Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Things To Do In San Diego: November 30, 2011

What a week! I can't believe it's only Wednesday. Yesterday was awesome thanks to West Coast Tavern and  Radio Sophie for the Snow Patrol show, and Slacker for the free Fitz and The Tantrums show. Apparently we scared off some people by telling how many RSVPs there were, but a free party with free food and free booze and the awesomeness of Fitz & The Tantrums. Are you kidding me? Afterward Jake and I hung out with some of the band at their hotel and had a good time watching drunk people. Thanks to Michael, I'll be seeing them all again tonight at the Soiree. The Casbah show sold out earlier this afternoon, so if you want to get out tonight, I'd suggest Commune over the Whistle Stop or Wreck Shop over at the Office. Wednesday listing archives are after the jump.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Sophie's Lounge with Snow Patrol, 11.29. 2011


I pressed the snooze button (or so I thought) and woke up two hours later to realize I almost missed Snow Patrol. Radio Sophie was hosting Sophie's Lounge with lunch at West Coast Tavern and an acoustic performance by half of Snow Patrol in the Birch North Park Theatre. Don't you love the era we live in? I mean, I got home about an hour and a half ago and already have the videos for you to watch. One day, that's going to seem like forever, like early fax machines, but for now, I'll take it.

The band is doing a small radio-station only promotional tour for Fallen Empires, their newest record that will be released stateside on January 10, 2012. The record is fantastic (available in the UK and thus all over the interwebs), and you can pre-order it now. The band will start touring mostly the UK and Germany in January and February and should be in the U.S. sometime in March/April.


As a promotional event, the band was only going to play three songs from the new record, but instead played a couple older songs, too. I really wanted to hear "Chocolate" but I think that predates most radio airplay. All of the videos are below in a playlist and will play in order of the performance.

1. Called Out In The Dark
2. This Isn't Everything You Are
3. Lifening
4. Just Say Yes
5. Chasing Cars



Thanks again to everyone for this, especially David at West Coast Tavern and Mookie at Radio Sophie. This one was beyond words for me.


Things To Do In San Diego: November 29, 2011

I am in such a better mood than I was when I wrote yesterday. First of all, I had a super fun date/is this a date/hangout last night. We had great food at Lucha Libre, saw The Muppets (my first movie in a theatre in over two years!), and went to Dave & Buster's where I learned that I really suck at driving and shooting games but can still kick ass in air hockey. It was fun and I felt like I was 15, only at 15 I was probably getting into way more trouble than that. Then today I woke up and got to go to Sophie's Lounge with Snow Patrol at West Coast Tavern/Birch North Park Theatre. Snow Patrol is one of my all time favorites so I have to admit, I'm still quivering a bit. I'd love to go to KPRI's afternoon session but apparently I don't have the right strings to pull for that one. But this evening I'm really looking forward to the Slacker Radio VIP party with Fitz & The Tantrums. It's gonna be pretty insane with over 5000 RSVPs for a 900 capacity venue, but I'm ready to get down. The only thing that could make this day better is if I had some way of getting Jason Mraz to pop into the Irenic on Friday for a few songs with Colin Clyne, Josh Damigo and Saba. Can anyone make that happen? Also, I'm adding a ton of new shows to the Casbah's calendar today, so check back this evening for a bunch of new show announcements. Tuesday archives are after the jump.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Rosey's Diary: November 22-27, 2011

It's been a weird week for me for reasons I don't really want to go into, but today it was punctuated by an internet troll talking shit on Twitter and to you, little troll, I hope you get a life. I love social media and know that my life and my work are very public and thus subject to criticism, but when stalkers and trolls hang around, sometimes it makes me rethink living out loud. However, instead of pulling back, I'll once again give you another installment of my diary. All after the jump.



Things To Do In San Diego: November 28, 2011

I hope everyone had a great weekend. I know I was all kinds of lazy, had some great family time, and saw some great music including Joel P West, Grand Tarantula, A Scribe Amidst The Lions, Crooked Fingers, Strand of Oaks, and Rachael Yamagata among others. I've also had issues with my TV, where sometimes I get a picture for a few days and then it craps out and won't turn on for a week. It's very annoying, but it means I watched a lot of streaming programs on the web. I probably should've been more productive but I figured nobody was really checking the site over the weekend anyway.
I will also be reminding you daily of the acoustic show at the Irenic on Friday night with Colin Clyne, Josh Damigo, and Saba. My site supports San Diego music, return the favor and come to the show.

Monday listing archive after the jump.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Black Friday: Get The Goods and Shop Local

My friend Mikey (from Ponce's and Tivoli) is helping to put on this event today at 3rdSpace in University Heights (by Small Bar). They're raising money for Corazon de Vida, a foundation that helps orphanages in Baja California while offering unique gift, live entertainment and more. The show has a $5 cover. The shopping is happening from noon to 8pm, with the artist reception from 8-11pm. 3rdSpace is located at 4610 Park Blvd. Palindrome and Grand Tarantula will be performing later tonight.
THE GOODS SHOW * BLACK FRIDAY is a collective production that showcases local artists and designers in a creative and lively market scenario. The goal is to provide a progressive and intriguing arena in which local artists can exhibit their creations directly to a community that fosters creativity, good intention and conscientious purchasing power. This will be done by providing a service to our local and regional community. THE GOODS SHOW * BLACK FRIDAY is a show dedicated to generating dialogue between the local community, artists, businesses, and humanitarian causes through art, music, design, fashion, and food. It is through these filters that we are able to raise funds and awareness for Corazon de Vida.


Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Things To Do In San Diego: November 25-27, 2011

I hope everyone got their fill of whatever you feast on at Thanksgiving. I've got at least a day or two of roast beef sandwiches ahead of me but somehow my spoiled brat complaining means that I'll be making the turkey for Christmas. (I just REALLY wanted stuffing).  I also deep down kinda hope that my friends all ditched the Black Friday action. Isn't it funny that people can't camp for Occupy Wall Street, but there's no issue when they want to camp at Wal*Mart for Black Friday specials? If you're gonna shop, I know those deals are so tempting, but consider shopping local and supporting your local businesses. It's those local businesses that fund the local business associations who in turn, fund all of the free events throughout the year, like street fairs and holiday parades. Think about it.

I'm not quite sure where I'll end up tonight, but maybe I'll see ya out on the town. Listings archive after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: November 22-23, 2011

It's only Tuesday but I'm feeling the pressure of a Thursday because I have to get my weekend listings done today and I have two open dates at the Casbah that I need to book ASAP. I know, first world problems, right? But it still keeps me up tossing and turning at night. I have a gajillion emails to go through, too, but I guess I can read through those on the way to Anaheim for Noah and The Whale. There are some cool shows in town tonight, too, so enjoy them for me and for my local bands, hit me up if you're in town this December. Listings archive after the jump.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Rosey's Diary: November 16-21

I realize that for the number of shows I attend, I sometimes really suck about posting about the things I go to after the fact.  This was just going to be a rant about Monday, but I realized there was a lot of cool stuff in the last week, so I'll save the bitching till the end and try to get back in the routine of writing my diary posts. This is gonna be a long post, so check it after the jump.



Tomorrow: Noah and the Whale at House of Blues Anaheim

This is a song for anyone with a broken heart. This is a song for anyone who can't get out of bed. I'll do anything to be happy. Oh, 'cos blue skies are coming. But I know that it's hard.
The last time Noah and the Whale toured through San Diego, I was working the door, so while I had an amazing time listening to the band soundcheck to an empty room, I didn't get to catch much of the actual show. Fortunately I got wind that the band is playing at the House of Blues in Anaheim tomorrow, so while many of you might be at the Morrissey show in Escondido, I will be smack in the middle of Downtown Disney. Tickets are available for the show, so if you're looking for a Tuesday getaway, I'd say it is worth the drive.

This is the last San Diego show, filmed by this amazing guy named Blake who I like to think of as a kindred spirit.

Things To Do In San Diego: November 21, 2011

I didn't know what my family was doing for Thanksgiving until my parents called over the weekend to tell me they bought a roast and would see me on Thursday. Often they head off to Vegas or Harrah's Rincon for holidays, so I'm glad we'll all be cozying up in Chula Vista for the holiday, though I'm a little bummed they're not doing a turkey because my mom makes a mean stuffing. Maybe I can convince her to make it anyway. This week still has plenty of music going into the holiday and everyone knows that Wednesday night is one of the biggest bar nights of the year, so even if you skip the music, on Wednesday, get out to your favorite local watering hole and enjoy the company of friends and neighbors.  There won't be any listings for Thursday but if I get around to it, I'll post all the spots that will be open after you've had your fill of family and gluttonous food. Monday archive after the jump.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Things To Do In San Diego: November 20-21, 2011

I wasn't going to repost these listings but there were a couple updates and I just heard that Diplo is going to be taking the stage at the America's Cup and the attendance is pretty dismal, so if you want to see Diplo up close and personal, head down to Broadway and Harbor Drive like now. Otherwise, I'll see you all tonight at the Ken Club. If you don't already have tickets to the Casbah, the show is sold out, just so ya know. Weekend archive after the jump.

Dylan Leblanc at the Casbah (11.18.2011)



Dylan Leblanc opened for Rich Robinson at the Casbah last night and I can't really begin to tell you how amazing it was. I was there early and had a chance to talk to Dylan before his set, telling him how much I appreciate his record and whatnot. He told me that I'll like his new record even more (to be released around March), that some people find Pauper's Field boring, and then he asked if there were any particular songs I wanted to hear. Besides all of them? I said I'd think about it and before he played I decided that "Low" and "5th Avenue Bar" were my picks. Dylan had a short set, so after playing a new song (didn't catch the title), he played Low, Changing of the Seasons, 5th Avenue Bar, I Still Miss You (Johnny Cash cover), If Time Was For Wasting, Jack, If The Creek Don't Rise, and Harvest Moon (Neil Young cover). Unfortunately after that he realized he'd already played too long and abruptly ended the set. I would've loved to hear Emma Hartley, too, but I guess I'll have to wait till the next time around.



After the set, I sat in the back bar to enjoy some cocktails and hang out. Rich Robinson sounded great but it was incredibly loud and I was in my warm fuzzy mode after Dylan's set. Dylan came to the back and laid down in the back booth and got a little nap in. He told me he has an inner-ear/sinus infection that has been really draining. When he awoke, he came and sat with me at the bar and we ended up chatting about all kinds of shit. He's shy and says he suffers from paralyzing anxiety and it was cool to see him loosen up the more we talked (and the more we drank). Eventually the show ended and the bar was cleared out but we kept shooting the shit. He told me he wanted to meet Bob Mould and since I'd worked for him the night prior, I was happy to introduce them. Turns out they have the same agent and didn't even know it. Their bus was heading to Phoenix straight from the Casbah, so we said our goodbyes and he was on his way. Dylan Leblanc is an amazing talent and has a lot of the right people in his corner. His songwriting suggests a full life lived beyond his 21 years, and his guitar skills are astounding. At one point earlier in the night, Dylan said something like, "Man, I don't think I'll ever be famous." I beg to differ.


This is the full set (minus the first song).

TRANSFER TOUR BLOG /// TITTY TIME

TITTY TIME /// NEW SHIT HAS COME TO LIGHT

Our drive from Milan to Munich, through the mountains of Austria was incredibly scenic. Saw the most amazing view from the lobby of a McDonalds while eating a Big Mac. Fat ass.

Looked like a Bob Ross original


.




MUNICH - This had to be the most bizarre performance experience to date. First off, the room was completely full when we took the stage which was a pleasant surprise. Germany has been good to us.


We spent time backstage playing acoustic songs with Tribes and getting lightly buzzed before we went on. These lads write good songs and it was pretty cool to hear the foundation of their influences through their selection of Stones songs they were playing. OK, on to the weird - As we were playing I noticed a man, probably in his 60's, that looked exactly like Dr. Kevorkian with his lady friend that looked like an aged Sinead O'conner right at the front of the barrier wearing a see through blouse. Ok, cool, but the guy had his hand on her tit the entire show. Casually nodding along to the music, occasionally switching to the reach-around maneuver and groping the other tit DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF US. So incredibly weird and creepy.

After we played Tribes went on and played a great set as usual. When they came off the stage, same story! "Hey, did you guys by chance see the tantric grope-fest happening at the front of the stage?" Yes, in fact...we did.


I came out to the second song of the Kaiser Chiefs and noticed they were still there, only now, it had graduated to both hands. Oh man...we made eye contact with the fellas as they performed and they were so distracted by titty time at the barrier, it was all they could do to keep it together. THREE HOURS of this? Really?




Nobody could figure this one out and we all left this show totally perplexed. No answers...no logical explanation could be deduced. It was a confusing enough scenario that one could only walk away with the response, "Well...THAT just happened."


BERLIN - We wound up back at one of our new favorite spots, The Michelberger Hotel to play an acoustic set in the lobby. If you are ever in Berlin, do yourself a favor and stay here. It is very artsy and celebrates one of the greatest films of all time, The Big Lebowski. The marquee out front reads, "NEW SHIT HAS COME TO LIGHT", the movie is constantly streamed on flat screens mounted in the hallways and there was an amazing 8' chalk drawing of The Dude. So cool.

Feeling a little road weary and slightly unprepared, we came up with a set of ten songs we deemed suitable for our performance. Shaun played piano the whole time with myself on the acoustic, Card on his electric, and Andy on brushes with a kick, snare and one cymbal.




ACOUSTIC SET


Take Your Medicine


Waltz


Deerskin


Dark Behavior


Like a Funeral


Get Some Rest


Blaine Osborn


Bed of Nails


Sinking Sailing


Losing Composure


We wound up having a terrific time playing our tunes in this format. Being a sometimes obnoxiously loud band, it was difficult to imagine the translation but it all worked and tempted us to do more shows like this.


The atmosphere was very relaxed and everyone seemed to have a great time. One of the hotel employees wound up giving us shot after shot of homemade schnapps so that pretty much put a nail in it.




On the ferry now to arrive in Copenhagen to stay for a night on our way to Oslo AND Card owes me a euro for fucking up my motorcycle racing game. Looking forward to Christiania. ;)

Friday, November 18, 2011

Things To Do In San Diego: November 18, 2011

I am having such a great week. I have to say, the America's Cup has been SO AWESOME and so sadly underattended. People complain that Street Scene is gone and then some massive organization with tons of money to blow on a FREE concert series comes to town...well, San Diego, sometimes I just don't think you appreciate how good we have it. You take too much for granted. Hopefully you don't blow it this weekend because the series continues through Sunday and even if you're not into sailing, I'm telling you, it's hard not to get caught up in the moment as they call the races like the track and then give you free music to boot. Personally I'll be running all over town this weekend to get posters posted, to see the AMAZING Dylan Leblanc, head to the Tin Can, hit up the Ken Club for a killer Saturday lineup and then have to make the decision on Sunday between El Dorado and the Casbah. Life sucks, it's hard, but music is the great escape and I plan on taking full advantage. You should, too. Friday archive after the jump.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

TRANSFER TOUR BLOG

Day 27
Kaiser Chiefs had sold out two nights at Ancienne Belgique, which is touted as one of the best venues in Europe. After a triple shot of the place in one week, and in our most recent experience touring over here I would have to agree. Our show with Mona was in the club part of the venue so we had some new Belgian fans that came to the show early to support, which was cool.
Here's where the second half of this tour has has taken us so far:
BRUSSELS - We somehow scored a sweet dressing room and after-partied with Tribes, Kaiser Chiefs and crew at a pub across the street from the venue. All great people. After many spirits I looked over as we were about to leave and Shaun was playing keys in the Acid Jazz band in the corner! Nice one, Corn!



AMSTERDAM (again) - We stayed at a rad hotel for the second time on this trip called Backstage. Big ups to Marcel and the crew for making our stay there so comfortable. The rooms had flight case bed frames, snare drum light fixtures and killer views of one of the canals that ran through the city. The street below was bustling with trains, cars and bicyclists, all hauling ass and seemingly coming within an inch of their lives. Jesus Christ. I was rehearsing my summer camp C.P.R. exam in my mind. This was of course, before the "Cafe" erased any chance of proficiency I may have had in resuscitating anyone. Card drew a wicked ram skull on the wall before we left.




The following day we played the Heineken Music Hall. It was our second time there so we knew what to expect. The largest venue of this tour, the room holds around 6K and was pretty full when we went on. We were blessed with someone that was interested in doing our lights for us when we played so we walked away from that one feeling pretty good.
We watched Kaiser Chiefs perform from the side of the stage. If you haven't seen a show, you are missing out. Incredible energy with one of the best front men I have seen. At one point in the show, Ricky, (singer) says, "Hey, that guy in the crowd looks like Seinfeld!" then he proceeded to part the 5,000 person crowd and runs about 50 yards out in the middle of everyone to check it out. I lost sight and could only hear him over the microphone amongst the screaming audience...then he emerged through the crowd riding on someone's shoulders all the way back to the stage...all while singing the song. So rad.


ZURICH - This show was a long drive from Amsterdam so we wound up showing up just before our soundcheck a little wiped out. The Kaiser's had a bus breakdown so we made a stop to grab some of their things for them out of the bus, on our way to the venue. The show went pretty well and we all kicked it on the balcony above the floor, which made a great vantage point to watch both Kaiser Chiefs and Tribes performances. We are stoked to be on such a good bill.

LAUSANNE - What a beautiful place. A predominantly French speaking town in Switzerland on the edge of Lake Geneva. We played a one-off club show at a place called the Bleu Lezard with Tribes. This was the pre party for the Metropop festival the following night. The room was a small basement bar and had all the makings to be a struggle with sound as the monitors were duct taped to the backs of chairs that were sitting in front of the tiny stage. When we took the stage and played our set we were pleasantly surprised that the stage sound was fantastic and the club was packed with a very responsive crowd. I guess you can never tell...


*Highlight of this one for me was the dreadlocked DJ spinning records in the back of the room. He was wearing shades inside AND at night AND having an air-guitar meltdown, leaping up into the air, getting juiced up beyond belief. Fucking incredible.






MILAN - Our first time. The venue was pretty cool and we had some food and wine at the restaurant connected to the venue before the set so we were feeling good and loose. A great thing about this show was the no decibel limit on the sound. Most venues in Europe have a limit to the volume of the show, so you wind up being at a lower volume than you might expect. We are a loud ass band and when we have to turn way down it feels weird. Not the case at this one...


The stage sound was killer and the crowd seemed quite receptive. Save for the Jack-off at the barrier Facebooking on his cell phone. I understand that our music isn't for everyone and it's not our crowd we're playing to, but i will say that if you make your way to the front at a show and spend your time "social networking", you're a douche.




Traveling from Milan, Italy to Munich, Germany through Austria, our van started to have some problems up the steep, mountain climbs. It seems like pulling over to let it rest for a few minutes helped it regain some gusto in acceleration but it's freaking everyone out. I got out to shake out the air filter in an uneducated attempt to help. Seems to be running a little better but I suppose we won't know until we hit some more mountains...most likely at 3AM in an unfamiliar country. Pray for us sinners...


Wednesday, November 16, 2011

America's Cup Racing Series Kicks Off In San Diego

Penalty!
I'm at the America's Cup Village at the moment. I scored press credentials which means that I might hang out here during the week for a change of scenery while I take advantage of their wi-fi and learn a thing or two about racing. sailing. catamaraning. I dunno...maybe I'll pick up the lingo while I'm here. I'm also going to strategically sat by some Spanish media guys. I love hearing castellano.

I ran into Halloran and met the stage managers and they told me the listings had been updated but it appears that the site still has the vague spaceholders for the Battle of the Bands slots. They told me that Abandon The Raft, Illuminauts, Black Hondo, and one more qualified- the name escapes me now-but they didn't tell me what order they qualified. I heard Jamuel Saxon is playing on Friday, too, but I don't know what time. So yeah, I'm not very useful right now but thought I'd update what I know since I'm here now. I changed the link to the banner ad at the top of my site, so you should be able to get those updates when the ladies post from the office.

Wednesday, November 16 - Agua Dulce (4:15)
Thursday, November 17 - The Silent Comedy (8:15) , Little Hurricane (7pm), The Donkeys (5:15)
Friday, November 18 - Chromeo DJ Set (8:30), K.Flay (7:45), The Soft Pack (6:30), Earth Amplified (4:15)
Saturday, November 19 - Diplo (8:15), Hyena (7pm), The Chain Gang of 1974 (5:45)
Sunday, November 20- The Cataracs (5pm)







Obviously there is going to be massive press coverage (this media room is MASSIVE), but here are some quick photos I shot. More photos after the jump.

Agua Dulce soundcheck



Friday Night: Dylan Leblanc at the Casbah

I know the headliner for the Casbah's early show on Friday is Rich Robinson, brother of Chris and a founding member of The Black Crowes. That's great. Black Crowes were a radio staple growing up and it's great that he's coming. I think his music is more my speed than his brother and I'm looking forward to seeing him. You can grab a download here (or just click the arrow to hear the song).


That said, I have to say since I first heard about this show, I've been so excited to see opener Dylan Leblanc. For a brief period of my site, I started getting boxes of promo CDs from Atlantic. Like ever month or two, I'd get a box with 10, 15, 20 new titles. I made a personal vow that since I don't review albums, that I would at least listen to every single one and judge on it's own musical merits, that way when the bands would tour or come to town, I'd know what people could expect. Mostly though, the music was top 40, metal, or country, and there were very few albums- maybe 10%- that I got that I kept listening to after the first listen. Dylan Leblanc's record came to me last year, maybe August, and was just the case and the CD without any album art. I put the CD into my stereo and was immediately taken back. The Lousiana native was born in 1990. Um, yeah, do the math. The kid has a style and sound beyond his years, a ghostly quality to his voice that most people have to smoke and drink for years to achieve. Of course I found his site and looked up tourdates and if I remember correctly, his U.S. tour only went as far west as Colorado then he hit Europe pretty extensively (he is, after all, on Rough Trade). Anyway, this is an EARLY SHOW at the Casbah on Friday. Doors are at 6:30, Dylan could be on as early as 7 or 7:30. Check out the playlist I assembled from videos on the web, then get your ass to the show.

Tonight at Anthology: Good Old War

Good Old War are back in town tonight! I love this band. They're such sweet guys, great songwriters, and excellent performers. This ain't no hipster shit, just good solid music that makes you feel good to see and makes you want to sing along. If you don't have other plans, I suggest you call Anthology and make a reservation now. This is a playlist of a show they played at Porter's Pub last year. There are 10 videos in this playlist. Make sure to check out the last song, "Loud Love", which I believe is still unreleased but is pretty much a perfect song to me. Enjoy.

Things To Do In San Diego: November 16-17, 2011

Happy Wednesday! I feel really ready to attack today, don't you? I mean, sometimes I do this thing when I've revealed too much in a blog post where I try to bury it with as many other blog posts as possible. Just a habit. I'm looking forward to taking life by the horns today, and  I'm excited about Good Old War tonight. We'll see if I make it to my other planned destinations or just go with the flow of where life takes me, but either way, I'm ready. Archive are after the jump.

Rosey's Diary: November 11-15, 2011

I wrote briefly about Monday's show at the Soda Bar with Joshua James, Desert Noises, and Honeyhoney, but last night I woke up in the midst of a dream turned panic attack and I realized I wanted to write about the awesome weekend to settle my nerves about a bunch of the other bullshit that is swirling in my brain at the moment. So let me just rewind a bit, for my own therapy. This one is gonna be really long, so read after the jump if you feel so inclined.
photo credit: Johanna B-K (age 4)

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Joshua James at Soda Bar, 11.14.2011

I have to say that as far as my music tastes go, I've been so lucky to see so many of my favorite boys with guitars these past couple months. It kicked off with Ray LaMontagne in September, then went on to include shows by Bon Iver & Other Lives, Bright Eyes, AA Bondy, Blind Pilot, Rocky Votolato, Chamberlin, Ryan Adams, The Lemonheads and last night, Joshua James. (And Dylan Leblanc on Friday!) I mean, I wasn't orgasmic like the annoying blondes who announced at least 12 times that they "drove four hours for this show", continually shushed the crowd throughout the set, and were orgasmically repeating "Oh My God" every time Joshua upped his intensity, but I was in a happy place at the show, even when the entire stage and lighting burst into darkness by a blown fuse (or something more cosmic?). It had been far too long since Joshua played San Diego and though they bolted back to Utah as soon as their set was done, it was nice being able to chat for a few before they took off. The openers, Desert Noises, were awesome, too, and I shot some video of them. Both of the embeds are video playlists, so you can see multiple videos by clicking the advance button or by watching them through YouTube. HoneyHoney was great, too, but I blew all my battery power so didn't get to shoot them at all. I need to remember more batteries when I decide to travel without a purse!



Monday, November 14, 2011

Things To Do In San Diego: November 14-15, 2011

I am a happy girl. This weekend was awesome...between Echo Revolution rocking the Whistle Stop on Friday to the incredible Casbah lineup on Saturday, to the amazing beer dinner at West Coast Tavern, Four Day Weekend at Sunset Temple, and closing the night out with The Spits at Til Two, it was jam packed with super fun times. What has me even more ecstatic is that one of my favorite favorite musicians is going to be at the Soda Bar tonight. Joshua James is AMAZING and it feels like forever since he's come our way. Both of his full length records, The Sun Is Always Brighter and Build Me This are in constant rotation at my house and his show is not to be missed. To sweeten things, on Wednesday Good Old War is at Anthology and on Friday, Dylan Leblanc is playing at the Casbah. Three of my favorites in one week! Lucky me. Lucky you, too. Don't miss Joshua tonight. Seriously. Tuesday and Wednesday listings are archived after the jump.

Friday, November 11, 2011

SDBW: Checking In

Beer week kicked off with a rainy Friday in San Diego. My good friend and beer blogger Jonathan and I had made plans to hang out on Friday and somehow a noon lunch ended up starting closer to 3 after he kindly ran some errands with me (a ride to my credit union is hard to come by sometimes). We decided to try Tiger Tiger, the newish spot on El Cajon near 30th brought to you by the people behind Blind Lady. We had planned on eating a pizza at Blind Lady later, so we opted to share the fried oyster po boy. It was delicious but the half sandwich ended up being the only thing I ate all day. Such a rookie mistake. I'll get back to that later.

11:11 11.11.11

It's 11:11 on 11/11/11 and there's a lot of beauty in the mathematics and mysticism of the numbers, even if some of it crosses the line into crazytown. Whether there's any special meaning or relevance of Eleven Eleven in your life, I thought I'd share an older video I have of Jesse LaMonaca and the Dime Novels performing "Eleven Eleven" from their debut CD, "Until The Stars Came Out" (iTunes).



And, for beer week, don't forget that Stone has released their Vertical Epic for 11.11.11. Get your hands on it!

Things To Do In San Diego: November 11-13, 2011

I haven't been myself this week. Funny how a bad Monday can real ruin the whole week. I stayed home more this week than in a long time, and though there are some cool shows tonight, I kinda have the desire to go get lost in the mountains or something. I gotta say, it was still a pretty decent week...On Tuesday I wandered North Park and had a good time at Soda Bar, Wednesday was a big long busy day that ended at the Casbah, and yesterday was an all day pajama day (because sometimes I need those). Whatever you do to mark this day, whether you love 11.11.11 or you've got the day off for Veteran's Day or you're just celebrating another Friday, enjoy. Saturday and Sunday listings are after the jump.

Friday, November 11, 2011 ( Eleven Eleven Eleven):
  • Sezio’s Four Day Weekend feat. Dirty Gold, Oregon Bike Trails, Rafter @ Sunset Temple
  • Boris , Tera Melos, Weatherbox @ Casbah
  • Pussy Galore feat. Misspent Warhead Premise, Echo Revolution, DJs Robin Roth & Terryn S.@ Whistle Stop
  • The Expendables, Stranger @ Belly Up
  • 11:11:11 Make a Wish Celebration feat. 11 artists, 11 performers, 11 vendors @ Queen Bee’s
  • Captured! By Robots, Midnight Eagle, Swore @ Soda Bar
  • Twelve (Spinal Tap Cover Band), Rocks Off! @ Eleven
  • Landlord Jim’s Reunion Party @ El Dorado
  • Pocket @ Bar Pink
  • The Chop Tops, Lucky Tubb & the Modern Day Troubadours, The Strikers, The Palominos @ The Shakedown
  • Double Break After Party feat. Not Machines and guests @ Tin Can
  • 11/11/11 Veterans and National Metal Day feat. Quor, In The Red, The Suicide Chords @ On Broadway
  • Opening reception for Homeroom with live performance by Roswell That Ends Well @ Subtext
  • Food Not Bombs Benefit show with Neverland Ranch Hands, Man vs. Man, Abject, Vindictive Bitches, and Toothless George @ Ruby Room
  • Jefferson Jay Band, For The Faint, Charbra @ The Griffin
  • Missing Persons, The Roni Lee Group, Wicked Garden, The NFormals @ Ramona Mainstage
  • The Goods, The Honkys, The Tractormen @ Mr. Peabody’s Encinitas
  • League of Liars @ The Go Lounge
  • Feel The Noise Electro Dance w/DJs Gabe Vega & Friends @ U-31
  • Thrice, La Dispute, Moving Mountains, O'Brother @ House of Blues
  • Nicey Nice World @ Lestat's
  • Genitorturers with Darks of Heaven, Sigma Project, Helsott, DJ's Bryan Pollard & Pet M1 @ Brick By Brick
  • EOTO @ Winston's
  • The ShyFox, Throne, Box Dox, Shoot Z Pier, Pigeon, The Ostentatious Gentlemen @ Epicentre
  • BlessTheFall, The Word Alive, Motionless In White, Chunk! No, Captain Chunk!, Tonight Alive @ Soma
  • Touche Amore, Pianos Become The Teeth, Seahaven @ Che Café
  • Atomic Groove @ Belly Up (Happy Hour 5:30pm)
  • The Steely Damned @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (7:30 & 9:45)
  • Nathan James @ The Flying Elephant
  • Micro Championship Wrestling, Badd Co. (Bad Company Tribute) @ 4th & B
  • Average White Band @ Anthology (Early Show 7:30pm, Late Show 9:30 pm)
  • Stoney B Blues Band, DJ RM @ Gallagher's
  • Cole Collective @ Marble Room
  • Norman Doray @ Voyeur
  • Zenbu Fridays with DJ Leif @ Zenbu Cardiff
  • DJ Keoki @ Eden

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Video: The Long and Short Of It "The Last Transmission Of Ghostship Raven"

The Long and Short of It have a new video! Obviously it was recorded before Ben's surgery, but he's healing up and will be at the Casbah to rock your face off on December 10 along with Sleep Lady, Marsupials, and Sirhan Sirhan. Tickets are only $8 and you can buy them now.

Tonight: Peter Wolf Crier at Sunset Temple

Four Day Weekend kicks off tonight at Sunset Temple and I know I said I'm on the fence about going, but I remembered I shot these videos a while back when Peter Wolf Crier played at Habitat House and I just might have to go see them again. There are still a few tickets left if ya wanna check it out.


Things To Do In San Diego: November 10, 2011

    There are so many awesome events tonight, I'm exhausted just looking at this list! I love Imagine Dragons from Las Vegas, but I don't know if I'll make it all the way to UCSD tonight. Colin Clyne and his lovely wife, Fiona, have invited me to the House of Blues for The Bangles, but I don't know if I'm feeling that nostalgic (though I can still recite all of the words for "Eternal Flame"). I'm probably leaning toward Four Day Weekend for Peter Wolf Crier which means I should probably go early to get some ribs or wings over at West Coast Tavern. I don't know where I'll end up tonight, but there is no shortage of choices. Thursday archive after the jump.

    Wild Flag w/ Drew Grow & The Pastors' Wives @ Casbah- 11.01.11


    Last Tuesday night brought a duo of acts to the Casbah- openers Drew Grow & The Pastors' Wives led of with an impressive set of their heartfelt roots-based rock before all-female supergroup Wild Flag took the stage and melted some faces. 

    Wednesday, November 09, 2011

    CANCELED: RA RA RIOT AT THE BELLY UP

    I just got word from my friends at the Belly Up that tonight's show with Ra Ra Riot has been canceled due to illness. Tickets will automatically be refunded to cardholders through Frontgate.

    Delicate Steve and Yellow Ostrich will still perform for a low cover charge if you want to catch them. Doors will still be at 9pm.

    Tonight's Casbah show with We Were Promised Jetpacks is just about sold out, but you can catch the Casbah's other show tonight at the Soda Bar with German EDM from Brandt Brauer Frick.

    Embracing the Holidays with Colin Clyne, Josh Damigo, and Saba

    I've been alluding to a December event, and I'm sure you noticed the flyer on my site this week, but I want to officially announce the next sd:dialed in event. It will be on Friday, December 2, 2011, featuring Colin Clyne, Josh Damigo, and Saba. It's been in the works for a while now but I wanted to get through the anniversary show before I really pushed it too hard. What is really exciting about it is that we're using a BRAND SPANKIN' NEW venue and breaking it in with this show. It's called The Irenic and is located at 3090 Polk in North Park.
    The Irenic is housed in an historic North Park church, which was built & established in 1945. The space was completely renovated in 2011 for San Diego's thriving music & entertainment scene.
    The space has incredible lighting, a killer soundboard and soundsystem, and flexible seating that will make the space feel warm and inviting for music lovers of all ages. I decided to call the event Embracing The Holidays because I know how December gets all crazy and chaotic and people let parties and events that are supposed to be enjoyable feel like obligations. I think it's an opportunity to ease into the holidays with a family-friendly event with San Diego's best singer-songwriters. See all the details below, save the date, and get your tickets now.





    Embracing The Holidays 
    featuring 
    Colin Clyne, Josh Damigo, and Saba
    December 2nd, 2011
    7-10pm
    All Ages, Families Welcome
    No Host Beer/Wine Bar
    $10 advance/$15 day of show
    BUY TICKETS

    Other Lives Announce Tour Supporting Radiohead

    So remember how on Sunday I posted this video? Well, the very next day, I had an email announcing Other Lives tour for the remainder of 2011 and that they'll be main support for the 2012 Radiohead tour. I know I'm a  couple days late in posting, but I didn't really feel any urgency to post it since the tour isn't coming to SD. I guess I just wanted to say I'm so stoked for Other Lives and every time I've seen them this year (Soda Bar, Casbah, The Cosmopolitan in Vegas, Spreckels with Bon Iver) I've been blown away, not just for their solid performances, but in their kindness and humility as people. I'm happy that Thom Yorke agrees. I'm also super excited because Southwest has $39 each way to the Bay area, so Cafe du Nord, here we come. Then again, if the band is looking for a show between LA and Santa Cruz, I can totally make something happen. (Hit me up, Jackie!)

    Other Lives 2012 U.S. Tour With Radiohead + Headlining Shows

    12/05/11 - Crepe Place - Santa Cruz, CA *
    12/06/11 - Cafe du Nord - San Francisco, CA *
    12/08/11 - Mississippi Studios - Portland, OR *
    12/09/11 - Media Club - Vancouver, BC *
    12/11/11 - The Tractor Tavern - Seattle, WA *
    12/14/11 - Hi-Dive - Denver, CO *
    02/27/11 - American Airlines Arena - Miami, FL ^
    02/29/11 - St. Pete Times Forum - Tampa, FL ^
    03/01/11 - Philips Arena - Atlanta, GA ^
    03/03/11 - Toyota Center - Houston, TX ^
    03/05/11 - American Airlines Center - Dallas, TX ^
    03/07/11 - Frank Erwin Center - Austin, TX ^
    03/09/11 - Scottrade Center - St. Louis, MO ^
    03/11/11 - Sprint Center - Kansas City, MO ^
    03/13/11 - 1st Bank Center - Broomfield, CO ^
    03/15/11 - Jobing.com Arena - Glendale, AZ ^

    * w/ JBM
    ^ w/ Radiohead

    Things To Do In San Diego: November 9, 2011

    I'm loving beer week. I have lots to post later, but I wanted to tell you that tickets for the Casbah's huge New Years Eve show at The Lafayette are now on sale and for this week only, they're just $25 with prices going up incrementally until the event. The show features Transfer, The Silent Comedy, The Creepy Creeps, The Heavy Guilt, Hell on Heels Burlesque, Creepxotica, Low Volts, and The Visual Underground. Get on it. Listings archived after the jump.

    Tuesday, November 08, 2011

    Movember Is Here!

    I visited my bestie Kristian last night at URBN and his barely-there moustache reminded me that it's Movember! He was starting fresh for the month, though you can see from this picture with my niece Johanna from last year that he's gonna have some serious facial hair before too long.

    Cities all over the country will be overtaken with creepy facial hair for the month all to raise money for men's health, including the Prostate Cancer Foundation, Livestrong, and the Movember Foundation.

    You can donate to Kristian here or for his team, $tache Money SD here. For you boys out there, it's not too late to join the team!

    Wednesday: Brandt Brauer Frick @ Soda Bar

    My buddy Steven sent this to me. I'm not into EDM, but in case you are, you should probably check out this show tonight  tomorrow at the Soda Bar.
    Brandt Brauer Frick are three guys from Berlin who use symphonic instruments and organic recordings of whatever they can get their hands on for a novel take on dance music. For these US shows, it's going to be just the three of them doing live sample triggering and sequencing, but their latest album was recorded with their full 10-piece live Ensemble.

    SD:Dialed In Five Year Anniversary

    I truly want to thank everyone who came out to the five year anniversary party on Friday night at the Griffin. Pyles spun great local vinyl throughout the night, and the performances from Fierce Creatures, Old Tiger, and Josh Damigo were all fantastic. I had no idea what to expect...it was pouring outside, it was the kickoff of beer week, and The Griffin is still a relatively new spot, but so many of you showed up and for that I'm grateful. I had a lot of fun, perhaps a little too much, so thanks to everyone who kept the drinks flowing and put up with me and my chatty sauciness. I especially want to thank Vito DiStefano for shooting photos. You can see them here (if you're friends with Vito on Facebook). Here are some of my favorites.












    More after the jump.

    Things To Do In San Diego: November 8, 2011

    It was such an awesome weekend and then Monday happened and I just had to take the day to hide from the world. I'm going through more landlord bullshit but after talking to a lawyer, I think I'm gonna play it cool on the issue for a while, but in the meantime, if you know of any cool places for rent that allow pets around the beginning of the year, let me know. Thanks to everyone who came to the anniversary show and made for an awesome weekend, I'll post all about it separately...hopefully your kickoff to beer week was as awesome as mine was. Listings archived after the jump.

    Monday, November 07, 2011

    Radio Sophie Announces Holiday Of Miracles With Lenny Kravitz

    Over the past couple weeks, San Diego's radio stations have been announcing their respective holiday shows, including 91X's Wrex The Halls, KPRI's Holiday Soiree, and FM 94/9's Holiday Hootenanny. On Friday, Radio Sophie announced their Holiday Of Miracles Benefit For Rady Children's Hospital show (Presented By Cox Wireless). The show is taking place on Sunday, December 11 at the House of Blues featuring Lenny Kravitz and a preshow performance by Mat Kearney for VIP ticket holders. The base ticket price is $50 with presale starting on Friday and regular tickets going onsale this Friday at 11am. Click the flyer for more information.




    Things To Do In San Diego: November 7, 2011

    Listings archived after the jump.

    Sunday, November 06, 2011

    Other Lives in France

    It's a lovely rainy day in San Diego and I love curling up and listening to great music. Oher Lives have been touring relentlessly and Josh posted this concert on Facebook, so I thought I'd share it with you. See you at Bar Pink tonight.

    Saturday, November 05, 2011

    Sirhan Sirhan, Archons, Marsupials at Soda Bar, 10/31/11

    I know it's been a while since I posted, but life gets in the way sometimes. Here's the show I saw on Halloween at Soda Bar. You can see my whole post here.

    Marsupials:
    Marsupials at Sdoa Bar 103111 © Michael Klayman-003

    Archons:
    Archons at Soda Bar 103111 © Michael Klayman-008

    Sirhan Sirhan:
    Sirhan Sirhan at Soda Bar 103111 © Michael Klayman-006

    Michael Klayman
    www.seemichaelsphotos.com

    Friday, November 04, 2011

    HOT SNAKES!!

    I just got word that HOT SNAKES will be playing TONIGHT at Bar Pink at 8pm. And they'll be done by 9, so you can catch the show then still head over to The Griffin for the big anniversary show.
    You're welcome.
    Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

    Things To Do In San Diego: November 4-6, 2011

    You have no idea how tempted I was to skip listings this weekend and just post my anniversary show. Then I thought about it and this site has been around for five years because I know this scene has a lot to offer everyone. Still, I hope that if you've been around and you've found this site useful over the years or we've helped your band or your venue that you come hang out tonight at the Griffin. Today also kicks of San Diego Beer Week but there are so many brewery nights and tastings and pairings and casks and glassware giveaways that I'm sure you'll find a way to navigate the beer adventures. Maybe I'll bump into you along the way at URBN or West Coast or Eleven or any of the dozens of places hosting events. So yeah, I did your listings for the full weekend, but you'll have to find them after the jump. You know where you should be tonight.

    Friday, November 4, 2011:



    • SD:Dialed In Five Year Anniversary feat. Fierce Creatures, Old Tiger, Josh Damigo, DJ Tim Pyles @ The Griffin

    SDBW: Let the Games Begin...

    Decisions, decisions.

    I have plenty of them to make over the next 10 days since today marks the beginning of the third annual San Diego Beer Week. With over 400 events scheduled between now and Nov. 13th, it's looking to be an adventurous (and expensive) journey through this craft beer extravaganza!

    For those of you who have been itching to learn about the local craft beer scene or about craft beer in general, this is a great opportunity to get out there and taste the liquid gold. The majority of San Diego's breweries, craft beer bars and restaurants will be celebrating SDBW with specials, festivals and plenty of taps to choose from. There are several events planned throughout SDBW which give you the opportunity to meet the headbrewers of different local breweries including the award-winning Ballast Point. In my experience, most of the headbrewers are always happy to answer any questions you might have about the brewing process, so feel free to pick their brain and have them answer all your craft beer uncertainties!  If you're more of a grub and grog type of person, there are also plenty of food pairing events taking place throughout SD. These events allow you to try amazing beers with equally as amazing food pairings. If you happen to be heading to the Brewer's Guild Festival tomorrow afternoon, the VIP session will be offering pairings for all attendees. I will be at the fest tomorrow enjoying my favorites and listening to the tunes of Dead Feather Moon, The Bloody Hollies and Family Wagon, so come on by and let's have a drink, or two, or ten.

    A whole list of the events that makeup SDBW can be found here:

    www.sdbw.org/events

    For those of you who have been planning on this for weeks, well, I think it goes without saying, be safe out there and cab it up. Even better, if you've been wanting to hangout with that friend that doesn't drink, have them be your designated driver for the day or night!

    I'll be jumping around to as many events as I can and will try to post about them but as Rosemary mentioned before, sometimes we spend more time drinking and less time typing! haha! I'll be heading to Ballast Point later for their Victory at Sea Day where they'll be pouring the famous Vanilla/Coffee Imperial Porter in six different variations! I'll then most likely be spending the rest of the evening at O'Brien's pub where they'll be hosting Alpine Brewing's Beer Bonanza!

    Where will you be tonight on the first eve of SDBW?

    Cheers,
    Charles Eck

    Thursday, November 03, 2011

    San Diego Beer Week Is Almost Here!

    San Diego Beer Week is rapidly approaching and though I'm sure my beer guys Charles, Jonathan, and maybe even Mike might chime in about events and such, in my experience they sometimes spend more time drinking and less time typing.

    If you're going to participate in any of the beer events, take the time to get familiar with the SDBW site because the event page is kinda disorganized and challenging to navigate.

    Don't forget the Guild party joined forces with FM 94/9 and takes place this Saturday at Liberty Station from 1-5pm (or 11am for VIP).

    Beer week takes place from November 4-13 at participating locations all over the county.

    Have fun, be safe and don't forget to hashtag #SDBW share your beer adventures!

    San Diego Beer Blog
    LoveLikeBeer


    The Barr Brothers at Anthology, November 1, 2011

    I see live music nearly every night of the week which means that, if you include the days and nights when I hop to multiple shows, the amount of bands I see annually is somewhere in the high hundreds to low thousands. I love music and I love bands and I'm constantly impressed by shows, but I have to say that because I have such a high music tolerance (if that makes sense), it takes something really magical to blow my mind. Last night's show with The Barr Brothers was just that kind of show.

    Going into the night, I had skimmed the press releases and such. The publicist added this note:
    I saw them live in NYC recently and they were amazing. They're known for a kind of a mad-scientist approach to instrumentation, which includes a classical harp played through a fuzz pedal, an electric toolbox guitar, a hand-made peanut dish banjo, an old air-compressor and a PVC xylophone. It comes together to create beautiful, nuanced indie-folk with African rhythms and swampy rock guitar riffs thrown in.
    I've had the album for a couple weeks and have listened to it several times, but maybe I hadn't listened in the right headspace or listening on my laptop wasn't the best way to go or maybe I just wasn't paying attention, because in no way was I prepared for the show we got. See more after the jump.







    Wednesday, November 02, 2011

    Things To Do In San Diego: November 2-3, 2011

    I have been trying all day to get a post up about the amazing Barr Brothers show last night, but I had to tend to other things, so I promise it is coming soon. Thursday listings are after the jump. Not sure when I'll get to the weekend, but you already know there's only ONE SHOW I care about this weekend anyway. Thursday listings are after the jump.

    Wednesday November 2, 2011:
    • Casbah Presents: Minus The Bear, The Lonely Forest @ Soma
    • Shonen Knife, Shannon and The Clams, Jungle Fever @ Casbah
    • Big Tree, Water Tower Bucket Boys, tbd @ Tin Can
    • Painted Palms, Space Town Savior @ The Loft
    • Simple Plan, Forever The Sickest Kids, The Cab @ House of Blues
    • Hussle Club, The Beautiful View, guest @ Soda Bar
    • DJ Lexicon Devil @ Bar Pink
    • Laura Roppe, Pebaluna @ Belly Up
    • Das Racist @ Porter's Pub
    • Monette Marino-Keita & Steph Johnson @ Anthology
    • Cannon Fire, Plane Without A Pilot, Death On Mars @ Ruby Room
    • Bajaton w/ Skerrit Bwoy, Colourvision @ El Dorado
    • Comedy Night w/ Nick Crosby @ Eleven
    • Jesse Davis @ Humphreys Backstage Live
    • Halle Selassie Coronation feat. Cornell Campbell & Fully Fullwood Band @ WorldBeat Cultural Center
    • Frankie Dee and The Funk Natra Band @ The Kraken
    • Johnny Vernazza @ Patrick's Gaslamp Pub
    • Wreck Shop Wednesdays w/ Mark Miller, Future Falls, Session 73 @ The Office
    • Mystique Element of Soul @ Coyote Bar & Grill
    • Club Kingston Presents: Quinazo, DJ Carlos Culture @ Winston's
    • Gilbert Castellanos w/ The New Latin Jazz Quintet @ El Camino
    • Wednesday Shakedown @ Henry's Pub
    • Isolation @ Til-Two Club
    • SoulKiss For Women Presents: SpeakHer Open Mic @ Kava Lounge
    • Evolution @ Club Kadan
    • Lady Dottie and The Diamonds @ Gallagher's
    • Project: Out of Bounds @ Typhoon Saloon
    • Firehouse Swing Night @ Queen Bee's
    • Karaoke @ Chico Club

    America's Cup Village Is Coming...and Bringing FREE Concerts!!!

    The America's Cup doesn't take place until 2013, but for many years it was an institution here in San Diego, so it is fitting that the first America's Cup World Series event is taking place right here in our own backyard (if you consider the Big Bay your backyard). Even if you know nothing about the regatta, the great thing for you is that the organizers are making a big party out of it. So even if that means they're trying to attract a younger demographic to care about the sport and earn eyeballs for advertisers by bribing you, I'd say that if someone wants to throw a free multi-day event and book awesome FREE CONCERTS, I'm all for it. (There is a suggested donation of $10 for Ocean Conservation Projects)

    The concerts will take place at the America's Cup Village (Broadway & Navy Pier on Harbor Drive) each day immediately after racing ends so set times are approximate. There is also a Battle of the Bands taking place, so if you think your band has the chops to play, I highly suggest entering (click the battle of the bands flyer below or the banner at the top of my site). A little bird may have told me that there has only been ONE ENTRY so far, and though they reserve the right to not book anyone, it's a great opportunity to get in front of a lot of eyeballs and the contest closes on Sunday. Halloran will be hosting each night's events.

    Wednesday, November 16 - Agua Dulce (4:15)
    Thursday, November 17 - The Silent Comedy (8:15) , Little Hurricane (7pm), The Donkeys (5:15)
    Friday, November 18 - Chromeo DJ Set (8:30), K.Flay (7:45), The Soft Pack (6:30), Earth Amplified (4:15)
    Saturday, November 19 - Diplo (8:15), Hyena (7pm), The Chain Gang of 1974 (5:45)
    Sunday, November 20- The Cataracts (5pm)