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.