Good Vibes Dominate Opening of Street Fair

A funky soul sister, some gothic monster rockers and a punk legend were just a few of the assorted musical offerings Saturday at the first day of the weekend Sunset Junction Street Fair in Silver Lake.

A diverse mix of revelers danced in the streets to the sounds of soul queens Nona Hendryx and Darlene Love on the Edgecliff stage, while a sea of tattoos and dyed hair became a bit rowdier at the other end of the block party, where local heroes such as Mike Watt and Flogging Molly were predictably loud and aggressive on the Bates stage.

Hendryx, best known as a member of the group LaBellein the ‘70s and for her more rocking solo work in the ‘80s, proved she still had what it takes to get people moving with lively renditions of such tunes as “Rock This House” and “Skin Diver.”

She was followed by another soulful diva, whose sweetly stirring vocals sounded as fresh as they did when she was part of the ‘60s group the Blossoms.

Love’s rendition of the Phil Spector-produced hit “He’s a Rebel” got the biggest reaction from the good-natured crowd.

Things weren’t quite as civilized at the other end of the fair, where death rock outfit Kommunity FK darkened the vibe with industrial-edged melodies, followed by the sexy, aggressive rhythms of Silver Lake’s own Extra Fancy and the manic, Pogues-like rock of Flogging Molly.

But the night really belonged to the Bates stage’s closing act, former Minutemen powerhouse Mike Watt. His potent set, which included a pair of Minutemen songs, was furious and unwavering.

Unfortunately, four or five fans near the stage got into a brief scuffle that was the only sour note in the otherwise neighborly affair.