Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Adios, 2008

The end of the year tends to get me all sentimental and introspective, so I'll spare the gushing post, but I just wanted to take a second to thank everyone who takes the time to visit this site regularly, to all the bands who made 2008 an incredible year for music in San Diego, to all the venues that have been so generous (specifically Casbah, Belly Up, Beauty Bar, U-31, and Ruby Room), and to all the contributors that have been kind enough to share their experiences around San Diego (and in Ray's case, his world tour with The Killers). I'm looking forward to a bright new year and hope everyone has a lovely and safe New Year's Eve.

xoxo,
rosey

Things To Do In San Diego: December 31, 2008-January 4, 2009

Things To Do In San Diego: December 31, 2008

Wednesday, December 31, 2008 (Happy New Year's Eve!):
  • San Diego House Party Girls NYE Party. 80s party, free kegs, champagne toast @ 2220 Front Street ($10, 21+)
  • The Rugburns, Steve Poltz @ Casbah (Sold Out)
  • FM 94.9 presents 1st Annual Swami's New Year's Eve with The Night Marchers, The Soft Pack (formerly The Muslims), The Cheap Leis @ Belly Up
  • Fing, Scarlet Symphony, DJs Dimitri Dickinson, Samn Sess, Ant Bo @ Beauty Bar ($7 Cover includes champagne toast)
  • Fashion Whore @ The Ruby Room (Cover includes open bar from 9-11p)
  • The Creepy Creeps, Northern Towns, Batar-zan @ The Ken Club
  • Black Box Studios Party @ Soda Bar
  • DJ Steve West @ Air Conditioned Lounge ($30 single/$50 couple, includes cocktail, champagne toast. Cocktail Attire with jackets required for men)
  • Fat Man's Misery @ O'Connell's (No Cover)
  • DJs Mikey Face and A-OK @ Bar Pink
  • The Upstarts, Bedford Grove @ The Office ($10)
  • MSTRKRFT, Felix Cartel @ Spin
  • The Re-mones,The Milli Vanillis (Screeching Weasel Cover band) @ Radio Room
  • Victory Nightlife presents NYE 2009 @ House of Blues
  • Dance Party with Mario Orduno, et. al @ Whistle Stop ($5)
  • Shark Attack, DJ Andrew Decade @ U-31 ($50 presale/$65 day off, includes house hosted bar, drink)
  • Cash'd Out, Abe West @ 710 Beach Club (No Cover)
  • The Devastators @ Winston's (No Cover)
  • NYE Party @ Bitter End Backstage
  • Foo U @ Surf n Saddle
  • Brazilian New Years @ Portugalia
  • B-Side Players @ Canes
  • Anthology House Band Motown @ Anthology (Early Show, 5:30 pm, Late Show, 9:30 pm, 4 course Prix Fixe)
  • Detroit Underground @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge
  • For More NYE Events, check out SD CityBeat or SignOnSanDiego.

New Year's Eve Dinners:

  • Prix Fixe 5 Course Dinner @ Jayne's Gastropub, $75 (619.563.1011)
  • Prix Fixe 3-course menu @ Sea Rocket Bistro $25, plus $3 draft beers all night and a glass of champagne for everyone at midnight (619.255.7049)
  • Prix Fixe 3-course menu options +dessert @ Bleu Boheme $58 includes champagne at midnight (619.255.4167)
  • Also check out Modus, Confidential, Kensington Grill, Laurel, The Linkery

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Things To Do In San Diego: December 30, 2008

Sorry for no listings on Monday. I took a longer blog vacation than I expected. (I can always be found on Twitter @sddialedin). Some venues have taken a break from updates, too, so if you have updates for O'Connell's, Whistle Stop, or any other venues, please let me know. Several venues are closed on New Years Day (including Casbah, Beauty Bar, Belly Up, Anthology and more), so check ahead before you go out, though your neighborhood bars should be open as per usual.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008:
  • Walk The Walk Presents Lindbergh Skies, The Colors, Shining Through, DJ Skullkrusher @ 8Teen (3925 Ohio, All Ages, 6:30 pm, $8)
  • Sycuan Presents: The Wailers (performing Exodus), Montecristo @ House of Blues
  • Art Show feat. Microphone Mike, Illuminauts, Burns 1 @ Beauty Bar
  • Too Cool For Karaoke: Tournament of Champions @ The Ruby Room
  • Bitter Sober, Vaginals, Rio En Medio (NYC), The Lickets (SF) @ Soda Bar
  • Bumbklaatt , Salted City(OR), Titanarum, Death Crisis, Sunnyside @ Radio Room
  • Behind The Wagon, The Beatless @ Winston's
  • David Maldonado @ Anthology (Early Show, 7:30 pm)
  • Rub-A-Dub-Tuesday Hosted By Dub Traffik Control w/ Kush @ Belly Up
  • Ken Club Karaoke @ The Ken Club
  • Voodoo Room @ Bar Pink
  • Friends Chill game night @ Whistle Stop
  • Open Mic Comedy Night @ Lestat's
  • Game Night @ 710 Beach Club
  • Private Domain @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge

Friday, December 26, 2008

Things To Do In San Diego: December 27-28, 2008

Saturday, December 27, 2008:

  • Sweet and Tender Hooligans, Devoid @ Casbah
  • Saul Q's Holiday Party feat. Team Abraham @ Ruby Room
  • The Postals @ The Ken Club
  • The Lyon Crowns,The Napoleon Complex, Beta Lion, Derry The Monkfish @ Radio Room
  • Steve Poltz @ 4th & B
  • Buddy Akai, The Yelling, Lualta, DJs Pat & Mike, Hell on Heels, BDAYS: Marshall, Alvaro, Nico @ Beauty Bar
  • Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Robert Walter's 20th Congress Reunion @ Belly Up
  • Another Zeke Productions Presents: The High Rolling Loners, River City @ O'Connell's
  • DJ Ratstar @ Bar Pink
  • Austin Jennings & More @ Portugalia
  • BoyU.com and Dave L Present: Club Lucky San Diego @ House of Blues
  • DJ Saul Q presents: Party Time @ The Ruby Room
  • Nite Jewel, Spirit Photography, DJs Mario Orduno & Sir Charles @ Soda Bar
  • Happy Hour w/ DJ Claire @ Whistle Stop (5-8pm)
  • Booty Bassment @ Whistle Stop (10 pm)
  • Glory Bound Productions Presents Move w/DJs Static, Junior The Disco Punk & Superfox @ U-31
  • Josh Damigo Birthday Bash @ Lestat's
  • Thrillrazr, First Class Fiction, UFC 92 (7pm)@ 710 Beach Club
  • Never Say Die presents: DGAF, C-Clan, Carbite, Ladykillas, Rhymestone @ Brick By Brick
  • New Age Heroes, The Duree, Rapparees, Muff, Without Warning @ soma
  • UFC 92, Sister Nancy, Tippa Lee, Roots Covenant @ Winston's
  • Never Say Die Presents: Chasing Claymores, Four Kings & Uncle Junkie @ Canes
  • Viva Santana @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge
Sunday, December 28, 2008:

  • The Local 94/9 Presents Staring At The Sun Vol. 6 CD Release Party featuring circaNow, Lualta, Anna Troy, Wendy Bailey and more. Free Food from Luche Libre! Live radio broadcast! Early doors - 7pm! A selection of acoustic artists in Atari Lounge @ Casbah
  • Winter WonderRock feat A Dull Science @ Zuri's Hall (2200 University, all ages)
  • Particle with Michael Kang of String Cheese Incident @ Belly Up
  • NYE Pre-party featuring - Jaywat, Thumtac, Deploi, Vash tha Stampede, Vision, Prelim & DJ Redlite @ Cane's
  • The Wrong Trousers, Nate Donnis @ Lestat's
  • Citizen Video Matinee feat. "The Grinch That Stole Christmas" @ Whistle Stop (4pm)
  • Too Many Creeps @ Whistle Stop
  • Tribe of Kings/Reggae Vibes @ U-31
  • Another Zeke Productions: Someday Assassin, Firethorn, The Inevitable Mr Chris, Day of Anomie @ O'Connell's
  • Ratt Invasion of Your Holiday Tour with The Antidivision @ House of Blues
  • Jose Sinatra's OB-o-ke @ Winston's
  • Robert Vincelli and his Band @ Anthology (Early Show, 7:30 pm)
  • Jason Weber @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (Early show, 10a-2p)

Monday, December 22, 2008

Things To Do In San Diego: December 23-26, 2008

Monday, December 22, 2008:

  • Anti-Monday League Presents: Tape Deck Mountain, Madison County, Black Mamba @ Casbah
  • 91X Loudspeaker presents Years Around the Sun, Scarlet Symphony, Apes of Wrath @ Belly Up
  • Winter WonderRock feat Weatherbox @ Zuri's Hall (2200 University, all ages)
  • Beauty Bordello’s "for everyone on Santa’s naughty list" holiday show @ Beauty Bar
  • The Gulag Carnies, Blue in the Face, Motionless @ The Ruby Room
  • Blues Jam Hosted by Mystery Train @ O'Connell's
  • Pyrate Punx Mayhem Mondays w/DJs Side Row, Pupu Caca, Buddha 2.5 @ Kadan
  • 91X New Music Mondays @ Air Conditioned Lounge
  • Adam Gimbel's Pop Music Trivia @ Whistle Stop
  • Lady Dottie & The Diamonds @ U-31
  • Open Mic Night @ Lestat's
  • Monday Night Football @ 710 Beach Club
  • Electric Waste Band @ Winston's
  • Robin Henkel @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge
  • The Jazz Ensemble (20 piece big band) @ Dizzy's (San Diego Wine & Culinary Center)
Tuesday, December 23, 2008:

  • John Meeks, The Old Palominos @ Beauty Bar
  • Winter WonderRock feat Day Sleeper @ Zuri's Hall (2200 University, all ages)
  • Rockit presents Fuzz Huzzi, Plane without a Pilot, Astro Zombies(Misfits cover band) @ Casbah
  • Rub-A-Dub-Tuesday Hosted By Dub Traffik Control feat. The Devastators, Stranger @ Belly Up
  • Ken Club Karaoke @ The Ken Club
  • Open Mic w/Jefferson Jay @ Portugalia
  • Too Cool For Karaoke: Rabbi Gimbel’s Chanukahtime Jews Explosion @ The Ruby Room
  • Tiki Tuesday with the Craig Prior @ Bar Pink
  • X-Mas Party With Totes Tuesdays: DJs Sid Buddha and Ding Dong @ Radio Room
  • Friends Chill game night @ Whistle Stop
  • Mechanical Bull Riding @ U-31
  • Open Mic Comedy Night @ Lestat's
  • Nectarine & Friends @ Winston's
  • DJs Kon43 & Kotapop @ Kadan
  • The Heroes @ Anthology
  • Jesse Davis @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge
  • Kalido-Skopio @ Dizzy's (San Diego Wine & Culinary Center)
Wednesday, December 24, 2008:

  • Exile on Kettner Blvd. @ Casbah
  • Christmas Eve Party feat. Christmas tunes @ Whistle Stop
  • Knight Vision Christmas Eve Party @ Kadan
  • DJ Heather Hardcore Christmas Eve New Wave Dance Party @ Radio Room
  • Dance Party feat. DJ Kipper @ U-31
  • Orphan's Ball @ 710 Beach Club
  • Israel Maldonado @ Winston's
  • DJ John Phillips @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge
Thursday, December 25, 2008 (Merry Christmas!)

  • OPEN: Whistle Stop (8pm), 710 Beach Club (half off apps & drafts 5-9p), The Ruby Room, The Ken Club
  • CLOSED: Casbah, Anthology, Belly Up, Canes, Dizzy's, O'Connell's, Winston's, House of Blues, Soda Bar, Radio Room, U-31, Brick By Brick, Portugalia, Beauty Bar, Bar Pink
  • Aubrey Fay @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (10a-3p)
  • Fire Corner w/ boss DJs Skarina & Lord Aggro @ Kadan
Friday, December 26, 2008:

  • Dynamite Walls, Crash Encore, Stripes and Lines @ Casbah
  • Drew Andrews & Guests @ Whistle Stop
  • Happy Hour with Never So Few@ Belly Up (5:30 PM)
  • Secret Fun Club, Corridor, DJ Rob Moran @ Radio Room
  • Bassnectar w/ Beats Antique (featuring members of the Yard Dogs Road Show), OSAL8 @ Belly Up (9pm)
  • Electric Feel w/ DJs Andrew Decade, Cease & Turbo Team @ Beauty Bar
  • Kenta Hayashi, TBA @ O'Connell's
  • Sycuan Presents The 80's Hangover Xmas Party with The Cured, Blasphemous Rumours, Radio Star @ House of Blues
  • Feel The Noise w/ DJs Gabe Vega & Saul Q @ U-31
  • Patricia Mueller & Julio Gilberto @ Portugalia
  • Silverleaf @ Lestat's
  • Hitman, Tech, Mr. Dubie, DJ Fingaz, Smeezy @ 710 Beach Club
  • Lloyd Hemmings B-Day Bash feat. Lloyd Hemmings and the Rasvitamins Band, TRC Sound, Selector Refa @ Brick By Brick
  • Psydecar, Blackheart, Warriors Hi-Fi @ Winston's
  • Hip-Hop w/DJ Sachamo @ Kadan
  • Rockin Johnny White Presents - Bombay Status, Deny the Silents, Fuzz Huzzi @ Canes
  • Sinatra & Martinis @ Anthology (Early Show, 7:30 pm)
  • Late Night Live feat. Those Dang Robinsons, Bad Credit @ Anthology (Late Show, 10 pm)
  • Javier Batis & Jose Serrano @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge

Vacation Time: Las Vegas

Yesterday I packed up my bags and am now in lovely Las Vegas. It has been a great trip so far. My dad drove my mom, my god-sister Claudia and me, and my sister, Billy, and my niece Johanna followed in their car. We have two rooms at Main Street Station in downtown, and also a spare room at the Flamingo on the Strip, where I think I'll probably stay tonight only because there's a huge flatscreen and an amazing surround stereo system is calling for my iPod and some chill time. I'm writing now from the wi-fi cafe at the Main Street, enjoying a $2 beer and listening to a security guard sing along to the piped in Christmas songs.

It's crazy here because it snowed last week for the first time in a very long time. On the Strip. The storm also had snow in some unusual places along the way, at much lower elevations than is typical. I took some pictures from the road (mind you, these were taken from a moving car through the windshield and passenger window):









Anyway, I'd just thought I'd post a quick hello. I captured a video of my niece at FAO Schwartz, after the jump if you wanna check it out.

Johanna meets Wage, and Ugly Doll, at FAO Schwartz.


Also, the Flamingo is hosting Donny and Marie soon and I CANNOT STAND THEM. There are signs, posters, pictures, and window clings EVERYWHERE. Here's my mom hanging with them.


Boat of Car?

No, House of Boat! So last Thursday, wanting to kill some brain cells and rejuvenate the ol’ soul, Alex and I decided that the thing to do was to go to the Boat House to check out some music. Now I knew The Paddle Boat was playing, and I gotta admit here that I’m a bit of a loser (like you didn’t know) cus I had yet to see them, but really it totally wasn’t my fault. I know what your saying to yourself, your saying, “Petro, you always have some lame excuse why you haven’t seen bands,” but really this time its legit, really. I’ve lately been training (in secret) to become a Samurai nerf herding ninja auctioneer …please like you haven’t always wanted to! Anywhoo, we got there and man right off the bat what a great vibe, super cool people hanging and great music on the docket. First up was Golden Red, and I really dug them, so much so in fact that I am looking forward to seeing them again soon. For my money its was really simple music simply done well! Relaxed acoustic guitars with nice harmonies and a mandolin and slide guitar adding atmosphere and texture. Really nice! Next up was The Paddle Boat, and man, what can I really say... just go see them. I can try to put what they did into words, but I’d just fail. All I will say is that unless you are a zombie you will be moved, and if you are a zombie, The Paddle Boat just might be your redemption. They have a 7” release at the Ken Cinema on Feb 13th… just go man. Last up was Peter & the Wolf. Very, very cool and right up my ally. Freak folk isn’t the right word, but it’s the first one that comes to mind. I personally think the Kalimba with a pickup inside it was super cool, and am wishing that I’d though of it! Now if I can only find a way to steal his idea and make is seem like it was mine all along... he…

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Things To Do In San Diego: December 22, 2008

Sunday, December 21, 2008:

  • Scarlet Symphony, SayVinyl, Drowning Men @ Casbah
  • Secret Society Xmas Party with The Downs Family @ Bar Pink
  • Sycuan presents The Vandals Winter Formal w/ The Phenomenauts, Wild Weekend @ House of Blues
  • Winter WonderRock feat Fever Sleeves @ Zuri's Hall (2200 University, all ages)
  • Salsa Sunday feat. Orquesta Primo@ Belly Up
  • Dave Booda, Veronica May, Kenny Eng @ Lestat's
  • UBUV, Bassmechanic, Illuminauts @ The Ruby Room
  • 7 Generations, Abandon, Destroy All Of Them, Jessie Williams, Andy Herrada, Pagan Prayer @ Che Cafe
  • The Hybrid Moments, Reverse Cowboys, Platanos @ Radio Room
  • Another Zeke Productions Presents: Sweet Deal, Filtered Aggression, The Skies of Red @ O'Connell's
  • Too Many Creeps @ Whistle Stop
  • Tribe of Kings/Reggae Vibes @ U-31
  • disconnected w/ DJs Barnesey & Mike Reed @ Kadan
  • Never Say Die presents: Cutty D, Shepweeze, Impala, Jung Ace, Rush Money Prod. @ Brick By Brick
  • Evil Entertainment Presents: Bad Credit, The Skank Agents, Dr. Skavra, Killing the Funk @ Channel Twelve 25
  • Jose Sinatra's OB-o-ke @ Winston's
  • Reggie Smith @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (Early show, 10a-2p, late show, 8 pm)
  • Holiday Pops! (1 hr Matinee version): A Winter Pops Concert @ Copley Symphony Hall (2 & 5 pm)
  • Cheetah Girls, 535, Clique Girlz @ Sports Arena

Overdue Recap: My December


It appears I haven't completely neglected December and posted some things as they happened, but there's still a chunk of stuff I haven't written about so I will attempt to do that now, if you care enough to 'keep on reading'. (That pic is from the Kensington Tree lighting. Do we look like an Old Navy commercial or what? You would think it was snowing out based on our clothing options.)


Starting with the first of December, I went to Anti-Monday League. I went for Bartender's Bible, but also got to see Holly Golightly for the first time, too. Pant Hoots played in the Atari Lounge which was great, too, though I didn't get in there early enough to take pics. There was another opener, who was in Holly's band for a bit, played some songs, too, but I was unable to catch his name, which I feel bad about because his songs were great, his guitar playing sounded wonderful because he was doing live looping and made himself sound like he had a full band, and at one point, he even played a waltz and made the crowd dance. I didn't get pictures of him when he played, but here's one after his set, hanging with Banjo Matt. He's from New Zealand and his Kiwi accent with his funny stage banter made him very entertaining.



Bartender's Bible had a large crowd and lots of people singing along as they should because they're so good. If you're into classic country sounds, they've certainly got it.



Holly Golightly was the headliner for the night. From the UK, Holly plays country and blues songs for the macabre set with songs about death and the devil and shooting your lover. I enjoyed the set a lot, but I cannot lie. I couldn't take my eyes (or my lens) off the drummer. I think they're dating or married or something, but it didn't stop me from crushing. Aside from the crush, he was also incredible to watch perform because he was playing guitar, some drums, and had a contraption that allowed him to play a tambourine, cymbal, and cowbell with one stomp.




The next night I stayed home, and Wednesday was the event at the W that I posted about here. After the W, Jake and I went to the Casbah to see The Predicates and Syndicate. I wasn't going to take pics, and didn't for The Predicates (those Casbah lights are getting old.) But, since I'd never seen Syndicate before, I thought I should take a few. And, by the way, I thought they were great- quite dancey but with enough rock not to lose my interest and the band uses the stage well. I like Chase as a frontman and that he's not burdened with an instrument so he can really get into his vocals.





After the band, we didn't stick around for Monsters From Mars for very long since I thought I'd catch them the next day at TNT. That didn't happen, but Jake and I hit up El Dorado. That night was when he found out he was moving to LA, so we decided to partake in one of my favorite things to do in San Diego and we drove to La Jolla and sat and Windansea Beach. There is something incredible about being at the beach when there is nobody else around. And we were total rebels and had a bottle of wine (in plastic cups). Screw you, Prop D.

The next day I ended up skipping out on TNT because I stayed at home to watch the Chargers game instead. The next night was December Nights which I posted about here.

On Saturday night, I really wanted to see Amenity at the Warehouse in Barrio Logan, but I couldn't find anyone to go with and I wasn't about to go to a warehouse by myself, but right around 7:45 I got a call asking me to do merch for The Sea & Cake at Casbah, so I couldn't turn it down (especially since I'd been considering going to the show anyway). The show was sold out and I was really surprised that The Sea & Cake were only selling CDs and vinyl, but it made my work for the night pretty simple. The Focus Group opened the show and it's too bad they didn't have anything to peddle because people were definitely asking for merch after their set. I ended up selling for the other opening band, The Ugly Suit, and when they weren't playing, they hung out with me on the patio for most of the night. They were a great group of guys and I recommend keeping them on your radar because their performance kicked ass. Six young guys from Oklahoma City who really have their sound together.



I didn't get to see any of The Sea & Cake's performance, unfortunately, but I did almost sell my shirt to a guy from TJ and I met lots of good people on the patio that night. After the show, some twitter friends came over for a while for a mild after party and I ended up staying up well after they all left which made Sunday a pretty useless day in front of the TV and laptop.

I didn't do anything major on Monday except for swinging by Lestat's to see Dagart play a couple songs at Open Mic. His songs were awesome and I can't wait to see him do it again, but I was really only out for about 30 minutes before returning home for more tv and web stuff.

I went out on Tuesday, for the Longwave show, which I posted some video from here. What I didn't mention that I totally missed Eulogies, who started at 9pm on the dot and were finishing as I arrived at 9:40. I was really bummed to have missed them, but I guess the singer was sick and they wanted to get back to LA. Dammit. Dave from Film School was doing their sound, so I at least got to chat with him a bit before they took off and hopefully we can get the band back down here soon.

A Beautiful Noise played second and were great, though there was a 6 person camera crew filming so I didn't bother much with pictures. This was the best I could do:



Then there was Longwave who I can't stop gushing about. I loved their set as it was almost all from their new album, Secrets Are Sinister, and some songs from The Strangest Things thrown in for good measure. (see setlist below)







So I guess that's where I'll wrap up this post. It is 6:30 a.m. and I'm leaving to Vegas at 9 a.m., so I should at least attempt to take a nap before it is time to go. I'm hoping to get caught up while in Vegas. I don't like doing these long diary posts any more than most people probably like reading them, but I'm a creature of habit and frankly, this is how this site started in the first place. Bare with me.

Overdue Recap: November Shows

Catching up. Yes, with November. Looking back, not only have I not been writing a whole lot, but I also gave up on taking pictures. Regardless, I'll go back in time for a quickie recap. I'll save the space and put it all after the jump if you're interested enough to click 'keep on reading'.


Rewinding back to Thanksgiving week, I started the week selling merch for O'Death. Old Devil and Tobyn Clark and the Tender Faeries opened but honestly I was out on the patio and didn't get to escape inside to catch the show, and even Natalie didn't feel she got any good pics. The bands were awesome though the crowd was really disappointing. There just weren't enough people there for how great O'Death is, though I came to a conclusion that their name certainly doesn't invite a crowd for how they actually sound. They're actually more Americana and folk than the name suggests and expected a lot more people to be there. The description on their MySpace page of Gothic/Country/Punk feels inaccurate. They'd work well with Murder By Death, and I think they actually are working on a split vinyl with that band. Neither here nor there, I guess. The band was gracious and at least I sold a handful of records. There was also some weird band business after, perhaps what happens when 5 smelly dudes spend far too much time together. I hope they sorted all that out since they're continuing with some major European touring.

The next night I decided at the last minute to check out Anti-Monday League. I caught a bit of the Subadons from Tijuana but the night was a little dead, so I decided I would check out El Dorado (it was their opening night). It wouldn't be right if I didn't stop at Chee-Chee first, so I hung out with Fred. We could see a line at El Dorado and I was a little shy, but Fred made me do recon, so I checked it out. Relative to downtown prices, I guess the drinks are cheap, but relative to Chee-Chee, not so much. It seems like a great option for a date and all the staff and bartenders are super friendly.


I stopped back at Chee-Chee before returning to Casbah for The Gift/Curse. Lighting sucked so I just hung out rocking out to the band and enjoying the tunes and didn't bother with pictures. There were quite a few more people out by the time I got back and for good reason...The Gift/Curse rock.

The next night I stayed home, regrettably missing Yeasayer which I've come to understand was a mistake, but driving to La Jolla just seemed like a drag and I have to watch the budget these days more than ever.

Thanksgiving Eve has long been one of my favorite nights to go out. It seems like people return home and are ready to party with eating a feast the only major goal the next day. I went out to dinner at Ken Grill with my cousin, who was visiting from LA, and Sara, and that ended up being a great time in and of itself, then we hit the Ken Club. When they called it a night around 11, they dropped me off at The Ruby Room which was a little disappointing only because I got there during Writer's last song. I expected them to play last. My friends that were supposed to be there weren't, but fortunately Petro, Alex, and Kris were, so we hung around for part of Jamuel Saxon's set before they had to go and they agreed to give me a ride back to the hood. They decided to grab some food and we met up at Petro & Kris' and watched DVDs of It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia until Alex eventually dropped me off.

Thanksgiving with the family was chill. My sister and her husband took my niece to Arizona, so it was just my cousin, my parents and myself for Thanksgiving. After a whole day with the family, I visited my second family at the Ken Club.

Friday was another family day until nightfall, when my cousin and I went to El Dorado. I could've pretty much ended up anywhere, but I knew Connie would love the feel of the bar, so I guess we have a place to go when she comes to town that is divey enough for me and upscale enough for her. It meets right in the middle for us.

From El Dorado, she dropped me off at the Casbah. I missed the opening bands but was there in time for the headliner, Deerhunter.


The show was sold out and packed. Deerhunter gave a fierce performance though not really evident in my sloppy photos. The crowd was clearly pleased with the performance that was delivered as I heard some people talking about it like their minds were just blown. I hadn't planned very well and assumed I would know someone at the show, so unfortunately I spent half the show trying to find anyone who'd be willing to drive me to Kensington, and I'm ever so grateful that Peter ended up taking me. I owe him big for that.

My November closed out with another family day and a couple more shows. On Saturday I chilled out a bit until the evening when my mom, cousin and I did some shopping downtown, then decided to walk around in Coronado. We discovered a new spot that had opened the night before at the Ferry Landing. It's called Lil' Piggy's BBQ and it was awesome. We didn't eat a full meal, but after meeting the cook and talking to the people working there, my cousin ordered a kids meal ("The best hot dog I've ever had," she said) and it came with our choice of side so we went with the mac n'cheese, which on its own sells for $2 and was delicious. The chef also brought us some pulled pork and BBQ chicken to sample. So convinced, we ended up buying a plate to take home to my dad. My mom thinks the plate should come with Texas toast instead of just regular sliced white bread, but overall the food we sampled was delicious and my dad was happy with the feast we brought him. They have outdoor picnic table seating that has plastic wind guards and I think it will do well in Coronado. Theydo catering and sell full racks of ribs (which I'll try next time around), and they have a fridge with 100 different bottled beers.


After dropping my mom off in Chula Vista, Connie dropped me at home and I made my way to Casbah to see Team Abraham, The Parson Red Heads, and Blitzen Trapper.

I got there just as Team Abraham took the stage and they sounded great. The added female vocals work well for them. But I'm biased, right? (BTW, if you're on Twitter, follow them @TeamAbraham)


I've also written about The Parson Red Heads and Blitzen Trapper in the past. Both bands are excellent and I love seeing them live, so this bill, on a Saturday night, was a real treat. The Red Heads are happy and sweet and conjure up days laying around on a grass field and girls with daisy crowns in their hair. And I still maintain that the one guitarist looks like Buddy Jesus.




Closing out the night was Blitzen Trapper. I just love these guys and every time I see them it reminds me of just how warm they are, both in sound and stage presence. They are a band happy to be who they are and where they are and it shines in their performances. With the crowd singalongs, it's obvious they've gotten some devoted fans over time, too.



The next day they played an in-store at M-Theory and I figured I had time to get there since they don't usually start on time, but this one did, and it was short and I arrived in time for one song. I could kick myself. I was sure someone would post the video on YouTube, but can't seem to find any. I guess I've learned my lesson about taking my sweet time getting somewhere.


So that rounds out my November. I guess I will now attempt to catch up with December so I don't have anything hanging over my head as we roll into Christmas and 2009 and who knows what access I'll have to the web when I'm gone. Last time I got wi-fi but it wasn't cheap...

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Things To Do In San Diego: December 20, 2008

Saturday, December 20, 2008:
  • The Paddle Boat, Like A Bird @ Wit's End
  • Sight & Sound Winter Edition: feat. Gregory Page @ Planet Rooth Gallery
  • Dirty Sweet , Lemon Sun, Night Horse @ Casbah
  • Wendy Darling, The Modlins, Joanie Mendenhall, DJ Ant Bo @ Beauty Bar
  • The Donkeys, Bart Davenport @ The Ken Club
  • The Focus Group, Irradio, Dreaming of Tanks @ Soda Bar
  • Slower, The Gift/Curse, The Bloodflowers @ Radio Room
  • NSD Presents: Inhale, The Drabs, Silent Lune, The Lost Transmissions @ O'Connell's
  • Neon Beat feat. DJs Junior & Atari @ Bar Pink
  • The Coyote Problem @ Hooley's
  • Rick Ortiz Presents Noches Rockeras @ House of Blues
  • Crmnl Sound Dub Step featuring Roommate (SF) @ The Ruby Room
  • A Dull Science @ Epicentre
  • Switchblade Saturdays w/DJs Sean of the Dead, Master Blaster, Graverobbing Bastard @ Kadan
  • Transport feat. DJs Gabe Vega & Saul @ Whistle Stop
  • 80's and 90's w/ DJ Artistic @ U-31
  • Curtis Peoples, William Tell @ Lestat's
  • Arm The Angels, Young Goodman, Bipolar Meltdown, Flux Theory @ 710 Beach Club
  • "Santa’s Naughty List" feat. The Caburlesque Kittens @ Brick By Brick
  • Hollywood Undead, Forever Days Forgotten, The Alert Signal @ soma
  • Mike Pinto, 3rd Alley @ Winston's
  • Fall Out Boy @ Epicentre (no presale. $20 at the door. limited space)
  • 40 Ounces to Freedom (Sublime Tribute) & Stepping Feet (Dave Matthews Band Tribute) @ Canes
  • Dennis Jones @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge
  • The Jazz Ensemble: 20-piece Big Band @ Channel Twelve 25
  • Holiday Pops! (Full Version): A Winter Pops Concert @ Copley Symphony Hall (2pm & 5pm)

John Meeks, Tobyn Clark and The Tender Faeries@ Whistle Stop 12.14.08

Boy, the Whistle Stop is looking really good these days. I love the tinsel and lights hanging over the bar, the snowflake lights on the back wall, and the tree was littered with presents that night. It has always been a great neighborhood bar, but these little touches make it even more comforting. Well, last Sunday there was a special show that felt like family coming to together to support and send off local musician Tobyn Clark.

The show started off with John Meeks comforting our hearts with his blend of acoustic/country/rock. I have seen him a number of times and have to say the whole band seemed really in-sync with each other, and groove was superb. Brian H. from Blackout Party was playing guitar and back-up vox with Meeks, it was a suprise to me, but he did a great job, and the Civil War General on his guitar is awesome. I had been secretly hoping it was Charles Darwin, but that's my science dork side speaking. It's cool to see heartfelt, honest country music in San Diego. I especially love the song "On The Road Not Again" with lines like "you're never as good as you wanted to be," your soul gets that reflective sorrow that only draws you closer to people you cherish. Before the show, Meeks and I talked about his band hitting the road more, and I hope they do, it's really good stuff.


After Meeks, the bar was really starting to get hopping as Tobyn Clark and the Tender Faeries were setting up. It was their CD release show, as well as farewell show for Tobyn, moving to NorCal. The place was packed and the vibe was great, but made for tough for pics (sorry). It is great to see that kind of enthusiasm on a Sunday night, and I am sure Tobyn was grateful. I am definitely not the very well versed in country, but he had the story telling songs stylings of what to me felt a little like Johnny Cash, but once again I don't really know country. The stories are stark and compliments his vocal style, conjuring up images of Death Valley in black and white, with a dust storm clearing a to reveal a slew lifeless bodies, and a single modern-day desperado smoking a cigarette squinting into the blazing sun. Of course, i have to give some love to the beautiful Tender Faeries, a sweet layer of backing vocals to lay your ears upon. Last but not least, the bass and drummer locked it in for that cool country swing. It was a great CD release and send-off show, San Diego really is a great community of artists and friends, and that show make it very real.
(If you have a better pic of Tobyn Clark from that night, please email it to dagartga@gmail.com so I can put a better one. thanks.)

Friday, December 19, 2008

Things To Do In San Diego: December 19, 2008

Friday, December 19, 2008:

  • The Silent Comedy @ X1FM Open Door Sessions. (Free, all ages, at X1FM studios, 7p, or watch live on X1FM.com)
  • The Finches, Cuckoo Chaos, Boyish Charms @ Habitat House (7pm 21+, Free, BYOB, 1008 21st Street)
  • Writer & The Fling @ Whistle Stop
  • Holiday Extravaganza feat Tiltwheel, Madison Bloodbath, Bible Brothers @ The Ken Club
  • House Show: Gypsy River Haunts, Doves And Desperados @ Tory's 3242 Lincoln Ave. 8pm
  • The Creepy Creeps, Braaiins! and guests @ Casbah
  • Wendy Darling @ Beauty Bar
  • Happy Hour with Atomic Groove @ Belly Up (5:30 PM)
  • A Very Celtic Christmas with The Young Dubliners, Colin Armstrong and The LA Scotts Pipe Band @ Belly Up (9 pm)
  • MEX @ Bar Pink
  • Toy Drive feat. One Inch Punch, Anthem, In Every Breath, Smiles & Handshakes @ O'Connell's
  • 91X Presents Unwritten Law, Sprung Monkey, Critical Me, Buckfast Superbee @ House of Blues
  • Electric Feel w/ DJ Andrew Decade @ Beauty Bar
  • Jon B with CSlim (of 112) and Tommy Redding @ 4th & B
  • Leanne & Nathan Black’s Going Away Party @ Soda Bar
  • Dr. Indulgent (spinning house & dance) @ Kadan
  • Batar-zan, The Metrons, The Widows, DJ Mikey Ratt @ Radio Room
  • Bitter Sober, The Crypts, Vaginals, La Bellinas de Jonas @ The Ruby Room
  • The Maine @ Epicentre
  • Feel The Noise feat. DJs Gabe Vega, Saul Q, & Eric Diaz @ U-31
  • Ralpheene, Joe Brooks, Rob Deez @ Lestat's
  • Mystic Roots, Social Green @ 710 Beach Club
  • Chrissy’s 40th B-Day Bash w/ Staring at Strange, Tripp @ Brick By Brick
  • Stick To Your Guns, MyChildren MyBride, Gwen Stacy, Agraceful, Attack Attack, Eyes of An Era @ soma
  • Annual Christmas Party feat. Kim Wilson & His Allstar Blues Revue @ Winston's
  • Bending Planets, Captain Squeegee, Real Things Are Good, Troubadors of War, Ghandi’s Lunchbox @ Channel Twelve 25
  • Toys for Tots Benefit - Canobliss, One Theory, Dante's Boneyard, Six Reasons Free with an unwrapped toy @ Canes
  • The Detroit Underground @ Anthology (Early Show, 7:30 pm, Late Show, 10 pm)
  • Rising Star @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge
  • The Gilbert Castellanos New Latin Jazz Quartet @ Dizzy's (San Diego Wine & Culinary Center)
  • Holiday Pops! (Full Version): A Winter Pops Concert @ Copley Symphony Hall
  • Patrick Yandall @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (Late show, 8 pm)
  • Dionne Warwick @ Viejas Dreamcatcher Lounge

Welcome, Edward Gabriel

My nephew was born on Wednesday. Edward Gabriel was 6 lbs. when he was born. My brother and his wife live in Virginia so I don't know when I'll get to meet him in person which makes me sad because I;m so used to witnessing every milestone with my niece, but hopefully I'll see him in early 2009.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Things To Do In San Diego: December 18, 2008

Thursday, December 18, 2008:

  • Peter & The Wolf, The Paddle Boat, Golden Red @ The Boat House, 7pm, $3 (2939 Monroe Ave, near 30th)
  • Ziggy Shuffledust and the Spiders from Mars - Gary Shuffler's Birthday Extravaganza, The Tighten Ups @ Casbah
  • The Secret Samurai, DJ Samn Sess, DJ Antbo @ Beauty Bar
  • Followers, DJ Rob Crow @ Bar Pink
  • The Maine @ Epicentre
  • Club Pop Noir (18+) @ Static Lounge
  • Movie Night feat It's A Wonderful Life @ Sea Rocket Bistro (3382 30th)
  • The Accoutrements, The Rainman Suite(LA), Lady Vain, The Prey @ Radio Room
  • Venice Christmas show with Charlie Vaughn and The Daily Routine @ Belly Up
  • Karaoke @ O'Connell's
  • Fire Corner w/ boss DJs Skarina & Lord Aggro @ Kadan
  • Hoobastank @ Dreamcatcher Lounge (Viejas Casino)
  • Super Jill’s Super Thursdays @ The Ruby Room
  • Brian Culbertson's 'A Soulful Christmas' 2008 featuring Vesta, Tony Maiden of Rufus and Mike Phillips @ House of Blues
  • Boombox Thursdays feat DJ Edgartronic @ Air Conditioned Lounge
  • Caboose! feat. DJs Hashem & Sir Trail-Mix-A-Lot @ Whistle Stop
  • Alex Depue, Miguel De Hoyos @ Lestat's
  • Moxy Bullets, Dan Hauer and the Photogenics, bill @ 710 Beach Club
  • Priest Heavy (Judas Priest Tribute), Steven James (guitar virtuoso) @ Brick By Brick
  • Ishmael & The Peacemakers, Los Marijuanos @ Winston's
  • Lessons from Zeke, The Flowerthief, The Turtle Project @ Bitter End Backstage
  • Pac 10, Thumtac, After School Special & Swisher Streets, Young Dub @ Canes
  • Anthology House Band @ Anthology
  • Haute Flash @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge
  • Holiday Pops! (Full Version): A Winter Pops Concert @ Copley Symphony Hall

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

SD Represent: Jason Mraz & Anya Marina

Look at our San Diego peeps gettin all famous and Grammy nominated on us... Here's an Anya & Jason duet for you pleasure:

Things To Do In San Diego: December 17, 2008

Wednesday, December 17, 2008:

  • Darker My Love, Lumerians, Christmas Island @ Casbah
  • Mike Ness, Lonesome Spurs @ Belly Up
  • These Arms Are Snakes, Narrows, Trap Them, Lewd Acts @ Che Cafe
  • Bartenders Bible, Mario Matteoli, River City @ Radio Room
  • Calico Horse, Silverleaf, Janu & The Whalesharks @ U-31
  • XIV, Perfect Blue, Mod Amish, DJ Shawshank @ The Ruby Room
  • Trophy Wife, Early Autumn, Evolucid! @ Beauty Bar
  • Toy Drive & Holiday Party: Beach Music Mafia Presents: True Stories, The Shamey Jays, Blackbirdz, Coco Lafe, Chuck Schiele@ O'Connell's
  • Shake Shack @ Bar Pink
  • Knight Vision @ Kadan
  • Sycuan Presents Appetite for Destruction, Back in Black @ House of Blues
  • Nathaniel Merriweather Davis presents clips from 15 of live music video footage in San Diego @ Whistle Stop
  • Leila Broussard, Keaton Simon, Jordan Reimer @ Lestat's
  • Blue Spring, Locked Out Of Eden @ 710 Beach Club
  • Kill Chauntel, Lumina, Con Fusion, Battle 1337 @ Brick By Brick
  • Lifelike @ Winston's
  • Maddox Revolution @ Bitter End Backstage
  • Never Say Die Presents - Carlos Blues Experience @ Canes
  • Spyro Gyra (Holiday Show) @ Anthology (Early Show, 7:30 pm)
  • The Soul Persuaders @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge
  • Holiday Pops! (Full Version): A Winter Pops Concert @ Copley Symphony Hall

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Overdue Recap: The Shys, Army Navy @ Beauty Bar, 11.22.08

From Sight & Sound I went to the Beauty Bar to see Takeover UK, Army Navy, and The Shys. Mostly I was there for Army Navy. I had a great time at the show and the bands all delivered a great night of music. Unfortunately I was inhibition free and by the number of pictures I took (with flash, sad to say), I'm surprised someone didn't kick me in the head, especially the bands. I was having fun and when I have fun I go a little crazy with the camera. I caught only the tail end of Takeover UK and certainly not enough to write about, but I was there for all of Army Navy and The Shys and they definitely kept me smiling ear to ear for the night.





That is sometimes difficult, too, because when I see new-ish bands based on recommendation or press releases, I sometimes only get one or two songs to listen to beforehand, and I prefer being familiar with an entire album so I'm not blindly walking into something, though lately that seems to happen a lot for me and I just have to go with it. I thought Army Navy were great, and I was especially impressed by the guitarist's energy while playing since he had a broken foot and didn't seem to slow him down.



The Shys followed with an equally engaging set. Though I think this was a pose of "Good God, Woman, STOP TAKING PICTURES!"
The rest if you 'keep on reading'


I had the chance to see The Shys at the Beauty Bar once before and it was nice they came back. There are a lot of bands around right now with a similar pop/rock/dance thing going on and these boys do it well.






Slowly but surely I will catch up with all of these way overdue posts. 13 more to go.