Arts & Entertainment
East County Nightlife: Embracing the Stereotype
Your Patch guide to East County Nightlife, July 14-17.
You’ve all heard it—the little snickers behind your back when you claim residence in East County, the eye rolls, the jokes so thoroughly dipped in prejudice that you’d be offended if they weren’t so funny (and a little bit true). But it’s cool. We’re not going to get uptight about geography of all things, and for every stereotype we accept with bemusement, we can offer a handful of examples that shatter it.
So yes, Lakeside is known better for its rodeo than an actual lake, but downtown El Cajon is home to various art galleries. Santee has a . Lemon Grove boasts a thriving historical society. La Mesa is a local band haven. So take that, West/North/South County, with your tourist-thick beaches and pretentious bars, your rolling hills of tract housing and traffic jams from hell.
Okay—deep breath. Really, though, maybe it’s not so bad if everyone else follows the T-shirt/bumper sticker decree that “stereotypes save time.” If only East County is aware of its diverse awesomeness, it just means more art, beer, music and more for us.
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THURSDAY
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When/where: Town Center Community Park, Santee, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday.
Why Go: After skipping a week to refresh and recharge, is back this weekend with Three Chord Justice, a San Diego-based country band who “ain’t looking to change the world…they just want to put a little twang’n your corner of it.”
Price: Free.
Where/when: Berry Street Park, Lemon Grove, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday.
Why Go: Grab a picnic dinner and some comfy blankets to relax on, and join Rocco, Harley, Gator and Sketch of local band the Cat-illacs as they bring a bit of vintage rock and roll to .
Price: Free.
FRIDAY
Where/when: Prescott Promenade, Main Street and Magnolia Avenue, El Cajon, 6 to 8 p.m. Friday.
Why Go: Rock, jazz, country, pop...Americana? If you’re not sure just what type of music fits into that semi-obscure genre, Shawn Rohlf & The Buskers—who won “Best Americana Band” in the 2004 San Diego Music Awards—will give you a crash course at .
Price: Free.
GALLERY WALK
Where/when: Main Street 5 Gallery, 124 East Main St., El Cajon, 5 to 8 p.m. Friday.
Why Go: Before (or while) you enjoy the live music at Prescott Promenade, check out live demonstrations and “open canvas” activities at six (yes, six—don’t look so shocked) downtown El Cajon galleries.
Price: Free.
Where/when: Lakeside Rodeo Grounds, 12584 Mapleview St., Lakeside, 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Why Go: There are a few places in East County that any self-respecting resident has to check out at least once: Mount Helix; Oktoberfest; Unarius; and the Lakeside Rodeo. This weekend is a good time to start checking off the list, as the Optimist club of Lakeside hosts an evening of bull riding, wild horse racing and, um…mutton busting (don’t ask).
Price: $10-$18
SATURDAY
Where/when: , 3205 Olive St., Lemon Grove, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday.
Why Go: Three cheers for staycations! Immerse yourself in hula dancers, fire dancers, Hawaiian food, live music and more at the Lemon Grove Historical Society’s Hawaiian Luau. Bonus: all proceeds support the society’s exhibits and programs, so don your “Waikiki Sundown” attire (Hawaiian shirts, muumuus, sundresses, etc.) and party down for a great cause.
Price: $35
Where/when: Manzanita Brewing Company, 9962 Prospect Ave., Santee, 1 p.m. Saturday.
Why Go: Another event in the “day-life that should be nightlife” file—help Manzanita Brewing Co. celebrate its anniversary with a variety of ales, specialized foodtruck cuisine and four bands worth of live music.
Price: No cover.
Where/when: Sycuan Casino Showcase Theatre, 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday.
Why Go: Tejano/mariachi superstar Ramon Ayala boasts multiple Grammys (American and Latino), gold and platinum albums, and a strong fan base built over several decades on both sides of the border. Need any more convincing of his awesomeness? Check him out for yourself.
Price: $35/$45
Where/when: Mission Trails Regional Park, 2 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, 7:15 to 8:45 p.m.
Why Go: When the sun goes down, and with it the hot summer temperatures, all sorts of critters come out to play. Bring a flashlight (and an outdoorsy-type date) to spot some inhabitants of Mission Trails’ grasslands and the scenic Mission Dam.
Price: Free.
SUNDAY
Where/when: Harry Griffen Regional Park, 9550 Milden St., La Mesa, 6 p.m. Sunday.
Why Go: Just as few guessed that Creedence Clearwater Revival was born in the Bay Area and not, in fact, on the bayou, San Diego-based Trails and Rails could easily trick you into thinking their rootsy acoustic bluegrass and soul was the product of a deep Southern upbringing. Let them confound you at La Mesa’s Sundays at 6 summer concert series.
Price: Free.
