Friday, May 31, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: May 31,2013

Holy shit! This week has been amazing and it only continues through the weekend. There are so many great bands to see this weekend that I'm actually stressing about how to see all of them. I'll fill you in on my diary soon, but most likely you just care about the shows anyway, so here's the weekend laid out in front of you. Friday Archives after the jump.  

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: May 28-30, 2013

It certainly was a great weekend in San Diego. My weekend started off by winning an iPad Mini and Imagine Dragon tickets from FM 94/9. My phone was barely working, so it was amazing that the last time it properly booted up was 3 minutes after my name was called and I was able to call in from Darren's phone. I'll save the rest of the weekend for a diary post, but I'd like to thank everyone at the Casa Bonita BBQ for not Twitpic-ing me slipping on water by the pool and totally eating it (completely sober, I might add). Lots of good stuff this week though my main concern is taking care of my dog who appears to have ringworm, which means a lot of cleaning and sanitizing and observation. Ugh. If anyone has any recommendations, let me know. Anyway, listings through Thursday are after the jump. 

Tuesday May 28, 2013:
  • Mice Parade, The Midnight Pine @ Casbah
  • Stained Glass Windows, The Roman Watchdogs, Plastic City Pariah, Diving For Earth @ Soda Bar
  • CANCELED!! Mr. Vegas, Los Rakas, DJ Mawkus @ Belly Up
  • Jerry Olea and the 805 Drifters, Misc Ailments, Anson @ The Griffin
  • Nothing Haunts Me, Quor, Radios Silent @ Tin Can
  • Retox, Graf Orlock, Fucking Invincible, Griever @ Che Cafe
  • Voz: A Night of Brazilian Music featuring Kamau Kenyatta, Danny Green, Tonga Ross-Mau, Julien Cantelm, Evan Adams, Chris Duvall, Claudia Lyra, Rana Tabrizi and lead vocalist, Tiffany Guerrero, plus special guests @ The Loft, UCSD
  • Comedy Night @ Tower Bar
  • Local Brews Local Grooves feat. Manifold, Meridian 65, Oh Deer, Lauren Taylor, Johnny Tarr @ House of Blues Voodoo Stage
  • Trevor Green @ Winston's
  • Starlit's Acoustic BOTB w/ Gayle Skidmore, Chris Carpenter, Happy Ron Hill, Pamela Jean, Jaime Hart, Sean Dough @ 98 Bottles
  • Party Planet Karaoke @ Riviera Supper Club
  • Bill Magee @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
  • Mike Wofford/Holly Hofmann Quartet @ Croce's
  • Tori Roze Presents: Ruby Tuesday feat. Todo Mundo, AfroJazziacs, Restoration One @ Ruby Room
  • Tiki Tuesday feat. Mr. Craig Prior @ Bar Pink
  • Train of Thought @ Queen Bee's
  • Comedy Night @ Lestat's
  • Tomcat Courtney @ La Gran Tapa
  • Doug Allen @ The Kraken
  • Drew Butcher @ Tiki House
  • 710 Bass Club @ 710 Beach Club
  • Karaoke @ Kensington Club
  • Friends Chill @ Whistle Stop
  • Walter's Chicken Jam @ Patrick's Gaslamp Pub

Monday, May 27, 2013

Show Preview: Crystal Fighters @ Casbah Saturday June 1, 2013 (SOLD OUT)

Spanish band Crystal Fighters recently released their sophomore effort Cave Rave. They have been categorized as an alternative dance, folktronica, synth pop band. Suffice to say, the music has not always been an easy listen, but their live shows are always interesting, to say the least. Their first US show playing songs from the new album is happening this Saturday at the Casbah. Many elements have been part of their live performance, such as heavy beats, synths with vocals reminiscent of an indie opera. It has been three years since Crystal Fighters released their first album, Star of Love. This album is somewhat of a difficult listen, with good songs mixed with songs that are somewhat chaotic. When I heard Cave Rave for the first time, I initially did a double take to see if it was indeed the same band. The band have simplified things, the songs are quite structured and melodic. I guess this becomes clear: when Crystal Fighters let their talent become the focal point of the music, rather than trying too hard, the results are impressive. This is a band that is truly finding its way in the overcrowded musical landscape. Catch them showcasing their new songs at the iconic Middletown venue this Saturday.

Alpine set the stage.

Watch a video of You and I below.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Opening Today: San Diego Zoo Australian Outback



If you've been paying attention lately, you know that I spend a lot of time at the San Diego Zoo. For the price of annual membership ($114 for dual membership), I have been taking full advantage with nearly weekly visits to the park. Whether you want to see the animals, get a quick jaunt on the Skyfari, have a picnic in the Fern Canyon, or watch a kid (like Zane) master the art of walking on all of the varying terrains at the park, it has to be one of the best deals in town if you make it worth your while to visit frequently.

Today, Friday, May 24, the San Diego Zoo opens the brand new Conrad Prebys Australian Outback. For months, the upper mesa (formerly the elephant mesa) has been blocked with green meshed fences, but today is the grand opening, and I happened to be hovering around yesterday just to take some photos of the parts that I could see. Once upon a time I was invited to opening parties for events like this, but I suppose everyone is a blogger these days so parties are reserved for those who donate the big bucks. No matter, I'm sure over the weekend the Zoo will be nuts to butts, but I'll be there again soon enough to enjoy the park on a weekday with minimal crowds. See the full press release and more photos after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: May 24-27, 2013

Oh, my goodness! What a great week it has been in San Diego! The weather has been perfect which means that I've spent more time babysitting and hanging out at the San Diego Zoo and several parks than I have at bars and shows. Still, the Casbah rocked last night and there are so many rad shows this weekend that I will be seeing that even if I'm not delivering photos and video, you know I'll just be there rocking it out. There are some things you should know: the Casbah is giving out tickets and meet&greet passes for Fiction Family on Monday via Facebook and Twitter, the Casbah presents shows at the Belly Up are all selling swiftly and will all sell out before show dates (Little Hurricane 5/31, Chvrches 6/2, Palms 7/10, Peter Murphy 7/28, The Heavy 8/5, Godspeed You! Black Emperor 9/15, Conor Oberst 10/8),  FM 94/9 SPF is almost sold out, and it is Memorial Day weekend so there are going to be DUI checkpoints everywhere. Spend the money for a cab (Darren is working all weekend) or Uber or the bus or whatever. Weekend archives are after the jump. 

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Saturday Morning: March Against Monsanto

A strong marketing campaign in the last election meant that Prop 37, the GMO Labeling Law, was defeated in California. Since then, the fight against Monsanto and GMOs has gained more momentum across the country and the world. This Saturday, a March Against Monsanto has been organized with cities across the globe participating. Below are a couple of articles as well as the press release for the local march starting at the Balboa Park Fountain on Saturday morning at 11am.

Monsanto Banned In Several Countries

Stop Monsanto

‘March Against Monsanto’ planned for over 30 countries

March Against Monsanto has announced that on May 25, tens of thousands of activists around the world will “March Against Monsanto.” Currently, marches are being planned on six continents, in 36 countries, totaling events in over 250 cities, and in the US, events are slated to occur simultaneously at 11 a.m. Pacific in 47 states. The San Diego March will be starting at 11am on May 25th at the Balboa Park fountain in front of the Science center.

San Diego March Against Monsanto Facebook event page with details of activities planned.

Read more of the press release after the jump.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: May 22-23, 2013

I think I've finally recovered from last weekend. The North Park Festival of Arts was awesome but apparently some guera left the house without sunscreen so I've got my first sunburn of 2013. It's been a great week so far, though admittedly it's been absent of any shows. I'll make up for that the rest of the week. Listings are in early this week, so we've got you covered. Wednesday & Thursday archives are after the jump.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Craft Beers to Drink in San Diego: May 23rd, 2013 - Cask for a Cause -

What better way to spend an evening than donating some money to a good cause and being awarded with some finely crafted homebrew? That's exactly what is going on this Thursday night at Local Habit in Hillcrest. My homebrewing buddy, Jeff Crane, is donating a special blended cask of a two year old Sour Belgian Brown Ale and a 14% Imperial Stout cask that should be a beautiful treat to everyone there.

Here is the flyer for the event below:



More info about the event can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/539963516047644/

Or read the details below:

Join the SoCal Chapter of Hope Through Health for “Cask for a Cause,” an evening of community and craft beer to benefit HIV/AIDS initiatives in Togo, West Africa. Philanthropic partner and popular farm-to-table restaurant Local Habit is hosting HTH on this special night, with all proceeds from the cask, raffle and 10% of restaurant sales going directly toward underserved communities living with HIV/AIDS abroad.

This fine evening will feature a special donation sour beer on cask, live music from bluegrass band Songs for People (www.wesingsongsforpeople.com), and raffle prizes which feature rare beer and other fantastic goodies! 

Jeff Crane has brewed a special cuvee for this event by blending together a 2 yr old Oud Bruin (sour Belgian brown ale) with a 14% Imperial Stout. The end product has a tart cherry aroma with rich dark fruit flavors and a balanced sweet-sour finish.

Other specially made local beer will also be available that night, so be sure to come out and try these one-of-a-kind brews! 

Learn more about Hope Through Health here: www.hthglobal.org


Cheers,
Charles Eck

Monday, May 20, 2013

North Park Festival of Arts: The Craft Beer Block Version

This past Saturday, the historic neighborhood of North Park celebrated its 17th Annual Festival of Arts by closing off University Ave. between 30th Street and 32nd Street to allow vendors, artists, chefs, bands and local craft breweries entertain the masses. If you were out and about on Saturday, you already know that the weather couldn’t have been any better for this festival.





I was fortunate enough to break away from my house and make it to the Craft Beer Block which was located off Ohio Street and University Ave. The Craft Beer Block is a mini-beer festival of sorts where dozens of local craft breweries pour their finest brews for attendees. Local favorites such as Ballast Point, Green Flash, Stone, Mother Earth, Belching Beaver, Hess and Pizza Port were some of the twenty four breweries on hand pouring liquid gold.


Some of my honorable beer mentions include Mother Earth Brewing’s Cinco De Rye-O, a rye pale ale brewed for Toronado’s 5th Anniversary as well as Belching Beaver Brewing’s Beaver Milk Stout. The Cinco De Rye-O was a well balanced pale ale with a beautiful amber hue, plenty of rye maltiness and a hoppy pine finish. The Beaver Milk Stout doesn’t sound like a typical summer ale but it was incredibly smooth, roasty and chocolatey enough to make you feel like you were having some yogurt on a warm summer day.  I would not be surprised if the event was sold out because there were people lined up shoulder to shoulder having their taster cups filled with these delicious brews. With that said, it was great to run into some familiar faces at the festival.


One of those familiar faces was local craft beer artist Rudy Pollorena Jr., also known as Craft Beerd. I met Rudy a couple months ago at another local beer festival and have been following his artwork’s success on Facebook and Instagram since then. Rudy is contributing some very original, creative and fun artwork for the San Diego beer community with his most popular piece being the “SD Beer Matrix” pictured below:



You can find this as well as his other pieces printed on t-shirts, posters, canvas, bamboo and aluminum prints (my favorite) at www.craftbeerd.com. If you’re looking for something to do on Tuesday, May 21st (that is tomorrow) at 5pm, Mr. Craft Beerd himself will be debuting his latest custom piece for local craft beer bar and grill, Fathom Bistro Bait and Tackle on Shelter Island. Click on the link below for the event info:




I was also fortunate enough to talk with one of the owners of Belching Beaver Brewing based out of Vista. These guys are brewing some incredible beers including the Beaver Milk Stout I mentioned earlier. They just recently opened up a tasting room in North Park on 30th Street right next to Crazee Burger so if you hadn’t had a chance to try some of their beers, go check out their tasting room and I promise you won’t be disappointed.

It never ceases to amaze me the amount of camaraderie, passion and love that people in the craft beer industry share for one another. Attending the Craft Beer Block reminded me once again of these feelings and it really is one hell of an industry to be a part of. With that said, I know I haven’t been posting a whole lot the past few months on here but it is partially because I have been working on a project over the past year that I am proud to share with you today.

My brother and I as well as a talented team of web gurus have been working on a website dedicated to the rising movement of craft beer trading. With over 2,400 craft breweries currently operating in the United States and many more to come, it is becoming more and more common for craft beer drinkers across the country to trade beer amongst each other. These are beers that wouldn’t normally reach different parts of the country because of limiting distribution laws as well as growing demand of breweries working at maximum production, and this is only the tip of the craft beer iceberg. This is where BottleTrade comes in.



We are working day in and day out to bring a website that revolutionizes the beer trading experience for traders across the country. We are not quite ready for primetime, but will be there in the coming months. Until then, check us out at www.bottle-trade.com and get social with on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.



Did you make it to the North Park Festival of Arts this weekend? Make sure to post your favorite bands, artists and beers in the comments below.

Cheers,
Charles Eck

Pompeya Show Tonight @ Soda Bar Canceled

As posted on Soda Bar's website, Russian band Pompeya have canceled their show tonight, May 20, due to visa problems...those who purchased tickets will be refunded asap...

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Recommended Shows in San Diego May 21-26, 2013

May continues to be an impressive month here in San Diego, with many musical options for one's evenings. Some noteworthy shows for the week leading up to the Memorial Day weekend are:

JJAMZ (LA) return for a great night of music on Tuesday at The Griffin...The Presidents of the United States of America headline the Belly Up...

The Casbah offers two shows of note on Wednesday...Twin Shadow plays his biggest local show yet at the Belly Up...If experimental rock is up your alley, Tera Melos headline the Casbah...

Thursday songwriter Mikal Cronin begins his US tour at the Casbah...his sophomore release is impressive...Juliet Commagere (Hello Stranger) makes a rare SD appearance at The Griffin...

On Friday LA buzz band The Mowgli's bring their entourage to The Loft at UCSD...

TV Girl return to Soda Bar on Saturday...Cold War Kids begin their first of two sold out shows at the Belly Up...

Enjoy Sunday before Memorial Day with outdoor activities, a BBQ perhaps, but mostly be thankful we live in the greatest place in the greatest country...

Watch a video of Change from Mikal Cronin below.

Saturday, May 18, 2013

May 19, 2013: North Park Festival of Arts Stage Lineups and Set Times

The North Park Festival of Arts is finally here! I'm so excited about my stage performers and also excited to get a chunk of time back in my life. But all the work and meetings and emails and time are totally worth it and I hope everyone comes down to say hi and check out the amazing talent, the great vendors, and all of the unique art. So that you can access the lineups from your mobile devices, I've posted all of the set times after the jump. Also a heads up that there are two whisky tasting events at Seven Grand, the Craft Beer Block (which is going to sell out), and the Beer Garden where the Bar Pink Stage is located. 

Friday, May 17, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: May 17-21, 2013

It has been an amazing week and I can't wait to share it all in another diary post, but for now I'm just so excited for the weekend ahead. I mean, we are in the glory of outdoor festival time here in San Diego and there's so much fun stuff to do this weekend that it's going to be hard to miss things that are overlapping, but I'm looking forward to jumping on my bike and doing as much as I can. Friday through Tuesday archives are after the jump. 

Rosey's Diary: May 11-17, 2013

I have to say it was a very, very good week. I posted that really long diary post a few days ago, but I'd rather not get so backlogged and since I'm awake and somewhat alert and avoiding my inbox, I feel like sharing.

I feel like my vocabulary is so limited these days. Amazing and epic and great and beautiful and exciting seem to be so overused in my posts lately, but when I think about how I was a year ago, dealing with my eviction and moving, I was a total mess, completely depressed, and living in a constant state of anxiety. I was binge-living. Binge eating and binge drinking and binge sleeping and binge working. It wasn't pretty. Since then, work fell into a better place with a Casbah promotion, regular site sponsorships, and it turned out that my eviction was a total bonus because I'm so much happier in my current location than I was in Kensington. And of course, Darren. There's something pretty amazing about meeting someone who is my partner in every way- supportive and kind and loving and funny and smart and an incredible dad and generous boyfriend and no offense to anyone who came before, but this love is completely unprecedented in my life. After 8 months, none of the glow has worn off. Read the post after the jump.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego Thursday May 16, 2013


Thursday May 16, 2013:
  • Baby Alpaca, Okapi Sun, Church Hustlers @ Casbah
  • Sons of Fathers, Deadly Birds, The Grass Heat @ Soda Bar
  • Beer Fest w/ Oliver Trolley, DJ Man Cat @ Belly Up
  • Purple/Image (Sun Araw), Lake Reflector (Memorial, Ghost Shores), Light Light @ The Void (free)
  • Space Camp and Wallflower Food Present: Kisses, Island Boy, Colourvision @ The Griffin
  • Amerikan Bear, Shake before Us @ MaryJanes Underground Hard Rock Hotel
  • The Dark Side w/ Western Scene, Jackson Price, Lucky & Wild, DJ Sean Guthery, Cam Ron @ El Dorado
  • Brooke Nicole Telarico, Jerry Olea and the 805 Drifters @ Lestat's
  • Idyll Wild,, Callow, Gift Machine @ Tin Can
  • Noelia @ House of Blues
  • Tom Rush @ AMSD Concerts
  • Moonlight Serenade Orchestra @ Crystal Ballroom (414 N. Magnolia, El Cajon)
  • RIP Entertainment Presents @ Ruby Room
  • The Soul Fires @ Bar Pink
  • Atlantis Rizing and friends @ Winston's
  • Gilbert Castellanos and The New Latin Jazz Quintet @ Croce's
  • David Borga @ Kava Lounge
  • Starlit Presents BOTB w/ Locjaw, Sara Groban Band, Tin Star @ Brick By Brick
  • Cult Vegas, Astra Kelly @ Go Lounge
  • Tritons for Israell Presents: Israels 65th Birthday @ Porter's Pub
  • Blue Sound @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
  • Blast Unit Moscow, tba @ The Shakedown Bar
  • EDM w/ David Solano @ Fluxx
  • LED Presents: Bro Safari @ Voyeur
  • Kayla Hope @ Tiki House
  • Danny Langdon Band @ Coyote Bar & Grill
  • Lyrical Skoolyard @ Boar Cross'n
  • Piracy Conspiracy, DJ Reefah @ Gallagher's Irish Pub
  • Johnny Vernazza @ Patrick's Gaslamp Pub
  • 321 Stereo @ Second Wind Navajo
  • Club 710 @ 710 Beach Club

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Show Preview: The Appleseed Cast, Hospital Ships @ Casbah Sunday May 19, 2013

The Appleseed Cast
The last place indie bands might reside is Lawrence, Kansas. A smallish university community is indeed home base for the two bands playing the Casbah this Sunday. They are veteran band The Appleseed Cast and relative newcomers Hospital Ships. Both bands share the same label, Graveface Records. The Appleseed Cast moved from LA to their current home in 1999. Many lineup changes have occurred within the band, with lead guitarist and founder Christopher Crisci being the lone remaining original member. Their eighth album, Illumination Rituals, was recently released on April 23. Many have described the band as emo or post rock. I would lean toward the latter, as many of the songs tend to feature drawn out guitar riffs, with little emphasis on vocals. Make no mistake, this a blue collar indie rock band, unafraid to play their brand of music to those who either know their style or still desire to discover them. A recent van accident destroyed much of the band's gear (thankfully nobody was injured).

Hospital Ships formed in 2007 as a solo project for Jordan Geiger, who previously played keyboards during a brief period for The Appleseed Cast. Their sophomore release, Lonely Twin (2007), features a melodic combination of guitar, keyboards, drums, and vocals that gel quite nicely. Their third album, Destruction in Yr Soul, is due to be released in June. Guitarist Taylor Hollenbeck will be doing double duty for both bands.

Cap off the upcoming weekend with great music at the iconic Middletown venue. Tickets can be purchased here.

Watch a video of Servants, from Hospital Ships, from their yet to be released album, below.

San Diego Celebrates National Bike Month: Silent Ride, Bike To Work Day, Mini-CicloSDias,

This month is National Bike Month and there have been and continue to be several bike-related events and such going on. There are great resources in San Diego for all kinds of biking information, including Bike San Diego and San Diego County Bike Coalition. There  was also a ride in conjunction with San Diego River Days which continues through next weekend.



Tonight, join the 10 mile SILENT RIDE. This is a national event that started in Dallas, but this will be the first one in San Diego. The ride is in honor of cyclists who have been injured or killed while cycling. We will be riding in honor of Barry Whittaker, Darren's father, who was killed by a motorist while cycling in Northern California in 2009. Here's the information from the Bike Coalition:
All people who ride bicycles are invited to join the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition on Wednesday, May 15 at 7 p.m. for a ride to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured and raise awareness that all people have a right to safe accommodation on San Diego's roads. The Ride of Silence is free, starts at the South Clairemont Rec Center and open to cyclists of all ages and abilities. Participants are asked to ride no faster than 12 mph, wear helmets, bring lights, follow the rules of the road and remain silent during the ride.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 15, 2013, 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: South Clairemont Recreation Center
3605 Clairemont Drive
San Diego, CA 92117
Friday is National BIKE TO WORK day. You can REGISTER and get all of the information here,  Obviously registration isn't required, but it sends a message to our politicians and community that there are a lot of people who would ride bikes if facilities were safer, more convenient, and incentivized.

Finally, Sunday you can get ready for the big CicloSDias (August 11, 2013) with a Mini-CicloSDias at Marston Point Loop on the Southwest side of Balboa Park on Sunday, May 19. These are free and open to all levels of riders from 10am-4pm. Maybe you can hang out for a while, then ride down to Little Italy for Festa Siciliana which happens all day from 10am-6pm.

If you don't have a bike and are in the market for one, or you'd like to rent a good road, city, or mountain bike, go visit Mo down at San Diego Bike Shop or reserve a bike online and he'll take good care of you. Not to knock beach cruisers, but at most rental shops, that's what you're gonna get, and they're pretty laborious to ride if the road is anything other than flat. That's where my Biria came from, as well as my awesome lights and basket. Tell him @sddialedin sent you!\

I'll be adding a bike resource page up next to the music resources to this site in a couple weeks, so if you have good resources, feel free to send them my way. Also, if you didn't check out last week's 2013 Summer Guide from SD CityBeat, you can see plenty of bike stuff to do there, too.

Tonight: Living North Park Launch Party

A few weeks ago, I did a little roundup of newsy bits wherein I mentioned that my dear friends Kristian & Pat and their company, MySMN, created a new site for North Park called Living North Park. Tonight, they're celebrating the launch of that endeavor at URBN North Park. You can find the Facebook event listing here. It open to all from 8-11pm and they'll have food and drink specials as well as raffle prizes. It should be a nice pre-gathering for the North Park Festival of Arts happening on Saturday. Meet your friends, neighbors and business owners in the community over some tasty pizza and beer. Be there or be L7.



Incidentally, there's a Pre-Festival of the Arts Mixer at LiveWire from 5-8pm for festival participants. Not really sure if that means vendors or performers because I'm the main stage producer and didn't know about it, but whatever. Sounds like a good time if I didn't have other plans.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: May 14-15, 2013

As I mentioned in my diary post, the past three days have been absolutely amazing, so I'll save all of that for another post and just remind you how lucky you are to live in San Diego. There is so much awesome in this city and you should take advantage that even if you're cash strapped, you can still get out to free events, parks, and beaches. You can also enjoy free music- like Local Brews Local Grooves every Tuesday at House of Blues or catch the Casbah Twitter Tuesday password for free entry.  Here' the listings through Thursday. Weekend listings will come in the next day or two, but all you need to know is that on Saturday we have the FREE North Park Festival of Arts all day long. My stage is on 30th and University, so plan on being there!! Tuesday and Wednesday archives  are after the jump.

Rosey's Diary: March/April/May 2013

It has been nearly three months since I've written a diary post. Jeff recently pointed out to me. He says that it is clear my life has changed, and with it my priorities have shifted. And while that may be true to an extent, between trying to keep up with marketing for the Casbah, writing for SoundDiego, booking the North Park Festival of Arts Main Stage, picking up some babysitting, and still working door or merch at the occasional show, nothing has slowed down except for my posts here. And I'm sorry for that, but I'd rather be out enjoying all that San Diego has to offer and I have a partner who has renewed my love of this city- the shows, yes, but also hole in the wall restaurants, bike rides, parks, and tennis and ping pong and archery and hikes and river cleanups and participating in civic activities. The reality was that I lived this critically unhealthy life of going out pretty much nightly, then I laid in bed all day writing about it. This face hadn't seen much sun, the only exercise this body got was the occasional walk to a bar or show, and I took intermittent naps until it was time to go out and do it all over again.

My daily life has had a major overhaul and I honestly couldn't be happier about that, even if it means less frequent posting here and just quick updates on Facebook and Foursquare and Twitter. Fortunately this site has grown with several contributors who keep you abreast of shows and photos. Still, sometimes I hit writing road blocks and the only way to resolve them is to purge all of my shit out into the ether in a long winded diary post. After the jump, if you dare.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Recommended Shows in San Diego May 13-19, 2013

The middle of May continues with many live music choices here in San Diego. A closer look at the upcoming week reveals some shows worth attending.

On Monday chillwave artist Christopher Dexter Greenspan, aka oOoOO (pronounced oh), brings his act to Soda Bar...Austin rockers Speak headline The Void...

Tuesday is "find a show from the listings and go" day...

Chicago rockers Filligar invade The Griffin on Wednesday...Dead Feather Moon open for a great bill...

Thursday roots/folk rockers Sons of Fathers make their San Diego debut at Soda Bar...Kisses play their sugary pop at The Griffin...

The weekend begins with a great local bands show at the Casbah with The Burning of Rome...say no more...

Head to Soda Bar on Saturday for Seattle based  singer/songwriter Damien Jurado with John Meeks and Matt Curreri lending support...

Cap your weekend on Sunday with indie rockers The Appleseed Cast at the Casbah...a recent accident destroyed much of the band's gear...go show some San Diego support...

This represents only a few of the many live music events; most important is getting out and enhancing your life by watching live music...

Watch a video of Museum of Flight from Damien Jurado below...

Friday, May 10, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: May 10-13, 2013

I don't know about you, but this was kind of a long week. Super busy but super fun. I've been without a working phone all week, so maybe it feels even longer without immediate contact to everyone I know. Yesterday I even used a pay phone! (Fortunately, there are two in front of the Zoo for tourists)  Anyway, this weekend is gonna be nuts, too. I'm heading to The Observatory with Jeff tonight, and tomorrow there are some great shows, and then back to the family tradition of Gator By The Bay for Mother's Day on Sunday. I'm leaving the listings through the weekend before the jump since I might not have a chance to update. Of course, it's all available in a simple format on your mobile device, too. Have a great weekend!!

Marina & the Diamonds and Charli XCX tonight @ House of Blues




For those of you lucky enough to have tickets to tonights Marina & the Diamonds show with Charli XCX tonight at the House of Blues are in for a treat.  What you may not know is that Marina & the Diamonds and Charli XCX recently collaborated together on a new track.  Here it is to get you in the mood for tonights show, and for people who do not have tickets enjoy the music and buy tickets earlier next time.





Or download the song here

Wednesday, May 08, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: May 8-9, 2013

What a crazy world we live in, huh? The news about Tim Lambesis of As I Lay Dying being arrested for allegedly trying to hire a hitman on his wife is shocking, those kidnapped women that were found have been slightly overshadowed by Charles Ramsey, the hilariously awesome neighbor who busted them out, and that Arias trial is supposed to have a verdict today. I guess it is good just to be healthy and chugging along in this crazy world without any major crazy distractions. San Diego has a lot to offer this week so we're giving you the listings a little early so you can plan out your Mother's Day weekend. Wednesday and Thursday archives are after the jump.

Monday, May 06, 2013

Show Preview: Minus the Bear @ UCSD Price Center Ballroom Wednesday May 8, 2013

Seattle five piece indie rockers Minus the Bear will be making their next San Diego appearance this Wednesday on the campus of UCSD. The Band released their fifth full length, Infinity Overhead, on Dangerbird Records last summer. Many have described their sound as math rock with the unexpected time changes. There is a certain precision to the overall effect, with guitar riffs filled with pleasant vocals throughout. Earlier albums focused more on the electronic aspects of their music, so one never quite knows what to expect. What is readily apparent is a band that is always searching to improve and add to their kaleidoscope of sound.

Minus the Bear recently finished a European tour and this headline show is one of only a few on the West Coast. Fans will be treated to a band that has found its stride and is clearly capable of delivering in the live setting. The show will be taking place at Price Center Ballroom West. Tickets can be purchased here.

Watch a video of Steel and Blood below.

Sunday, May 05, 2013

Recommended Shows in San Diego May 6-12, 2013

The first full week of May shows no let down in the number of quality musical events right here in sunny San Diego. A closer look reveals the following of note:

New Yorker Laura Stevenson stops at Soda Bar on Monday with her new album Wheel...Field Mouse opens for a great bill...

The Casbah is the place to be on Tuesday for LA indie rockers Bleached and Brooklyn based Ex Cops (SD debut)...both bands recently released their initial full length offerings...

Head to UCSD on Wednesday as Seattle based band Minus the Bear play in front of the youngsters (and me) at the Price Center Ballroom West...tix still available here...The New Limb open...

Cleaner shaved Devendra Banhart headlines the Belly Up on Thursday...his new album is a keeper...oops this show is sold out...

Marina and the Diamonds play to  a sold out crowd on Friday at the House of Blues...if you don't have a ticket check out Unwritten Law playing an early acoustic show (6 pm doors)  at the Casbah...

On Saturday Bar Pink has a great show on tap with newly formed Pyrramids, featuring OK Go's Tim Nordwind and vocalist Drea Smith...their new album, Brightest Darkest Day, is worth a listen...

Sunday offers great choices, such as Cloud Cult at Porter's Pub, Chrome Sparks at Soda Bar, or The Milk Carton Kids up at the Belly Up...choose and you won't lose...of course, only after you have enjoyed some or all of the day with your Mom...

Who claims San Diego has a sleepy music scene?...I beg to differ...see you at the show(s)!

Watch a video of Paper Doll from Pyrramids below...

Saturday, May 04, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: May 4-7, 2013

I'm sitting in the Casbah office at the moment so I thought I'd update the listings because I'm a big jerk and failed to wish my great friend Mr. Tim Pyles a happy birthday. He's my partner in crime a lot of the time and everyone knows that without him, the music scene in San Diego would flounder. I was supposed to work at Brick By Brick tonight but apparently they have a merch dude on tour with them, so I get a night off. Yay! Saturday through Tuesday archives are after the jump. There are DUI checkpoints everywhere tonight, so be safe out there.

Friday, May 03, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: May 3, 2013

I'd say I'm such a slacker for just posting your weekend listings, but I'm a little rundown so whatever. Yellow Red Sparks were amazing last night, so outside of the 20 or people or so who were there, I'm sorry you missed out and I'm sure when they're super famous you'll be clamoring to spend $40 to see them at the House of Blues or some shit. I was really looking forward to going to Prince tonight, but feeling sick in a SRO room is the last thing I need, so I gave my ticket to Pyles so he can take his wife and instead I'll be slinging merch at the Casbah for Black Mountain. Tomorrow I'll be doing the same for Killing Joke at Brick By Brick.  Maybe I'll see you there. Friday archives are after the jump.

Wednesday, May 01, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: May 1-2, 2013

Sorry for the last minute update, but time got away from me and I wanted everyone to know that Os Mutantes is SOLD OUT tonight at the Casbah. Today has been awesome for a million reasons but I'm in the middle of a quasi-#24hourdate so I'll tell you about it another time. Tomorrow is going to be super busy, too, but hopefully I'll get your weekend listings up soonish. xoxo

Wednesday May 1, 2013:
  • OS Mutantes, Capsula @ Casbah (SOLD OUT)
  • Casbah & Soda Bar Present: Chad Valley, Ski Lodge, Mothlight @ Soda Bar
  • Helmet, Ape Machine, I Wish I @ The Griffin
  • 91X Presents: Face to Face, Teenage Bottlerocket @ House of Blues
  • Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus w/ Actor Peter Story feat. Monique Marvez @ Belly Up
  • Moon Block Party w/ Jjuujjuu, Black Feet Braves, Wild Wild Wets, Barbarian @ The Void
  • The Young Gents, Neighbors To the North, District Verdant @ Tin Can
  • BLUSD Presents: Jammingout the House of Blues @ House of Blues Voodoo Stage
  • Club Kingston w/ Piracy Conspiracy, DJ Carlos Culture @ Winston's
  • SD Music TV Open Mic @ Brick By Brick
  • Kice Simko and Friends @ Riviera Supper Club
  • Absu, Condemned, Ruines Ov Abaddon, Invocation War, Cosmonogy @ Ruby Room
  • Backwater Blues Band @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
  • Fuzzy @ Croce's
  • DJ Grandmasta Rats @ Bar Pink
  • Future Wednesdays @ Kava Lounge
  • Club M.A.W. @ Henry's Pub
  • Lady Dottie & The Diamonds @ Gallagher's Irish Pub
  • Firehouse Swing Night @ Queen Bee's
  • Rhythm Method @ Coyote Bar & Grill
  • Open Mic @ 710 Beach Club

Thursday May 2, 2013:
  • Lauren Ruggles Presents: Yellow Red Sparks, Tyson Motsenbocker, Lowly Spects @ The Griffin
  • Javelin, Helado Negro, Jamaican Queens @ Casbah
  • Casbah & Soda Bar Present: CJ Ramone, guests @ Soda Bar
  • Paul Collins Beat, The Widows @ Til-Two Club
  • Al Howard @ Riviera Supper Club
  • Glow Party w/ DJ Man Cat, Chamberlin, Digital Opinion Dbear, DJ Gina Cat @ Belly Up
  • Crash Engine, Rad Company, From Scars, J Wang, Matty Kirkly @ The Void
  • Tar Halos, Prize Hog, Tit Wrench @ Tin Can
  • Eyes Set to Kill, Shining Through, Within Ourselves, Five Body Blade, The I In Self, Parliament Of Owls @ Soma
  • Moonlight Serenade Orchestra @ The Crystal Ballroom
  • Lovebirds, Sister Speak, guests @ Ruby Room
  • Top Shelf, Mystic Roots, Bare Feet @ Winston's
  • Gone Baby Gone, Queen Caveat @ Bar Pink
  • Sue Palmer @ Croce's
  • Aligning Minds @ Stage bar & Grill
  • Critical Beatdown @ Kava Lounge
  • Stitched Up Heart, Punchcard, Undead Garden @ The Shakedown Bar
  • SD Music Tv's BOTB w/ Michele Lundeen, Backwater Blues Band, Swirl @ Brick By Brick
  • Tiffany Alvord & Jason Chen @ The Loft
  • Breez'n @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
  • EDM w/ Carnage @ Fluxx
  • LED Presents: Gladiator + Kennedy Jones @ Voyeur
  • Jaeryoung Lee Presents @ Dizzy's
  • Jerome LOL @ Typhoon Saloon
  • Kayla Hope @ Tiki House
  • Missy Andersen @ The Marble Room
  • Mor Sol @ Coyote Bar & Grill
  • Club 710 @ 710 Beach Club