Downtown Takes Another Worthwhile Detour

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — The LA Weekly's Detour 2008 hit Downtown on Saturday night, amidst a confluence of events that included Hillary Clinton's presence at Edison, a Dodgers playoff game (in which they swept the Cubs) and a USC football game at the Coliseum.

While there may have been worries about traffic outside the event, festival attendees were treated to an event that really highlights Downtown. Four stages embraced City Hall and the Civic Center, with dozens of acts performing over the course of the day.

The event is in its third year, and each time has gotten smarter about how it fits into the city. This year acts performed on the "Hall of Justice Stage," the "Triforium Stage," and the "City Hall Stage," while the "DJ Stage" nestled into City Hall's Spring Street courtyard.

At least one band from Los Angeles was having fun with the location. The vocalist from Shiny Toy Guns, playing the Caltrans-adjacent City Hall Stage, asked the crowd who had done jury duty in the nearby courthouse and then applauded civic duty.

The threat of rain may have lessened the event's numbers, especially earlier in the day. In the end, the overcast clouds and low temperatures made a day where the general lack of shade was certainly bearable. With doors opening at noon and sets running until midnight, there was certainly enough music to fill anyone's day.