Arts & Entertainment
East County Nightlife: Where There’s Heat, There’s a Beat
Your Patch guide to East County nightlife, July 7-10.
Despite Southern California’s reputation for spectacular weather, summer can often be quite unpredictable.
Locals are well aware of June Gloom and September Santa Anas, but they tend to throw tourists off, as do overcast beaches and sudden evening chills that make those flimsy sundresses rather ridiculous.
So what’s a tourist to do after spending all those vacation dollars flying out to America’s Finest City, only to find the weather not so fine? Head out to East County, where 75-plus-degree weather is nearly ensured throughout the summer months (and even into fall).
Find out what's happening in Santeewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
OK, so that might be a bit of an understatement—the thermometer has been known to peak past 100 degrees, which can be a bit…let’s say…unbearable to anyone without a pool, air conditioning or a really, really strong fan. However, the heat of the day turns into something amazing after the sun goes down—warm, sometimes balmy evenings that are best spent under the stars.
Better yet, East County hosts several outdoor concert series during the summer, something that isn’t quite possible in “West County,” where the marine layer almost ensures a sharp post-sunset chill.
Find out what's happening in Santeewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
So whether you’re a local or a tourist (OK, OK—North, South and West County residents are welcome too), odds are that flimsy sundress or flip-flops or board shorts will be perfect attire during an East County evening. Seriously, even when we get a surprise summer rain shower, we’re treated to a freakin’ .
THURSDAY
Where/when: , 7071 Mt. Vernon St., Lemon Grove, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday.
Why Go: Following El Cajon, La Mesa and Santee, Lemon Grove joins the outdoor concert club this weekend, so bring your blankets, chairs and picnic fare to watch live music from inaugural act West of 5, a local San Diego cover band that specializes in “hidden treasures.”
Price: Free.
Where/when: Casa de Oro Library, 9805 Campo Rd., Spring Valley, 5 p.m. Thursday.
Why Go: Still hankering for some ultra-patriotic, glittery Americana a few days after the Fourth? Check out a screening of the 1942 film Yankee Doodle Dandy, starring James Cagney as George M. Cohan, the actor/singer/dancer/playwright/songwriter/producer/theatre owner/director/choreographer (whew!), also known as “The Man Who Owns Broadway.”
Price: Free.
FRIDAY
Where/when: Viejas V Lounge, 5000 Willows Rd., Alpine, 8 p.m. to midnight Friday.
Why Go: Now that half of the Beatles are dead (or three-fourths, if you’re into conspiracy theories), there is legitimately no chance of a reunion tour. National Beatles tribute band Paperback Writer might not come close to filling their iconic shoes, but if you squint just right, it might be close enough to call the evening a success.
Price: Free.
DOWNBEAT BIG BAND
Where/when: West Main Street and North Magnolia Avenue, El Cajon, 6 to 8 p.m. Friday.
Why Go: So nice they invited them twice! After getting El Cajon to jump, jive and wail in late May, the Downbeat Big Band is back for an encore performance at the series. Zoot suits and pin-up curls are welcome, but ska-wear should just stay in 1997 where it belongs.
Price: Free.
Where/when: Sycuan Resort, 3007 Dehesa Rd., El Cajon, 6 to 9 p.m. Friday.
Why Go: Two words—barbecue and beer, the second-most popular combo in Southern California next to burritos and cerveza. Enjoy a fantastic meal on a warm summer night, while La Mesan Patrick Ellis entertains you with a mix of swing, boogie, funk and rock.
Price: No cover.
DJ ANTWANIC
Where/when: , 9143 Campo Rd., Spring Valley, 9 p.m. Friday.
Why Go: Why mess with the traffic, hassle and ridiculous cover charges at clubs downtown when you can chill in Spring Valley to the hip-hop and old-skool (so old, it existed before spelling apparently) stylings of DJ Antwanic.
Price: Free.
SATURDAY
STONE WOLF
Where/when: Don’s Cocktail Lounge, 13321 Business Highway 8, El Cajon, 8:30 p.m. Saturday.
Why Go: Basic music math—the more a band relies on cover songs as opposed to originals, the tougher the band name needs to be. And is there a tougher, more badass cover band name out there than Stone Wolf? Was that a “yes” from the back of the room? Why don’t you say it to their face? No? OK then.
Price: Free.
Where/when: Descanso Town Hall, 24536 Viejas Grade Rd., Descanso, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
Why Go: Occasionally a nightlife-like event decides to wuss out and close up shop before the sun goes down, but it’s worth mentioning anyhow. So if you want to venture into DEEP East County for some live music by Smooth Unit, food, and a variety of vendors, hit up the 41st annual Descanso Fair this Saturday.
Price: Free.
SUNDAY
Where/when: Harry Griffen Regional Park, 9550 Milden St., La Mesa, 6 p.m. Sunday.
Why Go: According to their Web site, the Rhythm Jacks just want to make you dance with their blend of original and covers, featuring “unusual rhythm and blues, traditional blues, vintage rock and roll and jazz.” Check them out in the great outdoors during the concert series.
Price: Free.
Where/when: Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Blvd., Alpine, 5:30 p.m. Sunday.
Why Go: Why stick with one musical genre when you can get a taste of several at once? Legends will present a rock/Motown/doo-wop revue during Alpine’s summer concerts in the park series this Sunday.
Price: Free.
