West Hollywood rocks…literally! 

Thousands have descended on Sunset Boulevard for the second annual Sunset Strip Music Festival. Rock lovers of all ages have assembled to hear their favorite bands and to make some new friends during this three-day event. Over 40 bands are here to perform as, for the very first time, Sunset Boulevard is closed from Doheny to San Vicente for the SSMF Street Festival. 

The event started with a tribute to rock legend Ozzy Osbourne featuring a performance by Camp Freddy at the House of Blues. Ozzy has sold over 100 million albums worldwide and he even has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 1970, Ozzy’s first U.S. tour included performances right here in West Hollywood at the Whisky A Go-Go. And in case you missed it, September 10th was Ozzy Osbourne Day in West Hollywood!

Established and up-and-coming bands are performing live at various venues along Sunset: Cat Club, Key Club, Viper Room, House of Blues, The Roxy, and Whisky A Go-Go. Among the bands performing on these legendary stages are Augustana, Wild Child, No Thanks, and The Ringers. The wide variety of bands and unique performance styles pretty much guarantees something for everyone at this year's festival.

A number of bands are performing on outdoor stages, as well. The East Stage has an impressive line-up including Kottonmouth Kings, Shiny Toy Guns, and Shwayze. LMFAO is scheduled to play the last set of the day on the East Stage. With so much going on at this festival, you really have to be organized and stay on schedule to experience as many bands as possible.

As I make my way along Sunset, a certain smell is in the air. At first it was the aroma of grilled sausages coming from one of the vendor booths. That aroma has now been replaced by the unmistakable scent of an herbal substance that one would expect to find at a music festival. That is especially good news for the food vendors who can expect an increase in sales as the day goes on. 
 
 

As I arrive at the West Stage, a performance by Pepper is well under way. Pepper is followed by Korn (it sounds almost like a recipe, doesn't it?) and then, playing the final set of the festival, is this year's headliner Ozzy Osbourne. Ozzy's performance definitely does not disappoint. Bodies are packed on Sunset Boulevard as tightly as sardines in a can. Hey, who can blame anyone squeezing in to get a look at this heavy metal legend.

Wow, all I can think as the event concludes is that I may have just experienced entertainment overload. So much great music...so many outrageously good bands...such a well-organized, well-executed event. An unforgettable experience like this can only take place in a city as unique as West Hollywood.

For more information about the Sunset Strip Music Festival: http://www.ssmf.com