San Diego has many holiday traditions, but none is as beloved by local music fans as The Casbah’s annual Christmas eve show, Exile on Kettner Blvd.
Begun by defunct local rockers The Dragons in 1993, the free concert’s music largely comprises Rolling Stones covers, offering an alternative to the usual seasonal fare.
The Dragons split in 2004, but the show continues, now helmed by the band’s former frontman Mario Escovedo and an all-star group of local musicians, under the name Los Maricones de Rock.
The line-up includes keyboardist Joey Guevera (Lady Dottie), guitarists Rick Wilkins (The Nards, Sara Petite) and Joe Camacho, singers Kristen Warnken (The Glossines) and Romy Kaye, bassist George Vidardi (Uncle Joe’s Big Ol’ Driver) and drummer Brian “Nucci” Cantrell.
The emphasis for the show is material from the Rolling Stones’ 1972 album, “Exile on Main Street,” though other tunes from the group’s heyday are included.
Escovedo admits that the break up of the Dragons almost nixed the event a few years back.
“But so many people look forward to this every year that the holidays almost don’t feel complete without it,” he said.
He likens the night to a revue, with guests coming and going from the stage.
“It’s funky and loose, with a little bit of mayhem. You never know exactly what’s going to happen, but it’s always a good time,” he remarked.
With so many classic songs to choose from, Wilkins has a tough time picking a favorite. “The big hits are all fun ’cause the place is just goin’ off,” he remarked. “Then there are the guitarist’s guilty pleasures. I love that groovy, laid-back Mick Taylor solo in ‘Can You Hear Me Knockin’,” he enthused. “It comes in all slick, right after the sax solo. It’s got a great long break, allowing me to just go off on the guitar and hear it sing.”
Even before joining the entourage, the guitarist knew he wanted to be part of the action. “I was always a big fan of The Dragons,” he said. “They had such great raw energy. Being a big Stones fan, I had to see how these guys would tackle it. Tackle it they did, and I was hooked.”
For all involved, the show is one of the year’s highlights.
“No matter which bands I’ve been in over the years, this is always my favorite gig,” said Camacho. “How often do you get to play a two-hour-plus show?”
The event also gives local rock fans a place to meet up with friends visiting for the holidays.
“A lot of people who used to frequent The Casbah and other clubs have moved away, and since they are back in town for the holidays, this is a perfect opportunity to get out and run into folks they may not have planned on seeing,” remarked Wilkins.
“They always know where we’ll be on Christmas eve,” quipped Camacho.
The event has grown exponentially since its beginnings. Early on it was a scenester haven, but recent years have seen an explosion of interest.
“People have always come out,” explained Camacho. “But now they bring their families.”
Wilkins concurs.
“Many people go to movies to get out of the house after all the family stuff is done,” he said. “Some people don’t have much else to do.”
Wilkins notes that part of the night’s attraction is in the musicians playing with their peers.
“I love getting out and playing on a big stage with lots of friends,” he stated.
The informal nature of the proceedings is also key.
“It’s great to not have to worry about songcraft and whether or not you are ‘on.’ The music is all a part of the rock ‘n’ roll tradition, so it’s so easy to let it just shoot through you,” Wilkins said. “You just get in, turn up and go along. It’s a wild ride.”
Exile on Kettner Blvd. takes place at The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., on Monday, Dec. 24. Admission is free and open to ages 21 and up. For more information visit www.casbahmusic.com.