Summer is a great time for Bakersfield’s local music scene as it hosts many seasonal shows.
The season kicks off with KRAB radio’s all-ages annual Free 4 All, held at the Bright House Networks Amphitheatre on May 19. This year features bands Say Anything, Imagine Dragons, Walk the Moon, JJamz, and local band Streetside Vinyl.
As the only local band to play this year’s show, all of the members are very excited to share the stage with the other artists.
“I’ve been listening to Say Anything since junior high,” said drummer Greg Bruick.
The band was approached by KRAB DJ Danny Spanks to play the show after they were on his segment “Spank it or Crank it.”
Only playing for about a year, the band credits their success to lots of practice and guidance from their manager to get them where they are now.
“It’s a whole new band, new sound, new members,” said bassist Justus Dixon.
The outdoor concert draws hundreds of people and this’ll be the band’s biggest show so far.
“I’ve been digging the stuff they’ve been playing on KRAB,” said lead vocalist Shawn Gough about hearing the promotional songs being played on the radio for the show.
Following the Free 4 All is the annual Rockin’ Roots music festival held at Stramler Park. The festival has been so successful in the past because of the mix of mainstream and local bands covering a wide array of genres including techno, hardcore, punk, ska and hip-hop.
Concert promoter Tim Gardea has been known to credit the success of past lineups to the concertgoers who give feedback on what bands they want to see.
The usually two-day event is now only being held on June 9 with bands such as Pierce the Veil, Suicidal Tendencies, Of Mice and Men, Johnny Craig, The Ghost Inside, Dr. Acula and Casino Madrid with Falling in Reverse headlining.
Streetside Vinyl played the show last year and say they’ll be playing this year again.
“It’s a great way to get exposure,” said bandmate Silas Sproul.
More than a hundred bands on multiple stages means there’s something for everyone.
“You can just walk by a random stage and hear your new favorite song,” said Dixon.
The show follows in the same layout as most summer festivals, bringing to Bakersfield it’s own mini-Warped tour.
For those who can make it out of town for more summer concert fun, Warped tour itself is the ultimate summer music festival and has been since its debut in 1995. This year’s lineup includes The Used, Rise Against, Lostprophets, All Time Low, Taking back Sunday, Senses Fail and Yellowcard among many others.
With it’s legendary reputation, Streetside Vinyl members are hoping to earn themselves a spot on the lineup as well.
“Any band wants to play Warped tour,” said Dixon. “In 50 years, people are going to be studying it in music appreciation class. It’s going to make music history.”