Recommended Shows In San Diego July 29-August 4, 2013

As July comes to a close, there is no shortage of quality musical events here in San Diego. A closer look reveals some shows worth attending in the upcoming week.

On Monday, those without a ticket to the sold out Wolfmother show should check out emerging L.A. band Fallen Riviera at Soda Bar...

Tuesday marks the return of those lovable Ralph brothers, aka Writer, headlining Soda Bar...Mrs. Magician opens on what should be a fun night for all...

Jesca Hoop plays the Casbah on Wednesday...she possesses one of the best voices, which is truly a thing of beauty...Gayle Skidmore lends support...highly recommended...

On Thursday watch the sunset at MCASD La Jolla while listening to music from Bulletins...read the preview here...later spend the night with Austin instrumentalists Balmorhea at the Casbah...their music is somewhat genre defying, nevertheless worth checking out...Invisible Children host Wild Cub at Soda Bar...

Jay Farrar brings his alt-country band Son Volt to the Belly Up on Friday...they are touring in support of their recently released album Honky Tonk...Psychedelic rockers Astro play Til-Two Club...

On Saturday Daughn Gibson brings his heavy voice to the Casbah...William Tyler and Jesse LaMonaca open for a night of singer/songwriters...

Head over to Soda Bar on Sunday to check out SEACATS, rock and roll from Washington...

Watch a video of Born To from Jesca Hoop below.

San Diego Music Award Nominees Announced

The 2013 San Diego Music Award Nominees have been announced! Congratulations to all of the wonderful San Diegans who made the list and for everyone involved in making this such a vibrant music scene. The SDMA's will take place on Wednesday, October 9th at Humphrey's Concerts By The Bay. For ticket information and public voting, go here.



Best Cover Band
Beta Maxx
The Jones Revival
Cash'd Out
The Detroit Underground
Electric Waste Band
Rockola
The Baja Bugs
Thunder Road

Best Jazz
Bill Caballero
Euphoria Brass Band
Gilbert Castellanos
In Motion Trio
Joshua White
Rob Thorsen
Dialog Project
The Earful

Best Singer- Songwriter
Chad Taggart
Christopher Dale
Gayle Skidmore
Gregory Page
Jeff Berkley
Jeffrey Joe Morin
Marie Haddad
Steven Ybarra

Best Blues
The Bayou Brothers
Bill Magee Blues Band
Chet & The Committee
Fuzzy
Michele Lundeen
Robin Henkel
Stoney B. Blues Band
Tomcat Courtney

Best World Music
AfroJazziacs
Cumbia Machin
Hrie
Shoreline Rootz
The Devastators
Todo Mundo
Tribal Seeds
Zimbeat

Best Americana
Garbo
John Meeks
L.A. Edwards
Nena Anderson
Sara Petite
Roy Rapid
Sara Watkins
The Tree Ring

Best Hip Hop
Black Resume
Blame One
El Gun Legro
Grammatical B
Parker & the Numberman
Legacy Pack
The Lyrical Groove
Vokab Kompany

Best Pop
Dr. Seahorse
Mad Traffic
Mrs. Magician
Okapi Sun
Scott Mathiason & The Shifty Eyed Dogs
Smile Now Cry Later
The Silent Comedy
Ed Ghost Tucker

Best Alternative
Cuckoo Chaos
Cult Vegas
Dead Feather Moon
The Burning of Rome
The Heavy Guilt
The Nformals
Tropical Popsicle
Wild Wild Wets

Best Rock
Blackout Party
Black Hondo
Family Wagon
Grand Tarantula
Jet West
The Beautiful View
The Donkeys
Transfer

Best Hard Rock
Audio Addiction
Condemned
Death Crisis
Earthless
Griever
Mortuus Terror
Retox
Schitzophonics

Best Club DJ
Adam Salter
Artistic
Fresh One
Gabe Vega
Kanye Asada
Marc Thrasher
Junior the Disco Punk
Saul Q

Best Pop Album
Belmont Lights - Telegraphs
Chris Carpenter - Up All Night
Dawn Mitschele - Silence the Noise
Josh Damigo - Hope
Neon Cough - New Adventures in Wi-Fi
Tori Roze and The Hot Mess – Turbulence
Old Tiger - Love Have Mercy
Tolan Shaw - s/t

Best Rock Album
Black Market III - Songs that Shake The Cage
Dirty Sirens - s/t
Hills Like Elephants - Feral Flocks
Safety Orange - State of Where I Am
The Nervous Wreckords - Let Them All Talk
The New Regime - Exhibit A
The Palace Ballroom -This is the Plan...
The Paragraphs - +/-

Best Alternative Album
Lexington Field - No Man's War
Mad Traffic - City
New Mexico – Malpaís
Social Club - Gamma Rays
The Burning of Rome -With Us
The Heavy Guilt - s/t
The Night Marchers - Allez Allez
We Are Sirens - Every, Body, Panic

Best Hard Rock Album
Author & Punisher-Women and Children
Boy King - 1
Dirty Sirens - s/t
In Feat and Faith - s/t
Lord Howler - ...Hath Four Heads!
Retox - YPLL
The Suicide Chords - A Process of Self Worth

Best Hip Hop Album
Addiquit - Tragedy
Awol & Gamma - SinSerious
Bloodstone The Street Preacher - Life of Rhyme
Marty MacPhly - In Advance
Miki Vale - The Good, The Bad & The Lovely
Odessa Kane - Cuetes & Balisongs
Trackwide - 21+
Vokab Kompany & Crush Effect - VKCE

Best Blues Album
Candye Kane - Coming Out Swingin'
Charles Burton Blues Band - Sweet Potato Pie
Chess Wars - Peace
Johnny Vernazza - Lions & Thieves
Low Volts - Oh My Stars
Red Lotus Revue – Fourteen Stories
Sue Palmer & her Motel Swing Orchestra - Party Favorites
Whitney Shay - Soul Tonic

Best Jazz Album
Danny Green - A Thousand Ways Home
Gilbert Castellanos - Federal Jazz Project
Mike Wofford - It's Personal
Miss Erika Davies - Part the Sea
Pocket - Resonance
Road Work Ahead - Intersection
Steph Johnson - Nature Girl
Teagan Taylor - Hello

Best Americana Album
A.J. Croce - Twelve Tales
Alaina Blair – s/t
El Monte Slim - If I Could Just Break Even
Folding Mr. Lincoln - Two Rivers
Joel Rafael - America Come Home
River City - The Flood & The Gavel
The Tilt - Howlin'
The Tree Ring - Brushbloom

Best World Music Album
B-Side Players - Revolutionize
High Tide - Still Rising
Keltic Kharma - Cocktail Kharma
Patric Petrie - Pocket Venus
San Diego Island Boys - II
Revival - The Message
Stranger Band - Above it All
Tribal Theory - Hell of a Night

Best Local Recording
Darius Degher - The Coyote Cantos
Grampadrew - Cut From The Cloth
The Sickstring Outlaws - Johnny Drank Jack
The Lovebirds - and a one and a two
The Midnight Pine - Awake Now
The Touchies - Mess with the Unicorn
Tide Pools - Grief is a Wilderness
The Wayne Riker Five - Kindred Souls

Best New Artist
Chess Wars
Barbarian
Flaggs
Soda Pants
Teenage Burritos
The Filthy Violets
The Midnight Pine
The Phantoms

Artist of the Year
Family Wagon
Gilbert Castellanos
Little Hurricane
Pinback
The Burning of Rome
The Heavy Guilt
The Silent Comedy
Wavves

Album of the Year
Mike Keneally - Wing Beat Fantastic
P.O.D. - Murdered Love
Pacific Air - Stop Talking
Pinback - Information Retrieved
Slightly Stoopid - Top Of the World
The Burning of Rome - With Us
Tristan Prettyman - Cedar + Gold
Wavves -Afraid of Heights

Song of the Year
A.J. Croce – Rollin’ On
Pacific Air - Move
Pinback - Proceed to Memory
P.O.D. - Beautiful
Slightly Stoopid - Don't Stop
The Silent Comedy – God Neon
Tristan Prettyman - My Oh My
Wavves - Demon to Lean On

Best Live Performer
Burning of Rome
Gilbert Castellanos
Lady Dottie & the Diamonds
Little Hurricane
The Creepy Creeps
The Heavy Guilt
The Silent Comedy
The Styletones

Best Music Video by a San Diego band
Cuckoo Chaos - Shanghaied
Mrs. Magician - There is No God
P.O.D. - Beautiful
Pinback- Sherman
Slightly Stoopid - Don't Stop
Social Club - Slow Motion
The Silent Comedy - God Neon
Wavves - Afraid of Heights

Things To Do In San Diego: July 27-August 1, 2013

Sorry for the premature and unformatted listings earlier. I have now added through next Thursday so you can enjoy the weekend and preview what is coming up, too. I've got a ping pong table set up and waiting for me, so I'm going back offline. Happy weekend! Saturday through Wednesday archives after the jump.

Shore Thing @ MCASD La Jolla Thursday August 1, 2013

I cannot think of a better way to spend the afternoon/early evening than watching the sunset in beautiful La Jolla. Combine that with music, cocktails, art, and food and you have the recipe for what MCASD is calling Shore Thing. For the price of admission (adults $10) one gains entrance to the museum and the grounds. In addition, Pierogi Food Truck will be offering bites (additional charge) and cocktails will be available (cash bar) on the terrace. There will also be an interactive workshop for those who are interested. Did I say music? Yes, local indie rock band Bulletins will be playing during the event. Hours for Shore Thing are 5-8 pm on Thursday August 1.

For more information, visit the museum's link @ https://www.mcasd.org/events/shore-thing-0. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.


Listen to Narc and Heart of Hearts from Bulletins below (courtesy of SoundCloud)

For Your Eyes And Ears: The 1975

For those in possession of a ticket to the sold out show this Friday featuring The 1975 at the Casbah, check out a few videos from the band. Hailing form Manchester, England, the quartet are set to release their full length album on September 2nd. We will see you at the show. The first video is The City, followed by Chocolate and lastly, Sex...

Show Preview: Roadkill Ghost Choir @ Soda Bar Wednesday July 24, 2013

Roadkill Ghost Choir

Central Floridians Roadkill Ghost Choir will be bringing their long hair and indie folk rock music to Soda Bar on Wednesday July 24. With only an EP having been released to this point, Quiet Light contains songs which gradually lure the listener into their world. The six piece band is composed of three brothers (Andrew, Maxx, and Zach Shepard) with Kiffy Myers (pedal steel), Joey Davoli (keys) and Stephen Garza (guitar) completing the lineup. This recently formed band is finding its footing as a touring band, while still largely unknown to many witnessing their live performance. This is an excellent opportunity to see Roadkill Ghost Choir at the intimate Soda Bar tomorrow (Wednesday).

I would be remiss in failing to mention the openers for this show. First is front man from Dead Confederate T. Hardy Morris, playing songs from his soon to be released album Audition Tapes. Next on the bill are L.A.'s indie rockers The Lonely Wild. Having seen them perform several times, I think they are one of the best kept secrets out there. Their wonderful full length, The Sun As It Comes, was released in the spring.

All in all, an excellent way to spend the middle of the work week. Tickets can be purchased here.

Watch videos from Roadkill Ghost Choir (Bird In My Window) and The Lonely Wild (The Sun As It Comes) below.

Things To Do In San Diego: July 23-26, 2013

I know, I know. I was super gung-ho about posting about my first two days at the Con, but then the weekend was crazy busy and I haven't really been online much. I am happy to say that I still got my fill of music over the weekend, including The Silent Comedy, Diarrhea Planet, NoBunny, Weezer, Hey Marseilles!, Baths, Big Freedia, and Postal Service. I uploaded videos of Hey Marseilles! at M-Theory and a few Postal Service songs, so you can check out my YouTube Channel for those (though I haven't labeled any song titles just yet.) I have tons more to upload and write about and such, but I need to get my laptop serviced because it feels like I have a dial-up desktop from 1995, if anyone has any recommendations. I haven't added Facebook events just yet, but here's your listings through the weekend. I'll be working at the Irenic tonight, so stop by and say hi. Tuesday through Friday archives after the jump.

Recommended Shows In San Diego July 22-28, 2013

The end of Comic-Con marks the return of normal summertime activities in sunny San Diego. A look at the upcoming week finds many quality music events worth attending.

Emerging LA artists PAPA headline the Casbah on Monday...a show preview can be found here.

On Tuesday Tijuana Panthers stop at Soda Bar and will be playing songs from their recently released album Semi Sweet...GRMLN open for what promises to be a great night of music...

Floridians Roadkill Ghost Choir headline a great triple bill at Soda Bar on Wednesday...LA's The Lonely Wild and T. Hardy Morris (Dead Confederate) set the stage...highly recommended...

Soda Bar remains the place to be with a killer show on Thursday featuring New Yorkers Hockey with LA's Saint Motel slotted as openers along with Swimm...Sonny and the Sunsets offer a great alternative at the Casbah...

Buzz band The 1975 will be showcasing their talent to a sold out crowd at the Casbah on Friday...if you don't have a ticket, head to Soda Bar for the return of Swim Party...

The talented Austin troubadour Shakey Graves rolls into town on Saturday at Soda Bar...Singer/songwriter Josephine Foster makes a rare San Diego appearance at Seven Grand...

For those who were unable to get a ticket to the sold out Peter Murphy show at the Belly Up on Sunday, check out Speedy Ortiz at Soda Bar, touring in support of their recently released album Major Arcana...

A brief shout out to talent buyer and drummer Cory Stier, who is booking some great shows at Soda Bar...if you have not been, the vibe is cool, as is the temp...

Watch a video of Tony's Song from Tijuana Panthers below...

Things To Do In San Diego: July 19-22, 2013

Sorry about the bummer diary post...I really do love Comic-Con, I just think I'm a little too tired to really reflect on how awesome it is sometimes. Today is probably the busiest and most fun day of the Con if you let it be so, and it leads right into a night of awesome San Diego music, too. So even if you're not into the Con, there is a ton of stuff to see and do today. Friday through Monday archives are after the jump.

Rosey's Diary: Thursday at The Con

This might be a very premature assessment, or maybe I'm just tired, so forgive me if I'm speaking too soon, but it is very possible that I have outgrown Comic-Con. Or, perhaps, it has outgrown me. You know those people who go on and on about how it used to be before the overnighters camped out for Hall H, or before it was taken over by the studios and you just wanna punch them in the face and tell them to get over it, that the event has grown to include all aspects of pop culture and if you really just want to trade comic books, I'm sure e-bay still has room for you? Well, I guess I'm on the other side now. I love the pop culture, but I barely watch TV. When I do, it's late night with Chelsea Lately on E! or Watch What Happens Live on Bravo. I feel like I kinda have no idea what is going on at the Con.

This all came smacking me in the face when I was on an elevator to the Wired Insider lounge at the Omni. I'm riding up the elevator with at least two actors from Game of Thrones but I skipped the whole last season. Besides Facebook and Twitter spoilers, I paid no attention (despite paying a shitload for premium channels on cable). So I kinda recognized the actors, and that they were commenting on how awkward the elevator wraps were with Sophie's face so huge, but I was not in tune enough to chat them up. When the elevator doors opened, they were swiftly escorted off as people swooned, and I realized I'd just missed a huge photo op.

No big deal, right? I mean, we were at the Wired Cafe at the Omni, my favorite part of the Con every year. There's open bar, DJ Artistic is on the decks, the food is good, and there's sponsors around to entertain and giving swag. My first stop was getting my hair did like a viking. I mostly just looked chola, but it was cool. Then I got some henna- a rune on my left arm and later a dragon on my right.

We had a fun moment when that Barack Obama impersonator from the campaign rolled through. That guy is legit and looks just like him. But mostly my afternoon consisted of hanging around and people watching, drinking some blueberry-cherry-vodka concoction, and being very, very lazy.

After the Wired Cafe closed, I had a couple hours to wander. I attempted a Movies on Demand party at the Hard Rock but was denied, so I strayed toward the Children's Museum. Along the way there were some cool areas, like the History Channel's Vikings setup, where you can compete in a longboat race. Fun, but I was on my own and continued on.

 Eventually I walked back toward Hotel Solamar to visit a friend. He took me upstairs and handled the drink situation for me, and I was finally feeling relaxed, mostly because I didn't have to be anywhere. I was also excited because Darren and Nova were heading down to check things out, and eventually met me on the deck for a very brief period. On our way out, I had to snap a pic with Kristen Schaal, who acted every bit annoyed to be asked for a photo as one would expect from her comedy.

 Darren and Nova went on their way, and I ventured to Petco for MTV2's Party In The Park. It was cool to have easy access and no line, but since Tim was working in Chula Vista, I was on my own and have to admit it was not that fun to experience alone.

 I tried to shoot New Politics, then suddenly recalled the last time I tried to shoot them at 4th and B and all the handstands and pop and locks and breakdancing just couldn't be captured by my cameras.

Eventually Tim returned and met up with me at the MTV2 event. We had a drink and then went to the Haven party. Another one of those things that should really be more flexible, but I was on the list and he was not, so they wouldn't give him access. So stupid. But perhaps a blessing, because we decided to call it a night. I came home and unloaded and biked to Soda Bar and back home which brings me to now...2am...and ready to crash out. Recounting the night, maybe I'll eat my words. I love the Con. I love the energy, the anxiety, the headache of 1000 emails, the celebrities, the drinks, the lounges, the parties, the swag, the food, the funky smells, the tired feet. It is five days of the year and I bust ass to be there, to be among the press, to  have my moments of access. But at the end of the day, I'm beat and pronouncing I'm over it. Until the sun comes up and I'm ready for yet another day. Who knows what awesome or trainwreck or both awaits me tomorrow. 

Things To Do In San Diego: July 18, 2013

I've added a few events to the listings, including non-Con events like the really cool Lantern Festival at Hoover High or the South Park Walkabout, but I also added a few more Con things, including a Petco sponsored "Yappy Hour" at Hotel Indigo on Friday (open to the public) which will have dog treats and Star Wars photo opps for you and your dog as they launch a line of Star Wars pet gear. I also added the Metallica show which is supposedly happening at Spreckel's. Thursday archives are after the jump.

Rosey's Diary: Comic-Con Day 1: Preview Night

Comic-Con 2013 is here and I will just start by saying that I did not follow my own rules and it made for kind of a rough day.
I guess while some people fall into ruts, I've been the opposite...summer has been amazing and I spend my days running around with Darren and Nova going to the beach or parks or museums and by the time I usually leave them around 10 if I'm going out or midnight if I'm not, I'm pretty exhausted. So email and posting and all of the things that I used to incorporate have been neglected. Which means that this week, after rollerskating and going to the beach (and subsequently being stung by jellyfish), and going to parks and babysitting Zane with an afternoon at the zoo, and bike riding and running errands and laundry and, well, living, I still had to catch up on Casbah stuff and emails and Comic-Con rsvps. All of this to say, I haven't had much sleep this week, and that is already a bad way to start Con. But suck it up, right?

My Comic-Con Partner-In-Crime, Tim Pyles

So noon rolls around and Pyles picks me up for our weekly Casbah meeting, we run a couple errands, and we head to Mission Brewery where we were generously hooked up with liquid pleasure because Pyles is all famous and kind of a big deal. I unintentionally had two Carracks, which is a 10.2% beer, as well as tastes of a few others.
Around 3:30, we decided to get our badges with a meandering stroll past the Hilton and I was feeling great. Nice and loopy with beer and no breakfast or lunch. I got my badge easily, but Pyles' had a problem, which we later learned was because he was pulling up his 2012 registration. Oops.

Once squared away, we sat on the roof deck of the Convention Center chatting with some boys from Brazil until doors opened. What was I doing? I had no goal of buying any exclusives or waiting in lines to get more posters that will never end up on my walls. So Pyles went off on his own and I meandered through the hall. I was enjoying myself but still pretty buzzed, even after a couple hours had passed and I'd indulged in some nachos. There is obviously so much to take in and so much to see (and smell- yikes!), but once I'd walked the convention floor and seen what I wanted, I had to go. I texted Tim and was off wandering downtown for something to eat. I stopped by the SDCCblog Party at Henry's to say hi to Xavie, but it was packed so I knew food was not in my future there, so I continued on. I dropped in at Ciro's, but now that they're doing personal pizzas, the slices in the counter looked like they'd been there awhile, so I decided on Valentine's and ate. Finally. But it was too late. It was around 9 or so and I had a massive pounding headache.

 Pyles came and met me and we decided that we'd had enough of Preview Night and walked back to the car. I was home by 9:30, had water and aspirin and passed out on my bed fully dressed. I woke up at 3:45 and have been up ever since, cleaning my house, staying current with email and posts and listening to music and writing letters to Rachel Maddow and looking at my schedule for Thursday. This is generally my favorite day of Con, so hopefully all the moving pieces fit together and I get my fill of parties and events and lounges and press roundtables. And Darren and Nova are coming down to wander the streets so maybe I'll get to hang with them, too, because though fun, Wednesday was just a little less exciting without them.

The $52 My Little Pony that I will *not* be buying for my nieces

This one's for Nova- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles out of Legos

$57,750 comic. Holy shit. 

As always, Frank Kozik signing his KidRobot collectibles

On The Horizon: PAPA @ Casbah Monday July 22, 2013

Darren Weiss and Daniel Presant are the dynamic duo behind emerging LA band PAPA. Touring as a four piece, with only an EP to their credit, (their full length will be released sometime later this summer), the songs are full of energy and mark a band that are headed for bigger things. Weiss was formerly the drummer for the now defunct band Girls, but now he is front and center as the imposing lead in PAPA. Presant complements him well and is a very talented bass player. While playing to sold out crowds in their hometown, San Diegans await their arrival next Monday at the Casbah. I realize many folks will be hitting the snooze button after the Comic-Con weekend, but those willing to see a high energy show will be greatly rewarded. For those unfamiliar with PAPA's music, listen to a few standout tracks (courtesy of SoundCloud) below.

Tickets for the show can be purchased here.

FM 94/9 Independence Jam Is Back: 9.21.2013

FM 94/9 Independence Jam Coastal Invasion returns to the Junior Seau Memorial Amphitheatre at the Oceanside Pier. Yes, I'm a couple days behind on the announcement, but you have to get tickets now because through tomorrow at 10pm (or until the alotted discount tickets sell out), tickets are only $10. Grab them HERE.

September 21.

Doors: 3pm Show: 3:45pm
Line up:
-Cage The Elephant
-Smallpools
-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
-American Authors
-Royal Teeth
-The Colourist
-Dead Feather Moon
Ages 3 and under get in free with paid adult

Things To Do In San Diego: July 17, 2013

I've always been really proud that San Diego: Dialed In has always had thorough listings of things going on in San Diego. While I would love to believe this is the most comprehensive music list, and I've worked really hard to get as much of the Comic-Con stuff listed, there are also a lot of exclusive events and parties that I've left off because after years of trying to get into the EW End of Con Gala, for example, there's just so much going on that to claim to be the most comprehensive would be an exaggeration at best and a lie at worst. Like Metallica. Yes, they're playing Hall H on Friday and then a secret show, but I'm not going and frankly, never been much of a fan. Anyway, here are listings through next Thursday. There is certainly a lot to take in. I've also updated the tabs to include a Comic-Con 2013 list of links (all mobile enabled), so that you can navigate your way around the city during this madhouse of a weekend. If I missed something blatant, please feel free to let me know. And of course, I'll be tweeting all weekend (@sddialedin). Wednesday archives after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: July 16, 2013

It's 5:03 am and I've been working through the night. After a weekend that was jam-packed with shows (The Void & Soda Bar on Friday, Cary Brothers in Rancho Cucamonga and Transfer at the Casbah on Saturday), events (bike riding down University and around Balboa Park for Pride, all while closed to vehicle traffic was amazing!), and Sunday with my family, I am way behind in work. Not to mention spending Monday- my designated day off- rollerskating with Nova and then getting stung by two jellyfish at Mission Beach- and I'm struggling right now. So many emails to read, Casbah site stuff to update, Facebook events to create, and newsletters to send. There's so much going on this week for Comic-Con and I'm hoping we'll have all the listings up by tonight, but we'll have to see how the day goes. Tuesday archives are after the jump.

Tuesday night preview- Caravan Palace w/ DJ set by Wolfgang Von Cope with Live Circus Antics

Photo credit: Carlo Gira

 
Tomorrow night the Belly Up welcomes Parisian seven piece Caravan Palace and their unique blend of Electro Swing.  If this video is any indication, bring your dancing shoes because it's gonna be a live show...


 

More from Girlie Action Media:

Caravan Palace are re-releasing their new album Panic on June 24 in the USA. The musical collective are celebrated worldwide for introducing the sound of electro swing, and have already earned recognition with NPR and KCRW. Their seamless and thrilling fusion of Django Reinhardt /  Stephane Grapelli-inspired gypsy jazz with Daft Punk-inspired dance beats and crisp production has justly won them a legion of loyal fans.

A DJ set by Wolfgang Von Cope kicks the night off at 9pm.  Tickets available here. See you tomorrow night!

Recommended Shows in San Diego July 16-21, 2013

As San Diego hosts its biggest annual convention called Comic-Con this week, there are plenty of options to keep one's musical tastes satiated at night. A look at the week ahead reveals some shows worth attending.

On Tuesday London's folk pop band The Melodic headline Soda Bar...they were recently signed by Anti-...Song Preservation Society open the night...

The Happy Hollows return to San Diego this Wednesday at The Griffin with a new album in the works...local band Bulletins and LA's Nightmare Air round out the bill...

Grand Tarantula hit Soda Bar on Thursday...Irish duo The Guggeheim Grotto play the intimate stage at Lestat's...

Casbah hosts a triple bill on Friday featuring Sonic Boom, Black Marble and Soft Metals...

Athens, GA indie rockers with a psychedelic flavor Futurebirds swoop into Soda Bar on Saturday (Casbah Presents)...the interestingly named Diarrhea Planet set the stage...

Reunited supergroup The Postal Service play the big gig of the week on Sunday at the Open Air Theatre...Rogue Wave and Hey Marseilles make a tour stop at the Belly Up...California Wives headline Soda Bar...a great night of choices indeed...

All in all, a terrific week of music lies waiting for those wanting to enrich themselves...get off the couch and attend a show (or two)...

Watch a video of Virginia Slims from Futurebirds below.

Bastille Coming to San Diego in September

The latest sensation to soar to the top of the charts is former house band Bastille. Hailing from London and signed to Virgin Records, the electro/indie/synth group recently released their initial LP Bad Blood to highly favorable reviews. The songs are immediately catchy and make you want to hit the replay button. Suffice to say, with radio and television exposure, Bastille are a band on the rise. After a handful of small club shows (all sold out), the band will be returning to North America for eleven bigger venue shows. The first of these will be happening here in San Diego, at the House of Blues, on Monday, September 16. Tickets are available and can be purchased here.

Watch a video of Things We Lost in the Fire below.

Portugal. The Man w/ Avi Buffalo @ House of Blues- 07.10.13

This past Wednesday night, Portland (OR)-based psych-rockers Portugal. The Man made their yearly trip to San Diego and treated a sweltering HoB crowd to a visual and aural showcase.  Long Beach locals Avi Buffalo opened in support.  More words and photos after the jump...

Things To Do In San Diego: July 12-15, 2013

What a week! I definitely have a diary coming but I have so much email pouring in for ComicCon, plus Casbah and NBC work and babysitting and keeping busy with Darren and Nova during her summer vacation that I'm barely getting sleep (and loving every minute of it). Between San Diego Pride this weekend and Comic-Con International starting on Wednesday, all I really need is a day to write and do laundry. Maybe I know what I'm doing Friday night. Weekend Archives after the jump. Listings through next Thursday after the jump, and keep checking back as I add more Con stuff to the evolving list.

Tour de Fat Returning to San Diego

The craziness known as Tour de Fat is returning to San Diego on Saturday September 28. This year the event will be held in Balboa Park (site tba). For those unfamiliar with Tour de Fat, this is New Belgium Brewing's traveling circus comprised of a bicycle parade, crazy costumes, music, and of course, beer. There will also be a variety of entertainment of a rather distinct, yet strange, nature. All in all, something for everyone. This is a one of a kind participatory event.

One band yet to be announced will be none other than LA's He's My Brother She's My Sister performing on the circus adorned stage. A perfect fit for the event (IMHO). For more details click on the event's website here.

Show Preview: Pickwick, Pyyramids @ Casbah Sunday July 14, 2013

Photo Courtesy of Kyle Johnson

When looking at the constantly evolving music scene, everyone is always on the lookout for the so called 'next big thing'. While it is easy to find many artists that have been given this title, most fall short of deserving such acclaim. Enter Pickwick, Seattle's latest band to garner such attention. While the group has been steadily grabbing the attention of bloggers and columnists alike, new found success did not happen overnight. It was only a few years ago when Pickwick was just one band treading water in an overly crowded folk scene in Seattle. Fast forward to the present and the paradigm shift to an indie soul band has become fully realized in the group's recently released Can't Talk Medicine. The most notable asset Pickwick has in its lead singer, Galen Disston. The rest of the group plays with a confidence it takes others much longer to achieve (if at all). The album has a wonderful variety of songs, touching on sounds tracing back to the 60s. The accolades given to Pickwick are justly deserved, while their live performance should only reinforce such high marks. This is a band finding its footing and heading in the only direction it knows...upward.

Pickwick will be making its second live appearance in San Diego (first playing songs from the new album). Be sure to arrive early and catch Pyyramids, the collaborative effort from Tim Nordwind (OK Go) and vocalist Drea Smith. They recently released the wonderful album Brightest Darkest Day.

In short, a night of great music awaits those in attendance at the iconic Middletown venue. Tickets are available and can be purchased here.

Watch a video of Halls Of Columbia (Live on KEXP) below.

Things To Do In San Diego: July 8-11, 2013

It was a pretty great weekend, no? It was really fun driving Darren's van around on 4th of July, the Casbah was really great over the weekend, and Sunday Darren worked early in the day so we could have a date night, biking to Small Bar, seeing A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Old Globe, and grabbing late night grub at Carnitas Snack Shack. This week is looking good all around, listings are below. Tuesday through Thursday listings are after the jump.

Monday July 8, 2013:

• Deniz Tek and the Bad Men, Amerikan Bear, The Pheasants @ Casbah
• Sonicbids Presents: Quiet Company, Rainbow Jackson, Orange Anima @ Soda Bar
• The Tin Can Country Club feat. Gary Hankins @ Tin Can
• Gayle Skidmore, Dustin Blackwell, Little Brave, Roem Baur @ The Void
• The Body, Subservient Fuck, Age of Collapse, Griever @ Che Cafe
• Dave Scott & Monsoon Jazz @ Croce's
• Chet Cannon @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Open Mic @ Lestat's
• San Diego Pyraye Punx and Death Punx Distro Present: Spellcaster, Exmortus, Mortus Terror @ Tower Bar
• Modern Day Moonshine @ House of Blues Voodoo Stage
• Karaoke @ Til-Two Club
• Electric Waste Band @ Winston's
• Richard Hills @ Spreckels Organ Pavilion 7:30 pm
• Karaoke @ Coyote Bar & Grill
• Rick Remender @ McP's Irish Pub
• WG & The G-Men @ Patrick's Gaslamp Pub
• Monday Night Jams @ 710 Beach Club
• Doug Allen @ The Kraken

Recommended Shows in San Diego July 8-14, 2013

Now that the long 4th of July weekend is in the rear view mirror, a look at the week ahead promises to be one filled with quality musical choices. A closer look reveals those worthy of attending.

On Monday local troubadour Gayle Skidmore headlines a great lineup at The Void...

Portugal. The Man return to the House of Blues for a sold out show on Wednesday...they recently released the much acclaimed album Evil Friends...Avi Buffalo set the stage...

Nico Vega will be playing to a full house on Thursday at The Griffin...LA's Crash Kings open the festivities..

On Friday celebrate local goodness with The Heavy Guilt and Trouble in the Wind at Soda Bar...Cuckoo Chaos and Incan Abraham set up shop down the street at The Void...

Saturday brings psych rockers Wild Wild Wets to Soda Bar... Burger Records mainstays Burnt Ones and Cosmonauts round out the bill...Transfer rocks the Casbah with great support bands...

Cap the weekend with Seattle's Pickwick, playing songs from their excellent full length Can't Talk Medicine...highly recommended...Pyyramids open making this the show of the week(end)...

Watch a video of Lady Luck (feat. Sharon Van Etten) from Pickwick below.

Weekend Picks July 5-7, 2013

After celebrating July 4th with family, friends, food and fireworks, the quest for weekend activities begins. As for musical offerings in San Diego, I thought I would travel well below the radar in recommending some shows.

On Friday check out Chicago psych/garage rockers Outer Minds at Soda Bar...they recently dropped their sophomore release Behind the Mirror...

Seattle indie rockers The Purrs bring their version of psychedelic rock to Bar Pink on Saturday...the interesting titled album The Boy With Astronaut Eyes is yet another fine release in their discography...

Cap the holiday weekend on Sunday with a Golden Hill house show featuring none other than The Shivers...openers are Redding Hunter's (Peter and the Wolf) new project Gender Infiniti and Races front man Wade Ryff, making it the show of the night...for the address click here...

Watch a video of Bohemian Grove from Outer Minds below...

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

It's Independence Day and it's a gorgeous day out there. Darren is driving the van today/tonight and I've decided that I'll spend my Fourth of July tagging along. We can carry up to 9 passengers, so if you're out partying right now and find yourself needing a safe ride later on, feel free to shoot us tweets (@darrenstaxi, @sddialedin) and we can get in touch. Thursday through Sunday archives are after the jump.

Sound Off Apparel Collaborates with San Diego Musicians for Charity

TRANSFER, Louis XIV and Rocket From The Crypt Design Limited Edition Apparel to Benefit the Center for Community Solutions

Sound Off Apparel is a company that partners with bands to co-design clothing that raises funds and awareness for a charity of the musicians’ choice. Founded by Louis XIV drummer Mark Maigaard and marketing professional Erin Goss, the project features a new partnership each month and produces limited edition t-shirts that donate over 40% of the proceeds from each sale to the chosen cause.

Sound Off’s first collaboration will feature San Diego's TRANSFER as the co-designer with help from Petey X from Rocket from the Crypt who will be printing the shirts through his print company Merch Lackey.
WATCH THE VIDEO

TRANSFER elected to benefit the San Diego-based charity Center for Community Solutions (CCS) which provides prevention and intervention services for sexual assault and relationship violence to over 11,000 individuals each year. Seven dollars from the sale of each shirt will go specifically to CCS Prevention and Education Services.
According to Verna Griffin-Tabor, executive director at Center for Community Solutions, they are grateful to be the beneficiary of TRANSFER’s T shirt promotion in partnership with Sound Off Apparel. “We seek every opportunity to raise awareness on the importance of promoting healthy relationships and prevention violence, and this is a wonderful way for us to reach a new demographic, “she said. “Everyone in our community plays a role in violence prevention and we are thankful for this support.”
Shirts will be sold through the Sound Off Apparel website in addition to one night only at The Casbah on July 13th where TRANSFER will headline a show that includes Blackout Party, Flaggs and The Palace Ballroom. Get your tickets HERE!

Things To Do In San Diego: Wednesday, July 3, 2013

I spent Tuesday a the New Children's Museum with Nova and my nieces. I hadn't been since a CityBeat party a handful of years back and it made for a really fun day. The bonus is that you can check out a pass for two adults and unlimited children from your local library. In turn, you can use the same pass to purchase family membership for 25% off, which means you can go as much as you want for just $60 annually. Looks like Wednesday might be a day at the tidepools if everything goes as planned. For tonight, Royal Teeth are a new signing to Dangerbird and full of indie-pop goodness, but I'm hedging bets on the Americana goodness of Goodnight, Texas. You can stream their album here. Wednesday archives after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: Tuesday, July 2, 2013

It's a holiday week and though my life is generally pretty laid back anyway, it's nice to see other people out enjoying the summer. Over the weekend Darren and I bought a canoe, so on top of some of our biking and hiking and going to parks, we can now add canoeing to our activities (I know--WHO AM I ?!?!). We took it out at Liberty Station and made it to the Big Bay before I realized I probably should've taken something for my motion sickness. It's all good though...there are plenty of protected bays and lakes and reservoirs for us to explore, and I think I can, by force of will, overcome my issues. Musically it was a great weekend, too, and though I'll be following the Casbah's lead in taking holiday time off, there's still plenty of stuff if you want to get out to experience some music. Keep in mind that the San Diego Fair ends on Thursday, so if you haven't had your fill, get on that. Tuesday archives are after the jump.

Have You Signed Up For Uber?

I haven't driven a car in 4 years. It seems crazy that it has been that long since my little Mazda Protege, took it's last ride. It was a gift from my parents after high school, a compromise that I would attend junior college for lower division courses instead of heading up to UC Berkeley, and that car had a lot of sentimentality attached. So much so, that I didn't actually get rid of it until I moved out of Kensington last year to get $400 to help with moving expenses. I obviously have gotten by...with public transportation, walking a lot, and various friends carting me around town to shows and such. Of course, Darren is a taxi driver, too, which is generally pretty convenient getting me around on weekends when his car is in service. But it is always good to have options. On the occasions when we go out together and need a ride, or I just can't get a ride home, it's nice to have Uber as an option.

This week, Uber is offering a great deal...instead of the usual $10 credit you get just for signing up, through July 7, you get a $20 credit. Now, keep in mind that rates are variable, so it might not be your cheapest 4th of July transportation, but with tip included and automatic billing to your credit card, it certainly takes the cake for convenience. Even if you don't need it now, having the app installed and ready to use is a great backup should you find yourself without a ride or perhaps a few too many cocktails after a raging night.

Using their iPhone/Android App or SMS you can request a black car to your location, arriving in 5-10 minutes.

Payment is automatic.

If you sign up using my link by July 7th, Uber will credit your account for $20 off your first ride.

You can also download and sign up from Uber's apps.

Enter this invite code: ubersddialedin

iPhone app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ubercab/id368677368

Android app: http://market.android.com/details?id=com.ubercab

Preview: Anberlin bringing their "Lite" tour to the Casbah Tuesday, July 2nd

Anberlin. 

Alternative rock mainstays Anberlin are headed back to San Diego tomorrow, July 2nd, playing in front a sold-out crowd at the Casbah as part of their “Lite” summer acoustic tour throughout the United States. After the success of last year’s summer acoustic tour and their heavier, EDM-tinged last album, “Vitals”, the band decided to take this moment to strip down, rework, and have fun with their earlier tracks. I have been following Anberlin since “Readyfuels”, from their first album “Blueprints for the Black Market”, popped up on PureVolume around 2003 and it has been great to see how the band has matured and deepened musically and thematically. Many bands try and fail to recapture the vim and vigor of their earlier works but I’m excited to see what these seasoned artists playing and touring together for a decade now will do. Opening the evening are Stars in Stereo, whose sound owes a large debt to the enduring popularity of acts like Anberlin and Paramore, and the folksy-yet-orchestral Campfire OK. Tickets are sold out and doors are at 8:30. For a teaser of tomorrow night, check out some footage from Anberlin's 2012 tour after the jump.