Musical Performances
Summer Solstice Celebration is excited to host its annual festival once again, LIVE and IN PERSON at Alameda Park on Friday, June 21, 4 PM to 9 PM, Saturday, June 22, 12 PM to 8 PM, and Sunday, June 23, 1:30 PM to 6 PM. As in past years, there will be a stellar musical lineup for you to enjoy. All performances are free and open to the public, so come on down and join us and this amazing group of musicians for a little folk, reggae, pop, soul, rock, metal, and progressive electronica that is sure to get you in the summer solstice celebration groove! This year there will be performances on two stages, the Alameda Main Stage and the Santa Barbara Bowl CommUnity Stage in the Children's FUNtopia Zone across Santa Barbara Street. Sunday is KJEE's Solstice Reggae Sunday!
- MAINSTAGE -
Friday, June 21
4:00 PM - David Segall Band
Inspired by the upbeat vibes of Jason Mraz, Bob Marley, and Paul Simon, David's soul-stirring songs and world-beat grooves get his audiences up on their feet and dancing.
Deeply inspired by nature and the ocean, David’s music emerges from his life experiences as a Yogi, surfer, and sailor. His songs carry a universal message of love, self-empowerment, and “being the change” we wish to see in the world.
5:20 PM - Down Mountain Lights
Down Mountain Lights is a local Santa Barbara band that plays a mix of upbeat 1970s grooves and current hits. While relatively new to the Santa Barbara music scene, Down Mountain Lights has quickly become a fan-favorite with a loyal following.
6:40 pm - Art of Funk
Art of Funk was born on California's central coast, with members spread from Ventura to Goleta. The six-member band includes:
Mark Kram- Guitar
Chris Mobley- Guitar
Johno Dunn- Bass
John Soldo- Sax/Flute
Chris Marr- Drums
8:00 PM - Area 51
The members of Area 51 have recorded and performed with the likes of Paul Anka, Eddie Money, Billy Preston, The Temptations, Mary Wilson (of the Supremes), PBS artist Benise, Jim Messina, Ben E.king, Kenny Loggins, Alan Parsons, Tony Bennett, Sarah Vaughn, Brian Setzer, Four Tops, Temptations, Double Trouble and James Brown, and have TV credits such as The Tonight Show, Good Morning America, PBS, to name just a bunch.
As a group, Area 51 has shared the stage with Tower of Power, The Average White Band, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, War, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins and Alan Parsons. Area 51 has performed at LA’s Ahmanson theatre for the Obie Awards, the Majestic Ventura Concert Theatre, Santa Barbara’s Lobero and Granada Theatres, The Santa Barbara Film Festival, and many high-end weddings, special events and major festivals.
Saturday, June 22
12:00 PM - India & The Easy Riders
India and the Easy Riders is a group five who came together to play some music and bring people together. To love music is to share it and so we want to share our Rock and Soulful tones with everyone who loves to sing, dance, boogie, yell, whistle and have a damn good time.
12:50 PM - Ace Gonzalez & The Surfilm Sound
After many years of playing as a Pro sideman, Ace Gonzalez stepped out on his own with a set of 11 surf-influenced rock songs, each paired with their own video. The cut "Reasonings" was used in the premiere episode of the second season (2015) for the award-winning NZ web series "High Road." Ace blends virtuoso guitar styling with surf rock and custom-shot video imagery, that is projected live during his shows. The band consists of:
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Ace Gonzalez - Guitar
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Deacon Marrquin - Drums
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Mike Armstrong - Multi-Instrumentalist
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Mike Starr - Multi-Instrumentalist
2:00 PM - Ali Angel
LA-native musician Ali Angel’s retro-soul meets indie twang sound emanates a 1970’s influence, appealing to classic rock, indie pop, soul, and country enthusiasts. Listeners have compared her classic, catchy sound to the likes of Lake Street Dive, Alabama Shakes and Sheryl Crow. Her debut self-titled EP, released in the spring of 2022 garnered 200k+ Spotify streams independently, earning recognition from Relix Magazine, DittyTV, and more, including an editorial playlist add of her song, “Hideaway” from Youtube Music on their, “The New Americana” playlist. A fixture in the LA live music scene, Angel and her band have held residencies and played packed shows at prominent venues all over the city, from Good Times at Davey Waynes to Desert 5 Spot, Gold Diggers and Hotel Cafe.
3:20 PM - Rey Fresco
Rey Fresco is the epitome of Rad Music, Jammy, reggae vibe with a Latin flare.
This six-piece band is equipped with a legendary singer, Roger Keiaho, a one-of-a-kind harp player, Xocoyotzin Moraza, a stone-cold summer, Ryan Gleason, highly talented lead guitar player, Joe Baugh, high-energy bassist, Shawn Echevarria, and a brother that is a percussionist, Matt Rayner.
4:40 PM - Soul Majestic
Originated on the sandy shores of California, Soul Majestic channels their sunny beach days and bonfire nights into their unique style of reggae music. Look beyond their laid-back vibe, and you’ll find they are ever pushing the boundaries of the genre with an edge that cuts through the smoky haze. Their music blends a deep commitment to roots reggae with a love of hip-hop, R&B/Soul, psychedelic rock, pop, and folk music. It’s a new twist on familiar reggae sounds, with conscious, heartfelt, and socially relevant yet timeless messages. Their signature vocal sound features male and female singers trading melodies and soaring harmonies, laced with edgy, crowd-hyping dancehall verses and memorable hooks. Epic lead guitar solos wail over a wide range of tight danceable beats, rock flourishes, and heavy dub interludes, creating a captivating live experience.
6:00 PM - Will Breman Band
Singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Will Breman has made a name for himself as a dynamic, musical performer who excites his fans at shows from coast to coast.
Will came into national prominence when he auditioned for NBC’s The Voice season 17 and chose to be on Team John Legend. During his audition, he even got to sing “Ordinary People” with John. He stayed on the show for several episodes ending up as a semifinalist.
Will kept himself busy during COVID by writing, doing virtual performances, graduating from Cal State Northridge with a degree in music, and working on his new EP.
Although being on the spectrum has been a challenge, Will feels extremely fortunate to have found a creative outlet through music. He continues to grow teaching himself to play multiple instruments, writing new material, and trying to be true to himself through his songs.
7:20 PM - Something This Way Magic
Something This Way Magic is a rock band based out of Santa Barbara, CA, known for their high energy shows, drawing attendees into a special place of music and creativity through strong on-stage personalities and a sheet of smoke and mirrors. From powerhouse vocals to cascading harmonies and virtuosic solos, you may hear a tip of the hat to bands like Queen, Journey, Toto, Aerosmith, Muse and the like in well developed originals or ambitious covers—and who knows? If you catch a show, you may see some special theatrical guests as well!
Sunday, June 23
1:30 PM - The Rahkas
The Rahkas vibe on some reggae, jazz, soul, and R&B.
2:40 PM - The Kicks
The Kicks have been bringing their unique progressive roots reggae sound and positive vibes to the Central Coast of California and beyond since 2003. Driven to play out of a passion for life and a deep love of music and friends, The Kicks deliver a unique and soulful blend of roots era reggae, jazz and ska which never fails to get the crowd dancing!
3:50 PM - True Zion
Fresh roots reggae for the Central Coast & beyond-- American musician True Zion is a compelling figure in the reggae music industry. He is originally from San Luis Obispo. True Zion's music emphasizes the soulful and spiritual core of reggae, with a focus on the roots reggae subgenre. Their songs have a strong fusion of upbeat melodies, conscientious words, and rhythmic grooves that really connect with listeners. The music of True Zion takes you to a place where harmony and optimism are the norm. Their catchy tunes, enriched with Caribbean and African rhythms, elicit a captivating and contagious sound that makes you want to move and groove. True Zion has made a lasting impression on reggae fans with their distinct sound and genuine commitment to the genre.
5:05 PM - Morie & The Heavy Hitters
Morie & The Heavy Hitters is a dynamic reggae band known for their infectious rhythms, soulful melodies, and powerful lyrics. Formed in 2022, the band has been captivating audiences worldwide with their unique blend of traditional reggae and contemporary influences. Morie & The Heavy Hitters draw inspiration from the roots of reggae, paying homage to legendary artists such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Burning Spear, while infusing their music with a modern flair of Soul, R&B, Souldies, Neo Soul & more. Known for their high-energy performances and infectious stage presence, Morie & The Heavy Hitters have garnered a reputation as an electrifying live act. With their unwavering dedication to their craft and their mission to spread love, positivity, and consciousness through their music, Morie & The Heavy Hitters are undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the reggae music landscape.
