MAY 26 - JUNE 30, 2012

Costa Mesa, CA  -- A Rockabilly Festival annual event launches the free summer concert series at Orange County Swap  Meet  (Market Place) at the OC Fairgrounds.

Three rockabilly bands vying for cash awards and the top spot in an annual competition 

On Saturday, May 14, the first round of the 2nd Annual West Coast Rockabilly Showdown, an event that pits 12 unsigned rockabilly bands selected from an electronic audition, will feature three of the bands battling it out. They include the Orange County based Altar Billies at noon, The Sidewynders from Los Angeles County at 1 p.m. and Gino & the Lone Gunmen from San Diego County at 2 p.m.

Cash awards totaling $2,500 and the opportunity to perform during Hootenanny 2011, an Orange County established rockabilly fest at Oak Canyon Ranch in Irvine, are up for grabs. The winner this weekend proceeds to the finals on June 18 at the Orange County Market Place.

Three more rounds will be held with dates and bands as follows: Saturday, May 28: The Fulltones, noon; Karling Abbeygate, 1 p.m. and The Country Cats, 2 p.m.

Saturday, June 4: Ryan Bradley Affair, noon; Dawn Shipley and the Sharp Shooters, 1 p.m. and Captain Jeffrey and the Chumbuckets, 2 p.m.

Saturday, June 11: JW and Wayman Creek Boys, noon; The Jackpot Club, 1 p.m. and The Kane Kutters, 2 p.m. The Showdown is hosted by DJ Remy Voodoo.

Location: 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, CA.  (949) 723-6616.
  ocmarketplace.com 
 

All concerts including swap meet admission are free with a canned food donation to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.

Other events at this venue include: St. Patrick's Day Festival