Finding something to do Saturday night, June 24, 2023, in Phelan, CA, was as easy as taking a walk down Phelan Road to My Hero Subs & Pub or the Ranch Steakhouse restaurant and bar in historic Phelan. One of three free outdoor concerts planned for this summer, My Hero Subs & Pub presented The Nomads in the downtown Phelan Plaza parking lot of the popular Karaoke bar and sandwich shop. Just a short stroll to the east, Generation Invazion rocked the Ranch Bar and Restaurant on an otherwise typical high desert, windy June evening with their repertoire of classic to modern-day music. Searching for dinner and a show could not be any easier than this assembly of dining, dancing, relaxing, and partying in what is quickly becoming the entertainment destination for the High Desert and the Tri-Community of Phelan, Pinon Hills, and Wrightwood.
In the long shadows of the afternoon sun, The Nomads were playing their collection of Rock and Roll favorites sporting dual, lady lead vocalists, two lead guitarists, keyboards, bass guitar, and drums. Combining masterful instrumentation with power-house vocals, The Nomads filled the parking area with a blend of Oldies and modern-day Rock artists like Tom Petty and Fleetwood Mac. Enjoying a toasted sub sandwich and a cold one from My Hero Pubs & Sub, retired Fireman and Veteran Stephan Kilmer enjoyed being serenaded by The Nomads, saying, “They are playing cool music! Perfect for this evening!” Mike and Gina Demis, owner of Daily Bargains overstock store adjacent to My Hero Subs & Pub, like the outdoor concerts since it brings in new customers from around the area. Chele and Jeff Solomon of neighboring Oak Hills were kicking off the dancing, strutting their stuff to “Walk Away” by Joe Walsh and “Blue Suede Shoes” by Elvis Presley. Three-dollar shooters were served cocktail-waitress style by My Hero cook Samantha Andrews, featuring cherry and “mystery blue” flavors. Bobby Martin, the owner of My Hero Subs & Pub, enjoys presenting outdoor free concert events so much he plans on three outdoor festivals this summer. Dubbed “The coolest watering hole in the High Desert,” this hometown family-oriented restaurant has been a community favorite for fun, food, and entertainment. They now offer a breakfast menu catering to the early riser.
A stone’s throw away from My Hero Subs & Pub; the music resonated from the eastern end of Phelan Plaza. The Ranch Steakhouse and Bar were presenting “Generation Invazion,” a top-forty band with all ingredients for a swinging time on the town. Another multi-generational, multi-talented group, Generation Invazion, covered the popular music spectrum with favorites like “Beast of Burden” by The Rolling Stones, to the best “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” by Selena. Rocking with ZZ Top, with a side of “Rebel Yell” by Billy Idol, will get you thirsty for one of bartender Destiny’s killer cocktails. The newly remodeled “Ranch” also has a full selection of bottled and draft beer for your liquid appetite. A first-time performance for Generation Invazion at The Ranch in Phelan, their busy schedule will have the group appearing at the Backdoor Stage at Packinghouse Brewing Co. 6421 Central Ave. in Riverside, CA.
The Nomads will perform on July 8, 2023, at the Townsend Market in Apple Valley. Both restaurants, My Hero Subs & Pub and The Ranch Steakhouse, are community-driven institutions with ties to local sports and civic organizations such as Serrano High School, Kiwanis Club, Little League Baseball, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
