Sunday, February 28, 2010

Steve Poltz 50th Birthday Bash

It's been a Steve Poltz-a-palooza in San Diego of late, as he's been playing around town a little more than usual, pimping his new record Dreamhouse, and celebrating his 50th birthday with a huge epic show at the Belly Up. He played an in-store on Friday and those videos are uploading as I write this, but I was able to capture some videos at the Belly Up and thought I'd share them here. Also, be sure to check out Sara's blog about the show here.

Things To Do In San Diego: February 28, 2010

Sunday, February 28, 2010:

  • The Screamin' Yeehaws, the Farmers, Behind the Wagon, the Fooks @ Casbah (free, doors open at 7, free food from Lucha Libre, live FM 94/9 broadcast with Tim Pyles)
  • Scout Niblett, Manuok @ Bar Pink
  • Raul Malo, Nena Anderson @ Belly Up
  • David Garrett @ Balboa Theater
  • Animal Ancestors, Rhythm and the Method @ Ruby Room
  • Cute Lepers, Clorox Girls, Jungle Fever @ Ken Club
  • Ray Manzarek (formerly of the Doors), Roy Rogers @ Anthology (early show, 7:30 p.m.)
  • Happy Ron's Open Mic @ Java Joe's at Cafe Libertalia
  • George Thorogood and the Destroyers, Surf Asylum @ House of Blues
  • The Robin Henkel Band @ Lestat's
  • Slow Burning Car, Cyanide Vogue @ Brick By Brick
  • Zaimph, Stellar OM Source, Pacific City Nightlife Vision Band @ Che Cafe
  • The Material, Plane Without a Pilot, Best Regret, Steal the Scenery, Daniel Sumstine @ Epicentre
  • Zee Avi @ the Loft, UCSD
  • The Shells @ Belly Up (matinee, 4:30 p.m.)
  • Will Donato @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (8pm-12am)
  • W.A.S.P., Bastard Saints @ 4th & B
  • Too Many Creeps @ Whistle Stop
  • Matt Cook Live @ Winston's (6-9pm)
  • Jose Sinatra's OB-o-ke @ Winston's
  • Tribe of Kings @ U-31

Jeff's Weekly Pick: The Clientele @ The Casbah March 4, 2010

Mark your calendar for Thursday March 4 when underrated pop songsmiths The Clientele play The Casbah. The London based 4-piece is known for their melancholy brand of 60’s style pop music. Alasdair MacLean’s breathy lead vocals draw the listener in to their dream world. The addition of Mel Draisey as a backing vocalist and violinist/keyboardist reinforces their sound which is a very good thing.

The Clientele’s fourth release Bonfires on the Heath is as rewarding a listen as any of their previous efforts. It is comforting to know this is a band that delivers their brand of pop as well as anyone on the current indie scene.

The Wooden Birds set the stage.


Watch a video of House On Fire below.


The Clientele - House On Fire

The Clientele | MySpace Music Videos

Grab some free downloads from The Clientele here.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Things To Do In San Diego: February 26-27, 2010

Friday, February 26, 2010:

  • Steve Poltz @ M-Theory Records (6pm, Free)
  • The Adolescents, Youth Brigade, The Watusis@ Casbah
  • Dan Padilla, Rumspringa, Breaker Breaker One Niner, the Accoutrements @ Tin Can Ale House
  • Rafter, Lion Cut, Smile Now Cry Later @ Whistle Stop
  • Guitar Shorty @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge
  • The Smart Brothers, Gregory Page @ Java Joe's at Cafe Libertalia
  • Red Tiger, Wirepony @ Bar Pink
  • Deadbolt @ Ken Club
  • Johnny Cash Birthday Party, featuring Cash'd Out, Pushin Rope, Off the Wagon, DJ Gonzo @ Belly Up
  • The Vision of a Dying World, Miss Erika Davies, Gregory Page, Logan Greene @ Che Cafe
  • The Infamous Riverbottom Nightmare Band, Meatwagon, Nuclear Tomorrow @ Radio Room
  • Kera and the Lesbians, the Paragraphs, Trouble in the Wind @ Soda Bar
  • Binary, Nightwaves, Lexicondon, Short Circuit, Coour Vision DJs @ Beauty Bar
  • Bill Cardinal @ the Ould Sod
  • SPL, Austin Speed, CRMNL @ Ruby Room
  • Indie Fest Preview show, featuring Veronica May, Danielle Lo Presti, Collective Purpose, Nomis @ Anthology (late show, 9:30 p.m.)
  • Dave Mason @ Anthology (early show, 7:30 p.m.)
  • Freezing Vinyl, Mufusa, For Venice, Summer Circus, Northern Lights @ Epicentre
  • Another Zeke Productions Presents Viva Hate, Hard Fall Hearts, Embalmers, the Loaded, Frightners @ O'Connell's
  • Slim Crowbar and the IOUs @ Tiki
  • West of Memphis @ House of Blues (Voodoo Stage)
  • Paparazzi @ House of Blues
  • Electro Dance Party feat Gabe Vega @ U-31
  • A Fork in Time @ Lestat's
  • Monkeys in Space, the Gametes @ Brick By Brick
  • Tomorrow's Bad Seeds, RiceRockit @ Winston's
  • Polynesian Underground Presents Fortunate Youth, Cornerstone, J.A.A.M. Kwest, Hooliganz @ 710 Beach Club
  • Flight to Athena, Goodnight Caulfield, He Is the Painter, Flagship Armada, Deaf Zero, Young Goodman @ Soma
  • Summerset, Nods to Nothing, Deliverance Machine, Los Incontenibles, Special Delivery, I45 @ Dreamstreet
  • 4 Queens of Boogie Woogie Piano, featuring Wendy DeWitt, Lisa Otey, Dona Oxford, Sue Palmer @ Dizzy's (San Diego Wine and Culinary Center)
  • Sadistic Intent, Coffin Texts, Ruines Ov Abaddon, Phantasm, Sergulath @ Ramona Mainstage
  • Los Chicharrones Guapos @ Belly Up (happy hour, 5:30 p.m.)

Saturday, February 27, 2010:

  • Moving Units, the Dabbers, Beaters @ Casbah
  • Happy Ron, Scott West Band, the Windchester Friendlys, Bianca Paras @ Java Joe's at Cafe Libertalia
  • The Mother Hips, Or, the Whale, Billy Midnight @ Belly Up
  • Beaters, Apes of Wrath, Shapes of Future Frames @ Tin Can Ale House
  • Pepi Ginsberg, Pepper Rabbit @ Soda Bar
  • Keyhole Cabaret with Lady Borgia Burlesque, Magic & more @ Ruby Room
  • Hot Moon, the Watusis, Reverse Cowboys, Space Nature, Dream Boat @ Che Cafe
  • Braaiins!!, the Deepsea Goes @ Ken Club
  • Ikah Love and the El Camino House Band @ Super El Camino
  • Red Hot and Cool with DJs Charlie Rock and Trevor Young @ Bar Pink
  • Emergenza Music Festival, featuring American Maniacs, Verses, Listen on Mute, Stone Red Addicts @ O'Connell's
  • Kilgore Trout, the New Lead Detectives, D/Wolves, Meseta @ Epicentre
  • The Bayou Brothers @ House of Blues (Voodoo Stage)
  • So Say We All @ Lestat's
  • The Nards @ Tiki
  • Erik Anarchy, We Are the Arsenal, Stereo Summer, Love Beats War, Weston Buck, Don't Say Vegas @ Ramona Mainstage
  • EOTO, Osal8 @ Winston's
  • Booty Bassment @ Whistle Stop
  • Dance Party with Saul Q @ U-31
  • Moxy Bullets, 4 Minutes til Midnight, Faking Genius, the Tighten-Ups @ 710 Beach Club
  • The Toasters, Los Kung Fu Monkey, Fabulous Rudies, Bucket of Fish, The Mayors of SexyTown @ Soma
  • Rock Paper Tiger, Amongst the Lost, Slow Burning Car, C0DE, Soft Silence @ Dreamstreet
  • CD release event for Meetchu In Machu Picchu: The Music of Larry Zeiger, featuring Anthony Smith (piano), Gilbert Castellanos (trumpet), Glen Fisher (bass), Tim McMahon (drums), with vocalists Phil Johnson, Julie Sullivan, Mara Cooper, Gustavo Alcoser, Steve Grady, Phil Cobb, B.J. Robinson and surprise guests @ Dizzy's (San Diego Wine and Culinary Center)
  • Zac Harmon @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge
  • Acoustic Alchemy @ Anthology (early show 7:30 p.m., late show 9:30 p.m.)
  • La Jolla Music Society Latin Jazz Series, featuring Arturo Sandoval @ Birch North Park Theatre
  • Tommy Sands @ San Dieguito United Methodist Church
  • Debussy's La Mer @ Copley Symphony Hall

Saturday: Signature Sound Open House

Signature Sound Open House is this weekend!!
Saturday Feb 27th
7-10pm

Art from ArtKillsArtists.com
Raffle prizes include free studio time from Signature Sound and studio time/DJ classes from Fundamentals DJ Academy
FREE BOOZE!!
5042 Ruffner St SD, CA 92111 -- off of Clairmont Mesa Blvd East and the 805

For more info, check out the invite.

Sunday: Benefit for Kiko Cornejo & Andy Esparza

Got this little press release from my buddy Steve Kader:

Longtime San Diego Latin Jazz band Storm & its leaders timbalero/vibist Kiko Cornejo & bassist Andy Esparza will be honored at an all-ages tribute/benefit show on Sun., Feb. 28, 2010 from 6pm to 12am at The Sunset Temple in the neighborhood of North Park.

The Sunset Temple is located at 3911 Kansas St. San Diego, CA 92104 behind the Claire de Lune coffee house & live entertainment will be provided by Latin Jazz legend Jack “Mr. Bongo” Costanzo & His Orchestra featuring trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos, conguero Gene Perry’s Afro Rumba, guitarist Jose Molina Serrano’s Viva Santana, & Storm.

Kiko Cornejo has recently gone through health issues & Andy Esparza has also recently dealt with family health issues & a $15 minimum donation will benefit them & their families. Cornejo & Esparza are legends in the Latin music scene in San Diego & have played with greats like Cal Tjader, Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Poncho Sanchez, Pete Escovedo, Santana, Malo, & Azteca through the years. The event will be hosted by local trumpeter Bill Caballero, promoter/dj/journalist Steve Kader, KSDS Jazz 88.3 Radio Host Chris Springer of the Latin Grooves Show, & local salsa/Latin jazz promoter Tommy Rosas of Latin Flavor Productions. DJs SK & Sachamo will also be spinning classic salsa & Latin jazz & many unannounced celebrity musician special guests will also be attending.

Thursday, February 25, 2010






Artwork by Paul Drohan - Lead creative for Obscure Magpie Music and TRANSFER since the bands recordings emerged in 2005. Creator of D5ive.com, contributes his latest series of designs for the OBSCURE MAGPIE TWO HEADED PARTY. Set to pop MARCH 20th & 21st in Austin Texas during the 2010 SXSW MUSIC FESTIVAL.
Anyone heading to Austin for SXSW needs to be present for this party to witness this killer line-up. RSVP at Do512.
OBSCURE MAGPIE, OLD FLAME RECORDS, MAKE LOVE MUSIC, ROOTS, RED STAR PRODUCTIONS, MAGIC HAT BREWING COMPANY, and CLUB ENCORE put this together...




2 FREE DAY PARTIES IN THE HEART OF AUSTIN, TX - SXSW 2010 @ PERFORMANCES BY



DEAD CONFEDERATE


TRANSFER


WE ARE WOLVES


UME


SPINDRIFT


THE HOUNDS BELOW


THE BLACK AND WHITE YEARS

TWIN TIGERS


THE UPSIDEDOWN


THE UGLY SUIT


APES OF WRATH


HA HA TONKA

and many more...

* BBQ * BEER * FREE ADMISSION*

LAST YEARS PARTY at The Compound
22 Bands - 14hrs

THE VIDEO





PRESENTED BY





Things To Do In San Diego: February 25, 2010

Ug. My computer seems to have caught a virus, so I'm sorry these weren't posted earlier. Weekend listings are after the jump if you click 'keep on reading'.

Thursday February 25, 2010:

  • Chain and The Gang, Strange Boys, Heavy Hawaii @ Casbah
  • Dashboard Confessional, Ives The Band @ House of Blues
  • Little Fowl, Scales, DJ Andy @ Bar Pink
  • Willie K, Joe Cano, Avi Ronen @ Belly Up
  • Patrick Dennis and Friends @ Riviera Supper Club
  • The Touchies, Ralpheene @ Soda Bar
  • SDMA's Culture and Cocktails After Party feat. DJ Dr. Indulgent @ Tin Can Ale House
  • Dave Mason @ Anthology
  • Pharmacy, Gravitorium, Echo Revolution @ Ken Club
  • Jared Palzzolo @ House of Blues Voodoo Stage
  • Chimney Fish, Full Blown Stone, Safety Orange, Katie Leigh @ Winston's
  • Rob Deez, Meaghan Maples, Bryan Bang @ Java Joe's @ Cafe Libertalia
  • Oh Air Night, Mothlight, The New Assembly @ Beauty Bar
  • The Queens Guard, Mananaland @ Lestat's
  • The Infamous Doug Sanchez, Arry Orchestra @ Radio Room
  • Napoleon Complex, The Trolley Station, The Displaced @ Ruby Room
  • Polaris At Noon, Max Bemis @ UCSD Price Center
  • Generations Party with DJ Artistic & Cros 1 @ U-31
  • Fire Corner @ Club Kadan
  • Karaoke @ O'Connell's
  • Missy Anderson, DJ Swoll @ Coyote Bar & Grill
  • The Insomniacs @ Humphreys Backstage Live
  • Vega, Salter & Diaz @ Voyeur
  • Concrete Project @ 710 Beach Club
  • Sandy, Burnett, John Guillano, Marty Waak @ Cafe La Maze
  • The Pheromones @ RT Longboard's Grill
  • The Flock of 80's @ Henry's Pub
  • Jefferson Jay @ Portugalia
  • Papa's Garage @ Patrick's II
  • Althena & Co, Danny DiCarlo @ The Kraken
  • Tokyo Swatt, Being Jared, Lisa the Lush, Lori Fay @ Dreamstreet Live
  • The Jones Revival @ Valley View Casino
  • The Bartones, The Crabs @ Tiki House
  • Harmony Road @ McP's Irish Pub
  • Battle Cry @ Gallagher's Pub
  • Steel Horse, Cory Wilkins Band @ Second Wind Navajo
  • Eken is Dead, Industry, Interim Divine, Dive Bomber @ Second Wind Santee
  • The Fine Line @ Queen Bee's
  • Irieside, Sound System, DJ Luminous @ Boar Cross'n
  • Billy Anne Crews @ Bare Back Grill
  • Swingset Committee @ West Coast Tavern
  • The Tighten Ups, Zahurak @ Pounders (Escondido)
  • Dave Booda @ The Bitter End
  • The Eric Vloeimans Trio @ Athenaeum Music & Arts Library

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

New Music Tuesday: Rocky Votolato "True Devotion"

I realize I'm a day late, but yesterday Barsuk released Rocky Votolato's new record True Devotion and it wouldn't be right if I didn't write about how much I love this record.

If you've read this blog for any time, you know that Rocky is one of my favorite songwriters. I'll still never forget the day I was sitting at my desk at work streaming Insound Radio and it was kinda fading into the background as I diligently resolved IMR's (think TPS reports) and Rocky's "Without Eyes Still Seeing" (from Burning My Travels Clean) came on. I must've replayed it 20 times before downloading any free MP3s I could find (they have a few there now), ordering the CD, and then researching Rocky to find out that he was playing at the Che Cafe a couple weeks later. Thus began my appreciation for everything he's put out and I'm pretty sure I have his entire catalog, save for any vinyl or stuff from his days in Waxwing.



Anyway, over the years, Rocky has stayed diligent with his song-writing. He's been political, introspective, socially conscious, and he continues to challenge my outlook on life, love, and death. I take his music very personally and it's rare to connect with lyrics like that, especially after so many years. On his latest, True Devotion, he's added broader instrumentation (cello, piano) that complement his voice, his guitar, and that distinctive Rocky harmonica.

Rocky hasn't passed through San Diego since 2008 because 2009 was devoted to recording and doing a few house show tours, but he's finally coming back to the Casbah on March 7 with another of my favorites Adam H. Stephens. His name may seem unfamiliar, but he was the vocal half of Two Gallants, now working on some solo stuff. In fact, Two Gallants was another band I discovered thanks to Insound.

For tickets to the show, click here.

Anyway, you can buy the record here. I'm still waiting on mine because pre-orders come with a free 7", but apparently there was a problem with their pressing. Barsuk was nice enough to send the full record in high quality digital format until my hard copy comes through.

In the meantime, here's a video I shot of Rocky at the Casbah, performing "Sparklers" in July of 2008. This song is on True Devotion.

Wednesday Night: ...students, Ultra Violent Lights, Blessed Deep Band @ Ruby Room

I asked my friend Aaron to do a quick write-up about the show tonight at the Ruby Room. I've already expressed that I'll be at The Soundtrack of Our Lives at the Casbah, and there are other great shows tonight, too, but I thought he could introduce you to the bands himself. (disclosure- Aaron manages ...students and Ultra Violent Lights)

Wednesday night will be a great night for music in San Diego. The Transit War's Mike Frey will be celebrating the release of his new solo project ...students' new album "New Habits" at Ruby Room. Frey started recording this album 2 years ago with friend Ilan Rubin of Nine Inch Nails/The New Regime fame after The Transit War went their separate ways. Frey has assembled an all star line up as a backing band with members of Spell Toronto, Denver Harbor, and Ilan Rubin will be making his first appearance on drums since last performing with NIN at the Wiltern Theatre in September. If you are a fan of Beck, Blur, Death Cab For Cutie, Julian Casablancas you will dig this. ...students new album is out today and available digitally only.




Also on the bill are brooklyn band Ultra Violent Lights which feature ex members of Fenix TX and Jubillee. The band released their debut album "Here in Filth" in November and have been crossing the US since. If you like Nirvana, Echo and the Bunnymen, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club you will love this band.




(Opening the show is Blessed Deep Band, and they're friends of one of my favorites, Low Red Land from SF, so get there early and show some love. -r)

MP3s (right click to download)

...students - New Habits

Ultra Violent Lights - Spiders Eat The Flies

Show Info:
Feb 24th 2010

...students, Ultra Violent Lights, Blessed Deep Band

Ruby Room
1271 University Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103
FREE SHOW
$1 Beers from 8-9pm

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Things To Do In San Diego: February 23-24, 2010

Feeling like my life on the homefront is almost in order. Guess I got a bit of a jump on spring cleaning, though it's the kind of cleaning that I can tell was done, but if you walked in to my house you wouldn't know it. Especially because I'm waiting on a stupid vacuum part. 2 cats and a dog and no working vacuum is NOT PRETTY. Anyway, some great shows this week. I'm a little bummed how stacked Wednesday is because besides The Soundtrack of Our Lives at the Casbah and We Were Promised Jetpacks at The Loft, The Belly Up has a great local show with Dynamite Walls and Republic of Letters, and Tommy Graf. They asked me to do a giveaway, so if you wanna go, I've got a pair of tickets. Just shoot me an email and I'll notify the winner early tomorrow. There's also a killer show at the Ruby Room that I'd like to see. boo hoo.

Tuesday February 23, 2010:

  • Author & Punisher, Riverberb, Fortress of Amplitude @ Casbah
  • Laura Meyer, Jennifer Guerra, Karla Mi Lugo, The Schitzophonics @ Soda Bar
  • Golden Red, Patrick Norton Band, Tim Graves @ Tin Can Ale House
  • Kavana, John Wayne Gacy Daycare, Toreback, Race Against Space @ Radio Room
  • Al Di Meola @ Anthology
  • Tarrus Riley, Sherieta Lewis, Stranger, DJ Carlos Culture @ Belly Up
  • Tiki Tuesday feat. Craig Prior @ Bar Pink
  • Blow by Blow (Jeff Beck tribute band) @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
  • Let it Flow @ The Loft
  • Nena Anderson @ Riviera Supper Club
  • Too Cool For Karaoke @ Ruby Room
  • The Stilettos @ Henry's Pub
  • Jaime M @ Hensley's Flying Elephant
  • Darkwave Garden @ Club Kadan
  • Comedy Night with Mal Hall @ Lestat's
  • Doug Allen, Suzzy Bongo @ The Kraken
  • NSD Presents: Irusalem, Fiery I, Seven Seal Dub Band, Madison Row @ O'Connell's
  • Daphne Denniston, Katie Leigh @ Bare Back Grill
  • The Plastic Revolution, Ephraim Sommers @ True North
  • Karaoke @ Cafe La Maze
  • Karaoke @ Coyote Bar & Grill
  • Juno What?!, The Earful @ Winston's
  • Jaspers Aint Misbehaven @ Patrick's ll
  • Tunes by Joe Marson @ Tiki House
  • Friends Chill @ Whistle Stop
  • Alyssa Jacey @ Aztec Center @ SDSU
  • Jackson & Jesus @ McP's Irish Pub
  • Cheeta & The Radio Flyers, Rockabillion Trio, HHonkatonk @ Dreamstreet Live

Wednesday February 24, 2010:
  • The Soundtrack of Our Lives, Nico Vega, The Loons @ Casbah
  • We Were Promised Jetpacks, The Lonely Forest, Bear Hands @ The Loft
  • Dynamite Walls, Republic of Letters, Tommy Graf @ Belly Up
  • Ultra Violent Lights, ...Students, Blessed Deep Band @ Ruby Room
  • Senator, The New Republic, Skyline Union @ Soda Bar
  • Jehova's Fitness, David & Me, Trashcan Fires @ Che Cafe
  • Al Di Meola @ Anthology
  • The Palominos @ Riviera Supper Club
  • Broke Soul, DJ Selectakon and Cota Pop @ Tin Can Ale House
  • Brawley @ Bar Pink
  • Lauren Shera @ House of Blues Voodoo Stage
  • The Confederates, Action-Now, Anarcock, DJ Barnesey @ Radio Room
  • Live Wednesday's & Kultura Presents: Live Cumbia Pachanga, Sonido de la Frontera @ U-31
  • End of Power, The Mice, Caskets on Parade @ Beauty Bar
  • Folding Mr. Lincoln, Pi Jacobs, Ramekega @ Lestat's
  • Eli Slover, Ricky Small, Jeff Diamond, Misty Gonzalez @ Sunshine Brooks Theatre Oceanside)
  • The Self Made Men, Tommy Dubs, High Tide @ Winston's
  • Rhythm & The Method @ Humphreys Backstage Live
  • Knight Vision @ Club Kadan
  • Lady Dottie and The Diamonds @ Gallaghers
  • Wednesday Night Shakedown @ Henry's Pub
  • Knockout Bell, Louder With the Lights On, Carson White, DJ Gonzo @ O'Connell's
  • Gilbert Castellanos @ Super El Camino
  • Scott Carter Duo @ Coyote Bar
  • Bill Magee @ Patrick's ll
  • Unified Division, Tore Back, Northern Lights, Moment of Silence @ Dreamstreet Live
  • Burnett's Bliss @ Cafe La Maze
  • Jeff Moore @ The Kraken
  • Gregory Michael @ Hensley's Flying Elephant
  • Laguna @ McP's Irish Pub
  • The Fabulous Pelicans @ Valley View Casino
  • Jimmy Lewis @ Tiki House
  • Commune Wednesday with Long Live Logos @ Whistle Stop
  • Reverse Cowgirl Junkie @ Second Wind Navajo
  • Jesse Lamonaca @ Hennessey's PB
  • Counter Launch @ Second Wind Santee

Show Videos: Suzanne Vega, Fanfarlo, Caitlin Crosby, Matt Hires

Last week I was all over the place and I thought YouTube was messing with me, but sadly I went back to my videos and most of them are over the 2 gig limit, so until I figure out how to shrink my files (which I'm sure is easier than I think), I'll just share the ones that did upload.

Starting with Tuesday night, after a fun, albeit underattended Mardi Gras party at the House of Blues, I went to the Loft to see Suzanne Vega. She sounded exactly like she sounds recorded, which if you're a fan is exactly what you hope for. She played two sold-out shows at The Loft, and they had little cocktail tables out with seating for this show. The crowd was older and very attentive. Considering most of the tour was small theatres, seeing her among 150 people was pretty special. Of course I got Luke and Tom's Diner on video, but like I said, I'll have to do some research to see what this little laptop can do to shrink those down.





On Wednesday, I went up to Secret Cedar studios where FM 94/9 was hosting winners to see Fanfarlo. They weren't playing a proper show in San Diego, just a couple radio gigs and the Sunset Sessions, which is a conference type thing for AAA radio stations.







I really love Fanfarlo and look forward to them swinging back through town on a proper tour because they were great at the Casbah back in December.

I don't have any videos from The Damned, or any pictures for that matter, as I was slinging t-shirts and didn't get to see the shows at all, but on Friday, I was ready to unwind and went big with the early show at the Casbah with Matt Hires before going to the Casbah for Steve Poltz's birthday. I have videos from that but you'll have to wait. In the meantime, here are a couple from the early show.





This one is a new unreleased Matt Hires song called A To B.


I know this isn't really a review, but I'm not in the mood to write. Maybe I'll upload some photos and talk more about the shows, but I think the videos sort of speak enough about the performances. It was a good week in music. I will note that the majority of the crowd at the early show were Casbah first timers and very obviously there to see American Idol finalist Jason Castro. When he played I counted at least 16 people filming his set, and while I thought he had a great voice, I wasn't much impressed with the simple love lyrics of his music. So that's that.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Jeff's Weekly Pick: We Were Promised Jetpacks @ The Loft Feb 24


Youthful exuberance will be on display this Wednesday when Scottish upstarts We Were Promised Jetpacks land at The Loft. Discounting the unusual band name, the music is reminiscent of their fellow countrymen Frightened Rabbit. WWPJ is ready to move away from the shadow cast by their more seasoned “brothers” and forge their own path on the musical map.
Touring in support of their initial offering These Four Walls will no doubt expose the band to both curiosity seekers and those familiar with their music who have yet to see them perform live. Having seen them last fall in LA, I am looking forward to their new role as headliners on their current tour. Go if for no other reason than to witness four Scottish lads sharing their passion while appearing to be having the time of their still very young lives.


The Lonely Forest and Bear Hands set the stage.

Watch a video of Quiet Little Voices below.


Saturday, February 20, 2010

Transfer & AVicious team for music inspired visual installation

Transfer and AVicious, the VJ/Performance Video Design team out of Los Angeles CA, have worked together for many years. The collaboration began while working with John-Ryan Shea of The Visual Underground and then when TVU disbanded it migrated to JRS' new visual collaboration with partner and commercial Art Director Jeremy Glaholt - later named AVicious. We have toured together, created together and shared many a late night conversation in the back of a van on where the mediums of audio and video could go. Recently AVicious has pulled away from performing at many of Transfer's shows due to scheduling issues. So what has happened with the collaboration?
Last December Transfer and AVicious began working on a new installation project based on the song 'Enojado' from the new record Future Selves which Transfer released late last year. Enojado is an exploration of music video and live interactive space. Currently moving away from Stage 1 of the project, AVicious is beginning work on space design and electronic integration. What is coming is a new way to experience the band, the music and the medium itself. We will be updating our website with logs on our progress so please come by and check us out - AVicio.us. Below is a preview of the work done during Stage 1. XO

Things To Do In San Diego: February 22, 2010

I cannot remember the last time I stayed home two nights in a row AND completely avoided the internet (even twitter!!) for as long as I did this weekend, but I needed to sleep and not have my brain racing with a million things I needed to do. And how do I get back into my normal groove? Well, I'm not. I made a list of projects around the house that I've been avoiding, so until those are done, I might continue my little internet-free hibernation, but I wanted to get my listings up. I'll get to e-mail eventually, but chores are calling. You might see me at Anti-Monday League tonight, but you might not. After all, I have laundry to do.

Monday February 22, 2010:
  • Anti-Monday League Presents: Metrofique, Samuel Stewart, Longstay @ Casbah
  • 91x Next Big Thing Presents: Dan Black, Natives of The New Dawn, 321 Stereo @ 710 Beach Club
  • Trio Eletrico Armandinho, Dodo and Osmar Band @ Belly Up
  • Crownes, Auras @ Ruby Room
  • Pyrate Punx Mayhem Mondays Presents: Ms. Fits, Blood Stained Reality, Abject & Nuclear Tomorrow @ Radio Room
  • The Styletones @ Bar Pink
  • Blackout Party @ Riviera Supper Club
  • Lady Dottie and The Diamonds, DJ Jason Weedon @ U-31
  • Primitive Noyes, Scales, Nothingful @ Soda Bar
  • Wyn Wilson & Billy Wolfe @ Athenaeum Music Arts & Library
  • Club MAW @ Henry's Pub
  • Michele Lundeen @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
  • Open Mic @ Lestat's
  • "Teenage Wasteland" w/ DJs Lord Hammer and Muchacho D-Hey @ Tin Can Ale House
  • Doug Allen, Suzy Bongo @ The Kraken
  • Chet Cannon @ Patrick's II
  • Electric Waste Band, Drunk Poet's Society @ Winston's
  • Pro-Invitational Blues Jam Hosted By Mystery Train @ O'Connell's
  • Laura Meyer @ Java Jones
  • Josh Lamore @ Queen Bee's
  • Karaoke @ Second Wind Navajo
  • Karaoke @ Coyote Bar & Grill

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Things To Do In San Diego: February 19-21, 2010

Friday, February 19, 2010:

  • Matt Hires, Jason Castro, Caitlin Crosby @ Casbah (Early show, 6pm)
  • Steve Poltz 50th Birthday and "Dreamhouse" CD release with The Rugburns, Steve Poltz & The Cynics, Mojo Nixon, Anya Marina, Berkley Hart, Lisa Sanders, A.J. Croce, and Gregory Page @ Belly Up (SOLD OUT)
  • The Donkeys, The Hot Moon, The Modlins, Joel P West @ Casbah (Late show, 9pm)
  • John Meeks, Marquez!, Little White Teeth @ Tin Can Ale House
  • Bare Wires, Sunday Times, Dead Ghosts, Indian Wars @ Soda Bar
  • The Styletones @ Bar Pink
  • Haiti Benefit feat. Anticitizens, Scarlet Symphony, and more @ Queen Bee's (21+)
  • Stitch Hopeless & The Sea Legs, The Strikers, Death Valley Drifters @ Radio Room
  • Happy Hour with The Mar Dels @ Belly Up, 5:30pm
  • The Fascination, The Drowning Men, The Deadly Syndrome @ Beauty Bar
  • Ron Silva & The Monarchs, DJs Tony The Tyger & Action Andy @ Tower Bar
  • Chad Cavanaugh, Rob Deez, The Unruly Bangs @ Lestat's
  • Bobby Fantasy, Syndicate, Neon Cough, Death On Mars, DJ Velvet Touch @ Ruby Room
  • The Wild Yaks (Sean from SAMIAM), Reverse Cowboys, Mundy Knights @ Ken Club
  • Feel The Noise Electro Dance w/DJs Gabe Vega & Saul Q @ U-31
  • Kevin Martin (Get Back Loretta), Dalton Harmon @ Java Joe's at Cafe Libertalia
  • International Pop Overthrow feat. Plasticsoul, The McGrath Project, Bullet & Snowfox, Roxy Monoxide, Wendy Bailey & True Stories, The Shamey Jays, The New Lead Detectives, The Syrups @ O'Connell's
  • Elliott Randall @ House of Blues (Voodoo Stage)
  • JR Richards @ House of Blues
  • Mower, Split Finger, Pushin Rope @ 710 Beach Club
  • Maren Parusel & Guests @ Whistle Stop
  • Children of Nova, Misc. Ailments, The Silent Comedy, Tyler Beach Band, The Spill, The City Freeze @ Soma
  • Final Fight, Rotting Out, Run With The Hunted, Xibalba, Shadows @ Che Cafe
  • Roxy Blue & The Handful, JD Combs & The Sol Stealers, Blues & Greens @ Dreamstreet
  • Fred Benedetti & George Svoboda @ Dizzy's (San Diego Wine & Culinary Center)
  • Rockola @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge
  • Too Much, Kings Of Hyphy @ 4th & B
  • Burn Institute "Share Your Heart" Fundraiser @ Anthology (Early Show 7:30pm)
  • A Little Night Music presented by Lyric Opera SD @ Birch North Park Theatre
  • Tom Stephan, Antony Ross @ Voyeur
  • D Ramirez @ Spin
  • Vokab Company, Psydecar @ Winston's
  • Moonshake with Mark E Quark @ Kadan
  • Paul DiAnno (Iron Maiden), Icarus Witch, Nihilist, Sicarus, Aventale, Metatonic, Rebirth From Ash, Satramote @ Ramona Mainstage
  • David Sanborn @ Viejas Dreamcatcher

Saturday, February 20, 2010:

  • Anya Marina, Wirepony, The Soft.Lightes @ Casbah (SOLD OUT)
  • The Long And Short of It (7" Release), Archons, The Grids @ Ruby Room
  • River City, The Western Set, Justin Rodriguez, DJ Gonzo @ Tin Can Ale House
  • Honest Iago, Save Amos, Day of Anomie, Hialeah @ Beauty Bar
  • International Pop Overthrow feat. The Bigfellas, Static Halo, Trenchtown, Secret Seven, Philip Vandermost, Maple Mars, Sven-Erik Seaholm, Greg Friedman @ O'Connell's
  • Berkley Hart @ Java Joe's at Cafe Libertalia
  • Recordable Colors (CD Release), Mia Valentine, The Canton Mudders @ Ken Club
  • 80s for Haiti Benefit feat. Sweet and Tender Hooligans (Smiths/Morrissey tribute), The Joshua Tree (U2 tribute), The Cured (Tribute to 1980’s Cure), Blasphemous Rumours (Depeche Mode tribute), Radio Star (hard rock spin on 80s new wave), Rio (Duran Duran tribute), Gabba Gabba Heys (Ramones tribute), Metro (80’s dance-pop hits), Ghost In The Machine (Police/Sting tribute), Dust & Bones (Guns & Roses tribute), The CamelTones (80's party rock), and special guest John Easdale of Dramarama @ 4th & B
  • Firehouse Swing Dance with The Swingin' Kings, Meeshi Anjali @ Belly Up (3:15 pm)
  • Platinum Rockstars (recreating Led Zeppelin, Boston, Journey, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Van Halen), Damn The Torpedoes (Tom Petty Tribute) @ Belly Up
  • Neon Beat feat. DJ Junior & Mr. Atari @ Bar Pink
  • DJ Sets By Dances With White Girls, Bubblegum Sci Fi @ U-31
  • Sight & Sound feat. Buddy Akai, Mission: Valley, art + more @ Queen Bee's
  • Fallout (Industrial Dance) @ Radio Room
  • Ladera Skateboards presents Winter Blackout 2010 featuring The Expendables, Iration, Passafire, Pour Habit, Roots Down Below @ House of Blues
  • Fish Out of Water @ House of Blues (Voodoo Stage)
  • Allison Lonsdale @ Lestat's (6-8 pm)
  • Gina Villalobos, Matthew Ryan @ Lestat's
  • Mystic Roots, Stick Figure, The Hounds @ 710 Beach Club
  • 80s vs 90s- Gabe Vega vs Saul Q @ Whistle Stop
  • A Dull Science, Chasing Clamores, Plane Without A Pilot, Best Regret, Nods to Nothing, A Bad Goodbye @ Soma
  • Sister Venus, Bad Science Fiction, The Grace Ellen Trio, Chelsea Flor, Eddie Jason Coven, The Wild Older Women @ Winston's (2-8 pm)
  • The Devastators, Self Preservatino @ Winston's (9 pm)
  • Tera Melos, All Leather, Drug Wars @ Che Cafe
  • P.O.S., Grieves, Budo and Dessa (Doomtr) @ The Loft, UCSD
  • Hawke Auburn, Gyst, Privatized Air, Southern Storm @ Dreamstreet
  • Slim Crowbar & The IOU's @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (5-7 pm)
  • Detroit Underground @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (9pm)
  • Disposable Being, Fight The Shark, Kenova, Another Day Away, Good Sir @ Epicentre
  • A Little Night Music presented by Lyric Opera SD @ Birch North Park Theatre
  • Jack Tempchin @ Acoustic Music San Diego
  • Kissy Sell Out, Virgin Tears, Audrey Napoleon @ Voyeur
  • Angry Samoans, DI, Unloaded, Social Spit, The 383s, Loose Nutts, T.F.L. @ Ramona Mainstage
  • Michael Mack present Montage feat. DJ Luis Perez, DJ Ideal @ Spin
  • La Jolla Music Society presents Joshua Bell @ Copley Symphony Hall
  • She Productions with DJ Kiss @ Kadan
  • FDR starring Ed Asner @ Poway Center for the Arts
  • Here II Here @ World Beat Center

Sunday, February 21, 2010:

  • Harlem, Thee Makeout Party, The Glossines @ Casbah
  • Fm 94/9 Presents: Brendan Benson, Frank Fairfield @ Belly Up
  • Laura Meyer, Simeon Flick, John Paul @ Ruby Room
  • The Sunday Super Cruisers and Friends Super Show feat. Blank Tapes @ Soda Bar
  • Silian Rail, Fever Sleeves @ Bar Pink
  • Tribe of Kings/Reggae Vibes @ U-31
  • Bedlam of Cacophony, Hunab Ku, Dead Ghosts @ Radio Room
  • Happy Ron's Open Mic @ Java Joe's at Cafe Libertalia
  • Beth Thornley, Colour, Kasey Anderson, Michael Miller @ Lestat's
  • Matt Cook @ Winston's (6-9pm)
  • Jose Sinatra's OB-O-ke @ Winston's
  • Too Many Creeps DJs feat Mario O & friends @ Whistle Stop
  • Sherwood, Hot Chelle Rae, Black Gold, reece @ Soma
  • Blacklisted, Blessure Grave, OK?, Nails @ Che Cafe
  • Without Papers, South Bay Wailers, River Bottom Rockers, Wheatstone @ Dreamstreet
  • Stelita @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge Brunch (10a-2p)
  • Reggie Smith @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (8pm)
  • A Little Night Music presented by Lyric Opera SD @ Birch North Park Theatre
  • Bohemian Rhapsody- Open Mic Rap @ Kadan
  • Battle of the Bands feat. The Monsoon, Sunz of Zion, The 25th Hour, The Machinery, 4th & Dock, The Avalanche Symphony, Broadmoor, Fiziks, Willie Psycho, Dizzy Renegade @ Ramona Mainstage

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Buy Dan Black's CD for Ninety-One Cents

I'm not a exactly a dancey-party girl, but if you are, Dan Black's new record, ((UN)), is right up your alley and they've worked out a deal with 91X and San Diego Best Buy locations to sell the CD for just ninety-one cents. The deal only lasts until February 22, so get on down there quick.


After you buy it, you can also SEE Dan Black live at 710 Beach Club on February 22 for 91X's Next Big Thing series. Tickets are only available the night of the show and are also only 91 cents. Where else can you see a show AND get a CD for under 2 bucks?

Check out a couple free downloads on RCRDLBL.com here and here.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Things To Do In San Diego: February 16-18, 2010

Hope everyone gets to enjoy Mardi Gras in some way today. Listings for Thursday if you click 'keep on reading' below.

Tuesday February 16, 2010:
  • Zatarains presents Mardi Gras: New Orleans Style feat. Burnsville Blues Band @ House of Blues
  • Suzanne Vega @ The Loft @ 8 pm (sold out) & 10pm
  • Old Man Markley, Pete Bernhard, The Pine Box Boys @ Casbah
  • Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday in the Gaslamp
  • The Mashtis, Foreign Film, The Duke Wants Me Dead @ Tin Can Ale House
  • Antioquia, Buildings in the Breeze @ Soda Bar
  • Worn in Red, War Drugs, Youth Envy @ Radio Room
  • Tiki Two's Day Featuring Adrian Demain, guest @ Bar Pink
  • Martin Campbell @ Worldbeat Cultural Center
  • Still Time @ USD @ 3pm
  • Jesse Davis @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
  • Anthology House Band @ Anthology
  • The Neverout @ Riviera Supper Club
  • Too Cool For Karaoke @ Ruby Room
  • Mardi Gras: The Stilettos @ Henry's Pub
  • Rich the Stitch Comedy Show @ Hensley's Flying Elephant
  • Darkwave Garden @ Club Kadan
  • Comedy Night with Mal Hall @ Lestat's
  • Doug Allen, Suzzy Bongo @ The Kraken
  • NSD Presents: The New Lead Detectives, Her Bed of Thorns, Icebox @ O'Connell's
  • Karaoke @ Cafe La Maze
  • Karaoke @ Coyote Bar & Grill
  • Drive By Jones @ Winston's
  • Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras @ Patrick's ll
  • Disco Pimps @ Stage Saloon
  • Tunes by Joe Marson @ Tiki House
  • Friends Chill @ Whistle Stop
  • Nostalgic Offerings: Violin & Piano Performance @ Museum of Making Music
  • Gene Warren @ McP's Irish Pub
  • Clean Cut DJs @ Tower Bar

Wednesday February 17, 2010:

  • The Damned, The Creepy Creeps @ Casbah (sold out)
  • Henry Rollins @ Belly Up
  • Martian Horses, The Ringo Jones Gang, Kid Theodore @ Beauty Bar
  • Bill Cardinal and The Canyon Band @ Riviera Supper Club
  • Medeski Martin & Wood @ House of Blues
  • Rosie Ledet & The Zydeco Playboys @ Anthology
  • Shining Galaxies, DJ Aimee Acorn @ Tin Can Ale House
  • Color of Glass, Defeating the Purpose, Eclipse 79, Magnuson @ Soda Bar
  • Sarah Petite, Audrey Ryan @ Bar Pink
  • Pyrate Punx Presents: tba @ Radio Room
  • Damian Shiner, John Hull, Kenny Eng @ Lestat's
  • Ultra Violent Lights, The Beat-less, I Am The Icarus @ Ruby Room
  • The Heavy Guilt @ Winston's
  • The Soul Persuaders @ Humphreys Backstage Live
  • Knight Vision @ Club Kadan
  • Rhythm & The Method, Sharon Hazel Township @ Portugalia
  • Wednesday Night Shakedown @ Henry's Pub
  • Agua Dulce @ U-31
  • Pushin Rope, Corn Fed, Black Sheep Reunion @ O'Connell's
  • Gilbert Castellanos @ El Camino
  • Robin Roth, Mindkiller, DJ Aaamnation @ Voyeur
  • Northstar @ Coyote Bar
  • Jeff Moore's Witchdoctors @ Patrick's ll
  • Drain'd, 30-30, Psychotropico, Nahalem @ Dreamstreet Live
  • Burnett's Bliss @ Cafe La Maze
  • Frankie Dee @ The Kraken
  • Vanity Fair, Wendy Bailey @ Onyx Room
  • Gregory Michael @ Hensley's Flying Elephant
  • Mower @ The Saloon (Encinitas)
  • Taylor Harvey @ McP's Irish Pub
  • Firefly @ Valley View Casino
  • Jimmy Lewis @ Tiki House
  • Train of Thought Open Mic Showcase feat. Elaine Faye @ Queen Bee's

Thursday February 18, 2010:

  • Bob Schneider, Smile Smile, Derek Evans @ House of Blues
  • The Damned, Fing @ Casbah (sold out)
  • Sunset Sessions: Maia Sharp, Edwin McCain, Grace Potter and The Nocturnals, Robert Francis, Reni Lane, Alpha Rev @ Rancho Bernardo Inn
  • Lemon Sun, Leopold and His Fiction @ Bar Pink
  • Lights On, The Old In Out, Some Days @ Soda Bar
  • The Head Cat, The Buzzbombs, The Grass Heat @ Belly Up
  • Mauger @ The Loft
  • Scales, Petticoat, The Beautiful View @ Tin Can Ale House
  • Patrick Dennis and Friends @ Riviera Supper Club
  • Suzy Bogguss @ Anthology
  • No Bragging Rights, Across the Sun, The Greenery, Ration the Truth, The Cost of Salvation, Alessa is Red, Endure the Fall @ Epicentre
  • Organika Sound System, Somos Uno, Chaulli, tristen Palma @ Winston's
  • Chris James and The Blue Four @ House of Blues Voodoo Stage
  • Bill Candler presents: Listen on Mute, Boomsnap, Privatized Air Hocus, Off Track @ Brick By Brick
  • Safe Haven, The Reverie @ Lestat's
  • Trash Axis, Satan Dance Party, The hail Seizures, Eskera @ Radio Room
  • Tim Raldo and the Filthy Fuks, Hadr Pipe Hitters, Blood Stained Reality @ Ruby Room
  • Generations Party with DJ Artistic & Cros 1 @ U-31
  • Allison Stargazer, Starcrossed, The New Assembly @ Beauty Bar
  • Fire Corner @ Club Kadan
  • Karaoke @ O'Connell's
  • Boneyard, DJ Swoll @ Coyote Bar & Grill
  • Rob Deez, Lindsay White @ Java Joe's @ Cafe Libertalia
  • Paradise featuring Michele Lundeen @ Humphreys Backstage Live
  • Drum Machine Wars, Puppy Kicker, DMProgress, Leif Kolt, D.R. Nickel @ Kava Lounge
  • Le Castle Vania, Vega, Salter & Diaz @ Voyeur
  • Caboose @ Whistle Stop
  • Sandy, Burnett, John Guillano, Marty Waak @ Cafe La Maze
  • The Flock of 80's @ Henry's Pub
  • Jefferson Jay @ Portugalia
  • Gary LeFebvre and friends @ Dizzy's
  • 145th St. @ Patrick's II
  • The Pieces @ The Kraken
  • The Walking Toxins, The Lugers, Ad-Seg, Lori Fay @ Dreamstreet Live
  • Caliber @ Valley View Casino
  • Chimney Fish @ RT Longboard's Grill
  • The Celebrities @ Tiki House
  • Big City Shaman @ McP's Irish Pub
  • Revival, DJ Carlos Culture @ Gallagher's Pub
  • Moxie, Bewilderness @ Second Wind Navajo
  • Jonah Matranga, Alyssa Jacey, Heather Green @ Boar Cross'n
  • The La Paz Trio @ Athenaeum Music & Arts Library
  • Three Houses Down, Fiji @ Worldbeat Cultural Center
  • Franki3 @ Queen Bee's
  • Haiti Benefit featuring Ruben Angel, Miki Vale @ Onyx Room

New Music Tuesday: Mumford & Sons and Local Natives

I don't think I've mentioned Tuesday releases since the first year I started this blog, but I just got a little email and it reminded me that two GREAT albums come out today- Mumford & Sons Sigh No More and Local Natives Gorilla Manor. I've seen Local Natives 5 times or so and had the demos for a while and I'm thrilled the record is finally out. I got a chance to see Mumford & Sons last week (and posted a video playlist here) and LOVE this album from the first track to the last.

If you're registered at LaLa, you can listen to them here:

Mumford & Sons

Local Natives

For only $6.99 (today) only, you can buy digital copies at Shockhound:

Mumford & Sons

Local Natives

Local Natives will be at Coachella and Mumford & Sons were just announced for Bonnaroo, so perhaps somewhere between those dates, they can make their way to San Diego.

Chis Shiflett, Audra Mae & Mario Escovedo @ Casbah, 2.15.10



After three nights in a row at the Casbah, I wasn't sure that I wanted to make the trek down again, but when Jeff offered a ride, I figured I could take my laptop and get work done while I waited for the bands to start, knowing if I stayed home I would get lost in the timesuck of bad television.

It looked like a lot of people decided to stay home on this Monday, but after the craziness of Friday and Saturday and being a social butterfly on Sunday, it was nice going to a really chill acoustic show. Incidentally, I intend to post some of those weekend shows, but since I got home by midnight, this show was on the brain and easy enough to upload my photos and videos (it REALLY helps when musicians announce song titles of new material).

Mario Escovedo kicked off the night mixing up his set with solo material, a couple Dragons tunes, and my favorite cover that he does with MEX, "Excuse Me While I Break My Own Heart".

I was excited to check out Audra Mae. She's signed to SideOneDummy and they happen to be the label of Fake Problems, one of my favorite discoveries in 2009 (though they've been around longer). Traditionally a punk label, they're also starting to put out records by former-punkers who pick up an acoustic guitar. Audra Mae got clear roots in blues and country, but she's got an edge that makes her fit the label well. Her voice was absolutely magnificent.



Last up was Chris Shiflett. Despite being listed as (of Foo Fighters), Chris has a long career in music and was here to play his songs, much to the dismay of the dude who asked for "Everlong" at the end of his set. He gave O a bunch of shoutouts as he and I hovered up front shooting video. He genuinely appeared to be having a good time which always translates well for a show, and he just really has an awesome voice that harkens his punk roots and makes this acoustic music veer from every feeling fragile or soft. This show was definitely what I needed on an Anti-Monday night.



For more photos, click 'keep on reading' below.









































Monday, February 15, 2010

Steve Poltz CD Release: Friday @ Belly Up Tavern

My dear friend and occasional sddialedin.com contributor Steve Poltz has his big 50th birthday party this Friday night at the Belly Up. The party doubles as the CD release party for his latest, Dreamhouse. He made an appearance on KUSI news over the weekend that you can check out here. He's got a broken finger but the show will go on, and you can be sure that with a full Rugburns reunion and tons of guests including Mojo Nixon, Anya Marina, AJ Croce, Berkley Hart, Gregory Page and more that it's gonna be a helluva good time.

Zatarain's Presents Fat Tuesday at House of Blues

When it comes to Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras, I'm torn. I love the idea of a big celebration and when I was a kid it was especially rebellious growing up Catholic and having this giant binge before making sacrifices for Lent. At the same time, the commercialization of any event brings out a bunch of amateurs who use any holiday and occasion as an excuse to act like douchebags. That's why finding the right event can be so key on a night like this...you still get to celebrate, but in a more grown up and controlled way where it's more about the environment and the food than it is about the booze. So for my Fat Tuesday, I'll be heading to the House of Blues.
Zatarain’s Presents Mardi Gras Nights at House of Blues
Fat Tuesday Celebration Features Performance by Burnsville Blues Band

What: Join Zatarain’s, the Louisiana company serving up authentic New Orleans-Style cuisine for 120 years, for a festive Fat Tuesday celebration at the House of Blues Tuesday, February 16, 2010, in San Diego.

The party will feature a special performance by Burnsville Blues Band on the VooDoo Stage, along with Mardi Gras festivities throughout the venue. A special New Orleans-inspired buffet, complete with Mardi Gras favorites, will be available to keep the party going. The Mission Bay High School Band will also make a special appearance to jazz up the event.

Bring the Spirit of the Big Easy to San Diego with
authentic New Orleans-Style cuisine and, of course, beads, masks and merriment!
When: Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Doors open at 3:00 PM
Mission Bay High School performance starts at4:30 PM
Burnsville Blues Band performance begins at 6:00 PM

Tickets are $45 and include a Southern-Inspired buffet, all draft beers and house wines.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Jeff's Weekly Pick: Suzanne Vega @ The Loft Feb 16

The Loft hosts the incomparable Suzanne Vega for two shows on Feb. 16. She will always be remembered for her two singles Tom’s Diner and Luka from the much heralded Solitude Standing. Her career has certainly blazed the trail for many talented female recording artists.
Suzanne’s unique style has received much deserved praise from critics throughout her career. In a constantly changing musical landscape, Suzanne’s hushed vocal style is a breath of fresh air we all can appreciate.
Definitely make the trek to UCSD to see her perform. As of this writing, tickets are only available for her 10 o’clock show.

Watch a video of Luka below.

Things To Do In San Diego: February 15, 2010

Holy cow. There is so much going on this week and I've found that I way overcommitted, so I'm gonna have to attack my calendar and weed out a couple things, but I'm looking forward to the Zatarain's Mardi Gras party at HoB, Suzanne Vega, The Damned, Bob Schneider and maybe some pieces of the Sunset Sessions. I'm also happy I won tickets from FM94/9 to see Fanfarlo...I enter all the time and never win. I'll get to posting some videos from the past weekend later on, but till then, here's to kickin off your week.

Monday, February 15, 2010:

  • Anti Monday League presents: A Solo Acoustic Evening with Chris Shiflett of Foo Fighters, Audra Mae, Mario Escovedo @ Casbah
  • Diamonds Under Fire, Lanterns, Grand Tarantula @ Soda Bar
  • Hearts for Haiti - A Haiti Earthquake Relief Concert: Sara Petite, Jim Hitchins, Gregory Page, Jim Kweskin, Allen Singer, Chris Clarke @ Belly Up
  • Tribute to the Reggae Legends feat. Barrington Levy, Don Carlos, Gregory Isaacs, Martin Campbell , Twinkle Brothers, Cocoa Tea, Sister Carol, Capleton, Alborosie, Tribal Seeds, Konshens @ San Diego Sports Arena
  • Ghostlimb, The Separation, Lockstep, Punch, Satie @ Che Cafe
  • The Styletones @ Bar Pink
  • Blackout Party @ Riviera Supper Club
  • Lady Dottie and The Diamonds, DJ Jason Weedon @ U-31
  • Pop Culture Trivia Night @ Whistle Stop
  • Haymarket Squares, Antioquia, The Jason Chase Trio @ Ruby Room
  • Pyrate Punx Mayhem Mondays Presents: The Natives, Die Sabotage, Youth Envy @ Radio Room
  • Sene Africa @ Athenaeum Music Arts & Library
  • Club MAW @ Henry's Pub
  • Evening of Blues: Benefit for Steve White @ Humphrey's Backstge Live
  • Open Mic @ Lestat's
  • "Teenage Wasteland" w/ DJs Lord Hammer and Muchacho D-Hey @ Tin Can Ale House
  • Doug Allen, Suzy Bongo @ The Kraken
  • Len Rainey's Midnight Players @ Patrick's II
  • Electric Waste Band, Drunk Poet's Society @ Winston's
  • Pro-Invitational Blues Jam Hosted By Mystery Train @ O'Connell's
  • Karaoke @ Coyote Bar & Grill

Pyles Session: The Soft Pack, 2.2.2010

Last week The Soft Pack had a homecoming in San Diego on the day their new self-titled record was released. Pyles recorded a session with the band at Capricorn Studios and invited a few of us along to hang out. It was fun getting to hang out with Pyles, O, McHank (who was celebrating his birthday) and Jeff, and of course we were all super paparazzi with our cameras.

Capricorn is a super-cool studio downtown near Pokez. Brian showed us around and I noticed how many bands have recorded there...if you're looking for space, you should definitely check them out. We waited around for the band to arrive, enjoying some cold beverages and the boys geeked out on gear talk.

The Soft Pack arrived a little after we did, we helped unload the gear, they set up and then went right into the session. They played a handful of songs and will air on an upcoming Local 94/9 show. Afterward I took some band shots and hit the road before going to their free show at the Tower Bar later that night.


I'd arranged an interview through their publicist, but since I prefer to be behind the camera than in front of it, I wrote down all the questions I had for them, and they kinda went with it where they wanted. You can see that here:



The band had also spent all day Saturday playing 10 shows and there's a great video of that.

THE SOFT PACK RECORD RELEASE/TEN SHOWS IN ONE DAY from VIDEOTHING.COM on Vimeo.



Their show at Tower Bar was really fun and felt like the old days. You can see some of my photos from the day and night after the jump if you click 'keep on reading'. The poor guys had to take off after their show to get to LA at the crack of dawn for a flight to New York where they landed and took a bus to Philly, played a show, then had a show in NYC before flying off to England. The big news is that besides playing Coachella this summer (and planning a date in SD that I can't yet reveal), they're gonna be on The Late Show with David Letterman on Friday night. Big thanks to Brian at Capricorn, Pyles, Matt, Matty, Brian and Dave in the band for the session and the vinyl, Kemado Records, and FTW! media for making the day so much fun.

Update: O just added this video to his site:






O and Brian talking gear


It was McHank's birthday


Pyles: The man behind the session















































































Mick at the Tower Bar always has the BEST movies running in the bar