Cinco de Mayo Festival Brings Diverse Lineup to Che

Festival organizer Jehlad Hickson explains why the Cinco de Mayo festival brings something different to the Che Cafe

The following was supplied to SoundDiego by festival organizer Jehlad Hickson – Ed.

Here it is folks: a celebration of life, a collaboration of local artists in the San Diego area whose talents stretch far beyond any West Coast standard and well exceeds the expectations of many who come to see a great show or lineup. The Cinco de Mayo Festival at Che Cafe is a spectacle of many different genres that expands from hip-hop in its rawest form, to arena rock, to pure grit blues and soul, among so many others. This festival promises to be one of best in the greater San Diego metropolitan area and will guarantee a following from one or more of the artists that will be showcased.

Located in La Jolla, right on the University of California, San Diego campus, Che Cafe has hosted some of the biggest local acts around the city. Its venue location seems hidden from the rest of the bustling venues and clubs at which national acts are promoted, yet, it has a pretty solid foundation among the hard rock and metal bands in San Diego. The Cinco de Mayo festival, which will take place on Sunday, May 5, will bring a little something different, and it might surprise a lot of people in and around the jewel of San Diego: the La Jolla area.

First, these artists are the ones who have been dedicated since the first time they interacted with music. You can tell by their energy. It is a blessing to see how much music can really create a foundation within someone, in which they can dedicate so much time and effort to being the best expression of themselves as musicians and human beings.

One of the artists performing at the Cinco de Mayo festival is Rose Quartzz, an artist, a spiritual mentor and all around creator. (Check out the Rose Quartzz Podcast.) Her set promises great energy, as her nickname is the “Vibe Goddess.” Stream her newest mixtape, "Lucky 7," which is out on all major streaming platforms, and check out some of her videos, too!

The next performer is Dominico Andretti, aka @ChillerDom on Instagram. His extravagant style matches his personality on stage, and he gives you a show from start to finish. He will be performing with Kaip0ra, a DJ duo whose beats are infectious and funky from the first drop.

Next up is Roi Bars. Producer, mixer, singer and all around artist, Roi Bars has a creative frame of mind and creates a range of beats from trap to dubstep. Check him out on Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal, among others, and look up his projects and latest singles -- the most recent titled, “A Good Day!” Be on the lookout for local shows that he does with singer-songwriter Jehlad Akin.

Plexus Play is a multi-instrumentalist that will be showcasing some of his world class talent at this weekend’s Cinco de Mayo festival. Originally from Boston, he is a great composer and arranger. Check out his amazing videos on YouTube.

A.II.Z is a wordsmith whose rhymes are filled with a fantastic energy that pulls you in right when he spits his first bars. He controls the crowd with hyped verses, yet finds a way to channel some introspective lyrics at the same time. A.II.Z has an upcoming Hip-Hop Wednesday show at the AC Lounge on May 1, along with his Grave Shift Ent. crew. Also, be sure to check out some of his music videos and his SoundCloud page.

Although he will be showcasing his sought after rap skills, Sante Prince is a community leader on and off the stage, and he gives a fire performance each time. Check him out opening for Black Star at the Fox Theatre in Pomona this month, and look out for his weekly Lyrical Exchange at Queen B’s in North Park every Tuesday at 8 p.m.

Primo Dirrty is an all around performer who never strays off track. He sticks to his roots and gives you a hard hitting performance with lyrical depictions in each line. Dirrty also runs the bi-weekly Hope 4 the Homeless (@hope4h on Instagram) Hip-Hop showcase of different hip-hop artists around San Diego, in addition to hosting a donation section for each show.

Lucier the Band is a blues/rock band with a sound that meshes perfectly each time you see them play together. This three-piece spectacle is sure to leave a lot of people with unforgettable impressions of their talents. They co-headline their next show with the Clean Cut Hippies at the Go Lounge this Friday, May 3.

Getaway 95 is a rock band with energy that is consistent throughout each and every minute that they play. This band has performed all around the city at places like the Merrow and Connect San Diego Festival, and given how hard they rock the stage, they will be playing at plenty more.

Alterntae Era is a hair raising, lyrical showcasing duo with talents that range from guitar playing to dope futuristic beats. Band mates Ross A.M. and C-Lock the Watchman pull the crowd in each time with some of their hard hitting songs like “Picture It.” Alternate Era’s next show is part of a San Diego Content Partners Event on Friday, May 3. Get in touch with them for a direct address.

Hollywood Values take some of the golden sound of rock from the 2000s era, and makes it current with amazing guitar loops and melodies that force a smile on your face throughout their entire performance.

Jam Club are a local band made of musicians who showcase a fun filled, young ride that reminds you of simpler times.

The Cinco de Mayo Festival at Che Cafe, or #CincoCheMayo, will take place this Sunday, May 5, from 12 p.m. to about 9 p.m. The first hour is an open mic that is open to any artists -- just make sure to get there early to sign up! Local artist Robert Blume will also showcase Connect San Diego, an interactive art experience. Looking for food? Veggie Mamatix will be bringing in some delicious vegan dishes that you will be begging to try. DJ JG will be keeping the records spinning and setting the vibe right with the sounds that he will be playing all day and into the evening, while fashion will be provided by Stone Dagger. This is not an event you want to miss. Tickets are $10 at the door and can get you re-entry!

This article was written by Jehlad Hickson, organizer of the Cinco de Mayo Festival at Che Cafe. Jehlad Hickson, aka Jehlad Akin, is a singer-songwriter, composer, dancer, actor and writer who just moved to San Diego eight months ago. Jehlad plans to build a music therapy practice in this city and intends to meet more and more beautiful people in California and beyond. You can visit his site at www.jehlad.com, or reach out to him on Facebook at Jehlad Akin, SoundCloud, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Jehlad will be releasing a string of musical projects on all streaming services very shortly. He will be closing out the Festival with musicians Spence Noble of Band of Gringos, Colin Jones and Tom Holman.

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