Arts & Entertainment
East County Nightlife: The End (of Summer Concerts) Is Nigh
Your Patch guide to East County Nightlife, Aug. 11-14.
We’ve been spoiled these past few months—always having a variety of outdoor live music experiences to choose from, basing our decision on everything from the genre in the spotlight to the availability of summer-inspired food to the possibility of extending the night by hitting up some other local bands playing at nearby bars. But alas, that treasured time will soon come to an end.
Already, it is the last weekend of Lemon Grove’s Concerts in the Park, Santee’s will pack up for the season next weekend, and we’ve already lost La Mesa’s Sunday’s at Six series at the beloved Harry Griffen Park amphitheater. Soon, El Cajon’s Concerts on the Green will be the only option left for rocking out in the comfortable evening breeze, because—bless that city—it plans to keep on trucking through September.
So let’s all hang our heads and observe a moment of silence for one killer summer in East County. May next summer be just as bountiful, and may the fall and winter ahead provide ample alternatives to those who have a burning desire for East County nightlife.
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THURSDAY
Find out what's happening in Santeewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Where/when: Berry Street Park, 7071 Mt. Vernon St., Lemon Grove, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday.
Why Go: If you haven’t had the opportunity to check out Lemon Grove’s summer series, this weekend is your last chance. The Bayou Brothers will be serving up a spicy helping of Cajun blues, and you’re welcome to bring your own munchies to enjoy in the festive picnic atmosphere.
Price: Free.
Where/when: Town Center Community Park, Santee, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday.
Why Go: Come see San Diego’s hardest working rock-Americana-Irish-country band (or, only rock-Americana-Irish-country band) strut their stuff during Santee’s , playing both originals and favorite covers.
Price: Free.
FRIDAY
Where/when: Prescott Promenade, El Cajon, 6 to 8 p.m. Friday.
Why Go: Mix one cup of Americana, two cups of country, a smidge of rock and heaping helping of bluesy talent, and you have award-winning singer-songwriter Sara Petite, who will play at El Cajon’s series with her band The Sugar Daddies.
Price: Free.
Where/When: Dirk’s Niteclub, Lemon Grove, 9 p.m. Friday
Why Go: The Beat Farmers were one of the biggest bands—and certainly one of the best—that have called San Diego home. The band ended its run after the death of East County legend Country Dick Montana, but guitar god Jerry Raney continues to rock the house, with former Penetrators Joel Kmak and Chris Sullivan. They make a rare appearance in Lemon Grove.
Price: Free
Where/when: Main Street 5 Gallery, 124 East Main St., El Cajon, 5 to 9 p.m. Friday.
Why Go: Ever wonder where “expressive, surreal creatures lurk?” Answering simply “El Cajon” is too easy, but it is where you’ll find artist Daniel Ketelhut for the opening reception of his painting exhibition, “Imagination Rules the World.”
Price: Free.
SATURDAY
Where/when: , 8528 N. Magnolia Ave., Santee, 9 p.m. Saturday.
Why Go: Sanctuary was a heavy metal staple in East County back in the ’80s, so it was only fitting that their reunion show last year took place at the quintessential EC dive bar Fannie’s in Spring Valley. Come see if they’ve still got that long-hair swagger at Second Wind this Saturday.
Price: No cover.
Where/when: Viejas V Lounge, 5000 Willows Rd., Alpine, 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday.
Why Go: It’s a heavy responsibility being Queen Divas of the Universe (so much more paperwork than Queen Divas of the Galaxy), but these three ladies with classic rock and ’60s “torch rock” pedigrees wear the crown well.
Price: Free.
Where/when: Water Conservation Garden, Cuyamaca College, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr., El Cajon, 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
Why Go: Get your flamenco on during this inspired event in a lush setting, featuring Gipsy Kings tribute band Los Reyes Del Ritmo opening for jazz-flamenco fusion group NovaMenco, plus dancing, a raffle to benefit educational programs, and light ethnic fare and a wine selection available for purchase.
Price: $23 per person.
SUNDAY
Where/when: La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Dr., La Mesa, 6 p.m. Sunday.
Why Go: OK, so maybe watching pageant princesses modeling the latest homecoming fashions isn’t your ideal way to spend a Sunday evening, so maybe these two words can sway you: dessert reception. Plus, the event will feature live music from Ramshackle, a silent auction full of undoubtedly awesome goodies, and besides—it’s a fundraiser for the Miss La Mesa and Miss Santee pageants, so every bit of fun you have that you didn’t think was possible is going to a great cause.
Price: $10 advance, $20 at the door
Where/when: Via Moto, 9331 Mission Gorge Rd., Santee, 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Why Go: Renowned flamenco guitarist Joef from the Gipsy Kings Family has vowed to stir hearts shake hips this Sunday at Via Moto, accompanied by Antonio, another star in the flamenco world.
Price: No cover.
Where/when: Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Blvd., Alpine, 5:30 p.m. Sunday.
Why Go: Despite all conspiracy theories (and one hilarious movie—Bubba Ho-Tep) to the contrary, Elvis has, in fact, left the building. But his spirit is still alive in the form of a thousand “tribute” performers, such as Steve Elliot’s hip-swayin’, voice-tremblin’, lady-screamin’ show Elvis Elite.
Price: Free.
