Flocks of music fans flooded the Fullerton Transportation Center Sat., Aug 30 for the 14th annual Spare the Air festival, aimed at raising awareness about air pollution during the summer—the season when seemingly clear skies, hot temperatures, lighter winds and a strong temperature inversion merge and trap air pollutants near the ground. While the intense heat was difficult to bear—gathering on a black asphalt parking lot didn’t help—the energy and enthusiasm from both the crowd and the performers resulted in sheer, wild fun. On the line-up: The Used, Saosin, Lit, Sugarcult, Death by Stereo, Aiden, John Easdale of Dramarama, Divide the Day and Longway. Saosin and Aiden brought out the usual crazed crowd surfing and moshing, and Fullerton locals Lit had the hometown advantage with fans who’ve been watching them live for years. No Doubt drummer Adrian Young made a cameo appearance with Street Drum Corps, and the Used ended the day with a rare acoustic performance, which was surprisingly mellow compared to their typical debauchery. And in the Ozone Dance Tent, Peanut Butter Wolf, DJ Harvey, B-Side Players, Free the Robots, DJ Pubes and Jamie Allensworth waged war on people attempting to cool down in the shade—they couldn’t resist the all-out hot mess of beats. Sponsored by OCTA, the city of Fullerton and the county of Orange, Spare the Air promotes the use of public transportation, alternative energies, and clean air.

Tags: LIVE REVIEW, peanut butter wolf, spare the air