I hope you are having a tremendous summer. Now, the party begins...
Days until opening day (yesss) and the first Del Mar Summer Concert (what up Gavin), I figured now would be a good time to roundup the 2008 series.
Regarding opening day, if you are attending, be sure to look for the X1FM network. I will be broadcasting LIVE from the track, between 8 a.m. and noon. If you are unable to attend, in addition to the broadcast, www.X1FM.com will be providing an opening day WEB-STREAM (a first in track history.) The stream will also be carried here at www.DelMarScene.com: Uncensored, unedited, and uninterrupted. It will something to check out...
Back to the Summer Concert Series:
THE WAILERS. Friday, August 15th.
One Love.
On the heals of the Reggae Fest, Bob Marley's backing band, The Wailers (featuring original members,) stop in Del Mar for a special 4:20 Friday show. Too easy. For a 4:20 explanation, check out the following "potcast" here.
Performing Bob's timeless/legendary catalog, The Wailers, led by bassist Aston "Family Man" Barrett, have been spreading positive vibes since the early 1970's...it's amazing how relevant their message is today. You dig?
BLACK FRANCIS. Friday, August 22nd.
Oh, the great Black Francis...
Best known as the leader of The (flippin') Pixies, Boston's Frank Blank has influenced Radiohead's Thom Yorke and the late Kurt Cobain. Need I say more?
Personally, I will NEVER forget the Pixies reunion at Coachella 2004 (with Radiohead.) Magical. Were you ThereThere? Check this out:
Needless to say, with or without Kim Deal by his side, Black Francis is a must-see show at Del Mar. If anything, you'll score music cred points and the opportunity to see a living legend perform songs about surrealism, UFO's, surf, and Los Angeles.
One of my FAVORITE songs from the 90's:
STEEL PULSE. Friday, August 29th.
I remember owning Steel Pulse's True Democracy on vinyl. A reggae classic. Sadly, like most of my early vinyl collection, I sold it to Off-The-Record on El Cajon Blvd. in the late 80's (keg/herb fund.)
Steel Pulse, formed in 1975, is a UK-based Grammy award winning act committed to fighting injustice, educating the masses, and creating positive forces.
Word.
Rasta road veterans of over 25 years, Steel Pulse continue to pack houses and they recently released a live DVD. Check out this performance of "Chant a Psalm" from up the coast at the Malibu Inn. Despite "owning" Malibu, Mel Gibson was not present.
DEVO. Saturday, August 30th.
I've got a "Gut Feeling" (thank you,) next to Gnarls Barkley, this will be THE show of the 2008 Del Mar Summer Concert Series. I can hardly keep my red "Energy Dome" on...
New wave/synth-pop pioneers, Devo, formed in the early 70's, are best known for their 1980 smash "Whip It." Additionally, they were one of the first bands to shoot music videos. As significant as their music accomplishments, is Devo's style and pop culture influence.
Over the years, in addition to action figures, Devo has inspired (too) many Halloween costumes as well as the uniforms worn by Team Zissou in The Life Aquatic. A brilliant flick. Soundtrack produced by Devo's Mark Mothersbaugh. Coincidence? No.
THE ENGLISH BEAT. Wednesday, September 3rd.
Fronted by local resident, Dave Wakeling, The English Beat infuse 80's ska, reggae, and pop into lyrical themes of love, unity, and acceptance. The current line-up, featuring a former Dexy Midnight Runner (put on your overalls,) toured with 311 on the 2007 Unity Tour.
BTW, I can't drop Dexy's Midnight Runners without sharing the following video.
Back to The Beat...
After slamming a couple of Del Margaritas, you'll be amazed how many English Beat songs you remember...before you know it, you'll be slurring along with "I Confess," Save it for Later," and "Tears of a Clown." Also, be on the lookout for 91X's Steve West at this show. He's been known to stage dive during "Mirror in The Bathroom."
