Arts & Entertainment
East County Nightlife: Class Warfare? Not Around Here
Your Patch guide to East County nightlife, Aug. 25-28.
There’s been a lot of talk on the national stage about the insidious early hints of class warfare, such as Politician A saying such and such and Politician B poking holes in the argument and Billionaire C adding in his two cents (or two million, rather).
Thankfully, East County is pretty immune to most class divisiveness, even though we have a wide spectrum of income brackets just like most major cities. We’ve got the sketchiness of inner-city El Cajon with the luxury of Mount Helix just a couple miles away (not to mention Lake Helix, which most people still don’t even know exists).
But we have the solidarity of being (cue sneer) East County to the rest of the San Diego region, so no matter where you stand on the economic spectrum, you’ve got something pretty awesome in common with the person at the other end.
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Our spectrum (or , if you want to get cheesy) also allows for a wide variety of nightlife happenings, especially exemplified this weekend. Whether you’re into laser tag, SoCal-style blues, arts and culture, or music from the imagined love child of two folk legends, there’s something out there for you—and chances are, someone who’s your complete opposite economically will be there too, because we’re all East Countians (is that a word yet? If not, it should be) after all.
THURSDAY
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Where/when: La Mesa Car Show, La Mesa Boulevard and Third Street, La Mesa, 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday.
Why Go: What better way to celebrate the last Back To The ’50s Car Show of the season than with a good, old-fashioned game of laser tag on the street? What? Retro nostalgia and sci-fi action games are ridiculously incongruous, you say? Whatever—at least it’s less painful than paintball.
Price: tbd.
Where/when: , 8528 N. Magnolia Ave., Santee, 9 p.m. Thursday.
Why Go: Displaying hometown pride through their band name, local rockers 6one9 promise an evening of awesomeness unparalleled in the area code. Test that promise out for yourself either Thursday or their encore show on Friday at Second Wind’s Santee location.
Price: No cover.
FRIDAY
Where/when: Prescott Promenade, El Cajon, 6 to 8 p.m. Friday.
Why Go: Can Southern California natives have the blues? Sure, if you consider the nonexistence of seasons, the constant annoyance of tourists, and the flack we get from other states about being flaky blues-worthy. But then again, if you consider the universal themes that affect all people of all regions—love, loss, crazy exes—then you’ll understand what can give local band Aunt Kizzy’z Boyz the blues.
Price: Free.
Where/when: , 9225 Carlton Hills Blvd., Santee, 7 to 9 p.m. Friday.
Why Go: According to the indie music press, Nathan Welden is what would happen if James Taylor and Jim Croce found a baby on the doorstep and raised it in their shared studio, feeding him a steady stream of folksy pop and Cheerios. Check out this “fresh fusion” of a classic sound at Friendly Grounds this Friday.
Price: No cover.
Where/when: , 5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa, 9 p.m. to midnight Friday.
Why Go: Another example of hometown pride exemplified in a band name—West of 5 focuses on ’70s to current rock covers, but they promise to include a few “hidden treasures” as well. They’re also playing Saturday night if Friday is too jam packed full of East County fun for you.
Price: No cover.
SATURDAY
Where/when: and Amphitheatre, 4905 Mount Helix Dr., La Mesa, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday.
Why Go: For all those who have a hard time believing East County has enough arts and culture to celebrate, come check out all the donated art for auction, live music and delicious cuisine from local establishments at this annual fundraiser for the Mount Helix Park Foundation.
Price: $50 general admission, $100 per table.
Where/when: Lacey J’s Roadhouse Saloon & Grille, 8861 Magnolia Ave., Santee, 8 p.m. Saturday.
Why Go: Although many Santee natives were sad to see the iconic go, that’s no reason not to celebrate the grand opening of new tenant Lacey’s with live country music from local band Hill Country.
Price: Free.
Where/when: Viejas V Lounge, 5000 Willows Rd., Alpine, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday.
Why Go: Imagine an alternate history in which all the Beatles were still alive and—better yet—they never broke up as a band. Unfortunately, they’d probably still refrain from playing live shows (because you know how those Baby Boomers can scream), so the closest you’ll ever get to see them live—in either timeline—is through the loving performance of a tribute band, like national act Paperback Writer.
Price: Free.
SUNDAY
Where/when: , 7662 Broadway, Lemon Grove, 9 p.m. Sunday
Why Go: The only thing better than drinking up the courage to sing your favorite power ballad in front of a room full of strangers, is the room full of strangers deeming you the best performer of the night and crowning you the winner. David Magown hosts Dirk’s weekly karaoke contest.
Price: Free.
