Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Regarding Britt Daniel at the Belly Up

Spoon fans, listen up. Frontman Britt Daniel is appearing solo at the Belly Up on Saturday.

The doors open at 6pm, and Anya Marina goes on at 6pm. She will play for approx 30 minutes, and then Britt will go from about 6:45 – 8:00 pm, doing a 60 – 75 minute set.

Tickets are going fast, but still available at the Belly Up box office, through their website and by phone at 858 481 8140.

This show, like all others, is 21 and up.

Her Name Is Rio and She Has Duran Duran Tickets

Yeah! Duran Duran is playing at Valley View Casino on Thursday, May 8, and for all of you, my little lovelies, I have a pair of tickets to give away.

E-mail sddialedin AT gmail DOT com with "Duran Duran" as the subject and tell me your Top 5 Duran Duran songs of all time and you just might be my lucky winner. I will keep this contest open through Friday, and pull a winner Friday morning, so get on it. Don't forget to include your name, address, and a telephone number.

What Happened To Chris Cantore?, Part 3

Last summer, my dad got tickets for INXS at Harrah's Rincon Casino. My mom and I used the tickets while he gambled in the casino. On the way there, driving up the 15, traffic was jammed up per usual, and the whole way we were neck and neck with this van. It said X1FM.com.

Priding myself on knowing all things music, I wrote down the site name because I'd never heard of it before. When my dad and I were waiting in the comp area for our tickets, the guys in front of us were picking up their press tickets- they were the ones driving that van. I chatted briefly with one of them, asking what their deal was and the concept sounded pretty cool. An internet station that plays alternative music, but with deeper tracks, interviews, and a more free format than radio can offer.

Fast forward to now, and I'm happy to announce that Chris Cantore will be the official morning show dude on X1FM.com starting this Monday, May 5. Actually, he's on as I'm listening right now as "Don Diego", but the official start is Monday, and you can stream it daily from 8am to noon, every workday. For all of you missing Chris' morning voice, now you can stream him without the trouble of downloading podcasts.

And now they are playing Gogol Bordello and I'm happy, so I'm done writing, and off to internet land.

Things To Do In San Diego: April 30, 2008

Wednesday, April 30, 2008:

  • The Silent Comedy @ Stage Saloon (Corner of 5th & F) FREE!!
  • Commune Wednesday Feat. The Atoms, Dekline Trunk Show @ Bar Pink Elephant
  • Modern Day Moonshine, Eight Minutes to Twilight, Chris Koza Band @ U-31
  • Yo Majesty!, Does It Offend You, Yeah?, White Apple Tree @ Casbah
  • Roxy Monoxide @ O'Connell's
  • Get Back Loretta, Ryan Ferguson, Chris Torres Band @ Belly Up
  • Children of Nova, Late Nite Access, Magnolia Black @ Beauty Bar
  • Bellanova @ House of Blues
  • Thin Man, Tender Buttons @ Tower Bar
  • Avril Lavigne, Boys Like Girls @ Cox Arena
  • J Wail, Oscal8, Brutus, Akashan, Indirani Tribal Dance @ Winston's
  • Contact Solutions & Guests @ O'Connell's
  • Lindsay White, Eban Brooks @ Lestat's
  • Guava Belly, Stained Glass Saints, Eclipse 79, Rhythm & The Method @ Cane's
  • The Crashing Marbles, Bombay Status, Escape Note @ 710 Beach Club
  • UFO, Sledd @ Brick By Brick
  • Pat Senatore @ Anthology (early show, 7:30pm)
  • Late Night Live feat. Deep Rooted, Those Dang Robinsons, Bad Credit @ Anthology (late show, 9:30pm)
  • Private Domain @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

My Day At The Salon: Salon Tonic

I had quite the treat on Tuesday because I was invited back for a follow up haircut. I was long overdue, since the last cut was way back in November before I started the new (old) day job.

The beautiful thing, especially if you're salon averse as I am, is the beer or wine starter offered when you enter the salon. I don't know what it is about me...I tend to be the pamperer and not the pampered, so letting someone take care of me, the way they do at Salon Tonic, is foreign, but once I let go, I get right into the treatment.


While I was waiting for my cut, I checked out all the product and I was thinking, man, I'm not wealthy by any means, but perhaps I should invest a little more in products that take care of my skin, and in this case, my hair.


Salon Tonic is right in the heart of Little Italy and there are plenty of stylists with various talents to get you the cut and color you need. Personally, I like walking in and trusting myself with Leslie. "Make me look better than I did when I walked in." And that's not hard to do, but some stylists wanna blow dry and make me have big hair which just isn't me. I need a haircut where I can wash and go. I don't even own a blowdryer. Or curling iron. Some product but nothing great. I need low maintenance, and Salon Tonic provides.



So I went in for my cut, and I got all lost in the feeling of being taken care of. I particularly the shampoo that really is a full on neck and scalp massage, and the tingling of tea tree oil made me close my eyes and get lost. It was funny to me that the two guys getting shampooed next to me were so chatty with their stylists, because when I'm there, it's full on spa day and I don't wanna talk. Then I started thinking I was rude because I wasn't chatty, so I broke of my trance and talked a little, but I really wanted the experience.

Anyway, as much as I hate posting pictures of myself, my hair was looking good after all was said and done, so here it is.


Anyway, I can't recommend Salon Tonic enough. The ladies treat you right, and there's a constant soundtrack of awesome music. Not to mention the beer to chill you out. Honestly, I didn't wanna leave. I'll for sure be back when this mop gets outta control once again.


Elf Power & Flowers Forever, 4.21.08

Before the shutter button popped off my camera, I caught Elf Power, Flowers Forever, and the last couple songs from Agent Ribbons. It was one of those kinda quiet nights, where they let people in through the sidestage door instead of the main entrance.

Agent Ribbons is a two-piece girl duo and they were dancey pants and super fun. The singer was sporting a lime green dress which contrasted her Raggedy Ann red curls as she danced around the stage. I've heard great things about the band and the couple songs I saw were great, so I look forward to seeing them again. They seem like a perfect house party band, perhaps paired with Jamuel Saxon.

Forever Flowers, from Omaha, were up second, and I really liked them a lot but couldn't really place who I thought they sounded like, mostly because the singer reminded me of the singer from Material Issue with his bowl haircut. I kept humming "Valerie Loves Me" in my head. Had I taken more cash, I would've bought their CD, so I'll keep an eye out for them in the future.



Last up was Elf Power and I loved their last CD, Back To The Web so I had to catch them again, even though this time around, just like the last, they played stuff from their entire catalogue and I wasn't familiar with most of it. The singer has this intriguing look...I couldn't stop thinking that he looks like a cross between Mike Kamoo of The Stereotypes and Jeff Tweedy. Their set was sweet and the girls from Agent Ribbons and their friends made it a full on dance party up in front, which from the look on the singer's face, was a first. The jangly guitars and his sweet voice made it for an enjoyable night of music.









After the show, I went to U-31 to see the mechanical bull riding which was awesome, because Josh from Silent Comedy rode the bull like a madman. It was pretty fun and maybe one of these days, I might mount the little bovine myself.

Ice Cream Week

Just a head's up-

Today is FREE SCOOP DAY at Ben & Jerry's.
Wednesday is 31 cent Scoop day at Baskin Robbins.

How many locations can you hit in one day??

Things To Do In San Diego: April 29, 2008

Tuesday, April 29, 2008:

  • Mac Lethal, Rotten Apple Pie Tour featuring Grieves, Approach, Silentarmy and DJ Sku @ Casbah
  • Mike Ness, Guana Batz @ Belly Up
  • Trans Am Tuesday w/ DJ Heather Hardcore @ Beauty Bar
  • Too Cool For Karaoke @ U-31
  • Breaker Breaker One Niner, Rough Chukar(WA), Whiskey Tango(WA) Plus Djs Horror Nate, and Ding Dong @ Zombie Lounge
  • Tiki Tuesdays with Craig Prior and His Hawaiian Sounds @ Bar Pink Elephant
  • Deaf Zero @ Winston's
  • Vagrance, Aces and Eights, Londons Falling, Murder The Future @ O'Connell's
  • Comedy Night with Josh Mullins @ Lestat's
  • All American Tuesdays - Industry & Karaoke Night with DJ Levi Strauss @ Cane's
  • Jon Garner Trio @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge

Monday, April 28, 2008

Things To Do: Tonight! Fluf @ The Casbah

Tonight's a pretty damn good Monday in San Diego, I have to say. If you check out the Breeders or M.I.A., don't forget you probably will still have time after to catch some of the Mexicolas, Fluf and Buckfast Superbee show at the Casbah.

Note: the flyer for this show has been removed due to its size. The show has passed.

Fundraiser For A New Camera

So yes, my camera is broken, and I've got some serious picture taking to do. That little government check we're supposed to get is all going to making my car run for another year or else it's gonna fall apart.

If any of you have it in your hearts, I'm taking donations for a new camera, just a small one to replace the one I've got. If everyone who reads this site daily just put $1 in that little PayPal account to the right, I could run out and buy a new camera today and have pics for you of M.I.A. tomorrow... think about it. It's simple and you probably have a buck laying around in your couch cushions anyway. You can use ATM, debit, credit, whatever...and I'd be forever in your collective debt.
humbly,
rosey.

91X X-Session With Death Cab For Cutie

I didn't want to write about Death Cab For Cutie until it happened because I didn't want to jinx myself. I've been to private shows like that where the bands didn't show up, or showed up hours late, or I got there late or whatever, so I just wanted to get there and witness.

I posted last week that I was looking to get in to one of the radio shows, and I want to give a super huge shout to Mat Diablo, the new morning DJ for hearing my call and allowing me to check it out. I see a lot of bands, and I meet a lot of bands, but I didn't expect to get so nervous before seeing DCFC again, but I did. I parked in the wrong parking lot, but that meant that I walked up from the front of the building and the band was all sitting outside hanging out, so big geek me, I walked up and introduced myself until someone from the station took me to where I was supposed to be. Then he laughed at how I just introduced myself. Yeah, big dork right here, but if you could shake Ben's hand, wouldn't you?

As these things go, there's more waiting around than actual performance time, but it was cool because everyone was chatty and swapping Coachella stories in the lobby.

Finally we went into the studio and we were allowed flashless photography. My shutter button on my camera broke off, so I have to MacGyver my camera with a toothpick which is really lame, but here are some pics.







They played five songs:
Photobooth
Brothers on A Hotel Bed
Grapevine
Talking Bird
I Will Possess Your Heart

I believe Mat did an interview after the show, and you can hear the live songs and interview in the morning. It was short, but sweet, and the band sounded beautiful and crisp in the studio surroundings. After the mini-set, their label rep gave everyone a signed poster and we were on our way. He did announce that Death Cab For Cutie will be touring and they'll be in San Diego on June 20 at the Open Air Theatre at SDSU, so save the date. I can't hardly wait.





Death Cab For Cutie Setlist, 4.28.08

For Those of You Asking About the Show at RiMAC- NOT TRUE

I'm trying to get more info on this show to verify that it is legit. The listing I posted has Man Man, The National, Cat Power, Bus Driver, Dan Deacon @ UCSD (Rimac Arena). What I read was that the show is free for UCSD students with valid ID, $21 for non-students. I have a couple calls in to see if, in fact, this show is happening or if I've been punked. I will post as soon as I hear information.

Note, since Man Man has an in-store at Austin that same day, and since Cat Power had all those cancellations, I'm thinking this listing might have been from 2007. I can't be sure. The info was on SanDiegoPunk.com for those of you asking.

Update: I'm sorry for having posted this. It appears to be either a lie, a rumor, or an outdated listing. I apologize for getting hopes up.

An Announcement For Dave F: Neil Diamond!

NEIL DIAMOND
Tuesday, October 7
San Diego Sports Arena
On sale Monday, May 5 at 10am

FM 94/9 Independence Jam

FM 94/9 announced their Independence Jam lineup. Interesting. Independence Jam has MGMT, too. Maybe they can go for the hat trick and play SoCo Music Festival as well.

Main Stage:
Flogging Molly
The Hold Steady
Cold War Kids
MGMT
The Whigs
The Ting Tings
Santogold
Nortec Collective

Local Stage:
Transfer
Silent Comedy
Kill Me Tomorrow
The Muslims
Blackout Party

91X Adds MGMT to X-Fest Lineup

Now that Coachella is all wrapped up, 91X was able to announce this morning that MGMT will be playing X-Fest. Things just got a whole lot tastier for the Qualcomm practice field. Count me in.

The Offspring
Pennywise
Jimmy Eat World
MGMT
Ludo
My American Heart

sidestage:
The Material
Weatherbox
The Burning of Rome
The Sess
Shark Attack DJs

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Things To Do In San Diego: April 28, 2008

For the full week's listings, click "keep on reading" at the bottom. Lots of great choices this week...Check back for updates.

Monday, April 28, 2008:
  • M.I. A., Holy Fuck @ 4th & B
  • Anti-Monday League Presents: Fluf, Mexicolas, Buckfast Superbee @ Casbah
  • The Breeders, The Colour Revolt @ Cane's
  • Industry Night w/ DJ VEEP REEKIN$, ((Sounder)) CD release party & Modern Subject LIVE! @ Beauty Bar (no cover)
  • Lady Dottie & The Diamonds @ Tower Bar
  • Women In Hip-Hop Benefit/Official M.I.A. after party w DJ Million D Mano & Rye Rye Live @ U-31
  • Three ONE G Presents: TOTALLY TURNED OFF- DJs Salayer and JP, special guests Unicorn @ Zombie Lounge
Electric Waste Band @ Winston's
  • Blues Jame Hosted by Mystery Train @ O'Connell's
  • Open Mic with Isaac Cheong @ Lestat's
  • Things To Do In San Diego: Sunday, April 27, 2008

    Sunday, April 27, 2008:

    • Art Walk San Diego in Little Italy 12n-6p
    • Encinitas Street Fair @ Highway 101 between D & J Streets, 9a-5p
    • Matt Curreri and Ex-Friends, Paul Curreri, Gregory Page @ Casbah
    • Hear This DJs Hippo, J Blow & Myson King. No Cover @ Beauty Bar
    • Fernet Party feat. The Professors @ 710 Beach Club
    • BRAAIINS, The New Legion, The Prey, The Phantoms @ Zombie Lounge
    • An Evening with Victor Wooten @ Belly Up
    • Tribe of Kings @ U-31
    • Reggae Sundays @ O'Connell's
    • Mississippi Mudsharks (5-8) Jose Sinatra's OB-O-ke @ Winston's
    • Isaac Cheong's Birthday Bash featuring The Predicates, Isaac and the Chi-Chi's, The Wrong Trousers, Rob Deez, Ivan, The Smart Brothers, Dani Carroll, Tim Mudd and Jehsyn Levelle @ Lestat's
    • Leon Redbone @ Anthology (early show, 7:30pm)
    • Reggie Smith @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (early show 10a-2p)
    • Reggie Smith @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (late show, 8p)

    M.I.A. Paper Planes Live (A Preview For Monday)

    If you're planning on heading to 4th & B on Monday night for M.I.A., here's a little video of what you might expect. This video for "Paper Planes" was shot live in Philly.

    South Return To San Diego

    I'm having kind of a shitty weekend. Friday was great, but yesterday was a day of almosts, as I almost went to ArtWalk but gave up when I couldn't find parking (I should've taken the bus). Instead, I hung out at my sister's which was good, but when I came home I was feeling sick. I tried to power through and got ready to go out, but I wasn't feeling well. I even motivated and tried to power through, but when I got to the Casbah, the line outside was huge and I couldn't bear the thought of being at a sold out show based on how I was feeling. Then I circled up by the House Party, and realized I was out of my mind if I was gonna hang out in the basement with the way I was feeling. So I came home.

    Today's weather is bumming me out and certainly not making me feel any better, and I have to be honest and say I'm really bummed that I didn't find a way in to either KPRi's or FM 94/9's DCFC shows today. I love those stations and they've both certainly taken care of me in the past but no such luck this time around and I'm sad about that.

    So I'm sitting around in my cave today, curtains drawn, trying to keep cool in my apartment, and trying to find some things to be happy about and things to look forward to, and I had to look no further than the Casbah's schedule. Here are some shows I'm really excited about.

    May 18- South, The Silver State, Ki Theory, Johnny Lloyd @ Brick by Brick 21+
    May 28- The National and guests at House of Blues 21+
    June 23- Anti Monday League presents Frightened Rabbit, Oxford Collapse
    June 3- Anti Monday League presents Swim Party, the Henry Clay People, Writer
    July 23- Rocky Votolato (solo acoustic)with special guest Owen

    Some things to definitely be happy about. Now I just wish I could kick whatever this ailment is that I have because it's really cramping my style.

    FM 94/9 Independence Jam 2008

    Tomorrow morning, April 28, FM 94/9 is going to announce the lineup for this year's Independence Jam. For those of you reading the web on a Sunday, here's a sneak peek at the local stage (in no particular order):

    The Silent Comedy
    Kill Me Tomorrow
    Blackout Party
    The Wrong Trousers
    maybe The Muslims

    Grand Ole Party, The Night Marchers, and Black Heart Procession can NOT play due to conflicting tour dates.

    Also, don't forget the Whigs are already confirmed as a mainstage act. I'm hoping that means their tourmates, What Made Milwaukee Famous, will be on that bill, too, but they're not getting airplay so I dunno. I gave up on my other guessing, you'll just have to wait until tomorrow.

    Saturday, April 26, 2008

    Coachella Writers 2008

    My Google Alerts are keeping me updated with Coachella news, and frankly, every article about every band sounds exactly the same. Below are the first line summaries from my alert, taken from Billboard, AP, NME and others:

    As the evening cooled, Johnson's closing set didn't draw an overwhelming crowd to Coachella's main stage,...

    Bathed in blue lights as the sun went down, The Raconteurs played a storming set at the Coachella Festival tonight (April 25).

    Battles kicked off Day One of the Coachella Festival with a storming set in the packed Gobi tent today (April 25).

    Santogold packed out the Gobi Tent tonight at the Coachella festival in California, and even treated the audience to a re-worked version of her track...

    Black Lips rounded off the first day of Coachella 2008 in true rock 'n roll style by setting fire to their guitars tonight (April 25).

    Les Savy Fav got Coachella off to a raucous start today with a stunt-tastic set in the Californian desert.

    Searching for an oasis of music in southern California desert, thousands gathered Friday for the opening day of the Coachella Valley...


    boring...

    Things To Do In San Diego: April 26, 2008

    Saturday, April 26, 2008:
    • Art Walk San Diego in Little Italy 12n-6p
    • Encinitas Street Fair @ Highway 101 between D & J Streets, 9a-5p
    • Newport Nights feat Gross Negligence @ Infectious Threads
    • San Diego House Party feat. Dan Deacon, The Death Set, Hollywood Mabson, Jamuel Saxon @ 2220 Front Street ($7, bring booze! stop asking me for a beer!)
    • The Night Marchers , The Muslims, The Nightmares @ Casbah
    • Bad Credit, The Victorians, Lilith Velkor @ Ken Club
    • Danger Danger w/ Corey Biggs, Adam Salter, & Lord Nelson @ Beauty Bar
    • Mark Malik Houlihan (Jupiter Sunrise), Max Simon @ Kava Lounge
    • Def Leppard with Special Guests Styx and REO Speedwagon @ Cricket Amphitheatre
    • Secret Apollo, Under the Influence Us, One Lonely Robot @ Chasers
    • "Jillian’s B-day" Tiltwheel, Run Barbara Run, 12cent, The Wastrels, Japanese Monsters @ Zombie Lounge
    • CANCELLED! (Go to the house party instead!) Dan Deacon, Death Set, Jamuel Saxon, Quiet on the Set @ Che Cafe
    • A Shattered Hope, Duck Duck Goose, Monte Battalion, Unknown Motive @ Epicentre
    • Stateside Saints, Tony The Tyger @ Tower Bar
    • Yonder Mountain String Band @ Belly Up
    • Still Ill @ U-31
    • Electric Waste Band @ Winston's
    • Booty Bassment feat. Ikah & Dimitri @ Whistle Stop
    • Alice & The Cooper Gang, On Fire, Altered Time, The Howling Jupiters @ O'Connell's
    • Total Combat- X-Treme Cage Fighting @ 4th & B
    • The Big Provider @ Lestat's
    • Wild Child (Doors Tribute) & Dazed & Confused (Led Zeppelin Tribute) @ Cane's
    • Sandollar, Split Finger @ 710 Beach Club
    • Autumn Black, Pardon The Outlaw, Endure The Fall, Stilletto Silhouette, Endless @ Soma
    • S.A.T.O.R.I., Dante’s Boneyard, Soundescape @ Brick By Brick
    • Leon Redbone @ Anthology (early show, 7:30pm)
    • Aunt Kizzy's Boys @ Anthology (late show, 9:30pm)
    • Zac Harmon @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (late show, 9:30p)

    Wolf Parade to Tour!

    Wolf Parade has announced a summer tour that will coincide with the release of their new album which will be available June 17. They're coming through San Diego, so save the date.

    Wolf Parade @ Cane's, July 20, 2008

    Pre-sale tickets for all dates available here. They're will call only so that means asshole scalpers can't get their dirty hands on them. Gotta love Ducat King ticketing.

    Friday, April 25, 2008

    A Dedication to Garrett at FM 94/9

    humorous pictures
    see more crazy cat pics

    Kensington Terrace: Not Wasting Any Time

    Yesterday I posted about the Kensington Terrace Partners coming to a compromise with the Heart of Kensington peeps, and today was the big media announcement (though I am missing it, you know, having to work and all), but it was quite amazing. When I left for work in the morning, the house just east of the gas station was standing. When I got home from work, a mere 6 hours after the announcement, and the entire house was already gone. What you see in this picture is the aparment complex behind the house. That will likely be gone today.



    This morning I awoke to the sound of a Caterpillar moving dirt around and cleaning up any remnants of the house. The sad thing for me is that the giant tree sitting there will probably be the next thing to go. I love that tree. I love the cacophony of all the ravens chasing one another in the morning, I love the way that one branch droops down over the rest of the tree, and I love in spring when you can see the giant nest the birds have made of neighborhood waste mixed with branches and twigs.

    Change is a'comin to my 'hood.

    Thursday, April 24, 2008

    Things To Do In San Diego: April 25, 2008

    Friday, April 25, 2008:
    • The Spits Pre-Party @ Fabrik (4646 Park Blvd.) 5pm, free beer, snacks, 10% off storewide
    • Spiritualized, AM Vibe @ 4th & B
    • The Spits, The Okmoniks, The Black and Whites, Lover! @ Ken Club
    • Food Not Bombs Benefit House Party feat. Di Nigunim, The Yiffs, The Taxpayers @ 3428 Nile St. San Diego
    • Calico Horse, Long Live Logos @ UCSD (in the Old Student Center)
    • Teenagers , Buddy Akai @ Casbah
    • The Human Echo, Death on Mars, The Predicates, Tropical Depression @ Chasers
    • Silent Armada, Laserwolf & Thunderbolt, Strike The Design, Escape Note @ Zombie Lounge
    • Creepy Creeps @ Bar Pink Elephant
    • Silent Comedy, Crash Encore @ Che Cafe
    • DJ Nathan Black & Kipper 2 x 4 set w/ Sparrow Love Crew, The Fascination & Love you long time @ Beauty Bar
    • Rick Ortiz and Sycuan Present: Latin Fusion @ House of Blues
    • Lady Dottie & The Diamonds, The Nightmares @ Tower Bar
    • B-Side Players, Cava, DJ Artistic @ Belly Up
    • Gregory Page (CD Release Party) @ Lestat's
    • The Joel Packer Combo @ Whistle Stop
    • Kindle To Ember, Nekter, DJ Young Chavez @ O'Connell's
    • Jason David, Go Project, Horseshoes & Handgrenades @ Epicentre
    • Feel The Noise w/ Gabe Vega & Saul Q @ U-31
    • Vamp, I-90 @ Winston's
    • The Cadillacs @ Tio Leo's
    • Mystic Roots, High Tide, Dfrost & Mad Martigan @ Cane's
    • Higher Mindz, The Upstarts, Daze & Lifted Crew @ 710 Beach Club
    • Sever Your Ties, This Is The Hospital, Hello Marquee, The 25th Hour, Tragedy & Triumph (EP Release), The Day Sets Fire, A Legend Unknown @ Soma
    • Agent Orchid presents: the Toledo Show, the Cats, the Dames, the Whole Dirty Deal @ Brick By Brick
    • Hot Club of Cowtown feat. Elana James, Whit Smith & Jake Erwin @ Acoustic Music San Diego (4650 Mansfield)
    • Muldoon & Larry Mitchell @ Anthology (early show, 7:30pm)
    • Songs in The Key of LifeA Tribute to Stevie Wonder - featuring members of B-Side Playerss, Wise Monkey Orchestra, & Psydecar @ Anthology (late show, 9:30pm)
    • Electric Soul @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (early show 6-8p)
    • Rising Star @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (late show, 9:30p)

    Tennis Tonight! North Park Water Tower, 7pm

    I didn't realize this match was going to be such a big deal. I haven't touched my racquets in a few years, but I appreciate whoever called me "a black belt of tennis" on the punkboard.

    If you want to come cheer us on, laugh your ass off, get rowdy, or all of the above, per the text message I just got:

    DEATH MATCH: Bartender Rob & SD:Dialed In Rosey vs Adam The Animal & El Scorcho, North Park Rec, 7pm

    Big Kensington Terrace News!!!

    This just in from Heart of Kensington:

    For several months core members of the Heart of Kensington Organizing Committee have been working diligently to ensure that the Kensington Terrace project complies with California law and preserves the character of our neighborhood. We understand that any development must meet economic realities, and we are committed to a balanced approach that would allow for profitable development while at the same time protecting the essential nature of Kensington.

    The Heart of Kensington sought meaningful changes to the project's original conception and design that addressed a number of significant community concerns including traffic, scale/density, retail usage, and historic/community character.

    Today we are happy to announce that an agreement has been reached between the Heart of Kensington and Terrace Partners that is the result of sometimes difficult negotiations between the two parties. As a result of this legally binding agreement, Terrace Partners can now begin redeveloping this block of Adams Avenue to the benefit of the entire community.

    Please join us tomorrow, Friday, at 11 am in front of the library for the announcement of the settlement to the media. Bring friends and neighbors and celebrate with us and the wider San Diego community!

    Click keep on reading for the full Heart of Kensington announcement and details of the agreement.


    WHAT HAS THE COMMUNITY WON IN THIS AGREEMENT?

    The foremost concern expressed by residents of Kensington was in regard to the scale and height of the proposed building. Under the agreement, the new building has been significantly scaled back and no longer requires a zoning variance or deviation in the CN-1-3 (30 foot) zone. The three rowhomes on Edgeware Road will stand separately from the main commercial building, providing a much smaller impact in bulk. The retail space on the corner of Edgeware Road and Adams Avenue will only be single story, to better match the single story directly across the street (the Autism Institute). The remaining retail/office space in the CN-1-3 zone will be two-story only. The only three-story component will be in the CU-3-3 zone and consists of a 5,000 square foot third floor located approximately where the gas station and pumps are situated, yet significantly stepped back on all sides so that the shadowing on the residential properties to the north has been reduced or eliminated. The building at its highest point will be 35 feet, which is the same height as the Starbucks building.

    The portal on the south façade on Adams Avenue has been significantly enlarged, both in width and height, and is open all the way through the roof. A plaza will now be located at this entrance where previously there was none. The building exhibits varying heights and, with the portal, good articulation.

    The overall building square footage has been reduced from 56,000 square feet to 49,000 square feet.

    The community also was concerned about the increase in traffic brought by the proposed uses of the building. HoK has negotiated a number of terms that will reduce traffic levels. These restrictions relate to allowed uses, retail store size and caps on projected traffic, measured by "Average Daily Trips" or "ADTs." First, no high-turnover convenience stores will be allowed. You may recall that City Councilmember Toni Atkins attempted to add this as a condition of the permit during the City Council hearing, but the developer indicated it was opposed, and she dropped it. HoK put this limitation back in. This is a big win, as convenience stores are major traffic generators.

    We have also negotiated terms relating to maximum size of individual retail space and percent of national brand or formula businesses allowed, to encourage the recruitment of neighborhood-serving mom-and-pop businesses rather than traffic-generating chain stores and fast food establishments such as Burger King and Target. We have also reduced the allowed project ADTs by 20%, subject to the Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting program conducted by the City.

    With regard to parking, Terrace Partners' new design should provide seven, free parking spaces behind the building adjacent to the alley. The inclusion of these spaces not only mitigates the loss of the on-street parking resulting from the widening and red-striping of Marlborough Drive, but causes the building to be stepped-back further from the alley and away from the adjacent residences.



    WHAT WERE THE COMPROMISES?

    With any negotiation comes compromise. In order to reduce construction costs, Terrace Partners' new design for the main building includes only retail and office space. The first floor is retail and the second floor is office, as before. The third floor, which previously had been 15,000 square feet of residential, is now 5,000 square feet of office space. Overall, there has been a decrease in residential space and an increase in retail/office space. By choosing to eliminate the inner courtyard, the architect and developer created more leasable space. All of the other terms that we negotiated regarding retail space size, use and ADT caps are intended to offset the traffic impact of the overall retail/office space.

    The new design has one underground floor of parking. The number of parking spaces provided will meet city code requirements. The previous design provided an excess number of parking spaces, but as it was underground validated parking, the community never saw this as much value added, so the removal of a half-floor of parking in exchange for free parking spaces off the alley is a win. By eliminating a half-floor of underground parking, the developers have reduced their construction costs, which allowed them to make the other concessions.

    During the City Council hearing Toni Atkins asked the developers to allow sixty days for someone to come forward to claim the 1923 Roy and Dora Bennett house (just east of the gas station). The developers were to give the house to anyone for free who wanted to move it to another location. It has been well over 60 days and no one has come forward, which is not surprising, since there is very little vacant land available in the urban core of the city. While there is some possibility that after litigation and an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) the city might have directed the developers to incorporate the house into the design, or move it at their expense to a parcel of land that they own, those outcomes are highly unlikely, given the city administration's current policy toward historical designation and the Mills Act, for example. Nevertheless, during demolition of the house, materials will be salvaged and given to Habitat for Humanity.



    WHAT'S NEXT FOR KENSINGTON AND HoK?

    The outcome of an EIR is unknown, and the cost of going forward with the lawsuit would have totaled approximately $75,000. To date, HoK has raised approximately $23,000 in direct fundraising appeals to the community. The concessions made by Terrace Partners regarding the height and scale of the building, coupled with the at-grade parking and retail use restrictions provided the most important features that the community requested. HoK worked hard for and made a decision to accept the terms of this revised development and we feel the community and all parties involved will benefit.

    We understand that not every member of our community will be pleased with the solution that we have achieved. Some people would be happiest if nothing changed and Jacob and the gas station remained, along with the great old eucalyptus tree and the old houses. Others would like to see the new building be smaller still, or even larger. The reality is that Terrace Partners owns the property and has a right to develop it. They have scaled back the design so that they are no longer in need of a zoning variance. We see this as a major win in that no precedent is set for future development on Adams Avenue in Kensington.

    HoK believes that by reaching agreement now without going forward with the lawsuit, we have achieved what we may have achieved at the end of the lawsuit and EIR, only at a much lower cost. It may be tempting to think of the HoK Core Team as a disembodied abstract, but we are really your neighbors, and we hold full time jobs, take our kids to school every morning and pick them up every afternoon, coach Little League in the evenings and attend the monthly Kensington Talmadge Planning Group meetings, among other activities that make up our busy lives. We feel good about having accomplished such a significant, meaningful goal and look forward to celebrating with the community.

    But first we still have attorneys' bills to pay. Our fundraising to date does not cover the bills we have accumulated, and there will be costs associated with the execution of this settlement as well as unknown future costs for HoK as the development project moves forward. While we have secured agreement from Terrace Partners to reimburse HoK for some of the costs associated with this effort, we are looking to the community for your continued support. Donations are still appreciated and can be sent to HoK at the address below, or visit the HoK website: http://ForKensington.com/Donate.html


    In addition, we hope you will join us at the First Annual Landmarked Homes of Kensington Tour on May 17th from 10 AM to 4 PM. Please visit the home tour website for more information and tickets: http://www.HeartofKensington.org/

    The Heart of Kensington will continue to serve as a conduit for neighborhood information and will promote appropriate development on Adams Avenue in the Kensington commercial district by focusing on urban planning and development that conforms to the small-scale, historic, pedestrian friendly guidelines of the Mid-City Communities Plan. HoK represents the concerns of over one thousand Kensington residents to City planners, elected officials and developers to ensure that the existing community character drives the graceful and sensitive renewal of the commercial district.

    HoK reinvests in the Kensington neighborhood and donations are used to support several HOK initiatives, including community outreach and communication about issues affecting heritage homes and historic neighborhoods, advice and consulting services from historic experts, legal support and counsel to advise HOK about the rights the community as it pertains to historic preservation, and the ongoing support of lobbying efforts to ensure the community's voice is heard in local government.

    We would like to thank you for being a part of the Heart of Kensington effort to make Kensington Terrace a better project for our community. But our work is not done and we look forward to you continued involvement!

    To contact any member of the HoK Organizing Committee, please send an email to info@ForKensington.com or call 619-866-4422.

    Our postal address is:
    Heart of Kensington
    P.O. Box 16246
    San Diego, CA 92176-6246

    Things To Do In San Diego: April 24, 2008

    I got kinda sick the last couple days, really out of nowhere, but I was able to rest up last night and OD on NyQuil and I feel tons better today, but it resulted in no internet time. So, again, just tonight's listings. If I have to stay up all night, I will bust out the weekend's events for everyone who, like me, prefers not to see bands in 104 degree desert heat.

    Tonight we're having a North Park tennis showdown, if anyone wants to see Ken Club Rob and I take on "Life Crisis" Adam and I think Josh Mosh, we'll be at the water tower courts at 6.

    Thursday, April 24, 2008:
    • CD Release Show - Firethorn,Someday Assassin, Laserwolf and Thunderbolt @ Casbah
    • Lavell Crawford (comedy)@ House of Blues
    • Pre-Coachella Spank Rock 87 Stick up Kids, Time Machine @ Beauty Bar
    • The Bermondsey Joyriders (Gary Lammin of Cock Sparrer), Noise Attack, Deadites Revenge @ Zombie Lounge
    • Dark Star Orchestra @ Belly Up
    • Musical Pursuit Music Trivia with Adam Gimbel @ Whistle Stop
    • Karaoke @ O'Connell's
    • DEEP, Animate B2B Dynamik, Probable Cause, Walkrawler @ U-31
    • The Shake Shack @ Bar Pink Elephant
    • Richard Marx with Matt Scannell (of Vertical Horizon) @ Anthology (early show, 7:30pm)
    • Annie Bethancourt, Barrett Johnson @ Lestat's
    • Love & Rockets @ Cane's
    • Rise of Revolution, Parker & the Numberman, Young Mass @ Brick By Brick
    • Mr Brady (of Deep Rooted) @ 710 Beach Club
    • Metro @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge
    • Drum master Winard Harper & his hard-swinging sextet, featuring Dayna Stephens tenor saxophone, Josh Evans trumpet, Ameen Saleem bass, Jon Notar piano, & Alioune Faye percussion @ Dizzy's (San Diego Wine & Culinary Center)

    Wednesday, April 23, 2008

    Things To Do In San Diego: April 23, 2008

    I have not been able to do the full week's listings, and won't get to them until late Wednesday. Make it easy on me and send your listings to my email in the format I use below.

    Wednesday, April 23, 2008:
    • The Black Heart Procession, Vision of a Dying World, Japanese Sunday @ Casbah
    • Thin Man, Red Feathers @ Tower Bar
    • Bedford Grove (CD Release), Emery Byrd @ Anthology (late show, 10 pm)
    • Grin's Edge (CD Release), Children Of Nova, Beyond The Fall @ U-31
    • Mighty Six Ninety, Mouthful of Snow, Misc. Ailments Foundation @ Beauty Bar
    • Gary Shuffledust @ Bar Pink Elephant
    • Roots Covenant @ Winston's
    • The Leo Project, Young Goodman, The Trade, Ithaca @ 710 Beach Club
    • Timbiriche @ House of Blues
    • Led Kaapana and Mike Kaawa @ Belly Up
    • Noisegod, Solis, Chaotic Mess @ O'Connell's
    • Judith Qwen, Melissa Vaughn, Katy Wong @ Lestat's
    • Canes & Seedless Present - Collie Buddz feat The New Kingston Band, The Grouch, Eligh (of The Living Legends),Basik MC @ Cane's
    • Justin Hopkins & The Guilt, Bassbossa, Skybombers, Cheeky @ Brick By Brick
    • The Soul Persuaders @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge
    • Jeff Moore & Friends @ Anthology (Early Show 7:30pm)

    The Rundown of My Three Day Weekend

    I spent the entire weekend with family by day, but still partied by night, but I kept my picture taking to a minimum. I think I need to somehow clean my camera because it's not focusing like I want it to as can be seen in the pics I posted from the week. Anyway, this is just a long winding post about my weekend, so if you're interested, click the "keep on reading" link below. If you just wanna know about the music stuff, skip this post. But you still get to see Johanna...this was feeding time.



    Friday started with my brother and my sister-in-law, Melissa, arriving to my house after their lunch at Quatro Milpas. We were just going to head to my mom's but ended up all busting out our laptops to use the wi-fi since there is none at my mom's. After a couple hours, we went down and arrived at baby feeding time at Rosie's Family Daycare.





    It was pretty much a laid back night at the house, we ordered pizzas, had cake for my sister's birthday, and watched Bill Maher together. By the time I got home, I was a little wiped out and took a short nap, thinking it would just be a laid back night at the Ken. I got there at 11 and it turned out that Frantic Romantic had already played, so I sat at the bar with a couple friends. I wish that I'd rechecked my own site, because I didn't realize that my listing for U-31 was so buried on my Friday night listings, or I would've been at Silent Comedy. Instead, Dan picked me up from the Ken Club and we went to Jivewire at the Casbah for a little while, until retiring at the Cherry Bomb for some quick foosball and last call, then came back to Kensington to hang out.

    Come Saturday, I was taking it easy until my cousin and sister picked me up and we went back to Chula Vista for my sister's birthday BBQ, only it was cold out so it was more of an indoor party, but it was still good. It had been ages since my family was all together including my cousin, and we laughed at the thought that there was a time when we all lived under the same roof.




    We again stayed at the house pretty late, until the last guests left and the house was all cleaned up. My brother turned in a little early because he was going to Disneyland on Sunday, so we said our "see you in 7 months" and called it a night, and I went home. I rested a bit and walked to the Ken in time to catch Writer and Hotel St. George. I don't know what's going on with the lights there but the last couple shows there were played in almost complete darkness, but Writer and Hotel St. George sounded great, even to just the handful of us who were present.

    At the end of the night, a bunch of people came over for an after party. Since I never really take pictures after hours, I decided to take a couple of everyone sprawled in my livingroom.


    The crowd eventually dwindled a little and then a little more, until it was just Andy, Abraham and I and we got into an interesting conversation about religion which was surely the sign (well, that and the sunrise) that it was time to call it a night.



    Obviously staying up that late meant I slept in, but eventually my parents came by and we all went to my sister's house to hang out. We watched Juno, which I hadn't yet seen, and passed Johanna around, had dinner until eventually Connie left to head back to LA and my parents dropped me back at home, where I got sucked into a Hallmark movie on CBS and tested myself to see if I could go a whole day without opening my laptop. It wasn't easy, but I did it.

    So yeah, it was a busy week, and now that I've written all about it, I've got this week to cover...so I should really get some sleep but I guess I'll do a mini listings post first.

    Tuesday, April 22, 2008

    bill, Republic of Letters, Swim Party, The Sword 4.17.08

    I am not gonna disclose how late I ended up staying up on Wednesday night but I was hanging with my Kensington homies and it was very. very. late. Still, a couple Diet Coke refills of my 44 oz cup from AM/PM and I made it through the day. Plus, I had the motivation of knowing I was going to have a three day weekend. After work and a short nap, I was off to the Belly Up for an all local show. Being friends with 3 of the 4 bands certainly has it's perks, so while the first band wrapped up, we hung out backstage.

    Bill started and I had to check them out now that Dagart is playing with them, and it had been ages since the one show I saw them at the Alibi. They sounded good, with a little Ben Fold's mixed up with a little jazz and a funky little groove behind every song. My camera just didn't want to cooperate with only the back lights being used, but here are a few pics, apparently almost all of Dag.


    We retreated back into the backstage area until Republic of Letters started. Those pics came out even worse, which sucks because their set sounded really great, and I was happy to look around and see other people singing along to their songs.

    Last up was Swim Party and I had to stay for a couple songs, even though I was supposed to be heading down to the Casbah, because I had to take them in before their hiatus, and of course, they didn't disappoint.

    I left after a few songs, and a short 21 minutes later was at the Casbah. I tried to prepare for the transition in music by playing the hardest shit I could find on my iPod, but nothing quite prepared me for a sold out balls out metal show that I witnessed. I wormed my way around the side, as I do, and I took some pictures, until I realized that the 3 guys playing guitar all looked exactly the same...same length hair and color, and heads hung forward with all their hair hanging over pretty much the whole set. They rocked hard, but it was also entertaining watching the crowd trying to stand upright as they were getting pummelled from behind. It got a little crowded where I was too, so about midway through the set, I realized the sound on the patio was just as good.



    After the set I was determined to get a picture of the band's faces, but since I didn't know what any of them looked like, or if they were even on the patio, I just said, "Anyone with long hair, get in the picture." Who knew people would actually listen? I think a couple of them were in the opening bands but I have no idea. Either way, a good representation of the crowd that night.

    After all of that I closed my night out at the Ken Club. It was so nice knowing that I had Friday off and I lived up my Thursday to celebrate it.
    Then there was the weekend...I'll save that for another post.

    Cat Power, 4.16.08., 4th&B

    Last week was a bit hectic, so I'm getting to the posting now. Wednesday was a bit hectic. I had to be at 4th&B by 7, so I rushed home after work, ate a quick dinner, and just before I was about to head of, an ex showed up at my house out of the blue so I could meet his dog. Apparently not contacting him for oh, 2 years, warranted the unexpected visit, but I had to roll so lates, bro.

    I arrived at 4th&B and entered from the side. I was selling merch for Cat Power, so I met the manager outside, caught opener Appaloosa's sound check for a minute, then we got right to work, counting inventory and hanging a display. I had a little time after setting up and Tim was working the show, so we went to hang out on the side for a minute before doors. Chan borrowed my lighter. That was my only contact I had with her for the night. I was glad I didn't really address her, because it wasn't until that night that I learned her name was pronounced "Sean" and not like Jackie Chan. I'm not gonna lie...I don't have any of her albums and I couldn't tell you a single song she sings, except perhaps a couple of her covers. I was glas I was working because I was hoping to understand the big deal, maybe be converted to a fan.

    It was fun working the table because so many of my friends were there. I was able to score Natalie a photo pass, so she agreed to give me 3 "exclusive" photos for my site. You can see other examples of her photography on her site here, and a little side note, Natalie is the only photographer being sent to Coachella by Pitchfork Media, so make sure to check her results in the next couple weeks.

    The show started with local Addiquit performing a couple songs. It was awkwardly short, and there was no set change when Appaloosa came out since they both seemed to just have some prerecorded beats. I'm happy to report, being that she's local, that several people asked me about Addiquit, and I was happy to write down her myspace page for them.


    Addiquit

    Appaloosa is from France and was really sweet to me when she found out I was selling her CDs. A few people really weren't digging the set, but plenty of others asked me about her and bought the album, so I guess it was a mixed reaction. The complaints weren't about the music necessarily, but that the show felt like someone messing around with beats in their bedroom and wasn't much to watch on such a huge stage.

    Finally Cat Power took the stage. I didn't really get to see the show at all from where I was, and I was disappointed that what I did hear was a whole lot of complaining. "My throat is shot." "What's with these lights?" "Is this room the San Diego aquarium?" and finally, "This is the worst show ever." It wasn't a great show, and to her defense, the next day Cat Power had to cancel several dates because she had wrecked her vocal chords, but it made me wonder why she still felt compelled to play a nearly two hour set.



    I watched the crowd flood out after only the first hour, but she kept playing. I think many in San Diego wished that our show was cancelled, too, or at least postponed to a date when she was healthy and all of her stage banter wasn't just a whole bunch of complaints, because while it may have been about the sound, or the lights, or the room, the truth is, when you complain about our city, our town, our venues, it only sounds like you're complaining about us, and we get a little defensive.

    After the show, I counted out and got out really late, but stopped by the Ken to be with my peeps and to take a load off, and that I did. I had a good night, I only wish that the people who paid so much for those tickets could say the same.

    "This is a divided nation, reeling from betrayal"

    Last week Tim Robbins addressed the National Association of Broadcasters and gave quite a speech to them about their role and responsibility as media professionals. It felt like something worth posting today, with the Pennsylvania primary and all.

    Looking for a DCFC hookup

    The guys in DCFC will be in town this weekend for some private radio sponsored events and I'm looking for an in. Let me know if you've got the connects. I got to go to their 91X garage show, but it happened the day after Bush was re-elected and Chris Walla lost it while performing "New Year" and he and Ben left the stage, not to return. It was a powerful showing of someone who really felt the ramifications of the election deeply, but the show was never made up to us. I would love the opportunity to see them again.

    Things To Do In San Diego: April 22, 2008

    Tuesday, April 22, 2008 (Happy Earth Day!):
    • Big Sonic Chill feat. DJs Jason G and Kiss Crash Kiss @ Air Conditioned
    • Dan Cavalli, Truckee Brothers @ Casbah
    • Too Cool For Karaoke @ U-31
    • The Twinkle Brothers, Della Grant, Black Heart Warriors Hi-Fi @ Belly Up
    • Eve White, Eve Black, DJ Heather Hardcore @ Beauty Bar
    • Dropjoy, The Flower Thief, Mod Amish, The Howls @ O'Connell's
    • His Mischief, more TBA @ Chaser's
    • Crash Normal (Paris) @ Tower Bar
    • Patty Larkin @ Anthology
    • Old Devil, Pushin' Rope @ Winston's

    Notice For Kensingtonians (?)

    For people of Kensington, you might know that our beloved sign is going to be taken down and replaced. From the renderings, to me it looked like the same sign just with stone support columns, like the ones right before the 15 that used to be the gates of the community, but apparently people are upset about it. Personally, I'd just like to see it lit up 100% all the time:

    The following notice is being distributed on behalf of Celia Conover, a Kensington resident who has prepared a report nominating the Kensington sign for historic designation.

    S.O.S. Save our Sign!
    Residents of Kensington and Talmadge:
    Please don't forget to mark your calendars and attend the:

    Historical Resources Board Public Hearing
    Re: Kensington sign nomination for designation as a historical resource
    Report Number: HRB-08-027

    April 24, 2008
    9:00 am
    Council Committee Room, 12th Floor
    City Administration Building
    202 C Street SD CA 92101

    The HRB Staff's Recommendation is in favor of nomination. The HRB will decide this matter, but your testimony may help persuade them to award this sign historic designation, and save our sign from being demolished and replaced.

    You can also send an email to Cathy Winterrowd at CWinterrowd AT sandiego DOT gov and historicalresources AT sandiego DOT gov voicing your support for historical designation of our sign, which has been a fixture in Kensington since 1954.

    Monday, April 21, 2008

    Ride The Boogie, Casbah, 4.15.08

    It's gonna take some time for me to catch up on the past week, especially since I'm heading down to the Casbah in a few to catch Elf Power, but I thought I'd at least get one post in before I go.

    Last Tuesday was my sister's 30th birthday. Our family had dinner at Acapulco's in Old Town, and when we were done, it would've taken too long to go home and get my car and return to the Casbah, so I just had them drop me off. I got there earlier than normal and the bar was mostly empty, and unfortunately, it never really picked up as time went on. I was there to see Ride The Boogie, because I have their record and I like the groove of it, and even though they put on a good show, with so few people in the room, there wasn't a ton of energy. I didn't take too many pics, but here are a couple.








    I think they cut their set a little short because of the lack of enthusuiasm in the room, but I think they would've done better making their San Diego debut at a smaller club...Tower Bar or Chaser's perhaps.

    The other bands were heavier rockers, particularly Thieves and Liars who required ear plugs even from the patio. Dan came and met me and after the show we took off to see what else was happening around town, deciding on some karaoke at U-31.

    It was a good choice because we got to hear the vocal stylings of Erika.

    We hung out there for a bit until we called it a night, and though I thought more people would be out, we made the best of the night, which sometimes, is all you can really do.