Arts & Entertainment
East County Nightlife: Three Cheers for Blackouts! (No, Really)
Your Patch guide to East County Nightlife, Sept. 15-18.
Not long after the lights infamously went out across the county last Thursday, when it became apparent that the blackout could last much longer than we are usually used to, certainly the thoughts of East Countians immediately turned to: “But what will we do for nightlife without any power?”
Although the outage only lasted just past midnight, the answer became clear as the waning daylight turned into the blackest night in memory (aside from the moon—has it always been that freakin’ bright?). East Countians don’t need no stinking power for nightlife—we can make our own.
As the savory scent of barbecue wafted through the air along with laughter from people actually conversing and socializing in a non-digital environment, impromptu East County block parties proved just why our nightlife scene is so awesome. It’s not about the bars, or the outdoor concerts, or the art shows or open-mic comedians. It’s about people who are determined to have fun, dangit, no matter the circumstances.
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While denizens of downtown San Diego and La Jolla and Mission Valley were collectively freaking out and hovering over their smartphones, furiously texting and hoping for service to check Facebook, East County was chilling. It’s how we do.
So now that the electricity is back on and humming, enjoy the following events—not because they are awesome, but because you make it awesome.
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THURSDAY
Where/when: Cuyamaca College Performing Arts Theatre, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday.
Why Go: Jazz doesn’t have to be something primarily enjoyed in a fancy downtown club or even the far reaches of New Orleans—check out notable jazz group the Chuck Walker Trio with their special guest Daniel Jackson on tenor sax right in your backyard (Rancho San Diego, that is).
Price: $8/$5 students and seniors.
FRIDAY
Where/when: ¡Muévete! Dance Studio, 3338 Main St., Lemon Grove, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday.
Why Go: Note to those planning the perfect first date: for most people, getting smooshed in bar crowd while listening to a too-loud band is not romantic. Learning to dance to traditional Mexican folk music can be, especially if you find that your date is as charmingly inept or surprisingly agile as you.
Price: Free, but donations are welcome.
Where/when: Second Wind Santee, 8528 Magnolia Ave., Santee, 9 p.m. Friday.
Why Go: Sometimes, due to break-ups, untimely overdoses, old age, or just plain ol’ fading into obscurity, it’s not always possible to see your favorite bands from yesteryear live on stage. This is where tribute bands come in, such as this group of Bad Company enthusiasts, and while they’re not the real deal, they’re as close as you’re going to get without the aid of time travel (where are you when we need you, Dr. Emmett Brown?).
Price: $5.
Where/when: Fannie’s Nightclub, 9143 Campo Rd., Spring Valley, 9 p.m. Friday.
Why Go: The local roots/reggae band will bring a little flavor to typically-sedate Fannie’s this Friday, playing such fan favorites as “Cola,” “Deep Shallows,” “Like Freedom,” and “Planted.”
Price: Free.
Where/when: Prescott Promenade, Downtown El Cajon, 6 to 8 p.m. Friday.
Why Go: Latin jazz and soul jazz—two great tastes that taste great together. Come see for yourself as Grammy-nominated Scott Martin and his band perform their own version of jazz with a Latin-soul twist at El Cajon’s Concerts on the Green series.
Price: Free.
SATURDAY
Where/when: H. Lee House, 3205 Olive St., Lemon Grove, 7 p.m. Saturday.
Why Go: Sometimes the most profound entertainment can be found in the simplest, most common elements of a story—a despicable villain, a strapping hero, with a damsel in distress in the middle. The Victorian-era melodrama “He Ain’t Done Right By Nell” presented by the Lemon Grove Theatre Guild contains them all in their soap-opera-y glory.
Price: $10 general admission, $7 historical society members, seniors and children 6-18.
Where/when: Viejas V Lounge, 5000 Willows Rd., Alpine, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday.
Why Go: The globe-hopping performers of LA-based Fresh come from distinguished pedigrees—they’ve played with a number of famous artists and bands including Christina Aguilera, Marc Anthony, Jessica Simpson, Staind, Brian McKnight and many others.
Price: Free.
SUNDAY
Where/when: Spacebar Internet Café, 7454 University Ave., La Mesa, 8 to 10 p.m. Sunday.
Why Go: Conspiracy theorists and those just attuned to government shadiness will find the tale of Valerie Plame, the CIA operative famously outed by the Bush Administration, both compelling and infuriating. Those who believe the government can do no wrong, on the other hand, might want to skip this weekly free movie night, lest their fragile assumptions about the world shatter.
Price: Free.
