A Guide to Day of Music Fullerton 2019

This Friday marks Day of Music Fullerton’s fifth anniversary. As a part of the international, Fête de la Musique, the festival works to unite music lovers from throughout the county to celebrate the summer solstice. Featuring about 150 different local artists with no designated “main stage,” this year’s event is shaping up to be the biggest yet, while still keeping community engagement as its core value. Musicians of all genres and skill levels will perform on sidewalks, in local businesses, and in traditional venues (including the Fox Theatre) throughout the city. There will also be plenty of opportunities for those who don’t consider themselves musicians to join in the fun.

To be frank, there’s going to be so much going on in Downtown Fullerton on Friday that it might very well be overwhelming to figure out where you need to be and when to catch your favorite performers. While the event’s website does feature a schedule and even an interactive map which lists participating businesses and venues, some folks might be looking to discover new artists or simply don’t know where to start. That’s why the Weekly is happy to provide the following guide to Day of Music Fullerton.

11:00 am – 12:00 pm Victor Artis– Start your day off by drinking a cup of coffee and listening to the laid back sounds of Victor Artis. He’ll be playing an expressive mix of acoustic originals and covers. Made Coffee, 107 W. Amerige Ave.

12:30 – 1:00 pm Yeah Chango– There’s no shame in having a second cup of coffee, so why not take the short walk over to Philz Coffee to catch Yeah Chango play an acoustic set of his dancy, emo originals? Philz Coffee, 520 N. State College Blvd.

2:00 – 3:00 pm High Ground– If you find yourself with some extra energy to burn after drinking two cups of coffee and listening to mellow music all morning, mosey on over to Black Hole Records. High Ground’s ruthless brand of hardcore punk is the perfect soundtrack for moshing all that caffeine off. Black Hole Records, 115 S. Harbor Blvd.

3:00 – 4:00 pm Darden Sisters– The Darden Sisters have become a festival staple in recent years, and for good reason. Their folky arrangements of popular tunes and immaculate four-part vocal harmonies speak for themselves. Back Alley Bar, 116 W. Wilshire Ave.

4:15 – 5:15 pm- Rhythmo Mariachi Kids– Head over to Villa del Sol and grab a bite to eat while you listen to students of the best Mariachi academy in the county. Villa del Sol, 305 N. Harbor Blvd.

5:30 – 7:00 pm- Kena– Multi-instrumentalist/producer duo Kena will be performing a psychedelic set that’s sure to captivate even those who don’t consider themselves fans of electronic music. Their use of synthesizers, drum machines, vocals loops, and guitars makes for a unique and dynamic sound. Philz Coffee, 520 N. State College Blvd.

7:00 – 7:45 pm- Drool Brothers– There’s something undeniably nostalgic about fuzzed-out guitar tones, a groovy rhythm section, and a detached vocal delivery, especially for the generation of Californians that was raised on a healthy diet of retro rockers like Beck and Cake. Drool Brothers not only capture this aesthetic, they live and breathe it. They also coincidentally had a college radio hit titled “Fullerton” almost two decades ago.  Back Alley Bar, 116 W. Wilshire Ave.

7:45 – 8:30 pm- Midnight Peacemaker– What Fullerton music festival would be complete without an appearance from Burger Records? The label will be hosting a showcase at Hillcrest Park where Midnight Peacemaker, the new project from local legend Dustin Apodaca (formerly of Dusty Rhodes and the River Band) will be playing a set of their quirky synth-driven jams. Hillcrest Park Front Lawn, 1200 N. Harbor Blvd. 

8:30 – 9:00 pm- Stacey Q– If you haven’t broken a sweat yet, now’s the time. Stacey Q is best known for her 1986 hit “Two of Hearts.” Her set is bound to be a bonafide 80’s dance party. Fox Fullerton Theatre, 500 N. Harbor Blvd.

10:45 – 11:00 pm- Nieve– Finish out your day with some food or drinks at Ziings Bistro & Bar, where Nieve will be performing his signature feel-good California hip hop alongside local singer-songwriter Art Darien. Laid back raps and chill beats will have you bobbing your head until the end of the night. Ziings Bistro & Bar, 209 N. Harbor Blvd.

There’s no doubt that Day of Music Fullerton will have something for everyone this year. In fact, there will even be a series of “Mass Appeal” events which aim to bring musicians and non-musicians of all skill levels together to perform. These include a blues harmonica jam (with free harmonicas for the first 100 participants), a “Sousapalooza” tribute to John Philips Souza, and a boombox parade. On top of that, there will be well over a hundred performers who aren’t on this list, playing all kinds of music. The best part: all of this is free to attend.