OCEANSIDE — A mega concert was held July 10 at Buddy Todd Park. A dozen bands played from noon to 7 p.m. on two stages.
The concert featured several North County musicians. Many welcomed the opportunity to showcase “underexposed” local musicians. “It’s time for a show like this,” Ken Leighton, owner of Royal Dive, said.
On the main stage local favorites Trouble in the Wind, The Drone Tones, Gypsy Groove, Sal & Isela and The Honkys performed.
On the second stage Rusted Chain and Sprout Farm were among the seven up-and-coming bands that played.
Rusted Chain is a North County-based band that features three singer songwriters who have different styles of writing. Reid Albright, a singer and guitar player for the band, described their sound as folksy and harmonizing.
Sprout Farm, a self-described jamming hillbilly band, was another crowd favorite on the second stage. The two-man band, together since 2004, took a few years off after the lead singer Gringo had a daughter and is now back on stage.
“It’s the greatest thing that ever happened in Oceanside,” Gringo said. “It’s superb homegrown music.”
In addition to live, local music there were also food and art vendors at the event, who donated 10 percent of their earnings back to the Arts Commission for future events.
Phil Needleman, Arts Commission member and chief auditory officer of Tasty Wax Recordings, organized the concert. The idea to hold a concert featuring local bands came to Needleman three years ago when a grass amphitheater was added to Buddy Todd Park.
“It’s for residents to become aware what our creative community is able to do,” Needleman said. “Isela’s voice (of the Sal & Isela band) comes straight out of heaven. The Honkys have given more to this town than any other band.”
The all-day concert was sponsored by the city of Oceanside, Arts Commission, and Parks and Recreation Department.
The Art Commission will not receive any city funds next year. The hope is private donations will allow the event to be held again.
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