Saturday, August 31, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: August 31-September 4, 2013

Arrgh. Cleaning in this weather sucks, but sometimes you gotta knock it out so you can get out and have some fun. Darren and I had a blast taking our big group to the track and back, and in between had some amazing beach time at Fletcher Cove. Lots of good stuff tonight and tomorrow, so hit us up if you need us. Contact info at http://www.darrensvan.com. Saturday through Wednesday archives are after the jump.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: August 30, 2013

I don't know about you, but this week has been awesome. It's too damn hot, but we beat the heat sneaking into our favorite hotel pools and a couple days at the beach, too. It's Labor Day weekend and tonight is going to be massive with Rocket From The Crypt playing at the track. Darren's already been reserved for a trip to/from the races, but we'll be out all weekend with the van if you need us for transportation to Bacon Fest, any of the hotel pool parties, or whatever else you might have going on this weekend. Also, don't forget to snag your $5 Rocktoberfest tickets!

Friday archives are after the jump.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Rocktoberfest Is Back! Blind Tickets for $5 On Sale Tomorrow!!

West Coast Tavern, The Casbah, and FM 94/9 are once again teaming up for Rocktoberfest! 

On October 19, the mini-fest that takes place in the parking lot behind Birch North Park Theatre will once again present two stages of touring and local bands, beer and food vendors, and an in-and-out policy so you can enjoy the surrounding businesses of North Park. The event is 21+ and gates will open at 3pm and the show will end by 10pm. As you might recall last year, this is a rain or shine event. 

Tickets will be priced starting at $15 once bands are announced, but starting Thursday, August 29 at 8am, you can trust that the lineup is going to be awesome and buy tickets for just $5. They will be at this low, low price for 10 days or until the allotment sells out, so don't wait to find out if your Great-Aunt Martha might be coming to town that weekend...just buy the tickets. The names I'm hearing thrown around will not disappoint. 

Tickets will be on sale at this link on Thursday at 8am: 


Past acts for the event have included Everest, The Silent Comedy, The Creepy Creeps, Fitz and the Tantrums, Dead Feather Moon, Mariachi El Bronx and many more. You can be sure this lineup will be equally as awesome.   

Majical Cloudz @ The Casbah Tonight Wednesday August 28, 2013

Montreal based indie pop duo Majical Cloudz will be playing their intoxicating music at the iconic Middletown venue tonight. Devon Welsh (singer) and Matthew Otto (producer) play dreamy pop music which is easy on the ears. They were recently nominated for the Polaris Prize long list, which is a big deal for Canadian artists. Suffice to say, this is an opportunity to see emerging artists in an intimate setting. Majical Cloudz recently released their sophomore full length Impersonator. It is easy to put this one on repeat.

Arrive early to catch another Canadian (Toronto) duo Moon King and local band Nicky Venus set the stage. Tickets can be purchased here.

Watch a video of Bugs Don't Buzz below.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: August 27-29, 2013

San Diego is finally getting some August heat and I don't like it one bit. Pascha's skin doesn't like it so much either, but hopefully it breaks in a day or two and we'll be back to San Diego's perfect climate. Huge thanks to John for all of his tech support in trying to get my computer functional again...it is certainly faster now and I think I still have some tricks to get it back to how it is supposed to work. If you're free this evening, I highly recommend attending the Mid-City Bike Corridor meeting. This affects everyone who walks, drives, and bikes between University Heights to City Heights, with areas of Norrmal Heights and North Park affected in between. This is the final public comment meeting before design so it is important that the project managers hear from the us to make complete streets in San Diego's urban core. It's at Queen Bee's at 5pm. Tuesday through Thursday archives after the jump.

Tuesday: North Park – Mid-City Regional Bike Corridors Project Open House, 5-8pm @ Queen Bee's

North Park – Mid-City Regional Bike Corridors Project Open House

Tuesday, August 27, 5 – 8 p.m.

The final open house for the Mid-City Regional Bike Corridors Project is Tuesday night from 5-8pm at Queen Bee's.

For more information about this project, visit: KeepSanDiegoMoving.com/NorthParkMidCityBike

Monday, August 26, 2013

Music Monday: Barbarian

While surfing this weekend (the Internet not the Pacific) I noticed local band Barbarian have been doing some impressive touring of late. Opening for Natasha Khan's group, better known as Bat For Lashes, is impressive to say the least. While these fine lads are no stranger to San Diego music fans, here's hoping the word is spreading about just how good this band is in the live setting. Being label mates (Manimal Vinyl) provides a platform for undiscovered talent to emerge. A homecoming show of sorts takes place on Thursday September 5 at Soda Bar. Andrew Mills is the unassuming leader of Barbarian, and happens to be one of the really nice guys in the music world. Go to the show and support some of the best in local music.

If you have yet to see Barbarian perform live, head to City Heights on Sept. 5. Tickets can be purchased here

Watch a video of Medium Spirits below.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Foals @ House of Blues San Diego- 08.08.13

Foals
 
Despite my best efforts, sometimes life gets in the way of my ability to give a review of shows (regardless of how awesome they may have been) in a timely fashion.  C'est la vie.  Such is the case for the Foals show at HoB two weeks ago Thursday.  If you've had the opportunity to see these lads from Oxford, England, you're quite aware that their live performance inevitably evolves into an absurdly awe-inspiring affair that will at various times feature assaults on a variety of musical instruments, occasional stage jumping, and (in the case of their recent show) a jump from a balcony.  I've had the pleasure of seeing these guys bring their truly special brand of showmanship to the stage three times this year, and each show has been progressively more entertaining.  The most recent experience may have been the best performance that the House of Blues stage has seen this year.  Keep your eyes peeled for their return to San Diego or any nearby area.  More photos after the jump.

Friday, August 23, 2013

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

I mentioned last week that I've been having some computer issues. This entire week has left me in complete meltdown mode, so I attempted to backup all of my files only to find that nothing transferred. I'm using Darren's laptop for the time being, but I'm open to suggestions from any of my tech-inclined friends. Listings through next Thursday are here, I hope to update with additions as I find them, but here's the basics for now. Friday through Monday Archives after the jump.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

City of Angels Invasion: TV Girl, Races at The Casbah Friday August 23, 2013

It has become an all too familiar familiar theme among San Diego bands: leave town and seek fame and fortune in cities with a more vibrant creative artistic culture. While this may ring true, there are always opportunities to catch these aspiring musicians when they return to our laid back city to play in a live setting. Such is the case this Friday when indie pop artists TV Girl (Trung Ngo and Brad Petering) headline the Casbah. This is a band that frequently returns to their former hometown, playing their lo fi brand of pop. They never fail to keep everything on the brighter side. Another band on the bill is Races, fronted by Wade Ryff and his rotating cast of musicians. The first time I witnessed them live was at Soda Bar, where I became a fan on the spot. With a full length under their belt (Year Of The Witch), it will be interesting to see how the newer band members sound with their front man.

Be sure to arrive early for local bands Dudes and Champ. Tickets can be purchased here.

Watch a video of Misery from TV Girl below.



Watch a video of Big Broom from Races below.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

For Your Eyes and Ears: Yellow Red Sparks

Yellow Red Sparks, the colorfully named indie folk rock trio from Los Angeles, return to headline The Griffin tonight (Tuesday). This show is part of the ongoing 91X Loudspeaker series and is free w/ RSVP or $5 at the door. The band is fronted by Joshua Hanson, who sings with a strong sense of conviction. The songs are pleasant and catchy on the first and subsequent listens. Accompanied by Sara Lynn Nishikawa (upright bass/vocals) and Goldy (drums/vocals), the songs go from quiet to loud at times while keeping the listener's attention. This is a band to watch and that chance happens tonight here in San Diego.

Watch videos of A Play To End All Plays and Monsters With Misdemeanors below.




Monday, August 19, 2013

Recommended Shows In San Diego August 19-25, 2013

Summer rolls on with another week of great musical shows in San Diego. A closer look reveals some events worth attending.

On Monday celebrate the music of Jeff Buckley with a tribute concert (many talented local performers) at the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre in Balboa Park...Australian synth pop band Strange Talk begin a West Coast tour at The Griffin...

L.A. indie folk band Yellow Red Sparks return to The Griffin for a headlining show on Tuesday....they recently released their well received eponymous debut album...

Austin psychedelic rockers The Black Angels play the Belly Up on Wednesday...

The Casbah is the place to be on Thursday when Blackout Party and The Palace Ballroom play a benefit show for Rady Children's Hospital...

On Friday Tim DeLaughter brings his choral pop collective The Polyphonic Spree to the House of Blues...they just released Yes, It's True...TV Girl and Races headline a stellar lineup at the Casbah...

Toad the Wet Sprocket and Grant Lee Buffalo will be bayside on Saturday at Humphrey's...Kim Lenz & the Jaguars bring their rockabilly act to Soda Bar...

Sunny and the Sunsets headline the Casbah on Sunday...curiosity seekers may want to head to the Belly Up to catch Courtney Love...

The above only represents a sampling of shows happening in the upcoming week...whatever you choose, be sure to support music here in San Diego by attending a show (or two) this week...

Watch a video of Cast Away by Strange Talk below.


Watch a video of You Don't Know Me by the Polyphonic Spree below.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: August 17-22, 2013

It's been a beautiful weekend so far. My brother and sister-in-law are now officially restationed in San Diego, so it was an awesome day at Kate Sessions with all the cousins playing together. Now I'm out and about with Darren and we're doing pickups in Darren's Van (up to 8 passengers since I'm riding along), but we popped into the Casbah to say hi to Boy King who are celebrating their album release. We'll be out all night if you need us. Updated listings through Thursday are below. 

Saturday, August 17, 2013:
  • Burning of Rome, Boy King, Hills Like Elephants, Gloomsday @ Casbah
  • Anuhea, Cas Haley @ Belly Up
  • Allison Lonsdale, Abner, Ass Pocket, Whiskey Fellas, Jamie Hart @ Lestat's
  • Neon Beat @ Bar Pink
  • Stalins of Sound, Shiva Trash, Poontang Clam @ Tower Bar 
  • Tower Bar Vinyl Swap Meet & BBQ @ Tower Bar (daytime)
  • Godhammered, Parade of Horribles, Aghori, Calamitous Intent, Eli Santana and the Guests @ Brick by Brick
  • Sasha Fest feat The Nothingful Band, Samhears, Indoor Cities, No Know, Edwyrrd @ Victory Theatre
  • Mrs. Henry (CD Release Show), Dirty Sirens, Down Big (CD Release Show) @ The Tin Can
  • Upsilon Acrux, Innerds, Molecules @ The Void
  • The Screamin Yeehaws, Rat City Riot, Nick Bone and the Big Scene, Toothless George: Cancer! A Benefit for Ashley Moore @ Winston’s
  • MayStar's Fashion Whore @ U-31
  • 80s vs. 90s featuring DJs Gabe Vega & Saul @ The Whistlestop
  • Arcade @ Fluxx
  • Homeless Sexuals, Night Gaunts @ Bancroft (Spring Valley)
  • Kahilofa, Dj Chelu @ Gallaghers
  • Damage, Inc (Metallica Tribute) @ House Of Blues
  • Trade Winds @ Humphreys Backstage
  • Mercedes Moore Band @ Marble Room
  • Selebrities, Rare Times, Idyll Wild @ Soda Bar
  • Scarlett Avenue, Cut Your Losses, Welcome To Now, I Am The Conqueror, Growing Up Stupid @ Soma
  • Conjunto Primavera @ Sycuan
  • Sashamon, Hirie @ The Griffin (9:15pm)
  • Record Swap Meet, Stalins of Sound, Shiva Trash, Poontang Clam @ The Griffin
  • Left4Dead @ Tio Leo’s Lounge
  • Joey & The Mentals, Augustus Maximus @ The Tiki House
  • Caliber @ The V Lounge
  • Adult Swim Saturday Pool Party feat EC Twins @ Dive Inside, Harrah's Rincon Casino
  • Detroit Underground @ The Dreamcatcher

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: August 15-16, 2013

It has been such a busy week! Trying to keep up with work, Nova's first week of school, setting up a bare bones site for Darren's Van, spending some time firing up my new sister site, San Diego: Cycled In, and still trying to enjoy the incredible weather with some parks, biking, badminton, all the while still catching some shows, like Yeasayer up in Anaheim, and man, maybe I'll just sleep all weekend. Tonight is an AMAZING night of music. I love Kopecky Family Band and Said The Whale, and I love Bobby Long and Jesse LaMonaca, so I'm going to do my best to catch as much of both shows. Or maybe I'll pop in for soundchecks. I don't know. Thursday and Friday archives after the jump.

Rosey's Diary: San Diego Summer 2013



It has been a few months since I've sat with my laptop to write a long winded diary post but summer came and went and it has been so busy and adventurous and incredible that I've never really had a chance to soak it all in. I thought about calling this post, "The Summer of Yoga Pants and Fanny Packs" and of course all along the way I've been Tweeting and Facebooking and Foursquaring and updating listings but it feels good to look back at the past few months.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: August 12-14, 2013

What a week, what a weekend...and what a summer! Nova starts first grade tomorrow so we spent today finishing up back to school shopping, hiking around the Mission Trails Dam and Flume (which is sadly really empty which the Visitor's Center attributed to climate change), and finding out who her teacher will be tomorrow. Now I'm off to the Observatory in Santa Ana with Jeff to see Yeasayer. If you're looking for something to do tonight, Smith Westerns are pretty awesome and you can grab your tickets at the door. Monday through Wednesday archives after the jump.

Recommended Shows In San Diego August 12-18, 2013

August rolls on with another week of great musical happenings in San Diego. A closer look at the upcoming week reveals some shows worth attending.

On Monday Chicago's young indie rockers Smith Westerns headline the Casbah with their recently released Soft Will...Wampire open for a great night of music at the iconic Middletown venue...

Kyle Thomas, aka King Tuff, returns to San Diego this Tuesday at Soda Bar...he plays catchy garage rock/pop like no other....local touring band Pacific Air make an appearance at The Griffin...

Wednesday brings Chicago's Filligar to The Griffin...L.A. band Torches open for a nice bill...

Cold War Kids and PAPA play an all ages show at the House of Blues on Thursday...Nashville up and comers Kopecky Family Band return to Soda Bar...

On Friday Real Estate bassist Alex Bleeker (and The Freaks) brings his side project to Soda Bar with a new release, How Far Away, in tow...

Local bands The Burning of Rome, Boy King (cd release), and Hills Like Elephants rock the Casbah on Saturday...or catch Brooklyn's new wave band Selebrities at Soda Bar...

If you don't have a ticket to the sold out show featuring Kris Orlowski and Gregory Alan Isakov at Soda Bar on Sunday, head to the Casbah to catch the Bay Area's Leopold and His Fiction...

A great week of music is waiting for those who wish to enrich their lives...be sure and go to a show (or two)...

Watch a video of Varsity from Smith Westerns below...

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Sunday Funday with CicloSDias!

I am totally excited about Sunday's CicloSDias. After riding around on University after Pride with no cars, a day dedicated to Open Streets is just what this city needs. This was one of Mayor Bob Filner's initiatives earlier this year, and it is a shame with everything going on that he probably won't be around to see it come to life, but I encourage everyone to take part...whether you bike, walk, skate, or scoot, a day without cars is a good thing for everyone and might bring us one step closer to complete streets when people realize the benefits of riding a bike every once in a while. The event is free and family friendly, with the route blocked to cars from 10am-4pm.
"Ciclo­vía," which translates to English as "bike path" was coined in Bogota, Columbia, a city that began experimenting with its model Ciclovia initiative in 1974 as a response to the congestion and pollution of city streets. CicloSDias San Diego is modeled after similar car-free events held in cities around the world, including New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. As of 2012, some 80 Open Streets initiatives are held regularly in North America. CicloSDias is all about connecting communities and giving people a break from the stress of car traffic. CicloSDias San Diego will bring families outside of their homes to enjoy car free streets. The message is clear – we all want a clean, healthy and vibrant San Diego.

CicloSDias welcomes everyone in San Diego to walk, ride, stroll and enjoy our streets. Approximately 5.2 miles of city streets will be opened to families, pedestrians, cyclists, joggers, skateboarders, and anyone else interested in using this public space in a new way.

The event will include a “Hub” in 4 different neighborhoods in San Diego – City Heights, Logan Heights, North Park, and South Park. These Hubs will feature CicloSDias merchandise, showcase event sponsors, and host a bicycle repair booth. Event participants are encouraged to check-in at each Hub and receive a free entry into our Bike raffle.

San Diegans will experience a free ‘open street’ event with activities along the route. Shops and restaurants will be open for business and neighbors and friends from all over will make our streets come alive.
Whether or not you're participating in the Open Streets event, it is important to note that along the route, there will be road closures with only periodic traffic crossing. You can read up on all of those fine details here. I'd just suggest you put your car keys away for the day and join the fun. There will be four hubs with toilets, bike repair, refreshments, and information, but anyone can access the route at any intersection along the way of the 5.2 mile stretch. This is your chance to see parts of the city from a whole new perspective...without cars!

Thursday, August 08, 2013

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

I realized that I forgot to include CityFest in Sunday's listings, so I'm updating these for your perusal. For anyone wondering, date night was awesome. We had lunch with Tim Pyles at Nate's Garden Grill, had a luxurious afternoon nap, then rode bikes to Belching Beaver, El Zarape, Small Bar, and The Void. Today was pretty awesome, too. After picking up Nova, we had lunch at West Coast BBQ & Beer in La Mesa, went swimming at the Handlery Hotel, then did part of the townie ride from Blind Lady. Now it's dinner time and then I'm off to Foals. Drowners start at 8, Foals on at 9. Thursday through Sunday archives are after the jump.

Show Preview: Mother Falcon @ Soda Bar Friday August 9, 2013

Photo Courtesy of Bryan Rindfuss
How do you like to size your bands? Solo artist, dynamic duo, trio, the popular foursome and when you get to 15 and more you can appropriately find Mother Falcon at the top of the list. This 15-20 member touring band from Austin started, believe it or not, as a side project. With a large string section, a bassoon, a glockenspiel, several horns combined with voices comprises a mini rock chamber orchestra that is usually too large to fit on the stages it has been booked to play. Such will be the case this Friday when the large ensemble descends into Soda Bar. With two full length albums to their credit, (You Knew was released in May), the songs are relatively short in length but not in texture. The classically trained musicians in Mother Falcon provide assistance in running a summer camp for young aspiring classical musicians. The reason this group is playing in San Diego is due, in part, to this writer's recommending that Cory Stier (talent buyer) explore the possibility of bringing the band here. This is an opportunity to see something very exciting and different (and still under the radar) in an intimate setting.

Mother Falcon are certainly a DIY project in many aspects. Here's hoping their live performance becomes one that lingers in our collective memories. Tickets to the show can be purchased here.

Watch a video of Blue and Gold and Dirty Summer below.



Wednesday, August 07, 2013

Show Tonight: The Grownup Noise, Goldenboy @ Tin Can Wed. Aug. 7, 2013

For those who haven't been to The Tin Can (Alehouse dropped from the moniker), suffice to say the venue hosts live music six nights a week. Tonight's bill offers two bands from out of town (and a local act), The Grownup Noise (Boston) and Goldenboy (Diamond Bar). The Grownup Noise are a six piece folk/pop/rock band that love touring and playing in the live setting. Their music is rooted in Americana, but contains many elements that are easy to listen to. Perfect to cure the midweek blues.

Watch a video of So It Goes from This Time With Feeling below.


Also playing tonight are California indie dream pop band  Goldenboy. Led by the haunting vocals of Shon Sullivan and Nicole Verhamme, the veteran band released The New Familiar last fall. Their sound is reminiscent of a time gone by but not forgotten. This is quality music for your ears.

Watch a video of The Walking Song below.



Try something different and head to Banker's Hill tonight...

Things To Do In San Diego: August 7, 2013

It's mid-week and there's so much to talk about. CicloSDias is on Sunday which is going to be awesome, there are some great shows this week including Sebadoh who I'm interviewing on Saturday for SoundDiego, my intern Jordan is back after playing with the School of Rock All-Stars at Lollapalooza, which I hope to tell you all about through his words, San Diego Music Thing is just a month out and deserves your support, and I have all kinds of videos and photos and events to talk about and diaries to write, but mostly what I want to say is that last night marked my life being forever changed when I met Darren. I walked into Soda Bar just beat down from the night and he looked at me as I was talking to the bartender and I didn't mean for sparks to fly, but they did and I was just lost in him. And so I have been ever since. So despite all of the stuff I should be doing to update the site and all, we're going to celebrate with today with another #24HourDate. Wednesday archives are after the jump.

Monday, August 05, 2013

Recommended Shows In San Diego August 5-11, 2013

The first full week of August means summer might be winding down, but there is no shortage of great musical happenings in San Diego. A closer look reveals some shows worth attending in the upcoming week.

For those not going to the sold out show featuring The Heavy and The Silent Comedy at the Belly Up on Monday, consult the listings for your choice...

On Tuesday Foo Fighter Chris Shiflett brings his country tinged band The Dead Peasants to the Casbah...Ex Twin Shadow bassist Russell Manning headlines Soda Bar with his project Rush Midnight...

Head to the San Diego Museum of Art on Wednesday...Teenage Burritos are performing as part of the 10 day Summer Break...http://www.sdmart.org/programs-events/summer-break-2013#7...

The Casbah Presents those wild and crazy lads from Oxford Foals at the House of Blues on Thursday...local faves The Donkeys headline The Griffin...

Fifteen (?) piece touring band Mother Falcon swoop into Soda Bar for a night of orchestral pleasure on Friday...Vancouver based duo Lightning Dust hit the Casbah behind recently released Fantasy...Ivan & Alyosha open for Brandi Carlile @ Humphrey's...

Saturday marks the return of indie rockers Sebadoh to the Casbah...a new album, Defend Yourself,  is due to be released next month...

Lo-fi band White Fence headline a great bill on Sunday at the Casbah...Jessica Pratt and Jonathan Rado (Foxygen) open..

A great week of music lies waiting for those willing to check out San Diego's under appreciated music scene...

Watch a video of Bad Habit (nsfw) from Foals below...

Sunday, August 04, 2013

Summer Break 2013 @ SDMART

The San Diego Museum of Art is currently hosting its 10 day art festival titled Summer Break 2013. Combining art with music, lectures, workshops and more provides an excellent opportunity to visit one of Balboa Park's finest museums. The festival features Double Portraits, which is contemporary photographs next to paintings from the 16th through 20th centuries. Music performers include Island Boy (Aug. 6), Teenage Burritos (Aug. 7), Egyptian Lover and Aki Kharmicel (Aug. 8). A full festival guide can be found here.

Saturday, August 03, 2013

Things To Do In San Diego: August 2-6, 2013

What an awesome day, right? So I'm reposting listings just so they're easy to access, although obviously the day activities have passed. I'm heading out to buy Johanna a birthday gift, drop by the Casbah for Jesse LaMonaca, and then Darren and I will be at Midnight Madness. If you haven't made plans tonight, it's the 40th Annual Midnight Madness bicycle ride around the bay. The festival starts at 9pm at Liberty Station and all proceeds benefit Hostelling International San Diego. The ride starts at midnight and participants wear their funkiest pajamas for the ride. It is going to be a really fun time. Hit me up if you decide to ride @sddialedin. Saturday through Tuesday archives after the jump.

Friday, August 02, 2013

Savages w/ Johnny Hostile @ El Rey Theater- 07.24.13

Savages
 
It is truly unfortunate that some bands just don't include San Diego in their tour plans.  Such was the case last Wednesday when the opportunity to see post-rock four piece Savages came with the caveat that attendance would require a trip up to Hollywood and the El Rey to make it happen.  Regardless of the soul crushing rush hour traffic on the 405, it was most definitely worth the drive.  More after the jump...

Thursday, August 01, 2013

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

I hope this week was a good one for everyone. It feels like the weekend is already in effect tonight, so I thought I'd update the listings and post them all through next Thursday. I have a bunch of videos from Tom Odell and Jesca Hoop that I'm excited to share (sneak peek them on my YouTube channel) and lots of other stuff going on that I'd like to share but it's time for a bike ride with Darren so I'll have to get to all of that later. Thursday and Friday archives after the jump.

Bands Playing Pre-Lollapalooza Shows in San Diego

While the big festival happening this weekend is in Chicago (Lollapalooza), a couple of bands headed to the Windy City are playing warm up shows right here in sunny San Diego. First up is Wild Cub, the brainchild of Keegan Dewitt and Jeremy Bullock. The full five piece band from Nashville mix elements of pop and melodic rhythms into an indie/electronic dance style. Catch them live tonight at Soda Bar. Tickets can be purchased here.

The second festival-bound band are the Chilean psychedelic rockers Astro. The indie quartet are known for their energetic live performance. Their sound has often been compared to MGMT. Find out for yourself when they play the back room at Til-Two Club this Friday. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

This is an opportunity to see bands in an intimate setting before they play in front of thousands.

Watch a video of Thunder Clatter from Wild Cub below.



Watch a video Ciervos from Astro below.