IMPERIAL – Imperial Valley is gearing up for a celebration of classic cars, funk, and oldies as the East Side Story Car Show and Fiesta roll into town on April 5 at the IV Fairgrounds.
Organized by East Side Records and Thump Records, the event promises a showcase of stunning lowriders, a star-studded musical lineup, and a deep connection to Chicano and lowrider culture.
Brandon “Brandoe” Padilla, event coordinator for the show, says the inspiration behind it comes from the enduring legacy of the East Side Story music series, which has captivated fans for decades.
“The East Side Story series has had a cult following for years. Originally, it was a bootleg series, but we licensed everything and made it legit. This year marks the 46th anniversary of the series, and what better way to celebrate than with a car show and concert?” he said.
Attendees can expect a lineup of some of the most iconic lowriders, including meticulously restored Impalas, G-bodies, and Fleetline “bombs.” Many of these vehicles have been customized with intricate paint jobs, hydraulics, and custom upholstery, representing the artistry and pride of lowrider culture.
Alongside the cars, visitors will also be treated to a vibrant marketplace featuring custom car accessories, vintage memorabilia and local food vendors serving up Chicano street food classics.
The event will also feature a musical roster of legendary artists, including Lakeside, Tierra Legacy, Sonny Osuna, Candyman, Sly, Slick and Wicked, The Young Hearts, Mariah Avila, Ron Crowder and The Rollerz, Mike Noriega and The Batons, Belen Chavez, Rocky Padilla and Amanda Carrera.
“This year we’ve added a funk element, which is why we brought in Lakeside, known for their hit ‘Fantastic Voyage,’” Padilla explained. “Of course, we still have our oldies acts like Tierra Legacy, Sonny Osuna, and Sly, Slick, and Wicked, all of whom are legends in their own right.”
The event is expected to draw over 3,500 attendees, making it one of the largest gatherings of car enthusiasts and oldies fans in the region.
Johnny Thump, the show’s manager, says the car show is unique because it blends music and car culture in a way that resonates deeply with the community.
“Most lowrider car shows feature a lot of rappers. We focus on making this a family-friendly event with classic funk and oldies acts. Kids under 10 get in free, and we want this to be a celebration for everyone,” Thump said.
Thump also emphasized the significance of the show to the lowrider and Chicano communities.
“The East Side Story albums capture the essence of cruising culture—being proud of who you are, representing where you come from, and enjoying music that speaks to our heritage. This event brings all of that together in one place,” he said.
Vehicle registration is still open at the East Side Car Show website. Those registering their vehicles will have the chance to compete in various categories, including Best Paint, Best Interior, and Best Hydraulics, with custom-made trophies for the winners. Tickets are available online, with pre-sale pricing at $35 and increasing to $45 on the day of the event. Parking will be handled by the fairgrounds and is expected to be $15 per vehicle.
Thump also shared that he will be in Imperial Valley leading up to the show, attending the Imperial Valley Fair and meeting with local car enthusiasts who want to sign up in person.
“I’ll be at the fair, promoting the show, and answering questions for anyone who wants to be involved,” Thump said.
In addition to the cars and music, the event will offer interactive experiences, including live art demonstrations by muralists celebrating Chicano culture, a kids’ area with fun activities, and opportunities for attendees to meet the performers and get autographs.
With an electric mix of classic lowriders, legendary musicians and deep cultural roots, the East Side Story Car Show and Fiesta promises to be an unforgettable event for car lovers and music fans alike.
“We had over 6,000 attendees at our first show in Pomona last year, and we’re excited to make this an annual tradition in Imperial Valley as well,” said Padilla.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the East Side Car Show website at http://www.eastsidestoryoriginal.com/.
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