The holiday season is officially upon us, and music lovers have a host of options over the next month to help get into the spirit of the season. Topping the list is the annual run of free holiday-themed shows taking place at the Ocean Beach Farmers Market each Wednesday through Dec. 23. The music at the farmers market, running from 4 to 7 p.m., is organized by Michael Head, with each Wednesday seeing the intersection of Newport Avenue and Bacon Street hosting a selection of local and national artists performing in the open air. During the holiday season, the shows take on an important community role, providing entertainment and becoming part of a central location for the public to drop off items for the yearly food and toy drive.
On Dec. 2, performers will include hip-hop favorites Destructo Bunny. Meanwhile, on Dec. 9, there will be a special OB holiday concert featuring more than a dozen artists. While the line-up wasn’t set at press time, this is one of San Diego’s signature events, and you never know who may show up – everyone from local favorite Jeffery Bloom to music icon Joey Harris has participated in the past. Finally, on Dec. 23, Point Loma High School students the Santana Brothers will stage a special holiday show featuring evergreens such as “Rockin’ Round the Christmas Tree” and “Run Run Rudolph,” as well as a healthy batch of classic rock tunes. As much fun as the holiday concert promises to be, the Santana Brothers show just may have more smiles generated; it’s hard to top a band comprising kids. Other area events include a performance of holiday favorites by harpist Leah Panos at the Ocean Beach Library on Dec. 5 at 1:30 p.m. and a Celtic Christmas concert with Eric Rigler and Dirk Freymuth at Trinity Concerts on Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Meanwhile, on Dec. 13 at 5 p.m., Tio Leo’s will be the site of hard rock guitarist Roni Lee’s annual Christmas show, benefiting the San Diego Christian Servicemen’s organization, which helps feed the families of deployed servicemen and women. In what is likely the most diverse bill you’ll come across this year, the night kicks off with a tribute to 1940s swing queens the Andrews Sisters and features a set of classic rock dance tunes from Josie Day, with appearances from Lee, former Mamas and Papas / Buckinghams singer Laura Beebe Lewis, fiddler Alicia Previn and even Santa Claus.
Even among so many great shows, for music aficionados, the clear highlight on the holiday calendar is likely the annual party held by The San Diego Troubadour, a local publication that champions folk music, jazz, country and blues. Taking place at Grassroots Oasis on Dec. 20, the music starts at 5 p.m. “This is an all-important event, as it is a fundraiser (for the newspaper),” remarked publisher Elizabeth Abbott. Donations can be made online or at the party, with this year’s theme being “potluck.” “So we’re asking people to bring food or drink to share. It’s casual, though, so if you don’t bring anything, that’s OK, too,” Abbott said. The music side of things will be hosted by singer-songwriters Alan Land and Jimmie Lundsford in an open mic format.
although this one has a major difference: With the San Diego Troubadour being respected in the music community, you can expect many of San Diego’s best-known headliners to make appearances throughout the night. “(People who want to play the show) can sign up at the party,” Abbott said, “but there will be a casual outside jam going on outside, around a fire pit.” You can look forward to quick sets from all involved. “There are so many people who want to play, we barely get through the list,” she said.