Friday, August 31, 2012

Things To Do In San Diego: August 31-September 3, 2012

It has been a great week in San Diego and this weekend is jam-packed with fun events, great shows, and 8 foot waves. It also brings DUI checkpoints, so be safe out there and designate a driver or call a cab, maybe even try Uber. I'm heading out to Soma so hopefully I see some of your pretty faces there. The show is sold out, as is the Tallest Man On Earth this Sunday, but I'm sure you'll have no problem finding alternative activities. Have a great weekend! Listings are after the jump.

The Very Best @ Casbah 8.28.2012

I know it's been a while since I've written about a show at any length longer than 140 characters, but this week the Casbah hosted a show that blew me away, so I wanted to share some video with you. The band was The Very Best, and I went on a whim, without having listened to the band at all prior to the show. I knew the basic wiki of the band, that there was a Swedish producer and a vocalist from Malawi. I was a little nervous when I arrived, because Ben was working from the side door, which usually only happens in poorly attended shows. Walking into the Casbah, I was pleasantly surprised. There wasn't a huge crowd, but there was a nice assembly of people and Seye was finishing his opening set. There was only about a 10 minute break before The Very Best took the stage. I don't know if everyone in the crowd was rolling or what, but it didn't seem to matter because from The Very Best's first not to last note, the entire crowd was dancing. (Yes, I danced a little, too, but don't tell anyone!) There are a lot of great shows at the Casbah night after night, but this was easily one of my top 5 stumbled-upon shows. I don't know how often the band tours or when they'll be back to San Diego, but you definitely don't want to miss them next time around.








Thursday, August 30, 2012

Things To Do In San Diego: August 30, 2012

Are you kidding me with this weekend? Chase did the basic weekend stuff, and Jeff compiled next week's stuff, but I just spent an additional 4 hours going through all of those crazy Facebook event invites and all I can say is this weekend is completely overwhelming. Awesome Fest is sold out, there's the Aloha Fest and SoCal Music Festival (can we PLEASE ERASE "SoCal" from our vernacular???), it's the last weekend of NightTime Zoo, plus all kinds of shows and events and art shows, and well, it is enough to make your head spin. I'm happy to find out on top of all of the stuff I have planned, my cousin is flying in from NYC tonight so I expect to throw in a taco tour of San Diego this weekend. I hope to see you all at SoundDiego Live tonight. This is the last time I'll mention this, but as of 2:20 pm on Thursday, there are 18 tickets left to Tallest Man on Earth this Sunday, and only 56 left for M83 at Soma on Friday. Tell your friends. Thursday archives are after the jump.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

San Diego Newsy Bits

When I worked in advertising, I attended several events hosted by SAFE, the San Diego Advertising Fund For Emergencies. The fund was there for people in the industry who experienced sudden medical expenses for things not covered by insurance. While I appreciate that the San Diego Music Foundation raises money for the future of music in San Diego, I think we are in desperate need of a similar organization to help out our music community when bad things happen, whether it be medical emergencies or stolen gear. It's great when we host benefits for our friends, like the benefit this weekend for Greg Willis who recently had a stroke, but it would be awesome if someone with some non-profit knowledge and know-how would get something going similar to MusicCares on a local basis. This week's news only emphasizes this need in San Diego. Be safe, San Diego.

Kelsea Rae Little Gets Struck By Car

From Kelsea's Facebook:

"This morning, at about 7:57 I was struck by a car while in a cross walk, on my way to work. I went up onto the car and my head smacked the glass and completely cracked the woman's windshield, and I flew to the ground where I landed on my legs.

I was taken to the ER in an ambulance on a stretcher and the whole shebang. For a brief moment when they sat me up to do a chest scan, my vision rapidly began to blur and my hearing started to fade. I honestly thought my brain was bleeding and that I was about to die. It was only the blood rushing back into my head but I was so frightened.

My scans have been coming back fine and my family is here. Lots and lots of bruising but I think I'll be okay. It was just one of those things that make you realize how precious life is and how happy you are to be alive. I try to remember this daily, but today I am fully feeling what I can only characterize as gratitude. I love you all, seize each moment, please.

And for god's sake, PLEASE double check that there isn't anyone in a crosswalk before you step on the gas ;)"

GREASER RECOVERS FROM SURGERY
Andrew Snodgrass, aka Greaser, is recovering from quadruple bypass surgery at Mercy Hospital. We hope to see Greaser back on his feet and pouring your Stone growlers again soon.

From Andrew's Facebook:
"Just wanted to say thank you to everyone out there for the good vibes and prayers sent my way the last couple of days. Recovery has been tough, on both me and my family, but will be going home soon. No 32 year old should have to go through this surgery, even with a family history of heart issues, so please, do yourself and family some help by at least getting a check up from the dr every now and again. Wouldn't be such a bad idea to drink less soda, that shit's the worst for you, and eat some vegetables.

Again, I thank and love you all for everything."

FYF FEST
Set Times for FYF have been released. Check them out here.

THE SILENT COMEDY JOINS DAVE MATTHEWS BAND CARAVAN

This Saturday, 9/1, the Silent Comedy will once again join the Dave Matthews Band Caravan at The Gorge in Washington. Here's to hoping the boys have fun on the road, and I'm available if you need another roadie.

SAN DIEGO ZOO NEWS
We're all aware of the San Diego Zoo Panda Cam, but now the Safari Park offers Elephant Cam to watch the new female baby elephant born overnight. The Zoo has also collaborated with Leslie McGuirk and co-author and restaurateur Alex von Bidder to create children's book character Wiggens in his first fully interactive iPad ebook, Wiggens Makes Friends at the San Diego Zoo, produced by Skyreader Media. The eBook offers behind-the-scenes coverage of the zoo through the telling of Wiggens, a chocolate lab. You can buy the iPad eBook here (iTunes). Don't forget that Nighttime Zoo ends on September 3, so get there while you can.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Things To Do In San Diego: August 27-30, 2012

Happy Monday! I don't know about you, but things feel really good right now. Had I known six months ago that I'd be so happy and peaceful at my new apartment, I might not have resisted moving so much. I was thinking this morning how I'd be awaken by the salon ladies and now though there's the residual construction or car alarm or siren, the calm has really had a positive effect on everything around me. The weather has been gorgeous, there have been some great shows in town, and I just feel really good. There are some amazing shows this week, so be sure to catch Ana Tijoux tonight at the Casbah, Wednesday night has tough choices between The Old 97's at the Belly Up or Blackout Party and a solid lineup at the Casbah, and this week is the return of SoundDiego Live after a summer hiatus. All of this leads up to a killer Labor Day weekend with M83, FYF Fest, Tallest Man on Earth at Birch North Park Theatre and one of my all time favorites, Two Gallants, at the Casbah. Enjoy the week! Monday through Thursday archives are after the jump.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

The Bright Side Presents Pool Side Pow Wow

Black Owl and El Dorado are teaming up to bring the Bright Side and they are presenting the Pool Side Pow  Wow tomorrow (Sunday, August 26), at The Lafayette Hotel. The event includes live bands Barbarian, Chase and The Burns (formerly Bully) and DJ's Saul Q, Jeremiah Zimmerman (The Silent Comedy) and Camron Zibaie spinning classic rock, oldies, and rock and roll. The event goes from 1pm to 5:30pm and costs $10.


El Dorado + Dirty Sugar + BLK OWL presents The Dark Side & The Bright Side Video! from mac nguyen on Vimeo.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Sharon Van Etten w/ Tennis @ Belly Up- 08.14.12

Last week the Belly brought Sharon Van Etten and her floksy singer/songwriter chops back to San Diego.  Denver-based four piece Tennis kicked off the evening with a set of their low-fi indie rock.  More words and photos after the jump.

One Week Until FYF Fest!!

You know that as an advocate for all things San Diego, it isn't often that I encourage anyone to head to LA for much of anything, but next weekend is FYF Fest at the Los Angeles State Historic Park and the lineup is a doozy. For just $89 for two days, you'll be hard pressed to find a festival with such depth of lineup that is easier on the wallet. Personally I am so excited to see Quiksand. Grab tickets here.

To see the full lineup and festival information, check out the official site here.


Mayor Jerry Sanders Supports HRC & Right To Marry

I'm not sure if you have been watching "The Newsroom" on HBO, but this week there was a line that stuck out in my brain. It's when Mac, the News Night producer reacts to Brian, an outside reporter doing a news story about the show with whom she had cheated on Will, the News Night anchor. Brian is accusing Will of being hubris driven and making a proposed Republican debate about himself instead of the candidates. Mac reacts. "You know what I love about Will? He's not absolutely sure about anything. He struggles with things. He's never certain he's right and sometimes he's not, but he tries hard to be. He struggles with things." I know the show has its critics, but I enjoy the idealized portrayal of media "on a mission to civilize".

Sometimes in real life, our politicians actually break party lines, and today's ad, released by the Human Rights Campaign and Right To Marry, makes me proud of our mayor.


And just in case you needed a little reminder of how our Republican mayor came to his position...

Things To Do In San Diego: August 24-26, 2012

Summer is wrapping up and with Labor Day just around the corner, there's a ton of stuff going on the next couple of weeks. Of course, in this city we have such great weather that Labor Day doesn't really mean anything changes much around here, but there are plenty of opportunities for day drinking and nighttime shenanigans. Weekend archives are after the jump.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Things To Do In San Diego: August 22-23, 2012

I had to update a couple listings, so here's your fresh look at Wednesday night. I'm off to the Casbah and hopefully your night has kicked off as well as mine has. While walking my dog I ran into Mike Beebe so we went to Eleven for Happy Hour and my checkin resulted in a short but fun hangout with Elliott and Darren joining us. God, I miss seeing my boys' faces. Now I get to hang with Kristian and Matt, Tim, Jeff and Chase. Maybe I really am dating the scene, as Mr. Tim Pyles likes to say.
Archives are after the jump.

TRANSFER - Live From Abbey Road

Last summer we had the opportunity to record a live performance at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London for the documentary series "Live From Abbey Road". We didn't have access to the program at the time but fortunately, a fan was able to snag this footage when it aired on UK's Channel 4 and sent it over.  Still can't believe it...
Check it out!


TRANSFER on FACEBOOK
TRANSFER on TWITTER
TRANSFER WEBSITE

Monday, August 20, 2012

Meraki Moves Mountains!

     Last Saturday I managed to catch Indie/Emo/Math-Rockers, Meraki, at their farewell show/album release at the Ché Café. I went expecting a good show, but I saw a great one. Meraki put on one of the best performances I’ve ever seen at the Ché. The night included performances from Deep Sea Goes, Realization Orchestra, Cash Crop and Small Talk. Meraki started their performance outside on the patio to a crowd of about 100 fans, 20 of whom watched from the Ché’s rooftop, a visit from the campus police, an impromptu move indoors, and a heartfelt second half of the show. After the show, I managed to pick up a physical copy of their newly released debut album, “Curiosity: The Thirty-Six Views of Mt. Meraki” which is available for download on their Bandcamp for $5. The band is comprised of Shane Moylan (Guitar/Vox), Jake Kelsoe (Guitar/Vox), Sarah Linton (Bass) and Nick Arnold (Drums). The album is wonderfully flavorful in the fact that almost every song maintains progressive qualities in it’s songwriting, dynamics, musical layers, and lyrics. The first track, “Cope”, shows the listener what they are getting into... a sea of catchy, emotional vocals; complex and musical drumming; angular, innovative bass; and guitar parts that reflect artists like Pretend, Joan of Arc and Japandi. (read more after the jump)

Things To Do In San Diego: August 20-21, 2012

I wish I had some really exciting weekend wrap-up to share with you, but the truth is that Friday was so awesome it is stored away in the blurry parts of my brain, Saturday at Ben Harper was so boring I don't really need to talk about it (though you can read my tweets if you care), and Sunday found me with remote control in my hand watching everything from the quickly fading True Blood to the Disney movie "Tangled" and I don't even have children. I will say that in all of my television consumption, if you missed "Shark Week" on Discovery, I'd recommend checking out "Impossible Shot" which was my favorite of the week and really shows the beauty of the sharks, the amazing technology we have, and the lengths that photographers will go to get their shot. (You can watch Shark Week programs OnDemand if you have expanded cable). Anyway, this week has a little something for everyone so get out and enjoy it.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Things To Do In San Diego: August 17-19, 2012

Happy Friday! I have only slept about 6 hours in the last 60, so I am beat. I feel like there were a few other events that I heard about that I didn't get a chance to add to these listings, but for now, I'm going to share these with you as they are and hope that you can navigate your weekend with what we have here. Last night was a really fun night at the Irenic, and from the pictures I saw, it looks like Alabama Shakes and Big Freedia delivered great shows, too, but hopefully you saved some life for the weekend, though I can't say I'd blame you if you based your decisions entirely on where you can find air conditioning (Soda Bar! Eleven! Ruby Room!) The newscasters are now saying good morning so I really need to get some sleep. Don't forget to check out the Casbah site for all the shows that go on sale today. Archives after the jump.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Silversun Pickups Stand Up To Mitt Romney

I dug through the archives for this old photo of me and Brian Aubert of Silversun Pickups. It was taken at the Open Air Theatre a few years ago. I've been a fan for a long time now and have been lucky to see the band live several times as well as some cool meet and greets and such and I just think they're rad people, but yesterday's email from their publicist really made me smile. I haven't commented too much on this year's election, but of course I'm paying attention. One site I'm really appreciating is 90 Days, 90 Reasons which was launched by Dave Eggers and Jordan Kurland and posts a new essay daily from various cultural voices with reasons to support Obama.


SILVERSUN PICKUPS ISSUE CEASE AND DESIST TO ROMNEY CAMPAIGN 
FOR ILLEGAL USE OF THEIR SONG "PANIC SWITCH"

Seems as if the GOP is once again whimsically ignoring our great nation's laws to do whatever it wants to do, and shooting itself in the foot in the process. Without any regard for copyright or intellectual property laws, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has, without permission, begun to use Silversun Pickups' 2009 smash "Panic Switch" at campaign stops across the country. Neither the band nor its representatives were contacted to gain permission for the use of the song and the band has no intention of endorsing the Romney campaign. The band's attorney issued a cease and desist today.

"We don't like people going behind our backs, using our music without asking, and we don't like the Romney campaign," said Silversun Pickups lead singer/guitarist Brian Aubert. "We're nice, approachable people. We won't bite. Unless you're Mitt Romney! We were very close to just letting this go because the irony was too good. While he is inadvertently playing a song that describes his whole campaign, we doubt that 'Panic Switch' really sends the message he intends." (courtesy Big Hassle)

See the lyrics after the jump.

Newsy Bits: Waterguns, Bars, Fests & Other San Diego Stuff

It felt like a lof stuff has been going on so if you haven't been paying attention, here's what's up these days:

Watergun Aftermath at Balboa Park
There have been many reactions to the watergun fight and subsequent damage at Balboa Park's iconic lily-pond. CityBeat's Justin Hudnall wrote a first-person account of the night and one of the organizers, Matthew Hardick, has come forward with an exclusive interview with News 8. It has been reported that donations from the public have exceeded $9,000 and you can donate to Friends of Balboa Park here. Summary: a handful of idiots ruin an event that, while poorly thought out, was created with good intentions. 

Kadan Loses Lease
As reported by The Reader and CityBeat and The Reader again, Kadan is closing down (effective August 22). The neighborhood bar which sits at the corner of 30th and Adams, has been around for about a decade and while both articles focus on the nightlife of the bar, it was also one of the cheapest drinking spots around (with happy hour offering wells as low at $1.50 the last time I was there during daylight). So they're reporting that the adjacent taco shop, the laundromat, the liquor store and the bar will become one large establishment from the owners of Neighborhood. While technically located in North Park, the neighborhood straddles Normal Heights and University Heights and has sometimes been referenced as "Between Heights". The little corner that could has changed numerous times over the years, in fact, my dad loves to tell me how he and his buddies enjoyed 25 cent pitchers on what was known as "The Four Corners" back in the early 70's (though he probably had to walk uphill both ways through the snow to get there). Currently the corner is home to Air Conditioned Bar, Casa Mayahuel, Jayne's Gastropub, and Antique Row Cafe. 

Festivals Galore
There are so. many. festivals! It feels like Street Scene is far enough behind us that everyone is ponying up to attempt to create the next big festival. Imagine a world where they'd all get together and share sponsorship! Until that comes, two new festivals are on the horizon: The SoCal Music Fest on September 1 and Night & Day Street Fest on October 13, both in the East Village. 

The SoCal Music Festival is the cooperative effort of MacFarlane Promotions, RMD Group, and Event Vibe. It will be held between 9th and Park along G St. with four stages and various "SoCal experiences". The lineup includes Cold War Kids, Designer Drugs, Felguk, Krewella, Too Short and more, including locals like Vokab Kompany, Hyena, Family Wagon, and The New Kinetics. Ticket prices increase the closer the show gets, but are currently available for $40. Get info here. 

Night & Day Street Fest is being brought to you by UT San Diego on 14th between K and Imperial on October 13th from 4pm-midnight. The lineup features Donovan Frankenreiter, G. Love, Pato Banton, and Everest with local support from The Nervous Wreckords, The Styletones, Low Volts, and Mattson 2. Tickets for the event are $25 or $95 for their VIP package. Get more info here.  

Keep in mind, these are in addition to the other great things we already have in San Diego, like the San Diego Music Thing (September 14-15, $30-$55), Adams Avenue Street Fair (September 29-30, Free), and I presume Rocktoberfest will return to North Park in late October. 

FM 94/9 Independence Jam Lineup Change
Speaking of festivals, some bummer news about FM 94/9's Indie Jam...the Casbah stage has been canceled. The lineup for the show has been updated on FM 94/9's page to feature Fiona Apple, Best Coast, Oberhofer, and Gardens & Villa. Ticket prices have not changed, which probably just means you'll get longer sets from the four bands on the main stage. If your were set on seeing Father John Misty and Pinback, they can still be seen at the San Diego Music Thing. (Read about new music from Pinback courtesy of CityBeat's Check 1, Check 2 blog.) FM 94/9 is offering "safe rides" to and from the Oceanside Pier For just $15 from North Park (True North Tavern), Downtown(Barleymash) or Pacific Beach (Open Bar).
Get tickets for the concert and the bus here.

Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
Perhaps you were already aware that Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips has been working with legendary director Des MacAnuff to create Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots. The musical will make its World Debut at the La Jolla Playhouse in November, and this week, NME featured a preview about the show. Tickets haven't gone on sale just yet, but keep your eyes and ears open for what promises to be an interesting musical adventure.


Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Jeff's Weekly Pick: Animal Kingdom @ Soda Bar Thursday August 16, 2012

Now that we are officially immersed in the dog days of summer, what better way to spend a Thursday night with none other than British indie rock trio Animal Kingdom at the air conditioned Soda Bar. Having burst on the scene in 2009 with their initial offering Signs and Wonders to much critical acclaim, the lads from North London recently dropped their sophomore effort The Looking Glass in May. Filled with dreamy songs filled with falsetto laden vocals (from Richard Sauberlich) on ballads as well as alternative rock songs, the music definitely grows with repeated listens. The band rehearsed the songs in an old church. Suffice to say the songs build to a crescendo and I am hoping their live performance does the same. Congrats to Cory for getting the band to visit San Diego as part of their current tour. A great way to get the weekend started even it is only this Thursday. Get off the couch and head over to City Heights for what promises to be a great night of music.

The Steelwells set the stage.

Watch a video of Strange Attractor below.




Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Things To Do In San Diego: August 14-16, 2012

Last night was so much fun and tonight at the Casbah promises to bring a great time, too, so I don't want any excuses. If you love me or even mildly like me, you'll be there. (being extreme because I can).  Archives are after the jump.

San Diego Music Award Winners 2012

Besides some grumbles about our big categories ("Switchfoot again?" "Delta Spirit don't even live here!!"), last night's San Diego Music Awards ceremony was a blast. It was so great getting to see so many old and new friends during the ceremony, to celebrate some huge wins with my friends, and to catch up with my SoundDiego team since it had been ages since we've all been in the same place at the same time. The after parties were great, too, so thanks to Dead Feather Moon for the Bushmill's and Shark Week and to Lost Ark Studios (specifically Paul & Mike) for hosting such a great party, and to all of the generous folks who made sure my plastic cup was never empty. It is truly an honor to be a part of this amazing music community and I have to mirror Candye Kane's sentiments in saying that it is good to feel like what you do matters, and as a member of the voting academy, I take pride in all of this as much as anyone pouring their hearts out onstage night after night. This city truly rocks. And to quote Candye, "May God bless all of you with good health and multiple orgasms."

See the full list of the night's winners after the jump. Tim Mays would also like me to remind you that you can see SDMA winners Hills Like Elephants and Hyena at the Casbah this Saturday night along with nominee Jamuel Saxon, as well as winners The Silent Comedy the same night at the Belly Up. And save some energy for Monday when best Hip-Hop Album winners Parker and the Numberman open up for Nicky Da B.

Tuesday Night at The Casbah- SD:Dialed In Presents...

It has been a really long time since I've booked a show at the Casbah and after last night, I'm sure a lot of you are opting to stay home and chill because you can't handle a double dose of goodness even if I smack you in the face with it. (Yes, I'm jokingly calling out my friends who say they never see me anymore even though I'm out all the time...) Anyway, I've booked some awesome bands at the Casbah for Tuesday night and it's only six bucks and I didn't quite get my fill last night. So do me a favor and show up tonight. We're gonna make it an early-ish night, meaning you'll get home before the end of the Late Late Show and you can come hang with me and some of my favorites on a Tuesday night at the Casbah. Get there early enough, and perhaps use the Twitter Tuesday password (which will be announced later) and get in free with a guest. Even so, SIX BUCKS. That is really cheap to see Old Tiger, Lowly Spects (from Orange County), Western Scene (featuring Tom of Dynamite Walls), and Michael McGraw and his awesome backing band performing some of my favorite tunes. Show up. It's gonna be a good one. Promise.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Things To Do In San Diego: August 13, 2012

I don't know about you, but I am glad the Olympics are over. For whatever reason, I was obsessed with the games for the first time ever and I'm hoping to go back to my usual sleep deprivation from live music versus my vampire hours to watch live archery or handball all night and day. Even outside of the Olympics, last week was just bizarre. On top of all the other stuff I already mentioned and hearing the Kitty Diamond is already back to being The Flame (3 months later!!), over the weekend nearly 2000 people showed up to a flash mob/water gun fight and destroyed the Lily Pond and killed the koi in Balboa Park and just reinforced my feelings about mob mentality, though the calls for organizers to take responsibility are a bit ridiculous, too. If cops didn't show up to arrest people the night of the event, the likelihood of actually finding the person or people who broke the water pipe/pump/filtration system is slim and blaming someone for the idea of the waterfight sounds like a losing legal proposition by the very nature of a social media meetup, but I'm no lawyer, so what do I know? Hopefully those involved can make good use of social media and raise money to cover the damage. I hear the weather is going to cool a bit, so hopefully that helps reduce the crazy and we can all have a blast tonight at the San Diego Music Awards.

Monday archives after the jump.


Friday, August 10, 2012

SD@140bpm recommends........

Tonight Ocean Beats is moving away from their normal Ocean Beach Winston's location to bring the Bass to The Ruby Room in Hillcrest. Ocean Beats really packed the bill tonight, Girl Unit and SALVA alone are enough talent to draw a headlining crowd, the fact that they are playing together with great local support including URBN:LGND is going to make tonight a night to remember.

Girl Unit from the UK has a knack for making amazing sound spheres by combining vocal hooks with elements of R&B, Hip-Hop and electronic music.  Girl Unit's single Wut is known in the electronic community to be one of the best singles of 2010-2011 and he has shown he has a lot more in him with his great new Club Rez EP.

Salva is a San Francisco native now living in LA coming to San Diego fresh from the festival turned water park Lollapalooza and one of the most talked about DJ's at this years Lightning in a Bottle festival.

Make sure to get to the Ruby Room early as URBN:LGND is first on, even though she is listed as third on in the poster she is actually first on.  She gets on at 9:00 and if you RSVP on facebook it is only $10 to get in before 10:30.

The Set Times are:
9:00-10:30 URBN:LGND
10:30-11:30 Austin Speen and CRMNL
11:30-12:40  Girl Unit
12:40-1:40 Salva

Things To Do In San Diego: August 10-12, 2012

Remember earlier in the week when I said there must be something in the water? Or maybe I said that on SoundDiego...not sure now, but holy heck has it been a bizarro week. There were crazy shenanigans last Friday at the Casbah (kinda glad in retrospect that I missed it), the Black Lips show on Tuesday, and last night was just a super bizarro night as my thin skin dealt with the backlash of my Black Lips rant, a really, really drunk friend who I hadn't seen drink in at least three years, and getting my ass chewed by someone I've respected for many years for something I said a week ago. And dammit, I lost a chunk of money from my pocket yesterday after I left the KPBS studio. Maybe all of the crazy was just so I better appreciate the rad people in my life who stepped up when I needed to be talked down from the ledge. Here's to Friday night and hoping that I've had enough crazy to last at least through the summer. Weekend archives are after the jump.

Thursday, August 09, 2012

Rant: The Black Lips Throwdown

Like many people in the music community, I attended the Black Lips show at the Hard Rock Hotel's Club 207 on Tuesday night. The show was presented as part of the monthly Soundcheck series which is a coordinated effort of the Hard Rock Hotel and Filter Magazine, as well as some in-name-only sponsorships by the Casbah and Invisible Children. I was there for the Allah-Las when everyone seemed to be in high spirits, and I was near the back of the club awaiting a drink when all of the shenanigans went down during the Black Lips which resulted in the show being canceled and forcing the bar to close prematurely. In case you haven't heard what happened, you can read Peter Holslin's CityBeat blog here. After stewing a few days, I guess I have something to say about it (after the jump).

Things To Do In San Diego: August 9, 2012

This week seems to have flown by! Hopefully you feel the same and hopefully this heat breaks soon because I've literally been sleeping with a wet towel to keep cool. This probably has more to do with the construction noise outside of my house than the actual heat, but still. If you're around today, Seth Combs and I will be guests on KPBS' Weekend Preview during the Midday Edition with Maureen Cavanaugh around 12:30ish. You can catch it on the local dial at 89.5 FM, listen to it ONLINE HERE, or tune in through Cox expanded cable on channel 953. On a side note, we added a bunch of new shows on the Casbah's site this week, so you can check those out here. Thursday archives are after the jump.

Monday, August 06, 2012

Things To Do In San Diego: August 6-8, 2012

My obsession with the Olympics continues as I had a fun weekend between shows, family time, parties, a bridal shower, and all the great Olympics' competitions. Today I awoke to the worst sound ever as they were sawing open my street yet again as the city continues sewer replacements in the center city area, and parking signs were updated to suggest that there's at least another month of the noise. I know it is necessary but holy smokes, it would be nice to sleep in a place with absolute silence for once. I'll be working at the Casbah tonight and there are still some tickets available if you haven't made plans, and keep in mind that Ken Cinema will be showing Drive this weekend at a midnight screening. Monday through Wednesday archives are after the jump.

Adams Avenue Street Fair Lineup Announced

Last week, the Adams Avenue Business Association announced the headliners for the annual Adams Avenue Street Fair, and over the weekend, the full schedule was released.

The festival will take place on September 29-30, 2012. The event is FREE and ALL AGES and features seven stages, beer gardens, and food, craft, and art vendors.

This year's festival will be headlined by Strawberry Alarm Clock of "Incense and Peppermints" fame and whose Hammond organ driven sound was largely borrowed in the early 90's psychedelic rave scene (think Inspiral Carpets, Happy Mondays, The Charlatans UK).  The lineup also sees the reunion of The Paladins, performances by Mojo Nixon & Skid Roper, Coco Montoya, Jack Tempchin, Cuckoo Chaos and dozens more.

See the full schedule here and plan accordingly!

Thursday, August 02, 2012

Things To Do In San Diego: August 2-5, 2012

Does it get any more beautiful in San Diego? This has been such a good week of sun and fun and amazing music. I've got family visiting in town and a bridal shower this weekend, so I might be short on updates, but there is so much goodness that I hope you get out and enjoy some of it. The show at the Casbah tonight has less than 40 tickets available, so I'd suggest buying online if you plan on heading down. Friday through Sunday archives are after the jump.