The word Spontaneous by definition is something performed or occurring as a result of a sudden inner impulse or inclination and without premeditation or external stimulus.I find that the unknown, unplanned little occurrences in life often lead to something new, exciting and ultimately great,Last week i made the spontaneous decision to go to the San Diego Street Scene. For starters I know that San Diego doesn’t even come close to the North East Los Angeles area that we here at the Arroyo Seco Journal exclusively cover. But when i found out that the street scene had Beck, Spoon, and MGMT i jumped at the chance to go. All the artists I wanted to see at a sold out show at the Hollywood Bowl on Saturday were playing the night before in San Diego. Not only did it have the three big headliners but, Justice, Tv on The Radio,Hot Chip,Chester French, Devotchka were just a few more who launched the first of two Festive nights down in san diego. I’ve really never been partial to the Hollywood Bowl. That whole “Heres your seat” deal restricts my need to jump up and down, or dance along.although, you still get great sound quality anywhere you sit at the bowl.Personaly, Im a real fight-my-way-to-the-front kind of person.Knowing that you had to push and shove your way up a couple hundred peculiar looking people just to get to the front makes the show that much sweeter when you watch the band. I think it really completes the experience and makes it more memorable.It adds that physical aspect you just don’t get in an arranged seating venue. Id rather have that kind of experience that the one where i forgot where i was sitting in a big area. So heres here we start. My Friend and Photographer Joel,our friend Givran and I went down to San Diego on a whim, hopeful somehow that we would get in.We had no idea what to expect, we also didn’t have tickets, any response about press passes, or the slightest clue about what to do once we got there.However we did have hope, some burritos, and three hours of driving to get us through the day.



The San Diego Street Scene celebrated its 24th annual 2 night street festival in Downtown San Diego. With the little hope we had, and a bit of quick thinking somehow we managed to get in. The first plan of action was to get the schedule and location of the bands playing. Once we coordinated which bands we all wanted to see( in a very Coachella like manner) we set off to the first stage. The band we were there to see was MGMT ,however being a little early we got to catch the last few songs of Chester French’s set.They were ok but not memorable, or maybe it was just that i was so eager to see MGMT i wasn’t really paying attention.most likely the latter. 
(pictured: Chester French….i think.lol)



As MGMT took the stage the crowd went wild.They started with a song off their new album “Oracular Spectacular” and followed with my favorite “Electric Feel”. It was also a treat to see the straight up rock and roll material they have live.Watching their stage performance up close i perceived that the electro indie sound they are known or is just a glimpse of what MGMT is truly capable of and i am excited to wait and see what they do next.(pictured:MGMT)


Next stop was TV on the Radio, This was my first time hearing about them or seeing them live and i thought that their performance was not only energetic but also very first-time-listener friendly. It wasn’t hard for me to get into he groove of their style.
(pictured: Tv on the Radio)

“We are your friends, you will never be alone again, so common” will play itself over and over in my head for weeks to come.I saw Justice for about 5 minutes when i went to Coachella ‘08. I had decided not to stick around, a decision i came to regret later and even more so when i did stick around in San Diego.They have a very Electric sound and vibe.I’ve noticed lately how, ill go to a concert and everyone just stands around and watches the bands, almost like hawks eyeing their prey. Its like no one starts mosh pits or stage dives or crowd surfs anymore.mostly because of all those stupid signs that tell us not to.Now with Justice that was not the case, anyone within a 30 foot reach of the stage was either singing along, dancing or crowd surfing. It really warmed my heart to see this much movement in the crowd. Justice definitely was one of the bigger highlights of the night, at least for me.I cant wait to see what they churn out on Halloween night when they are just one of the acts headlining Hard Haunted Mansion in Downtown Los Angeles.
(pictured:Justice!)


Now Beck stole my heart when he created “Midnight Vultures” and his latest album “Modern Guilt” harmonizes with his offbeat style that we love him for. He played all of his new material but also alot of the hits as well, like .”Where Its At”,and “Loser”. Oddly enough for a hour and a half long performance that i had initially hoped would never end, i found my self watching the clock more intently than i was watching Beck. I found his set lacking energy , there was no dancing or prancing here.Dont get me wrong, the guy is a musical genius who has created a style all his own, perhaps all his dancing and prancing fans were unable to get to Sand Diego. Maybe he was saving his energy for the Hollywood Bowl. Whatever the case, his performance in San Diego was slow and made one hour seem like two.I still love you though Beck!




Although we were unable to stick around for Saturday, i was quite impressed at the line up which included X, The Hives, Cold War Kids, The Mother Hips,Does it Offend You, Yeah?, and Tokyo Police Club to name a few. I think that this festival will be in my line up of “must Attend”s next year.Coachella in April, Lumis Day and Electric Daisy Carnival in June, San Diego Street Scene in September and the Eagle Rock Music Festival in October. Id Much rather go to a festival and have the option of choosing between 20 bands as opposed to going to a show and just seeing one or two. Unless that one or two bands were particularly special, for example Primus , Cafe Tacuba , Cornelius or The Adicts. I would pay just those bands alone. Now if all those bands played at a festival id certainly be down for that!Luckily there’s still some really great (and free) Festivals. Like Lumis Day, and the Eagle Rock Music Festival.

Last year the eagle rock music festival was amazing. I spent most of my time walking around ( in high heels no less) taking in the sights and sounds. My Talented young friends in Seasons and I claimed our patch of grass in front of the American Tire Depot while awaiting their set. We ate, drank and were definitely merry.I Fondly look back at the moment when all of us were Dancing on Colorado Blvd, to Billie Jean and starting a pit to another random song. The free cheese and Wine we enjoyed at the Welcome Inn added to this truly magical night that i will never forget. Needless to say, i really hope this years festival lives up or even comes close to last year. Although i wont lie. Im a tad disappointed that there isn’t more Local bands in the line up. I like The Parson Redheads but have never seen them play in Highland Park or Eagle Rock prior to this night. Im still eager to catch Pizza! who I have heard so much buzz about. I am certain The Beeters will put on an Amazing performance for all ho choose to watch them.So before you hit their stage really ask yourself, are you ready to rock? I also suggest hat anyone with ears go and check out The Evangenitals who go on at 11:25- Midnight at the Emerging stage on Shearin and Colorado.Sing along and do what they tell you .This band kicks ass and takes names and other information(like your email). Definitely hit up The Cobra Lillies, whose members are also in The Monolators.Huge congratulations go out to The Monolators for wining a spot on the Detour Festival Downtown and on the same day as the one in Eagle Rock. Congratulations Mary, Eli , Tom and Ashley, you guys deserve it! If you get the chance also try to catch Nu-Tra, Downtown/Union,Stab City,One Trick Pony, Le Switch and Crystal Antlers, all those bands are really good and should be seen and heard at least once. So give it a chance you never know where you’ll spontaneously end up

published 09.08 for The Arroyo Seco Journal