America's Cup Racing Series Kicks Off In San Diego

Penalty!

I'm at the America's Cup Village at the moment. I scored press credentials which means that I might hang out here during the week for a change of scenery while I take advantage of their wi-fi and learn a thing or two about racing. sailing. catamaraning. I dunno...maybe I'll pick up the lingo while I'm here. I'm also going to strategically sat by some Spanish media guys. I love hearing castellano.

I ran into Halloran and met the stage managers and they told me the listings had been updated but it appears that the site still has the vague spaceholders for the Battle of the Bands slots. They told me that Abandon The Raft, Illuminauts, Black Hondo, and one more qualified- the name escapes me now-but they didn't tell me what order they qualified. I heard Jamuel Saxon is playing on Friday, too, but I don't know what time. So yeah, I'm not very useful right now but thought I'd update what I know since I'm here now. I changed the link to the banner ad at the top of my site, so you should be able to get those updates when the ladies post from the office.

Wednesday, November 16 - Agua Dulce (4:15)
Thursday, November 17 - The Silent Comedy (8:15) , Little Hurricane (7pm), The Donkeys (5:15)
Friday, November 18 - Chromeo DJ Set (8:30), K.Flay (7:45), The Soft Pack (6:30), Earth Amplified (4:15)
Saturday, November 19 - Diplo (8:15), Hyena (7pm), The Chain Gang of 1974 (5:45)
Sunday, November 20- The Cataracs (5pm)







Obviously there is going to be massive press coverage (this media room is MASSIVE), but here are some quick photos I shot. More photos after the jump.

Agua Dulce soundcheck

America's Cup Village Is Coming...and Bringing FREE Concerts!!!

The America's Cup doesn't take place until 2013, but for many years it was an institution here in San Diego, so it is fitting that the first America's Cup World Series event is taking place right here in our own backyard (if you consider the Big Bay your backyard). Even if you know nothing about the regatta, the great thing for you is that the organizers are making a big party out of it. So even if that means they're trying to attract a younger demographic to care about the sport and earn eyeballs for advertisers by bribing you, I'd say that if someone wants to throw a free multi-day event and book awesome FREE CONCERTS, I'm all for it. (There is a suggested donation of $10 for Ocean Conservation Projects)

The concerts will take place at the America's Cup Village (Broadway & Navy Pier on Harbor Drive) each day immediately after racing ends so set times are approximate. There is also a Battle of the Bands taking place, so if you think your band has the chops to play, I highly suggest entering (click the battle of the bands flyer below or the banner at the top of my site). A little bird may have told me that there has only been ONE ENTRY so far, and though they reserve the right to not book anyone, it's a great opportunity to get in front of a lot of eyeballs and the contest closes on Sunday. Halloran will be hosting each night's events.

Wednesday, November 16 - Agua Dulce (4:15)
Thursday, November 17 - The Silent Comedy (8:15) , Little Hurricane (7pm), The Donkeys (5:15)
Friday, November 18 - Chromeo DJ Set (8:30), K.Flay (7:45), The Soft Pack (6:30), Earth Amplified (4:15)
Saturday, November 19 - Diplo (8:15), Hyena (7pm), The Chain Gang of 1974 (5:45)
Sunday, November 20- The Cataracts (5pm)