GRiZ Brought Nothing But Love to the San Diego County Fair

The positive, funky vibes that GRiZ brings wherever he goes flooded the San Diego County Fair this year, helping kick off the fair’s summer show run.

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Last year, the San Diego County Fair flipped the script on its usual experience, bringing something fresh and exciting for electronic music lovers, a headline set from Zedd. This set the tone for the future of the fair, one that welcomed ravers to join in on the family-friendly fun in Del Mar. This year, they doubled down with a run of shows that’s certifiably solid for bass music aficionados.

The first weekend of the Toyota Summer Concert Series shows at the San Diego County Fair this year featured a headlining performance by none other than GRiZ. The saxophone-wielding DJ and producer has been on quite a tear since returning from his hiatus, not just hosting his own festival but also taking the stage at some of the biggest venues and events across the country. This left me and others wondering how the show would go, considering the demographic and atmosphere were different from the norm, but it’s safe to say the experience was exceptional.

There was plenty of fun to be had around the fairgrounds prior to the show.

One of the biggest perks of shows during the Toyota Summer Concert Series is that when you grab a ticket, it comes with access to the fair itself. This means you can swing by early and check out all the exciting things it offers, from insane food creations and a variety of vendors selling everything under the sun to carnival rides and animal exhibits.

We utilized this to our full advantage, arriving a few hours before Sippy would take the stage as the opener to make sure we could get the full experience. Doing a quick walkthrough of the main strip, we settled on trying the Pozole Egg Rolls from Flaco’s, which were top-rated by critics and absolutely delicious. We also had our eye on the Crispy Chicken Shawarma Wrap from Chicken Charlie’s. For dessert, Candy Me Up had a Dubai Chocolate Sundae that definitely hit the spot.

Photo Credit: San Diego County Fair

The uplifting energy was in the air, and you could tell that GRiZ’s fans had invaded the fairgrounds.

Much akin to last year, the crowd was out and about throughout the fairgrounds prior to the show. While festival fits, including hats covered in sprouts and vibrant pashminas, might feel a touch out of place to some, it made me feel right at home instead. In a sense, the fair isn’t all that much different from major festivals; it’s just a more family-friendly atmosphere.

I will say that everyone I encountered while at the fair was so nice and welcoming. From catching a little pop-up drum-and-bass party just off the main walkway to the positive, polite attitudes of those heading to the show, it felt like the community stepped up to be on their best, fun-loving behavior.

It was easier than ever to take a quick journey up to the grandstands for the show, and soon enough, a dose of bass permeated through the venue.

Sippy helped set the tone for the night ahead with a fantastic set just before sunset. She threw down some vibrant tunes and classics that I hadn’t heard in years, all while the crowd began to swell. I noticed during that time that this was really an all-ages show, as while the pit area was filled with adults, the stands were packed with parents with their kids, many of whom were thankfully wearing hearing protection.

Photo Credit: San Diego County Fair

After a brief pause to help build anticipation, it was finally time for GRiZ to take the stage.

The “Show Love, Spread Love” ethos that GRiZ brings with him wherever he goes was on display throughout the set, an even greater feat, considering he had performed at Bonnaroo the night prior. I can only imagine how exhausted back-to-back performances like this must be, yet there wasn’t a moment when the set faltered.

The crowd lost their minds when he played tracks like “Funk You Up!,” “Vibe Check,” and “Good Times Roll.” He also threw in some remixes of hit tracks, including “Where You Are,” “Wonderwall,” and “Without Me.”

Uplifting, positive messages were also littered throughout the set, with GRiZ telling everyone to check in on their friends and themselves. He also took a moment to play “Nueva York” and show some love to the New York Knicks fans in attendance, as they had just won the NBA Championship, although some light-hearted boos arrived in response.

GRiZ wasn’t alone during the performance, either. He brought along a whole troupe of his friends. Kaleena Zanders came out to sing live on multiple tracks throughout the set, while ProbCause also jumped on stage for some action. Of course, live instruments were also on full display, with Raymond James Mason on trombone while Billy Aukstik played the trumpet. It was an absolute party.

Photo Credit: San Diego County Fair

GRiZ’s performance embodied everything there is to love about catching shows at the San Diego County Fair.

The fair isn’t a festival environment, but it’s close enough to the overall experience. I loved how his performance didn’t just cater to heavy bass lovers looking to headbang, but also featured uplifting moments, positive messaging, and soundscapes that are fit for anyone looking to have a good time. Artists like him are a perfect fit for the San Diego County Fair, and I can only hope they continue to book more artists who embrace the atmosphere it offers.

GRiZ helped kick off the Toyota Summer Concert Series at the San Diego County Fair, and Marshmello took over the decks this past weekend. Your last chance to get a dose of electronic music at this unique experience is on the Fourth of July, when Brownies & Lemonade takes over the Chevrolet Paddock Concert Series for a night featuring Habstrakt, Boombox Cartel, and Saka b2b FLY.

The Brownies & Lemonade show is free with fair admission. Don’t miss your chance to attend, tickets are on sale now via the official website.

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