Scene Stealers

Sound

STREET SCENE BEGAN humbly enough with the slogan “Five hours, five bands, five bucks.” Today, it’s a multimillion-dollar concert series with a reputation for showcasing as many as 100 bands, playing everything from acid rock to zydeco. After an aborted effort to stage Street Scene 2007 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, the event has found a home at Coors Amphitheatre in Chula Vista, its third location since 2004.

In 1984, when founder Rob Hagey booked two stages of live music along Fifth Avenue, he never imagined that his concert series would be the success——or challenge——it has become. The event increased in size and scope annually, right along with downtown’s redevelopment. By 2001, Street Scene was luring 100,000 fans to the Gaslamp Quarter with something for nearly everyone. Conga lines, drag queens and stilt walkers snaked through the streets, while an added family day highlighted circus performers and arts-and-crafts tents.

But as the years progressed, the little-concert-that-could mushroomed——along with security, space and volume issues. Three years ago, Hagey decided to book fewer bands, geared toward an all-ages audience. The gamble appeared to pay off: Attendance spiked to an all-time high. But when the festival moved to the Qualcomm Stadium parking lot in 2005, attendance dipped from more than 100,000 to about 75,000. Some complained Street Scene had lost its ability to appeal to a range of musical tastes; others complimented the expansive space and raved about the lineup of bands such as the White Stripes, Tool and Kanye West.

From a musician’s standpoint, Street Scene remains an ideal gig, regardless of the location. There’s stimulating competition, big crowds and the opportunity to meet musical influences.

“It’s like the battle of the bands,” says Garrett Dutton, leader of the bluesy hip-hop trio G. Love & Special Sauce. “You have a chance to win over new fans and make a statement. And you get to see your peers play, which is totally cool.”

Dutton has fond memories of the festival’s rich and eclectic past: “One year, we went on after Cypress Hill, and that was awesome,” he says. “Their grooves are powerhouse. I also remember playing the year OutKast had [their hit song] ‘Ms. Jackson’ out.”

Earlier this year, Hagey joined forces with Live Nation, the pop-concert production company that acquired House of Blues Entertainment (owners and operators of Coors Amphitheatre) for about $354 million last November.

The 2007 lineup showcases more than 30 bands, including The Killers, Muse, Louis XIV, Paolo Nutini, Matt Costa, Augustana, Panic! at the Disco, G. Love & Special Sauce and punk rockers Social Distortion, a Street Scene staple since 2001. Says Social Distortion guitarist Jonny Wickersham, “Historically, Street Scene is one of the best gigs of the year and one of my favorites. It has always been magical.”

Street Scene is an all-ages event with age 21-and-up beer gardens, a VIP area and a comedy tent. Two-day ticket packages for September 22 and 23 start at $120 plus service charges. Call 619-220-TIXS or go to street-scene.com.

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