The Peninsula Beacon
June 22, 2000

The chili is rumored to be hot, spicy, and too good to pass up, and the bands even more delectable. Both can be sampled at the 21st Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cook-off on Saturday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

With more than 70 bands to choose from, Teddy Wigler and Brad Engstrom of Blind Entertainment narrowed the selection down to 16.

“We tried to stick to artists that are OB-related,” said Wigler. “We also chose up-and-coming bands still developing a draw in San Diego and high caliber bands from out of town.”

“We like to get bands that have top names to bring people to the street fair,” said Engstrom. “All of the bands are really good.”

Three separate stages are set up to showcase the diverse selection of performers. The Main Stage, or Beach Stage, true to its name, is located in the parking lot by the pier at the end of Newport Avenue.

“It’s a stage with a live ocean background,” Ocean Beach MainStreet Association Executive Director Gerrie Trussel said.

Beach Stage performer Government Grown, formed in 1994, combines psychedelic rock-and-roll spiced with reggae. The three-piece San Diego band is continuously evolving with inventive effects and musical divergences. Their music mixes tight, intricate song compositions with lighter, freer instrumental explorations.

Big Time Operator, a ten-piece band led by singer Warren Lovell, plays classic big-band arrangements, Latin arrangements, and original songs. They are the recipients of the San Diego Music Awards for the Best Big Band the last three years. They can be heard at Croce’s, Catamaran, Viejas Casino, and Tio Leo’s, and seen in the upcoming blockbuster movies “Pearl Harbor.”

SuperUnloader is a conglomeration of blues, progressive rock, jazz, funk, and big band sounds. The band, noted for its musical improvisation, blends traces of Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Hendrix, Rush, Black Sabbath and Yes.

A good catch, down from Portland, Ore., is the Latin funk band Rubberneck. They combine soulful Latin, fiery jazz, and earthy rawness. The bands’ music is a coalition of Santana, James Brown and Matchbox 20. They have toured nationally three times since releasing their 1998 album El Niño performing more then 200 events a year and making regular appearances on the Northwest Top-Selling Bands Chart.

The Revelations mix Latin styles with a modern cross-section of original and classic reggae. This multi-ethnic blend of musicians will take listeners on the rhythmic journey straight to the dance floor.

Artists’ Alley stage will host acoustic unplugged, folk, and pop style music on Bacon Street between Newport and Niagara avenues.

Super D is a local Ocean Beach band that serves up all original rock and roll songs. Influenced by the likes of The Rolling Stones, The Doors and Neil Young, this band recently appeared on Channel 39 weekend news. Continually on the move, watch for them at Kelly’s Pub, Winston’s and Johnny’s Surf Club.

The rock band Life offers shades of blue and Latin overtones, incorporating soulful and versatile rock and roll. Life’s myriad of influences include the Beatles, Santana, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin. Upcoming shows include Humphreys, Winston’s Blind Melons, and performances in San Francisco.

For a mixture of aesthetic and upbeat sounds created by dual guitars, drums, percussion, and a Chapman Stick, look for August 22. Stick player Tom Griesgraber creates a blend of rock, pop, funk and jazz performing his own compositions along with popular songs.

The OB Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off (2022) is in its 42nd year.

This article was written many moons ago when Lisa was a freelance writer for the Peninsula Beacon.