Images by Johnnie Crow and Sandy Beitler
Words by Sandy Beitler

As my first experience in San Diego, I got to be part of the inaugural Wonderfront Music + Arts Festival which took place November 22-24, 2019. Wonderfront was a 3-day Music and Arts festival along the beautiful downtown San Diego waterfront. This massive festival extended from the Broadway Port Pier all the way to Hilton Bayfront Park. Now, if you’re an out-of-towner like me, you had no idea how far that really was until you tried walking it from stage to stage to see bands. Lucky for me I was with someone who knew their way around, but we still had a hard time getting where we needed to be when we wanted to be there. There was a lot that we got to see but also a lot we had to miss with so many things being scheduled at the same time or being so far apart that you just had to choose something closer. The plus to that was, I got to see new bands that maybe I wouldn’t have otherwise.

Wonderfront had over 100 Artists and more than 10 stages for the 3 day event, with a myriad of genres to choose from. There was Jazz, Reggae, Rap, Hip Hop, Punk, Dance and even Comedy. Not only did the festival have a plethora of musical acts, it had silent discos, arts, crafts, skateboarding, local food fair, craft beverages, jet boat rides, sunset cruises, and yacht parties. There was so much going on that the fun didn’t have to end when the festival finished at night. They had offical after parties at local clubs and on ships. So if you weren’t done enjoying the scene you didn’t have to be.

Day 1 started late Friday afternoon, and featured performances by Aminé, Bad Suns, Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, CNCO, Cofresi, Don Omar, Duckwrth, EarthGang, Earthless, Gioli & Assia, Lil Baby, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Miguel, Parquet Courts, Pepper, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The Schizophonics, X Ambassadors, Ximena Sarinana, Banda Tierra Brava, Los Crecidos, and Seis en Linea.

Day 2 got things going before noon on Saturday, and included sets by Migos, Big Gigantic, J.I.D, Bob Moses, Bryce Vine, Common Kings, Flatbush Zombies, MGMT, Nicky Jam, Pennywise, Phantogram, Reykon, Slightly Stoopid, The Knocks, Thievery Corporation, TOkiMONSTA, Vince Staples, Zion y Lennox, Jhay Cortez, Alice Merton, Allie X, BoomBox, Z-Trip, Fakear, Goldfish, Grandson, The Vandals, Wild Belle, Andy Frasco and The U.N., Capyac, Chesca, Henry & the Invisibles, Jordan Hollywood, Marie Monti, Steve Fulton Music, The Routine, Wild Prxfits, Grandma, Jesse Baez, and Brewfish.

Day 3 was another all day affair capped off by Guitar Legends 3, a partnership with America Salutes You – an all star benefit concert to support Military, Veterans, First Responders and their families which was recorded for future broadcast. The show was led by Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), joined by George Thorogood, Nancy Wilson (Heart), Steve Lukather (Toto), Warren Haynes (Allman Brothers), Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke) and Kenny Aronoff and the LA All-Star Band. Other perfomers were Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Los Angeles Azules, 3LAU, Banda Los Sebastianes, Bas, Big Wild, Busta Rhymes, Grace Vanderwaal, Hippo Campus, Jonas Blue, Lil Dicky, Los Tucanes De Tijuana, Manchester Orchestra, Moon Taxi, Suicidal Tendencies, Tribal Seeds, Tyga, Walk The Moon, X, Khea, Broods, The English Beat, Japanese Breakfast, Z-Trip, Chrome Sparks, Diamante Electrico, Donna Missal, Exmag, Ghost Light, Victoria La Mala, Haddon Cord, SoDown, SunSquabi, Cydeways, Glades, Donavon Frankenreiter, Rob Machado & Friends.

Wonderfront and San Diego have an exciting and interesting festival here. San Diego makes the perfect back drop for this very diverse and spread out event and I look forward to seeing how they improve the event for 2020.

Wonderfront 2019 Day 1

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Wonderfront 2019 Day 2 by Sandy

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Wonderfront 2019 Day 2

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Wonderfront 2019 Day 3 by Sandy

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Wonderfront 2019 Day 3

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The First Wonderfront Music + Arts Festival Entertains San Diego Waterfront first appeared on Game On Media.

There’s a new festival coming to San Diego that’s unlike anything this city has ever seen and unlike any other festival of its kind. Here are just a few reasons why Wonderfront Festival is different from the rest.

LINE-UP

Other Festivals: Talent buyers spend big bucks on a handful of headliners while leaving the rest of the lineup in the dust.

Wonderfront Festival: Our lineup is stacked from top to bottom with relevant, current artists–some established, some emerging, all badass.

SWITCHIN IT UP

Other Festivals: Focus on the same style of music.

Wonderfront Festival: We are switching things up and keeping things fresh with a multitude of genres including Hip Hop, EDM, Indie Rock, Latin, Reggae, and a bit of Punk to top things off.

IN & OUT PRIVILEGES

Other Festivals: You enter and you do not exit, ALL. DAY. LONG. Festival fatigue, anxiety and all sorts of side effects are not uncommon with the single-entrance model.

Wonderfront Festival: We give you the power to customize your experience with our festival re-entry policy. Hit up a local bar or restaurant in between sets, catch the ferry to Coronado Island, boat/SUP/kayak on the water, or take a nap at your hotel (which will be only steps away). Go, explore, be free–and then come back for your favorite nighttime act and the silent disco.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Other Festivals: Far away af. Also? Hot af and dusty af.

Wonderfront Festival: You’ll be kickin’ it all weekend long along the glistening waterfront of America’s Finest City, not to mention, minutes away from the bustling downtown, a short Lyft to Little Italy and a 15 minute ferry ride to Coronado. Views for days in the blissful, sunny November San Diego weather.

P.S. Our gates are one mile from the airport with train and trolley stops in walking distance. Bam!

HAMPING

Other Festivals: Laying your head down on rocks and dirt after a long day is the most luxurious sleep situation you’re going to get, unless you’ve booked an expensive hotel that is an hour away.

Wonderfront Festival: Chic, comfy hotels (with special Wonderfront package deals) are literally steps away from our festival stages and the downtown after parties. Get some deep zzz’s before going at it again on Day 2 & 3.

ALL THE THINGS

Other Festivals: You listen to music, see a little art and maybe hang with some cool girls with hula hoops.

Wonderfront Festival: With us, your GA Pass gets you access to all the things; Silent Disco, Giant Sports Bar, The Hideaway, all the game zones, the yacht parties, the water taxis with bars and bands, the comedy, the art exhibits, the lounges. ALL of it. The only extra activities would be the rental of kayaks, SUP boards, wave runners, even speed boats; which will all be offered on festival grounds.

CRUISING BETWEEN STAGES

Other Festivals: Walking between stages takes up half of your day, not to mention the sand that gets in your shoes and the blisters that start to form if your shoe selection favors fashion over comfort.

Wonderfront Festival: Getting from stage to stage is part of the experience aboard water taxis with bars and bands, take scooters between the venues, jump on the festival’s Old Town Shuttle tours moving you between the venues, or take our WonderFRED electric buggies. And if you prefer to walk the beautiful promenade, check out the entertainers along the way–it’s all there for you, friends.

Convinced? Purchase your tickets here!

Wonderfront Festival Gives San Diego Music Fans Festival Freedom first appeared on Game On Media.

Night Demon closed out the 10th annual San Diego Metal Swap Meet on Saturday evening, October 19, 2019 in the parking lot behind the Setting Sun Sake Brewing Co. brewery.

The event featured over 50 vendors selling heavy metal related merchandise, records, tapes, patches, arts, and crafts, including Hollywood’s Metal DJ Will and Metal Babe Mayhem. There was a live performance by Night Demon, music by DJ Katon of the legendary thrash metal band Hirax, and signings by Night Demon, young New Zealand thrashers Alien Weaponry, and famed photographer Peter Beste. Peter Beste was selling and signing his brand new book Defenders of the Faith.

Night Demon is a three piece classic metal band, with Jarvis Leatherby on lead vocals and bass guitar, Dusty Squires on drums and backing vocals, and Armand John Anthony on guitars and backing vocals. They bring to life all of the trappings of the old school metal scene, with galloping rhythms, mystical lyrics and occult-style logos and backdrops. They have released 2 albums through Century Media and Steamhammer, and toured extensively in America and Europe. The Metal Swap Meet crowd fully enjoyed their set, which perfectly capped off an afternoon of shopping, eating and craft beer tasting.

For all info, check out https://www.nightdemon.net and http://www.sdmetal.org/msm/

Night Demon SD19

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Night Demon Rocks San Diego Metal Swap Meet first appeared on Game On Media.

Spawn Creator and Legendary Artist Todd McFarlane To Appear at San Diego Comic-Con

Tempe, AZ – June 27, 2019 – In the midst of making history with SPAWN 300 and 301, Todd McFarlane has confirmed his appearance as a Special Guest at San Diego Comic-Con. Fans will have the chance to meet the creator of SPAWN from Thursday, July 18th through Sunday, July 21st at Image Comics booth #1915. Todd will be serving on numerous panels, as well as, hosting multiple signing sessions where fans can get their favorite comics and toys signed for FREE! Join the journey on the road to SPAWN 300 and 301, by attending any or all of the following events at San Diego Comic-Con.  Todd McFarlane’s 2019 SDCC Schedule: Thursday, July 18th TODD MCFARLANE FREE AUTOGRAPH SESSION TIME: 2:00 – 4:00 PM LOCATION: Image Comics Booth #1915 Fans not to worry, there are ample opportunities to attend a signing session with Todd McFarlane! Bring your favorite comics and toys to have them signed for FREE. **Limit 2 items per person and each person must be over 13 years of age. No sketches. No CGC, or other witnessing/grading. Autograph session is limited, and wristbands will be issued each day in the Image booth starting at 9:30 AM. Friday, July 19th “WHAT IS THE BEST SUPERPOWER?” PANEL TIME: 1:00 – 2:00 PM LOCATION: Room 25ABC Todd McFarlane will be joined by other top panelists including Jonathan Hickman, Jae Lee, Joseph M. Linsner, Alitha Martinez, and J. Michael Straczynski. TODD MCFARLANE FREE AUTOGRAPH SESSION TIME: 3:00 – 5:00 PM LOCATION: Image Comics Booth #1915 ** See above description for further information on signings and limitations. Saturday, July 20th TODD MCFARLANE FREE AUTOGRAPH SESSION TIME: 12:30 – 2:30 PM LOCATION: Image Comics Booth #1915 ** See above description for further information on signings and limitations. SPOTLIGHT ON TODD MCFARLANE TIME: 3:00 – 4:00 PM LOCATION: ROOM 6DE Todd McFarlane, Image Comics founder, creator of SPAWN, co-creator of VENOM and McFarlane Toys CEO, talks about his 30+ years in the comic and entertainment industry. Todd will be raw and uncensored – talking toys, comics, industry advice and more! He will also be talking about one of the biggest milestones in his career, SPAWN300 and SPAWN 301, which will set the record for the longest-running creator-owned superhero comic ever! **Bring your burning questions for Toddfather Q&A. This jam-packed panel is a must for any Todd McFarlane fan! Sunday, July 21st TODD MCFARLANE FREE AUTOGRAPH SESSION TIME: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM LOCATION: Image Comics Booth #1915 ** See above description for further information on signings and limitations. THE ROAD TO HISTORIC SPAWN 300 & 301 TIME: 1:45 – 2:45 PM LOCATION: Room 5AB Image Comics will be hosting the panel The Road to the Historic SPAWN 300 and 301. Join Todd McFarlane and other surprise special guests from the superstar creative team of SPAWN 300 and 301! This panel will serve as an inside look into the record-breaking moments, as well as, jumpstart the celebration of SPAWN becoming the longest-running creator-owned comic in the world! As an added bonus fans will see new art reveals, experience giveaways, and much more! McFarlane Toys will also have a display area at the Diamond Comic Distributors booth #2401, where attendees can get “First Looks” into upcoming fan-favorites, including world-renowned brands Harry Potter, My Hero Academia, Fortnite, Season 3 Stranger Things figures and more! COMING SOON: a sneak-peek into the launch of the SPAWN Merchandise Program, which is a 2019 Event Exclusive Program. In celebration of SPAWN 300 and 301, the SPAWN Merchandise Program will first launch at San Diego Comic-Con. All merchandise can be found at the Image Comics booth #1915.  Have the chance to witness history in the making with Special Guest Todd McFarlane at San Diego Comic-Con! ABOUT SPAWN Todd McFarlane’s Spawn is one of the world’s best-selling and longest-running monthly comic books, with hundreds of millions sold worldwide in more than 120 countries, and 15 different languages. That title’s hugely successful 1992 debut sold an amazing 1.7 million copies – an unprecedented feat in independent comics. A whirlwind of growth and expansion followed: more comics, action figures, film, and award-winning animation. ABOUT IMAGE COMICS Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of bestselling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has six individuals on the Board of Directors: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, Jim Valentino, and Eric Stephenson. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline Comics, Skybound Entertainment, and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, fantasy, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

Spawn Creator and Legendary Artist Todd McFarlane To Appear at San Diego Comic-Con first appeared on Game On Media.

The Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California was full of Disturbed Ones on January 9, 2019, as Disturbed kicked off their Evolution Tour. Their massive stage protruded out into the middle of the arena, a multi-level angled structure that resembled an Imperial Star Destroyer, providing plenty of front of the rail spots. There was a massive curved screen behind the stage, basically the biggest TV you have ever seen. The show began with a lengthy introduction video, featuring video footage of the band through the years, narrated by vocalist David Draiman. The theme was deciding how to overcome your demons and darkness, using music as a weapon. Quotes were displayed over the images, such as:

WHEN MUSIC IS THE WEAPON, WE ARE ALL INDESTRUCTIBLE

WHEN MUSIC IS THE WEAPON, YOU MUST BELIEVE IN THE CAUSE

WHEN MUSIC IS THE WEAPON, THE SICKNESS IS THE CURE

WHEN MUSIC IS THE WEAPON, A WORLD ARMY UNITES

WHEN MUSIC IS THE WEAPON, EVERY FIST HAS A VOICE

WHEN MUSIC IS THE WEAPON, WE MUST EVOLVE

The band then emerged from the darkness, blasting into “Are You Ready”, the lead single off their latest album. This was followed seamlessly by “Prayer”. Draiman welcomed the excited crowd with his immortal greeting, “My brothers and sisters, my blood!” before launching into “The Vengeful One” which brought the first flashes of fire into the arena.

The video screen was used to great effect, adding visual texture to the light show, combining recorded clips and distorted footage of the actual performance. The energy was highest during this stretch, with much of the floor section turned into a swirling mosh pit as they played “The Animal”, “Immortalized”, “Stupify” and “Voices”, which opened with a Dan Donegan guitar solo that turned into an instrumental as bassist John Moyer and drummer Mike Wengren joined in.

Disturbed Photos by Matthew Belter:

Draiman apologized for not being his best self, as he is still getting over pneumonia. You would have never known that anything was wrong if he hadn’t mentioned it. His voice was outstanding throughout the night. He immediately proved that by adding an acapella intro to “Land of Confusion”. That was followed by a new acoustic song, “Hold On To Memories” accompanied by a touching video montage of photographs of the band members with their families and friends interspersed with live footage of some of their musician friends who have left us too soon, including Chris Cornell, Chester Bennington, Scott Weiland, Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul. Draiman explained the song’s meaning by asking us to remember our lost loved ones – “Hold them in your heart. Hold them in your soul. They are always with you.”

With the crowd’s emotions running raw, John Moyer changed the mood with a funky bass solo, which lead into a Mike Wengren drum solo, which turned into the funky dance tune from the first album, “The Game”. After that emotional release, it was right back to heartfelt pleas to intervene, with a pre-recording asking fans to help those who are in crisis and fighting battles for their very lives. Hotline numbers were shown, along with a call to action:

IT’S UP TO US TO SHOW THEM THAT THEY AREN’T ALONE, THAT THEY HAVE NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF, THAT WE UNDERSTAND, AND THAT WE WILL FIGHT WITH THEM, AND FOR THEM. FOR THOSE YOU KNOW, WHO ARE WAGING THIS INTERNAL WAR, THE TIME TO BE A TRUE FRIEND AND ADVOCATE, AND TO INTERVENE, IS NOW. TO HESITATE, IS TO LOSE A CHANCE TO SAVE THEM YOU MAY NEVER GET AGAIN.

National Addiction Hotline – 1-800-662-4357

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255

Disturbed then emerged on a second, hidden stage in the middle of the arena, to deliver the powerful new ballad “A Reason To Fight”. They then made their way back to the main stage, where a piano had been placed for a Dan Donegan piano solo intro to “The Sound of Silence”. They were joined by an acoustic guitarist, string players, and timpani drums for Mike Wengren. The song continued to build in drama, when the piano burst into flame which burned through the rest of the song! Draiman’s vocals were insanely powerful despite his illness and having already performed a full set.

They kicked things back into high gear with “Indestructible” and “Inside The Fire”, quite literally with fire bursts behind the drum kit and all around stage that lit up ropes hanging from rafters. After the song, the crew set out fire boxes for the still burning ropes to drop into and then extinguished them off stage, thus completing more than 90 minutes of passion and emotion.

They were not done yet. Draiman joked that “No sickness, no injury shall stop me from my scheduled duties of rocking you.” The crowd provided the special effects for the next song, shining their phone flashlights during each chorus of “The Light”. To top it all off, everyone was “Stricken” “Down With The Sickness”. As everyone already knew, WE ARE ALL DISTURBED!!

Do NOT miss this tour. With Three Days Grace opening up, this is one of the best nights of rock you will ever witness. Find tour dates on the Disturbed website.

http://www.disturbed1.com/

Three Days Grace Photos by Matthew Belter:

Disturbed Kicks Off Evolution Tour in San Diego first appeared on Game On Media.