Sixth Annual Sunset Strip Music Festival Draws Over 15,000 Fans

The sixth annual SUNSET STRIP MUSIC FESTIVAL (SSMF) came to a close on Saturday (August 3) with performances on the closed-off Sunset Strip for more than 15,000 fans by headliners LINKIN PARK as well as AWOLNATION, BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB, FINCH and STREET DRUM CORPS. Artists that rocked the East Stage included WALE, LOGIC, SLICK RICK & DOUG E. FRESH, ASHER ROTH and ZEALE. More than 30 additional artists performed throughout the day on the new Viper Room outdoor stage, as well as indoors at The Roxy and Whisky A Go-Go into the early morning hours. Festival highlights included surprise guests Chris Brown and rapper YG sitting in with WALE, Wayne Brady joiningDOUG E. FRESH's set for a freestyle session and drummer Adrian Young from No Doubt playing with STREET DRUM CORPS.

"It's always an amazing experience to see thousands of music fans on the boulevard for a high-energy, celebratory event. We once again thank our fans, sponsors, the City of West Hollywood, artists and volunteers for their dedication to this annual music celebration. Each year the festival continues to grow, and we are happy to continue to bring such a positive event to The Sunset Strip," noted SSMF Managing Director Karmen Beck.

"Whether you're standing on the boulevard singing along to artists performing on the outdoor stages or discovering new bands inside the iconic music venues, the Sunset Strip Music Festival provides the best way to experience live music. This year's music festival was no exception. It provided truly memorable moments - from honoring influential rocker Joan Jett to watching Linkin Park perform in front of thousands of attendees -- and we are happy that we got to share these moments with our fans," stated SSMF co-producer Nic Adler.

The three-day festival kicked off Thursday, August 1 with a tribute to 2013 SSMF honoree JOAN JETT, who performed a full set with her band The Blackhearts after she received the Elmer Valentine Award, which celebrate artists who have influenced The Sunset Strip. The award was presented by Mikeal Maglieri, owner of the Whisky A Go-Go and The Rainbow, and Nic Adler of The Roxy. The evening featured stories about JETT from iconic Los Angeles DJ Rodney Bingenheimer, comedian Margaret Cho, guitarist Pat Smear and Carmen Electra.

Following the tribute ceremony and rousing 90-minute show, JETT spoke with RollingStone.com and shared her feelings about being honored and performing again on The Strip. "It felt really fulfilling in a lot of ways. When I left L.A., it was with a hangdog vibe. I had the impression-I don't know if it was real-of people laughing at me, saying 'We told you it wouldn't work. We told you girls couldn't play rock & roll.' That's how I felt. It's very humbling. It's not the sort of thing you get cocky about. People are very sincere in their praise and you can't take it lightly."

Also seen on the red carpet and in the crowd cheering JETT on were Ray Luzier of KORN, Exene Cervenka and John Doeof X, Rudy Sarzo of Queensryche, Sophie Simmons, Kristen Stewart, Riley Keough, Matt Sorum and Kat Von D.

The festival also featured performances in the venues on Thursday (August 1) and Friday (August 2) nights, including Scott Weiland and the Wildabouts at the Viper Room, Ours and The Icarus Line at The Roxy and Hoobastank and Enuff Znufat the Whisky. This year's festival also featured a free outdoor concert in the lot across the street from The Roxy on Fridaynight. Presented by Jack Daniel's and Swing House Studios, the outdoor showcase featured live performances, DJs and food trucks.

Photo Credit: Jim Donnelly

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