Baby Got Sauced at the Seaside Stage

It takes a strong set of binoculars to see past North County privilege and beautiful women in stupid hats to catch the new Seaside Stage at Del Mar. Only those with focus could ignore the fruitless bet stubs in their pockets and puke-tipped sneakers waiting in line for fried artichoke hearts to catch G. Love kicking off this season's 4 O'clock Friday series with an inspired set that spanned the band's 20 years.

Highlights of the show included the title track from their recently released Fixin' To Die, as well as staples "Baby's Got Sauce" and "Cold Beverage" from their self-titled debut.

Armed with a guitar, harmonica, and impressive vocal range, frontman Garrett Dutton is comfortable walking fine lines between genres and setting his feet down wherever he pleases. His selection of covers for the evening included Paul Simon's "Fifty Ways To Leave Your Lover" and Biz Markie's "Just A Friend."

While the band has their fun indulging the inebriated crowd, they are at their best when they dig deep and pull out bluesy, battered-heart ballads such as "Just Fine" that any social strata converging on a coastal horse track can relate to.

Concert: G. Love & Special Sauce
Date: July 22
Venue: Del Mar Seaside Stage
Seats: General admission