Venice Spring Fling Artists Announced

The lineup for the third annual Venice Spring Fling was announced this week and will include samba music, funk and soul and psychedelic rock among the many music genres.

The free festival will take place on May 18 at Windward Plaza Park from 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. and in addition to several bands, there will be a large visual art show, poetry readings, and plenty of food trucks.

Venice Spring Fling is the sister festival of the Venice Beach Music festival, and both are dedicated to highlighting the creative soul of the community.

Some of the musicians include “Meet Me at the Pub, The Chuck Dukowski Sextet” and Los Angeles ska band “The Untouchables.”

“It will be epic and amazing…to play on the beach, in sight of nature’s magical ocean,” said Chuck Dukowski, former Black Flag bassist. “We love [Venice] for being the cultural nexus for the freekmind kind."

Hula Hooping and a foam shower using fair trade organic soap will also be on hand for festivalgoers. 

“Venice is already one of the best places in the world. Then add music to that…it’s going to be incredible,” said Jerry Miller, singer for The Untouchables.

At night, the festivities continue at Danny’s, where many of the festival performers will play additional sets. 

“The Venice Spring Fling is proud to showcase some of the finest talent in many forms of the arts. It is primarily sponsored by local businesses and community volunteers,” said Milton Rosenberg, the festival’s producer. “So come on out to offer your support for these hard-working independent artists.”

Sponsors for the event include: Venice Beach Suites and Hotel, The Sidewalk Cafe, Danny's Venice Restaurant, Venice Boardwalk Association, Jodi Maroni's Sausage Kingdom, Fresh Brothers Pizza, Al & Ed's Autosound Marina Del Rey, Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap, Bartels' Harley Davidson, Galactic Drifter Internet Solutions, Sync It Up Audio, Animal House Venice, Venice Breeze Suites, Zelda's Corner Deli, Moses Jewelry, Yo! Venice, Venice Beachhead, and Venice Paparazzi. 

For information on all of the artists performing at the Venice Spring Fling, visit www.venicespringfling.com or the festival’s Facebook page.