After a two-year pause, the OB Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off is back! The event’s 42nd edition takes place on Saturday, June 25, a sure sign that things are finally getting back to normal. One of San Diego’s most beloved events, más que 70,000 people are expected to take part in the festivities along Newport Avenue this year.

There will be three stages of entertainment, along with the event’s signature chili cook-off, as well as a kid-friendly interactive fun zone, an Artists Alley, featuring unique hand-crafted items, a beachside beer garden, and a community mural will be among the event’s many highlights. With its mix of music, food and art, as well as its oceanside location, there is nothing quite like the OB Street Fair.

However, while the fun and the sun remain in common with previous editions of the event, much has changed, with the whole event having a smaller footprint. Some changes are more minor than others.

This year, for the first time, tickets for the chili cook-off, allowing for tastings from all the contestants, will be available for sale online. However, the biggest change will be evident to anyone who has ever attended the event before. Booths are no longer allowed in the center of the road and must now be moved apart, closer to the sidewalk on each side of the street, similar to the way the farmer’s market is set up.

Also, there are no more stages on side streets. Instead, each of the three stages will be found in a parking lot along Newport Avenue.

“The changes were instigated by the city and by the fire marshals,” said Ocean Beach MainStreet Association executive director Denny Knox. “There are so many new regulations and expenses, it has certainly made things more difficult, but we’re doing our best to get through it all.”

An additional change was made for more pragmatic reasons. The fun zone and kids area has been moved from the previous location of a parking lot at Newport and Sunset Cliffs Boulevard to its new home at Saratoga Park.

“That’s something we’ve been thinking about for some time,” Knox said. “The previous location was a little noisy being so close to Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. Having this nice grassy area available is the perfect option.”

The OB Street Fair’s most popular component is the musical lineup and this year once again pulls in major talent, including reggae favorites Sandollar, indie rock quartet Falling Doves, funk/soul groovers, Wise Monkey Orchestra, and long-running Grateful Dead tribute, the Electric Waste Band.

“So happy to be back,” said Ted Wigler, who books the Main Stage and promotes the beer garden, while also booking Winstons. “It was a little harder to ramp things up this year as we had less lead time than usual among other things, but I fully expect the garden to be packed. People have been cooped up for a long time.”

What’s he looking forward to the most? “Just hanging out with a few thousand of my friends,” he joked. “It’s going to be great to see so many familiar faces.”

“We’re very excited the event is back,” said Electric Waste Band guitarist Robert Harvey. “OB Street Fair is such a fun time for everyone. We love playing in the afternoon on the Main Stage with our backs to the water, a cool ocean breeze, and a large crowd of our fellow deadheads rocking along with us.

“It’s such a beautiful place to spend some time making music. We wish we could have four hours of playing time.” Look for the band to have a special guest. “On events like this, we get to play with Bill Walton on percussion, and it’s always fun jamming with Bill. He brings terrific energy and the fans always love it when Bill shows up.”

Harvey notes the band approaches a festival gig like this differently than they would their 30-year residency at Winstons. “We only have 60 minutes, so we put some thought into what we want to play ahead of time, rather than trying to call the songs at the moment as we do at Winstons. We have a special set list planned and we think everyone will enjoy it.”

Like many, he considers transmisión exterior a special place for music. “As for playing in OB, for us, it started with all the deadheads who lived in OB and would come out and share in our weekly celebration of the music of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead. And I recently had an experience with the OB Division of the SDPD, and they were actually very encouraging of live music at a local park. We think OB is just a magical place and playing on or within a block of the ocean is a dream come true,” Harvey said

But music is just the tip of the iceberg on June 25. Food connoisseurs have three opportunities to overeat and take home a prize, with the Chili Cook-Off (11 a.m.), the second annual Dirty Birds Wing Eating Contest (1:30 p.m.), and Hodad’s Burger Eating Contest (3:15 p.m.)

Meanwhile, Paper Moon Music, a music instruction studio, will have a booth of interest to budding musicians, with teachers on hand and a selection of instruments.

Uno de los people’s favorite annual traditions at the street fair is the painting of a community mural. To participate, you simply purchase a square for $20 and start painting. The mural will ultimately be sealed and placed in the community, making it a great opportunity por youngsters, in particular, to take part in a civic-minded activity.

For her part, Knox is happy to be back preparing the OB Street Fair. “There is a lot of anticipation on how this is it all going to come together,” Knox said. “The city changed all its special event rules, so it’s been quite an education to go through all that and figure out what we need to do to make this event happen. Not only is it way more expensive to make it happen, but it’s also navigating new waters.”

She notes the OB Street Fair is a group effort. “We have around 130 volunteers to help out on the day, but this year with so many changes, we’ve yet to see how smoothly things will run,” she said. “Either way, though, it’s just great to be back doing this. It’s really something we’ve all missed.”

Parking at the OB Street Fair is always at a premium, but there are several options that may help to ease the situation. For bicyclists, The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition will provide a free bike valet area on Bacon Street at Newport Avenue. Meanwhile, courtesy of Old Town Trolley, those with cars can drop off their vehicles and grab a free ride to the fair from either the Sunrunner Lot at the corner of Pacific Highway and Sea World Drive or the lot near Robb Field at 2244 Bacon St. The trolley will run continuously from 9:30 a.m. until 9 p.m., dropping passengers off in the Artist’s Alley section of the fair. Visit oceanbeachsandiego.com for more information.

OB Street Fair music includes 18 bands performing on three stages

By BART MENDOZA | The Beacon

There are many great reasons to visit the OB Street Fair, but without a doubt the biggest draw each year is the music. This year, 18 bands will perform on three stages, with artists ranging from bluegrass to rock taking part. The musical lineup is once again booked by Ted Wigler, who handles the METROain Stage while performing the same duties at Winstons, alongside Michael Head, of Cabeza Records, who booked the other two stages.

“We mostly favor local performers, but do consider a wide variety of artists,” Head commented. “We’ve gotten submissions from all over the world and are always looking for things that fit the OB vibe. That said, considering COVID-19 and that it’s our first event back, it was prudent this year to depend on most, if not all, local performers. It really is a stacked line-up this year.”

What does the OB Street Fair look for in an artist? “Being that OB is so open-minded, I’m not sure there isn’t anything we wouldn’t, or haven’t considered,” he said.

The Main Stage, located right at the edge of the beach, at the foot of Newport Avenue, in the OB Pier parking lot adjacent to the beer garden, will feature a bill topped by reggae/rockers Sandollar (7 p.m.), playing in advance of their new album, “Under the Water.”

Other notables include long-time favorites and Grateful Dead tribute combo Electric Waste Band (4 p.m.). The latter has become an OB institution, with a Monday night residency at Winstons now stretching back three decades.

A few blocks over, the 92107 Stage, located at Newport y Sunset Cliffs Boulevard in the US Bank pagsarking yoot, will be highlighted by a set from country band Ron Houston and the Berrypickers (1 p.m.), and The Resinators, a rock-reggae group ese recently relocated from the Pacific Northwest to be part of the area’s burgeoning music community.

Finally, the Artists Alley Stage will feature a six-band lineup that opens with bluegrass guitarist Travis Oliver (10 a.m.), and includes both veteran combos such as rock and surf group Shark Jones (11:30 a.m.), and up and comers such as indie rockers Verado (5:30 p.m.)

Sandollar – Main Stage headliners, 7 p.m

Reggae rock favorites Sandollar are on a roll. This year’s OB Street Fair Main Stage headliners, Sandollar’s music can be heard on television shows such as Netflix’s “Outer Banks” and CBS-TV’s “Magnum P.I.,” while their albums have helped bring them to the attention of a growing fan base. Featuring Baron Lunbeck (lead vocals/piano), Marco Rodrigues (guitar), David Bashem (guitar), Henry Ortiz (drums), Max Damkoehlor (bass), John Herb (trumpet), Maria Connors (trumpet), and Edwardo (percussion) the band has just released a new single, “Warrior,” with a new album, “Under the Water,” due next month. With a West Coast tour in the wings and more TV exposure ahead, the future looks bright for the Ocean Beach-based group.

“Live music right on the beach is what I love about the OB Street Fair,” Lunbeck said. “I usually sneak out and catch a few waves in between bands.” He considers topping this year’s event to be a milestone. “Since COVID, we have mainly just played locally, with the occasional house party,” he said. “It’s a huge honor to be playing such a big event in front of a hometown crowd,” Lunbeck said. “Big thanks to Ted Wigler for always supporting us and the whole local music scene in general.”

He’s happy to be part of the area’s storied music community. “OB is such a special place for musicians,” Lunbeck said. “We all know each other and are genuinely happy to support and see one another grow. There are so many good bands here, such as Slightly Stoopid, Boostive, Band of Gringos, Wise Monkey Orchestra, Electric Waste Band, Doah’s Daydream, Mango Habanero, Crucial Blend… the list just goes on and on!”

Although Lunbeck is happy to be playing to such a large audience at the OB Street Fair, he favors more intimate venues. “My favorites are Winstons, THC, and the 710 Beach Club, They all have an intimate feel and you can really see the artists up close and personal.”

Lunbeck, the band’s principal songwriter, notes that a Sandollar set list is fluid, especially at an event like this. “When I play any show, I usually write a set list that day,” he said. “Depending on the crowd’s vibe, I end up switching songs around on the spot. Sometimes we just go into improv jams where I don’t even know what’s going to happen next. I like that feeling and I think it not only keeps the crowd on their toes but us as well.”

Lunbeck points out that the beach atmosphere itself has an impact on the band. “Living by the beach has heavily influenced our music and has personally saved my life,” he said. “The ocean has always been my escape from city life often filled with partying, drugs, and daily stress.”

Lunbeck considers music an escape in itself. “My motivation to keep pursuing music comes from many different aspects of life,” he said. “Some not being completely positive. Growing up as a half Asian, with also Native American blood, in a predominantly white community, I had always felt out of place. I’ve encountered racism as far back as I can remember. Like the ocean, music became my escape from all of that.”

He ended up locking himself in his room playing his instrument for hours, “completely content,” he mused. “Then once I discovered that playing piano and guitar got some attention from the girls, it was game over,” he joked.

While happy with the recent successes, Lunbeck acknowledges the hard work ahead for Sandollar. “Ultimately the love for and to make new music is what keeps me going on,” he said. “Although, it would be nice to be rich or famous, I also just like jamming with my bros and will continue to do so no matter the outcome.” Visit sandollartheband.com para más información.

Música en vivo spotlights for the OB Street Fair

By BART MENDOZA | The Beacon

The Dave Gilbert Band – Artist Alley Stage, 2:30 p.m.

The Dave Gilbert Band es a veteran of the OB Street Fair. “I think this will be my eighth time playing, although, the first two times were with my band the Rhythm Ranchers,” noted Gilbert.

Featuring Tim “the Pinn” Butler on bass y vocals, “the Reverend” Randal Jones on drums y vocals, and Kelly Jones on keyboards, the band will be debuting their new single, “Living in the Country,” at the show.

“Playing at the street fair again after it not happening for two years will be awesome,” Gilbert said. “It’ll be great to see everybody back in OB and having a wonderful time soaking up the atmosphere.”

Gilbert will be performing double duty at the show. “I’m also a stage manager there, so I’ll be at the OB Street Fair all day. One of the perks is that Michael Head always books the cream of the crop, plus some great new exciting acts, so it’s always fun working with so many talented artists. I’m really looking forward to it!” For more information, visit facebook.com/DaveGilbertMusic.

The Carlos Rock Experience – 92107 Stage, 11:30 a.m.

An all-star band comprised largely of La Jolla-based musicians past and present, The Carlos Rock Experience includes heavy hitters such as guitarist Carlos Rodriguez (ex-Stone Horse), Kevin Ring (Manual Scan), and Jeffrey Bloom (Army of Love) for a set of classic rock ‘n’ roll, including the 1960s and 1970s era favorites. While the band has played a few club dates since the start of the pandemic, they’re happy to be back on the outdoor circuit.

“It’s great to finally be able to play live,” said Rodriguez. “We don’t have anything special planned for the day, but our set should be more than enough to keep the crowd happy.” Rodriguez has been a local musician for more than four decades, it helps keep him young, at least in spirit. “I’m living out my adolescent fantasies, just trying to keep it fun,” he said. “Of course, playing with my friends helps!” For more information, visit facebook.com/groups/carlosrockexperience.

The Falling Doves – 92107 Stage, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

No band playing this year’s Ocean Beach Street Fair has had the global reach of rock combo Falling Doves. Led by guitarist Christopher Leyva, a former resident, alongside drummer Greg Smith, the band is touring in support of their latest album, “Skylark 69,” released this month by Pacific Records. In 2022 alone, Falling Doves has seen multiple visits to England, Spain, Denmark, Germany, Italy, France, Japan, and more. It’s all part of an endless road trip that’s lasted nearly a decade and included highlights such as opening for Cheap Trick and recording with former Beatle, Pete Best.

Post street fair, the band next heads to Canada, then England, then Mexico, closing out the year in Australia. “We tour constantly, so I kind of live out of a suitcase these days, but I still consider Ocean Beach my home,” Leyva said. “The street fair is something I always look forward to, so playing this year after everything paused, feels extra special.” For more information, visit fallingdoves.com.

Artists’ Alley features hand-crafted jewelry, clothes, and more

By BART MENDOZA | The Beacon

Easily the most colorful area of the OB Street Fair is Artists Alley, full of unique, hand-crafted items, ranging from poster art to jewelry to tie-dyed clothing and all manner of items in between. Located at Cable Street and Newport Avenue, there will be dozens of artists in residence selling their wares as well as giving crafting demonstrations. Artists Alley will also be the trolley drop-off point from the satellite parking lots.

“For a lot of people, this is the highlight of the event,” said OBMA miejecutivo Director Denny Knox. “Vendor applications go quick on Artist’s Alley as it has a reputation as one of the best arts and crafts fairs in the area. The whole area is curated and is something that we’re really proud of,” Knox dicho. “Beyond the fact that everything is handmade, we’re also happy that so many artists are actually from our community.”

The overall footprint of Artists Alley is a bit smaller than in the past, “but the quality of the crafts remains high,” Knox said. While the vendors’ list wasn’t yet ready at press time, Knox noted that “There are always things there for just about everybody. There are always things going on in the area, with art created right at the booths and opportunities for attendees to talk to the artists.

“It’s a great place to pick up a gift or something for the house, Knox said. “But it’s also great to just be among all that creativity.” For more information Artists Alley’s vendors, visit oceanbeachsandiego.com.

Fun Zone for kids moves to Saratoga Park

By BART MENDOZA | The Beacon

One of the changes to the OB Street Fair this year is the moving of the Fun Zone, which will be located at Saratoga Park, adjacent to Veterans Plaza at Saratoga Avenue and Abbot Street. Moving from a parking lot to a grassy, beach adjacent park is a major upgrade to the zone, which will remain a mix of interactive activities and inflatable attractions.

As much as the Fun Zone area will give kids a chance to let off a little steam, the area will also be set up to offer parents a chance to relax a little as well, with tables and chairs, as well as food options that lean to the healthier side of the menu.

“We’re excited to see the community out again,” said Fun Zone organizer Beth Wright, who along with her husband, owns OB Barber Shop. She considers the kids area to be an integral part of the OB Street Fair. “We have music and the beer garden and a lot of adult things, so we really want to reinforce that this is an all-ages event.” To that end, there will also be arts and crafts for the younger set.

According to Jasmine Suarez, metroanager of EMS Attractions, who will be providing the inflatables, fair attendees can expect to find a bounce house, The Ultimate Bungee, as well as returning favorites – the Coconut Tree Climb, which is similar to rock climbing walls, with participants scaling 30 feet tall palm trees, así como The Swashbuckler, a pirate-themed 35 feet tall and 70 feet long zip line.

The Swashbuckler includes slides and a section where attendees will find themselves “walking the plank.” The ride has long been popular due to its height, offering the fair’s best view. “We enjoy putting a smile on people’s faces,” Suarez said. “The fun that we bring to the kids and the memories that we create for the families is the best part of the job.”

As any fan of shows like “Wipe Out” can attest, it’s a lot of fun to watch folks run the courses and play the games, but it’s even more fun to participate. With its new location, just feet from the Pacific Ocean, the OB Street Fair Fun Zone is the perfect spot for kids of all ages.

Volunteer spotlight: Micheal Head

By BART MENDOZA | The Beacon

Lots of names were bandied about when it came to choosing someone to spotlight as a volunteer, but one came up repeatedly – Micheal Head.

Alongside Ted Wigler, Head is one of the main reasons the street fair has such a great reputation for its music – from both audiences and musicians. A musician and music producer by trade, he’s been volunteering at the OB Street Fair since the early 1990s. Things have changed a lot since then.

“I ran the sound for Artists Alley with my own equipment,” he recalled. “We rented a stage from the city that was a flatbed truck. It may have been the only other stage at that time other than the Main Stage. It was very grassroots back then.” He’s been the talent buyer/manager for the past decade.

What inspired Head to volunteer? “Just being in OB and wanting to be a part of the event, both as a volunteer and as a performer,” he said. “Also being asked to help by other community volunteers who I greatly respected, first Ian McGhee, then later Chuck Schiele.”

As an OB Street Fair committee member, he attends planning and consulting meetings, obtains and analyze bids for the stages and sound, book bands and manage the stages on the day of the event.

“I’ve been lucky to have some of the same stage managers for the last 10 years who help me with the daily management of the stages. They really help keep things running smoothly. Then I can move around and put out any fires that might pop up.”

How important does he feel it is for folks to give back to their community? “It’s so important to give back, especially these days,” Head dicho. “If everyone gave just a little then a lot of the issues and desires of the community would be easily met. Unfortunately, and at no fault to anyone, the same few people end up doing most of the volunteering and community activism.”

Head considers his volunteer work among his most rewarding. “I just enjoy seeing an event come off successfully and knowing all that went into it and that if all goes well, no one notices the efforts. They just notice the good time they’re having. That makes it for me,” he said.

“I encourage everyone, definitely all Obecians, to help out in some way. Help out at a community event or a beach clean-up, anything really. It feels amazing and you’ll want that feeling again.”

Amateurs and restaurants compete for bragging rights at Chili Cook-Off

By BART MENDOZA | The Beacon

Ocean Beach and Chili are practically synonymous in the minds of San Diegans thanks to the OB Street Fair’s namesake event, Chili Cook-Off. Taking place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Veterans Plaza, eso is the event of the year when it comes to chili lovers. And they are legion, with the event selling out every year.

There are amateur and restaurant categories. Tickets for tasting and judging the entrants’ chili are set at $2 per entry or you can buy a metroaster ticket for $20, allowing you to sample chili from all the competitors. This year for the first time, tasting tickets will only be available via oceanbeachsandiego.com.

There will be both an official judging award as well as a people’s choice prize. More than a dozen entrants will take part, with contestants bringing 10 gallons to be judged.

“There is a $300 cash prize for first place, but the real prize for a lot of people is the bragging rights,” said event founder and OBMA board of directors member Mike Akey.

The judges will be rating the entries for consistency, smell, color, and taste. Both meat and vegetarian chili will be available, with a cut-off time of 2 p.m., but you can expect the food to be long gone by then.

Akey notes that winning the contest isn’t necessarily about the chili to some contestants. “It varies. To some, it’s all about how spicy or how exotic the ingredients are. Other teams go all out with themed booths and costumes. I’m excited about that. Any way you look at it, the spirit of competition makes it a lot of fun.”

Funds raised at the Chili Cook-off usually help fund the annual 4th of July fireworks off the OB Pier. However, with the pier closed for repairs and the fireworks canceled this year, money raised will go to the Ocean Beach Community Business District to help pay for civic improvements in the area.

“It’ll definitely stay within the community,” Akey said. “We’ll use it for cleanup and we need new trash cans and banners and so on, so the funds will help with things like that.”

He considers that Chili Cook-Offs will once again use the funds for 4th of July activities, though he notes that fireworks might not be the way to go. “There is so much possibility these days, that yes, a fireworks display would certainly be a lot of fun, but maybe we’ll move on to something else, like drones or lasers. We’ll have to wait and see exactly what happens next.”

With nearly four decades of Chili Cook-Offs behind him, Akey is still enthused about the event he helped found. “I enjoy the camaraderie, having all the local people there. It’s for a good cause and it’s a lot of fun, a great get-together. I don’t eat as much chili as I once did, but I sure enjoy what the event has become,” he said. “Some people plan their year around coming to the cook-off and it’s still something I look forward to every year myself,” he said.