San Diego Oysterfest 2015

As thick air and grey skies accompanied this year’s sold-out Oysterfest, the 6th annual aphrodisiac-shelled festival, consisted of oysters (of course), booze (duh), and musical performances. Local acts such as blues-rock duo, Little Hurricane, and genre chameleons Thievery Corporation, filled San Diego’s Marina Embarcadero.

The commencement of humans and mollusks? Who knew oysters were popular enough to have their own festival… An oyster-eating contest and enough food vendors to go around, the ocean dwellers were a large part of the event. Although, it did seem that most people attended the festivities for the music and company. As Rebecca Jade pried opened the day with her dominating vocals backed by funk-soul, the four bands were joined by five DJs that played between each set, keeping the musical vibes flowing.

Through the Roots’ progressive reggae sound cut through the thick humid air, while Birdy Bardot added a cool breeze of smooth and soothing vocals, accompanied by Alfred Howard’s arsenal of signature percussion. The Young Wild brought out the sunlight that seemed to be clawing at the muggy clouds. Their poppy stomp-clap rhythms and charming stage presence had the crowd moving, but it was Little Hurricane that brought everyone to the front stage, adding to the buzz with their raw blues and gritty vocals.

With gates opening at 12pm on the strangely hot and gloomy day, time seemed to fly by with local brews, attractive people, and a “mens only” urinating area (yeah, don’t ask) that had everyone talking. Adding to the conversation was the performance of Thievery Corporation. Their last show in San Diego was a double-set performance at the Belly Up, selling out the Solana Beach venue with a $75 admission. Displaying songs from all over their hefty discography of genre-jumping, from bossa nova to reggae hip-hop. Guest vocalists and horns were added to the Washington, D.C. duo’s set, offering a second wind to the Embarcadero as they clamped the day to a close.