10th Annual Rock ‘n Roll Reunion

Sweet Soul Sister

It was another successful, sold-out, spill-over event for the San Diego’s Annual Rock ‘n Roll Reunion! Performers, faithful friends, media, & photographers amassed to a full-capacity crowd for this year’s San Diego Rock n’ Roll Reunion and fundraiser.

Organized by San Diego natives and local musicians, Anthony Carrasco and Mark Rogo, the reunion show is like a fine wine and keeps getting better with age!

Held on September 28^th, for the second year in a row, The Full Circle Saloon, in east county, Santee played hostess for this yearly event that keeps bringing local musicians, music lovers, and supporters back year after year.

Now in its 10^th year, this local event, that raises money to assist in the upbringing and education of two talented, beautiful girls, now in their teens, who unexpectedly lost their father at a very young age.

The reunion is aptly named. I have been in attendance for eight of these events, four of which the Reunion has granted BackStage360 full media coverage. San Diego may be a big city, but its music community is a close-knit group, especially when it comes to rallying for their own, in need. Each year brings new faces, fans, and friends. Along with the new friends, comes the well-established faces, fans, and friends. If you haven’t seen your favorite, San Diego rock n’ roller in a year, there is a good chance you will find them at the “Reunion.”

Anthony Carrasco

Through the years, venues have changed, the formats have changed, band line-up has changed, and of course, the reasons for being, Jazmine and Isabel, have grown and changed, but the one that that hasn’t changed is many of the dedicated performers and disciples that return to this event, year after year.

Guests and performers started to pile into the community beloved Full Circle Saloon in the early evening hours and either staked their claim as part of the audience or staged their gear in line for their set time.

The fully staffed bar, along with the owner, Michelle Bailey, worked quickly and tirelessly to keep the refreshment demand moving along without the long lines or delays. These beautiful souls are saints. It was amazing just watching the bar staff working in-sync with each other. It is easy to understand why The Full Circle has become a place where everyone knows your name!

This year fans were, again, treated to returning artists and bands, along with first-time performers. The evening kicked off with returning artist, John Hernandez, with his new, all original group, “Revelation 69”!

Starting out with a bang, John and Revelation 69 set the tone for the evening. This three-piece ensemble is a force of nature! All the players are well-seasoned musicians that have made their mark in the San Diego music community. They are fun! They are loud! They are raw! They are raucous! They have chemistry! Revelation 69 is young by way of unity. They began playing together in May of 2019, but they are already taking the music scene by storm.

I had the chance to chat with John Hernandez, on camera, after his set. His charm and humor is not just an act, as it transfers offstage. John speaks quite frankly about his love of the industry and its perks, along with his ongoing support for each years’ Reunion show.

Newcomers to the Reunion, AC/DC tribute band, “Noise Pollution”, kept our faith in tribute bands going strong. In keeping with the all San Diego based trend, Noise Pollution, has been performing locally and touring throughout the United States, for many years. They’re onstage presence and energy, pays homage to the AC/DC, we all know and love.

Unfortunately, we were not able to catch them for an interview, but we are hoping to see more of Noise Pollution in the future.

Reunion and San Diego’s favorite, 80’s tribute band, “Bam Bam”, returned for the 4^th year in a row. Initially formed in 1984, they had a reunion of their own, during 2015’s Reunion show, when they returned to the stage for the first time in over 30 years! Now fronted by vocalist, Vince Votel, Bam Bam, always immediately gets the crowd on their feet and keeps them there. Now becoming a San Diego institution for all of us 80s babies, Bam Bam is performing all over the San Diego area, allowing everyone to relive the dream that was 80’s music!

We were able to sway, Bam Bam’s monster guitarist, Dave “Zippy” Zimmerman, a longtime advocate and co-organizer of the Reunion, to spend some time on camera with us. Please make a point of watching our collective event interviews, published in this edition, to find out more about Dave’s dedication to this event, and some exciting news about what we can expect from Bam Bam, hopefully soon.

Aerosmith tribute band, “AeroSmythe”, returned to the stage after a several year exit. Who doesn’t love the classic rock sound of Aerosmith! The original band that was formed in 1970, by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, is timeless. Aerosmith will never go out of style. AeroSymthe respectfully and competently recreates the golden 1970’s era of original Aerosmith throughout the San Diego and the Southern California regions.

Better late than never, repeat performers, and attendees since the beginning, the members of The Cult tribute band, “Sweet Soul Sister”, finally hit the stage around midnight to a still at capacity room! Vocalist and frontwoman, Mercedes Scalzitti, came and sat with us before their set, to chat about this event throughout the years and what we can expect from the band and some of Mercedes solo and side gigs.

Back by a band of accomplished performers and musicians, Mercedes continues to remind why she is always in demand. Her powerful vocals and emotions paired with a dazzling stage presence, Sweet Soul Sister, is not only music to our ears, but also a sight to behold.

As fans held out to the very end, Lucky Bailey and her No Doubt tribute band, “Don’t Doubt”, closed out the evening. The fledging line-up, making their debut at the Reunion, continued the unintentional 80s theme with a suitable set of Gwen Stefani and No Doubt favorites. Lucky Bailey channels her inner Gwen effortlessly. Keep an eye on Don’t Doubt as they start to perform more regularly throughout San Diego!

Please take a moment to take a peek at our video of compiled onsite interviews to learn more about San Diego’s Rock ‘n Roll Reunion and all the talented artists the come out in support. You can also search the BackStage360 archives for additional event articles and interviews.

You can find all of the artists and bands on social media, music streaming sites, and interwebs. Follow along to hear their music, find event schedules, purchase music, and merchandise.