Each year the annual Catalina Island Museum Fourth of July Music Festival promotes the talents of local musicians and expands upon the island’s entertainment offerings. The festival boasts live music, dancing, food, fireworks and fun for the whole family at one of the most picturesque locations on Catalina Island: Casino Point.
One of this year’s musical acts is the ever-popular Fighting Chance. The Catalina Island Museum recently spoke with the band’s lead vocalist Ryan East.
How would you describe your style of music?
Each year the annual Catalina Island Museum Fourth of July Music Festival promotes the talents of local musicians and expands upon the island’s entertainment offerings. The festival boasts live music, dancing, food, fireworks and fun for the whole family at one of the most picturesque locations on Catalina Island: Casino Point.
One of this year’s musical acts is the ever-popular Fighting Chance. The Catalina Island Museum recently spoke with the band’s lead vocalist Ryan East.
How would you describe your style of music?
We typically describe it as a dark reggae rock with an acoustic flair.
How long have you been playing together?
Erin Grutzmacher (lead guitar and vocals) and I started playing as an acoustic duo in 2004. By the time we released our first full-length album, “Somewhere Between Relief and Regret” in 2006, we were playing and touring with a full band. Steven Tilbury (drums) has been with us since 2007 and has been instrumental in the production of our current sound as well as our 2009 album, “A Lifetime of Basic Cable.” Danny Derrick (bass) has been a great friend and supporter since day one. We asked him to step in on bass for a show in 2010 and he became a permanent fixture after that.
What type of music and/or what musicians influence you?
We all grew up loving the punk rock bands of the late 80s and early 90s. I was influenced by reggae at an early age and was particularly intrigued by bands like The Clash, Stiff Little Fingers, Rancid, and Sublime who blended genres to create the best of both worlds.
What is the band’s history with Catalina Island?
The first time we ever came over, in 2007, we played at Flip’s. It was a learning experience to say the least. We have since played everywhere from our regular stint at The Locker Room, to the Lobster Trap to private gigs at The M. We love spending time with our friends when we’re not playing shows and we relish Catalina as a unique experience that not all bands or even people get to experience.
Does the band have any individual connections to the island?
The best part has been the relationships we’ve formed with so many folks from the island, particularly Jimmy and Kim Felix and Rich and Judy Rios.
If they weren’t around to be our partners on the island and feed and shelter us when we come over, we would never be able to come over and play.
All of the locals have been so cool and supportive. We hope they love us as much as we love them.
Have you performed at any famous/interesting venues or events?
We have played at The Troubadour and The Knitting Factory in Hollywood. We have toured with H. R. of Bad Brains, played shows with Mad Caddies, Reel Big Fish and also got to play two shows with Gregory Isaacs before he passed.
He was a reggae legend and we were honored to play with him having been fans since childhood.
Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and find the best spot at Casino Point. View Avalon’s spectacular fireworks from one of the best vantage points on the island.
The event will take place on Friday, July 4, at Casino Point in Avalon. Doors will open at 3 p.m., live music begins at 4 p.m. and runs through 10 p.m. with a break for Avalon’s fireworks at 9 p.m.
Refreshments and great barbecue fare will be available for purchase.
Tickets for this year’s Fourth of July Music Festival are on sale now. Tickets are $8 for member of the museum and $10 for general admission.
Call 310-510-2414, visit the museum in person, or go to the events page at www.CatalinaMuseum.org to purchase your tickets.
The Catalina Island Museum is Avalon’s sole institution devoted to art, culture and history.
The museum, its digital theater and store are located on the ground floor of Avalon’s historic Casino and are open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, the museum may be reached by phone at 310-510-2414 or at its website: CatalinaMuseum.org.
