COVID-19: CDC You're On Your Own! Good Luck! | Killer Whale Nakai Dies Of Infection At Sea World | TFG Proves Once Again To Be A Fucking Loose Canon Criminal Of The Highest Order |

 

Orca at Sea World (Taken 2.20.22)

Everytime I think I'm going to post, I get caught up with something else or some new big news drops and I just never get around to it. Over the past couple weeks, the CDC has loosened COVID-19 guidance so pretty much everyone interpreted it to mean that COVID is over and you can just resume life, when in reality, you still need to isolate if you're sick or testing positive. The end. This shouldn't be this hard. We also learned of TFG's house/resort being searched by the FBI and goddamn if he isn't the most corrupt fucking human on the planet and it is so embarrassing that I have family who are MAGA nutjobs. Whatever happens, charges need to be brought on this fucking crook so that he is never allowed to run for office in this country again. 

But what I wanted to talk about was Sea World. They lost another orca, 20 year old Nakai, apparently due to an infection. I am going to defend Sea World here. I'm not an animal expert, but some mom posted video after the death showing a couple orcas "fighting". Sea World veterinarians said this behavior is normal and called raking. If we're going to argue about the value or harm of animals in captivity altogether, then what are you even doing here? But if we can look at this is how it is and all we can do is do better for the animals, you'll notice almost all animals exhibit this behavior-- gorilla brothers Frank and Monroe wrestle and "fight" all the time and one of them recently had an enormous gash on the shoulder, from the other's teeth while roughhousing. Just yesterday, the elephant brothers were tusk in tusk and trunk to trunk "fighting" for dominance while they waited for dinner. My sibling cats wrestle all the time over balls, beds, and just to terrorize the entire household while everyone is asleep. In a perfect world, animals would live abundantly in their natural habitats, but this isn't that world. Northern White Rhinos are functionally extinct. Far too many animals in captivity have counterparts in the single or triple digits in the wild - leopards and Somali wild ass immediately come to mind -- and I support accredited wildlife facilities that are part of the AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) whose goals are "promoting species conservation and animal welfare" as well as educate the public and learn from the animals in their care to help their counterparts in the wild. 

I was heartbroken when I heard another young orca died in Sea World's care, but even in captivity, animal care specialists can't 100% control conditions and outright prevent animal incidents, nor should we expect them to do so. 

Stay safe out there.   

Things To Do In San Diego: Wednesday, August 10-Tuesday, August 16, 2022: She Wants Revenge | Tones and I | The Regrettes | Shamir | Creepy Creeps | Trombone Shorty's Voodoo Threauxdown | Tchotchke | Robert Plant & Allison Krauss | MUNA | Durand Jones |

Today I saw a friend post about being completely non-functional during the daytime and I was feeling it and comforted that I'm not the only one. I looked over at my air conditioner wondering why it was not cooling the room, even after sundown, and one of my jerk kittens had stepped on it and set the temperature to 79. 79!! Now it's back to 64, unfortunately as low as it goes, and I was finally able to get this week's listings done. They may not have all the music news and announcements - I tend to get a lot of updates on Thursday and Friday after I publish, but check back and there will be more, I'm sure. 

Stay safe out there. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Wednesday, August 10, 2022: Lost Dog Street Band | WINGTIPS | Imagery Machine |

 

Okay, okay. So what happened was that on Monday I was having some cocktails and trying to organize my photos from this year and so I stayed up super late. That meant I slept in super late on Tuesday and then I did work and I didn't even go to the zoo, and then I tried to start doing my listings and my computer was painfully slow so I went to restart it and of course, there were a bunch of updates and those took forever. In fact, they were still updating when I finally decided to give up and go to sleep. So today you're just getting tonight's listings. I can't not go to the zoo today for my own physical and mental health, so I'll get around to the full week's listings tonight when my apartment isn't 82 degrees with the air conditioning on. Note that tonight's Casbah show has been moved to Whistle Stop so Casbah will be closed tonight. 

Stay safe out there. 

CoViD-19: | Monkeypox Declared US, State, County Emergency | President Biden Tests Negative After 'Consequential Isolation' | Pandemic Drove Us To Drink More Beer |

 

Indah and Kaja at San Diego Zoo (Taken 8.6.22)

I've been meaning to post all week, but I'm actually trying to live my summer, too, so I'm limiting my online time. Plus my apartment is so damn hot, it just feels better to be out at the Zoo in the cooler shady areas than hoping our a/c can fight the heat.

But I did want to write briefly because today is the 10 year anniversary of the night me and Darren met, so even though he's working today, we've been kinda celebrating all week. It's a really big deal for me, after a life of crappy, emotionally abusive relationships, to find someone who loves me and respects me and treats me like a queen and I feel like we've only just begun. I'd say I can count our big fights on one hand, but none have ever been big enough to be big, nothing that I can particularly remember being so mad about we didn't immediately make up. He's been an amazing friend and partner and love, and I just wanted to acknowledge how grateful I am for that magical night at Soda Bar that changed my life forever. 

Beyond that, this week I went to the Father John Misty show on Wednesday and I'm still going to the San Diego Zoo everyday. They're open until 9 through Labor Day, after that we'll have to see how life shakes out and if I can get my ass in gear earlier in the day to pop over. I wanted to at least get this week's data up, though you're on your own for the big need-to-know news of the week. 

Stay safe out there. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Wednesday, August 3 - Tuesday, August 9, 2022: Petite Amie | Father John Misty | Tiki Oasis | Jon Snodgrass | Glass Spells | Sum 41 | Man Man | ArtWalk Liberty Station | DAY.MVS XL | Rostam | John Reis |

Me & Father John Misty (circa May 2012)

Like everyone, I'm so sick of COVID-19. I hated my isolation a couple weeks back, I hate that the virus is still everywhere, and I hate that people are knowingly positive and just out in the world living as if they're fine, because that means people like me, responsible for taking care of my dad in palliative care and having a teen just over a week out from going back to high school and a partner who doesn't get paid if he gets sick, can't actually live normal lives. When I think about all the amazing shows I've missed this year, it's pretty depressing, but it's the way it's gotta be for me so long as this carries on.

So I'll be doing my thing, but there are a lot of fun things happening this week, so if you're healthy and living your carefree best life, get out there. 

As always, I'll update these listings if anything comes up that I missed. 

Be safe out there. 

COVID-19: It's In The Poop | How Long Is COVID Infectious? | Rewilding Mission Bay Is Going To Happen, Kinda | County Offers Naloxone |

 

Indah and baby Kaja (Taken 7.24.22)

This post is shorter than most because I just wanted to get San Diego's data posted. Obviously this week was full of news that I haven't linked. That Senator Manchin may go along with the reconciliation plan is HUGE and hopefully that moves quickly. I know there's a ton of concessions, but I'm presently watching Borgen on Netflix and with these old fogeys running shit, we have to accept compromise sometimes. There was also massive flooding across the country, including in St. Louis, and while Nova's family seems okay, her grandparents are battling COVID so her summer trip to visit them and her mom is now canceled, again, for the third time since travel restrictions lifted last year. We're glad to have her but I don't know how many times we can put her through the anxiety and anticipation that results from rescheduling the visits. It's a good thing she has The Center and has found her people for a little more support and she's not quite so isolated. 

As for me, I've been doing my thing. Over the weekend I woke up early on Saturday and Sunday to go see Kaja, the baby orang who is only out until about 10:30 each day. On Sunday afternoon, Nova and I met Darren at work and enjoyed a very empty Safari Park. During the week, I take my work with me to the San Diego Zoo. I try to go every day, but on Wednesday it was super special because I got some alone time with Denny (because everyone thought the gorillas had already gone in for the night) then zipped over to Sea World to see my favorite walrus, which was also empty, at least in that exhibit, for the final hour of their night. I'm going to be heartbroken when summer nights end and the parks all go back to closing at 5 or 6pm, so I'm trying to get it all in as much as I can. As it is, Safari Park hours right now are 9am-7pm, which ends on Sunday. After that, they're back to 9am-5pm. If you have a pass, you should really take advantage. On Sunday I was pretty much alone with the volunteer and seven rhinos for over an hour at Kilima Point. Just go after 3pm. Make it a full trip and find some amazing Mexican food up there and take advantage of the competitive corner with gas under $5 a gallon. 

I don't know when I'll brave shows again, but until I do, I'm so happy to have relatively safe outdoor spaces to spend my time. 

Stay safe out there.  

Things To Do In San Diego: Wednesday, July 27-Tuesday, August 2, 2022: The Lumineers | RHCP | Guerilla Toss | The Havnauts | Blind Owl Summer Slam | David Gray | Hotel Mira | The Beths |

Me & Brian of Silversun Pickups, Circa 2010

Summer is so weird. San Diego doesn't have the giant festivals that other places have, but we're getting our share of touring bands. We're also getting a large share of COVID, so maybe stay home if you test positive and spare your music community of your contagiousness until you're negative. I don't know where the CDC invented 5 days, but I don't know anyone who has tested positive for fewer than 10. It's maybe a good time to explore your local Concerts in the Park, and I used to track them pretty well, but I don't anymore. You can find them. Bird Park, Kate Sessions, Pioneer Park all probably have stuff this time of year. 

I'm not doing any shows for now, but was happy to hear Silversun Pickups announced a show at Observatory on my birthday. Maybe I'll feel different or conditions will change again by then. If you are going to shows, be safe, wear a mask, and maybe chill on the woo-hooing. 

Stay safe out there.  

New Show Announcements:

• August 21 - Francis Blume, Lauren Leigh, Lindsay White @ Casbah
• September 13 - Josie Cotton @ Casbah
• September 28 - Silversun Pickups, Eliza & The Delusionals @ Obsevatory
• September 30 - Plague Vendor @ Casbah
• October 15 - Jake Scott @ Observatory
• November 11 - Måneskin @ SOMA
• November 13 - Friendship @ Voodoo Room, House of Blues
• November 19 - MEZERG @ Soda Bar

Wednesday, July 27, 2022:

• The Lumineers: Brightside World Tour, Gregory Alan Isakov @ Pechanga Arena
• Red Hot Chili Peppers, Haim, Thundercat @ Petco Park 
• Zach Person, Video Rose @ Casbah
• The Dream Syndicate - 40th Anniversary Tour @ Soda Bar
• Wheeler Walker Jr., Channing Wilson @ Belly Up (Sold Out)
• Tulengua, TX, Soul FLow, 18Scales @ Music Box
• The Shane Hall Band, The Vindys (Ohio), Ash Easton @ Pour House
• Dance Gavin Dance 'An Evening With Friends' Tour, Royal Coda, Body Thief @ House of Blues
• Tiki Oasis Opening Party with Slack Key Ohana, Tiki Mug Giveaway @ The Luau Bar 
• Riff City Comedy @ Whistle Stop
• City Soul Collective with DJ Sergio Tahini (Jake Najor), Sure Fire Soul Ensemble @ Til-Two Club
• Emerging Composers | San Diego New Music @ Athenaeum Art Center at Bread & Salt
• Gilbert Castellanos Young Lions Series & Jazz Jam @ Copley Auditorium, Panama 66
• Twilight in the Park: Ginger Cowgirl/Stacy Antonel @ Spreckels Pavilion, Balboa Park (Free,6:30-7:30pm)
• Here There Are Blueberries @ La Jolla Playhouse
• Pretty Woman: The Musical @ Civic Theatre
• Electric Louie Land @ Seven Grand  
• Bored Teachers Summer Break Comedy Tour with Thomas English, Devin Siebold, KC Mack, Miss Smith, Honest Teacher Vibes @ The Magnolia
• All Souls, Ape Machine, Los Pinche Pinches @ Brick by Brick
• Jason Hanna and the Swingin Bananas @ Riviera Supper Club
• Rockin' Aces @ Tio Leo's
• Leonard Bernstein's New York @ New Village Arts
• Dial M For Murder @ The Old Globe
• Something Rotten! @ Moonlight Amphitheatre
• Maverick City Music Kingdom Tour with Kirk Franklin @ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, SDSU
• Summerfest Open Rehearsal I @ The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center (2:30PM)
• Taylor Clark in San Diego @ Tower Bar
• Jemere Morgan, Willz @ Winston's 
• Karaoke @ Rosie O'Grady's 
• Tyler Ray @ Salvation Stage, House of Blues (FREE)
• Blues Jam @ Navajo Live
• Karaoke @ Bancroft Bar
• Trivia Wednesday @ Quartyard 
• Tradewinds @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Open Mic @ 710 Beach Club

Thursday, July 28, 2022:

• Guerilla Toss, Forty Feet Tall @ Casbah
• Sam Ritchie, Kass Rose Gold, Moon Panda @ Soda Bar
• Leo Kottke - an evening with @ Belly Up (Sold Out, Seated Show) 
• Tony Jaw Karaoke Competition @ Ken Club
• Brett Eldredge, Nate Smith @ The Magnolia (Moved From OAT, SDSU)
• Cory Pesaturo @ Museum of Making Music
• Twilight in the Park: Marine Band @ Spreckels Pavilion, Balboa Park (Free,6:30-7:30pm)
• One Hot Night tour // One Less Guest, Lords of the Satellite, Heaping Teaspoon & The Brain Ghosts @ The Holding Company
• Victoria Robertson @ Plaza Bar, Westgate Hotel
• No Swoon, Hex, The Morning Room @ Tower Bar
• A Tribute to The Music of Djavan @ The Jazz Lounge
• Freqs n' Beats with J. Anders, Yazi, Bizzy Balboa, DJ Almond Eyez @ The Merrow
• BLAH Jazz hosted by Louie Valenzuela @ Blind Lady Ale House (7-10pm)
• Pretty Woman: The Musical @ Civic Theatre
• Witnesses @ California Center for the Arts, Escondido
• Here There Are Blueberries @ La Jolla Playhouse
• Leonard Bernstein's New York @ New Village Arts
• Dial M For Murder @ The Old Globe
• Vamp/So Say We All @ Whistle Stop 
• Something Rotten! @ Moonlight Amphitheatre
• DJ Julz & Guests @ The Rec Room, Park & Rec
• Some Suns, Gypsy Sally @ Winston's 
• Jimmy Ruelas @ Seven Grand  
• The Emergency Exit Band @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Aztec Open Mic @ Aztec Brewing Company, Vista
• Lyrical Exchange Open Mic @ Queen Bee's
• Open Mic with Whit @ Pour House 
• The Rumours, Deathboys, Kilfeather, Silent Vice @ Til-Two Club
• Open Jam with Jeff Ousley @ Navajo Live
• Arts & Crafts @ The Rabbit Hole
• Mercedes Moore @ Tio Leo's
• Good Faith Nite Market @ Quartyard 
• Karaoke @ 710 Beach Club

Friday, July 29, 2022:

• Blind Owl Summer Slam feat Chest Fever, Lord Howler, Justin John Rodriguez, Jesseray Smith. Sleepy Pearls in the Razzmatazz Room @ Casbah
• Moans, Anthony Cullins, Auz Fontaine @ Soda Bar
• Prince Again, Generation Idol  @ Belly Up
• Benefit for WRAAP (Women's Reproductive Rights Assistance Project) with Nicole McFly, The Havnauts, Scary Pierre, Loudmouth @ Black Cat Bar 
• The Green, Stranger @ Beach House
• Whitney Shay & The JazzKatz Orchestra @ Dizzy's
• Club Sex Beat with Black Light Odyssey, Mysti Tonik, 7th Stranger, Javi Nunez @ Ken Club
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 In Concert @ The Shell
• Padres CocktailFest @ Gallagher Square, Petco Park
• Padres vs. Minnesota Twins @ Petco Park
• Here There Are Blueberries @ La Jolla Playhouse
• Riot Scene Presents HOMETOWN HELL: Blackcast, Dreaming Of A Day, Mandala, Defy The Tyrants, Upon The Water, Ghostlife, Good For Nothing @ SOMA Sidestage
• Trio Gadjo @ Panama 66
• Simon Patterson, Fashawn, Mitchy Slick, Sir Veterano, Flii Stylz @ Music Box
• Atomic Groove's Summer Groove Happy Hour @ Belly Up (Happy Hour 5pm)
• MohaviSoul @ Grand Ole BBQ & Asado
• Juneshine at Moonshine @ Moonshine Beach 
• Steven Cade @ Moonshine Beach 
• Coriander Flats @ Moonshine Flats 
• Freddie Walton @ The Luau Bar 
• John January @ Aztec Brewing Company, Vista
• Los Tortugas @ The Rabbit Hole
• Chloe Lou & The Liddells @ Humphrey's Backstage Live (5pm)
• Carlos Velasco @ Veranda Bar, Westgate Hotel 
• Led Zeppelin 2 @ House of Blues
• Vokab Kompany, Purple Kief, Simple @ The Holding Company
• Witnesses @ California Center for the Arts, Escondido
• Bonneville 7 @ Rosie O'Grady's
• Be Maeva @ Seven Grand  
• Pretty Woman: The Musical @ Civic Theatre
• Leonard Bernstein's New York @ New Village Arts
• Dial M For Murder @ The Old Globe
• Something Rotten! @ Moonlight Amphitheatre
• SummerFest Opening Night: Side By Side @ The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center
• The Sound Station, Sellwoods (Portland),Thee Allyrgic Reaction, w/ DJs Tony The Tyger and Richard Whig @ Tower Bar 
• Jerry 'Hotrod' DeMink @ Salvation Stage, House of Blues (FREE)
• Rock of Ages @ Park & Rec
• REO Brothers @ Heritage Event Center, Sycuan Casino
• The Happys!, Doah's Daydream @ Winston's 
• Latino Night with Los Angeles Negros de Chile, Los Arson @ The Park at Viejas Casino 
• Plenum (Joy Division tribute), The Touchies, Super Buffet @ Pour House
• Dig Nitty @ Pour House (5-8pm)  
• Ventralis, Car Radio, Michael Montano @ The Merrow
• Karaoke @ 710 Beach Club
• Pocket Candy @ Riviera
• The Cramp'd, The Humblers, Cut-Rate Druggist @ Til-Two Club
• The New Catillacs @ Tio Leo's
• Liquid Blue @ Humphrey's Backstage Live (8pm)
• Blackout (Scorpions), Chosen Arrow @ Navajo Live 
• A Tribute to The Music of Djavan @ The Jazz Lounge
• Spin Nightclub: Unicorn Takeover @ SPIN
• The Remnants @ Fast Times
• Sake and Karaoke Fridays @ Mikami

Saturday, July 30, 2022:

• Blind Owl Summer Slam feat. Mrs. Henry, The Loons, Barbara Wire, Fresh Veggie Micro Brass, The Fazes in the Razzmatazz Room @ Casbah 
• Banda World - Live Banda X Perreo Party @ The Observatory North Park (18+)
• 2000's Indie Dance Party with Black Crystal Wolf Kids, Geezer @ Soda Bar
• Jerry's Middle Finger - an evening with @ Belly Up  
• Booty Bassment with DJs Dmitri & Rob Moran @ Whistle Stop
• The Farmers @ Navajo Live
• Ashanti @ Electric Ocean Summer Concert Series, Sea World
• The Havnauts, Hutchie (SEA), Matt Caskitt & the Breaks @ Pour House (9pm) 
• The Calvins, Punch Card, Matters Most, Mutates @ Ken Club
• Swingin' With John Saavedra @ Panama 66
• Padres vs. Minnesota Twins @ Petco Park
• Club Sabbat Fetish Night @ SPIN
• Richard Marx @ Agua Caliente
• Chickenbone Slim @ Pour House (5-8pm) 
• Dial M For Murder @ The Old Globe (2pm & 8pm) 
• Something Rotten! @ Moonlight Amphitheatre
• Pretty Woman: The Musical @ Civic Theatre
• Witnesses @ California Center for the Arts, Escondido
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 In Concert @ The Shell
• Here There Are Blueberries @ La Jolla Playhouse (2pm & 8pm)
• Tristan's Birthday Party with Hailey Wild @ Aztec Brewing Company, Vista
• Get On Your Feet! - An 80s Celebration @ Balboa Theatre
• SummerFest: Point Counterpoint @ The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center
• Jenny Scheinman Quintet @ La Jolla Athenaeum
• Rock of Ages @ The Rabbit Hole
• The Flipside Burners @ Grand Ole BBQ & Asado
• Gimme Gimme Disco @ House of Blues
• A Tribute to The Music of Djavan @ The Jazz Lounge
• The Journeymen @ The Holding Company
• Mind Power -DJ OG Mike Giant, Profile, Marasulu @ Tower Bar
• Bywater Skanks @ Seven Grand  
• Rodriguez Jr. Live, Maikm, Chrysocolla @ Quartyard
• Cassie B Project @ Moonshine Beach 
• Steven Cade @ Moonshine Flats 
• EYE, Parasitic Existence, KUSHTAKA @ Til-Two Club
• Konrad Malinowski Quartet @ Riviera 
• 8 East Band @ Mr. Peabody's
• Kottonmouth Kings, Sleeping Faceless, Lil Stone, Freebass Record, Deadly Dispute @ Brick By Brick
• Igor & Red Elvises @ The Merrow
• Milky Wayne presents Mike Holmes, C13, Parker Lewiz, Q. Hype, Mercy Soul, Campthechamp, Mackstar Mitchy, Hosted by Bizzy Balboa, Music by DJ Willi @ Black Cat Bar 
• Holly Hofman @ Plaza Bar, Westgate Hotel 
• Ron Houston & The Berry Pickers @ Salvation Stage, House of Blues (FREE)
• Tribe Divine @ 710 Beach Club
• Zeptune ( A Tribute to Led Zeppelin) @ Winston's (9:30pm)
• Metal Show and food drive @ Winston's (2pm) 
• Love Hate DJ Sets @ Park & Rec
• Groove Mercenaries @ Tio Leo's
• Janice Edwards @ Humphrey's Backstage Live (5pm)
• Wildside @ Humphrey's Backstage Live (8pm)

Sunday, July 31, 2022:

• David Gray @ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, SDSU
• Hotel Mira, The Zolas @ Casbah
• The Jack Moves, Weapons of Mass Creation, Los Shadows @ Soda Bar
• Leon Bridges - The Boundless Tour, Little Dragon @ The Shell
  
• Michael Franti & Spearhead, Tropidelic @ Humphrey's Concerts By The Bay
• Claudia Gomez presents Tap Jam @ Panama 66 (3-5pm)
• Sunday Concert with Bob Plimpton @ Spreckels Pavilion, Balboa Park (Free, 2pm)
• SummerFest: Beyond Bach @ The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center
• Birds Kill Bugs, Machine Politik, Wabash Canons @ Navajo Live 
• Feels & Stucco @ Whistle Stop
• The Hips @ Winston's (4pm)
• Padres vs. Minnesota Twins @ Petco Park
• Karaoke "Jose Sinatra hosts O.B.-o-ke - San Diego's Best Karaoke" @ Winston's (8pm)
• Leonard Bernstein's New York @ New Village Arts
• Dial M For Murder @ The Old Globe (2pm & 7pm) 
• A Midummer Night's Dream @ The Old Globe 
• Something Rotten! @ Moonlight Amphitheatre
• Pretty Woman: The Musical @ Civic Theatre
• Get On Your Feet! - An 80s Celebration @ Balboa Theatre (3pm)
• Salsa and Bachata @ Moonshine Beach 
• Karaoke @ The Merrow
• Jazz Jam @ Aztec Brewing Company, Vista
• Kimmi Bitter, The Hill Family Band @ Sycamore Den (6-8pm)
• Jason Cruz & Howl, QUEL BORDEL, Al Barnes @ The Holding Company (2:30pm)
• Riot Scene presents Takers Leavers (OC), other acts TBA @ Pour House  
• The Ginger Cowgirl/Stacy Antonel @ Grand Ole BBQ & Asado
• Shipwrecks Fest: Sage Armstrong, Ciszak @ Quartyard (4-9pm)
• Anthony Ortega Jazz Quartet @ Mr. Peabody's
• Twerk and Chill DJ Sets @ Park & Rec 
• Robin Henkel @ Salvation Stage, House of Blues (FREE)
• Turnstyled, Junkpiled (songwriters in the Round) @ Til-Two Club
• Salsa Sundays @ Queen Bee's (All Ages)
• Rob Thorsen @ Veranda Bar, Westgate Hotel (11am-1pm)
• Third Project @ Humphrey's Backstage Live (8:30pm)
• DJ West @ 710 Beach Club (3pm)
• Karoake @ 710 Beach Club (7:30pm)
• Trivia @ The Holding Company (7pm)
• OGR (Old Guys Rock) @ Fast Times
• Trivia and Sake Nights @ Mikami
  

Monday, August 1, 2022:

• Nick Dorian, Dry Humor @ Soda Bar
• Lady Dottie & The Diamonds with Rick Lyon @ Tower Bar
• San Diego International Summer Organ Festival: Chelsea Chen @ Spreckels Pavilion, Balboa Park (Free, 7:30pm)
• Electric Waste Band @ Winston's 
• Manzanita Blues Band @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Bark at the Park @ Petco Park
• Blue Monday with DJ Camilla Robina, DJ Heather Hardcore @ The Merrow
• Trivia Night w/Kyle @ Pour House 
• Padres vs. Colorado Rockies @ Petco Park
• SummerFest: Encounter: Under The Influence(r) @ The JAI, The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center
• Monday Blues Jam @ Aztec Brewery, Vista
• Open Mic with Jay Cain @ Mr. Peabody's
• Karaoke @ The Holding Company
• Caliente Mondays Salsa y Bachata @ Tio Leo's
• Karaoke @ The Holding Company
• Jaws the band @ Navajo Live 
• Line Dancing Lessons @ Moonshine Beach 
• Mic'd Up at Moonshine  @ Moonshine Flats 

Tuesday, August 2, 2022:

• The Beths, Rosie Tucker @ Belly Up
• Jupiter Flight, Velzy, Michael Montano @ Casbah
• Helena Holleran, Sahara Grim, Crystal Rose @ Soda Bar
• Sheryl Crow, Keb' Mo' @ The Shell
• New Found Glory - 20 Years of Sticks and Stones, Four Year Strong, Be Well @ The Observatory
• The Tourmaliners, Surfer Joe (Tiki Oasis Pre-Party) @ Tio Leo's
• Twilight in the Park: Summer Winds @ Spreckels Pavilion, Balboa Park (Free,6:30-7:30pm)
• Sketch Party -Drink & Draw @ Whistle Stop
• Reggae Tuesdaze Presents Psydecar (Tim's BDAY Party), DJ Brizion @ The Holding Company
• Songbirds of Shelter Island @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Matt Hall's Jazz & Cocktail Party @ Seven Grand  
• Dial M For Murder @ The Old Globe (7pm) 
• Here There Are Blueberries @ La Jolla Playhouse
• A Midummer Night's Dream @ The Old Globe (8pm)
• Vicki and Carl Zeiger Insights Seminars: A Midsummer Night's Dream @ The Old Globe (7pm)
• Padres vs. Colorado Rockies @ Petco Park (Day Game & Night Game)
• SummerFest Artist Lounge: Joyce Yang @ The Atkinson Room, The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center (SOLD OUT)
• SummerFest: Open Rehearsal II @ The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center (2:30pm)
• Open Mic Comedy Night @ The Rabbit Hole 
• Blues Berry Jam @ Queen Bee's
• Trivia Night @ 710 Beach Club
• Karaoke @ The Merrow
• Karaoke @ Aztec Brewing Company, Vista
• Tuesday Jazz Jam @ The Jazz Lounge
• RIXE (France), Castillo, Self Sabotage, DJ JoeKim77 @ Tower Bar
• Bluesday Tuesday - Open Blues Jam @ Winston's
• Karaoke @ Bancroft Bar
• Terrible Tuesday All Vinyl DJ Night wtih DJ Lexicon Devil @ Pour House 
• Karaoke @ Peabody's
• Trivia Night @ Park & Rec
• Karaoke with Christine @ Navajo Live 

COVID-19: Biden Has COVID-19 | Missing Comic-Con | Baby Orangutan Kaja |

36 year old Indah (b. 6.23.86) with baby Kaja (b. 1.4.22)
You can see the two in their public orangutan habitat at the San Diego Zoo from opening until around 10:30am each day.  (Photo taken 7.24.22)

My preview day of Comic-Con didn't happen. I had worked all night to get my listings up for the week and updating my Comic-Con page, that by the time I was done, I didn't want to steal the final hour of Darren's sleep before his long day of 100 degree temps at San Diego Zoo Safari Park, so I continued working while watching old seasons of Bergen on Netflix, which a friend recommended while I was sick with COVID-19. 

I was feeling a little funny all week. I know I tested negative and life is back to normal, but that means allergies, misery when it's hot, being tired after working late nights, still having to help move my dad to his medical bed several nights a week, wh8ich means long late night drives to Chula Vista and back. Every day I psyched myself up, then made excuses to myself for not going to Comic-Con when if I had just been honest with myself-- after having COVID I don't want it again, I don't feel comfortable in massive gatherings, I don't want to be indoors with others-- I could've just enjoyed the weekend a little more fully and without guilt. It proved true after Darren and I attempted to go the Observatory on Thursday night for Purity Ring, but left after I was done shooting. If we couldn't handle a 1,000 person venue at a not even sold out show, how was I supposed to tolerate the Convention Center? Or even navigating the crowded streets outside? I don't imagine my life will always be this way, but for now, this is where I am and I just need to be honest about that and to be okay with that. It doesn't mean I'm not sad for missing it. It doesn't mean I didn't enjoy all the pictures and posts on social media. I just couldn't pull it off myself. 

Besides Purity Ring, I did (of course) go to the zoo more than a few times, even going in the morning then going back in the evening on the same day, attempted to drive downtown for Comic-Con but got cold feet and ended up only shopping at the Grocery Outlet down there, helped my dad a few nights, drove around with Nova and Darren through downtown just to see the Comic-Con action on Saturday night, and went to the Safari Park. It was a full weekend, not the least of which because for the first time ever in all my years of having a zoo pass, I woke up early enough for the early hour open to members only. That was a whole thing, but maybe I'll talk about it another time. For now, last week's updates to explain why everyone you know is sick. 

Stay safe out there. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Wednesday, July 20-Tuesday, July 26, 2022: COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL | Purity Ring | S. Carey | Brian Posehn | The Shins | The Chicks & Jenny Lewis | Tig Notaro | State To State |

Brian Posehn Performed At The Casbah For Comic-Con 2018 (Taken 7.19.2018)

It's funny to look back through Comic-Con photos from years past: some years I just took pictures of parties, mostly me and Tim Pyles drinking at various themed events and trying to get all the free swag we could get. Other times, I took a lot of street views from the Omni Rooftop, where we'd spend a lot of time at the Wired parties, waiting to bump into celebs, and other years I just took pictures of stuff - merch and collectibles and building wraps and activations, often of things that were a blip in pop-culture. Then in 2018 and 2019, I ended up working at a few shows slinging merch, so I didn't really experience the full party action as in years past. 

I didn't really even know that I was still eligible for a pass until a couple weeks ago, so I didn't get the usual flood of emails that would normally come, and then I got COVID-19 and to be honest, I don't know how much I'll use my pass -- I definitely have some post-COVID PTSD and do not want to put myself in a situation to contract it again. It was always a joke to talk about the hygiene of the crowd - loaded up with costumes and merch and backpacks and sleeping overnight in panel lines and the like, but I'll spare that and just say I hope everyone has an amazing time, that everyone gets proper rest, and that everyone takes the COVID protocols seriously. Yes, we have vaccines, but our case rate is just as high as when the whole thing was canceled last year, and that's only officially reported cases. With home tests, that number is estimated by some to be only 10% of actual cases. (For example, July 24th, 2021, the County had 1264 new cases. On Monday, the County reported 1,188 official cases, with most home tests unreported).

I've modified and edited my past COMIC-CON page tab because it still has some useful links and information, but for the most part, things feel a bit subdued. And that's okay. There is no shortage of events and activations and things to do and explore whether you're a local, a COMIC-CON attendee from elsewhere, or you just happen to be in San Diego and want to experience the non-CON things in the City. Check this post as I'll update throughout the weekend if I get a line on any cool shit I missed. 

Most of all, be safe out there. 

Rosey's COVID-19 Diary: Getting Through The Big Sick

 

FlowFlex Test on July 15, 2022

I'm hoping I'm at the end of my COVID-19 experience. I believe that I was exposed on July 2nd. That day I sat in an AT&T store with Nova until I got fed up with the poor customer service and drove to another, where getting a new phone set up took a little over an hour inside, we were the only ones wearing masks. That day we also went to Costco...I went in the store while Nova waited in the food court. That night I worked at the 411 show at the Casbah and as I've said, I was mostly masked but definitely had some unmasked conversations with a few friends on the patio. Any of these places could've been my exposure. 

However, it is also possible my exposure was at the San Diego Zoo. It's the only place I go with regularity, I had gone on July 3rd and July 4th. I had gone nearly every day before July 2nd, except for July 1, when I went to the Safari Park with Darren. I could've been exposed there, but I doubt that. I was almost never near other people and wear a mask whenever people are close, and sometimes even when they're not.

Whatever the case may be, I got COVID-19. All my experiences and how I'm getting through it, after the jump.