3rd & Arbor

3rd & Arbor is more than a dynamic DJ Duo, it's a friendship that has spawned a brotherly bond that is equal parts synergy and symmetry igniting a unique partnership of peak performance. Successful in their own right, Deejays K-Swift and Myxzlplix (mixel-plicks) had no ulterior motive to pair up other than to have fun competitively challenging each other yielding compelling results. And with over 50 years of multi-genre experience between them, the duo have a firm grasp on how to seamlessly move and motivate dance floors from moderate to massive. As resilient "resident DJs" within Hillcrest's nightlife, they've met and set standards inspiring DJs and club goers alike to trust their talents. By bending and blending House, Techno and almost every form of electronic dance music the pair's motivation is simple; "make them move" and create monumental moments for us to experience and enjoy. 3rd & Arbor is more than "double trouble" on the decks. They're the DJ duo dance floors deserve.

SOULEIL

Los Salvajes

Los Salvajes is a San Diego native dance band playing music from the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, focusing on music written by Queer and Black/Indigenous bandleaders. This modern dance band takes inspiration from jazz trail blazers such as Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington. Los Salvajes pushes the limits of traditional and current dance music while honoring the great innovators of many years ago.

Topeka Clementine

Starting as the pen name of multi-hyphenate artist Kaigetsu Simovich, Topeka Clementine has steadily become a cornerstone of the San Diego indie scene, with countless collaborators and confidants alike.

Named Top 5 artists to watch in 2023 by San Diego Magazine, as well as receiving over half a million streams in their first year, (while still completely unsigned) Topeka Clementine continues to carve a path for the oddballs, the outliers, and the independent artists who deserve to have their voices heard.

Topeka Clementine takes its namesake from a street corner in Oceanside where the magic of simple human kindness can be seen manifest on a weekly basis through the efforts of Humanity Showers, an organization dedicated to making warm, running water available to our houseless neighbors.

Perched between a firm commitment to grassroots advocacy, and the searing wanderlust that accompanies the experience of growing up in a port town, Topeka Clementine draws inspiration from the often overlooked details of everyday life that shape modern culture, turning the sights, sounds, and smells of our inescapable, shared humanity into fuel for the soundtrack of a hopeful future.

Leaning heavily on the harmonic vocabulary of jazz standards from a bygone era, one would be remiss to not acknowledge the legacy of Black American music as music of resistance, that provides a palette for explaining the unspeakable complexities of the human condition and a vehicle for collective liberation.

DJ Valerian

DJ Valerian is excited to return and open this year’s 2024 CityFest. Heading up Valerian Space Party, DJ Valerian is an up and coming star of the San Diego dance music scene. Fresh from his residency at Coachella Music and Arts Festival in April of 2024, he brings his signature galactic style of disco and house music from around the world. He began his love affair with all things vinyl at the young age of 13, and has spent decades honing his craft and collecting unique, rarely heard dance records. His core philosophy is that a DJ can create a unique bubble in time, transcending the mundane while elevating our day to day lives. From start to finish, his intention is to bring good vibes and great dance music to his corner of the cosmos. Get ready to feel fresh and dance!

CLIFHANGERS

“CLIFHANGERS.” is an eclectic San Diego-based band blending styles of R&B, Funk, Soul, and jazz-inspired improvisation to create an urban head-boppin, booty-poppin, jaw-droppin vibe for the people. You can see this band every Tuesday at Prohibition downtown from 9pm-1am where they have held a residency for the past year. The band is comprised of award-winning saxophonist Clifford Morin (band leader), Grammy-winning musician Carter Key on keys, accomplished bassist Dante Fire, and Dr. Beat himself–Malachi Johnson on the ones and twos. The band is currently working on their debut album, slated for release in the next year.

Johnny Deadly Trio (open)

Johnny Deadly Trio, Purveyors of Real Rock and Roll

BOOSTiVE (open)

Boostive believes strongly in the energy created through collaboration. The groups diverse cultural and musical backgrounds meld into a massive yet singular sound that can only be created by a tight knit family of musicians. Some going back over 20 years, these friendships are felt in the live performance, welcoming audiences of all kinds into the excitement and unity presented on stage.
#cityfestafterdark.

Mitchum Yacoub (open)

Mitchum Yacoub is an Egyptian-American multi-instrumentalist, producer, and DJ based out of San Diego, CA. As a lifelong drummer that has supported many projects in the vein of afrobeat, soul, funk, and reggae, he's been slow-brewing a unique feel for roots and dance music.

Inspired by artists like Fela Kuti, Dr. Dre, and James Brown, his group harkens back to Africa in the 70’s with the bass and drums turned up a notch. Strong, repetitive grooves layered with Afro-Latin percussion and vibrant, tightly executed horn lines that call all dancers to the floor.

Since beginning his first live performances in late 2019, Yacoub has played alongside roots music heavies like The Original Wailers, Antibalas, and Jungle Fire. In 2022, his group supported Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 for six shows across the U.S., while he traded on percussion and drum kit for Kuti's band: Egypt 80 (formerly of Fela Kuti).  The experience trained him well in the rhythmic strength of the music and earned him and his band a place in the global scene of afrobeat.

Originality, musicianship, and a massive sound are three marks keeping this group on the road and a fast-growing festival favorite.  With his first songs released in 2021 and his debut LP coming in 2023 (via All-Town Sound), it’s clear that Yacoub’s rise is only beginning.
#cityfestafterdark

The RUED (open)

“Just touched down from Mars—we are THE RUED. Come find us.”

DJ John Joseph

We are soooo excited to announce the return of local favorite DJ John Joseph. Life’s never dull when you’re always having fun is a motto that John Joseph lives by and that philosophy will be on full display during Hillcrest CityFest this year! #cityfestafterdark.
>>www.instagram.com/djjohnjoseph
>>https://soundcloud.com/djjohnjoseph-1

The Band Cope (open)

The Band Cope is a San Diego indie/alternative band with longtime friends Ellie Bill and Marc. We met years ago in Boston before we all dropped out of Berklee, and reconnected in San Diego during the pandemic. We always wanted to play music together, and we cosmically all ended up in the same city and made it happen! Our main influence is 90's/early 2000's alternative, such as Rilo Kiley, Radiohead, The Cardigans, and then newer artists like Soccer Mommy and Snail Mail. We consider ourselves a gay indie rock band, and play out as much as we can around SD to create visibility and community for queer people looking for an indie scene that feels safe and inclusive.
>>instagram.com/thebandcope
>>youtube.com
>>Photos by @strangeexposures
#cityfestafterdark.

Helena Holleran (open)

Eyes close, ears open, as the sounds of Helena Holleran fill the void between them. Paying respect to soulful legends (Nina Simone, Curtis Mayfield, Amel Larrieux, Esperanza Spalding) while breathing in something new entirely, Helena’s original music disrupts the mainstream of computer generated beats and lyrics of materialism.

Her professional music career started senior year of high school when she interned for Surf Dog Records in Encinitas, CA. Working with them taught her invaluable skills she could translate into her own independent music career. Skills such as, marketing new releases, managing a music business on social media, coordinating bookings, and licensing music to tv and film, to name a few. By 18 she received endorsements from QSC Audio & Taylor Guitars. Taking a leap of faith to pursue music full-time, Helena can be seen playing live at local and national venues and music festivals and contributing to charitable community projects like Banding Together whose mission is to “bring unique music opportunities to individuals with special needs in our community”.

These days, Helena’s main focus is on sync licensing and her cinematic San Diego-based nine-piece band. Their eclectic sound pulls from a number of genres and styles, making them adaptable to virtually any setting or venue. They draw influence from Rnb, Soul, Jazz, Latin, Afrobeat, and Reggae; inspiring an undeniable groove, infectious swing, sweet songbird-soul melodies, and often profound lyrics. In their upcoming album, “Unsolicited Advice”, fans, audiophiles, and industry execs will get a true feel for Helena’s range as well as the incredible musicians she collaborates with.

Legacy

Lex Borja: A Trailblazer in the Music Landscape

Lex Borja, a distinguished alumni of ‘The Voice Mexico’ and ‘American Idol’, has now emerged as a musical force in Temecula, California. Known for his captivating presence and skilled guitar play, Lex has quickly become a favorite across 20 wineries in the region. His talent was recognized with a nomination for Best Music Artist by the Local’s Choice Awards 2023.

Pushing the boundaries of his musical journey, Lex has formed a band, LEXTACY, that’s taking the city by storm. Their unique sound, a blend of Lex’s soulful melodies and the band’s dynamic rhythm, has garnered significant attention.

DJ K Swift

Karl Kswift Murrah is going to be playing sets on the CityFest main stage right under the Hillcrest Sign! KSwift is a local favorite seen at clubs and festivals throughout San Diego. His passion has always been making people feel good and making them dance to music.#cityfestafterdark.
>>www.instagram.com/dj_kswift_official

Kahlil Nash

With a long history of performances, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Kahlil Nash is a San Diego based recording artist. Influenced by musical greats James Brown, Michael Jackson, and Jimmy Hendrix, Kahlil Nash is a young entertainer who began pursuing his dream at the age of three. Performing in community theater and local artist showcases, Kahlil sang covers of Michael Jackson and Bruno Mars.

Born May 17, 2000 Kahlil Nash has over eighteen years of experience. Given his first guitar when he was in the fifth grade, Kahlil  began teaching himself how to play music by watching Youtube videos. Kahlil majored in musical theater at San Diego School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) and studied music fundamentals which he credits for contributing to his ability to write music. Kahlil released his first EP Elation for his sixteenth birthday and celebrated by hosting his sold out EP Release Party at Java Joe's San Diego; made famous by Jewels and Jason Mraz.

For the next several years Kahlil would indulge himself into his craft by writing, recording, and performing in both San Diego and Los Angeles. Kahlil produced a variety of re-mixes for D.J. Jam’s radio show on iHeartRadio’s Jam’n 95.7. Prior to graduating high school Kahlil had the privilege to sing in front of 15, 000 people as a background singer for Grammy Nominated artist Andra Day at the “Rise Up As One” Concert in San Ysidro, Ca. Kahlil Nash continued to perform and established himself in the  local music scene before releasing a follow up EP.

Influenced by Clairo and Steve Lacy, Kahlil Nash produced his first Bedroom Pop EP titled Transcendence. The EP was scheduled to be released in the spring of 2020 but was put on hold due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. After several months of contemplation and uncertainty, Transcendence was released in October of 2020. The EP won the 2021 San Diego Music Award for Best R&B, Funk, or Soul Album. Julia Dixon-Evans of San Diego’s  KBPS called it "a great 5-song release." (May 13, 2021) A week later, Kahlil Nash graduated from the 1500 Sound Academy in Los Angeles, and recently performed at NAMM 2022 on the Yamaha Main Stage in Anaheim. Actor Flex Anderson was quoted comparing Kahlil to Prince, El Debarge, Bruno Mars, and Silk Sonic, calling him an old soul at the SDCA “Inspire Unity Awards” in 2021.

In 2022, he released his third sequential EP Imagine. Kahlil Nash created a collection of ambient, upbeat, melodious grooves that identify with the human soul. Songs on the EP reflect true emotions felt while trying to obtain success and  navigating through love interests. The EP Imagine will pull you into a pleasurable experience of familiar yet new R&B that will have you moving your body and singing the words.

Fresh Veggies Micro Brass (open)

Fresh Veggies Micro Brass is an electronic brass band based in San Diego, CA advocating for sustainably-grown, locally-produced food for all communities.

Specializing in wind instrument performance through live effects pedals, Fresh Veggies (Micro Brass) has appeared alongside notable bands/artists as Too Many Zooz, Earthless, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Fishbone, Thumpasaurus along with performing at popular festivals Lightning in a Bottle, Same Same But Different and North Park Music Festival. Members of Fresh Veggies have performed with Grammy-award winning artists such as Frankie J, La Santa Cecilia, Cabanijazz Project and more. The Fresh Veggies sound draws inspiration from wind-powered groups like Too Many Zooz, Moon Hooch and Youngblood Brass Band but placed in a  metal and pop punk context reminiscent of legendary artists like My Chemical Romance and Black Sabbath. The result is a "fresh" and bombastic performance unhindered by the limitations of traditional guitar-based bands with jazz-like dynamic range and an orchestral level of nuanced execution drawing on influences by all types of brass bands from New Orleans-style second line to Balkan brass bands to Mexican Banda. Fresh Veggies Micro Brass is proud to champion the next evolution of amplified music with the ultimate goal of generating more public awareness of food desert and fresh produce access issues across the nation.

Mission: Our band name stems from our belief that all communities should have access to quality food sources and from our commitment to support organizations doing that work. We achieve our goals by promoting local rural and urban farms and farmers markets, organizing seed swap events at our shows and employing sustainability principles in all aspects of our production. Focusing on sustainability, we believe in re-use and recycling in actively creating our own unique line of up-cycled merchandise and are always purchasing sustainably-produced merchandise when needed. Fresh Veggies supports small business especially in our hometown of San Diego having collaborated with Lefty's Chicago Pizzeria, Rebru Spirits, AKA merchandising, and more. 

(The) Eight Familiar Faces — Maybe you’ve seen us before.

Maybe we look like somebody that you used to know. Maybe we just look like musicians. (Brody hears that a lot in the elevator.) But you’ve definitely seen us somewhere. Our number may change, but our spirit remains the same. —

Brody Logan Hess is excited to bring his musician collective to Hillcrest’s CityFest 2022. Joined by seven outstanding musicians — Percussionist, Charlie Chavez; Guitarist, Aaron De La Rosa; Saxophonist, Flautist, and Vocalist, Lindy Edwards; Drummer, David “DAPOOLPARTY” Ely; Guitarist and Vocalist, Zach Gutierrez; Bassist, David Isaac; and Electric Violinist, Jamie Shadowlight — Hess’s musician collective, “Eight Familiar Faces,” will be performing familiar and unfamiliar renditions (of equally familiar and unfamiliar tunes) in the spirit of collaborative improvisation.

Donna Larsen & Messengers

Billboard Award® Winning songwriter Donna Larsen’s acoustic driven, original, insightful and spiritually centered music resonates in your soul. Messengers are graced with exceptional musicallity, from lead guitarist Randy Hodge, and drummer Paul McGee. As a sometimes magical unit of spirits, Messengers delivers the message with superb technique and performance. Each member of Messengers is engaged through their heart and creative minds with the music and it shows!

DJ Clifford G