlining on Sunday is Las Vegas band The Killers, Social Distortion, Arctic Monkeys, Spoon, Louis XIV and Eek-a-Mouse.