In many ways, East County can seem like a region lost in time—the same malls, the same bars, and virtually the same neighborhoods have persevered through a handful of recessions and a few boom years, and even attempts at gentrification (cough—El Cajon—cough) have not diminished East County’s distinctive personality in the least.
We still have Nick’s Liquor/Hiram’s Guns, we still have Fannie’s (albeit without the second-level façade featuring beckoning, scantily clad ladies), and we still have, arguably, one of the highest concentrations of fantastic taco shops this side of the international border. We might not be able to call East County classy, but it is without a doubt classic.
So it’s only fitting that this weekend is featuring several options for reveling in the “classic”—classic car shows, classic movies, classic rock cover bands, etc. Members from every generation can find something classic to enjoy, either through nostalgia or new discovery. And who knows—maybe some new events, like play readings in Jamul or pool tournament benefits in La Mesa, will return year after year and become classic in their own right.
THURSDAY
Where/when: La Mesa Boulevard, downtown La Mesa, 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday.
Why Go: This car show is a cannot-miss for classic car enthusiasts, but there are also incentives to bring along the spouse/children who don’t get all worked up over a nice set of pistons—the event also features live music, food and other fun activities.
Price: Free.
Where/when: Casa de Oro Library, 9805 Campo Rd., Spring Valley, 5 p.m. Thursday.
Why Go: Yearning for the days when slapstick comedy didn’t necessarily include copious amount of gross-out humor? Check out the library’s screening of “Murder, He Says,” a 1945 gem about a hapless pollster (he works for the Trotter Poll, “like the Gallup Poll, but not as fast”) who gets tangled up with a murderous family from the sticks.
Price: Free.
FRIDAY
SHOOT-OUT FOR THE SHORTIES
Where/when: On Cue Billiards, 8303 Parkway Drive, La Mesa, 5 p.m. Friday.
Why Go: Clearly, guilt-soaked pre-printed address labels and grocery store solicitation posts are not effective strategies for fundraising, so local charities would be wise to follow Rady Children’s Hospital’s lead, and mix giving with fun. On Cue Billiards will host a 9-ball charity pool tournament to benefit the hospital and the “shorties” it primarily treats.
Price: $50 for teams, $10 for spectators.
ZONE 4
Where/when: , 7662 Broadway, Lemon Grove, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday
Why Go: To call Zone 4 a rock cover band would be an understatement—their range of rock styles and genres is expansive, from Pink Floyd to Social D, Queen to Kid Rock, the Beatles to the Beastie Boys and much more, guaranteeing you’ll be able to sing along to at least a song or two.
Price: No cover.
Where/when: West Main Street and North Magnolia Avenue, downtown El Cajon, 6 to 8 p.m. Friday.
Why Go: Welcome this native San Diego band back home (they relocated to Seattle in 2010) as they play a soulful mix if rock and roll, folk and indie music at El Cajon’s series.
Price: Free.
SATURDAY
BILL MEDLEY
Where/when: Sycuan Casino Showcase Theatre, 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, 8 p.m. Saturday.
Why Go: The Righteous Brothers owe a lot to Hollywood—without that steamy scene in “Ghost” set to their “blue-eyed soul” ballad “Unchained Melody,” they might have ridden out the later years of their career as oldie radio station staples, but nothing more. Former frontman Bill Medley will likely perform that classic as well as others at Sycuan this Saturday.
Price: $35-$45
Where/when: , 9143 Campo Rd., Spring Valley, 9 p.m. Saturday
Why Go: Unlike many other live music offerings in East County, the Mudd Rockers play almost strictly original rock songs, with a few covers thrown in “just for fun” according to their Facebook profile. If you like the Rolling Stones, Tom Petty and the Beatles, you’ll probably dig the Mudd Rockers too.
Price: No cover.
Where/when: Jamul Haven B&B, 13518 Jamul Dr., Jamul, 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
Why Go: Although unions and labor laws are current hot topics in political circles, sometimes it seems as if many have forgotten history, and the realities of industrial life that made them a necessity. This month’s play reading, “Triangle,” delves into the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York, a tragedy that reshaped U.S. labor laws. A light dinner will be served before the reading.
Price: Free admission.
SUNDAY
KARAOKE WITH SUSIE AND EDDIE
Where/when: , 8099 Broadway, Lemon Grove, 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday.
Why Go: OMG! American Idol auditions are coming to San Diego on July 8! If you have a burning desire for fame and fortune (or if you just want to see up-close what sort of black magic is keeping Steven Tyler’s body intact), you might want to hit up some karaoke joints for practice.
Price: Free.
