More than 300 homegrown performers set the tone for Chula Vista’s centennial concert celebration this week.
Professional musicians, including singers and dancers from local high schools and Southwestern College, took Chula Vistans back in time entertaining guests with 10 decades of music.
The concert began with Mariachi Chula Vista welcoming guests with traditional mariachi songs.
In 1911, the city of Chula Vista was incorporated, lemon orchards were the city’s agriculture. Fredericka Manor opened and the great flood of 1916 in Sweetwater Valley happened.
Lutheran High School represented 1900-11 by singing their version of “Chula Vista My Home,” comprised of grades nine through 12.
Following that, the 2011 Honor Symphonic Band with students from throughout the Sweetwater Union High School District surrounded the audience to perform “Voice of America.”
The Roaring ’20s brought in architects, cottonseed and hemp. Dance Force from Chula Vista High School performed the Charleston, recalling times when flappers and moonshine were popular.
Representing the 1930s was Torch Song Trilogy, ranging in age from 14 to 80, offering glimpses of the past, present and future.
The 1940s changed Chula Vista’s agriculture industry into an industrial one when Rohr Industries settled here months before the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941.
In Chula Vista, the Vogue Theatre opened, playing movies such as “Grapes of Wrath” and “Casablanca.” In addition, Chula Vista’s population tripled to about 15,000 and the Chula Vista High School was built.
Bonita Vista High School’s award-winning coed show choir, The Music Machine, performed “When the Jitterbug Bites,” incorporating swing to capture the era.
The 1950s brought the popularity of actors James Dean, Marilyn Monroe and musician Buddy Holly. In Chula Vista, Bob’s on Broadway was a popular place to sip coffee. The House of Guitars ensemble from Chula Vista High School performed “Rebel Rouser” to accommodate the time.
In the 1960s, Southwestern College was built and Harper’s Music Store was a popular spot. Chula Vista also celebrated its 50th anniversary and rock ‘n’ roll began to emerge.
South Bay musicians J.D. & The Blues Busters channeled Tina Turner and Bobby Brown for a “Proud Mary” performance originally by John Fogarty and Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Many Chula Vistans may remember the Big Sky Drive-In, Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlor and Roller Skate Land in the ’70s.
The Southwestern College Concert Choir & Chamber Singers performed a Queen/ Chicago medley.
In the ’80s, Castle Park was annexed into Chula Vista as part of the Montgomery area and Highway 54 was built. The Olympian Clean Up Crew from Olympian High School used drumsticks and trash cans to create original beats called “Recycling.”
In the 1990s Chula Vista got a new auto park, Coors Amphitheatre and Knott’s Soak City. Chula Vista’s TrŽ Tenors performed “La Donna e Mobile” and “Granada” with an operatic performance.
The Eastlake Dance Company performed “Ruby Blue” to close out the century, incorporating energetic jazz and a break-dancing routine for 2000.
“People are thrilled that we did something like this to showcase hometown talent,” Committee of 100 manager Mary Marcdante said.
Cox said the event would not have been possible without the generous support of the community’s time, talent and resources.
“It couldn’t have been any better,” Cox said. “It was uplifting and the musical talent was professional.”
Chula Vista residents Linda Jampsa and Marcus Canty said they love the culture of Chula Vista though they’ve only lived here seven years. Canty, 44, said the ’70s were emotional.
“It was like a reunion event though I’m not from here,” he said.
