FIRST OFF . . .

Arrangements have finally been worked out for the Soviet rock band Vladimir Kuzmin and Dinamik, one of the most popular bands in the Soviet Union, to appear at San Diego’s Soviet Arts Festival. San Diego Mayor Maureen O’Connor, president of the festival board of directors, had opposed the band’s appearance, saying she didn’t want commercial promoters taking advantage of the nonprofit festival’s advertising efforts. The mayor had an oral agreement with the Soviet Ministry of Culture that gave the festival authority to approve all Soviet acts in San Diego during the Oct. 21-Nov. 11 festival. However, promoter Don Hughes traveled to the Soviet Union last week and secured exit permits for the band, and an agreement was subsequently reached between the promoters and the festival’s organizers. Co-promoter Scott Pedersen is trying to book Los Angeles dates for the group as well.