Buskerfest returned to Downtown Long Beach, Saturday, and welcomed music lovers for a night featuring some of the city’s most talented acts on four low production stages. Summer and Music (SAM) partnered with KCRW for the 11th Buskerfest on the lively streets of Downtown’s East Village.

Buskerfest shined the light on eight competing bands: Spirit Mother, Devil Season, Palm Trails, Pollen Collective, BLCKNOISE, Fellow Robot, Gemma Castro and The Captain’s Son in minimally plugged performances. Audience members voted for their favorite acts by placing wooden nickels in tin buckets.

The free concert also provided attendees with headliners such as Jonathan Wilson, Jade Jackson and Primrose Forever Sanctuary, which consists of past Buskerfest winner Korey Dane.

The people spoke and named BLCKNOISE the winner of the night. The group took home the grand prize of $2,500 to apply towards their music and, of course, bragging rights after an amazing performance.

Andy and Neena Bradley slow dance to “Wedding Dress” by Fellow Robot at the 11th annual Buskerfest in Downtown Long Beach Saturday, September 7, 2019. Photo by Gabriela Mungarro.
Fellow Robot rocks the stage at Buskerfest in Downtown Long Beach Saturday, September 7, 2019. Photo by Gabriela Mungarro.
California surf pop and upbeat guitar melodies by The Captian’s Son echo throughout the crowded streets at Buskerfest in Downtown Long Beach Saturday, September 7, 2019. Photo by Gabriela Mungarro.
The Captian’s Son lead singer Paige Byrd greets the audience during the band’s set at the 11th annual Buskerfest in Downtown Long Beach Saturday, September 7, 2019. Photo by Gabriela Mungarro.
Gemma Castro serenades the crowd as she leaves the stage to get close to the audience at the 11th annual Buskerfest in Downtown Long Beach Saturday, September 7, 2019. Photo by Gabriela Mungarro.
Tiffany Haslacker, 28, and Bert Kassel, 31, enjoy Devil Season’s set at Buskerfest in Downtown Long Beach Saturday, September 7, 2019. Photo by Gabriela Mungarro.
Competing band Devil Season performs heavy grooves at the 11th annual Buskerfest in Downtown Long Beach Saturday, September 7, 2019. Photo by Gabriela Mungarro.
A large crowd gathers around BLCKNOISE lead singer Donovan Brown during the band’s rendition of Radiohead’s “Creep” at the 11th annual Buskerfest in Downtown Long Beach Saturday, September 7, 2019. Photo by Gabriela Mungarro.
Psychedelic rock band Spirit Mother performs at Buskerfest. Photo by Gabriela Mungarro.
Psychedelic rock band Spirit Mother performs and leaves crowd yelling for an encore at Buskerfest in Downtown Long Beach Saturday, September 7, 2019. Photo by Gabriela Mungarro.
Indie band Palm Trails lights up the stage at 11th annual Buskerfest in Downtown Long Beach Saturday, September 7, 2019. Photo by Gabriela Mungarro.
The Pollen Collective members John Ma’ae and Dave Nelson sing together during the band’s set at Buskerfest in Downtown Long Beach Saturday, September 7, 2019. Photo by Gabriela Mungarro.
The Pollen Collective performs at the 11th annual Buskerfest in Downtown Long Beach Saturday, September 7, 2019. Photo by Gabriela Mungarro.
Primrose Forever Sanctuary duo Korey Dane and Alyssa Miller perform at the 11th annual Buskerfest in Downtown Long Beach Saturday, September 7, 2019. Photo by Gabriela Mungarro.
Headliner Primrose Forever Sanctuary performs at the 11th annual Buskerfest in Downtown Long Beach Saturday, September 7, 2019. Photo by Gabriela Mungarro.
Alyssa Miller of Primrose Forever Sanctuary looks at fellow band member Korey Dane during the duo’s set at Buskerfest in Downtown Long Beach Saturday, September 7, 2019. Photo by Gabriela Mungarro.
Buskerfest headliner Jade Jackson performs her roots-rock filled melodies in Downtown Long Beach Saturday, September 7, 2019. Photo by Gabriela Mungarro.
Buskerfest headliner Jade Jackson performs her roots-rock filled melodies in Downtown Long Beach Saturday, September 7, 2019. Photo by Gabriela Mungarro.
Songwriter and producer Jonathan Wilson shares busking anecdote from early in his career during his performance at Buskerfest in Downtown Long Beach Saturday, September 7, 2019. Photo by Gabriela Mungarro.