Many folks celebrate the start of summer on Memorial Day, others the last day of class or the solstice. For Leucadia’s music fans both young and old, summer really kicks off when Leucadia Main Street’s Summer Fun on the 101 rolls into town like a peaky southwest swell, turning Leucadia’s little Roadside Park into a big neighborhood celebration. This year’s event will feature music from world class talents such as local/global jazz legends Peter Sprague Group, 2019 SD Music Awards Best Blues winners Casey Hensley Band and resonator guitar ripper Sarah Rogo. Summer Fun on the 101 is presented by Leucadia 101 Main Street Association and sponsored by California Music Studios and Swell Property.
This year marks the tenth annual concert for festival creator Michael Schmitt, now the Promotions Chair for Leucadia 101 and an Arts Commissioner for the City of Encinitas. It all started with some inspiration he got while attending Leucadia 101 Main Street’s LeucadiART Walk back in 2009.
“I’d just moved into town and was quickly swept up in the charms of Leucadia. Strolling around, taking in the good vibes of LeucadiART Walk, a tune came to me on the ukulele and I got the idea to put together my own event but with music at the center. My friends and I raised $2,500 to pay the bands on Kickstarter and we held it right outside Surfy Surfy which had just opened and still had scaffolding on the outside. Wanting to legitimize the fledgling festival, I convinced Leucadia 101 to adopt the event and the rest is history.”
Over the last ten events, his favorite part is still getting to kick back and watch all the people mix.
“It’s a beautiful thing to see families with kids, young and old folks, all out there having fun and dancing and really listening to the music.”
While the festival has certainly grown over the years, Summer Fun on the 101 remains rooted in the best bands San Diego has to offer and the spirit of neighbors enjoying music and moments together. This year’s lineup will also feature the reggae stylings of New Leaf, psychedelic soul from the Anodynes, Nashville flavored folk from Austin Burns & Dillon Casey and a special surprise guest band that you will not want to miss!
Much of the funds raised through sponsorships and chance prize drawings goes to a local music scholarship for San Dieguito Academy seniors going on to pursue musical studies. One of this year’s scholarship winners, Dylan Herrera, also happens to play drums for The Elements. These talented young rockers were selected to perform at Summer Fun on the 101 from Leucadia Main Street’s Battle of the Bands back in May. Here’s L101 Executive Director Annika Walden on Summer Fun’s community outreach.
“It’s a real honor for Leucadia 101 to be able to give young Encinitas musicians the spotlight through our Battle of the Bands and Summer Fun on the 101 concerts. Festival goers can feel great that any dollars they spend at Summer Fun will not only help the festival grow, but also be invested directly into local students pursuing higher education in music.”
While the music takes center stage, Summer Fun on the 101 also includes a chance drawing for some amazing prizes, a Kids Art Pavilion, the highly anticipated hula-hoop contest and a Craft Beer and Kombucha garden sponsored by Swell Property with cold adult beverages from The Lost Abbey, Port Brewing, and Boochcraft.
Summer Fun is a free event and open to the whole community. As always, Leucadia 101 encourages you avoid traffic and parking by walking or biking. Bring your own beach chair or blanket to this all day happening. Be sure to stop by any of our fine 101 shops and eating establishments to keep Leucadia’s mainstreet funky and thriving.
For more information and event details visit: www.leucadia101.com
Summer Fun on the 101 