Arts & Entertainment
East County Nightlife: We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Amphitheaters
Your Patch guide to live music and other nightlife happenings this weekend in East County.
Ah, summer in East County—brisk mornings fading into sweltering afternoons, indoor malls and movie theaters packed with those unfortunate souls who don’t own an air conditioner, hills and lawns carpeted in dry, golden death, and free live music emanating from the heart of El Cajon.
Wait, what?
That’s right, El Cajon, arguably the unofficial capital of East County, is hosting weekly Concerts on the Green on the corner of Main and Magnolia—the area that just a decade ago was more recognizable for its abundance of empty storefronts and colorful characters loitering along the streets. But massive revitalization efforts have gone beyond appearance, and downtown El Cajon is now a destination for classic car shows, summer concert series, and even an Oktoberfest (that sound you hear is La Mesa collectively shaking its fist).
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If you haven’t been to the area recently, there’s no better time to go—details about Concerts on the Green are available below, along with a host of other live music shows, comedy events, and even a unique date idea for that special someone who’ll kick you if you take her to Applebee’s one more time.
FRIDAY
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Where/when: Prescott Promenade, corner of West Main and North Magnolia, El Cajon, 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays, now through summer.
Why Go: El Cajon’s weekly summer concert series features local and visiting musicians performing a wide variety of music genres. This week features Candye Kane, playing a unique blend of blues and swing.
Price: Free.
Where/when: , 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, 7 p.m. Friday.
Why Go: Tired of the same old date clichés? Take that special someone stargazing, a romantic escape from the noise and bright lights of the modern world. The San Diego Astronomy Association will host the event and provide telescopes.
Price: Free
Where/when: Grossmont College, Room 26-221, 8800 Grossmont College Drive, 8 p.m. Friday.
Why Go: Although guitars were noticeably different in centuries past (despite 17th century wigged musicians being the original “big hair” bands), the Odeum Guitar Duo will present their take on classics from composers such as Vivaldi, Bach, Haydn, Dowland, Carulli and more.
Price: $8-$10
STONE WOLF
Where/when: Don’s Cocktail Lounge, 13321 Business Highway 8, El Cajon, 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Why Go: Are your “fun funds” too low to go see a nationally famous singer or band? Sometimes cover bands are just as good as the real deal—check out Stone Wolf’s rock cover set and decide for yourself.
Price: Free.
Where/when: , 8278 La Mesa Blvd., 3 to 5 p.m. Friday
Why Go: There’s nothing like smooth jazz and a hot cappuccino to kick off your weekend
Price: No cover
SATURDAY
FRANK CALIENDO
When/where: Sycuan Showcase Theatre, 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday.
Why Go: It’s widely known that Caliendo’s spot-on John Madden impression is at times more authentic than Madden himself—but many aren’t aware of the dozens of equally hilarious impressions in Caliendo’s vocal grab-bag.
Price: $55/$65
Where/when: West Hills High School, 8756 Mast Blvd., Santee, 7 p.m. Saturday
Why Go: Help benefit the West Hills High School foundation with an evening of music and comedy from Dat Phan, WHHS alumnus and original winner of the reality show contest “The Last Comic Standing.”
Price: $10, available at Al’s Sport Shop or contact Mike Nguyen at (323) 578-7426.
SMOKEY HOOF
Where/when: , 7340 Broadway, Lemon Grove, 8 p.m. Saturday.
Why Go: Jam bands fall into that stringent musical category of “love it or hate it,” but those in the “love” camp are notoriously devoted. If you’re one of them, don your brightest tie-die and comfiest Birkenstocks for Grateful Dead and Phish-influenced band Smokey Hoof.
Price: Free.
THE STONEY B. BLUES BAND
Where/when: , 8344 La Mesa Blvd., 9 p.m. Saturday
Why Go: Get in touch with the blues deep down in your soul during a performance by this San Diego-based band—a self-described “ambassador of the Down Home Blues.”
Price: No cover.
SUNDAY
Where/when: , 3338 Main Street, Lemon Grove, 7 to 10 p.m. Sunday.
Why Go: Beginners and experts alike are welcome to participate in the Mexican folk music and dance performance, which also features a pinch of comedy—according to Wikipedia, humorous jarocho lyrics usually involve love, nature, sailors, and cattle breeding.
Price: Free, but donations are welcome
