When Sunset Beach was being annexed by Huntington Beach, one concern for its residents was whether it could keep its unique identity, much of which is wrapped up in the events it traditionally hosts each year.
In addition to its signature events such as the Sunset Beach Art Festival that is nearly 50 years old, the Chili Cook-off, some events such as the Fireman’s Ball have faded away since the volunteer fire department was dismantled.
Still comparatively new to the neighborhood, the Classic Rock Beachfest is staying alive, thanks to the efforts of its founder and main organizer and volunteer, Barbara D’Angelo. She said the event, that benefits the Sunset Beach Community Association, mostly with funds for improving the local Community Center, is still going strong and building momentum. The Electric Magic Eighth Annual Classic Rock Beachfest will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24, in the Community Center at 12th Street and North Pacific Ave., in Sunset Beach.
“I never thought the rock concert would survive through the annexation and being the youngest event in Sunset Beach, but it did,” D’Angelo said. “Mike (Van Voorhis, president of the Sunset Beach Community Association) said we are now an institution and we are very happy about that.”
Van Voorhis expressed the Community Associaiton’s appreciation for the event.
“We are so grateful for the hard work Barbara D’Angelo and Shawn Kelly do in presenting it each year,” he said. “It is a welcome moneymaker for the Sunset Beach Community Association.”
Kelly is the lead singer for Led Zepland, the well-known band that covers the music produced by the English super group Led Zepplin.
The long time Sunset Beach resident is known for seeming to channel the vocal abilities and presence of Robert Plant, the lead singer for Led Zepplin. Once a year for the past seven the band has brought in a crowd of enthusiastic old and new Led Zepplin fans to enjoy the music.
Some years the event also features second and/or third bands to give the event more dimensions.
This year, D’Angelo announced, they will also present the music of Kissed Alive, a band that covers the famous rock band Kiss.
“We are very excited to have them,” D’Angelo said. “They are completely in costume, makeup and all this will add more of an electrified feeling. We wanted to freshen up the feel of the concert one is by adding the words ‘The Electric Magic’ to our annual event. And adding more electric to that by adding Kissed Alive.”
VanVoorhis said he is not aware of any past problems related to the event.
“We get a one-day alcohol license and we have to get additional liability insurance to augment our existing policy,” he said. “The association limits the number of times we have live music at our Community Center in consideration to our neighbors. However, we advertise the concert ahead of time and the neighbors understand that this is a special event.”
The concert features beer and wine sales as well as a La Rubia restaurant booth serving tacos, burritos and quesadillas all through the event.
There are also raffles of such prizes as TVs and brand name fragrances and other items.”
“They start asking in July if the concert will be on this year so I know that they are looking forward to it,” D’Angelo said. “We have a lot of community people that come out every year they enjoyed listening to the music and see old friends.”
Admission to the concert is $15 pre-sale and $20 at the door.
For more information, or to purchase tickets call (562) 260-7131.
