Liquid Aloha Festival

Kona Brewing brought the beer, 7 bands brought the tunes

Posted Monday, September 3, 2012, 11:44AM

Natural Heights

Judging by the long line of cars snaking into La Jolla and Pacific Beach, plenty of you chose sand, surf (and hunting for the last available parking spot) for your Labor Day weekend celebrations, but there was another option for loafing: the Liquid Aloha Festival at NTC Promenade sponsored by Kona Brewing Co.

An accurate three word summary of the event would be beers, bands, and beach towels... all of which were in abundance. Kona provided the beer ($5 a pint!), 7 different bands, including The Expendables, Casey Turner, and The Nervous Wreckords brought the music, and just about everyone brought a towel, lounger, or (in a few cases) a pop-up tent.

Local band Hi Roots' fusion of hip-hop, reggae, and rock was one of the highlights of the 6-hour fest.

The vibe? Very relaxed. At most festivals, getting to the front of the stage will land you a few bruises, but at the Liquid Aloha fest, you could stroll right up, roll out a towel, and nurse a brew without any fear of a wayward elbow knocking it out of your hand. If only all music festivals could be this chill.