City Times

Issue date: 8/25/09 Section: Art

Media Credit: Photos courtesy of Street Scene Crowds gathered at street scene in 2008 in the East Village.

For many students not ready for summer to end, San Diego's 25th annual Street Scene, a downtown neighborhood tradition, will remedy autumn woes.

One of the city's most popular music festivals hits the streets of the East Village this Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to midnight. This two-day, all ages event showcases a diverse lineup, including different genres of music ranging from hip-hop to "indie" rock.

Although the festival has moved locations in the past, including a two-year stint at Qualcomm Stadium in 2005 and 2006, and a recent stop at Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre in 2007, this summer tradition will once again return to its roots in the streets of the East Village.

The festivals' grounds will feature five stages, two beer gardens, a margarita cantina, exclusive VIP areas and various food and merchandise vendors. The festival vendors promise to bring all the adult beverages and tasty treats that will energize the concertgoers to dance all day and night.

Music industry heavies The Black Eyed Peas and M.I.A. will headline this year's impressive lineup. VH1 favorites Silversun Pickups and Modest Mouse are also on the bill, as are dance and electronica acts Chromeo and Thievery Corporation.

Street Scene regulars Nortec Collective Bostich+Fussible and West Indian Girl will once again perform this year.

This year's collection of artists was selected by Rob Hagey, founder of Street Scene, and Tim Mays of The Casbah.

"Street Scene has always been known as Southern California's premier music festival with its famous lineup and this year's 25th anniversary is the best to date," Hagey said in a press release.

City students are some of the closest to the action, as Street Scene will be located adjacent to Petco Park, spanning 13th and 14th Avenues and streets J, K and L.

Event promoters ensure the public that ample parking will be available but encourage San Diegans to take advantage of the trolley system while traveling to Street Scene.

For those of you living outside downtown limits, a special event "Red Line" trolley for direct service to the show will be running from Qualcomm Stadium, giving concertgoers the option to park in the stadium parking lot and continue directly to the festival.

Tickets for the festival can be purchased through the official website. Students can spend some of that summer job cash on the two-day passes, available for $122 plus a $10.50 service fee. If you prefer to leave one of your weekend days open, go for the single-day pass, available for $65 plus a $9 service fee.

An ultra-swanky VIP pass, priced at $250 per person, per day, includes exclusive VIP areas, full dinner service, a hosted well bar, separate restrooms, special entertainment and entry into Street Scene.

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