San Diego Concert Memories 2010-2012
San Diego's music scene offered incredible variety in the early 2010s. From yacht rock legends to experimental indie, from iconic singer-songwriters to electronic innovators, these shows represent the diversity of what the city had to offer.
Summer Nostalgia
Kenny Loggins - Del Mar Fairgrounds (2010)
The soundtrack of my childhood - "Footloose," "Danger Zone," "I'm Alright" - performed by the man himself at the Del Mar Fair. Kenny Loggins brings pure '80s nostalgia, and the crowd sang every word. Sometimes you don't need artistic edge; you just need songs that make people happy, and Loggins delivered.
Chicago - Humphreys (date unknown)
The horn-rock legends bringing "25 or 6 to 4," "Saturday in the Park," and "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" Those horn arrangements are iconic, and hearing them live showed why Chicago has endured.
Art Rock & Experimental
St. Vincent and Tune-Yards - House of Blues (April 18, 2012)
This double bill was incredible. Tune-Yards (Merrill Garbus) brought her loop pedal, ukulele, and unconventional rhythms - experimental pop that challenges and rewards. Then St. Vincent (Annie Clark) delivered art-rock perfection. Her guitar playing is innovative, her songs are sophisticated, and her stage presence is mesmerizing. Two of the most innovative women in indie music on one bill. Read more about this show.
YACHT - MCASD (2010/2011)
The dance-punk duo performing at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego was perfect - art in an art museum. Their electronic beats and conceptual approach to pop music fit the setting.
Legendary Encounters
Mark Knopfler & Bob Dylan - Valley View Casino Center (October 24, 2013)
Two absolute legends on one bill. Mark Knopfler's guitar playing (Dire Straits classics like "Sultans of Swing") is unmatched - his fingerstyle technique and tone are instantly recognizable. Then Bob Dylan - cryptic, weathered voice but still commanding. Seeing Dylan, even late in his career, is witnessing a piece of American music history. His setlist drew from across his catalog, and while his voice has changed dramatically, his presence is undeniable. Read more about this legendary double bill.
Joe Purdy with The Milk Carton Kids (2011)
The folk singer-songwriter Joe Purdy with The Milk Carton Kids opening. Both brought earnest, heartfelt acoustic music - stripped-down and honest.
Diverse Bookings
Cascada - UCSB (2008/2009)
The Eurodance act ("Everytime We Touch") at UC Santa Barbara. Pure party energy and early '00s dance-pop nostalgia.
Pocket - Bar Pink (2011)
Local indie band at the small North Park venue.
Rocktoberfest 2011 & 2012
Rocktoberfest 2011 - America's Cup Village
- The Soft Pack - San Diego indie rockers bringing garage-rock energy
- Everest - Rock band bringing atmospheric sounds
- The Creepy Creeps - Local punk energy
The Rocktoberfest series brought free concerts to the waterfront, celebrating San Diego's music scene with local and touring acts.
Rocktoberfest 2012
- Hyena - punk rock energy
- The Silent Comedy - San Diego's apocalyptic rock
- Mariachi El Bronx - The Bronx in their mariachi alter-ego, blending punk and traditional Mexican music in the most unexpected, incredible way
Sezio 4 Day Weekend - November 2011
This multi-day event brought several indie acts:
November 10, 2011
- Birds and Batteries - indie rock
- Peter Wolf Crier - Minneapolis indie-folk duo
- Chairs Missing - local support
November 13, 2011
- Little Deadman - indie rock
- Big Troubles - garage rock from New Jersey
- Real Estate - New Jersey's jangly indie-rock heroes bringing dream-pop perfection
November/December 2011 Highlights
Cut Copy with Washed Out and Midnight Magic - 4th and B (2011)
Australian indie-electronic masters Cut Copy with chillwave pioneer Washed Out and disco-pop group Midnight Magic. Three different flavors of electronic-influenced indie rock on one bill.
Islands & Lake Street Dive - Queen Bees (2012)
Nick Thorburn's Islands bringing baroque pop and Lake Street Dive (before they got huge) with their jazz-influenced indie-pop.
Chromeo DJs - Americas Cup Village (2011)
The electro-funk duo DJing at the waterfront. Dave 1 and P-Thugg know how to party.
The Verdict
These shows represent San Diego's eclectic music scene in the early 2010s. From Kenny Loggins' nostalgia to Bob Dylan's legend to St. Vincent's innovation to Rocktoberfest's local celebration - the city offered something for every music fan.
The variety of venues - from the Del Mar Fair to House of Blues to small clubs to outdoor festivals - showed a city that values live music and supports it in many forms.