With its mixture of art, music and sunshine, there is no other event quite as culturally aware as ArtWalk. Held on the asphalt of Little Italy, ArtWalk showcases the works of hundreds of artists, along with six stages featuring some of San Diego’s best known musicians. Already one of the city’s most visually stimulating annual gatherings, this two-day fest on April 29 and 30 includes all the usual trappings of a street fair, with food vendors and a sea of booths, but it’s those six stages, musical oase set up to let art patrons catch their breath as they take in the hundreds of exhibits from aspiring artists. The event will be staged rain or shine, and it’s recommended you bring walking shoes, as ArtWalk’s four blocks and side streets are perfect for exploring, but can take a toll on your feet if you’re not prepared.
On hand to showcase their tunes will be a wide mix of performers including blues guitarist Anna Troy, a mix of jazz soul and pop from vocalist Steph Johnson, funk and rock six piece Alfred Howard & The K23 Orchestra, as well as The Jazz 88 All Stars, featuring the staff of radio station KSDS. Also appearing will be classical guitarist Israel Maldonado, singer-songwriter Michael Tiernan, and dance troupe The Salsa Inferno Dancers backed by Latin sensations Ritmo Caribe. The rest of the bill is just as strong, with sets due from blues legend Robin Henkel, alternative country from The Coyote Problem, Celtic and folk guitarist Kev, chanteuse Ashley Matte, pop rockers The Ballad Mongers, Chapman Stick pioneer Tom Greisgraber, Americana favorite Shawn P Rohlf, and violin led folk-rock trio The Grams.
For the Grams’ Chuck Schiele, the event is special simply because of its blending of music and art. “I support anything having to do with art, and especially art at this level,” remarked Schiele. “Being a performing musician at an art event is a pretty paramount experience for me. I think it’s an important thing to collect the community through a festival like this. This combination of everything makes sense to me.” Guitarist Kev echoes the sentiments. “I like to support the arts, and that’s what this is all about,” he explained. “It’s an interesting combination of visual arts, music and the local community, and that’s appealing to everyone.”
Singer Steph Johnson also sees the fest as an incredible opportunity to connect with a potential audience. “It’s an excellent way to be seen and heard by a huge crowd,” said Johnson. “It’s true that most people will only take in a song or two and then be on their way, but you have a chance to impress them. Maybe they’ll pick up a CD or take in a show at a later date, but with its potential to attract new listeners to my music, and the fun of playing with so many of my peers, this gig is really something I’ve looked forward to.” One aspect of ArtWalk that particularly appeals to Johnson is the impromptu nature of performing for a moving audience. “I like the fact that I can tailor my performance to whatever might be happening in the crowd and really run with it,” Johnson remarked. “With its outdoor setting and casual party atmosphere, it’s exactly the type of thing that any performer would want to be involved with.”