Monday, October 31, 2011

The Silent Comedy Release "Cruelty & Clemency" EP- Free Download

The Silent Comedy have been out on the road, hitting up CMJ and posting about their adventures on Facebook and the like, but tomorrow (November 1), the band is releasing a new EP, "Cruelty & Clemency", and you can grab a free download of "Exploitation" from SoundCloud. Check out their site and be sure to catch them when the come home and perform 11/17 at the America's Cup Village.

The Silent Comedy - Exploitation by INgroovesmarketing

Things To Do In San Diego: October 31, 2011

The problem with having a really awesome weekend is that when Monday rolls around, it's that much harder to get into the back to work groove. I know I'm lucky and don't have to be at an office (those 9 am daily conference calls KILLED me), but I still have responsibilities and deadlines and such. The good news is that this week promises to be a good one musically and if you do nothing else, save your Friday for me, okay? It's the Five Year Anniversary of this blog and it's taking place at the Griffin. It's gonna be a good time with Fierce Creatures, Old Tiger, and Josh Damigo and I wanna pack the room so I'm counting on all of you to be there. No excuses. Monday archive after the jump.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

The Lemonheads at Soda Bar, 10.29.2011

 There are things about last night's show with the Lemonheads that I can talk about. And there are other parts that I'm going to have to just keep to myself and the people who were there to share the experience. For anyone who has read this blog long enough, you know that the Lemonheads have always been one of my favorite bands and it's crazy to think I've been listening to Evan for over 20 years. In that time, I've had several memorable experiences with Evan, some super amazing "I can't believe this is happening right now" moments to super psychotic "I can't believe this is happening right now" moments. I'm happy to say that Mr. Dando appears to be doing much better than the last time he was in town, and from their super awesome performance to his up-till-last-call encore to the after hours fun that ensued, last night just might go down as one of my favorite shows of the year. Though I'm not really gonna talk about the after hours stuff so as not to get anyone in trouble, I will say it was cool that in conversation with someone else, Evan remembered hanging out at my house a few years ago, and it was also nice that he called me later to tell me that they got lost on the way to my house and it was agreed that maybe it was just best to call it a night since it was already about 4 am and he had to catch a flight today.

I filmed most of the show, though a couple songs got cut off when my battery died and I'm not sure how much my friend Brian Guthrie (who shot the top photo) got when he filmed the encore for me when I had to use the restroom. Also, apologies that I shot from the dead zone of the stage. I would've liked to have been on the other side of the stage to better capture the sound, but then I wouldn't have had such a clear shot. I also have to thank Pete Markall and David Miller who allowed me to squeeze up front with them. The video playlist has 8 videos of varying lengths. I haven't watched through all of them but will try to make a setlist when I can get through all of them since he didn't necessarily stick to what was planned. I gotta say, I had no expectations, so I'm thrilled to say that last night was a super awesome night for the history books.






Friday, October 28, 2011

Things To Do In San Diego: October 28-30, 2011

    What a week! SoundDiego Live was superfun last night (click for photos)and WATERS kicked ass at the Casbah last night. Even though the show was sadly underattended, me and the guys in the band drank whiskey and played pool and had our own fun. I just got back from helping with Halloween decorations at the Casbah and then dropped by the Sherman Heights Community Center to see the Dia De Los Muertos altars, but truth be told, I'm not really a fan of Halloween, and in light of the fact that I'll be at the sold out Lemonheads show tomorrow, the Felice Brothers on Sunday, and the sold out Deer Tick show on Monday, I just might stay home tonight. Go out, have fun, do the thing, but be safe. Keep Taxi Rob busy this weekend. Plug his number into your phone (619) 318-8935 and remember he can handle up to six people in his van. You can also text for a cab by sending your location (street address and zip code) to 777222 but that just goes to a general San Diego cab dispatch. Weekend listings are after the jump.

    Friday, October 28, 2011:
    • The Donkeys, Cuckoo Chaos, Bully @ Casbah
    • Milagres, Long Live Logos, Grandchildren, Nicely @ Soda Bar
    • Lunar Maps @ Whistle Stop
    • 91X Boo's Cruise feat. GroupLove, Grand Tarantula @ Hornblower (8:30-11pm, 21+, $25)
    • Noche De Los Muertos with B-Side Players, Diego's Umbrella @ Belly Up
    • Bonkers! EDM with Junior and Vaughn @ Bar Pink
    • HALLOWEEN PSYCHOBILLY WEEKENDER: Lonesome Batz, Hard Fall Hearts, the Altar Relics & the PeaBrains @ The Shakedown
    • Amanda Palmer @ Birch North Park Theatre
    • Lion Cut @ Tin Can
    • Meowington's Hax Tour feat. deadmau5, AVICII, Tommy Lee & Aero, Feed Me and Sofi @ Petco Park
    • Siesta Records Presents…@ Til Two Club
    • Pink Boombox Burlesque Presents: Seedy soiree with The Gore Horseman, The Burning of Rome @ Ruby Room
    • Breast Cancer Benefit Show feat. Terrordactyl, Of Sons and Ghosts, Old Tiger, Hargo @ Eleven
    • Monster Mashed DJ Mashups/Halloween Party @ The Griffin
    • Max The Russian’s Birthday with Rebel Rebel, Jet Kill Radio, The Last Years, Kodial @ Tower Bar
    • Feel The Noise Electro Dance w/DJs Gabe Vega & Friends @ U-31
    • Collie Buddz, Gappy Ranks, New Kingston, DJ Carlos Culture @ House of Blues
    • Ange Bocal, Brigitte Demeyer, Sara Petite @ Lestat's
    • The Roots Factory Presents "Flying Panter Tattoo Halloween Mashup" with Cumbia Machin & Special Guest DJ's@ Brick By Brick
    • Pink Froyd @ Winston's
    • Masters of the Celtic Harp geat. Grainne Hambly, William Jackson @ AMSD (Acoustic Music San Diego)
    • The Devastators @ 710 Beach Club
    • Happy Hour with The Brokers @ Belly Up (5:30 pm)
    • Everyone Dies In Utah, A Faylene Sky, Through Arteries, Eyes Like The Sea, A City Serene, Like Tyrants, A Void Within @ Epicentre
    • Paroxysmal Butchering, Greenskull, Perdition, Suntorn, Ruines ov Abaddon, Metatonic @ Soma
    • A Nuclei, Hotel Reverb, SéancintheSun, ANGLSDT @ Che Cafe
    • Tribute to Thelonious Monk with pianist Randy Porter, bassist Rob Thorsen, & Brett Sanders drums @ Dizzy's (San Diego Wine & Culinary Center)
    • Detroit Underground @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge
    • Creepy Creeps Halloween Party @ Hensley's Flying Elephant
    • Dead Man’s Party 11th Annual Halloween Bash @ 4th & B
    • Don’t Stop Believin (Journey Tribute)@ Anthology (Early Show 7:30pm)
    • Candye Kane @ Anthology (Late Show 9:30 pm)
    • Brick Top Blaggers, DJ R2 @ Gallagher's
    • John Foltz @ Marble Room
    • Zenbu Fridays with DJ Leif @ Zenbu Cardiff
    • Charlie Rock, Grandmasta Rats @ El Dorado

    Sam The Cooking Guy Livecast

    Yesterday I told you that I was heading to Sam The Cooking Guy's livecast. Mike and I had such a great time despite arriving awkwardly early. The crew was running around setting up, but Sam and his family and crew were super welcoming. Sitting around during the webcast kinda felt like being invited to the cool kids table at lunch. It's amazing how well they pull off the show in their house and to be honest, they make it look easy though obviously they're a well greased machine. Anyway, I don't think I can embed the show, but you can watch it here. Sam is also amazing to watch in the kitchen and the chili he made was so delicious- and thank goodness we had it since we missed out on the food at Sounddiego Live. Sam definitely has me hooked on the livecast. Be sure to like him on Facebook so you can watch and interact when they broadcast every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 6pm.

    Thursday, October 27, 2011

    Sam The Cooking Guy Webcast: Tonight at 6pm

    Did you know that Sam The Cooking Guy has a webcast? It's live and interactive three times a week (M, W, Th), so you can watch and comment via twitter or facebook and the crew will respond to you, and the shows are archived, so say, if you want to learn how to properly boil an egg, you can watch Sam get it done. Before I head up to the SoundDiego party tonight, I will be hanging out with Sam and the crew. I'll probably remind him of how he made fun of me at the San Diego Influence Awards a couple years ago, and chat it up with my friend Steve who does camera work for Sam, all the while watching Sam work his magic in the kitchen and sampling his creations. Tune into the site this afternoon at 6pm.

    Things To Do In San Diego: October 27, 2011

    Last night's show at the Casbah was full of great performances by three great bands, and I want to thank Michael McGraw, the Whiskey Saints, and The Get Down Automatic for playing and all of the people who showed up. For those of you who didn't, your absence is noted. Maybe I just need new younger friends who don't cry if they have to stay up until midnight. Hopefully you can make it to SoundDiego Live tonight. We start early for the crybabies (harhar). I'm sure you're all excited for a bajillion halloween parties this weekend.Archived Thursday listings are after the jump.

    Wednesday, October 26, 2011

    Cut Copy w/ Washed Out @ 4th & B- 10.14.11

    The inaugural 'Bring On The Bright Lights' concert series kicked off with a bang as Atlanta-based Washed Out mellowed things out with their brand of lo-fi dream pop before Aussie synth rockers Cut Copy ripped through an extended set (and two encores!) of music created specifically for dancing.  More after the jump...




    TONIGHT!!! Michael McGraw, The Whiskey Saints, The Get Down Automatic

    I've got another show this week TONIGHT!! and I'm thrilled to have such great bands assembling at the Casbah this Wednesday night TONIGHT!!. It will be the official EP release party for Michael McGraw and he's gonna have some of these amazing posters at the show. The Whiskey Saints are from LA and I'd been hearing about them for so long that I thought it was time to bring them down to San Diego. Last but not least, if you came to SoundDiego Live, you saw The Get Down Automatic tear it up onstage and I'm happy to have them back. Save the date!!












    Tuesday, October 25, 2011

    New Video: Michael McGraw "Poorboy"

    Tomorrow is the big show at the Casbah with Michael McGraw, The Whiskey Saints and The Get Down Automatic and I'm gonna remind you about 32 more times between now and then, but before I head out the door, check out Michael McGraw's new video for "Poorboy".


    Poorboy (Official Music Video) from Michael McGraw on Vimeo.

    Things To Do In San Diego: October 25-26, 2011

    I spent the last three hours without wi-fi and all I needed was the modem reset (not in my house, unfortunately). Anyway, I'm back and typing as fast as my sausage fingers can handle because there's so much to talk about. I posted about the cancellation tonight at the Casbah, and I added the Bootlegger show to tonight's listings and shuffled The Mumlers over to the Soda Bar's lineup. I also added the 91X Boo's Cruise to the Friday listings with a link, so if you were interested, go check that out. Last night at Bar Pink was fun, though I'm sorry I didn't warn you about the $14 cover...I didn't know until I got there. It looks like I'll be getting use out of a $5 bus pass tonight, as I hope to drop by West Coast Tavern, check out the music at House of Blues, and then head over to the Bootlegger. If that ends early enough, I'll probably redirect back to Soda Bar. Hit me up if you wanna join me along the way. Tuesday and Thursday archives are after the jump.

    Tonight: Family Wagon & Strange Vine at Bootlegger (HMBSMS Canceled at Casbah)




    I feel like such a jerk that I forgot this event in my listings because Strange Vine are such dear friends and only told me about 15 times that they would be here. You might remember seeing them if you came to my showcase at the Soda Bar during the North Park Music Thing? Well, hopefully they'll forgive me since the Bootlegger hasn't yet been on my radar. It's downtown, for one, and has been under different ownership a few times in the last few years (previously Bar 90 and Lucky D's before that), but Gareth from Family Wagon assures me that it's a cool spot. As far as I've been told, the show tonight is free, doors are at 9, and features Strange Vine at 9:30 and Family Wagon at 10:45.

    Here's a preview of the bar from Thrillist:


    In a separate but related note, He's My Brother, She's My Sister were scheduled to perform tonight at the Casbah. Unfortunately, Rachel was in a pretty gnarly car accident this week. We wish her a speedy recovery and will get the band back to the Casbah when she's back on her feet. Casbah tickets will be automatically refunded through Frontgate, and you can save your Casbah fix for my show there tomorrow. The Mumlers, who were to support the show, have been added to the bill at the Soda Bar, which I suppose is fitting since they were already playing with Amando Jo Williams at other stops on the tour. So there ya go. Always options on a Tuesday night.

    Rocktoberfest 2011 in Photos





    I don't know about you, but I had such an amazing time at Rocktoberfest. The lineup was stellar and all of the bands were not only incredibly professional, but all proved why they represent San Diego and can command festival sized stages. I arrived with The Heavy Guilt long before the gates opened to help with last minute details and make sure I had covered all my bases in getting out set times through the tweet-o-sphere and the interwebs. Luckily everything was running smooth and I had time to visit my friend Pete at True North to get some food before the festival. (If you haven't eaten at True North, you are seriously missing out. Get the juicy lucy with tots and you'll be converted.)

    By the time I was back, 3pm rolled around and gates were opened. Unlike last year, when it rained and we opened gates at noon, this year the event was well attended from the start up until the finish. I can speak on behalf of West Coast Tavern and the Casbah in saying that this year's attendance blew last year out of the water. With a full bar, a good selection of beer (Beck's Oktoberfest was my personal preference all night), and re-entry allowed so you could grab a bite at a nearby restaurant if you didn't want to wait in the food truck lines, this is the perfect setup for a micro-festival. West Coast Tavern also has the nicest bathrooms in North Park, in case ya didn't know, and I sat down with Everest for awhile as they finished their dinner before their set, so that was pretty great, too. If you didn't come last year, you should know that the two facing stages was a new setup and I think it was perfect allowing the music to jump back and forth all night long. 

    I'm just gonna post a couple photos and I really don't need to go through a band by band rundown because they were all fantastic....The Heavy Guilt, Low Volts, The Styletones, Bully, Dead Feather Moon, The Creepy Creeps, The Soft Pack, and Everest all delivered. Everest played a bunch of new stuff and told me they're working on a new record for the beginning of 2012. Tim Pyles did a great job as MC and even let me come up on stage and introduced me so I could get this crowd photo:



    You can see my photos on Facebook if you want to tag yourselves or at SoundDiego with all of my Foursquare adventures.

    Just a few of them after the jump.

    Monday, October 24, 2011

    Kool Keith: Live from the Ruby Room


    ---- the preface(Friday afternoon) ----
    J.Rosey Jameson: who?
    me: Parker Ebert. Me and my partner, JaySiskel wrote the piece on Devin the Dude last month.
    J.Rosey Jameson: who?
    me: Devin th...
    J.Rosey: I know who Devin the Dude is, who the hell are you?? And what in the cheezandrice do you want?
    me: Tickets. Im reviewing the Kool Keith show tomorrow night at the Ruby Room. Your receptionist Lily called. Told me come pick-up 3 tickets, for me, Siskel and our photographer Tony M.
    J.Rosey: Tickets? 3?? Why? Whadyahave security? An entourage? Are you famous? Britney? Taking a date? There’s one of you. One ticket.
    me: uhh..okay. Should I get it...from...at… the venue?
    J.Rosey: How should I know? You're a writer. I don’t know how you do what you do. You're supposed to be slick, sly, resourceful, ear to the street, pulse of the city, stuff like that.. Figure it out. You think Bernstein’s boss let him into Nixons office?
    me: uh, Bernstein didn’t go into Nix...
    J.Rosey: That’s right! You think the Tribunes owner filmed ‘Deep Throats’ confession for the jury? You're a journalist. Get it done. Think on your feet like Axl Rose in 'BeverlyHillsCop' and get the h*ll out of my office. Have that review on my desk Monday morning. LILY!!! Fire whoever made this coffee and get me a new cup!
    (Lily pops up, pushes me out as she goes in and slams the door).

    -------Saturday (show night) -------
    Not going to waste anytime with formalities, this was impressive. One a.m., 60-65 people. Every person in the venues at the stage but there’s no pushing. No catty glares. No tall guys in front of the shorties. Everyone has enough elbow room to throw their hands in the air. Keith rockets through a riveting 38min set with only one stop between songs(a 7min rant on skinny jeans. Yep…skinny jeans). Instead of seven 3min songs he gives us 90secs of 22 classics. And I do mean CLASSICS. The crowd goes crazy. They know every word. And I do mean EVERY. After 2 encores he steps off the stage. No one moves an inch. No one rushes him. No one accosts him. The mob freezes in place and applauds with fevered energy as Black Elvis coolly makes his way from fan to fan. Taking pictures, shaking hands and signing posters with each person. This is what’s most amazing about the night, the mutual respect exchanged between Keith and his fans. We don’t rush him and he doesn’t rush through his time with us. It’s easily one of the most genuine examples of art appreciation I’ve ever seen.

    Bring On The Bright Lights Announce Show with Nada Surf!

    I was so excited when I got the news on Friday that the next Bring On The Bright Lights concert will feature one of my all time favorite bands, Nada Surf.

    On Jan 28th, Nada Surf will be doing one of two special shows on the west coast (the only other show is in Seattle) to promote their new record which will be released that same week (January 24th). This is their first original album in 4 years so needless to say, superfans like myself have been waiting for this for a long time.

    Nada Surf will be joined by The Soft Pack, and 2 other bands TBD. The show will be at 4th and B Tickets go on sale this Friday, October 28th at http://nadasurf2012.eventbrite.com.

    To hold you over, you can grab the first track, "When I Was Young" from The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy. 





    Things To Do In San Diego: October 24, 2011

    Last night I was supposed to head to the Casbah and jump on the radio with Tim Pyles but I was wiped. After the massive CityBeat party on Thursday, the Blackout Party CD release party on Friday, and Rocktoberfest on Saturday I needed a night at home. Of course, a new week brings a new calendar and I will be making the rounds all week. Looks like Bar Pink tonight, Casbah on Tuesday and Wednesday, SoundDiego Live and Casbah on Thursday, and more Casbah on Friday. I'm gonna just take a sleeping bag and make myself comfortable in the newly upholstered Last Supper booth in the Atari Lounge. I did this weekend's listings last week, so if there are updates, please let me know. Monday archives are after the jump.

    Sunday, October 23, 2011

    Thursday Night: Jamuel Saxon CD Release Party at the Soda Bar





    My dear friend Keith Milgaten is doing a whole lot better than a couple weeks ago and he's celebrating life and music and the release of Jamuel Saxon's latest EP with a show at the Soda Bar this Thursday night. Additionally, Jamuel Saxon has picked ME to have the exclusive download link to preview the  EP, so grab Jamuel Saxon "No Rulez, Just Noice (xclusive preview)" here or click on the album artwork below.




    ROCKTOBERFEST!!!

    Tomorrow  TODAY is Rocktoberfest which means that today is the last day to buy tickets for $15. They will be $20 at the gates. Seriously don't miss this.






    Full lineup:

    Everest http://www.everestband.com/ 9-10pm

    The Soft Pack http://www.thesoftpackofficial.com/ 8:05-8:55pm

    The Creepy Creeps http://www.TheCreepyCreeps.com/ 7:15-8pm

    Dead Feather Moon http://www.deadfeathermoon.com/ 6:30-7:10pm

    Bully 5:50-6:25pm

    The Styletones http://www.facebook.com/pages/the-styletones/431038600127 5:10-5:45pm

    Low Volts http://www.lowvoltsmusic.com/ 4:35-5:05pm

    The Heavy Guilt http://www.theheavyguilt.com/ 4-4:30pm

    10.22 .2011
    3-10pm
    $15 advance

    Buy tickets at http://www.sdrocktoberfest.com/

    Brought to you by The Casbah, West Coast Tavern and FM 94/9.

    Friday, October 21, 2011

    Things To Do In San Diego: October 21-23, 2011

    I gotta say it was a good day. Last night's CityBeat party was really great and Moonface was awesome and I think I developed a slight crush on Spencer Krug. Today I had a nice lunch with friends at City Deli and they couldn't believe I'd never been before. It's no Lansky's, but it was alright. Tonight I'm super excited for the Casbah but can't seem to find a ride down there, so if ya wanna pick me up from Kensington and get into the show for free, hit me up. Tomorrow is Rocktoberfest and though I'll be enjoying the music and beer, I told Tim I'd man the Casbah booth for a while because we got new merch!! So if you're coming to Rocktoberfest, look for me...we'll have hoodies and t-shirts for sale, at least for some of the time. (I'm definitely not gonna be there for 7 hours slinging merch!) Weekend Sunday listings are after the jump.

    Friday, October 21, 2011:
    • Blackout Party (CD Release), Grand Tarantula, Jesse LaMonaca and the Dime Novels, Trailduster @ Casbah
    • The War on Drugs, Purling Hiss, Carter Tanton @ Soda Bar
    • The Styletones @ Bar Pink
    • Under the Dome: An Evening With Gary Jules @ Museum of Man
    • Steaming Satellites (Austria), Pilots, Hello Electric (Portland), Sneak Peek @ Tin Can
    • Leon Russell, Jenny O @ Belly Up
    • F*ing In The Bushes with DJ Rob Moran @ Whistle Stop
    • Check Yo Ponytail tour feat. The Death Set, Big Freedia, Pictureplane, Franki Chan @ Voyeur
    • Chris Bieck's B Day Bash w/ Rat City Riot, Dirty Filthy Mugs, Shark Blood & Among The Enemy @ The Shakedown
    • Nashville Ramblers, DJ Tony The Tyger @ Til Two Club
    • SpineShank, Interim Divine, Clandestine, Matt Toka @ Ruby Room
    • Stage Kids, Children of Nova, The New Addiction, Holding Onto Sound @ Eleven
    • Ladies Night feat The Tighten Ups, Amanda Waggener Band, Astra Kelly @ The Griffin
    • Wax Idols, Terry Malts @ Tower Bar
    • Feel The Noise Electro Dance Religion, Funk The Fresh, DJ Gabe Vega @ U-31
    • Local Brews, Local Grooves All Access Presented by KPRI & Listen Local SD. Main stage feat. Groove Session, The Tilt, Landis, Kevin Martin, Rob Carona, Social Club, Queen Divas of the Universe. Delta Room feat. Rob Bondurant, Zimbeat, Teleplay, Tori, Sister Speak, Carl Durant, Allegra @ House of Blues (Delta Room & Main Concert Hall)
    • Groove International Presents Live Again, Corrupt Society, Authors of the Forgotten & Telesound @ House of Blues (5th Avenue Sidestage)
    • Torrey Mercer, Sammy Seaver, Savannah Philyaw @ Lestat's
    • Brujeria, Cattle Decapitation, Sangre, Under the Stone, Downspell @ Brick By Brick
    • Mike Keneally Band, Bryan Beller Band @ Winston's
    • Tom Russell @ AMSD (Acoustic Music San Diego)
    • Split Finger, Mikey Beats, The Broken Stems @ 710 Beach Club
    • Blessie, Hesse, Shining Through, Black Top Royalty, Spirit Bear, Breakdown, Fly By Night, Above The Worst @ Epicentre
    • Throwdown, Carnifex, First Blood, Suffokate, Silencer @ Soma
    • Happy Hour with Atomic Groove @ Belly Up (5:30pm)
    • Pachanga! DJ KVN, PJ Pancho, Amado @ Che Cafe
    • Vocalist Melissa Morgan is joined by Gilbert Castellanos trumpet/flugelhorn, with Joshua White piano, Rob Thorsen bass, & Kevin Kanner drums @ Dizzy's (San Diego Wine & Culinary Center)
    • Get Groovin @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (5-7pm)
    • The Mighty Untouchables @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (9:30pm)
    • Hard Fall Hearts @ Hensley's Flying Elephant
    • Calle 13, B Side Players @ 4th & B
    • Keiko Matsui @ Anthology (Early Show 7:30pm)
    • Kal David @ Anthology (Late Show 9:30 pm)
    • Boom Snap, DJ R2 @ Gallagher's
    • Missy Andersen @ Marble Room
    • Cedric Gervais, Zen Freeman @ Voyeur
    • Zenbu Fridays with DJ Leif @ Zenbu Cardiff
    • Mikeski, Jay Dread, Saul Q @ El Dorado

    Saturday, October 22, 2011:
    • SD Rocktoberfest feat. Everest, The Soft Pack, The Creepy Creeps, Dead Feather Moon, Bully, The Styletones, Low Volts, The Heavy Guilt @ 29th & University, behind West Coast Tavern & Birch North Park Theatre
    • The Makeup Sex, Duchess @ Bar Pink
    • The Drowning Men, A Scribe Amidst The Lion, The Tall Ships (record release)@ Soda Bar
    • Tamaryn, Tropic of Cancer, Melted Toys @ Casbah
    • Mason Jennings @ House of Blues
    • The Widows, The Grids, Joy, Jungle Fever: A Benefit for Christina Wagner @ Til Two Club
    • Big Head Blues Club featuring Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Charlie Musselwhite, Ruthie Foster, Hadden Sayers, Cedric Burnside @ Belly Up (Sold Out)
    • Spank Rock, Death Set, Big Freedia, Pictureplane, Frankie Chan @ Voyeur
    • Space Town Savior (record release), Wizwars, Crashfaster, Bleeds, Hyperwave @ Tin Can
    • Immovable Objects, Kata, Author and Punisher @ Eleven
    • Daemos, Hemoptysis & Raise The Guns @ The Shakedown
    • DJ Claire’s Happy Hour Party @ Whistle Stop (5:3-7:30pm)
    • Booty Bassment feat. Dmitri and Rob @ Whistle Stop
    • Kool Keith aka Dr.Octagon aka Dr.Doom, R.A.W, Nikki and The Mongoloids and more! 3 Year Anniversary Party! @ Ruby Room
    • Englishman meets Lady Cellie and the Band, DJ APR, DJ Stylee @ The Griffin
    • Cheater Slicks @ Tower Bar
    • Saul Q Presents Posso The DJ, Saul Q @ U-31
    • Camille Bloom (CD Release), Chris Holmes @ Lestat's
    • Another Zeke Productions presents: Dying on a Saturday Night: A Misfit promenade featuring The Strikefits (Misfits tribute) performing alongside Hell on Heels Burlesque Revue featuring Miss Joy Ryder and Mama Bodessa with DJ Gonzo @ Brick By Brick
    • The Wick Hauser Band @ Winston's (5pm)
    • Canobliss, Sunday Girl, F.O.A., In Every Breath @ Winston’s
    • Back 2 Black (AC/DC Tribute), Open Arms (Journey Tribute) @ 710 Beach Club
    • The Fixtures, The Color of Glass, Seawall, The New Nostalgic, Anaphylactic Shark, Son of Man @ Soma
    • Liquid Whip, Lennox Law, New Year, Nautikal, Waiting For Yesterday, Yasamin and the Connecting Dots @ Epicentre
    • Teebs, MONO/POLY, and Alpha Method @ The Loft, UCSD
    • Trent Hancock @ Marble Room
    • Fundraiser for Julie Fagerberg @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (1-4pm)
    • Laurie Morvan Band @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (6-8pm)
    • Otis Taylor @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (9:30pm)
    • Kingston a Go Go @ Hensley's Flying Elephant
    • DJ Shadow @ 4th & B
    • Tommy Castro @ Anthology (Early Show 7:30pm, Late Show 9:30 pm)
    • Kahilofa, DJ Chelu @ Gallagher's
    • Round Table Knights, Adam Salter @ El Dorado
    • Tab Benoit, Royal Blues Machine, Dusty and the LoveNotes @ Ramona Mainstage

    Barack Obama Calls An End To War In Iraq



    We Are 99%

    I've stayed relatively quiet about the Occupy Wall Street movement. While I support the cause and have enjoyed incredible videos and posts (and lost countless hours on Facebook soaking it all in), especially those of Matt Taibbi and some Real Time with Bill Maher clips, there's always the idiot fringe that gets the attention and video coverage and make everyone look like assholes who can't articulate a point. Like the chick who got tear gassed at the Civic Center? Sorry, I watched multiple videos of what happened and I think you're an idiot. But I'm obviously 99%. I appreciate the people fighting the good fight on my behalf and I hope the fight continues and somehow results in real change. Not unlike most people, I'm just trying to get by, day to day, as I type this from the apartment I might lose on the laptop that is my only possession of value with the wifi I am delinquent in paying. This month marked three years from my last "real" job, three years without insurance, three years without a doctor or a dentist, three years without a steady paycheck.

    Like all great political movements, Occupy Wall Street is inspiring great art, and today one of my favorite musicians, Jeremy Messersmith, released his own song for the movement.

    Blue Sky (Corporations Are People My Friend) by Jeremy Messersmith

    The Calm Before the SDBW Storm...



    Ah yes, Pints for the Park. We certainly drank a few pints this past weekend. Actually, we drank many of them at the Pints for the Park Santa Barbara Beer Festival. This annual event takes place every October to help benefit beautiful Elings Park as well as the Santa Barbara Rugby Association. My girlfriend’s father happens to be the assistant VP of the Rugby Association and helps to put on this festival every year, so there is no reason for us not to go.

    Representing the San Diego Craft Beer community, Karl Strauss and Stone Brewing were on site to pour some their popular ales. Karl Strauss served their Tower 10 IPA, Red Trolley and Whistler Imperial Pils while Stone poured their Smoked Porter, Cali-Belgique and Arrogant Bastard. While it was nice to taste the familiar SD beers, I was impressed to see a lot of Santa Barbara and central-California based breweries filling my glass.

    The picture you see above was a pour from The Brewhouse, based in Santa Barbara. They had a Ghost Chili Porter that was quite possibly the spiciest beer I have ever tasted. Now, I know that our very own Ballast Point puts out it’s Habanero Sculpin as well as the recent Indra Kunindra Curry Stout, which both have their fair share of kick to them, but I can usually finish those with barely a drop of sweat on my brow. The Brewhouse’s Ghost Chili Porter kicked my ass. It kicked a lot of people’s asses. For those of you who may not know, the Ghost Chili, also known as the Bhut Jolokia, is considered one of the hottest chilis in the world and has the spice capacity to make a jalapeno taste like a frozen mint. The headbrewer at The Brewhouse explained that he used a combination of Habaneros and Ghost Chilis then let them soak in the fermenter to kick up the spice. Let’s just say that there was no shortage of this beer at the fest since it was the palate wrecker of all palate wreckers.

    Thursday, October 20, 2011

    Things To Do In San Diego: October 20, 2011

    What a week. Such super highs and super lows, but I have to trust that things will work themselves out for my living situation one way or another. I'm totally excited about this weekend, which personally I will be officially kicking off at 3:30 this afternoon (because I can!). My segment on 91X will be on at 7:45am tomorrow unless I get bumped for a live instudio performance by Gary Jules, so tune in either way. I hope to see everyone tonight at the W, tomorrow at the Casbah, and at Rocktoberfest on Saturday. archive after the jump.

    Tonight at the W! CityBeat Best Of San Diego issue celebration

    Tonight is the big CityBeat Best of San Diego shindig down at the W Hotel and I hope to see your pretty faces in attendance. Thanks to everyone who voted for the poll (though I still think these things should be called "favorites" instead of "bests" because seriously...Chase Bank? Need I say more?). I'm proud to get an Honorary Mention for Best Music Blog, and proud that SoundDiego.com took the win. I've been a daily contributor for SoundDiego since it's inception, so it's a win for all of us on the team and we will be in full force for the celebration tonight.
    ...there will be featured food tastings from more than a dozen San Diego eateries, plus an art show featuring paintings from Gloria Muriel and Christopher Konecki. There will also be live music performances from Steph Johnson, Low Volts, The Heavy Guilt, David Patrone plus a DJ set from DJ Artistic. The party runs until 11pm.....and maybe longer!
    There is a $10 suggested donation for the San Diego Music foundation.

    Wednesday, October 19, 2011

    Friday Night: Blackout Party CD Release Party at the Casbah



    This Friday, Blackout Party celebrates the release of their new record, Closed Mouth Don't Get Fed. The show takes place at the Casbah and Blackout Party will be joined by Grand Tarantula, Jesse LaMonaca and the Dime Novels, and Trailduster. This show is not to be missed and will sell out, so I recommend buying tickets in advance.
    Closed Mouth Don't Get Fed by Blackout Party Jesse LaMonaca and Brandon Conway by sddialedin
    View more videos at: http://nbcsandiego.com.

    Tonight: Foster The People, Cults, Reptar @ Soma

    Tonight is the SOLD OUT Foster The People show with Cults and Reptar at Soma. Can you believe my 13 year old sister tried to cancel on me? The nerve! I'm making her go and hoping it will be a memorable life experience for her, but even if it isn't, I thought I'd share videos from Foster The People's show at the Belly Up earlier this year. Enjoy!!

    Tuesday, October 18, 2011

    Things To Do In San Diego: October 18-19, 2011

    In the legendary words of Mr. Gregory Page, "Oh man what a night this has turned out to be..." Dos Hermanos kicked ass last night and crashed at my house and we had a lovely breakfast at Kensington Cafe before they took off to Tucson. I worked for a bit after breakfast and too much coffee, then met Colin Clyne for lunch at Bleu Boheme and a two hour lunch/meeting turned into beers at the Ken Club. Where that might be a wasted day for some, I booked a show, arranged a future gig, scored a new TV, possibly got a special guest blogger, and might even have coerced myself into a new job in 2012. So there. Thank you, Green Flash IPA, I'll let YOU do the talking from now on.  I'm only updating this now at 8:18pm because it will be easier to see on your mobiles later when you're wondering where you were supposed to be. See you at Soda Bar. If not, I hope you have fun at YACHT. (See, Colin...maybe I really am a poet!) Archive after the jump.

    Rocktoberfest Is Coming! This Saturday, October 22!

    Do I really have to keep reminding you about Rocktoberfest? It's happening this Saturday in North Park behind West Coast Tavern and the Birch North Park Theatre (Enter at 29th and University).

    Gates open at 3pm, it's 21+, and only $15 if you buy your tickets now. (They'll be $20 the day of the show.) Click the flyer for tickets.

    For all you crazies who have to know, set times are below. Performances on the stages alternate so you never have to miss a band. Get there early!

    Main Stage                                                         2nd Stage
    Everest                       9:00 - 10:00                      The Soft Pack                 8:05 - 8:55
    The Creepy Creeps  7:15 - 8:00                         Dead Feather Moon     6:30 - 7:10
    Bully                           5:50 - 6:25                        The Styletones              5:10 - 5:45
    Low Volts                  4:35 - 5:05                         The Heavy Guilt            4:00 - 4:30

    D/WOLVES Release New EP:

    D/WOLVES have released a new EP and you should definitely check it out. I know I haven't talked about the boys in some time but there's no love lost here and I'm still always impressed with the stuff they do. I know they have shows between now and 2012, but I'm super excited that they'll be opening for the Handsome Furs at the Belly Up in January. Get the download.

    Monday, October 17, 2011

    Shabazz Palaces Tonight at the Casbah

    Photo Courtesy Sub Pop
    (Image by Leif Podhajsky
    Original band photo by David Belisle) 
    There was a point where hip-hop was the soundtrack to my life. This point was somewhere in the mid 90s, punk had broke years ago and flew too close to the sun, grunge had all but died or been turned into something more cumbersome than Seven Mary Three. But hip-hop was a fresh and vital perspective on my city surroundings. At the time I lived in Boston, attending Boston College, which is to say I played NHL 94, got stoned and listened to hip-hop. Digable Planets 2nd album, Blowout Comb, was somewhat of a staple. It narrated many slow passages of time and though it never quite had mainstream success, my friends and I all considered it one of the best of an era. The lyricism was deep, esoteric, streetwise and worldly. In fact, to this day, I comprehend something new every time I rest that vinyl on my turntable. The music was unique as well, dense with rich jazz samples like Roy Ayers "We Live in Brooklyn Baby", Bob James' "Blue Lick" and Fred Wesley and the JB's "Blow Your Head", but unlike most hip hop of the time, there was a litany of guest musicians lending live horn arrangements and complex guitar and bass interplay. The album was layered, nuanced and perhaps distantly ahead of its time. One of the keys to their unique sound was the lyricism, warm voice and production from Butterfly- aka Ishmael Butler.

    A funny thing happened to me in 1999. I decided that I both a) had a drivers license and b) that I lived in New Jersey and that those two things together could remedy the New Jersey part. I had heard about California through years of rock n roll brainwashing so I gathered two friends and pointed a car towards the other coast with its rumored palm trees and perfect weather. Before I left New Jersey, my mother, who had raised me solo, encouraged me to make a stop along the way and meet my father for the first time in my life. I had just watched Empire Strikes back and it seemed like a fair coming of age request. I called the first in a series of numbers to track him down (I promise this will lead back to hip-hop and relevance if you give me a minute). The second conversation I had in the tracking process was with an aunt I'd never met before. She knew about me and asked me a series of seemingly random questions.


    New Aunt: Do you like hip-hop
    Me: (As a black male aged 18-25 I'm inclined to say yes) Yes
    New Aunt: Have you heard of Digable Planets
    Me: (Is this old lady trying to give me some hip hop 101). Yes
    New Aunt: Did you know that Butterfly was your brother?


    The old lady hit me with a curve ball. The answer was a definitive caps lock big fonted bold ass NO! Shortly after gleaming this new information I found myself eating lunch with one of my heroes who happened to be my brother as well as a huge influence on my career as a lyricist. We got along well out the gate, we talked vinyl, jazz, hip hop, indie rock, life, food and the infinite, etcetera. In fact, Ish introduced me to the White Stripes in 99 and was just as likely to be talking about Radiohead’s Kid A as a Lonnie Liston Smith sample. This is the open-mindedness that has cultivated the unique sounds he sculpted during and since the reign of Digable Planets.

    Tonight I’m gonna be headed down to the Casbah for a little family reunion of sorts. But I’m also going there to see my brother’s new band, Shabazz Palaces. I’m not nearly as familiar with their work as I am with those classic Digable Planets albums, but from my initial listens I can tell that Ish is still making music for tomorrow. The futuristic beats, the trailing sonics, the laced ear candy, the unique cadences and effected vocals allows this project to dodge the conventional constrictions of modern hip-hop. If you were a Digable fan, this is no nostalgia trip, but it is a trip to some futuristic arena of sound, though on your journey that warm vocal tone will anchor your ears to the familiar.


    There’s probably a lot more to this story, but I’m typing this out at work and I’m gonna have to ring someone up soon (though this recession gave me a nice window to do some writing). Perhaps I’ll post some more later.
    Til then
    al howard

    Things To Do In San Diego: October 17, 2011

    I'm going to just ignore my landlord drama for a while because there are so many things to be positive about. Today is my friend Nick's birthday, and tonight my friends in Dos Hermanos arrive and will be performing at Bar Pink with The Bloody Hollies. I'm looking forward to catching up with two of the funniest people I've ever met. (See the interview I did with them last year.) This weekend is Rocktoberfest and as I mentioned over the weekend, I'll have five pairs of tickets tonight at Bar Pink, you just have to find me during Dos Hermanos' set and ask for them. First come, first served, and once Dos Hermanos are done, the offer is off the table. On Tuesday, my friends at the Hard Rock Hotel have partnered with Filter and are hosting a free show with YACHT, so be sure to check that out on Tuesday. This week is also Foster The People and I get to take my 13 year old god-sister to her first real concert, so that should be really fun. Thursday is the big CityBeat Best Of party at the W, so I hope to see lots of you there before Spencer Krug's Moonface performs at the Casbah.  That's a busy week!

    I added a "Featured Tracks" page on the site that has music from some of my upcoming shows and there are still more site upgrades and tweaks I want to do, so I'll do my best to stay focused and stay positive. I'll just use The Secret to wish a 1000 daggers upon my asshole landlord and my dickhead neighbor who are obviously trying to ruin my life. Monday archive after the jump.

    You're Welcome, Again.

    This is from Ray's show at Symphony Hall on September 13. There are four parts. Sorry I took so long to post these.

    Mutemath Announce 2012 Tourdates & VIP Packages

    Photo Credit: Claire Vogel, Courtesy WBR
    Web analytics used to be top-secret. You never really knew how anyone else was doing and you'd hear hype from all corners that made everything sound like it was the most amazing thing ever. With recent integrations, like Slacker and Spotify linking directly to Facebook walls, it is easy to see when something is reaching a fever pitch. Lately, it seems, at least among the people I pay attention to on Twitter and Facebook, that everyone has been listening to the new Mutemath record, Odd Soul, and going absolutely bonkers for it. With that in mind, the band has just announced tour dates for 2012, including a February 3rd stop at 4th & B and they're offering exclusive VIP merch and ticket packages starting today.

    An Odd Soul VIP Package for the 2012 tour dates will go on sale at 10 a.m. local time today at http://mutemath.artistarena.com/. For $75, purchasers will receive:
    • 1 general admission ticket to the Odd Soul Tour 
    • 1 gatefold vinyl copy of Odd Soul (previously unavailable) + a CD copy 
    • 1 Odd Soul Tour t-shirt (with tour dates on back) 
    • 1 "first in line" pass guaranteeing early entrance to any show on the tour 
    • 1 high-quality MP3 copy of Odd Soul to be delivered as a digital download 
    • 1 Odd Soul instrumental album to be delivered as a digital download (available for the first time in this package) 
    • 1 Making Of the "Blood Pressure" music video to be delivered as a digital download (available for the first time in this package) 
     Only limited quantities of the VIP package will be available so fans are encouraged to act fast.


    Full tour dates after the jump.


    Sunday, October 16, 2011

    You're Welcome

    I do what I can. This is from the show on Tuesday. There are 5 "videos" though really they're just blackness with audio. Enjoy.

    Friday, October 14, 2011

    Monday Night: Bloody Hollies & Dos Hermanos at Bar Pink- FREE!!

    I know you're just barely getting into the weekend and don't even want to start thinking about Monday, but just take this and lock it in the back of your head and then come back to it when the weekend is over. To sweeten the deal, I will have FIVE pairs of Rocktoberfest tickets to giveaway during Dos Hermanos' set. Just find me and ask for them, and the first 5 people will get them. Consider it like a 94/9 Random Act Of Kindness. We'll call it a Random Act Of Rosey, mmkay?



    Latest tracks by The Bloody Hollies

    06 Voyage by senor-grag

    Things To Do In San Diego: October 14-16, 2011

    There is so much goodness this weekend, but don't go blowing your wad because I have a show on Monday night at Bar Pink and I'm counting on all of you to be there for my Bavarian guests, Dos Hermanos. It's free, so no excuses. Anyway, this weekend has great stuff all over the county, especially with Hoodang up in Santa Ysabel and the Chula Vista Centennial at the Olympic Training Center. I'll be making my usual rounds, hitting The Head and the Heart tonight (and Cut Copy if the timing works out). Hopefully I'll head to the Olympic Training Center tomorrow so I can have awkward run-ins with former HHS classmates, then I'm hoping to see Josh at Lestat's to welcome him home from his- shall we say- adventurous tour. On Sunday, I just might hit the Hillcrest Hoedown to catch my internet friend Jasper Dickson at the Ruby Room (he plays around 3) and The Heavy Guillt (they play around 6).

    That's a lot of stuff! I didn't even mention popping over to the Children's Museum at some point. Yikes. I better get some rest, clean this damn house, and get ready for a busy weekend. Saturday and Sunday listings are after the jump.

    Friday, October 14, 2011:
    • KPRI and Casbah Presents The Head and The Heart with Thao with the Get Down Stay Down, Lemolo @ House of Blues
    • Bring On The Bright Lights presents Cut Copy, Midnight Magic, Washed Out @ 4th and B (Sold Out)
    • Pussy Galore feat. Maren Parusel, Sundrop Electric, DJs Robin Roth and Terryn S.@ Whistle Stop
    • EMA , Little Deadman, Divers, DJ Mario Orduno @ Casbah
    • Karl Denson's Tiny Universe performing Rolling Stones album Sticky Fingers w/ Anders Osborne, Miles Doughty and Kyle McDonald from Slightly Stoopid and Crush Effect @ Belly Up
    • Danava, Thrones, Smiles Davis @ Soda Bar
    • Old Death Whisper (ex Scotch Greens), Pushin Rop, Handsome Jack and the Handsome Devil @ The Shakedown
    • Kelsey’s Birthday Party feat Lady Parts, Lantern, Ancient Crux, Cosmonauts @ Tin Can (food from Doods Foods)
    • San Diego Brainbomb 2 Festival of 4D Sound and Visuals feat. Brian Ellis Group, Riververb, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Joy, Consious Summary, Molten Lava Eyeball Fuck, DJ Mikey Ratt @ Til Two Club
    • Bizzy Bone (of Bone Thugs n Harmony) with Tryxx (Organized Grime), DJ L, Riptonite and The Threat @ Ruby Room
    • Moosejaw, The Suicide Chords, @ Eleven
    • Jackson Price, Ricky Small @ Cafe Libertalia
    • Enreverie, The Working Hour, Social Club @ The Griffin
    • Feel The Noise Electro Dance w/DJs Gabe Vega and Friends @ U-31
    • Gentlemen Hall @ House of Blues (Voodoo Stage)
    • The Gregory Page Show @ Lestat's
    • Happy Hour with Atomic Groove - Get Pink/Girl's Nite Out/Frog's Fitness Nite @ Belly Up (5:30 pm)
    • Venice @ AMSD (Acoustic Music San Diego)
    • The Local Weather w “d”, Simple Mantra, Hit Dog Hollar, Almost New @ 710 Beach Club
    • Blood On The Dancefloor, Angelspit, New Years Day, Steal The Scenery, Oversoul @ Epicentre
    • After The Burial, Veil of Maya, Misery Signals, Within The Ruins, Volumes, Saints @ Soma
    • The Blue Note Project @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (5-7pm)
    • Viva Santana @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge
    • La Arrolladora Banda Limon, Roberto Tapia and Banda MS @ San Diego Convention Center
    • Kenny G @ Balboa Theatre
    • Steely Dan @ Harrah’s Rincon Casino, Open Sky Theater
    • Deadcrew of Oddwood @ Hensley's Flying Elephant
    • Stanley Jordan @ Anthology (Early Show 7:30pm, Late Show 9:30 pm)
    • Jet Wash, DJ R2 @ Gallagher's
    • John Foltz @ Marble Room
    • John Dahlback @ Voyeur
    • Zenbu Fridays with DJ Leif @ Zenbu Cardiff
    • Grandmasta Rats, DJ Profile @ El Dorado
    • Missing Persons, Wicked Garden @ Ramona Mainstage

    Chula Vista Centennial Celebration: October 15 at Olympic Training Center

     While working on this weekend's listings, I came across information about Chula Vista's Centennial Celebration at the Olympic Training Center. The event takes places this Saturday, October 15, from noon-9:30pm. There is a ton of free entertainment, including music from POD, Rockola, Barela, Sirens Crush, The Earthmovers, Big Time Operator, Pink Army, Navy Band and more, and there's a craft brew and margarita garden as well as a "Twist of Lemon" food and drink tasting. Entry to the event is free and all ages, with separate tickets for the Twist of Lemon tasting.

    While I was excited to be able to post something from my hometown, where my parents still live in the house where I grew up, I have to say the first thing that screamed at me is WHY IS THE LOGO A LEMON? I was born and raised in Chula Vista. My mom was born and raised in National City, but my Tata, at various times throughout his life, owned farmland all over the area and grew all kinds of crops. In my lifetime he just had a single remaining piece of land off Sweetwater and grew the best white corn and watermelon you would've ever tasted in your life. I get it. I know that at one time there were lemon groves everywhere, thus LEMON GROVE, and I even know that at one time in history, Chula Vista was called the Lemon Capital of the World, but Chula Vista deserves SO MUCH MORE THAN A LEMON.

    I'm done with my rant. If you're an OG Chula Vistan, you might remember this. You're welcome. Chula Vista, por vida!


    Thursday, October 13, 2011

    deadmau5 at Petco Park October 28 - $65 All In


    deadmau5 WANTS TO PACK THE HAU5

    TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR FANS TO ENJOY HIS FIRST EVER BASEBALL STADIUM SHOW --

    OCTOBER 28TH PETCO PARK

    WITH TOMMY LEE & AERO, FEED ME, SOFI AND SPECIAL GUEST AVICII


    ALL REMAINING GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS

    ARE AVAILABLE FOR $65 ALL-IN

    Fans That Have Already Purchased GA PETCO Park Tickets Will Be Refunded The Difference


    Deadmau5 - Professional Griefers from POSSIBLE on Vimeo.

    Things To Do In San Diego: October 13, 2011

    It's Thursday and I have so much to do but have just felt completely drained this week. I am ready for  sweater weather because this 90 degree shit is just ridiculous. My poor dog doesn't know what to do with herself, my allergies are kicking my ass (though thankfully NOT the flu), and I have some massive housecleaning to do before Dos Hermanos come to stay with me. I've been inundated with a gazillion emails that I just don't feel like reading. Note to publicists- it is not necessary to email me asking if I got your other three emails. Inbox is up to 439 unread and counting ALL FROM THIS WEEK. If you think I'm going to respond to even 10% of those, you're sadly mistaken.

    I'll be working merch for Aloe Blacc tonight, so come by and say hi if you're at the show and be sure to tune in to 91X tomorrow at 7:40 to hear my weekend calendar suggestions. Thursday listings archived after the jump

    Saturday: Hoodang 2011 at Santa Ysabal Casino

    Santa Ysabel Casino & Julian Hard Cider Present

    HOODANG 2011
    A Craft Beer & Music Festival
    October 15, 2011
    11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    Santa Ysabel Casino, Santa Ysabel, California

    Featuring Musical Artists: Louis XIV, Sprung Monkey, Safety Orange, The SLPWLKRS,
    Mr. Tube & The Flying Objects, The Devastators, Chris Wilson from Endoxi, Stoney B Blues Band, Midnight Rivals, The Vokab Kompany.

    Over 30 local breweries will be on site including Stone Brewing, Ballast Point, Mission Brewery, Karl Strauss, Eel River, Bear Republic, North Coast, Iron Fist, Cerveza Tijuana and many more.

    For each ticket sold one tree will be planted in Cuyamaca Park.

    Taylor Guitars will be giving away guitars.

    Tickets are $30 for 10 tastes and admission to the concert. (21+)
    They can be purchased at www.sandiegoreader.com/tickets

    Children's Museum TRASH Block Party: FREE this weekend



    This weekend, the San Diego Children's Museum will be celebrating their new TRASH exhibit with a free block party. On Saturday, you can catch Ozokidz (Ozomatli), The Platt Brothers and other entertainment, while on Sunday you can enjoy Hispanic Community Day with Todo Mundo, Pink Army, Manny Cepeda and more.

    Activities are open from 10am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, go to the Children's Museum site or check out extra special details including a VIP walkthrough for KPRI registered Freeqs.


    Wednesday, October 12, 2011

    Katie Herzig: Free My Mind

    Check out this free download from Katie Herzig, then see her tonight at the Casbah.



    Check her out in Paste Magazine, too.

    Things To Do In San Diego: October 12, 2011

    I know today was hot and it has been an exhausting week, but GRAMMY nominated Katie Herzig is at the Casbah tonight and you're gonna love her. If I didn't think I was getting the flu, I'd be there. Plus, you have to check out the Casbah...the ladies' room has new doors and the back booth in the atari lounge has been reupholstered. Wednesday archive after the jump.

    Ryan Adams Setlist

    I just thought you might like to know Ryan Adams' setlist in San Diego.

    Oh My Sweet Carolina
    Ashes & Fire
    If I Am A Stranger
    Dirty Rain
    Everybody Knows
    Invisible Riverside
    Rescue Blues
    My Winding Wheel
    Why Do They Leave?
    Lucky Now
    Please Do Not Let Me Go
    Firecracker
    New York, New York
    Let It Ride
    Blue Hotel
    Carolina Rain
    Two
    I See Monsters
    Jacksonville Skyline
    Houses On The Hill
    This House Is Not For Sale
    Come Pick Me Up

    related: Have you been to my YouTube channel lately? I have over 2000 videos. I think you might like my recent uploads.

    Tuesday, October 11, 2011

    Things To Do In San Diego: October 11, 2011

    It was cool to see Jason Isbell hanging out at the Casbah last night for Megafaun. Too bad there weren't more people there because you missed an awesome show. Then again, maybe part of it being so awesome was because it was so intimate. Regardless, you guys seriously need to pay more attention. If San Diego can sell out two Bon Iver shows, surely you should be aware of Megafaun. 
    Anyway, tonight is the Ryan Adams show and I'm really excited to see him, though I've never been to the Balboa Theatre so I'm not sure what to expect. I'm also really looking forward to pre-show dinner at the Lincoln Room. Yummers. If you're not going to the show, there are other great shows at Soda Bar, Anthology, Tin Can, and Casbah. Archived listings after the jump. I need weekend updates, so if I missed anything, let me know. 

    New Releases: October 11, 2011

    There are a bunch of great new releases this week, and many of the bands are touring through San Diego. Check it out!! Click on the album covers to stream the records on Mog.

    Ryan Adams @ Balboa Theatre- TONIGHT!
    Cut Copy @ 4th&B- October 14- TICKETS
    Rachael Yamagata @ Casbah - November 27- TICKETS
    Radio Moscow @ The Shakedown - October 16 - TICKETS
    Gill Landry @ Casbah - October 30 - TICKETS
    Crooked Fingers @ Casbah - November 26 - TICKETS
    Peter Murphy @ Belly Up - December 6 - TICKETS




    Blitzen Trapper & Dawes at the Belly Up (10.9.11)


    On Sunday night, the Casbah presented Dawes and Blitzen Trapper on a coheadlining tour at the Belly Up, with London duet Smoke Fairies opening the show. I got up front pretty early in the show and didn't leave my spot, so I don't really even know if the show was sold out or not, but it was every bit as awesome as I'd hoped despite being a magnet for the only girl at the whole show who wanted to dance. "Aren't you SOOO excited for Blitzen Trapper?," she asked. "I was." Have all the fun you want, but mind your damn personal space. Anyway, besides her, the show was awesome.

    Smoke Fairies kicked off the night and had amazing angelic vocals that made me think they probably come from a choir background and have transitioned into the folksy indie they perform now. Blitzen Trapper was awesome and I was talking to Marty before the show and we realized it's been over two years since the band came to SD...back then, his daughter was one and a half, now she's three and a half and he has a second child who is 4 months old. It was really nice catching up and their set totally rocked, though I have to say it is the first time I've ever seen them NOT play "Wild Mountain Nation" which was a little sad, but they have so much new material that is all great so I really cannot complain. The nice thing about a coheadlining tour was that both Blitzen Trapper and Dawes played full sets.

    Dawes was awesome as ever and Taylor is really enjoying throwing in guitar solos in just about every song. I was happy that they slowed down "A Little Bit Of Everything" to really pull the crowd into the lyrics and I decided to shut off my camera for "When My Time Comes" which is one of the greatest singalongs (next to The Silent's Comedy's "I am alright" singalong during "Gasoline"). The video playlist and some photos are after the jump or you can see my photo album on Facebook or on SoundDiego.






    Cut Copy Remix Death Cab For Cutie; Performing at 4th&B This Friday!!



    Today, Atlantic recording group and Death Cab for Cutie announced the release of “KEYS AND CODES REMIX EP.” The collection features seven new remixed tracks from "Codes and Keys".
    Beginning today, the band will reveal one remix every week leading up to the EP’s release on Tuesday, November 22nd.

    The first remix is “Doors Unlocked and Open” by Australian electronic band Cut Copy, who will appear in San Diego on Friday, October 14 at 4th & B. Tickets for the show are available here but going fast, so don't wait.

    Monday, October 10, 2011

    Ryan Adams: Lucky Now

    Tomorrow's the big Ryan Adams show and the release date of Ashes & Fire. The show is sold out but as always, I'm sure you'll be able to find some tickets outside of the show if you're willing to pay. Maybe I'll see some of you at the Lincoln Room before the show?

    Things To Do In San Diego: October 10, 2011


    Some people wake up on the wrong side of the bed. My Monday was greeted with "HEEEEEYYYYYY GIRLFRIEND!" in the most annoying valley girl/cats in heat/nails on a chalkboard voice at 7:45 am. Welcome to my life living behind a salon. I'm now working hard to do everything in my power to get rid of this bad case of the Mondays, but it's hard when all I want to do is strangle the annoying woman 8 feet from my bedroom window. Hopefully I can shake it off by the time nighttime rolls around because I'm super excited to see Megafaun again. The band is so good and live they're just incredible. See, just thinking about it made me feel somewhat better. This week is Ryan Adams, Aloe Blacc, The Head and the Heart, and Cut/Copy, to name a few, and since I started doing that little call in thing for 91X, I already did this week's weekend listings. Let me know if there are any updates since not everyone's calendars were updated. Monday archives after the jump.

    Oh, Anti-Monday League, I need you tonight.

    Sunday, October 09, 2011

    Tonight at the Belly Up: Dawes & Blitzen Trapper

    It has been so long since I've seen Blitzen Trapper that I don't know if I've even ever shot video of the band, but I'm super excited to see them along with Dawes tonight at the Belly Up. As far as I know, tickets are still available. You would really be a fool to miss this show. I thought I'd reshare my old Dawes videos from the KPRI private listener show on the Hornblower. These are some of my favorite videos I've ever shot and it was when the band was still working out material that was released on this last record. Check them out.

    Things To Do In San Diego: October 9, 2011

    I am such a spoiled brat. My mom has been calling me for the last two hours trying to get me out of bed to go to the German American Societies' Oktoberfest in El Cajon. I worked until 1, went to Eleven, stayed till closing, then had a couple friends over until 4 am and all morning I've been listening to the stupid salon bitch in front of my house. I'm exhausted. If left to my own devices, I would sleep all the way up until tonight's show at the Belly Up. But, then I step back. My mom is offering to pick me up and buy me afternoon food and beer just to hang out and feel festive. I will get over myself. I hope you are lucky enough to have a rad mom to spend the day with. Tweet at me if you happen to be at Oktoberfest today.

    Saturday, October 08, 2011

    Things To Do In San Diego: October 8, 2011

    My wi-fi has been messing with me so I wanted to get these posted as soon as I could. There is so much going on tonight and I have to say, as a blogger, it really means a lot to get personal messages from bands every once in a while, so while I'll be working tonight at The Album Leaf show at the Lafayette Hotel (tickets are still available...doors at 9pm), there are so many rad shows that I can't tell ya where ya ought to be, but I will say that 12 Dirty Bullets are all the way from the UK and just hit #21 on some radio/industry buzz chart and they're at Eleven tonight. Vanish Valley sent a super sweet email and they're at Tin Can tonight. Mucca Pazza is one of my favorite Casbah shows of all time just for the sheer fun and surprise of the performance and they're at Soda Bar tonight. So much goodness, hopefully you can hop around town. The Album Leaf have been selling out this tour across the country so I'm happy to see Jimmy and the boys tonight, but I'll be looking for some trouble to get into after the show wraps up.

    Friday, October 07, 2011

    FM 94/9 Anniversary + San Diego Brewers Guild = Party Time (November 5 @ Liberty Station)


    I'm a little behind on today's email, but just saw this fantastic one from FM 94/9. To celebrate their 9th Anniversary, they've teamed up with the San Diego Brewers Guild to celebrate San Diego Beer Week with a massive two-stage event at Liberty Station on November 5. This is the day after my 5 year  blog anniversary show at the Griffin, so sounds like it's gonna be a pretty awesome weekend in November. Plan accordingly!

    Details:
    FM 94/9 and Napa Auto Parts are proud to present the San Diego Brewer's Guild Festival on Saturday, November 5th at Liberty Station. Join us to drink great local craft beer and celebrate our 9th Anniversary with two stages of beer-soaked Rock n' Roll.
    FM 94/9 Anniversary StageMathew Sweet
    Telekinesis
    Stone Foxes
    The Local 94/9 StageThe Bloody Hollies
    Dead Feather Moon
    Family Wagon
    We're looking forward to an amazing day filled with good food, great beer and killer music. The day will culminate with Mathew Sweet performing his landmark "Girlfriend" album in it's entirety to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its release. 
    Enjoy beers from every corner of San Diego as we showcase all 35 members of the San Diego Brewer's Guild pouring their hoppy, malty and frothy best.
    In addition, several of San Diego's best food trucks and some of our favorite local eateries will be on hand. 
    Tickets are on-sale now: CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE.
    $35 for the General Session 1pm - 5pm (includes beer tastes and commemorative taster glass) $55 for the VIP Session 11am - 5pm (includes beer tastes, commemorative taster glass and food pairings)