Take a trip down memory lane at the Yacht Rock Festival on October 11
Rediscover the nostalgia of the past by setting sail back to the 1970s and 1980s with a retro twist at the San Diego Yacht Rock Festival. Scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 11, from 4-10 p.m. at Ingram Plaza in Liberty Station, this event promises to be a nostalgic journey through the smooth, polished melodies of the Yacht Rock era. The festival will feature memorable performances by “Monsters of Yacht,” “Harbor Party,” and “Yachty By Nature,” offering a day and night of soft-rock harmonies and classic hits.
One of the highlights of the festival is the presence of Elliot Lurie, the original voice behind the yacht rock anthem “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl).” Attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to meet Elliot and snap a photo with the iconic musician. Additionally, Harbor Party will be making a special stop in San Diego for a night of great music, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere of the event.
Accompanying the stellar line-up of performers will be a range of libations and gourmet food offerings for guests to enjoy. Sample select wines, craft cocktails, and delectable eats while grooving to the smooth sounds of America’s top yacht rock bands. General admission tickets for the festival are priced at $60, with VIP packages available for those looking to enhance their experience.
Yacht rock, a subgenre of soft rock that gained popularity in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, is known for its polished production, jazz-inspired tunes, and a laid-back, breezy vibe. Coined in 2005 by the creators of the online comedy series “Yacht Rock,” this genre of music has been associated with artists like Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, and The Doobie Brothers.
Michael Esposito, co-founder of the Yacht Rock Festival, is spearheading the organization of the event. With a background in marketing, special events management, and mixology, Esposito brings a wealth of experience to the table. His company, Snake Oil Cocktail Company, was established in collaboration with two mixologist partners in 2010, with a focus on elevating the art of cocktails.
Reflecting on the origins of Snake Oil, Esposito shared that the concept stemmed from bartending experiences where they felt like old-school snake oil salesmen, offering their mixers and concoctions to patrons. The idea of hosting rock events germinated during a conversation with his wife, leading to the inception of the Yacht Rock Festival in San Diego. Tana Lorah, Snake Oil’s chief operating officer, expressed enthusiasm for producing an event that combines live music with upscale craft cocktails, making it an exciting venture for the company.
Throughout his career, Esposito has curated a diverse range of culinary events, conferences, and fundraisers, culminating in the management of over 800 events in the last 15 years. This wealth of experience has enabled Snake Oil to branch into venue management, solidifying their position as event producers in the entertainment industry.