Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, KAABOO Del Mar 2019 returns for the fifth year to the idyllic beachfront community of Del Mar to celebrate three days of family-friendly live entertainment. Making its grand return at the Del Mar Racetrack and adjacent fairgrounds on Sept. 13-15, festival lovers from miles around will be filled with anticipation for an extraordinary weekend journey.
Kings of Leon, Dave Matthews Band, and Mumford & Sons will top the live music side of things while Bert Kreischer, Pete Holmes & Friends, and Wayne Brady will headline the Comedy Stage, hosted by MK Paulsen. The full lineup for KAABOO Del Mar 2019 can be found here.
Music Connection has been lucky enough to attend some fantastic gigs and festivals performances across the years, and if there is one thing we have learned, it would be it’s never just about the headliners. Always trusted to bring one of the best eclectic lineups of burgeoning quality artists to San Diego, KAABOO is one of the most prominent ways to find the best new music. We’ve picked out four non-headlining groups on the cusp of blowing up so you can be sure not to miss out on something incredible.
The Artisanals
On the road is where The Artisanals feel most at home. If you’re a fan of George Harrison, Tom Petty, or Bruce Springsteen, this is the band for you. Blending '70s Heartland Rock and Alt-Americana, the newly formed five-piece rock band based out of Charleston, South Carolina, has been actively touring bringing their explosive live show to stages of all sizes. The Artisanals consistently manifest a level of dedication in each and every performance, engaging audiences with their own style of storytelling and harmonious delivery.
The band recently released their self-titled debut LP on Sept. 21, 2018, self-produced with Wolfgang Zimmerman (Band of Horses, Brave Baby). The 10-track record is dedicated to life on the road and living one day at a time.
The Artisanals are one of the most original and exciting bands around. Their set promises to be a special festival moment, and one you will not want to miss.
Photo credit: The Artisanals
Keuning
Better known as the guitarist with indie superstars The Killers, Dave Keuning put his touring commitments with the Las Vegas band on hold back in 2017, during which time he wrote and recorded his critically-acclaimed debut record, Prismism, via Pretty Faithful, in his San Diego home studio. The 14-track album allowed Keuning to push the boundaries of his artistry, performing on almost all of the instruments himself including lead vocals.
Combining both acoustic and electric guitars, as well as a longtime fascination with keyboards and electronic music, Keuning isn’t going for any particular sound. His eclectic musical palette leans heavily towards an '80s synth-pop influence with driving melodies, vocal effects, intoxicating riffs, catchy hooks, and personal, relatable lyrics.
Anxious to play his new music to his fans, its apparent Keuning and his versatile backing band mean business when they step onto the stage. Organized with a variety of instruments and equipment, the master musicians switch stations throughout performances, making for a unique filler-free set.
Keuning’s friendliness and fondness towards his fans, mixed with his experience and passion, makes for a set that has the potential to be one of the top slots in KAABOO’s history.
Photo courtesy of WME
Con Brio
Named for an Italian musical direction meaning ‘with spirit,’ Con Brio is a San Francisco Bay Area band that plays soul, psych-rock, pop, and classic R&B. Mixing their R&B rhythm with bass, guitar, and soulful lyrics, lead singer Ziek McCarter shares his personal experiences through his honest lyricism.
Fresh and freethinking, the seven-member veteran musicians are determined to use music to create moments of love and liberation worldwide; the type of music people can turn to in their darkest times.
Already a favorite of the West Coast, across the U.S., and overseas, Con Brio broke new sonic ground with the release of their sophomore LP, Explorer. The contemporary record, filled with catchy, highly danceable anthems, explores America’s current political climate; songs with questions, songs that speak the truth, songs that inspire.
Anyone who sees Con Brio’s electric live show is quickly a convert. Insightful and far-reaching, their music is a reminder that inequities may run rampant in our culture, but music is always there as a counterweight; a seamless blend of artistry and activism that is undeniable, and guaranteed to leave a trail of newly converted fans in its wake.
Photo Credit: Leila Maulen
Kate Usher & The Sturdy Souls
Kate Usher & the Sturdy Souls are an alternative soul-pop rock band from Montauk, New York. The group is led by lead singer Kate Usher & multi-instrumentalist, Kevin Angiulo; a lovable acoustic duo that leads to a high-energy full band show. The group’s performance has been compared to a mix of John Mayer, Norah Jones, Colbie Caillat, and Fleetwood Mac.
Drawing inspiration from the seasonal beach town where they met, the group’s music and sultry image reflect a warm summer air that kindles your soul. Jimi Hendrix and John Frusciante-inspired guitar licks blissfully duel with saxophonic jazz & blues, while the rhythm section has you dancing to tunes that will be stuck in your head days following.
During Spring 2018, the group recorded their debut EP Circles with Grammy Award-winning producer, Cynthia Daniels. This past winter, the group released their follow-up four-song EP.
Their set promises to be a unique flavor of the beach, soul, and rock 'n roll; a party to all age groups and one you will not want to miss.
Photo credit: Ken Grille
Of course, this is by no means a definitive list. “We are proud of KAABOO’s depth and diversity of talent, which we bring to our guests each year. KAABOO offers something for everyone including a lineup of emerging bands that is always fun to see our guests discover,” says KAABOO Chief Brand and Marketing Officer Jason Felts. “Our signature curation of music and comedy acts will lead guests through yet another incredible weekend escape in Del Mar.”
The KAABOO KINDNESS program continues to support charities in the San Diego region and across the globe. One dollar from each pass sold will be donated to KAABOO’s charitable partners, which include the global partner the Recording Academy’s MusiCares program, as well as local charities including the San Diego Armed Services YMCA, PangeaSeed Foundation, and Voices for Children.
