![\"Rodello\u2019s](\"https:\/\/sduptownnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/07\/web-RodellosMachine.jpg\")
<\/a>Ernie Bonn of the University Heights Community Development Corporation (UHCDC), the organization primarily responsible for staging the concerts, said they started the series as a way to \u201cbring back the community\u2019s enjoyment of the park,\u201d calling the effort grassroots.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe originally started with a street fair, and we felt it didn\u2019t help the businesses,\u201d Bonn said. \u201cBy moving everything into the park, we got greater support.\u201d<\/p>\n
Referencing Jane Jacobs\u2019 \u201cThe Death and Life of Great American Cities\u201d \u2013 a classic text criticizing urban-planning policy that brings decline to city neighborhoods \u2013 Bonn said they wanted to both be responsible for and have a stake in University Heights.<\/p>\n
The 2013 concert series will feature a different band each Friday through Aug. 2 for two hours starting at 6 p.m. Bonn said they have almost 20 bands contact them each year to be a part of the series, though they can not accommodate all.<\/p>\n
Opening the 17th annual series is Rodello\u2019s Machine on July 5, followed by the Stoney B Blues Band, by popular demand Friday, July 12.<\/p>\n
\u201cStony B was so popular at last year\u2019s concert, that we had to ask him back,\u201d the UHCDC said in a press release.<\/p>\n
Rodello\u2019s Machine is made up of Nate Donnis and Kolby Knickerbocker, and their sound has been compared to Fleet Foxes, Mumford and Sons, and Wilco. They have a unique style of indie folk-rock, and formed in early 2010.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce we met and learned we shared similar skill sets, common interest in song creating and [a] willingness to go the mile in the music industry, we saw an opportunity to create great music,\u201d Donnis said on the band\u2019s website. Donnis is a native of New York who moved to Southern California, and Knickerbocker hails from Georgia.<\/p>\n
They released their self-titled debut album March 2012, and Knickerbocker said they hoped to use it as a way to increase their fan base. The release party was held at the Griffin, off Morena Boulevard.<\/p>\n
Following Stoney B July 12, the July 19 concert features Theo & the Zydeco Patrol, a Southwestern Cajun-music band. On July 26, the Bill Magee Blues Band will take the stage, and a \u201cperennial\u201d favorite, the UHCDC said, Sue Palmer & Her Motel Swing Orchestra will close out this year\u2019s series Aug. 2.<\/p>\n
While sponsored by the UHCDC and the San Diego County Enhancement Program \u2013 in a partnership with the San Diego Park and Recreation Department and the University Heights Recreation Council \u2013 event cosponsors and individual donations help support the series, making it possible to return year after year.<\/p>\n
Bonn and the UHCDC said community involvement is a key component to the series, and they are encouraging everyone to give back by partaking in a \u201cpass the hat\u201d donation each night. Attendees can also give back by frequenting the neighborhood businesses.<\/p>\n
\u201cPick up a pizza at our local pizzeria, order takeout for your picnic dinner or eat beforehand at one of our great UH restaurants for a short walk back to the park,\u201d the UHCD said.<\/p>\n
Bonn said businesses can expect to be busy both before and after the shows, which end at 8 p.m. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of activity on the street,\u201d she said, and the UHCDC is asking everyone to be responsible and safe.<\/p>\n
Recognizing that parking is difficult in University Heights on a regular Friday night, the UHCDC said it is \u201ctougher still\u201d to find street parking during the concert season. They recommend walking, biking or taking public transportation to the events. Metro San Diego bus route 11 serves Adams Avenue.<\/p>\n
Bonn also said using the car-share program car2go, an event sponsor, was a good option for getting to the park. The company will have information available before and after the shows, and Bonn said they may bring a vehicle to show.<\/p>\n
There will be additional portable bathrooms onsite, as well as plenty of trash and recycling containers, and organizers are asking that people take out what they bring into the park. Glass containers, alcohol and smoking are all restricted, due to City regulations. Pets are allowed during the concerts.<\/p>\n
\u201cFans of our Friends of the UH Library book sales can also rejoice,\u201d the UHCDC said, as the library group will be returning to sell books to attendees. All proceeds from the book sales go back to the University Heights Branch Library.<\/p>\n
Both Brooklyn Dogs Mobile Cart and Mrs. Frostie will also be returning to sell treats.<\/p>\n