TODAY: Busker-style live music throughout Laguna's downtown
36 live music performances on every street corner and in between!
Today, Saturday, June 21st, the downtown streets of Laguna Beach will be filled with music when the Annual Laguna Beach Fête de la Musique (“Festival of Music”) is back in play. Originating in France more than 40 years ago, the Fête de la Musique, celebrates the beginning of summer in more than 1,000 cities and 100 countries.
As it’s hosted by our Laguna Beach Sister Cities Association (LBSCA), it also celebrates our close affiliation with our sister city, Menton, France.
I really love this day. The “Fête” really reminds me of more of a “busker” street performance as you’ll see every kind of live music represented.
Startin’ us up at 11:00 a.m. at the Main Beach Stage
It all starts at the Main Beach stage with the Laguna Community Jazz Band at 11:00 am. The jazz rings strong till about 1:00 p.m. until the Opening Ceremonies take the stage with City dignitaries welcoming the event. (Be sure to circle back around to the Main Beach stage for raffle announcements (4:00 p.m.) and even belly dancers (3:30 p.m.)
Then, 33 live music performances begin simultaneously from 1:30 - 4:00 pm
At 1:30 p.m., while the popular acoustic duo Perfect Blend takes over the Main Beach stage, more than 32 different live performances will begin playing their favorite kind of music throughout the downtown streets.
Just wander the streets from the north border of Ocean Avenue to the south of Legion Street and you’ll be hearing jazz, indy rock, classic rock, folk, gospel, island music and more.
Stuff your pockets with tipping cash & find new music favorites along the way.
Right click to download this handy Fête de la Musique PDF Map now to see all the performers scheduled to play. Get in on the fun this Saturday and remember - every one of these performers is volunteering for this day, so be sure to stuff your pockets with cash, cash, cash to show your support in their tip jars!
It’s a great collection of single and acoustic artists like Geoff Glass by Wyland’s Gallery just up from Hotel Laguna … and Big Boss Bubelah by Stitch + Feather at the intersection of Forest and Ocean Avenues … and up-and-comers Cameron Stiles, Lily Gabora and more.
Bands are in the day’s plan, too, such as locals favorite South Laguna Garden Band with Americana Steel Guitar Classics. They’re front-and-center on the Forest Avenue Promenade by the Free People boutique.
Then there’s Black Dog, a rocking Led Zeppelin tribute just up the same block and across Forest Avenue by Bushard’s Pharmacy. Basically, you’ve got a plethora here, including the crowd-dancin’ Los de Alla, an Argentinian folk band at the Water District Garden next to the Laguna Fire Station… and rising comet stars Seagrass (maybe again with Hob Childers playing guest harmonica.)
Be sure to stick around long enough for the fiery, get-up-and-dance tunes from the band who’s closing the entire day out – Ken Garcia and his band at the Main Beach Stage from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.
Watch for retailers and restaurants getting in on the act, too
As the music fills every street corridor, expect to see sidewalk sales and specials at every turn with our retailers, galleries and restaurants, too. They are definitely celebrating the return of summer, too! Most of the restaurants in the downtown corridor will be serving up lunch, so be sure to venture in and all the way up the streets to find eats and perfect summery libations.
I’ll see you out there!