The lobsters are coming. Several planeloads of Maine crustaceans will make their way to the Seaside Lagoon this weekend for the 8th annual Redondo Beach Lobster Festival, where they will meet a culinary fate under the guidance of Bristol Farms master chef Bruce Jacobs.
“They get frequent flyer miles, but they have to fly coach,” said Paul Goldman of the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce. The event is the signature event hosted by the RB Chamber.
This festival isn’t all about lobsters, however. The three-day event, which kicks off Friday at 4 p.m. and runs through Sunday, also features a plethora of live music – including headliners Eric Burden and the New Animals – as well as a giant dance floor, two beach bars, carnival rides, storytellers, and an international food court offering up delicacies by 18 local restaurants.
"We are just going to take this thing and kick it to another level,” said Don Henry, an organizer with O Entertainment, the festival’s new production company. “It’s a big old beach party for three days.”
This year’s festival includes several changes. As the presence of a master chef indicates, the idea was for a slightly more upscale lobster party, and the festival has also taken on a greater international flavor. In addition to the food court, Saturday’s entertainment features “World Music” with headliners Brasil, Brazil dancing up a South American storm and famed musical hipster Carlos Guitarlos making a rare local appearance.
Another addition is a new children’s stage and a family fun zone, where storytellers, magicians, the Aquarium of the Pacific and puppet shows offer the younger set their own venue. “There’ll be jugglers, musicians, and you name it… in the kids section, as well a football field full of carnival rides and a 110-foot Ferris wheel,” Henry said. “It’s all good.”
Friday’s entertainment features a “Dance Night” with host KBIG Disco and performers OO Soul, LA Love Machine, and Fast Times. Saturday is hosted by KJAZZ and, in addition to Brasil, Brazil, features Lisa Hayley with the Zydekats, the John Brown Band, the Village People Show, Carlos Guitarlos, and Mississippi Mud. Sunday is hosted by ARROW 93.1 FM and features Eric Burdon, the King Cotton Band, Zola Moon, Mama’s Boys, and Chris Ho.
Admission is $9 for adults, $3.50 for children under 12 and free for kids under 6. Festival packages are also available, either online or at Bristol Farms. For information or lobster dinner reservations, call 937-5555 or visit www.lobsterfestival.com.
