With its mix of surf, sun, food and music there is no better way to kick off fall than Pacific BeachFest, which takes place on Oct. 7. There will be plenty of activities for the whole family, but one of the event’s biggest draws is the music, taking place across three stages, from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. The day offers up something for just about every musical taste, from reggae to mambo, and rock to singer-songwriters. Main Stage
The Main Stage has one of the strongest bills in recent years, headlined by Florida-based singer Leilani Wolfgramm (5:45 p.m.). Although considered a reggae singer, Wolfgramm blends in hip-hop and R&B for a sound that’s rhythmic, danceable and radio ready. The Main Stage will open strong with a set from reggae-influenced singer-songwriter Casey Turner (11 a.m.). Turner, a former NASA employee, made headlines last year when his song, “Waves On The Ocean,” was played aboard the International Space Station, becoming the first reggae song debuted in space. Turner is well-deserving of the attention, with an easy-going stage manner and set list full of catchy tunes, such as “Semi Automatic.”
Meanwhile, soul-blues band The King Taylor Project (12:25 p.m.), based around the vocals of Sandi King and guitar/vocals of Joshua Taylor, is one of the hottest prospects in town at the moment. The secret to the band’s success being in their terrific songs, such as melancholy rocker “High Road,” that sound like standards in the making. Their shared vocals also add much to their sound, but this is one of the strongest combos to hit the local music scene in quite some time.
Also recommended on the Main Stage is the Cassie B Project (3:05 p.m.), one of the area’s best dance bands. Led by singer Cassie Bowerman, the band plays a wide range of covers, but their specialty is R&B and soul dance classics where Bowerman can really let her vocals soar. With a set comprised of nothing but crowd pleasers, from the likes of Journey, Taylor Swift and the Jackson, their set will be one the event’s highlights. Community Stage
The Community Stage will feature a mix of local favorites, including Pray for Surf (2:50 p.m) and the Big Daddy Blues Band (5:10 p.m.), but the focus will be on young musicians from local schools. On hand will be Crown Point Jr. Music Academy (11 a.m.), PB Middle School Band (1:10 p.m.) and St. Paul’s School Choir (2 p.m.). The Community Stage highlight promises to be an appearance by the Mission Bay High School Preservationists Mambo Orchestra (3:40 p.m.) performing under the direction of J.P. Balmat. The big band will bring Latin rhythms and such classic tunes to the beach. Beer Garden Stage
Meanwhile, the Beer Garden Stage will feature a mix of indie bands and DJs including DJ Billy The Kid (1:15 p.m.) and DJ Who (5:15 p.m.). Several reggae-influenced bands will also be performing. For sheer manic energy it will be hard to top reggae/rock hybrid Split Finger (1:45), but pop reggae combo Cityside (3 p.m.), will be close contenders, having built a large local following through their blend of pop hooks and island rhythms. Topping the bill will be bluesy rockers, Band of Gringos (5:45 p.m.). A power trio in the tradition of the Jimi Hendrix Experience.
the band even features a left handed guitarist, Cody Sherman, with solid versions of such classics as “Hear My Train” in their repertoire. Firm festival favorites, Band of Gringos brand of rock will be an excellent way to close out this stage.