The Prodigal Music Fest Returns: Street Scene Revisits Downtown Roots for 2008

Street Scene founder and promoter Rob Hagey calls it a return to its roots. Others see it more like one last chance for the venerable music fest to recapture some of its past glory. Sometimes you have to eat crow and admit you were wrong. And perhaps symbolically, that's why the Black Crowes are one of the headlining acts (along with Beck) of the 2008 Street Scene, San Diego's long-lived - but beleaguered - music festival. Street Scene 2008 takes place Sept. 19 and 20. But taking a look at the recently announced lineup, it appears Street Scene 2008 isn't a total return to its roots - there is a pronounced absence of diverse musical genres that made the original Street Scenes so popular. Where's the Cajun and zydeco? Blues? R&B? Classic rock? World music? Read my article on Street Scene 2008, check the lineup for yourself, and let me know whether or not you think Street Scene can become successful again - artistically and financially.