For over 40 years, the Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce has proudly hosted the annual
summer festival, Fiesta del Sol, growing its attendance to over 50,000 people. This beloved event
showcases a variety of merchants, food vendors, and live entertainment, including performances on
the renowned Main Stage. Over two days, the best bands in Southern California perform for
thousands of attendees and a livestream audience, with many bands submitting to be part of the
coveted lineup.
As we look ahead to Fiesta del Sol 2025, the Chamber is excited to celebrate the fourth year of the
"Fiesta del Sol: Battle of the Bands" at the Belly Up! This annual competition offers five local bands
the opportunity to compete for a spot on the Main Stage, where the winning band will perform for
Fiesta's massive crowd.
Join us for this exciting event as we continue the tradition of showcasing the best in local music,
while bringing our community together for a night of unforgettable entertainment!

Stone Horse is a Southern California based rock n roll outfit reminiscent of the 1970's era festival bands. Fronted by songstress Dani Spade a' la Joplin-Tyler, the live connection is what it's all about. 

It started in the summer of 2009, when La Jolla High Alumni, Dani Spade and Carlos Rodriguez put their musical heads together and wrote songs reminiscent of their early 70's British and American rock influences. A catchy, driving 10-song album entitled "GRIT" ensued and was nominated "Best Rock Album" in 2014 by The San Diego Music Awards. Their southern rocker ballad "Remember When" received a nomination for "Best Rock Song" in 2015 by The Indie Music Channel.  

Not unlike the neighborhoods that make up their city, the band's second full-length studio release, "Nobody Rides For Free", became a musical melting pot blending Blues, Rock, and even a bit o' Country twang. However, doing what they do best at the end of the day, the result was good old rock 'n' roll. Their first single "Look What I've Done" was released as a music video in April 2016 and the album followed shortly in the fall. 

Their next music video "Time To Say Goodbye" shot in the spring of 2017 and written by band member Jim Nau, won "Best Americana Song" by The Indie Music Channel Radio Awards, and was nominated "Best Americana video under $5000" at The 2018 Indie Music Channel Awards. 

While their willingness to jam all night was making them a staple at the local bars, fairs and festivals around Southern California, the Spade/Rodriguez duo co-wrote songs with guitarist and producer Jim Nau for a new album entitled "Gotta Get Back" released in November 2018. Receiving a nomination for "Best Rock Album" of the year for 2018 by The San Diego Music Awards, "Gotta Get Back" delivers all those elements of what people define as rock 'n' roll...gospel, rock, country and blues. 

The year  2020 provided the much needed time to square away a new bass player and write their latest album "Stone Horse IV" which was released in the summer of 2021 on vinyl,  and two new music videos - "Losing My Way" which won best Special video at The 2021 Indie Music Channel Awards and "The Fastest Jack" followed. Their song "California Rain" also took home Best Rock Song at the Indie Music Channel Awards.

2024 brought the release of High Places, a 5 song EP whose song Cherry Devout won best rock producer and was played on internet radio station in Munich, Germany.

Under the reins of Dani Spade, Stone Horse continues to broaden their sound while still remaining unique to their own unformulaic brand of rock 'n' roll. 

Stone Horse consists of:
Dani Spade-lead vocals and harmonica, Neil Hedegard- guitar,  Andrew Fakhouri-guitar, Johnny Rhinestone-bass , Kody Daley-drums, Jeff Brown-keys.

SONIC NECTAR is a new band based out of Encinitas, CA that has been gaining much popularity over the last couple of years.

Sonic Nectar’s two front men, Will Locken and Cole Chavira have been best friends since junior high. They started singing and playing guitar at school functions and quickly soared to new heights becoming accomplished professional musicians. 

Cole’s dad, Mitch Chavira, also an accomplished musician has played in bands for many years with Pro Drummer and best friend Charlie “Stix” McGhee.  Mitch and “Uncle Charlie” have also been friends since junior high so you could say the band is a family affair. 

Charlie told the boys if they want to start playing around town, they should line up some gigs. Charlie and Mitch agreed to back the boys up on bass and drums. Two days later, the boys got a gig at the Kraken in Cardiff by the Sea and the rest is history.  

The band is a fusion of energetic youth on the pulse of what is new courtesy of the younger members and the sage experience of the  musical veterans. Sonic nectar covers a wide range of musical styles including artists such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters, Tyler Childers, John Mayer and some of the old Rock Classics.

The band Vanouhi takes you on a mystical journey invoking elements of the past with a revitalizing energy that's as fresh as it is timeless. Roots influenced by authentic Rock and Electric Blues, Vanouhi redefines the listeners expectation with a haunting and worldly presence. Initiated by San Diego based lead singer and songwriter Vanouhi Kaloyan in 2018 with the release of the 5 song EP "Roses."

A new sound has since emerged from collaboration with guitarist Michael Ruiz in 2020 and the addition of Dylan Ziemer on drums in

2022. Within the past year, Vanouhi has traveled to Mexico to perform, as well as to record two live session singles. The band has consistently played venues such as M-Theory records, The Black Cat Bar, Che Cafe and The Casbah in San Diego where Vanouhi was invited back to open for touring act Ron Gallo in September 2023.

While the band's current focus is on recording and releasing their debut record, Vanouhi aims to keep writing and sharing their essence with any and all who wish to lend an open ear and heart.