The Commercial Music Program at San Diego City College will present Soundsation, a student-run, family-friendly music festival happening on Saturday, May 31, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Curran Plaza on the San Diego City College campus.

This free, all-ages event celebrates San Diego’s vibrant music scene with a diverse lineup of student performers, faculty musicians, and acclaimed local artists performing on two outdoor stages, along withfree food, local vendors, and community engagement.

Multiple City College academic programs will be represented at Soundsation.

The festival is being organized by the students in City College’s Commercial Music 220: Music Marketing and Promotion class, giving them hands-on experience with large-scale event planning. Students studying live sound mixing in Commercial Music 162 and 262 will be providing audio support.

In addition, students from graphic design, dance, and photography will be contributing their talents to make the event a success.

Headlining acts:

• The Neighborhood Kids – A hip-hop collective based in Barrio Logan, The Neighborhood Kids were founded in 2020 by Verde and Amon the MC. Their music is an explosive blend of rap, activism, and soul, tackling issues like mental health, police reform, and community healing with a message-driven, live-band sound. Most recently, The Neighborhood Kids won Best New Artist and Best Hip-Hop or Rap Artist at the 2025 San Diego Music Awards.
• The Band Cope – This energetic indie rock group met while attending Berklee College of Music and now calls San Diego home. Known for emotionally raw vocals and a blend of nostalgic and contemporary tones, their standout tracks like “submarine” and “blade runner” are quickly building buzz across the region.

San Diego City College student/faculty musical acts performing include:

• Mr. Growly – hypnotic surf/punk instrumental trio featuring two San Diego City College Commercial Music professors
• Gui Flowerz and the Hummingbeez with Lua b – Brazilian singer/songwriter
• Los Maniacos Latin Jazz Band – ten-piece Latin jazz ensemble
• Ryan Blue – alt-rock and Americana
• Dynamo (DJ set) – traditional reggae and dub
• REVOLT – metal power trio
• chxy (DJ set) – festival EDM
• L_Relentless (DJ set) – hip-hop / soul / funk
• City College Electro-Acoustic Ensemble – students from Commercial Music 170 blending Ableton Live software with live instruments

Festival highlights:

• Two stages of continuous live music
• Local vendor booths
• Family-friendly atmosphere with something for all ages
• Free admission and free food
• Free on-campus parking (limited availability)
• Easy access via the Trolley – located steps away from the City College stop on the Blue and Orange Lines

Support the festival:

Pre-Sale packages – Although the event is free, fans who want to show their support for the next generation of San Diego music makers are encouraged to purchase a pre-sale package. For a VIP Pre-Sale Package gets you a Soundsation shirt plus a swag bag filled with awesome. The Ticket-Plus-A-Tee Package gets you a limited-edition shirt so you can represent music at City College.

All proceeds go to support the San Diego City College Commercial Music Program.

For more information on school events, visit: sdcity.edu.