Autofest - San Diego
by CAE, Feb 01, 2002
The skateboard street demo area also had its special area. It added a lot of fun to the event; a nice touch to add Kareem Campbell, famed skateboard star, in attendance with the Axion Shoes. Stance magazine was in the yard naturally, representing with books for folks in their cheeky stances.
The requisite bikini show on stage drew the usual crowd, but how about a surf trunk show for the ladies next time? After all isn't sunny S.D. a major surf town? I know they got some diesel out there. At the car show I think there were just as many hungry (eyed, that is) women as men.
I have to say, a lot of women made it out that weekend, and we are obviously into the life. I am waiting for the major companies in the auto industry to see this and make appropriate changes. Asking for a surf trunk show is a very trivial way of saying that show coordinators need to figure out more ways for women to get involved. There are a few women's gear companies (Big Up to Girlie Girl), but we are a huge demographic that loves to spend money on more than just clothes. The auto industry has an immense opportunity to grow in this sense. This is something that I'm more than willing to discuss.
One female on the scene is Mommy Charlotte, a competitor and car club doyenne who obviously was into the game before some execs were born. Her son, RJ DeVera (with his hot NSX) is a popular competitor in the import scene. Mommy Charlotte was there with the Art n' Motion car club, holding it down and pushing the name. Mommy C, I'm calling you for a story. Readers can look for that possibly, as well as the Missy Elliot Lamborghini story, soon.
The various sound crews were trying to compete with the main stage at times but sponsor Z90's morning show jock Tommy T made the main stage jump. Tommy T kept it focused, handling crowd control like a chief of police (with Nena to help out). The audience was at full attention when Skeelo came on stage to do his thing, but they really went nuts when Krayzie Bone hit the deck. Then the ladies went into full tilt "Bo-Nanas" mode when he jumped off the stage into the crowd! Big Up to Loud Records for having Krayzie Bone in the yard. West Coast folks showed the love!
Music is as essential as gas to these cars. No question. This was evidenced by the fact that Car Audio mags were flying off the tables with the special Car Audio music sampler CD's - the mob was getting hectic! Big Dog Flores (pictured on the previous page, top left corner) was securing the bunker, though.
Thanks to the following: The Click, who is on the Jive sampler (the crowd was on the attack once the word got out!); Janet at Jive Records; Eric Parler for recognizing the Car Audio Music Promotions; KT at Universal Black Music for Miracle and Dirty CD's; of course, Loud Records (see the Funkmaster Flex story in this issue); Gaby for Xzibit CD's.
Q Records is coming with Dawn Robinson CD's for the spring Autofest, so thanks to Bruce Henderson. Maybe even Fat Joe from Terror Squad with the new R. Kelly remix: "We thuggin', rollin' on dubs". How about that Bubba Sparxxx?!? Blast Car Audio Loud - Holla!
The next round is probably May 18th-19th in SoCal. Then July 6th-7th in San Jose. Fall's event takes place around the end of Sept. or early October. These are hot events, they are much more than car shows; they are a way of life. Get there!
Note: To contact Asia Song call 212-642-8028
