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Monday, June 29, 1998

Endless summer not enough time to enjoy hoard of tours, concerts

MUSIC: Festivals provide variety of entertainment, celebrity for every genre

By Michelle Zubiate

Daily Bruin Staff

Restless students need something to keep them busy during those coveted months between June and September. What to do? Send them to a summer music fest.

Summertime in Los Angeles just wouldn't feel right without a little entertainment from the music biz, and for this reason huge names from every genre come together this season to create shows of stellar status and unforgettable moments.

So far this summer, the Los Angeles area has witnessed both KROQ's Sixth Annual Weenie Roast and the second Lilith Fair. Every year, Los Angeles' alternative station KROQ brings together the huge bands at the Weenie Roast, including big names from the past like the Cure to Madness.

The Lilith Fair also gathers established artists, and for the second time Sarah McLachlan seeks to bring the women of the music industry into the spotlight with their Lilith tour around the United States. And with names like Erykah Badu and Shawn Colvin how can she go wrong?

But if you didn't get a chance to catch either of these events, there's no need to worry. The summer's just heating up.

So you're into rebellious fun and just a rowdy good time? Well, then the answer is clear.

Once again the Vans Warped Tour is making its fourth run around the country, combining the ska and punk music sounds of artists such as the Deftones, the Specials and Rancid. The combo should satisfy anyone's youthfully energized sweet tooth.

But if your tastes lean toward a more raw, amateurish sound, then Orange County might be your best bet.

A compilation of lesser known ska acts can be found on Aug. 1 at the Glass House. There, the Summer Ska Fest will host local Orange County bands such as Jeffries Fan Club, Skiptooth, Freak Daddy and My Superhero.

For classic, solid rock without the frills, your destiny awaits you on Aug. 27. For the seventh time, the H.O.R.D.E. Festival will blast through the country with blues and classic rock.

The tour will feature both the established (Blues Traveler and Ben Harper) and the newcomers (Fastball and Marcy's Playground).

But then again rock just may not fit your style. On Aug. 1, Irvine Meadows will transform into the home of the Spirit of Unity Tour, hosted by 92.3 The Beat. Names on the bill include Steel Pulse, Shaggy and Beres Hammond.

But if you feel like tasting another culture for a day, Viva El Mariachi '98 will be sure to excite at the Greek Theatre on Sept. 5 with lively instrumentals and commanding vocal performances by artists such as Vikki Carr, Mariachi Sol De Mexico and Reyna de Los Angeles.

Everywhere you look this summer, music festivals will surely follow, especially if you have the jazzy vibe in your blood.

Two best bets for summer entertainment include the Old Pasadena Jazz Fest on July 11 and and the 11th Annual Long Beach Jazz Fest Aug. 7 through Aug. 9. This endless summer provides musical treats for anyone and everyone. The tough part remains trying to decide where to spread you blanket.

Photo courtesy of Sony Music

(Left to right) Sen Dog, Mixmaster Muggs and B-Real make up the hip-hop group Cypress Hill.

Photo courtesy of Poly Gram

(Left to right) Tom, Mike and Yuri make up the group MxPx.

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