Silver Lake Street Festival Heads Downtown

Jack Martinez's Silver Lake Jubilee spent a few years germinating in the shadow of the Sunset Junction Street Fair.

When the city put an end to the Fair in 2011, the Jubilee took center stage.

It brough stages, food vendors and crafts booths to the same set of streets around Santa Monica Boulevard that once hosted the Fair.

The non-profit Jubilee generated its own controversy: the costs for artists, security and permitting meant it had to charge for entry.

Many felt that shut out the community the event was designed to serve, even though a free community area was provided.

Now comes this news: the Jubilee is leaving town, at least our part of it.

Jack Martinez and his crew are moving the event to Downtown Los Angeles near the Sixth Street bridge.

It will take place June 7-8 and will cater to what Martinez says is his core audience, music lovers from all over the city.

The event will take place at a privately-owned complex with several stages.

Martinez told the Eastsider that it's simply too difficult to run a festival on city streets, especially for free.

“I wish I could throw a festival for free,” Martinez said. “But it’s not fiscally responsible.”

With the move comes a name change: the event is now called the Jubilee Art& Music Festival.

Bands interested in performing at the new fair can contact Martinez and his team at jubileepresents@gmail.com.