Arts & Entertainment
East County Nightlife: What’s Up, Ramona?
Your Patch guide to East County Nightlife, Sept. 1-4.
While including the Barona Powwow in this week’s edition of East County Nightlife, it became apparent that there could very well be a blind spot that this column is missing. Just north of the Barona Casino, far into the deep eastern trenches, is a little town that makes up for its low population density with a high frequency of nightlife happenings. A brief review of Ramona’s weekend calendar revealed it to be on par with our regularly-covered communities, and the only question is whether it falls into our designated territory.
So, is Ramona north East County, or east North County? According to Wikipedia, East San Diego County does not have an “official geographic definition,” but apparently some sources consider the entire eastern two-thirds of the county to be East County, which would include Ramona, Julian and Borrego Springs (don’t count on the column venturing that far into the desert, however). Certainly, some in North County would disagree, but they have beaches AND mountains to their name already, so maybe they can cut us a little slack if we claim Ramona as our own.
As this remains an area of dispute, your loyal East County columnist will leave it up to the dear readers to decide whether or not to include Ramona in its weekly roundup of nightlife happenings. Would you travel all the way up there if something was enticing enough?
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Incidentally, the aforementioned Wikipedia page on East County is lacking in several key areas, such as politics and media—so don’t be surprised if you see a familiar link pop up there in the next week or so. Happy Nightlifing!
THURSDAY
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Where/when: Via Moto, 9331 Mission Gorge Rd., Santee, 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday
Why Go: It’s a scientific fact that pizza is more delicious when the purchase of it helps benefit a worthy cause. OK, it might not be scientific, but it certainly adds another layer of enjoyment to Via Moto’s pizza, pastas, salads and more when you know a percentage of the eatery’s proceeds for the night will be donated to the Angels Foster Family Network. Three more reasons to attend: live music, wine, dessert. Need we say more?
Price: No cover.
Where/when: Friendly Grounds Coffeehouse, 9225 Carlton Hills Blvd., Santee, 6:30 p.m. Thursday.
Why Go: Every famous musician had to start somewhere—Jewel played at an Ocean Beach coffeehouse, the Beatles’ first gigs were in cavernous underground clubs, and Bob Dylan sat on curbs with an open guitar case for spare change (just kidding—that last one is fiction, yet still hilariously plausible). So maybe someday in the future, you’ll be able to say you got your start at a little coffee joint in Santee, and add to the woefully thin list of East County-bred celebrities.
Price: No cover.
THE HUMAN LEAGUE / MEN WITHOUT HATS
Where/when: Viejas Dreamcatcher, 5000 Willows Rd., Alpine, Thursday.
Why Go: You can dance if you want to. You can leave your friends behind. Because your friends don’t dance and if they don’t dance, well, they’re no friends of mine. On the other hand, if your friends are as equally geeked out by ’80s synth-pop, you won’t want to miss the choice double header at Viejas on Thursday.
Price: $18 general admission, $25 reserved seating
FRIDAY
Where/when: Prescott Promenade, downtown El Cajon, 6 to 8 p.m. Friday.
Why Go: September is the last month for El Cajon’s Concerts on the Green series, and Old Town Road is the last bluegrass band to play for the season, so if you like your blues with an upbeat twang, check them out this Friday.
Price: Free.
Where/when: Spacebar Internet Cafe, 7454 University Ave., La Mesa, 8 p.m. Friday.
Why Go: Why spend your hard-earned money listening to some nationally-famous comedian complain about airlines and rental cars when you can enjoy some homegrown humor at Spacebar’s bi-weekly stand-up comedy event, hosted by Gina Manning and Kathleen Finney?
Price: Free.
SATURDAY
Where/when: Barona Resort & Casino, 1932 Wildcat Canyon Rd., Lakeside, 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday (also 6 to 11 p.m. Friday and 1 to 11 p.m. Sunday).
Why Go: All are welcome to enjoy traditional tribal dances, music and singing by Native Americans from across the country, in addition to a hand drum contest, Native American cuisine, handcrafted arts and jewelry exemplifying the rich history of the original East Countians (aka OG EC).
Price: Free admission.
36TH ANNUAL HOUSE OF UKRAINE FESTIVAL CONCERT
Where/when: Joan B. Kroc Theatre, 6611 University Ave., San Diego, 7 p.m. Saturday.
Why Go: If you’ve ever been curious about Ukrainian culture, look no further than the House of Ukraine’s Festival Concert this Saturday, which will feature dance, songs and instrumental music by West Coast Ukrainian performers.
Price: $25 adults, $10 kids 4-12, kids under 4 free.
Where/when: Sycuan Showcase Theatre, 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, 6 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday.
Why Go: Fans of the Broadway hit Jersey Boys, a musical documenting the rise of the ’60s-era band The Four Seasons, shouldn't miss a performance by The Midtown Men, which features four stars from the original cast—they’re sure to croon you into a swoon.
Price: $25/$35
SUNDAY
Where/when: Downtown Café, 182 E. Main St., El Cajon, 3:30 p.m. Sunday.
Why Go: The sun might still be shining, but blues music is quintessentially nightlife, no matter what the clock says. Chet & the Committee will host an open blues jam this Sunday, so anyone with an instrument and a soul full of pain is welcome to attend.
Price: No cover.
Where/when: parking lot, 9962 Prospect Ave, Santee, CA 92071, Noon to 4 p.m., Sunday
Why Go: Manzanita's tasting room will be open during the entire show serving tasty local brews. With craft beer, classic cars and chili, what more do you need?
Price: FREE ENTRY
