Things To Do: Jueves, 30 de Noviembre

I'm reposting this more for my own benefit. I have no idea what I'm doing tonight. I was gonna do the Sister Hazel show (love my KPRI)and stick around for the Dynamite Walls Show, but it'll be a time permitting kinda thing. I very well could just stick in Kensington tonight. I have no idea at the moment. Gram Rabbit is worth checking out, too. They had a really fun show earlier this year at the Casbah. So um, yeah...it's another night of indecision.

Thursday, November 30:

KPRI Private Listener Concert: Sister Hazel @ BUT

Roma 79, Hialeah, & Fkenal @ The Ken Club

Fascination & Alta Voz @ Scolari's

Maystar & Antiquark @ San Diego Sports Club

Dynamite Walls, This Holiday Life, & The Drowning Men @ Belly Up (Delta Spirit is NOT playing this show as I previously posted. They are at Chain Reaction in Anaheim with The Coulour.)

Temperature Delete, The Paper Dolls, & Overcast @ Brick By Brick

Gram Rabbit, The Lovemakers, The Glossines @ Casbah

Get Back Loretta, Dirty Sweet & The Shys @ Soma

"Emergenza" Battle of the Bands @ Dreamstreet

"Powder Room" @ Beauty Bar feat. djs Rotny & Waly Mayhem of Buddy Akai

Tom Waits

Stereogum has some Tom Waits stuff up in this posting. Relevance to this site: supposedly Tom Waits graduated from my high school in Chula Vista. Go Lancers!

And you will know us brothers and sisters by celebration blood

Sometimes the stars align and you have that splendid evening. Such was the case last night.

At 5 a friend of mine posted a myspace bulletin that he had a pair of tickets to the HoB show, I responded first and scored the pair. I flew outta work, went home, let my dog out and she did her doggy thing right away unlike her usual lag, changed outta my work clothes and was back out the door, made a quick stop at the ATM and picked up the tickets from Kevin. (Thanks, Kevin!)

I made it from Uni Heights to Downtown in about 5 minutes and scored princess parking just a crosswalk away from HoB. There was a line for the show, but I passed it and went into the bar. I had 15 minutes of happy hour left. I don't really "know" the bar staff there, but we're familiar, stemming back to my birthday of HoB binge drinking, so they see me and know my drink off the bat. I quickly sucked down 2 double vodka tonics and was going to go into the venue when the barback brought out this thingamajig. It's basically a snowglobe with a tee in it and a golf ball rolling around in the water. The object is to get the ball on the tee. Companies give them out as corporate gifts, and I happen to have one on my desk, so I consider myself a bit of a master. They offered a free drink if anyone could do it. I let on like I would "try" it, and in a couple minutes the ball was on the tee and I was drinking my third drink.

I left Andrea's ticket at will call just as a new window opened and didn't have to wait in line. Brothers and Sisters were only a song or two into their set. I had seen them play at San Diego Sports Club back in August and liked them enough to buy their CD, and seeing them made me remember why. They had such a full sound, having added an additional female backup vocalist and I was happy to have seen them again.

I went up to the street level and met some 18 year old boys who were out of control excited to be at the show (and made me feel REALLY old). I was curious about their experience at the HoB and they were super chatty. They said they mostly go to Soma but they like the House of Blues and hadn't noticed any noise issues (like I always complain about) but they've seen bands who ended up really sucking and some that were really amazing. Then they were like "Have you ever heard of...? " and went to list of about 10 bands that I'd never heard of and they assured me I should check them all out, but I can't even tell you one name.

Around that time, Andrea came in and we met downstairs in the venue. Celebration was playing but I wasn't much into them. I've said before that I have a hard time with chick vocalists and this was no exception. I felt like they were New Collapse-lite. We went upstairs and talked to Will from Brothers and Sisters. He explained that they were asked on the tour by Trail of Dead and Celebration was asked by Blood Brothers. He said they're enjoying the tour, but they're finding that a lot of people aren't showing up for their set at the all ages shows. Like I said yesterday, they started at 7. He said they played at 5:45 in Vegas. lame. Anyway, after they finish up this tour they're hoping to tour again on their own. They have a booking agent and I suspect they'll be calling Tim Mays soon (who, by the way, was at the show for the opening bands).

We watched Blood Brothers from back by the bar area with Lyn as we sipped our smuggled hooch. For a real revue, check Chickrawker Lyn's site. I was pretty much unfamiliar with the band. I've listened to their latest disc a few times through but we all know I'm an easy listening kinda girl and Andrea was sure I would hate them. Not so. I liked their energy and the double screaming was cool. Plus, you know a band has cred if the lead vocalist is in a red and white horizontal striped shirt...the indie punk staple. Just kidding. But I did like them, and Rocky Votolato's brother plays guitar, so how could I not like them at least a smidge?

We wandered around during the break and bumped into Mitch Wilson (formerly of No Knife and now in The Focus Group), Tim Pyles and Owen from 94/9, and a few other randoms. We met up with Andrew and Dusty and watched Trail of Dead.

I loved them and regret missing their last couple Casbah shows once I saw how good they are live. We were pretty close to the front for the duration of their set. I tried to pull a Lyn and score a set list, but there were none to speak of. I heard people saying this show wasn't that good for Trail of Dead but I have no comparison to go by, but if that's true, I'll stick to blaming the venue.

Somehow Dustin had a backstage pass, so after the set he slapped it on me and told me ,"Go get an interview!" I am not that cool. I followed some dude backstage and ended up in some hallway with Brothers and Sisters and they said how the venue sucks and they have too many rules and how they weren't treated very well. They asked me about the after parties and if The Whistle Stop and Beauty Bar were any good and if they were nearby. Then Courtney (the new background singer), swigging on a bottle of wine, decided finding late night food and crashing at a hotel was a better option since they planned on staying in Oceanside. So we all left the backstage area and went our separate ways.

As the venue cleared out, Dusty, Andrew, Andrea and I went back up to the main HoB bar to decide what to do next. Somehow the time flew by and by the time we said goodbye, I'd dropped off Andrea, stopped for gas and cigs, it was approaching 1. I decided to check out the Beauty Bar since it's near my house, but I walked in and walked back out. (You can read CatDirt's review of the whole night here.) I already don't think any dj set merits a cover charge (sorry, but it's just my opinion), and the bands were long done, but especially when it's already 1 and the bar is gonna call last call in a half hour. So I kept my $5 and called it a night.

It's a good thing I did, too, because I realized if I'm going to the KPRI show tonight, I'm gonna have to go straight to the BUT from work so I had to get some QT in with my dog.

A splendid evening, indeed. And I just got news that I'm going to be an aunt in about 8 months, so I gotta call it a good week all around.

Blood Bros./Trail of Dead

Keep in mind tonight's House of Blues show is all ages. The first band will be on promptly at 7 pm and should not be missed. All ages shows at the House of Blues generally end by 11 so you can just make the show your first stop of the night. (Like it looks like I'm gonna...)

Repost with Updates! Things To Do This Week:

An update of the weeks events, including hoiday stuff and FREE shit as requested by my dear friend Jen. If I missed listings, please feel free to e-mail your event.

Wednesday, Nov 29:

6:30 PM: Community meeting with Councilmember Toni Atkins to address recent crime in North Park and surrounding areas. This meeting is at North Park Rec Center at 4044 Idaho.

Poetry & Arts Presents: Edwin Decker (of CityBeat), Pruitt Igoe withTed Washington (from the Casbah and Winston's) and Blackbirdz Spoken Word. This is the release of Barzilla, Decker's new book. 6:30 pm @ Museum of the Living Artist in Balboa Park (1439 El Prado)

Adult Spelling Bee @ Borders Mission Valley. Register @ 7, Contest @ 8.

And you will know us by the Trail of the Dead, Blood Brothers, Brothers and Sisters, Celebration @ House Of Blues. (all the cool kids are going)

Official Blood Brothers after party @ The Whistle Stop

Norfolk & Western, Corinna Repp, and Old Man Hands @ The Casbah (Bargain at only $7!! that's where I'll be...)

The Spazmatics @ 4th and B

The Sess & The Atoms @ Beauty Bar (solid!)

Grand Ole Party, The Elected, & Whispertown2000 @ Porter's Pub (UCSD) (early- 7pm)

Thursday, November 30:

KPRI Private Listener Concert: Sister Hazel @ BUT

Roma 79, Hialeah, & Fkenal @ The Ken Club

Fascination & Alta Voz @ Scolari's

Maystar & Antiquark @ San Diego Sports Club

Dynamite Walls, This Holiday Life, & Delta Spirit @ Belly Up

Temperature Delete, The Paper Dolls, & Overcast @ Brick By Brick

Gram Rabbit, The Lovemakers, The Glossines @ Casbah

Get Back Loretta, Dirty Sweet & The Shys @ Soma

"Emergenza" Battle of the Bands @ Dreamstreet

"Powder Room" @ Beauty Bar feat. djs Rotny & Waly Mayhem of Buddy Akai

Friday, December 1:

December Nights or "the weekend formerly known as Christmas on the Prado" is back...Balboa park, 5-10pm.

South Park Winter Walkabout, 6-10p: Stroll, shop, eat, drink, chat, enjoy.

Free Shit: Mueller College of Holistic Studies open house 6:30-8:30. Pretend you want a career in massage therapy and score free refreshments and chair massages! (Park Blvd & Monroe)

The Melvins, Big Business & Pleaseeasaur @ The Casbah

Alta Voz, Kings Only & Moxie @ The Ken Club

The Sounds, Shiny Toy Guns, Tommie Sunshine, Get Back Loretta @ Epicentre

The Sounds, et al Official After Party @ Beauty Bar w/Division Day & Peter Walker

Mr Lif & The Coup @ House of Blues Sidestage

The Plot to Blow Up the Eiffel Tower (last show) & Kill Me Tomorrow @ Ché Café (sorry I originally had this listed on Saturday)

Mario Escovedo (of the Dragons) & Friends @ The Whistle Stop

Thieves & Liars, Darkhorse, The Burning of Rome @ Mira Costa College (8p $5...don't even think about drinking - scroll to "Zero Tolerance" on the link) Update: This show is now FREE! North County bums better represent!

All American Rejects, Motion City Soundtrack, The Format @ Soma (moved from iPayOne center)

if you stay home, don't miss Silversun Pickups on The Late Show with David Letterman

Saturday, December 2:

December Nights at the Prado, day two, Noon to 10pm.

North Park Toyland Parade, 11 am, starts at University & 29th.

OB Christmas Parade @ 5:05 pm

Transfer, The Jade Shader, Japanese Sunday & Lhabia @ The Casbah

The HiLites, The Fabulous Rudies, The Roundabouts @ The Ken Club

Gregory Page & Carlos Olmeda @ Hot Monkey Love Cafe

The Prayers & Silverbird @ Beauty Bar

Fashion Whore @ San Diego Sports Club

Me My Brother and a Guy Named Ray, The Archons, The Dirty Legs @ The Alibi

Down With Leo & Lands on Fire @ San Diego Sports Club

Sunday, December 3:

What Made Milwaukee Famous- M Theory Instore, 3pm

Thread Fashion Trunk Show @ San Diego Cruise Ship Terminal 11a-6p

Comedy Central's Last Laugh- if you wanna drive to LA, get in touch with me on how to get tickets.

Barenaked Ladies & Mike Doughty's Band @ RIMAC. I'm not a BNL fan, but an old friend of mine is the drummer for Mike Doughty, so I thought it merited recognition.

Monday, December 4:

Free Shit Posting: Art Opening @ Twiggs (Park Blvd) Art by Veronica Gonzalez (comp wine and cheese) Performance by Aryn Grusin. 7-10pm

Amos Lee & Mindy Smith @ Belly Up

Tralala & Lord Henry @ Beauty Bar ($5)

Random Notes.

I promise I am not quitting on going out but had to do a family dinner last night...and we all know how exhausting those can be. I just reposted the week so skip to that.

Don't forget tonight- 6:30 PM: Community meeting with Councilmember Toni Atkins to address recent crime in North Park and surrounding areas. This meeting is at North Park Rec Center at 4044 Idaho. Andrea commented about the general points of Monday's meeting.

Since I highlighted some San Diego bands touring earlier, I'll mention that Daredevil Jane just added a tour. The North Atlantic have been touring extensively and are headed for New York...way to represent.

Also, Music For Animals, a band out of SF that recently played the Ken Club, was just signed to Three Ring Records and will have a full length release in '07. They are good friends with Dave of Vitro so hopefully they'll make their way here again soon.

A little bird told me there might be some line-up changes for an oft posted about band on this site. I'll let you know as soon as I have permission to spill it...

Cape May stuff

When my whole post deleted the other day, I think I lost all the links, but you can read the band's update here.

Baby Steps

Yes, baby steps with this site. There's plenty of finessing I would like to do with this lame template, but for now at least I've learned how to post when I can't post from home! Via E-mail. Suh-weet.

¿Te Gusta Rock en Español?

Maná is coming to iPayOne Center on February 10. Tickets go on sale with Ticketmaster this Friday, ranging from $32.50 to $84.00. Expensive: Yes. Crappy iPayOne soundsyestem: Yes. Amazing band live that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime: Definitely.

Trail of Dead

If you plan on going to the Trail of Dead show, you might wanna read here and here first. Lots of fighting going on within the band, apparently. Or maybe that makes you wanna go to the show even more just to see what happens...

Holiday/Chrismahannukwanzikuh Concert Comparison!

I was going to comment on these, but really, don't they speak for themselves? If I missed any, please let me know.

z90 Jingle Jam, December 2, $48, iPayOne
Acts scheduled to appear (subject to change):
Ludacris
Lil Jon
Danity Kane
Rihanna
Natalie
Lil Al
Brown Boy
Mr. Capone E.
Lil Uno

Channel 933 Your Holiday Show, December 4, $30-$75, iPayOne
Nick Lachey
JoJo
Nelly Furtado
Timbaland
The Gym Class Heroes
Ne-yo
Frankie J
The Pussycat Dolls

Star 94.1 Jingle Ball, December 8, $45-$250, iPayOne
Ace Young (American Idol)
Smash Mouth
Chris Doughtry (American Idol)
Five For Fighting
3 Doors Down
Jewel

FM 94/9 Holiday Hootenanny, December 9, $32.50, Rimac
Modest Mouse
The Shins
Pete Yorn
Silversun Pickups

91x The Nightmare Before Xmas, December 10, $34, iPayOne
AFI
My Chemical Romance
Taking Back Sunday
Unwritten Law
The Living End

Rock 105 Rock Before Christmas, December 10, $31, 4th and B
Papa Roach
Shinedown
Saliva
Eighteen
Visions
hed pe

Things to Do: Tonight and This Week

No review today unless you really want a rundown on how god-awful Monday television is. Yes, I watched the Bachelor finale. It was the first time I've seen any episode this season and I think I kinda vomited in my own mouth. That shit was terrible, I should've gone to the Beauty Bar.

Anyway, this is how this week is shaping up:

Tonight, Tuesday Nov 28: Unless you're going to Scolari's tonight for The Black, Bartenders Bible, Vision of A Dying World and True Crime Authors, it might just be a good night to stay home. Maybe I'll buy my Christmas tree and listen to Il Divo. Too bad I haven't gotten my hands on the Sufjan Christmas box set yet...

Wednesday, Nov 28:

6:30 PM! Community meeting with Councilmember Toni Atkins to address recent crime in North Park and surrounding areas. This meeting is at North Park Rec Center at 4044 Idaho.

Poetry & Arts Presents: Edwin Decker (of CityBeat), Pruitt Igoe withTed Washington (from the Casbah and Winston's) and Blackbirdz Spoken Word. This is the release of Barzilla, Decker's new book. 6:30 pm @ Museum of the Living Artist in Balboa Park (1439 El Prado)

Adult Spelling Bee @ Borders Mission Valley. Register @ 7, Contest @ 8.

And you will know us by the Trail of the Dead, Blood Brothers, Brothers and Sisters, Celebration @ House Of Blues. (all the cool kids are going)

Official Blood Brothers after party @ The Whistle Stop

Norfolk & Western, Corinna Repp, and Old Man Hands @ The Casbah (Bargain at only $7!! that's where I'll be...)

The Spazmatics @ 4th and B

The Sess & The Atoms @ Beauty Bar (solid!)

Grand Ole Party, The Elected, & Whispertown2000 @ Porter's Pub (UCSD) (early- 7pm)

(why some of these couldn't be tonight, I do not know)

Thursday, November 30:

KPRI Private Listener Concert: Sister Hazel @ BUT

Roma 79, Hialeah, & Fkenal @ The Ken Club

Fascination & Alta Voz @ Scolari's

Maystar & Antiquark @ San Diego Sports Club

Dynamite Walls, This Holiday Life, & Delta Spirit @ Belly Up

Temperature Delete, The Paper Dolls, & Overcast @ Brick By Brick

Gram Rabbit, The Lovemakers, The Glossines @ Casbah

Get Back Loretta, Dirty Sweet & The Shys @ Soma

"Emergenza" Battle of the Bands @ Dreamstreet

"Powder Room" @ Beauty Bar feat. djs Rotny & Waly Mayhem of Buddy Akai

Friday, December 1:

December Nights or "the weekend formerly known as Christmas on the Prado) is back...Balboa park, 5-10pm.

South Park Winter Walkabout, 6-10p: Stroll, shop, eat, drink, chat, enjoy.

Free Shit: Mueller College of Holistic Studies open house 6:30-8:30. Pretend you want a career in massage therapy and score free refreshments and chair massages! (Park Blvd & Monroe)

The Melvins, Big Business & Pleaseeasaur @ The Casbah

Alta Voz, Kings Only & Moxie @ The Ken Club

The Sounds, Shiny Toy Guns, Tommie Sunshine, Get Back Loretta @ Epicentre

The Sounds, et al Official After Party @ Beauty Bar w/Division Day & Peter Walker

Mr Lif & The Coup @ House of Blues Sidestage

Mario Escovedo (of the Dragons) & Friends @ The Whistle Stop

Thieves & Liars, Darkhorse, The Burning of Rome @ Mira Costa College (8p $5...don't even think about drinking - scroll to "Zero Tolerance" on the link)

All American Rejects, Motion City Soundtrack, The Format @ Soma (moved from iPayOne center)

if you stay home, don't miss Silversun Pickups on The Late Show with David Letterman

Saturday, December 2:

December Nights at the Prado, day two, Noon to 10pm.

North Park Toyland Parade, 11 am, starts at University & 29th.

OB Christmas Parade @ 5:05 pm

Transfer, The Jade Shader, Japanese Sunday & Lhabia @ The Casbah

The HiLites, The Fabulous Rudies, The Roundabouts @ The Ken Club

Gregory Page & Carlos Olmeda @ Hot Monkey Love Cafe

The Prayers & Silverbird @ Beauty Bar

Fashion Whore @ San Diego Sports Club

The Plot to Blow Up the Eiffel Tower (last show) & Kill Me Tomorrow @ Ché Café

Me My Brother and a Guy Named Ray, The Archons, The Dirty Legs @ The Alibi

Down With Leo & Lands on Fire @ San Diego Sports Club

Sunday, December 3:

What Made Milwaukee Famous- M Theory Instore, 3pm

Thread Fashion Trunk Show @ San Diego Cruise Ship Terminal 11a-6p

Comedy Central's Last Laugh- if you wanna drive to LA, get in touch with me on how to get tickets.

Barenaked Ladies & Mike Doughty's Band @ RIMAC. I'm not a BNL fan, but an old friend of mine is the drummer for Mike Doughty, so I thought it merited recognition.

Monday, December 4:

Free Shit Posting: Art Opening @ Twiggs (Park Blvd) Art by Veronica Gonzalez (comp wine and cheese) Performance by Aryn Grusin. 7-10pm

Amos Lee & Mindy Smith @ Belly Up

Tralala & Lord Henry @ Beauty Bar ($5)

Next post: A Holiday Concert Comparison!

Guest Blog: Dustin of Cape May

Dustin has sent me his recount of Saturday night since I couldn't bring myself to leave the warmth of my down comforter. Note to self: all the good stuff happens when you decide to stay home. I have edited nothing except the spelling of my name. Enjoy!

Hi Rosey, I meant to send you this e-mail
yesterday, but I was too lazy playing poker on the world-wide-web and watching
12 hours of the Back to the Future* trilogy (commercials included). Before that
I’ve been in a two week codine daze trying to configure Protools to stream porn
during playback.

The official word on Cape May is pending a
callback from Family Feud. We are taking December to explore other creative
outlets: table tennis, gypsy catching, sparking microwaves through compact
diskettes. Who knows what New Years resolutions are yet to come? We may have to
explore the avenue of avant-garde jazz, nu-metal fusion to stay current with pop
culture music tastes.

On Saturday, I went with Andrew and Andrea to
Mates of States at Epicentre Teen Center. It was 9:30 and we were drinking Early
Times Whiskey outside in the truck and I heard female vocals protruding from the
club. The show was 15 bucks and my mom only gave me $10 for the show, so we
explored the schematics of the structure and found a port hole into the action
from outside. Some dream of a lovely brat broke the glass on the windows right
behind the stage, so we leaned a metal object against the wall and enjoyed the
show for free.

photos by Andrea Z.

Even though I had to strain my neck to avoid looking
deep into the eyes of scandalizing 15 year old honeys and the arse of the
drummist, the cost savings and stage mix made the show worthwhile. We chatted among Adam Rookie and Kite Flying Kelly and
played a little Foosball before hitting The Casbah for the new UV lineup.

While we were drinking more Early Times outside
of The Casbah, I spilt 12-13 ounces of booze upon Andrea, just in time for her
birthday…what a jerk. Apparently she had another drink upon her by the nights
end. We quietly ran into Campaign for King’s Only Nate and gave him a ride home,
on our way home we saw a man walking with nothing but a fur coat and off-white
bvd’s…sounds like a late-night Hillcrest booty call gone awry.

*Back to the Future 2 doesn’t make sense. When
the futuristic Biff (who steals the almanac) goes to the past to deliver the
booklet to young 1955 Biff, he would have changed the future and returned to an
era where he was rich and powerful and Marty and Doc would cease to exist. But
instead he gives the almanac to Biff and returns to the same future he left
before leaving in the time machine.

Random Information

Since I mentioned other local touring bands, I should add that Buddy Akai is playing in Guadalajara this weekend, Modern Rifles are at the Prospector in Long Beach, and Daredevil Jane are playing the Roxy on Saturday. Augustana has just announced a national headlining tour, but as of yet no San Diego dates are planned.

As a public service, I thought I would let you know that Cold War Kids are doing a couple small LA shows, you can buy tickets here. Will we see them in a small venue in San Diego again or is it big time for them?

I also thought this was kinda cool...Insound is having a sale on the top 100 of 2006.

Pick any 10 (or more!) of Insound's Top
100 sellers of 2006, and you'll get 25% off, FREE shipping, AND we'll wrap
them up for you in the fancy Indie-Rock-In-A-Box.

So whether you've been
putting off updating your record collection or want to give your latest
favorites as a holiday gift, you'll be scoring a lot of great music for
cheap!!

That is all for now.

i hate blogger. Things to Do: Nov 27, 2006

another post just vanished. whatever.

i'll get to it all later, but in the meantime, here's tonight's goings on:

The Hidden Cameras & Born Ruffians @ The Casbah

Ari Shine & Waxy @ The Beauty Bar for Poprocks with Pyles

Most important: There has been a jump in crime in Hillcrest, North Park and surrounding areas. Councilwoman Toni Atkins will have a series of community meetings to discuss the issues. WE are the ones who walk down these streets at night, bar to bar, bar to car, what have you...WE are the most vulnerable and WE have the right to demand protection in these areas. Please try to make one of the meetings. There is one today at the LGBT Community Center at 5 pm. (There is another one at the North Park Rec Center on Wednesday at 6:30 if you're like me and don't get out of work early enough for today's meeting.)

BTW- Tonight's meeting is at the LGBT Community Center at 3909 Centre Street.

Casbah, November 26, 2006

Last night was another good night of (free) local music at the Casbah. The free food from La Fogata hit the spot after an afternoon of beers and Chargers at Triple Crown followed by pre-Casbah cocktails at The Whistle Stop. We got there early enough to eat plenty of food so as not to leave much for you poor saps who got there too late. Sorry suckas.

I really would like to review the show but it wouldn't be fair, since I spent most of the night in the patio. I did watch Irwin's Conspiracy for most of his set. I'm not savvy enough to know what exactly he was playing, but there were some electronic drum pads, drum pedals that were connected to his iBook? to the drum pads? Regardless, I really liked what he had going. There was a huge white sheet behind him and some random light display and as he played and his feet continually worked both pedals, it gave the illusion of perpetual motion. I generally prefer my music to come with lyrics, but that is a pretty narrow view so I watched the whole set and I was impressed. Plus, he's opened for RJD2 so you know he's gotta be good.

Manuok and >Via Satellite were next in the line up, but to be honest, I wasn't paying much attention to the music at that point, so I don't know which was which since Scott Mercado was onstage for both and I only glanced over on my way back for refills from the bar. Nothing against the music, I own a Manuok CD, in fact, but there was talking and drinking and birthday well-wishin to be done. The same is true for Ilya...I love the sound and Blanca has a beautiful voice. You should definitely check them out when they play TNT next Thursday.

Here's some random tidbits of what I was told or eavesdropped my way into hearing:

• If you love Swim Party, you've noticed they haven't played in some time. They are writing and recording new material and will be playing on Jan 6 at the Casbah with Transfer. Do not miss this show.
• Several local bands are playing out of town these days. Kite Flying Society have a show in LA on December 4th at the Knitting Factory, and are also doing some KCRW event/on air something rather? Kelly, straighten me out on that one. Fifty on their Heels are playing with Ratatat in Vegas on Dec 9 at Art Bar. Blasphemous Guitars is playing in LA Dec 2 at the Echo and at 80's Club London on Dec 3. And P.S. If you had a Depeche Mode cover/mash-up band, what would you call it?? Best answer gets a Snickers.
• I heard that Blanca, the vox of Ilya, is 7 months pregnant. I pretty much saw her face for about 10 seconds, so I didn't see her belly, but if it's true, I imagine there will be a bit of a hiatus after December- all the more reason to make it to TNT next week.
• Details for the Hootenanny- doors open at 5:30, first band starts at 6:30. The was important for me to know because I absolutely can't make my company Christmas party if I go to this show. They'll be so bored without me.
• Oh, Kelly Duley told me to tell everyone that this Wednesday at Border's in Mission Valley, there will be an adult spelling bee. Registration is at 7, the bee starts at 8- winner scores a $75 giftcard. All you geeks and former spelling bee champs need to come out. I myself was a two time elementary school champ. Geek cred!
• Last but not least, can I just get preachy and tell you all to keep an eye out for your friends? At Triple Crown yesterday, we witnessed a girl who was extremely intoxicated, fell out of her chair and was laughed at by her friends, and later she peed in the patio and all over her pants. We should know our own limits, but even more, we need to take some responsibility for our friends. Keep lookin out is all I'm saying.

Today is Andrea's Birthday

Come and wish her well tonight at the FREE show at the Casbah. I believe doors are at 7.

[$FREE] 94.9 FM, Big Sonic Chill, Tim Pyles, and La Fogasa present: Irwin's Conspiracy, Via Satellite, Ilya, Manuok, Shea Stratton and visuals by Miguex: at The Casbah in San Diego

Don't miss it. And buy that girl a drink! (beam on the rocks with a splash of cola)

Thangsgiving Recap

Ok, so I pooped out this weekend and only went to half the shows I intended to, but such is life when family is in town and my nap schedule is thrown off. (I know, I sound like a toddler, but I count on my naps.)

Wednesday night was spent drinking at Sara's with my cousin until they both threw on their pajamas and I walked to the Ken Club. I only caught Deadbolt, "the scariest band in the world." I've seen Deadbolt a million times over the years and their surf rock brand of punk is consistent and still draws a large crowd show after show. They always manage to pull off their look with lighting and the ever famous ray-ban sunglasses worn by all members on stage. Anders, who taught me tennis when I was a tween rocks the stage and I still get the little flutter of a crush we all had on him when he was behind the tennis basket teaching us forehands, backhands and approach shots. If you've never seen Deadbolt then it's hard to claim you're into local music but it's never too late and you'll see them around town every 6 months or so, usually with the Creepy Creeps and Sin Sin 77. (are ss77 still around??)

Friday was the Firethorn, I Like Girls and Infants show, though I'm sorry I missed Firethorn. I realized as I Like Girls went into "this new song we wrote" and they played "Where is my mind?" that I've seen them before and their Pixies cover is actually really good. They don't take themselves too serious on stage which makes them a fun band to watch and I imagine even more fun in a slightly more crowded room. They would probably be really fun to watch at a house party with the Sess or Powerchords because even though the music is different, they are having fun and should have a couple red solo cups being tossed around the room while they play.

The Infants are a very consistent band and I've seen them several times because I am friends with Ricky and Rene, the brothers that make up two thirds of the band. They play originals as well as on occasion throwing in a Beatles cover (Helter Skelter) or some Stones. As I previously mentioned, I was allowed behind the soundboard for the last few songs and since I know the songs enough, I knew when to alter the guitar feed into the monitor. Yay, Rosey! Actually it made me realize how important it can be for a sound person to know the music that they're mixing but I will never claim mad skills in that department.

Saturday night I didn't go out at all because I was wiped from all the family stuff of the weekend, but we did make our way in the afternoon to the Ken Cinema for "Shut Up and Sing", the documentary about the Dixie Chicks. Seeing the Dixie Chicks from the night of their show in England when Natalie said "I'd just like to say that I'm ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas" to the last 3 years in their career was really fascinating to watch. They edited the timeline well to show how what was happening to them syncs up with what was happening politically and makes them look extremely prescient when you consider the death trap that Iraq has become to both our soldiers and the citizens of Iraq. Not to spoil the movie, but there's a scene where Natalie is watching the news and Bush is blabbering and she goes "what a dumbfuck" then looks straight into the camera and says, "You're a dumbfuck". I'm not usually a fan of clapping in a theater but this was hard to resist. The film shows some concert footage, their recording sessions in Los Angeles, their families and kids on the road with them, and the birth of twins to Emily, and a lot of the political fallout. Natalie Maines is a firecracker, speaking her mind and never backing down, and the way the band stands behind her is inspiring. I highly recommend seeing the movie, just don't have the misfortune of sitting in front of someone who feels the need to belt out every song.

Things To Do: Saturday, 25 de Noviembre, 2006

Saturday:

UV Tigers, Goodbye Blue Monday, Years Around the Sun, Modern Rifles @ Casbah.
A Scribe Amidst the Lions, The Blackout Party, The Studio Fix, Buzz or Howl @ Alibi.
Mates of State, Asobi Seksu, Botticellis @ Epicentre.
Cash'd Out @ Ken Club.
Copeland & Appleseed Cast @ Soma.
B-Side Players & Agua Dulce @ Cane's.
One Thousand Pictures, John Mark, Long Live Logos, Hat Trick @ Jumping Turtle.
Comedy night at Dino's.
Juan Peso and Chris Torres @ Squid Joe's
May*star's Fashion Whore @ SDSC ( I think the theme is Marie Antoinette)

I think I'll be heading to the Alibi. I still plan on writing all about Deadbolt, The Infants and I Like Girls. I got a lesson on the soundboard last night at the Ken Club, too, which was fun.

Mostly I can't wait to write about "Shut Up and Sing", the documentary about the Dixie Chicks over the last 3 years when Natalie Maines made a remark about President Bush. Until I do though, if you're left leaning you will love it whether you like their music or not. It's playing at Ken Cinema through next Thursday. Go see it.

Things to do: Friday, November 24

Friday:
The Album Leaf, Grand Ole Party, Dirty on Purpose @ Belly Up.
Led Zepagain and Blasphemous Guitars @ House of Blues.
Pernice Brothers, Elvis Perkins, Julie Mack @ Casbah.
The Infants, I Like Girls, Firethorn @ Ken Club.
The Roman Spring @ Zombie Lounge.
Rinse @ Beauty Bar.
30 Seconds to Mars @ Soma $2 bill tour. You know you loved Jordan Catalano...
The Donkeys @ THe Whistle Stop
Avandaro Music Festival (rick en espanol) @ Caliente racetrack.

I promise I'll do my review on Deadbolt at some point this weekend. If you choose to stay home, I recommend renting An Inconvenient Truth. Damn. Scary stuff.

I'll likely end up seeing the Infants tonight at the Ken Club but I also really recommend the Casbah show tonight. Elvis rocks.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone can find something to be thankful for. I've got plenty but the election results this year are pretty high on my list :)

Tonight:

Les Georges Leningrad @ The Casbah

Skull Kontrol @ The Whistle Stop

Junior tha Discopunk spinning @ A/C Lounge (I believe that is where I'll be)


That's all I've got. Have a good one. Be kind to your families.

Big Thanksgiving Weekend

I would just like to officially warn San Diego that my cousin Connie is coming down from LA this weekend. If you've met Connie, you know what I'm talking about. ¡Trucha!

Wednesday...lots of ass shaking to be had:

Rockboxx @ A/C Lounge.

Komplete Kontrol @ The Whistle Stop.

JiveWire & One Nation Under a Groove @ The Casbah.

Also, BBQ at Kava Lounge with performances by the Infants (rock) & Stranger (reggae).

Elijah Muhammed @ Belly Up.

Danzig and Laguna Coil @ Soma.

Sultry Savage Burlesque @ Beauty Bar.

Daredevil Jane, Reeve Oliver, Kemistry, the Big Provider @ Cane's

Deadbolt, Monsters Are Waiting, Lowdown @ the Ken Club.

Thursday:

During the day at the Ken Club: Come by and see Pete and have one of the best bloody marys in town before and after you go spend time with your family. He will have a special $3 Bloody Marys plus some cool garnishes. He will be there from 10am-6pm. And bring him some turkey!

Skull Control at the Whistle Stop.

Friday:

The Album Leaf, Grand Ole Party, Dirty on Purpose @ Belly Up.

Led Zepagain and Blasphemous Guitars @ House of Blues.

Pernice Brothers, Elvis Perkins, Julie Mack @ Casbah.

The Infants, I Like Girls, Firethorn @ Ken Club.

The Roman Spring @ Zombie Lounge.

Rinse @ Beauty Bar.

30 Seconds to Mars @ Soma $2 bill tour. You know you loved Jordan Catalano...

Saturday:

UV Tigers, Goodbye Blue Monday, Years Around the Sun, Modern Rifles @ Casbah.

A Scribe Amidst the Lions, The Blackout Party, The Studio Fix, Buzz or Howl @ Alibi.

Mates of State, Asobi Seksu, Botticellis @ Epicentre.

Cash'd Out @ Ken Club.

Copeland & Appleseed Cast @ Soma.

B-Side Players & Agua Dulce @ Cane's.

One Thousand Pictures, John Mark, Long Live Logos, Hat Trick @ Jumping Turtle.

Comedy night at Dino's.

Juan Peso and Chris Torres @ Squid Joe's

May*star's Fashion Whore @ SDSC ( I think the theme is Marie Antoinette)

Sunday: ANDREA'S BIRTHDAY...free show at the Casbah presented by Tim Pyles and The Local 94/9 featuring Ilya, Via Satellite, Manuok, Irwin's Conspiracy. Buy that girl a beverage!

Margot&tNS&S's, Emery Byrd, The Roman Spring @ The Casbah 11/22/07

After the Oasis documentary, I headed down to the Casbah for The Roman Spring, Emery Byrd, and Margot and the Nuclear So and So's. Even though I've been to shows that had all of these bands on the bill, somehow they had all eluded me until now.

The Roman Spring was up first. They are pretty straightforward indie rock with 3 geezers my age (wink, wink) and fronted by a guy born in the late 1980's(!). I really enjoyed the performance and it seemed the people who showed up early enough to catch them did, too. The sound was great (no earplugs required) and the singer has a nasal-but-not-annoying voice. The only suggestion I would make to The Roman Spring (and I told them this, too) is that the members should be more active in the songwriting. In one particular song, the rhyme is predictable and the lyrics can use a little more depth. As the band develops, I know they will get there. The Roman Spring is playing at the Zombie Lounge on Friday and might also be playing a quick miniset THE SAME NIGHT at the Beauty Bar...

I'm not really sure how I've completely missed Emery Byrd (myspace here)but I'm glad I finally saw them. They are pretty poppy to be sure, but I was definitely into it in the way I liked Jellyfish way back when. The singer has great stage presence and the whole band was solid all the way through. Looking through their website, you can see who they've been playing with and the local acclaim they've received and realize that I'm just the idiot that never paid attention.

Last up was Margot and the Nuclear So and So's. I came to their show at the Casbah when they played with the Grates but missed them. I was at Street Scene when they played but was stuck waiting for my sometimes impossible brother-in-law. This time I saw them and it made me disappointed that I missed them before. The band has 7 people onstage...the singer/guitarist, a second guitar, a bass, keys, drums, a dude on trumpet and then a guy in the bad doing "other percussion"- a huge marching band drum, cymbals, tambourines, etc. That guy goes off. I was surprised by how full the Casbah was, but once I heard the band, I ceased to be surprised...again, it was just me being clueless. I also have to comment that not only do they have one of the coolest busses I've ever seen (a mid-size school bus painted army green), but they have the merch thing down. Girlie tees, guys tees, a long sleeved shirt, the CD, a 7" vinyl, and A CREDIT CARD SCANNER. I am cheap, I don't carry wads of cash in my pocket and I won't use an ATM that charges me a service charge, but if I can use my ATM to buy merch after closing my tab, I cannot say no, especially when you wanna throw some love to an awesome band. I walked away with the long sleeved shirt and the CD.

All in all, another unexpected show of three bands that I will specifically seek out to see play again.

Lord Don't Slow Me Down

Last night there was a screening of what was introduced as the "definitive Oasis documentary", "lord don't slow me down." I was surprised that the theatre was only about a third full, but that was fine with me. I'm not really sure how it's "definitive" if it only covers their most recent world tour and maybe 5 minutes of past footage (if that), but I guess everything Oasis does has to be grandiose, overhyped, "the biggest", "the best ever", what have you.

Personally, I should explain that when Oasis broke, I did not like them at all. I never understood why the acclaim that came to them was so powerful when bands like the Charlatans and James and Blur were all around long before. By the time I was in college, I moved in with 4 Mexican soccer players who thought it was funny to torture me by playing Oasis CD's while they played SuperMarioCart all day and spit sunflower seeds on the living room floor. (Loved those guys, by the way) They played Oasis enough that it grew on me and I even became a fan, bought a couple CD's, and even saw them live on the last tour.

Watching the handheld, mostly black and white doc can get a bit dizzying. It runs about an hour and a half (about 20 minutes too long). It follows Oasis, mostly in 2006 from Europe to America to Asia then Australia. I wasn't impressed with the live footage because it sounds muffled and/or overdubbed. What was cool was the backstage stuff; seeing the interviews (including a segment featuring local boy Mike Halloran of 94/9 and a glimpse of Tim Pyles and Owen Salerno from the station), seeing the fanatical fans, and the downtime footage in random places. Except I've kinda seen that all in every other band documentary. So goes the genre, I guess.

All in all, I thought the doc was good, worth seeing but only worth buying if you're a SuperFan. I would also have to say, it's worth seeing if you're of the "I like the music but hate the band" persuasion. After countless bad interviews, being asked in every city and by everybody about the tension between the Gallagher brothers I would probably be a dick, too. There's a certain amount of ego required to achieve the status that Oasis have achieved so more power to them...and for any band for that matter...and when you are playing to 20,000+ screaming fans at show after show, you might get a little arrogant, too. Still, I would never forgive them if I met them and they turned down a photo or signature, and while I'm sure at times they do, in this documentary, not once is a fan rejected. That makes Oasis, and this documentary, just fine by me.

cutting edge of rock?

What will be the first station in San Diego (if any station) to play Peter, Bjorn and John "Young Folks" and make it recommended or new or whatever? And how many months behind will we be? February? How about the Little Ones? Lily Allen? Tokyo Police Club? Don't tell me you're the cutting edge of rock when you segue into a block of Incubus/RHCP/Stone Temple Pilots/Pearl Jam. Please. Maybe a triple dog dare will do the trick?

just venting.

the shins are biters!

just kidding, but look at this shins picture:



and then look at the flyer i made for the vinyl radio show:



By the way, when I miss my company holiday party for the 94/9 Hootenanny, does someone have a job for me? The interoffice political ramifications of not showing up might be bad. However, I am not missing that show. (despite the lukewarm response to 'marrdest mouse')

Not my scene but maybe yours?

ABC's The Bachelor is Looking for VAVi Females!The search is on for America's Most Eligible Women in San Diego! ABC's popular series The Bachelor will be holding a special casting event TOMORROW, Nov. 22, at Stingaree downtown. ABC is looking for amazing women who are ready to find true love! Come out and show ABC what VAVi's got!

Coachella: THREE DAYS?

I have never braved Coachella. I hate hot weather, huge crowds, $5 bottled water, bands not sticking to the schedule, waiting for one band while missing 3 others, port-a-potties in 105 degree temps, being around people who can't contain their alcohol, meth, coke, heroin, pot, LSD, shrooms, Vicadin, etc.

And now next year's festival will now be expanded to THREE days... April 27, 28, & 29, 2007.

Have fun, suckas. I won't be there. (I mean unless anyone wants to drop me some VIP pass or something but that won't be happening anytime soon...)

Things To Do: Tuesday, Nov 21 & the rest of the week

Tonight:

Screening of "Lord Don't Slow Me Down" (Oasis documentary) @ Hillcrest Landmark. RSVP required.

Margot and the Nuclear So and So's, The Roman Spring, & Emery Bird @ The Casbah

She Wants Revenge, Pretty Girls Make Graves, and Monsters are Waiting @ House of Blues

The Lucky Stiffs @ The Zombie Lounge (Early...8 pm...and FREE)

Between The Lines @ Longboards in PB

(Happy Birthday, Namm. Sorry I missed the party on Saturday)


And a preview of this week:

Wednesday...lots of ass shaking...Rockboxx @ A/C Lounge. Komplete Kontrol @ The Whistle Stop. JiveWire & One Nation Under a Groove @ The Casbah. Also, BBQ at Kava Lounge with performances by the Infants (rock) & Stranger (reggae). Elijah Muhammed @ Belly Up. Danzig and Laguna Coil @ Soma. Sultry Savage Burlesque @ Beauty Bar. Daredevil Jane, Reeve Oliver, Kemistry, the Big Provider @ Cane's and last but not least: Deadbolt at the Ken Club.

Thursday: Come on, we need some activities to recover from our families and shake off that post dinner food coma. So far, I'm only aware of Skull Control at the Whistle Stop.

Friday: The Album Leaf, Grand Ole Party, Dirty on Purpose @ Belly Up. Led Zepagain and Blasphemous Guitars @ House of Blues. Pernice Brothers, Elvis Perkins, Julie Mack @ Casbah. The Infants, I Like Girls, Firethorn @ Ken Club. The Roman Spring @ Zombie Lounge. Rinse @ Beauty Bar. 30 Seconds to Mars @ Soma $2 bill tour. You know you loved Jordan Catalano...

Saturday: UV Tigers, Goodbye Blue Monday, Years Around the Sun, Modern Rifles @ Casbah. A Scribe Amidst the Lions, The Blackout Party, The Studio Fix, Buzz or Howl @ Alibi. Mates of State, Asobi Seksu, Botticellis @ Epicentre. Cash'd Out @ Ken Club. Copeland & Appleseed Cast @ Soma. B-Side Players & Agua Dulce @ Cane's. One Thousand Pictures, John Mark, Long Live Logos, Hat Trick @ Jumping Turtle. Comedy night at Dino's.

Sunday: ANDREA'S BIRTHDAY...free show at the Casbah presented by Tim Pyles and The Local 94/9 featuring Ilya, Via Satellite, Manuok, Irwin's Conspiracy. Buy that girl a beverage!

Monday Night Casbah: People Like Free Shit

I was floored last night by the Camel promotion at the Casbah. Doors opened at 9pm, a line wrapped down the block while people were given a free ticket to The Faint show on Dec 6 at 4th and B. If you are a smoker, you were also given a pack of cigarettes. (Is that really still legal?) Unfortunately, even non-smokers were taking packs for friends which involves about 3 minutes of the vendors scanning your license, asking questions, e-mail addy, etc. This did not make the line go faster.

Andrea and I arrived at 9:26 not expecting the turnout to be so high. We got in line and hung out, with probably 50 people ahead of us. I figured if I motivated to leave the house, use the gas to get there, I'm at least gonna catch a free show. Andrew, the security guard informed the line at around 10 that the club was at capacity, as people left we would be let in but no tickets or cigs were guaranteed. Many people left the line at that point, but we stuck it out. A friend who works there let us jump the line just to get into the show but we found Lyn Chickrawker in the ticket/cig line who let us cut. Let me say, I have a problem with cutting, I don't do it and don't let people do it with me under most circumstances. However, once we were merged in line, it became apparent that part of the logistical problem was that people were getting tickets and then jumping back in line to get a second ticket, and bragging about it. The Camel girls only had 2 license scanners and the line wound through the smoking area so it was chaos.

We completely missed Buddy Akai. We escaped to the Atari Lounge where there was space and oxygen and chilled there for a while. Tender Buttons were onstage and showing on the closed circuit television at the back bar, but since it was black and white, I couldn't make out what I was looking at, so I went to the front to check out the band. There's a guy with a black mask over his eyes and a girl. I have no idea what instruments were being played vs what was coming from a computer or synthesizer, I just couldn't see...but it was noisy, industrial, screechy and not my thing at all. Later we saw Jason and he said they were the first band he ever saw at the Casbah and he loves them, so go figure...even among my best friends what we like is a million miles apart.

Finally Grand Ole Party started. At first it was a little loud but brought down enough to tolerable by the second song. I forgot to mention that a couple weeks ago Andrea and I went to the opening of the press shop in North Park (and got there awkwardly early when it was only family and close friends of the owners) but had a chance to talk to Kristen and John Paul of GOP who convinced us to stay and have some beers and food, even though we couldn't stay for the performance (because I had friends in town). They told us that they decided on moving to San Diego from San Francisco because of the lively local scene here, that it's near impossible to get gigs in SF if you're not on a label, and that it was close and logistically relatively easy to do. I'm glad they're a part of the scene here and I have to credit them with good marketing strategy...holding out for good shows, playing only once or twice a month, giving CDs out when they're reaching a new audience. If they get signed, which seems inevitable to me, it will not be solely their talent but the legwork they are doing to make an impact in this town. Congrats to them for getting the opening slot this weekend at the Troubadour with the Elected and Margot and the Nuclear So and So's.

We lasted until 11:30 or so and then I raced home to see Michael Richards' apology about his racist rant on the Late Show. If any lesson can be learned (besides NOT being publicly bigotted) is that at anytime, anywhere, someone could be taking pictures, video, writing about anything ANYBODY does. So stop picking your nose in public and keep your racist rants to yourself.

RIP Robert Altman

so sad. I know it's not music related but I really dug his films. 81 years old, though...that's a good life, no?

Lemonheads review

Andrea wrote a novel about the Lemonheads, Vietnam, and Reeve Oliver show on Sunday. You can read all about it here. While you're there, don't bother friend requesting her...she only has bands as friends.

In fairness to my accusations about Ray LaMontagne, I think it's lame that Evan cancelled his appearance on Sunday's Coup d'tat on 94/9. Maybe he was sick, maybe not but they had the whole next day off. Sometimes you just gotta suck it up...honor your commitments, and give the people a damn encore...even if it's just one song.

Vote Indie

Go vote for the Plug Awards. That is all.

Things To Do: Monday, November 20, 2006

Tonight:

Free Show! Casbah! Grand Ol Party! Buddy Akai! Tenderbuttons! Shake your ass...I haven't seen Tenderbuttons, but Grand Ol Party has been a standout as one of the best acts of the year locally (and we'll call them local even though they all moved here from SF). Buddy Akai is amazing. The first time I saw them at the Ken Club I was angry that only 8 or so people were in the room. Now they are playing HUGE shows in Mexico with the likes of Plastilina Mosh and Kinky. The other bonus about this show: Everybody gets a free ticket to see the Faint @ 4th and B on December 6. I'll be there tonight. (Not drinking, thank you very much.)

If that's not your thing and you don't care about the Faint or dancing or whatever, Poprocks! by Tim Pyles will still have its regualar thing at the Beauty Bar for a couple more weeks, so tonight you can check out Solare and Ovals of Cassini. Also Free.

Hold-up in North Park

This is a message from Lancer's Bar followed by an account by Trina about being held up in North Park. Please read. I know it's easy to have a false sense of security in our neighborhoods but bad things can happen anywhere, anytime...

THIS HAPPENED TO A REGULAR OF OURS, SO PLEASE READ AND TAKE HEED.IF
YOU'RE SOMEWHERE, AND NEED TO LEAVE, DO NOT GO IT ALONE!PLEASE CONSIDER A CAB OR
CALLING A FRIEND TO COME AND GET YOU. WE DON'T WANT TO HEAR OF ANY OTHER PEOPLE
WE KNOW IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD GETTING HURT/ROBBED. PLEASE BE AWARE OF YOUR
SURROUNDINGS EVEN AFTER THESE PEOPLE ARE CAUGHT!! PLEASE REPOST SO OTHERS
KNOW.~Lancers~**

So last night a friend and I are walking home from a local bar on
University. As we leave the bar we decide to get a bite to eat and make a quick
stop at a store near by for other goodies.We had a few drinks and we're feeling
pretty good and joking as we do. My friend and I both realize we need to take a
leak and bad. We quicken are pace in a mad rush to get home.As we reach his
house he darts in to go first and I am left standing on the sidewalk directly in
front of his house. As he reaches the door I feel someone rush up behind me. I
feel something small and cold on my neck a mans voice says "Hey lady, give me
all your money!" I turn around and he puts the silver 9 mil semi-automatic in my
face and I laugh and say "That's fucking funny 'cause I don't have any money."
He says "I'm not kidding! Give me your money!" I say "No, I am not kidding. I do
not have any money!"

I turn around and run inside, shut the door, lock it and run into the
bathroom to where my friend is. He is still taking a leak and turns and looks at
me as if to say 'what the hell are you doing?' I tell him what just occured and
he immediately calls the police.The police showed up within 5 minutes.
Apparently I was the third person this asshole held up. They believe he has a
guy waiting in a car around the block that picks him up after a hit and they
drive off and do it again. While the police were taking my report the guy did it
two more times. This all took place within an half hour to an hour in a ten
block radius.

We were on Arizona near University. He was a young black male in his late
teens early 20's, 5'2" to 5'5", clean shaven and good looking. He wore a dark
zip up jacket and a dark ballcap. He looked clean cut.This happened before
midnight.To everyone who lives in the North Park area, please keep an eye out
for this. Don't walk in the evening alone if you can help it.

A side point, because I like to whine.....I was told by someone this
morning that I was making a big deal out of nothing and he is sure the guy is
probably a big pussy.He said that in response to me saying "Wow, I could be
dead. He could have followed me into the house and killed us both."

That pussy had what could have been a very real gun that could put a hole
in someone's very real face and taken away their very real life.Don't take the
matter lightly.

It 'could have' been worse and that should be enough for all of you to
beware and be wise.Peace everyone. I for one am glad to be here today.

Trina

Hate Your Friends

I really, really wish I could tell you how amazing the Lemonheads show was last night, how Vietnam was cool, how Reeve Oliver were great. But because of a series of fucked up bullshit things happening throughout the day yesterday and "friends" being completely on their own planets, Miggs and I listened to the Lemonheads songs 2-4 on the steps in the back of the Belly Up. (Alison's Starting to Happen being one of them) Then we walked to the front where our friends lamely attempted to see if we were on the list (we were not) and they bailed. It wasn't that I didn't have the money, it was the principle of the whole thing, that people told me for a week that everything would be cool, that we had no problem, that Evan would take care of it all and thus I didn't buy a ticket, that I would've just left my house at 8:30 when the Chargers game ended instead of getting picked up at 9:30 and having to slug to fucking HIllcrest to pick up pizza for the princesses when we could've just gone straight there, found our contact and been in...

Instead Miggs and I spent some quality time getting shit.faced. at Surf and Saddle. Well, at least I did when some guy named Lou started buying us drinks and the bartender kept telling him I was drinking double tall vodka tonics. I mean, if you take a day off of work because you're expecting a hell of a night, you really have to follow through. Even if that means Evan had nothing to do with it.

Andrea is going to give you her opinion about the show in a little bit as a guest blogger, so it's not a total loss for you, but I'm gonna be a little bitter about missing it for a while. Because I can.

Friday- Teenage Talking Cars & Fifty on Their Heels

So I finally have the time to write about the show on Friday and now I don't really have a whole lot to say except that I'm glad I went.

Teenage Talking Cars are fronted by an adorable chick with thick black bangs cutting across her eyes and the rest of her hair pulled back in a ponytail. The chick rocks the microphone like she's been doing this forever despite her seemingly young age. They also have a chick drummer who pounds like there's no tomorrow. They have the dancy punk thing down and they're the perfect complement to Fifty on Their Heels. At one point Ammo (the lead screamer) told people to join them onstage to dance at which point several people took her up on her offer, including Junior Metro. Go listen to their MySpace tracks and make sure you catch them the next time they drive down to our fine city.

I've seen Fifty on Their Heels several times now and I think this was one of the better shows I've seen. The music was still loud and powerful but not so much that you know you'll be getting fitted for a hearing device in the next 5 years. Junior's vocals were clear and the lyrics were audible instead of just the shouting into a mic sound that can result when a band is playing too loudly. He also seemed to have plenty of space to manage his stage antics, and the girls from TTC were up front dancing their asses off. I caught myself singing along to more than half the songs and even dancing a bit. Anybody that gets me to dance gets my support.

I did leave the Beauty Bar as soon as the bands ended because I cannot handle that place when its as crowded as it gets in there, so I headed back to the neighborhood and walked to the Ken Club. I missed the bands and the bar was pretty empty but it ended up being the perfect night. So much so that going out on Saturday was completely unnecessary for me...

The Rapture: The sky is falling down

Apparently at the Rapture show at Brick by Brick last night, toward the end of the set, a large piece of metal roof grating fell onto the guitar tech. The band continued to play until they realized the seriousness of the incident. A paramedic was called and the show was stopped for about 20 minutes. After being taken to the ER, the show continued for a few more songs. All this according to the guys from the Rapture as reported on tonight's Coup d'tat on 94/9. The tech is still woozy but should be fine. If you were at the show, I'd love to hear audience reaction to the show...

Rookie Card: Looking for a bassist...

No story to tell, no drama, but the Rookies need a new bassist. Good luck in your search, guys.

Things to do: Sunday November 19

Head down to the Zombie Lounge today at noon for a benefit. $5 gets you all you can drink PBR, there's a BBQ, raffle, stripper car wash, bands and more.

Tonight, head up to the Belly Up for the Lemonheads.

that's all I've got today....

later I'll review the Teenage Talking Cars and Fifty On Their Heels show from Friday at the Beauty Bar. Also, I hid under a rock all day yesterday and didn't go out...so tell me what was good...what sucked...How was Frank Black? These Arms Are Snakes? The Postals and Dissimilars? I wanna know.

Things To Do: Saturday, November 18, 2006

Again, lots to do in San Diego...

Frank Black with Reid Paley & Kentucky Prophet @ House Of Blues

The Rapture & The Presets @ Brick By Brick

The Postals, The Dissimilars, Rich White Males, Kill Kids @ The Ken Club (I think you know where you'll find me)

These Arms Are Snakes, French Toast, The Mouth of the Architect @ The Casbah

The Rapture/Presets official after party @ The Beauty Bar (with dj sets by members of the bands)

Blue Tendryl @ Veteran's Museum 2115 Park Blvd. $6...proceeds go to Injured Heroes Family Fund, that helps support the families of war casualties.

High Rollin Loners, Merle Jagger, Killing Cassanova @ O'Connell's

Two Sheds @ The Whistle Stop

Happy Birthday, Josh N!

Things To Do: Friday, November 17, 2006

Happy birthday to Nick of Republic of Letters!

I decided to post early so you can think about what you wanna do on Friday early and make plans, so here goes:

Fifty on Their Heels & Teenage Talking Cars @ The Beauty Bar. I should just stop the list here...

Jello Biafra instore @ Lou's @ 4pm, then spoken word show at Epicentre

iSociety!, Grand Ol Party, Powerchords @ Che Cafe

The Damned @ The House Of Blues

Vena Cava, Tiltwheel, and Off With Their Heads @ The Tower Bar

Ben Lee, Rooney, and John Ralston @ Cane's

The Drones, The Devastations, & Vision of A Dying World @ The Casbah

Spell Toronto, Demasiado, and Orion Frequency @ San Diego Sports Club

Screamin Yeehaws, Heather Rae and Moonshine Boys @ The Zombie Lounge

note: The Burning of Rome, The Silent Comedy, Bologna Ponies, and Emmm show @ MiraCosta College has been cancelled. Check out Blurt in this week's Reader for the probable cause.

Plenty of stuff to choose from, my friends, so get yer ass outta the house!

Vinyl Radio, Juan Peso, Richard Bivens & Foreign Press @ SDSC

Sometimes a bill for a show can be ideal, the bands can rock out and play great, and the crowd can be totally vibing, and still I walk out with a feeling of general dissatisfaction about the whole thing.

I have had some good experiences at the San Diego Sports Club, but most of the time I feel insulted after being there. I feel this sort of black cloud at that bar, there is just something about the vibe, some negative energy or something there, and I thought it was just my past experiences influencing that feeling, but at least 2 other people made comments that the vibe there is just off. I have quit ordering drinks there because frankly, I don't need to feel like I'm interrupting someone's über important life for an over priced cocktail in a plastic cup. If need be, I will go have drinks at the Alibi between bands. Still, I support bands, and I go to show my love.

I had been at the House of Blues for Happy Hour with some coworkers for a while after work, so when I got home, there was little time to relax before heading back out. The low thick fog had rolled in by the time I left my house at 9:15 and it was daunting enough to turn around and go back home. When I got to the club, there was a $5 cover, so I'm sorry for thinking it was free. Of course Tony would never have a free show. What was I thinking? (Thanks Rodney for making an exception for me)

As I walked in, Richard Bivens and Foreign Press were already playing. They came down from LA, so it really bummed me out that there were only a handful of people there to see them, and even more so that the other bands weren't showing support. They are a 3 piece band who play pretty straightforward music...nothing exceptional with their instruments, but the melodies and rhythms are cool and Richard has a cool voice. So as much as I could, I enjoyed myself.

Juan Peso were on next. If you like Skynard, you will like Juan Peso. They went well with the Miller High Life (from the band's beer bucket). Matt of Vinyl Radio believes that the singer/guitarist is the best guitarist in San Diego. Quite the statement. Go see them and see for yourself. Tommy, the bassist told me about a couple upcoming shows...I'll have to check back, but I think they're playing at the Ken on Dec 26. I'll double check the venue when it gets closer to the date.

Finally, Vinyl Radio. Andrew finally asked for the disco balls to be turned off...thank god. Are those things really necessary? When I see a band I don't need to be reminded of getting the spins in some bar on Revolución. They had a couple minor technical issues, but the crowd had grown and nobody seemed to mind. The girls were dancing up front and a couple guys tried to maneuver in with them, but their sights were clearly on the band. My eyes were growing heavier, however, so I went outside for some fresh air for a minute. (By the way, it is colder INSIDE the bar than it is OUTSIDE the bar.)

When I went back in, Richard Bivens and Foreign Press were back onstage. This was a gesture of goodwill by a band that I'd never witnessed before...Matt felt bad that few people had seen their set and let them finish out the night. The energy was up in the room and it was evident that RB&FP have a good thing going. It's not easy playing a new market almost completely unsupported, so credit goes to them for still rocking out.

When the show ended I bailed and skipped the planned 2nd stop of the night because in case you're not keeping track, I've been out every night this week...sometimes a girl's gotta rest.

I will do exactly that this weekend. After half day Friday I have time to kick around until the Fifty on Their Heels and Teenage Talking Cars show at the Beauty Bar. Catdirt, is there room for me on the list?

Saturday night I think I'm think I'm opting for The Dissimilars, The Postals, et al at the Ken Club, though I really like These Arms Are Snakes, so if I get a wild hair I might check that out.

Then Sunday is finally here for Mr. Dando and the Lemonheads:



I am taking Monday off from work but I'll try to keep you all up on the happenings around town, at least from the point of view of my little bubble. Have a nice weekend, everyone...

Big Night Out for New Years

If I actually go out on New Year's Eve, I might opt to go to this. I don't know, though...I'm not really a fan of going any further than the Ken Club on rookie night holidays...New Years, St Paddy's, 4th of July, etc...the revellers aren't trained boozers like I am. We'll see...

San Diego CityBeat once again is proud to present Big Night San Diego -- at
the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina...San Diego's biggest New Years Eve
event!

Tickets Are ALL-INCLUSIVE: * ALL DRINKS & FOOD INCLUDED * * Twelve
Unique Party Areas * * SIX Dance Floors * * Fourteen PARTY Bands & DJ's* *
Massive Midnight Celebration * * Discounted Hotel Rooms * * Party Favors &
More! *

Try your luck on the tables in the Vegas Casino Lounge - get your groove on
in the Retro Zone and the Electronica Zone, chill out at the Luau Lounge, or, if
you prefer the N'Orleans style of fun, get your beads on in the CityBeat Mardi
Gras Zone.

This year's musical lineup includes Lady Dottie & The Diamonds, Flock
of 80's, Common Sense, Blasphemous Guitars, Cover Me Badd and many more popular
acts to be announced.

91X announces a fifth band to NBX.

This is from the 91X e-file sent out yesterday:

Seriously... ANOTHER band added to the 91X Nightmare Before Xmas this week? Yes! 91X added The Living
End to join AFI, My Chemical Romance, Taking Back Sunday and Unwritten Law on
December 10th at the iPayOne Arena. Is that the end of the additions? Could we
possibly squeeze more into one night? You just have to be there to find out.

Sorry 91X, didn't mean to prematurely blow your wad when I posted here on Tuesday.

Things to do: Thursday, November 16

I can't believe Thanksgiving is one week away. Traditionally next Wednesday is an amazing night to go out, so we'll see what comes up, but for now, let's talk about tonight:

This is really the only show I recommend, and not just because I made the flyer. RB&FP are really good and Juan Peso normally play in North County, so check them out since they're coming south for. I believe the show is free, so you have no reason not to be there.

I'll be there and then afterward heading to an undisclosed location where the beers are kept cold and cheap, the bartender knows your name, and you can score $1 chili cheese fritos...supposedly there will be a kinda freestyle open mic type thing there hosted by Ben from Down with Leo. If you're interested, I just might tell you the secret spot (if you don't already know, of course...)

Also tonight:

The Slits, Mika Miko, dMonstrations @ Casbah
Death of A Dancer @ Beauty Bar

if I missed something else, let me know.

Update:
At Brick By Back there will be a live tribute to Lou Reed. Morgan Young is spinning. I'll still be at SDSC.