‘Thunder Road’ wraps up this summer’s PB Concerts on the Green

Kate Session Park hosts the summer's final Concert on the Green (Photo from 'michael.mccracken' via Flikr)

It’s been a fun summer in Pacific Beach, as this resident can attest to. While there are your share of locals complaining about the beach booze ban, there is still a strong contingent of visitors and plenty of things do around the area without having to step foot in a bar or deal with drunken college students.

One of the more popular events this summer has been PB’s ‘Concerts on the Green.’ Now in its seventh season, the event has been taking place each Sunday since July 16 at Kate Sessions Park, in North PB off Soledad Road.

Named after the woman who spearheaded efforts to plant trees in Balboa Park, the park provides one of the most picturesque panoramic views of Mission Bay and Downtown San Diego.

The series began on July 19, featuring Sue Palmer and Her Motel Swing Orchestra. Other acts to roll through included salsa, merengue and latin funk band Agua Dulce, the Navy Big Band, and Rockola, a San Diego favorite covering hits from the 60s and 70s.

This Sunday marks the last concert of the year, when Thunder Road takes the stage. As San Diego’s only tribute to Bruce Springsteen (a.k.a. “The Boss”), the show is sure to be a rockin’ finale to this summer’s lineup.

The band is particularly big in the area, as San Diego deprivation of a real Bruce concert is now going strong in its 28th year. The band was formed by co-owner of 102.1 KPRI (which you shouldn’t listen to because “it could be habit forming,” according to their ad at seemingly every bus stop in the county).

The eight-man lineup was formed less than a year ago, and debuted at Anthology in February 2009.

Hughes is quoted on the band’s website about why they decided to form the group, saying, “We play a selection of Bruce’s best songs from the richest period of his music, plus some of his newer material. This music needs to be heard live. If Bruce won’t come here and play his stuff — we will.”

The concert begins Sunday at 4 pm and will go till 6 pm. It is presented by the Pacific Beach Town Council & Pacific Beach Community Foundation. Box lunches are also offered for patrons by local Italian restaurant Lotsa Pasta, but must be ordered at least 24 hours in advance of the show.

PB Concerts on the Green — Feat. Thunder Road
Kate Sessions Park
5115 Soledad Road
Pacific Beach
www.pbconcerts.org