The fourth annual Day of Music Fullerton is upon us. On June 21, 2015, the city of Fullerton joined the global Fête De La Musique (translation: Music Festival, but also known as “Make Music Day” and “Day of Music”). The purpose for the festival, which occurs on the summer solstice of June 21, is to unite communities, big and small, by encouraging the playing of music. Experienced musicians and anybody capable of making music will be given space in participating venues throughout the city, from traditional music venues to coffeeshops, churches, and even the historic Fox Theatre.
Those who wish to perform but have not coordinated with the Day of Music organizers or utilized the event’s matchmaking service to secure a spot at one of 56 locations throughout the city are welcome to make music while sitting at a bus stop, on their porch, or pretty much anywhere. Folks who live west of Fullerton can also get their music on this Thursday, as Buena Park and Long Beach are also participating in the global festival (as is Santa Monica and various areas around Los Angeles).
With dozens of performance venues and 158 performers or performing groups scheduled to appear at the venues throughout the day, it is challenging for anyone who wants to take it all in to figure out a game plan. Naturally, people can use the event’s website or the app to look up specific acts, venues, and even genres of music that will appear throughout Day of Music Fullerton; however, for those wanting some suggestions, the Weekly is happy to provide a bunch of options for people wanting to experience and / or participate in some of the activities scheduled for the event. Happy music going!
12:00 – 01:00 pm Los Dos Saxos y mas – For a genteel awakening, grab a cup of coffee or lunch in the cozy court of Villa Del Sol, where you will be serenaded by the senior duet of Los Dos Saxos y mas. Using a variety of wind instruments, the duo’s pleasing repertoire includes everything from “Chattanooga Choo Choo” to the Star Wars “Cantina Band.” Villa Del Sol, 305 N. Harbor Blvd.
1:00 – 1:45 pm Mina – All right, now that you’ve been gently awakened, you are encouraged to take a little walk over to D’Vine, where Mina will touch your heart and mind with her indie / folk songs. D’Vine, 132 West Commonwealth Ave.
2:15 PM – 03:00 PM On A Lark – Now that you’ve got that folksy feeling stirring, why not raise the stakes a bit and graduate to a Celtic trio? After all, who doesn’t love the mystical sounds of Celtic and Irish folk music (and other branches of folk), as performed on the hammered dulcimer, accordion, Irish whistle, and cello? Mo’s Fullerton Music Center, 121 N. Harbor Blvd.
3:00 – 4:00 pm The Darden Sisters – The next stop on our graduated scale of musical styles brings us to Americana / bluegrass. The Darden Sisters have a devoted following, and if you’ve heard them, then you know why. By incorporating bluegrass arrangements of classic rock ‘n roll numbers into their set, they are sure to strike a chord with most folks! If you miss this show, then be sure to catch them at 7:00 over at the Fox Theatre! Back Alley Bar, 116 W. Wilshire Ave.
4:00 – 5:00 pm Teenage Goo Goo Muck – Time to get funky. Enter Teenage Goo Goo Muck, a rock / rockabilly act that pays tribute to their heros, The Cramps. Mind, the aesthetic transition from the girls-next-door look of The Darden Sisters to these guys in leather, lace, and drag might be a little jarring, their tunage is jolly good! Black Hole Records, 108 N Harbor Blvd.
However, if by this point, you’re chomping at the bit to be more than an observer, perhaps you’d like to attend…
4:00 – 6:00 pm Ukulele Jam – The ukulele trend has been on an upswing for a while now, but after purchasing the Hawaiian instrument, many people don’t routinely play. Well, here’s their chance! All ages are welcome at UkeFull, Fullerton’s ukulele club. Stages Theater, 400 E Commonwealth Ave.
5:00 – 7:00 pm Sousapalooza – Here’s another opportunity to join up with a band! If you have an instrument, you are welcome to participate in this mass performance of the music of John Philip Sousa. You don’t have to don your best marching band gear, but if you’d like a place to sit while playing, you’d best RSVP to ensure one of the provided chairs. Hillcrest Park, Great Lawn 1200 N Harbor Blvd.
Or, if you don’t want to relive your days as a member of your high school marching band, perhaps this next one will be more to your liking…
5:00 – 6:00 pm Crossroads – It’s hard to compete with some solid classic rock — especially for fans of classic rock. Wanna hear some Cream, Beatles, Stones? Then these fellas may be just what you’re looking for. Check them out at the Elks Lodge, 1400 Elks View Ln.
6:30 – 7:00 pm Joe Tatar and Sons – This is a big deal for Fullerton! Joe Tatar and Sons will be performing vaudeville and honky-tonk tunes at the historic Fox Theatre in order to celebrate the flavor of the Fox’s early history and to remind Fullertonians that they’ve got a historic theatre that still needs some love (and donations). This performance marks the first time that the Fox has hosted Day of Music Fullerton performers. Fox Theatre, 512 N. Harbor Blvd.
7:00 – 8:00 pm Chris Halo – I know we started our journey with an act at Villa Del Sol, and it would be nice for us to at least mention that there are some splendid performances scheduled at not-so-obvious venues like Comic Book Hideout, Lost Levels, First Evangelical Free Church, and the Fullerton Public Library, but at this point in our cornucopia of musicality, we would like to suggest the groovy stylings of jazzy/Caribbean Afro/Latin rocker Chris Halo. Great music for cocktail hour (if you haven’t started already). Villa Del Sol, 305 N. Harbor Blvd.
7:30 – 8:15 pm Boombox Parade (actual parade starts at 7:50) – Never actually played an instrument, but you still like to groove when you hear some funky beats? No problem! All you need is an FM radio (although it’s not even required) and the will to participate in a short march; percussive instruments will also be provided as you dance-walk along with fellow music lovers to the strains of Talking Heads’ “Road to Nowhere.” Ford Park, Corner of Richman and Wilshire (destination: Fullerton Downtown Plaza)
8:00 – 08:45 pm Broken Hearts Club – Though heavier experimental and electronic bands are not to everyone’s taste [thus, our list didn’t really get to any industrial or experimental noise bands], the “dark synths combined with smooth vocals” of this dream pop / alternative / indie act from Newport Beach sounds like a soothing way to ease into the evening. Roadkill Ranch, 119 E Commonwealth Ave.
9:00 – 10:00 pm Bud O.D. – Bringing it on home, we thought we’d suggest a little indie rock / punk with Bud O.D. You’ll have to drive to this one, as it’s located outside of Downtown Fullerton. That said, what would a Day of Music Fullerton be without a stop at Burger Records for some spirited rockin’? Burger Records, 645 S. State College Blvd, Suite A.
There we have it, folks. Again, these are merely some suggestions, and they really only comprise the tip of the iceberg as far as what is available to experience at Day of Music Fullerton. There are dozens of events you may choose to attend throughout this day, which include just about every musical genre, and they’re all free. For more options, visit the Day of Music Fullerton website and browse the complete and interactive listings.
