Friday, June 28, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: Friday, June 28-Monday July 1, 2013

I know I need to snap out of it. I had an amazing week off, and now I'm back and I still haven't snapped into work or party or any mode other than being chill and hanging out with Zane and figuring the most strategic placement of fans in my studio apartment. Listings are here, and I'm sure that I will pepper them throughout the week, but I just don't have the patience to do that now. I'm sorry. Friday through Monday listings are after the jump.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Vampire Weekend comes to San Diego in their 1st live tour in over 2 years!
Tickets go on sale Friday at 10am but use KPRI as your password for presale tickets on Thursday from 10am-10pm. Tickets are $47.35 ($35 + $12.35 service fees).
Tickets can be purchased here.


(text from press release)
Touring in support of their critically acclaimed third album Modern Vampires Of The City, Vampire Weekend have added several more dates to their fall run. Along with previously announced headlining stops at Brooklyn's Barclay's Center and Los Angeles' Hollywood Bowl, the band have now announced stops at Philadelphia's Mann Center and Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium, among others. The band will be supported by Sky Ferreira, Solange and Beirut on select dates.

San Diego show added on September 30th at SDSU’s Open Air Theater – tickets on sale Friday, June 28 at 10am

Vampire Weekend's Modern Vampires Of The City's critical acclaim has been matched by its reception with the public: it entered the U.S. album chart at #1, and has gone on to sell nearly 250,000 copies in the month since its May 14 release on XL Recordings.

This is the second time Vampire Weekend has achieved such a landmark: Its sophomore album Contra also debuted at #1 in 2010, making Modern Vampires... the first time an independent rock band has entered at #1 with two consecutive releases.

VAMPIRE WEEKEND

On Tour
06/26-30/13 - Pilton, UK - Glastonbury Festival
06/27/13 - Bournemouth, UK - O2 Academy Bournemouth
06/28/13 - Portsmouth, UK - Portsmouth Guildhall
07/02/13 - Cologne, Germany - E-Werk
07/03/13 - Munich, Germany - Tonhalle
07/04-07/13 - Werchter, Belgium - Rock Werchter
07/06/13 - London, UK - Olympic Park
07/07/13 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands - De Wereld Draait Buiten
07/09/13 - Cholet, France - Poupet Festival
07/12/13 - Lisbon, Portugal - Optimus Alive
07/13/13 - Bilbao, Spain - BBK Live
07/14/13 - Aix-Les-Bains, France - Musilac Festival
07/16/13 - Berlin, Germany - Tempodrom
07/17/13 - Hamburg, Germany - Grosse Freiheit
07/19/13 - Lewes, UK - Gentlemen of the Road Lewes Stopover
07/20/13 - Dublin, Ireland - Longitude Festival
08/04/13 - Chicago, IL - Lollapalooza
08/05/13 - Minneapolis, MN - Orpheum Theatre
08/07/13 - Calgary, AB - Southern Alberta Jubilee
08/09/13 - Squamish, BC - Squamish Music Festival
08/11/13 - San Francisco, CA - Outside Lands Festival
09/5/13 - Ottawa, ON - Ottawa Folk Festival
09/7/13 - Boston, MA - Boston Calling
09/19/13 - Philadelphia, PA - Skyline Stage at The Mann Center #
09/20/13 - Brooklyn, NY - Barclay's Center # +
09/23/13 - Columbus, OH - The LC Pavillion #
09/24/13 - St. Louis, MO -The Pageant #
09/25/13 - Fayetteville, AR - Arkansas Music Pavillion #
09/27/13 - Phoenix, AZ - Comerica Theatre #
09/28/13 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl &
09/30/13 - San Diego, CA - SDSU Open Air Theatre #
10/1/13 - Tucson, AZ - Rialto Theatre #
10/2/13 - Albuquerque, NM - Kiva Auditorium #
10/5/13 - Tulsa, OK - The Brady Theater #
10/7/13 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium #
10/8/13 - Kansas City, MO - Midland Theater #
10/10/13 - Grand Prairie, TX - Verizon Theater #
10/13/13 - Mexico, City, MX - Corona Capital Festival

# Sky Ferreira

+ Solange

& Beirut

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Tuesday: Mid-City Regional Bike Corridor Meeting

If you ride a bike, have ever ridden a bike, or someday plan on riding a bike and live in Mid-City (very loosely the communities around Adams, El Cajon Blvd, and University from Park to College), you should attend the Mid City Regional Bike Corridors Community Advisory Group on Tuesday night. This is one of the last chances to give public input and see progress on possible east-west bike routes. With the BRT already going forward on El Cajon Boulevard, the stakes are even higher to get safe bikeways installed around the city. We'll see you there!!

From SANDAG:
This is a reminder that the third North Park – Mid-City Regional Bike Corridors Community Advisory Group meeting will be held:

Tuesday, June 25, 2013 – 6:00 to 8:30pm
at the
Teen Challenge Center
5450 Lea St, San Diego, CA 92105

The focus of this third meeting will be to review the alignment study results and to discuss the benefits, challenges, and other considerations related to each of the alignment options.

Please note, this Community Advisory Group meeting will include English and Spanish facilitation in addition to Spanish/English interpretation.


View Larger Map

Monday, June 24, 2013

San Diego Is America's Happiest City

I don't want to rain on anyone's parade here because you know from my posts that I've never been happier, but by posting this I'm not claiming that this isn't TMD propaganda or something, still pretty cute, though it's about time we start mentioning the live music scene when celebrating the city.

San Diego Can’t Complain Infographic, created by PC Housing



San Diego Can’t Complain Infographic created by PC Housing

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, June 24-Thursday, June 27, 2013

We got back from Hercules late Friday night. After spending most of Saturday cleaning my house, I went to Colin Clyne's (open bar) Farewell Party and then to the Casbah. I Let's just say I had a really good time, at least the parts I remember. Sunday was pretty awesome, as Darren and I decided to visit my sister in PB via bikes. What was supposed to be a 12 mile one-way trip ended up being about a 50 mile day meandering along the San Diego River, Friars Road, Mission Bay Park, Rose Creek, Sea World Drive/Ocean Beach Bike Path, Rosecrans, Liberty Station, San Diego Harbor, and then Park Boulevard to Meade to get back home. I have to say it was a pretty awesome day. Lots of good shows this week, and in case you hadn't heard, Nighttime Zoo started on Saturday, so be sure to spend an evening there. Tuesday through Thursday listings are after the jump. 

Monday June 24, 2013:
  • Bosnian Rainbows, Sister Crayon @ Casbah
  • Whitey Morgan and the 78's, El Monte Slim, Musikanto @ Soda Bar
  • The Marshall Tucker Band @ Belly Up (sold out)
  • The Tin Can Country Club feat. Matthew Strachota @ Tin Can
  • PUNCH, Holy, Higher Learning, Anthrot @ Che Cafe
  • Dave Scott & Monsoon Jazz @ Croce's
  • Mantle Sound Core, Misk, Okapi Sun @ Kava Lounge
  • Michelle Lundeen @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
  • Open Mic @ Lestat's
  • Pyroklast, Relentless Approach, Art of War @ Tower Bar
  • Karaoke @ Til-Two Club
  • Electric Waste Band @ Winston's
  • Karaoke @ Coyote Bar & Grill
  • Modern Day Moonshine @ House of Blues Voodoo Stage
  • WG & The G-Men @ Patrick's Gaslamp Pub
  • Monday Night Jams @ 710 Beach Club
  • Doug Allen @ The Kraken

Recommended Shows In San Diego June 24-30, 2013

The final week of June is filled with lots of quality shows for you to consider and hopefully attend. A closer look reveals the events that caught my eye.

Bosnian Rainbows, the recently formed group led by Omar Rodriguez Lopez, make their US debut at the Casbah on Monday...the show is going to sell out, get your tickets in advance here...

Catch the final installment of The Steelwells residency on Tuesday, also at the Casbah...

On Thursday chillwave artist Baths headline the Casbah, touring in support of recently released Obsidian...Rachael Yamagata returns to San Diego, this time playing the House of Blues...

The Soft Pack play an all ages show at The Irenic on Friday...Dead Feather Moon, Blackout Party and Strange Vine play the Belly Up...

AM & Shawn Lee roll into The Griffin on Saturday in support of their recently released La Musique Numerique...

On Sunday, catch Nashville's synthpop band Paper Route at Bar Pink...Vincent Frank, aka Frankmusik,  plays the Griffin...

Watch Two Times from AM & Shawn Lee below...

Friday, June 21, 2013

Show Preview: Bosnian Rainbows @ The Casbah Monday June 24, 2013

Photo Courtesy of Sargent House
All too often in the music world the word 'supergroup' gets used when describing newly formed bands comprised of members from other active and inactive projects. Such is the case with Bosnian Rainbows, the group comprised of Omar Rodriguez Lopez (The Mars Volta/At the Drive-In), Teresa Suarez (Le Butcherettes), Deantoni Parks (Dark Angels, TMV) and Nicci Kasper (Dark Angels). Their eponymous debut album is slated for release next Tuesday (June 25), but fans and curiosity seekers alike will be able to see the band make its live US debut at the Casbah on Monday. Having heard a few tracks from the upcoming album (listen below), there is no mistaking the centerpiece of the band being lead vocalist Suarez (aka Teri Gender Bender). She does not scream in this role but creates a somewhat darker mood throughout the songs. Lopez showcases his guitar talents but is not shredding in this band. The overall effect is a compelling listen (so far) in anticipation of the album release.

Be sure to catch Bosnian Rainbows this Monday June 24 at the iconic Middletown venue. Sister Crayon lends support. Tickets can be purchased here.

Correction: Bosnian Rainbows played 4 May dates in Texas...The 6/24 Casbah show is the upcoming US tour opener...

Listen to Morning Sickness and Torn Maps below. (courtesy Sargent House and SoundCloud)

Belly Up Reaction

The last thing one thinks about is someone getting out of control at the mellow Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach. Last night, as Sea Wolf was finishing its live performance, a scuffle broke out in the loft. Security was quick to respond, only to have a couple of these guys get stabbed by an unruly customer. Thankfully, injuries were not serious and they (security) were released from the hospital. This is a reminder that alcohol can cause people to react in anything but normal ways at times. I always feel safe when going to see live music, but it is always important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Last night, the Belly Up staff, local sheriff and other responders acted quickly and professionally in handling the situation. Those responsible for the disturbance will suffer the consequences.

Have a great (and safe) weekend.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, June 20-Sunday, June 23, 2013

I've been on this amazing vacation. It occurred to me that my life has been this strange evolution of road trips...a bazillion family ones in our camper and various cars over the years, and then long drives in white vans starting with patrol camp, then my college tennis trips, then band road trips, and now the first time I've visited a boyfriend's out-of-town family. It's been really nice being away and knowing that my babies are safe thanks to Jake and Mike, and that this site has been manicured nicely by Jeff, and Jordan handled listings for the weekend, which I've modified here for your perusal. I think I got in all of the extras, too, but if I missed anything, please leave a comment or shoot a text and I'll try to update. Thursday through Sunday archives are after the jump.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Show Tonight: Beach Party @ The Griffin Wednesday June 19, 2013

If the mid-week blues have you feeling a little lethargic, then head to The Griffin tonight to see Beach Party. No, not the Frankie Avalon/Annette Funicello movie but the Los Angeles quartet that plays catchy surf /garage rock songs. These lads tend to keep their sound fresh, like a sunny clear day in SoCal. Listen to a few selected tracks below (courtesy of SoundCloud) and hopefully we will see you at the show. ($5)...







Things To Do In San Diego Wednesday June 19, 2013

Listings archived after the jump. 

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Recommended Shows in San Diego June 17-23, 2013

June gloom has been replaced by mostly abundant sunshine. With the official start of summer this week, a closer look reveals many quality shows of the musical variety here in San Diego.

Patrick Sweany brings his heartfelt music to Soda Bar on Monday...or catch The Steelwells as they continue their Casbah residency...

Old 97's front man Rhett Miller brings his own project to the Casbah this Tuesday...LA duo Cobalt Cranes play Tin Can...

Beach Party will be rocking The Griffin on Wednesday with great local support...Family Wagon headlines the Casbah...

LA folk rockers Sea Wolf bring their tour to the Belly Up on Thursday with Brooklyn band Savoir Adore opening...highly recommended...

The Summer Solstice finds She & Him making their San Diego debut (finally) at the spacious Open Air Theatre with Tilly and the Wall offering support...

This Saturday New Mexico will playing songs from their new album at Soda Bar...Wildcat! Wildcat! headline the Casbah...

Cap the weekend with Toronto's Hooded Fang at Soda Bar...they just released Gravez...spooky...

All in all a great week of music lies ahead...the shows mentioned above are only some of the full slate...be sure to check the listings for all the live music...

Watch Bye Bye Land from Hooded Fang below...

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: June 15-20, 2013

I wasn't gonna update the listings this weekend, but I just got word that May*Star's Diamond Dust, which was supposed to have their final night at The Flame before it closes, has now been moved to Float at Hard Rock Hotel. Also, the 2nd night of Greyboy Allstars at the Casbah is sold out. I only moved Oysterfest and No Tan Lines down in the listings because they're already over (and No Tan Lines was an AWESOME event, by the way). I'm here at the Casbah selling merch for the band and then will be going straight home and straight to bed before my first roadtrip with Darren and Nova. I'm super excited since I haven't been further than LA or Pioneertown this entire year. Saturday through Thursday archived listings are after the jump.

Show Preview: Sea Wolf @ Belly Up Thursday June 20, 2013

Photo courtesy of Sasquatch! Festival
LA based indie folk band Sea Wolf are basically the brainchild of Alex Church. Having formed the project back in 2007, one can fast forward to the present day and realize just how far the band has evolved. Dangerbird Records recently released Old World Romance, their third full length. A natural progression has solidified the band as a full touring band. Sea Wolf are currently playing festivals and medium sized venues. The end of their current tour brings the band to the Belly Up this Thursday. Having witness their live performance at the onset of the tour, I can honestly say the band has become more confident and polished in the live setting. The songs have a wonderful flow, with the introspective lyrics revealing much about Mr. Church. If you have never seen Sea Wolf, I highly recommend catching their performance this Thursday at the Belly Up. Be sure to arrive early for Brooklyn based Savoir Adore and locals Trouble in the Wind. Tickets can be purchased here.

Watch a video of Old Friend (Bing Lounge) below.

Friday, June 14, 2013

San Diego Mid-City Rapid Bus Transit


In June of 2013, construction is set to begin to make way for the Mid-City Bus Rapid Transit route, also referred to as Mid-City Rapid or BRT. On Thursday, we dropped by the open house at The Boulevard's offices to check things out so I wanted to share some of the information because in one way or another, this will affect everyone in Hillcrest, Normal Heights, City Heights and beyond.
The Mid-City Rapid will provide North Park, City Heights, and College Area residents, students, and workers with a fast and reliable service in a key transit corridor in the region.
Rapid bus services achieve faster travel times by using measures such as transit signal priority, dedicated bus lanes, and limited station spacing. Mid-City Rapid is among the first of a new breed of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services that SANDAG is building in collaboration with the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS). The project is an integral part of a regionwide strategy to create a BRT network, so residents have travel choices that are attractive alternatives to driving.
So there are several points that are important with regard to the BRT. If you are an MTS user, the new system will eliminate route 15. In my area, the 15 currently stops at 33rd and El Cajon Boulevard. This is the only stop the bus makes between the 805 and I-15. The NEW stop, again, the only one between the 805 and I-15, will be at 35th Street. There are a few reasons why I hope this is reconsidered.

First, it makes sense to have a major stop at Pancho Villa. It is the only grocery store available in the direct area, with the Vons on Howard and 30th or on Adams and Cherokee the next closest. While the 1 will still be servicing the area, it's frequency is much more limited. Second, the new stop for the eastbound buses will be directly in front of The Void. I'm a bus rider and I'm a regular patron at The Void, but do you really want your kid getting off the bus directly in front of a bar? Or little old ladies? I mean, I love my rock n roll crowd, but we're kind of a rough bunch and can be intimidating to people walking by. Conversely, smokers at The Void step right out in front of the bar for their fix, yet all bus stops are smoke-free within 25 feet. Smokers will be moved to the back lot of the bar, possibly requiring a second security guard at the back door, and increasing noise to surrounding residences. Nova's window faces the Void, and fortunately she's a pretty sound sleeper, but the bar is definitely loud most nights of the week, and the cops have been coming by with increased frequency. Sure, nobody gives a shit about smokers and smokers rights are ever dwindling, but it is still an issue worth considering.

The new BRT is set to run from 5am to 1am everyday, with 10 minute intervals during peak times and 15 minute intervals for non-peak and weekends. Why not move the stop to the north wall of North Park Produce where bus passengers won't be interfering in businesses? Or even better, keep the stop at 33rd and add a second stop at 37th, where there's a pedestrian crosswalk already in place? Why does the BRT have three stops between the 805 and Park, but only one between the 805 and 15? Has nobody considered that this stretch of ECB is also the main access point to all of Normal Heights? And while we're at it, if access is really a key issue here, shouldn't there be more north-south access instead of having to go all the way to 30th for the 2 to connect to Adams? I'm capable of walking or biking, but what about the people who aren't?

Believe me, I think it will be great when I can bus from my house to Balboa Park easily, but what does this do to the Mid-City Bike Corridor project? Committing to new bus plazas seems to eliminate all possibilities for a protected bike lane along ECB, and could also mean not even a Class 2 route. It isn't really clear how these projects work together or in opposition, so I think that more community meetings should be held, and though I was a little slow in getting involved, you can be sure I'll be at as many of the meetings as I can.

If you're interested in the North Park Mid-City Bike Corridor, the next meeting is June 25, 2013 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Teen Challenge Center located at 5450 Lea Street (San Diego, CA 92105)

A friend of mine posted a couple dorky LA Transit videos, but they address greater transit issues if you're interested (after the jump).

Adams Avenue Street Fair Opens Submissions

The Adams Avenue Street Fair returns for its 32nd year in Normal Heights and it's time to get your submissions in if you would like your band to be considered for the free festival.

This year's festival will be held on Saturday, September 28, and Sunday, September 29, 2013 and they're now accepting music submissions from now until Monday, July 15.

Please submit an EPK that includes a couple of tracks, photo, and a one paragraph bio to Steve Kader: smkader@cox.net

Or by mail at:

Adams Avenue Business Association
Attn: Adams Avenue Street Fair Music Submissions
4649 Hawley Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92116

That seems easy enough, right? Well, as someone on the music committee that has to sift through all of the entries, here are some tips:

-sending a package with a CD with all of the bands info on the case and on the CD is the best way to get your band heard

-if you choose to send an email, use a CLEAR SUBJECT on your email, i.e. "Adams Avenue Band Submission from (Band Name). These emails are forwarded to several people and will be junk mail if it isn't clear what they're about.

-While Steve accepts MP3 files, his inbox will fill up really fast. A better option is to link to EACH TRACK hosted on SoundCloud, Bandcamp. SonicBids and Reverbnation also work, but the sound is pretty terrible. We pretty much listen through a laptop speaker, so consider that when you submit.

-Submit tracks with a VERY SHORT intro. Imagine a room of 5 or 6 people sifting through 100 or 300 or 500 emails. If your music doesn't catch the ears in the first 30 seconds, it could just be moved aside.

-Be realistic. Does your band belong on a festival stage? Can you draw a crowd? Where have you played before and what was the turnout? Certainly all bands are considered, but we walk into the meeting with "dream lists" of bands we would like to see perform. Budget is set aside for big touring acts to anchor the stages, local bands are paid very modestly to perform as support.

-Have a concise bio. "So and so is a (insert genre) band from San Diego that sound like X, Y, and Z. The # members met at XYZ and have been performing live at venues like A, B, and C, for # years."

-If you are an ACOUSTIC act, send your package in to Steve, but also get in touch with Louis at Lestat's, as he generally handles all acoustic acts.

-Don't email me. This is Steve's baby, I don't know if or how much I'll be involved.

-Include your preferred stage and availability. The stages are rock, world music, acoustic, roots, and blues. If you can only play one day or the other or are limited to daytime or nighttime, say so, though being available anytime on either day will increase your chances of performing.

-The music committee tries not to repeat performers. If you played in 2012, you might not be asked to play in 2013. Try again in 2014.

Things To Do In San Diego: June 14, 2013

I've been holding onto these listings since Tuesday but I've been kinda crazy busy so whatever. I also fear I've got one of those repetitive motion injuries that people get when they overuse a computer without ergonomic seating so it kinda has been killing me to type lately. Hopefully taking a week vacation will help, but before we leave, I've got a bajillion things to share with you so I promise one way or another I'll get some posts up. A little update- after I heard about The Ruby Room closing, I should've chosen better words. Shiloh, my beautiful bearded friend behind the soundboard, will remain at the bar and handle booking. So Sean and Brittni are taking the name with them, but the bar will remain open with regular bookings, art, and all the stuff you've come to expect at that location. It is also the last weekend to dance with MayStar at The Flame. It's closing or restructuring or something. The word on the street is that nobody has heard from the owners in over 6 months.  Anyway, I'll be working merch at the Casbah on Friday and Saturday, so come say hi, otherwise I'll see you when I'm back from Hercules. Friday archives are after the jump.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

San Diego Newsy Bits: Ruby Room Shutters, Peter Holslin Splits and other stuff you already read on Facebook

I haven't done newsy bits in some time, and when a friend told me he heard the Ruby Room was closing, I decided I'd just wait to hear from Sean and Brittni, since I've gotten in trouble for prematurely opening my mouth. Today, that announcement came down the pipe:



For Immediate Release

Tuesday June 11, 2013

Thank you, San Diego. Ruby Room Closing Its Doors and Starting New Project

After 5 years, 1500+ shows, 19 parking lot festivals, 3 CityFests, countless art shows, numerous charity events, and several friends and drinks later, The Ruby Room will be closing its doors and changing ownership the week of June 11, 2013. Due to creative and directional differences, operators and half-owners Sean and Brittni Cute are selling their shares of the Hillcrest music venue to their business partner, and taking the name with them. “This isn’t goodbye,” Sean Cute states, “This is reincarnation. The body is still there, but the soul of The Ruby Room is moving on to take new form”.

The Cutes have already starting shopping for new locations for their next project in the San Diego area. “Live music and art is who we are, and you will be sure to find a bigger and better version of this with our new project. The talent in San Diego is vast and we feel so fortunate to be a part of it,” says Brittni.

The Cutes would like to personally thank the community of San Diego, the fabulous neighborhood of Hillcrest, the Hillcrest Business Association, all the artists, musicians, non-profits, promoters, patrons, journalists, friends, neighbors, and staff that have passed through the doors of The Ruby Room. “It takes involvement from everyone to make a creative project of this magnitude happen. This has been an extremely exciting chapter in our life,” adds Sean.

Sean Cute will also be stepping down as Secretary of the Hillcrest Business Association, although he plans to re-join following the opening of the new location. Sean says of Hillcrest: “Giving back to the community that I was a part of even before we opened The Ruby Room is a high priority. Our neighborhood is definitely something special.”
Although owners Sean and Brittni Cute have left, The Ruby Room name will change by mid-July. The new concept will be led by their former business partner, with less of an art and music orientation, and more focus on being a local tavern.

Artists themselves, the Cutes do have a few side projects cooking in the summer months. Sean is currently working on a self-penned book about the experience and exploits of owning a rock venue titled “What The Hell Do I Know”. Brittni will be giving her abstract photography career a resurgence, which has spanned New York, LA, London, and Milan.

In other news, you've all read and heard by now that Peter Holslin has stepped down as music editor of San Diego CityBeat. (In case you missed it, David Rolland wrote a nice bit about it here.) I just wanted to add that San Diego: Dialed In has always appreciated all of the great pieces Peter has written and we have been inspired by San Diego CityBeat through the years, and we look forward to working alongside Jeff Terich covering this great music scene.

In little news, the Black Cat recently got an upgraded license. I believe the new license allows them to have one mic, though I've already seen bands like Trailduster and others in the location. I would venture to guess you might see karaoke or some of the quieter bands on the scene who will really only bring positive traffic to the neighborhood. (Black Cat is in City Heights, at University between 42nd and Van Dyke, just east of the 15.) Keep an eye out in our listings for shows. I'll post them whenever I can find them.

There were other things I meant to tell you...like 4th&B is supposedly going to reopen...but right now the building looks like shit so I'll believe it when I see it. (CityBeat posted the story at the beginning of May). There's other stuff I'm supposed to tell you, like Adams Avenue submissions can be sent in to the Adams Avenue Business Association and that San Diego Music Thing has started to announce acts, but I'll give you full posts on those when I have more time. 

xoxo

Things To Do In San Diego: June 11-13, 2013

Doesn't look like any updates for this week's shows, but I thought I'd repost the listings anyway since they've been a little buried with so much content from all of my awesome contributors. I definitely feel a diary post coming on soon because there's been so much good stuff going on, but that's something I'll have to do on an all-nighter or something so I don't waste away my day. Listings through Thursday are after the jump. 

Tuesday June 11, 2013:
  • Bad Veins, Harriet, Grampa Drew @ Casbah
  • 91X Loudspeaker Live Presents: The Paragraphs, Subsurfer, Recordable Colors @ The Griffin
  • Harriet and the Tubmans, Kahgoo, The Great Okra @ Soda Bar
  • JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound, The Grass Heat @ Belly Up
  • Magic Brotherhood Presents: Bedlam and Beyond w/ The Young Jerks, DJ Mikey Ratt @ Tin Can
  • The Chop Tops, The Strikers @ The Void
  • REO Speedwagon @ San Diego County Fair Grandstand Stage
  • Dave Davies @ San Diego County Fair Paddock Stage
  • Joker's Wild @ San Diego County Fair Rock On Stage
  • Local Brews Local Grooves feat. Cult Vegas, La Madness, Julia May and the Pemguins. Two4Flinching @ House of Blues Voodoo Stage
  • Vicious Circle, Psychosomatic, Condemned?, Christ Killer @ The Shakedown Bar
  • GZA @ Porter's Pub
  • Subrosa Union @ Winston's
  • Party Planet Karaoke @ Riviera Supper Club
  • Jesse Davis @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
  • Mike Wofford, Holly Hofmann Quartet @ Croce's
  • Train of Thought @ Queen Bee's
  • Comedy Night @ Lestat's
  • Tomcat Courtney @ La Gran Tapa
  • Doug Allen @ The Kraken
  • Sweet Deams @ Tiki House
  • Friends Chill @ Whistle Stop
  • Walter's Chicken Jam @ Patrick's Gaslamp Pub
  • 2 Guys Will Move U @ McP's Irish Pub
  • 710 Bass Club @ 710 Beach Club
  • Karaoke @ Kensington Club

Monday, June 10, 2013

Phoenix Playing San Diego October 10, 2013

Photo by PSquared Photography
Those lovable French rock darlings Phoenix, fronted by Thomas Mars, have booked a return date here in San Diego, La Jolla to be exact. The show is happening at RIMAC Arena on Thursday, Wednesday October 10. This is the final US stop on their tour promoting their recently released album Bankrupt!.Tickets go on sale Thursday June 13 at 10 am PST via Ticketmaster. The link can be found here.
Phoenix
ON SALE               Fri., June 14 at 10:00 AM
SHOW DATES     Oct. 10 at 8:00 PM

TICKET PRICES   $45.00 / $35.00

Sunday, June 09, 2013

!!! @ Casbah- 05.29.13

!!!
 
!!! made their triumphant return to San Diego to close out the month of May and blew the lid off the Casbah with a killer set of their special brand of psych-dance-punk (emphasis on 'dance').  If you've seen them live before, you know exactly what type of show they put on and this one upped the ante as it was full on Danceparty3000 from start to stop.  More photos after the jump.

Recommended Shows in San Diego June 10-16, 2013

While June gloom has become the favorite weather term in San Diego, the upcoming week of musical events is looking to be on the bright side. A closer look at some shows worth attending is below.

The Steelwells continue their Casbah residency on Monday with some good local openers...

On Tuesday Cincinnati duo Bad Veins headline a great bill with LA band Harriet opening, also at the Casbah...

The Casbah continues to offer great lineups with Desert Noises (UT), The Parson Red Heads (PDX) and Said the Whale (Vancouver) on Wednesday...

On Thursday Okapi Sun and Oh Spirit play the monthly show at MaryJane's Underground at the Hard Rock Hotel...RSVP for the 619 Vodka specials here...head over to the Casbah for frenetic Portland band The Thermals to cap off the night...

Soda Bar is the place to be on Friday for Brooklyn indie rockers Small Black, touring in support of their recently released album Limits of Desire...

The Burning of Rome headline Soda Bar on Saturday...The Greyboy Allstars complete their two night run at the Casbah...

Sunday night (Father's Day) offers a variety of shows...power pop band Free Energy play the Casbah...if garage/punk is more your style then head over to Soda Bar for Ex-Cult...They Might Be Giants headline the Belly Up...

A great week of shows lies ahead, be a part of the live music scene here in San Diego...

Watch a video of Lucky from Said the Whale below.

Friday, June 07, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: June 7-10, 2013

The weekend is already in progress and I couldn't be happier. While Darren's cab gets some work done, I get to enjoy pretty much a 72-hour date weekend with him, minus a few hours tomorrow when I work, which actually kicked off earlier today with a bike ride from North Park to Downtown and around the bay with a stop for clam chowder from The Fish Market. We're about to head to the Belly Up, but I thought I would update the listings just in case you might need them later from your mobile device and since I forgot to add tonight's show at the Ken Club. Also, I was on KPBS yesterday. You can hear my radio interview here or watch the TV interview here (which didn't make the cut for the show, I guess). Friday through Monday archives are after the jump. 

Photos: The Appleseed Cast | The Casbah 5.19.13

The Appleseed Cast @ The Casbah

The Appleseed Cast at The Casbah.
 See more photos after the jump.

Sandy Parts Festival Set Times

For those heading to Oceanside for the sold out SPF on Saturday, sponsor FM 94.9 has posted the set times. There will be two stages for the event.  Gates open at 3:00.

3:30-4:00- Soda Pants...FM 94.9 Main Stage

4:15-4:45- The Palace Ballroom...Red Bull Tour Bus Stage

5:00-5:45- The Mowgli's...FM 94.9 Main Stage

6:00-6:45- Family of the Year...Red Bull Tour Bus Stage

7:00-7:45- Capital Cities...FM 94.9 Main Stage

8:00-8:45- Youngblood Hawke...Red Bull Tour Bus Stage

9:00-10:00- Matt & Kim...FM 94.9 Main Stage

As always, if you will be consuming alcoholic beverages before, during or after the event, use public transportation or a designated driver...Enjoy the show...

Thursday, June 06, 2013

Sunset Sessions Rock! Returns to San Diego

For 16 years, Michele Clark has been hosting Sunset Sessions. The idea was simple- bring new music and sounds to people who can do something with them...radio program directors, film supervisors, advertising agencies and more all have incredible power to break new music. These industry professionals are flown in to attend daytime panels, listening parties, mixers and keynote speakers, and by night are required to attend music showcases. They actually call roll to make sure that the people who have been brought to hear music are actually present to hear it.

Originally, Sunset Sessions targeted the "Triple A" format (radio speak for Adult Album Alternative). A bit of a vague category that countered the easy listening and yacht rock music of the 80's, not quite hard enough to be rock, but not quite fitting into labels like "alt-rock". Often, AAA bands gain a wider audience in Top 40 or Alternative Rock, but sometimes years after they've been nurtured on the AAA format. A few years ago, Sunset Sessions expanded to two events, the new one to focus on the demands of TV and film who wanted a little more edge without having to filter the vast interwebs to find the next big thing, and thus Sunset Session Rock was born.

After hosting the event in Palm Springs last year (and moving the 2013 AAA Sessions to San Francisco), the event is back in San Diego and for the first time ever, the music showcases will be held at the Belly Up with some tickets available to the public. After the industry professionals spend their days at panels, they'll be shuttled to three nights of showcases, two of them hosted by 91X and one hosted by FM 94/9.



I've been fortunate to attend several Sunset Sessions over the years, long before I started a music blog, and every year I've attended I've discovered great new music, met incredibly inspiring professionals and have learned so much about how the wheels of the industry really work.

This year's Sunset Sessions is taking place at The Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa. And while that portion is still open only to select invited industry professionals, it would behoove you to check out some or all of the showcases at the Belly Up.

Thursday:
7PM - 10:30PM: MAIN STAGE * Belly Up Presented by 91X
Cameron Rafati * The Unlikely Candidates * Faulkner *
Semi Precious Weapons * Monster Truck * DJ Skratch N Sniff (between sets)

10:30PM - 11:30PM: LATE NIGHT LOUNGE * Belly Up
FERAL VINCA * Big B

Friday:
7PM - All Night! MAIN STAGE * Belly Up Presented by 94.9
Cheating Daylight * Leogun * Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. * 7Lions *
Redlight King * Heaven's Basement * Michelle Delamor *
Ed Hale & The Transcendence * DJ Skratch N Sniff (between sets)

Saturday:
7:30PM - 11PM: MAIN STAGE * Belly Up Presented by 91X
The Boxer Rebellion * Eve To Adam * ACIDIC * Dig The Kid *
Brand New Machine

11PM - 12AM: LATE NIGHT LOUNGE * Belly Up
Strange Native * D-Strutters

For information, go to www.sunsetsessions.org

Here's me talking it up on KPBS (which will air on Friday during the 6:30 broadcast.

Wednesday, June 05, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: June 5-6, 2013

I feel like I haven't written on my own site for awhile- had to do a ceiling to floor cleaning of my pad trying to help my dog overcome her butt chomping, Darren's taxi was out of service over the weekend so we had a blast on a rare weekend off, hitting Tame Impala and Crystal Fighters and Lisa Loeb, and this week we hiked Cowles (my first time ever) and spent the greater part of Tuesday at the Zoo, enjoying the relative calm before it gets crazy for summer. So I've been out and been keeping occupied though it's making me feel somewhat disorganized as we plan a vacation later this month and all the things coming up between now and then. It's all been really good, though I think I'll take the afternoon to catch up with as much as I can. There's a lot going on this weekend-Sunset Sessions, and SPF and San Diego County Fair kicking off plus a lot of work in between. Listings are done through next week (Thanks as always to Jordan and Josh and Jeff) so hopefully you can find some fun ways to spend your time, too. Wednesday and Thursday archives are after the jump. 

Monday, June 03, 2013

Mumford & Sons Traffic Advisory

From Livenation: We have just found out that the 805 is closed near the 905, so please let everyone know that they can get to Sleep Train Amphitheatre via 5 south, exiting MAIN STREET in Chula Vista, and Main Street will take them all the way to the venue.

AVOID THE 805 ENTIRELY! It is backed up to the 8 and beyond.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Things To Do In San Diego June 3-6, 2013

Monday June 3, 2013:
  • The Steelwells, Family Wagon, Midnight Pine, The Heart Beat Trail @ Casbah (FREE)
  • Mumford & Sons, Michael Kiwanuka, Mystery Jets @ Sleep Train Amphitheatre (Sold Out)
  • Miss Erika Davies @ Old Town Theatre 7 pm
  • Soda Bar Presents: Ceremony, Blank Realm, Suspect @ Che Cafe
  • Jewel (Greatest Hits Tour- solo acoustic), Atz Lee, Steve Poltz @ Humphreys Concerts By the Bay
  • The Tin Can Country Club feat. Emily Schrader @ Tin Can
  • Metal Monday Presented by Cattle Decapitation and Some Girls @ The Void
  • WG & the G-Men @ Patrick's Gaslamp Pub
  • Dave Scott & Monsoon Jazz @ Croce's
  • The Groove feat. Stellita @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
  • Monday Night Mass w/ The Husky Boy All-Stars @ Bar Pink
  • Open Mic @ Lestat's
  • Electric Waste Band @ Winston's
  • Karaoke @ Coyote Bar & Grill
  • Modern Day Moonshine @ House of Blues Voodoo Stage
  • Monday Night Jams @ 710 Beach Club
  • Doug Allen @ The Kraken
Tuesday June 4, 2013:
  • Moosejaw, One I Red, Buffalo Picnic, Amigo @ Casbah
  • And And And, Sun Angle, Hello Penelope @ Soda Bar
  • 91X Loudspeaker Live Presents: XNY, Ocean Hands @ The Griffin
  • Soda Bar Presents: Parquet Courts, Shiva Trash, Nostalgic People @ Che Cafe
  • Chris Lindgren Tribute: Second Generation, DJ Tadd Samuelson, DJ Diana Shayegan @ Belly Up
  • Deep Sea Thunderbeast, Brick Mower, Cash Crop @ Tin Can
  • Scott Weiland @ House of Blues
  • Local Brews Local Grooves feat. Sister Speak and friends @ House of Blues Voodoo Stage
  • Party Planet Karaoke @ Riviera Supper Club
  • Christan Hastings Band @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
  • Tripp Sprague @ Croce's
  • Tiki Tuesday feat. Adrian Demain's Exoticatronica @ Bar Pink
  • Walter's Chicken Jam @ Patrick's Gaslamp Pub
  • Friends Chill @ Whistle Stop
  • Psydecar @ Winston's
  • Train of Thought @ Queen Bee's
  • Comedy Night @ Lestat's
  • Tomcat Courtney @ La Gran Tapa
  • Doug Allen @ The Kraken
  • Sweet Deams @ Tiki House
  • 710 Bass Club @ 710 Beach Club
  • Gene Warren @ McP's Irish Pub
  • Karaoke @ Kensington Club
Wednesday June 5, 2013:
  • Generationals, Young Empires @ Casbah
  • 91X Presents: The Unlikely Candidates, Carousel, The Sinclairs @ Soda Bar
  • Walter Trout, Blitz Bros @ Belly Up
  • Trails and Ways, Bad Suns, Marco Polo @ The Griffin
  • Suburban Campers, El Toro de la Muerte, The Paper Thins @ Tin Can
  • Godwana, El Dulce Lobo @ House of Blues
  • Cut Hands, Black Rain @ The Void
  • Dan Gindling, Jimmy Lunsford @ Lestat's
  • Swimm @ The Saloon (Encinitas)
  • Full of Hell, My Iron Lung, Globe & beast, Haruka @ Che Cafe
  • The Tighten Ups @ El Dorado
  • BLUSD Presents Jammingout the House of Blues @ House of Blues Voodoo Stage
  • Open Mic @ Brick By Brick
  • SoMo, Nick Luebke @ Porter's Pub
  • Kice Simko and Friends @ Riviera Supper Club
  • Backwater Blues Band @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
  • Sue Palmer @ 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
  • Christopher Dale, Robin Henkel @ Handlery Hotel
  • New Best Thing @ Whistle Stop
  • Blue Rockit Band @ Patrick's Gaslamp Pub
  • Open Mic @ Winston's
  • Ron's Trio @ McP's Irish Pub
  • Firehouse Swing Night @ Queen Bee's
  • Wild Nite @ Coyote Bar & Grill
  • Open Mic @ 710 Beach Club

Thursday June 6, 2013:

  • Cayucas, JBM @ Casbah
  • Wayne Hancock, The Screamin Yeehaws @ Soda Bar
  • Grace Potter & The Nocturnals @ Humphrey's Concerts By the Bay
  • Sunset Sessions Presented by 91X @ Belly Up
  • Polynesian Underground Presents: Inna Vision, Hi Roots @ The Griffin
  • Bruisecaster, The Vaginals, Invisible Path @ Tin Can
  • Chris Velan, Mississippi Gann Brewer, PI jacobs @ Lestat's
  • Club Mercy Presents: YG @ House of Blues
  • Moonlight Serenade Orchestra @ Crystal Ballroom (414 N. Magnolia, El Cajon)
  • Turn Up w/ DJ Artistic @ Bar Pink
  • In The Cut @ El Dorado
  • The Matadors, The Butchery Boys, tba @ The Shakedown Bar
  • Jamie Laval, Max Newman @ Dizzy's
  • Cult Vegas @ Riviera Supper Club
  • SoulJazz @ Croce's
  • Miki Vale, Jon Black, Tramlife, Amanda Mercedes, XIV @ Kava Lounge
  • Slabratory Clothing Presents: Authoruty Zero, Hoist the Colors, Versus the World, Implants @ Brick By Brick
  • Michelle Lundeen@ Humphrey's Backstage Live
  • EDM w/ Ummet Ozcan @ Fluxx
  • Kayla Hope @ Tiki House
  • Too Rude for Sunday @ Coyote Bar & Grill
  • Missy Andersen @ The Marble Room
  • Bumping Uglies @ Boar Cross'n
  • Timelines @ Whistle Stop
  • Mystique Element of Soul @ Patrick's Gaslamp Pub
  • 3rd Borough, The Red Fox Tails @ Winston's
  • Beyond I Sight, DJ Reefah, TRC Soundsystem @ Gallagher's Irish Pub
  • Big City Shaman @ McP's Irish Pub

Del Mar Racetrack 4 O'Clock Fridays/Summer Concert Series

The Yeah Yeah Yeah's Karen O
courtesy of Dana Yavin
With the opening of the annual San Diego County Fair next week, I thought it would be worthwhile mentioning the music events happening throughout the fair and racetrack season. The family oriented fair offers a variety of entertainers on several stages, the link to all the events can be found here. The San Diego County Fair runs from June 8 through July 4 (closed Mondays except July 1).

The popular 4 O'Clock Fridays offers 10 concerts this summer, happening at the Seaside Stage during race season. George Varga's UT preview can be found here. Suffice to say, a potpourri of artists with local favorites Pinback, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Fitz and the Tantrums to name a few. Admission is included with racetrack entrance prior to the start of the day's final race. Parking at the Solana Beach train station (free) and catching a bus (also free) to the track are highly recommended.

Saturday, June 01, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: June 1-6, 2013

This week was a little bit crazy, so I didn't really get a chance to add all the little extras to the listings, but I think I got most of them now. I'm really looking forward to lots of good stuff today, tonight, and tomorrow and am kinda geeking out that I'll be selling merch for Lisa Loeb on Sunday. If you've never had a chance to see her live, you should definitely head to the Casbah and you'll quickly discover that her catalog is a lot more extensive than just "Stay".  Listings through Thursday are after the jump.
    Saturday,  June 1, 2013:
    • ART AROUND ADAMS @ Various Venues, Normal Heights & Kensington, Free, 2-10pm
    • Fiesta Del Sol feat. Greyboy Allstars and more @ Fletcher Cove (Solana Beach)
    • Crystal Fighters, Alpine, Pruitt Igoe @ Casbah (SOLD OUT)
    • Imagine Dragons, Nico Vega, , X Ambassadors @ Open Air Theatre, SDSU (SOLD OUT)
    • Casbah Presents: Bunny Gang (Nathan Maxwell of Flogging Molly), Todo Mundo, Happy Campers @ Soda Bar
    • The Heavy Guilt, Hills Like Elephants, We Are The West @ Winston's
    • Psychedelic Furs, My Jerusalem @ Belly Up (SOLD OUT)
    • Sunny Rude, The Stircrazies & 80 Proof @ 710 Beach Club
    • Vamonos! @ Bar Pink
    • Imagine Dragons (DJ Set) feat. Dan Reynolds @ Voyeur
    • The Palace Ballroom, The Beautiful View, Bullet & Snowfox, Rob Bondurant @ The Griffin
    • FIDLAR, Death Hymn #9, The Frights, Tan Sister Radio @ Ché Café (SOLD OUT)
    • Lady Zep, Jane's Diction, Dayavaad @ Brick By Brick
    • Dre Cat x Cali King James Flo Dizza Slayedbacc Elevated Co. Franki Dekker @ Epicentre
    • Sid Vicious + Rico DeLargo @ Fluxx
    • First Friday Club (2:00), Rising Star (9:00) @ Humphrey's Backstage
    • Anne McCue, Lisa Sanders @ Lestat's
    • Luicidal, The Hula-Guns, The Nite Crawlers, Chia King, The Entities @ Ramona MainStage
    • Elektrofied Variety Art and Music Showcase @ Ruby Room
    • Aim to Kill, Vanguard, Dark Matter, Terminal Velocity, Fatal Disease, Exception, Psychophobia @ Soma
    • ELEV8 & EGOTRIP presents Nico Luminous @ Spin
    • The Natives, Gentlemen of Verona (Belgium), The Pheasants @ Tin Can
    • Left4Dead @ Tio Leo's
    • Elvia and the Fellas @ V Lounge
    • Caliber @ Dreamcatcher
    • Cat500, Protect Me, Infinity Dots w/ DJ Rene Hell & Purple Image (Sun Araw) @ The Void
    • School of Rock Presents: Big 4 (3:00) @ Sunset Temple
    • School of Rock Presents: The Pixies (7:00) @ Sunset Temple