A new name, live bands and a committed group of business owners combined to make a fun day come together for residents of the Outer Sunset.
The Ocean Beach Music and Art Festival (formerly known as the Outer Noriega Street Fair) created huge waves when it kicked off the annual event Saturday, Oct. 11.
The Outer Noriega Merchants Association worked diligently to put together the festival, complete with a new name and hope of garnering more attendees through new food options, activities and the addition of live music.
“We changed the name of it to basically make it more music-focused so it can be used as a tool to get people more motivated and spread around to see what we have offered on the street, said Ryan King, a member of the association responsible for putting together the festival this year.
The festival proved to be a popular affair from the masses of attendees wandering through the street, cordoned off by small flat-bed trucks acting as stages for the performing bands.
The numerous performances were a large attraction of the festival, and San Francisco-favorite Talk of Shamans did not disappoint. The band, composed of singer and guitarist Eric Alban, bassist Joey Buttitta and drummer Ian Idels, has performed at SF State’s Depot venue and always received good reactions from the crowd.
“Last time we played (at the Depot) it was awesome,” Buttitta said. “It was really cool, like crowd energy, and just a really fun show.”
The band received a similar vibe Saturday as listeners swayed and bobbed their heads to the indie-rock music during the band’s set, while others observed from afar.
Roland Orlando, 27, listened to the band away from the crowd and said the music was pretty good.
“Sounds like Arctic Monkeys and Kings of Leon,” Orlando said. “All of those cool bands fused together.”
Other fans, like Ryann Gonsalez, 21, danced along in front of the “stage” and said she was friends with the band members and tries to attend most of their performances.
As Talk of Shamans continued to perform for an enthusiastic audience, another band, the Down and Outlaws, played simultaneously on the other end of the street. The line-up for the festival, which lasted from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. also included popular bands The She’s, The Sweethearts and Air Surgeon, among many others.
Those who chose to not join the crowds at the stages could be seen waiting in long lines for delicious food served up by various vendors like Sam’s Chowder Mobile, Me So Hungry and The Whole Beast, as well as drinks sold by other vendors lined-up along the street.
The festival also provided family friendly activities, such as bubble wand stations and a jumpy house for kids. Attendees could also walk around and view various clothing, books or jewelry for sale from the businesses on Noriega Street.
Erica Maver, owner of boutique Establish and a member of the merchants association, said the mission of the festival was to bring the Outer Sunset community together to show what the vibrant culture and history of Noriega Street has to offer.
“Since there’s not a lot out here,” Maver said, “We try to promote what a great community it is.”
