The Water-Sound Mix

The Bayside venue on the Embarcadero increased from hosting 8 pop-music shows in 2005 to 23 shows in 2006. Last year, Viejas Entertainment brought major-name artists such as the Black Eyed Peas, Radiohead, and Angels & Airwaves to the stage behind the convention center.

Last week, the San Diego Port District, which controls the site, responded to noise complaints from Coronado residents; this year, Bayside is allowed no more than 11 pop concerts. Fines will be levied for excessive noise violations. Viejas Entertainment president Steve Redfearn says he will bring quieter artists to Bayside.

"We were prepared for the news," says Redfearn, meaning that in 2007 the ipayOne Center will host many Viejas Entertainment headliners, including Justin Timberlake, Tool, Christina Aguilera, the Killers, and John Mayer.

"I think that situation was mismanaged," says one promoter about the Bayside decibel levels. "All they had to do was splay the speakers so they pointed down. Instead, they were pointed out into the ozone. I think they could fix the problem so the people in Coronado wouldn't be bothered."

Redfearn disagrees: "It is way more complicated than that. Water and sound have trouble mixing."

One insider says that because the Bayside venue is now less viable as a concert venue, Redfearn may try to talk the Viejas tribe into building an outdoor amphitheater on Viejas-owned property. Redfearn says there is such a possibility and adds that a new Viejas-owned venue would not be as big as the 50,000-capacity Coors but be similar in size to Bayside, which holds 5000 with seats or 10,000 open seating. Such a venue would not necessarily be on property currently owned by Viejas.