Thursday, October 31, 2013

Show Preview: Diego Garcia, Kan Wakan @ The Griffin Sunday November 3, 2013

The Casbah Presents welcomes Diego Garcia and Kan Wakan to The Griffin this Sunday. This is the official tour opener and Diego's second appearance in San Diego. Previously he played the swank supper club Anthology (now shuttered) downtown. Throughout that set Diego appeared somewhat overwhelmed by his surroundings. In contrast, The Griffin should be the ideal venue for his personal heartfelt songs to be played. The recently released sophomore full length, Paradise, is a uplifting set of songs about a life filled with love. The Latin influences are felt throughout the album, which has a gentle flow from start to finish.

Listen to Truth Will Ring (courtesy SoundCloud) by Diego Garcia below.

Please be sure to arrive early to catch opener Kan Wakan, a Los Angeles (Silverlake) band formed last year by Gueorgui Linev. Guitarist/producer Peter Potyondy and singer Kristianne Bautista rounded out the initial threesome. Their music has classical roots while adding many dimensions to create a fuller sound. This is due in part to the addition of four members (violin, drummer, keyboard, bass) resulting in a mini orchestral sound if you will. The group just released its first EP, Forever Found, on Verge Records. A full length is due out later in the fall. This is an emerging band poised to etch its footprint in the crowded musical landscape.

Listen to Forever Found (courtesy SoundCloud) by Kan Wakan below.



Tickets for Sunday's show at The Griffin can be purchased here.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Show Preview: Atlas Genius @ House of Blues Sunday November 4, 2013

photo courtesy Roger Ho
Australian indie rock band Atlas Genius are no strangers to San Diego. It wasn't too long ago when the group led by the Jeffery brothers played a 91X Next Big Thing show at The Griffin. Even before the release last spring of their debut full length When It Was Now, the band toured extensively across North America and beyond. This Sunday marks Atlas Genius' biggest show to date here at the House of Blues. Currently the band is comprised of Keith Jeffery (guitar, vocals), brother Michael (drums), Darren Sell (keyboards) and a touring bass player. When describing their sound, Atlas Genius draws on some of the familiar styles such as synth, electronica, and exploding guitars mixed with emotive vocals. The key is the ability to take all these ingredients and create a signature sound of their own. With songs such as Trojans, If So, and Through the Glass it becomes readily apparent why Warner bros. signed the band prior to any official release. Atlas Genius are able to take contemporary sounds and make them stylish.

House of Blues Entertainment is presenting the Ones To Watch Tour featuring Atlas Genius, Family of the Year, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. this Sunday November 3rd at the San Diego downtown location. This is an all ages show with 7 pm doors. Tickets can be purchased here.

Watch a video of Symptoms by Atlas Genius below.


Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Show Preview: Federico Aubele, Haunted Summer @ Casbah Wednesday October 30, 2013

In order to accommodate more artists and their touring schedules, the Casbah is offering an early show this Wednesday featuring Argentine singer Federico Aubele and L.A. quartet Haunted Summer. Aubele plays a down tempo music style, while his music tends to reflect the region where he might be residing at a particular time. Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Federico moved to Berlin, then Barcelona, and now calls Brooklyn home. His music has been labeled as dub, electonica and the like.  He last visited San Diego at the now defunct Anthology, while his first visit was at the Casbah some five years ago. Berlin 13 is the latest album recorded by Aubele. It captures the very active electronica music found in the German capital. Watch a video of Bohemian Rhapsody in Blue from the album below.




Opening the show are L.A. based dream pop band Haunted Summer, led by vocalist Bridgette Moody and guitarist John Seasons. The music tends to be eerie and hypnotic, a perfect combination for this time of year.
Watch a video of All Around from their EP Something in the Water below.



Doors for the show are at 6 pm, tickets can be purchased here.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Recommended Shows in San Diego October 28-November 3, 2013

Halloween marks the end of October, but there is no end to quality live music here in San Diego. The forecast of rain will probably bring the city to a screeching halt, but those who wish to quench their thirst for live music will not be disappointed during the upcoming week. A closer look reveals some shows worth attending.

Cure the Monday blues with Memphis blues rockers Dirty Streets at Soda Bar. The group just released their third full length Blades of Grass...

Tuesday brings the return of indie duo The Blow to the Casbah. It has been seven years since their last record, but the new eponymous album should satisfy fans new and old alike...

Speaking of the Casbah, the cool folks there have a great double header on Wednesday...the early show brings Argentine singer Federico Aubele and L.A.'s Haunted Summer (great band name for this time of year). Dax Riggs and The Palace Ballroom play the regularly scheduled late night slot...

Halloween is on Thursday so I will leave the costumes, parties and all the hoopla to the blog readers out there...be safe and consult the full listings...

Father John Misty will be playing his biggest show to date in San Diego with a solo show on Friday at the House of Blues...elsewhere Kevin Devine & the Goddamn Band roll into Soda Bar promoting not one, but two Kickstarter funded releases...Now, Now open for a great show...

On Saturday The Lonely Forest headline Soda Bar...The Sadies return to the Casbah...both bands have new albums to share with attendees...

The Casbah Presents Diego Garcia and Kan Wakan (a band) at The Griffin on Sunday...Garcia just released his sophomore full length Paradise...Soda Bar presents Bay Area noise artists Deerhoof at The Irenic...

These are only a few of the awesome shows coming to San Diego this week...be sure to get out and experience live music by attending a show (or two)...

Watch a video of Sunnier Days by Diego Garcia below.



Watch a video of From the Future by The Blow below.

Things To Do In San Diego: October 28-31, 2013

It was an incredible weekend in San Diego. It was a rare weekend for me personally, because I got to spend most of my time with Darren and Nova, who's usually only with us on weekdays, so instead of late nights in pre-Halloween revelry, it involved lots of playground time, designing a last minute back-up skeleton costume (that I am quite proud of) when it was decided Scooby-Doo would be a little too hot for the Murray Manor Halloween Carnival, some hiking and Spooky Stories at Mission Trails, entertaining three little sugar-addled girls into the late night, and an afternoon joining my nieces at the New Children's Museum, which has some great new installations as well as the always popular clay patio. Darren was quite busy too, driving around the revelers to all kinds of parties and events, so if you caught a ride from Darren's Van, show him so love on Yelp.

Sometimes people ask me how I go out so often, am up so late, or how I do what I do, but the reality is that all of you who have full time day jobs, well-rounded kids and still occasionally get some grown up time at shows or playing in bands deserve some serious props. It was absolutely awesome, but I'm definitely more run-down than any marathon of shows has ever knocked me down. This week is going to be really great, too, because there are some awesome shows, parties, Halloween festivities, and then the Dia De Los Muertos events own next weekend. For you civic minded folks, Monday night at 6pm is a super important City Council vote on Capital Improvement Project Prioritization. If you're free, you should certainly attend.

Monday through Thursday are archives after the jump. End of the month means that a lot of calendars aren't updated, so if I missed anything, leave a comment and I'll add as I can.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Casbah Presents: BOY and Jeremy Messersmith at UCSD's Porters Pub tonight!

San Diegans are in for a treat tonight with the buoyant melodies of BOY and the graveyard ballads of Jeremy Messersmith.  BOY, a female pop duo who hail from Switzerland and Germany, has been building a potent American fan-base as their delightful debut album "Mutual Friends" finally was released stateside.  Infectious hooks are bountiful in such songs like "This is the Beginning" and their hit "Little Numbers".  I sadly missed their first show in San Diego at the Loft, but that is a mistake I won't be making twice.  Jeremy Messersmith is an artist that has come to San Diego many times over the years, mostly playing at Lestats.  In fact, I first became acquainted with this website's founder, Rosemary, at his show.  Messersmith's music, despite containing graveyard imagery deeply informed by death, is never staid or boring.  His stage presence is warm and songs move between soulful acoustic guitar like "A Girl, a Boy, A Graveyard" and raucous chamber pop in his new single "Tourniquet".  If you're interested in seeing two groups come and confidently blow a crowd away, don't miss tonights show.  Tickets are on sale here for $15 and doors are at 8p.  Check out BOY's "Little Numbers" and Jeremy Messersmith's "Tatooine" below.


Friday, October 25, 2013

Local Goodness Part 2: Plateaus, Barbarian, Buddy Banter @ Soda Bar Saturday October 26, 2013

Plateaus
The weekend before Halloween promises to be filled with live music and all the revelry that goes with it. While there are a plethora of choices (see the listings), one Saturday night show in particular stands out for this writer. Three local bands will be taking the stage at Soda Bar in City Heights. Headlining are Plateaus, a band with just the right amounts of pop, punk and swagger to keep things interesting. Tomorrow marks the end of  a mini tour of the Golden state promoting their 10" EP Wasting Time on Mt. St. Mtn.


Supporting act Barbarian have come a long way in a few years. Led by singer/guitarist Andrew Mills, the band captures the psychedelic side of the surf rock spectrum quite nicely. Touring recently for Bat For Lashes has given the band some well deserved confidence and experience moving forward.

Opening the evening are local garage rockers Buddy Banter. I must confess to not having seen the band perform live as yet, so read the excellent review of their album form CityBeat's Jeff Terich here.

An excellent night featuring three of San Diego's best young bands awaits those in attendance at the intimate City Heights venue. Tickets can be purchased here.

Watch a video of Wasting Time by Plateaus below. (live FM 94/9 Pyles Session)

Knapsack Returns to SoCal

Knapsack @ The Void


In case you missed the mid 90's scene, Los Angeles' Knapsack makes their return to SoCal after a decade plus hiatus with a show at The Echoplex tonight. This is their third show of the brief reunion that includes dates on the East Coast with a stop at Fest.
The group, fronted by Blair Shehan, made a special first show appearance earlier this month at San Diego's The Void. Check out the photos below.

Things To Do In San Diego: October 25-27, 2013

I had serious ambitions of providing listings through Halloween so that all of you could properly pace yourselves, but as sunlight creeps over me, there is no way that is going to happen. I get to have a super fun and rare weekend with Nova as we bake for Murray Manor's Cake Walk, practice makeup for Dia De Los Muertos, and enjoy time with no responsibilities. You'll just have to follow along with my Foursquare and Twitter and Facebook and shit. Of course Darren's Van will be in full service, so if you need to get somewhere or get home, call him direct at 619.990.5064. I've tried to add some fun stuff here, but there is this insane fact that the weekend before Halloween and the weekend after are two of the biggest weekends in San Diego. There is no way for me to get all of it into the listings, but if you have something that I've missed, shoot me a message via any of my social accounts and I'll try to update. Sorry that I don't care about Haunted Hotel or the like, I just want good options for daytime and nighttime fun, whether for families or bar hoppers. Friday through Sunday archives after the jump.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Local Goodness: Hills Like Elephants, The Midnight Pine @ Whistle Stop Friday October 25, 2013

While this writer is sometimes accused of solely focusing on touring bands visiting San Diego, I decided it was time to answer the critics and mention some upcoming events featuring bands only from America's Finest City. Two great bands are playing South Park's cozy Whistle Stop Bar on Friday with no cover (21+). First up will be SDMA winners The Midnight Pine (best local recording), featuring the wonderful vocalist Shelbi Bennett and the ubiquitous Al Howard playing everything (literally). The band is set to release their second full length album. Their performance will surely get you in the right mood for the night. Headlining are indie soul rockers Hills Like Elephants, a quintet led by keyboardist/vocalist Sean Davenport. The band already has two albums under its collective belt, so it is no wonder their audience is growing after seeing them perform live. This promises to be a great way to kick off the weekend. Be sure to read Saturday's preview tomorrow.

Watch a video of Good Night by The Midnight Pine below.



Watch a video of Ninjavitus by Hills Like Elephants below.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: October 23-24, 2013

What an awesome day to curl up inSomamies and veg out. Unfortunately and fortunately, this city never stops ticking, so along with all of the great shows lined up tonight and through the weekend, there will certainly be pre-Halloween revelry and school carnivals and fall festivals and the Boo Parade and all kinds of fun action in which to partake. Personally, I'm looking forward to #datenight with Darren, where we'll be hitting the super-important SANDAG meeting about the Coastal Rail Trail bike infrastructure. If you wanna join us, the meeting is at the Nobel Rec Center tonight from 5-7pm. Archives for Wednesday and Thursday are after the jump.

For Your Ears and Eyes: Hanni El Khatib, Bass Drum of Death

For those who are suffering from the midweek blues, the cure is available. Check out some cool music videos featuring tonight's performers at the Casbah. Hanni El Khatib is a native Californian who plays a bend of garage rock, punk, blues and folk. Bass Drum of Death calls Oxford, Mississippi home, with writer and lead performer John Barrett playing  music of a similar nature.

Tickets to tonight's show can be purchased here.

Watch a video of Family from Hanni El Khatib below.



Watch a video of Bad Reputation from Bass Drum of Death below.

The Silent Comedy October 2013 Update

What has The Silent Comedy been up to lately? Recording and writing new music for a full length album, releasing an EP titled Friends Divide, playing shows around California in the fall/winter, and writing lyrics on naked bodies... You can see evidence of one of those activities here in the new lyric video for their song Light Of Day. Fair warning, it may not be safe for work... Depending on your place of employment.


Catch the band in San Diego at 91X's Wrex The Halls on December 8th with Queens Of The Stone Age, Vampire Weekend, Cage The Elephant, Arctic Monkeys, and Alt-J. Tickets are available now.


Monday, October 21, 2013

KPRI Holiday Soiree featuring The Head and the Heart, Dawes

Local independent radio station KPRI is holding its annual holiday soiree this year on December 8 at the gorgeous California Center for the Arts in Escondido. Artists include The Head and the Heart, Dawes and Matt Nathanson. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Saturday October 26 @ 10 am PST. Presale tickets go on sale on Tuesday October 22 @ 6 am PST (Password: AEG 2013). Prices range from $40 to $200 plus fees. The ticket link can be found here. The Head and The Heart are touring in support of their recently released album Let's Be Still. (cover pictured to the left).

Things To Do In San Diego: October 21-22, 2013

What a great weekend! I missed most of Rocktoberfest because I had to work at Sleigh Bells but it was an awesome show and Block No 16 looks great now that they removed the center bar. I also got some good family time in now that my cousin is back living in LA, and Darren and I had some fun groups while driving the van all weekend, too. The fog has returned to San Diego, but don't let it stop you from having some fun out on the scene this week. Monday and Tuesday archives are after the jump.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Recommended Shows In San Diego October 21-27, 2013

As October rolls on so do the great musical events in San Diego. The upcoming week offers some great reasons for music fans to get off the couch and out of the house.

Tim Kasher, noted Cursive front man, brings his solo work (recently released Adult Film) to the Casbah on Monday...Laura Stevenson and Jake Bellows open for a great night of music...

Phantogram make their long awaited return to San Diego at the House of Blues on Tuesday...the upstate New York electronic duo are set to release their sophomore full length Voices...

On Wednesday garage rocker Hanni El Khatib headlines the Casbah with Bass Drum of Death offering support...

Chrome Sparks headline Soda Bar on Thursday...he plays music classified as chillwave (see video below)...London artist James Blake makes his San Diego debut at the House of Blues...

Spain's Crystal Fighters return to the Casbah for the show of the night on Friday...this one is sure to sell out so don't delay...

Josh Damigo plays his monthly show at Lestat's on Saturday...Kim Richey will sing an acoustic set or two at AMSD Concerts...

Sunday is loaded with some great options: Keep Shelley in Athens at the Casbah, Deer Tick at the Belly Up, and Boy and Jeremy Messersmith make a tour stop at Porter's Pub...

Another great week of music awaits those wishing to enrich their lives...be sure to support live music whatever your choice(s) might be...consult the listings for all the shows...

Watch a video of Don't Move by Phantogram below.



Watch a video of Send The Pain On by Chrome Sparks below.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: October 19-20, 2013

So I was racing around this morning trying to get my life in order that I gave myself a panic attack. It is nice to have a Superhero boyfriend who is tolerant and can handle my issues when shit like that happens. Perhaps, then, it was a premonition. We went to Rocktoberfest and made sure anything we needed to handle was handled, went to lunch at El Comal, stopped home for a quick change so Darren's Van could be in full service for the evening ahead, and discovered that the MS MR show tonight at Soda Bar is CANCELED. Not a big deal since it was a $.91 show and I won't have to feel FOMO, but that means updating many sites and platforms and emailing ticketholders. So I guess it's a good thing I came home. Probably no Rocktoberfest for me after all, since I'll be working at the Sleigh Bells show in two short hours, but here are your listings for the weekend so that they're handy.

Saturday, October 19, 2013:
  • West Coast Tavern, Casbah, and FM 94/9 present Rocktoberfest feat. Pinback, The White Buffalo, Little Hurricane, El Vez Punk Rock Revue, Tropical Popsicle, Black Hondo, Barbarian, Octa#Grape @ Birch North Park Theatre Parking Lot (29th & University, 3-10pm, $15 adv/$20 at the door, 21+, Ins-and-Outs okay)
  • Casbah Presents: Sleigh Bells, Doldrums @ Block No. 16
  • CANCELED: Casbah and 91X Presents: Ms Mr, Wildcat! Wildcat! @ The Soda Bar
  • Quintron and Ms. Pussycat, ZZZ, Beehive & The Barracudas @ The Casbah
  • Soda Bar Presents: Restorations, Weatherbox @ The Ché Café
  • Junip, Barbarossa @ The Loft, UCSD (Sold Out)
  • KPRI Block Party w/ Michael Franti & Spearhead, Brett Dennen, Serena Ryder, The Boxer Rebellion, Saints of Valory @ Liberty Station
  • Dave Chapelle @ Spreckels (7:30 & 10 pm- Both Sold Out)
  • Jason Lee & The R.I.P.tides, The Fink Bombs @ The Tower Bar
  • Full Moon Fever, Open Arms Tribute @ 710 Beach Club
  • Scream It Like You Mean It 2013: Story of the Year, Like Moths to Flames, Hawthorne Heights, Capture the Crown, Set it Off, I Am King @ Soma
  • Another Zeke Production Presents: East of Sweden, Bella Novela, The Gods of Science @ The Tin Can
  • The Browne Sisters and George Cavanaugh @ San Diego United Methodist Church Hall
  • Neon Beat-The Best & Worst of the 80s @ Bar Pink
  • Stepping Feet with Squirming Coils @ Belly Up
  • Circle 7, Vattica, Shotgun Chaperone, Before the Mourning @ Brick By Brick
  • Living Legends: Daniel Jackson, Marshall Hawkins, George Bohanon, Roy McCurdy, Jacques Lesure, Bob Boss, Joshua White, Trevor Orr and Dorothy Annette @ Dizzy's
  • The Indys, Aim To Kill, Camacho @ Epicentre
  • DJ Karma @ Fluxx
  • Drinking Cowboy Band, DJ Chelu @ Gallagher's Pub
  • The Groove Factory (5:00), The Groove starring Stelitta (9:00) @ Humphrey's Backstage
  • Allison Lonsdale, Elephant King, Jesse Thomas, Trent Hancock @ Lestat's
  • Leagues, The Dig, The Palace Ballroom @ The Griffin
  • Blood Danger w/ Raise The Guns & Darkale @ The Shakedown
  • Left4Dead @ Tio Leo's Lounge
  • DANCEDANCE W. DJ Qenoe @ U31
  • Elvia and the Fellas @ The V Lounge
  • Polyester Express @ Dreamcatcher
  • DJs Gabe Vega and Saul, Dj Silence de LaRue @ Whistle Stop
  • C.Fish (4:20 pm), New Monsoon and the Homesick Hitchers (9:00) @ Winston's
Sunday, October 20, 2013:
  • Supersuckers, Hellbound Glory, Neighbors to the North, Saint Shameless @ Casbah
  • Gary Hankins, Lionsweb, Grandma Kelsey @ The Tower Bar
  • Dave Chapelle @ Spreckels (7:30 & 10 pm)
  • 1776, Bjorn Baillie & The Breaks @ The Griffin
  • An Evening with Three Dog Night @ The Belly Up
  • Requiem For The Rockets, Inspired and the Sleep, Tan Sister Radio, Throne @ The Soda Bar
  • "Afton Presents" Whiskeytickle, Brennon Peters aka T.B.G., Hot Gin, A.D., Chase Enriquez, Big Country Elephant, Seth Geko, Ta'East @ Brick By Brick
  • Jason Brown (10:00am), Shelle Blue (7:00) @ Humphrey's Backstage
  • Elli Perry, James Maple, Cara @ Lestat's
  • Death Angel (CD Release), 3 Inches of Blood, Battlecross, Revocation, Diamond Plate, Damcyan, Gravespell @ Ramona Main Stage
  • Handguns, A Loss For Words, Major League, The Sheds, Cut Your Losses @ Soma
  • Cham @ Spin
  • Wilson Renette (5:00), Jose Sinatra hosts O.B.-o-ke @ Winston's

CANCELED: MS MR and Wildcat! Wildcat! at Soda Bar

After canceling an FM 94/9 private session this afternoon at West Coast Tavern, MS MR has determined that they are too ill to perform tonight's 91X-sponsored show at Soda Bar. Ticketholders will be refunded, but no doubt this is very disappointing. With short notice, Soda Bar will not have a replacement show tonight.

Fortunately San Diego never lets you down, and there are plenty of tickets for Rocktoberfest (which goes until 10pm), Sleigh Bells at Block No 16, and Quintron and Ms Pussycat at the Casbah. Tickets are available at the entry of each event.

Friday, October 18, 2013

2013 San Diego Music Award Winners

I meant to post these on Wednesday night, but obviously that didn't happen. Congrats to all the nominees and winners for the 2013 San Diego Music Awards. Hopefully everyone had a good time and keeps plugging hard to keep San Diego music so vibrant.

Best Cover or Tribute Band – Cash'd Out
Best Jazz – Gilbert Castellanos
Best Jazz Album – Gilbert Castellanos - Federal Jazz Project
Best Singer/Songwriter – Gayle Skidmore
Best Blues – The Bayou Brothers
Best Blues Album – Low Volts - Oh My Stars
Best Americana – Sara Petite
Best Americana Album – The Tree Ring - Brushbroom
Best Hip Hop – The Lyrical Groove
Best Hip Hop Album – Odessa Kane - Cuetes & Ballsongs
Best Pop – The Silent Comedy
Best Pop Album – Old Tiger - Love Have Mercy
Best Alternative – The Heavy Guilt
Best Alternative Album – The Night Marchers - Allez Allez
Best Rock – Blackout Party
Best Rock Album – Dirty Sirens - self titled
Best Hard Rock – Schitzophonics
Best Hard Rock Album – Author & Punisher - Women and Children
Best Club DJ – Marc Thrasher
Best World Music – Tribal Seeds
Best World Music Album – Tribal Theory - Hell of a Night
Best New Artist – Soda Pants
Best Local Recording – The Midnight Pine - Awake Now
Best Live Performer - The Creepy Creeps
Best Music Video by a San Diego Artist - Slightly Stoopid - Don't Stop
Artist of the Year – Gilbert Castellanos
Album of the Year – The Burning of Rome - With Us
Song of the Year – The Silent Comedy - God Neon

Lifetime Achievement Award – Daniel Jackson

Things To Do In San Diego: October 18, 2013

I don't know what is wrong with me, but I've had this bug for a few weeks now, and every time I think I'm better, I go out as I did on Wednesday (to the Music Awards and a post-awards bike ride to Bar Pink) and then I can't function for the entire next day. I wish it was as simple as a hangover, but my throat is so swollen I feel like a football linebacker, and it doesn't do anything for my self-esteem that I feel like shit, I look like shit, and I just want to sleep all day long. Fortunately life has its demands and yesterday wasn't a total waste as me and Darren and Nova got a nice Ponce's lunch and some playground time in with my cousin, my sister, and my nieces, then the three of us went on a little mini-hike in the Normal Heights Open Space before returning home and zonking out on Darren's couch. Hopefully I can motivate tonight as we do pickups in Darren's Van and such and are able to drop by the CityBeat Besties and then catch Langhorne Slim later. Have to be careful, however, with Rocktoberfest and Sleigh Bells demanding me tomorrow, it looks like it will be a sparkling water kind of weekend for me. Friday archives after the jump.

Haim Collaborates with Sound Off for Diabetes Charity



We just wrapped up a successful month with The Silent Comedy, and while we're still tallying up the number of t-shirts sold it looks like we will have raised around $800 to help fight human trafficking! Thanks again to everyone who supported the cause!

That being said, on Tuesday we launched with our first non-San Diego band, Haim, and we couldn't be more excited. As many of you know, recently these girls have been blowing up EVERYWHERE so to get the opportunity to see them live at The Casbah earlier this week and to have them collaborate on one of our designs has been pretty amazing. 

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Saturday: Rocktoberfest 2013 (with Set Times)

This Saturday is the return of Rocktoberfest. I'm super excited about the lineup and the many of you who paid $5 in the blind sale should be pretty pleased. As for the rest of you, tickets are $15 in advance, $20 day of, and FM 94/9 has a promo code to get them for $10 which you can find here.

Set times are out, too. Check it out

Main Stage:
Pinback 8:45 - 10:00
Little Hurricane 7:05-7:50
Tropical Popsicle 5:45 - 6:15
Black Hondo 4:35 - 5:05

Second Stage:
The White Buffalo 7:55 - 8:40
El Vez Punk Rock Revue 6:20 - 7:00
Barbarian 5:10 - 5:40
OctaGrape 4:00 - 4:30

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: October 15-17, 2013

I feel bad for squandering Nova's last full day with us for Fall break (since we only have her part of the day Thursday and Friday), so I'm going to be brief here. Haim is still sold out, please stop asking. Sleigh Bells and Rocktoberfest are this weekend and you should buy tickets in advance. I believe you can get $10 Rocktoberfest tickets with a code from FM 94/9, so dig around for that. Also, there are only 25 tickets left to Langhorne Slim, so don't wait to get tickets. Here's the shell of listings through the weekend, I'll pepper with any other special events around town another day. Wednesday through Thursday archives after the jump.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Recommended Shows In San Diego October 15-20, 2013

The current week is loaded with more musical options than one could possible attend. A closer look reveals some shows worth mentioning. Please consult the listings for all the musical happenings around San Diego.

Tuesday has some great shows that still have tickets available such as Portland's mini orchestral pop band Typhoon at The Loft @ UCSD...Widowspeak have a return engagement at The Void with Pure Bathing Culture in the opener slot...

Long Beach's Crystal Antlers have a new look (trio) and a new album, Nothing is Real...catch them at Soda Bar on Wednesday...Burger Records seems to be everywhere, five bands including Gap Dream, Cosmonauts, Teenage Burritos invade the cozy confines of Black Cat Bar on University Ave...

Thursday brings a mellow show to Bar Pink with Radar Bros. and friends Little White Teeth...

The weekend kicks off with singer-songwriter Kelley Stoltz headlining Soda Bar...he just released Double Exposure...Langhorne Slim and Jonny Fritz will be playing their whiskey soaked songs at the Casbah...

Jose Gonzalez brings his band project Junip to The Loft on Saturday...he just released an eponymous album...highly recommended...Thad Cockrell leads his Nashville band Leagues into The Griffin...

If you have any energy left after the week, find a show of your own liking on Sunday from the listings...

Remember this is only a sampling of some of the great shows coming to San Diego this week...most importantly, be sure to support music by attending a show (or two)...

Watch the video of Line Of Fire from Junip below.



Watch a video of Kim Chee Taco Man from Kelley Stoltz below.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: October 14, 2013

I'm feeling accomplished since I zipped through these, though my bike ride to Golden Hill has been postponed so that I could get these done, but I thought you should start your planning because not only are there dozens of incredible shows between now and Thursday, but you should start thinking about next weekend. You can still grab Rocktoberfest tickets for Saturday for only $15 (they'll be $20 day of) and Casbah is also presenting Sleigh Bells that same night at Block No. 16. Tickets for that can be purchased here. Surfer Blood's show at the Irenic the same night was canceled, so you better find something else to do. Personally, I just can't wait for Tuesday to come and go so people will stop asking me for Haim tickets. It's sold out, I don't have any, please stop asking. Thanks. Monday archives are after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: October 13, 2013

I'm really glad it's Sunday. It's always fun driving around with Darren's Van, but last night was a bit of a shit show. After a couple hours of work, we went to American Comedy Company, where they'd not only given out too many comps for the room, but let some comps in before ticket buyers, so about 30 people who'd paid for tickets were outside when the venue was at capacity. Whether or not they were there early enough to be seated is questionable, but since American Comedy Co seems to have no problem filling my inbox week after week, a heads up that the early show was going to be beyond capacity would've been nice, since we turned down work to be there. We had some down time, so Darren and I walked around Embarcadero Marina Park South and Seaport Village before grabbing dinner at El Zarape. Just as our food was made, the calls poured in, and we didn't stop for nearly 4 hours, mostly driving various kids from USD to a handful of parties in Mission Beach. Hoping for a better day today, with a bike ride to Golden Hill and then a night working at Brick By Brick. Also hoping I'll get you some listings for the rest of the week at some point today. Sunday archive after the jump.

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: October 12, 2013

It's a gorgeous weekend in San Diego. Last night was really fun working the door at Brick By Brick for Red Fang, and then Darren's Van got some late night calls so we traversed the county from west to east, and then from south to north and back again, so it was a good night. Today I'm working with him all night, but we'll also be attempting to take some time at American Comedy Co for Al Madrigal of The Daily Show. Today the club posted free tickets on their Facebook page, so if you're interested and if tickets are still available, enter "TheDailyShow" at checkout and if it shows a zero balance, you're welcome, you just got hooked up. I'm looking forward to the Golden Hill Street Fair tomorrow, as well as working at the Kylesa show at Brick By Brick, though I'm a little bummed I can't check out San Fermin at the Casbah. Then it looks like I'm working for The Dodos on Monday and Haim on Tuesday, so it's a busy week for sure. Lots of good stuff tonight. Saturday archives after the jump.

Friday, October 11, 2013

Spitalfield celebrates a decade of "Remember Right Now" at the Soda Bar tonight


Spitalfield is asking San Diego fans to "Remember Right Now" and join them for their 10 year celebration of their break out album at the Soda Bar tonight.
Amidst all of the 90s nostalgia brought on by the endless Buzzfeed lists, it is always refreshing and gut-wrenching to a 25-year-old like myself to see decade celebrations of albums and art from my teenaged years.  Spitalfield's "Remember Right Now" was a stand-out emo album in the early 2000s, back when bands wrestled hard with such a label.  But to 15-year-old me, their delightful harmonies and irresistible hooks meant more than the any genre label.  After disbanding in 2007, the band has played a few select shows together but in April of this year they reunited the original line-up to commemorate the album that put them on the map.  Touring in support of them are The Young Rapscallions, with Christopher Mintz-Plasse (of Super Bad and Kick-Ass fame) on drums,  and Buddy Banter.  Tickets are $12 and doors are at 8pm.  Be sure to watch a video of them performing "I Loved the Way She Said LA" live from a concert earlier this year below.


Thursday, October 10, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: October 10-11, 2013

Everyone is talking about the rain, and while conversations about the weather make me want to shoot myself, I will say that after seeing the Mission Dam nearly empty this summer, I'd be happy if it kept up for a few days. Nova is on fall break, so we've been living it up the past few days. On Tuesday we took a day trip through Ramona to Julian and back via Lake Cuyamaca. We found Harbour Farm along the way and cut some pumpkins from the vine and played in the bounce house, then we passed a brushfire on the side of a mountain, then went apple-picking at Volcan Valley Apple Farm. There are other orchards, but some charge by the bag, while others charge a per-person admission, so buyer beware. Of course, we hit up Mom's for pie in Julian, and stopped at Lake Cuyamaca on our way back, where we met a horse trainer/riding teacher named Susan who let us feed and pet her horses. The SDMA switcheroo means that we enjoyed our rainy Wednesday running errands, shopping, and checking out Halloween Superstores and curling up at home. This weekend looks promising with lots of fun activities, cool shows, and I'll be working at Brick By Brick on Friday and doing pickups with Darren's Van the rest of the weekend. Thursday-Friday archives are after the jump.

Wednesday, October 09, 2013

Singer/Songwriter Night @ Soda Bar Thursday October 10, 2013

When it comes to musicians touring, some of the best shows are those featuring the heartfelt songs of singer-songwriters. Such is the case this Thursday at Soda Bar, where the Casbah is presenting a showcase of three talented musicians. First up will be local San Diego Music Award winner Jesse LaMonaca. His voice is one of the best you will hear anywhere, and his Americana flavored music will be a great way to start the evening. Next on the bill is Mark Charles Heidinger, who records and tours under the name Vandaveer. Hailing from the nation's capital, Vandaveer have released four folk rock albums, the latest being Oh Willie, Please... this year. Headlining artist for this intimate show will be Chicago based musician Joe Pug. This is music with folk, Americana and alt-country roots presented in an easy thoughtful manner. Joe will be playing songs from his two full length albums.

If you are undecided about what to do this Thursday, make the extra effort to go see a great night of music with some very talented musicians at the City Heights club. Tickets can be purchased here.

Watch a video of Deep Dark Wells from Joe Pug below.



Watch a video of Pretty Polly from Vandaveer below.



Watch a video of The Lament of Tumbleweed Hawk from Jesse LaMonaca below.

Tuesday, October 08, 2013

SDMA's Postponed Until Oct. 16, 2013

In case you have been busy today and were unaware, the San Diego Music Awards have been postponed until Wednesday, October 16, due to the forecast of inclement weather. The long range forecast appears to be excellent. Read the entire update on the event's website here.

Things To Do In San Diego: October 8-10, 2013

I'm so looking forward to the next few weeks. For one, Nova is on Fall Break for two weeks, which we kicked off with an epic bike ride along the Bayshore Bikeway from National City to Chula Vista, stopping along the way at climbable trees, playgrounds, and having dinner at the Galley which had a tasty all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner before finishing the ride under the crescent moon. I almost never stay at Darren's, but we promised Nova a slumber party, so I stayed the night so we could get up early and take a day trip to Julian and hopefully can get some apple-picking in during Julian Apple Days. Then tonight I'm going to see my other boyfriend, Conor Oberst, at the Belly Up. We've got the San Diego Music Awards on Wednesday, Joe Pug on Thursday, and a weekend full of good stuff, too. Life is awesome. Wednesday and Thursday listings are after the jump.

Tuesday October 8, 2013:
  • Conor Oberst, The Felice Brothers @ Belly Up (SOLD OUT)
  • Pet Shop Boys @ Copley Symphony Hall
  • Sound Off for Charity with The Silent Comedy @ Monkey Paw
  • The Sinclairs, The Paper Thins, Danny and the Tramp @ Soda Bar
  • Swing Dance Tuesday with Rockin Aces @ Henry's Pub
  • Shiva Trash, Electric Healing Sound, Gloomsday @ The Griffin
  • DJs Mike Delgado & Patrick Heaney of Moving Units @ The Void
  • Tiki Tuesday feat. Old Man Johnson @ Bar Pink
  • From Scars, Burn Burn Burn, All Things End, Just In Case @ Tower Bar
  • The Lumps, Mikey Ratt, Double Exposure: Photos by JT Rhoades @ Tin Can
  • Supersonic Dragon Wagon, Ancient Warlocks and Chiefs @ Shakedown
  • Hank 3 @ House of Blues
  • 52nd Street @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
  • SUBDVSN (EDM) @ Winston's
  • Karaoke @ Riviera Supper Club
  • Train of Thought @ Queen Bee's
  • Comedy Night @ Lestat's
  • Tomcat Courtney @ La Gran Tapa
  • Doug Allen @ The Kraken
  • Sweet Dreams @ Tiki House
  • Karaoke with Darryl Johnson @ U-31
  • Tuesdays With Tino (DJs & Musicians' Showcase) @ Gallagher's
  • Walter's Chicken Jam @ Patrick's Gaslamp Pub
  • Stand Up Comedy @ Til-Two Club
  • 710 Bass Club @ 710 Beach Club
  • Karaoke @ Kensington Club
  • Friends Chill @ Whistle Stop

91X Announces Wrex The Halls- 12/8/2013



91X has announced another great lineup for this year's Wrex The Halls. They've got presale tickets on now for those of you subscribed to their email list, and general tickets go onsale Saturday at 10am. For more information, check out 91X.com. Any guesses on the last band? I'm going to guess it's Sleigh Bells because it would make sense that they can't be announced until after their show at Block 16 on Saturday, October 19, but that's just my little brain working. Who do you think it will be?





91X Wrex the Halls
Sunday, December 8 at Valley View Casino Center

Queens of the Stone Age
Vampire Weekend
Cage the Elephant
Arctic Monkeys
Alt-J
The Silent Comedy
(and one more band to be announced)


Tickets start at 19.91 excluding fees, on-sale Saturday at 10am

Sunday, October 06, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, October 7, 2013

Holy damn. I'm working too many jobs, catching up with too many email messages, and feeling like I can handle anything. Truth is that I need sleep and so I will leave you with listings through tomorrow and then we have some negotiating to do to get the rest f the week's listings up and posted.

Monday October 7, 2013:

  • Pure X, Silent Land Time Machine, Ditches @ Casbah
  • Decker, Goodnight Ravenswood, Wesley Hartley & The Traveling Trees @ The Griffin
  • Coliseum, Red Hare, Awakeners @ Soda Bar
  • Taj Mahal Trio, Vusi Mahlasela, Fredericks Brown @ Belly Up
  • The Tin Can Country Club Showcase feat. Emily Schrader @ Tin Can
  • Dave Scott & Monsoon Jazz @ Croce's
  • Monday Night Madness @ House of Blues
  • Open Mic @ Lestat's
  • Karaoke @ Til-Two Club
  • Electric Waste Band @ Winston's
  • Karaoke @ Coyote Bar & Grill
  • WG & the G-Men @ Patrick's Gaslamp Pub
  • Monday Night Jams @ 710 Beach Club
  • Doug Allen @ The Kraken

Friday, October 04, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: October 4-6, 2013

I am definitely feeling better after getting a ton of sleep and loading up Vitamin C and water, so I'm ready for a weekend including Oktoberfest, Nadia's birthday, some good shows, and working with Darren's Van. We're super excited that he's officially got his TCP license, which means not only can we drive people around for less than a taxi and groups for less than other large transport, but passengers can drink in the van while being driven from point A to point B. Give us a call if you need us at 619.990.5064. Otherwise, I've updated the listings and will be adding next week's listings later this weekend. Keep in mind I didn't list all of the Oktoberfests, but there's the really great one at the German American Societies in El Cajon all weekend long. Me and Darren can get you there, too.

Friday, October 4, 2013:
  • Anathema, Alcest, Mamiffer, Ana (Atari Lounge) @ Casbah
  • Casbah Presents: Queen Kwong, Okapi Sun, Christy @ The Void
  • Casbah Presents: And So I Watch You From Afar, This Town Needs Guns, Mylets, Stage Kids @ Soda Bar
  • Get Back Loretta, Love & The Skull, Privet @ The Griffin
  • Nformals, Neighbors to the North, Badabing @ The Tin Can
  • John Mayer: Born and Raised Tour, Phillip Phillips @ Sleep Train Amphitheatre
  • Rough and Tumble, Hounds @ Lestats
  • Benoit & Sergio Live @ Bassmnt
  • Yellowcard, Geoff Rickly @ House Of Blues
  • Los Lobos @ Casino Pauma
  • Matt Commerce @ Marble Room
  • Indubious, Ease Up @ 710 Beach Club
  • nosuckerdjs @ Bar Pink
  • The Spazmatics, DJ ManCat, Fabulous Pelicans @ Belly Up
  • Psyclon 9, Dawn of Ashes, Squirrely Arts, Shaolin Signal, Darks of Heaven @ Brick By Brick
  • Curtis Taylor Quartet @ San Diego Jet Ski Rentals
  • Growing Up Stupid, Nonissue, Papas Piranhas @ Epicentre
  • Funks Most Wanted @ Gallaghers
  • Tradewinds, Rising Star @ Humphreys Backstage
  • Lion I Am, Monsters Scarce, Victory Heights, Within Ourselves, Silencer, Smarter Than Robots @ Soma
  • Hip Hop Vs. Punk: Batlords vs iD The Poet, (RLK) Final Boss w/ Scatterbrain vs. Calafia Puta w/ DJs Unite, Mr. Henshaw, Sesh and Pelengue @ The Tower Bar
  • Sensation @ The V Lounge
  • Off the Cuff @ Dreamcatcher
  • Naive Melodies @ Winston's

Thursday, October 03, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: October 3, 2013

Darren and I had an awesome Staycation at the Hard Rock Hotel last night. We had a nice assortment of tapas at Cafe Sevilla, got some jacuzzi time, biked around downtown to El Dorado and then ended up at the Casbah for the amazing Pokey LaFarge. Unfortunately, I think I'm coming down with something, which means that I will probably have to skip out on Ha Ha Tonka tonight, even though I totally love them and think you should go to this show. I will certainly be going through and updating the weekend listings and adding next week's. Thursday archives are after the jump.

For Your Ears: Ha Ha Tonka

For those unfamiliar with Missouri indie rock band Ha Ha Tonka, the quartet returns to San Diego tonight (Thursday) at the Casbah. Named after a state park bearing the same name, the band has been together for almost ten years. Their fourth release on Bloodshot Records, Lessons, is relatively more of the country tinged rock we have come to expect from the quartet. This is one of the most upbeat bands I have seen perform live. Wanting to have a good time while sharing their music with new fans as well as those familiar with the group becomes readily apparent during their performance.

If you are undecided about what to do tonight, head to the iconic Middletown venue and have fun watching one of indie rock's better kept secrets.

Samantha Crain and Grampa Drew set the stage. Tickets can be puchased in advance here or at the door.

Listen to Lessons (courtesy SoundCloud) from Ha Ha Tonka below.



Listen to Death of a Decade (courtesy SoundCloud) from Ha Ha Tonka below.

Sound Off Charity Event at Monkey Paw with The Silent Comedy


For all of you who enjoy drinking, shopping, and listening to music, all in the name of charity, please join us for Sound Off Apparel's first brewery event this coming Tuesday at Monkey Paw Brewery!

The Silent Comedy will be hanging out and hosting a listening party of their latest EP, Friends Divide, while promoting their Sound Off shirt benefiting human trafficking prevention. The shirts are only available until October 14th, but for this night only we'll have a special package where for $30 you'll get a shirt, custom Silent Comedy pint glass, and a Monkey Paw draft beer. And if one beer doesn't quench your thirst (let's be realistic) all Monkey Paw refills with your Silent Comedy pint glass are $3.50 for the remainder of the event! AND in addition to having an amazing time, you'll be giving back $9 per packaged deal to fight human trafficking. It's a win-win situation, right?

Wednesday, October 02, 2013

Show Preview: Travis, Rathborne @ House of Blues Sunday October 6, 2013

Travis
It has been five years since Scottish alternative rockers Travis released their last record. Solo projects have kept lead singer Fran Healy busy during this time, so it is great to welcome the band back (so to speak) with their seventh studio album, Where You Stand, released in August. Bands take career breaks for many reasons, but this one seems to have worked well for Travis. Being together for over twenty years certainly has its fair shares of highs and lows, so the new album is really a reflection on the past with a firm grasp on the future direction of the group. No doubt this will be the focal point of their live show, with songs from previous albums added to the set. The last time I saw Travis perform, they entered the room to the triumphant music of Rocky. Fittingly, this is a band that has endured its inner battles, yet seems to be fresh and ready for the next chapter in their career. This promises to be one great night of music for fans of this great band.

Luke Rathborne, a New York based musician, will be opening the show. His preview can be found here.

Tickets for Travis with special guest Rathborne this Sunday at the House of Blues can be purchased here.
Note: this is a 21+ event.

Watch a video of Where You Stand below.

Saturday: TEDxAmericasFinestCity


Love TED Talks?  TEDxAmericasFinestCity, an independently organized TEDx event is coming to San Diego on Saturday, October 6, at the San Diego Public Market.   The event will feature a great variety of guest speakers, a demo area showcasing amazing local and global organizations, and live performances by Hathaways and the PGK Dance Project.  Some of the things you will see at the demo area include a robot that throws frisbees; mobile technology that demonstrates the impact that San Diego's environment has on it's citizens; an antioxidant level reading; music education lesson and much more.  You can click here to get information on all of this years speakers.

So make sure to get your tickets here to join the conversation regarding americas finest city. Even better, use the promo code TEDXAFCEB1 for a substantial discount.  The ticket includes healthy and delicious snacks, lunch, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and all speakers performances and exhibits

Doors open at 9 am, show starts at 10:30 am and goes to 6 pm, see you there.