Things To Do In San Diego: May 29-June 1, 2014

I gotta tell ya, I am sooo looking forward to the weekend. Last week's illness held me hostage most of the week, and though it was really fun working for SOHN and Crystal Fighters this week, along with my usual daytime stuff at work and evening stuff with Darren and Nova, and well, lets just say I will be enjoying this weekend immensely. You can find me at 207 tonight, and the plan is to hit X-Fest and the County Fair preview party on Friday, and maybe end up at MIA. I'll probably check out Punk Rock Karaoke on Saturday, and then Sunday I'm working for Pete Yorn, but if I get up early enough, I'd love to see Aloe Blacc again. I wish I could find the time to see Mariachi El Bronx, but it's just not in the cards this time around. Hopefully your weekend is jam packed with fun stuff, too. Thursday through Sunday archives are after the jump.

Set Times For 91X X-Fest 2014

91X just released set times for Friday's X-Fest at Sleep Train Amphitheatre. There are still tickets available, so grab them before they're gone.

X-FEST

FRIDAY, MAY 30th 2014 SLEEP TRAIN AMPHITHEATRE

Here’s your set times!

2:00 DOORS OPEN

Jersey Mike’s Side Stage:                                    2:30 SIR SLY                                    3:10 SKATERS                                    3:50 CHERUB                                    4:30 KONGOS                                         Main Stage:                                    5:00 BLEACHERS                                    5:30 MS MR                                    6:05 CAPITAL CITIES                                    6:40 PHANTOGRAM                                    7:15 IRATION                                    8:05 PANIC! AT THE DISCO                                    9:05 FOSTER THE PEOPLE                                    10:10 311 Click HERE for venue information (directions, camera policy, etc) and to buy tickets if you ain’t got them yet.

Ryanhood to Play Lestat's - June 8th

The music industry is about to get reintroduced to one of the best folk duos on this side of the Mississippi. Ryanhood, comprised of Ryan Green and Cameron Hood are finally coming back to San Diego after a three-year hiatus.

I’ve had the opportunity to play with these guys twice, and both times they have blown my mind. Not only are they some of the kindest guys in the music industry, they are also incredibly talented. Between Cameron Hood’s passionate lyrics, songwriting skills, and dimples, and Ryan Green’s amazing musicianship, songwriting skills, and “you-got-every-dollars-worth-out-of-your-dentist” smile, Ryanhood has all the tools necessary to be regulars on television and radio.  Seriously. Listen. Those harmonies…. They’re crazy good. --Listen--> Second City

They’ve shared some of their struggles with me in the past and it’s the same middle-class struggle that many bands face. For those of you unfamiliar with this story, let me give you the “cliff notes” version-

1. You start a band.

2. You write good songs.

3. You start playing gigs.

4. You get noticed.

5. You start opening for big bands. (In Ryanhood’s case, we’re talking about Jason Mraz, Matt Nathanson, Train, Lifehouse, Kelly Clarkson, and even Jay-Z)

6. You realize the “glamor” of the music industry isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

7. You need a break.

Huh?

“We were interacting with these well-established, major label acts backstage, but many of them just seemed unhappy and lost,” Hood recalls. “I remember thinking, Man, they’re on the kind of tour we’ve always wanted to be on, but it doesn’t seem to be making them happy.”

“For a long time, we were feeling like that was happening to us,” Green says. “It was all about this theoretical destination in our career, and not about being where we were, and who we were. We needed to step away and rediscover those things.”

That’s where they were… but now, they’re back, and excited to be playing at Lestat’s on June 8^th with their good friend and hard working troubadour, Owen Plant.

You won’t want to miss this show. Seriously. Don’t believe me? Geez. Here. --Again--> Sickbed Symphony

I hope you can make it out and support these guys. Seriously… look at those smiles!!!

Things To Do In San Diego: May 25-29, 2014

I hope everyone is having a great Memorial Day weekend. I've been laying low all weekend because I'm still a little fragile and to be completely honest, while I love music, some of the shows this weekend seemed intolerable sober. I'm a little bummed, too, realizing a BBQ I thought was tomorrow is actually happening right now, but I'm saving my energy for S O H N tonight, where I'll be doing merch. I did the listings a little early so you can see what's up tomorrow as you get your party on today. Sunday through Thursday archives are after the jump.

“DOCUMENTED” Opens in San Diego; Writer/Director Q&A After Select Screenings

90 minutes. According to MTV President Stephen Friedman, who introduced “Documented” at a screening in New York City last week, that’s all we need to move forward the conversation.

"No matter how you feel about the immigration debate now,” he said, “I guarantee you'll see it differently 90 minutes from now. And that's the hallmark of a great story."

“Documented” is my story, and I now share it in San Diego -- where almost 200,000 people are undocumented.

If you happen to watch Real Time, Jose Antonio Vargas was on tonight and his film, Documented, is screening this week in San Diego, including some Q&A sessions after a few of the showings. I just bought a ticket to Saturday's showing at 5:30pm if anyone cares to join me.

Here's more info:

“DOCUMENTED” TO OPEN IN SAN DIEGO FOR ONE WEEK LIMITED ENGAGEMENT
Writer and Director, Jose Antonio Vargas to be present at select screenings for Q&A.

(San Diego, CA) - “Documented,” a project of Define American, begins its one week theatrical on May 23, 2014 at the Reading Cinemas Gaslamp 15 in San Diego. Following several screenings, Writer and Director Jose Antonio Vargas host Q&A discussions with local community groups.

WHO: Jose Antonio Vargas, Writer and Director, “Documented”, panelist

WHAT: One Week Limited Engagement Theatrical Release of “Documented” in San Diego
Writer and Director Vargas to host several post-screening Q&A sessions

WHERE: Reading Cinemas Gaslamp 15 (701 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101)

WHEN: Limited Engagement Theatrical Run - May 23 to 29, 2014
In-Person Q&A after showings on
Saturday, May 24, 2014, 5:30 PM and 7:40 PM
Sunday, May 25, 2014 5:55 PM and 8:00 PM

NOTE: Tickets can be purchased here.

Define American, founded by Jose Antonio Vargas in 2011, is a media and culture campaign using the power of story to transcend politics and shift conversation around immigration, identity, and citizenship in America. You can learn more at www.defineamerican.com.

About “Documented”:
Vargas began working on the documentary shortly before “outing” himself as undocumented in a groundbreaking June 2011 New York Times Magazine essay, “My Life as an Undocumented Immigrant.” Sent here from the Philippines at age 12 by his mother to live with his grandparents - naturalized citizens - in Mountain View, CA, Vargas found out he was undocumented when he was 16. "Documented" follows Jose as he travels around the country, speaking to people across America and sharing his personal experience in order to spark an honest dialogue about immigration and the 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the US today. The film also explores his relationship with his mom - whom he hasn't seen in person in over 20 years.

CNN Films acquired the North American broadcast rights to “Documented” in November 2013, before its international premiere at the International Documentary Film Festival in Amsterdam and following its world premiere at the AFI Docs festival in Washington, D.C. in June 2013.
"Documented" is a project of Define American, and executive producers include Sean Parker, Matthew HIltzik, Liz Simons, Scott Budnick, Janet Yang and Kevin Iwashina. "Documented" is the inaugural film by Apo Anak Productions, created by Vargas in honor of his grandparents and mother. In Tagalog, Vargas' native language, "apo" means grandchild and "anak" means "child." For more information, please visit: documentedthefilm.com.

Things To Do In San Diego: May 23-24, 2014

I'm happy to say I'm feeling much better, though I think I still might have to lay low for the next couple days. Meanwhile, a lot of people are really disappointed and outright pissed about today's UCAB vote to defund the Che Cafe. You know, UCSD, you're already on the shit list for your racist parties, and then you acted like nothing happened after a student died after last week's Sun God- which restricts alcohol so much that students repeatedly binge drink or eat massive quantities of drugs instead (as I personally witnessed attending past festivals), and now you defund the Che. Not exactly nurturing culture. Anyway, I'm happy to have a three day weekend and I'm sure everyone else is, too. Darren will be working all weekend, so if you need safe transportation for your group, give him a call at 619.990.5064 and make a reservation. Friday and Saturday archives are after the jump.

August 23 & 24: FYF: On Sale Now!

Sorry. I was laid up the last two days and didn't get to post this earlier, but you shouldn't have a problem still getting tickets.

FYF FEST TICKETS ON SALE NOW 

Weekend Passes, VIP and Single Day tickets for FYF FEST went on sale yesterday at 12:00pm at the link below. All questions can be answered at our website - fyffest.com.

GET TICKETS HERE

Things To Do In San Diego: May 22, 2014

Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner and I'm knocked out for a few days with some heavy antiobiotics (read: no sex, no alcohol) so needless to say I'm a little bummed and I'll be mostly in bed for the next few days. So I'm calling on you, good readers, to get out and have some fun on my behalf. There are lots of great shows this weekend, as well as a bunch of places to wear next to nothing and dance your ass off, if that's your calling. I'll just be here with my laptop and my Kiwi sulking. Darren will be working all weekend, so if you need safe transportation for your group, give him a call at 619.990.5064 and make a reservation. Thursday archives after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: May 19-22, 2014

Another great weekend for the books. I worked for Sean Lennon and his band, The Ghost of A Sabre Tooth Tiger, on Friday, and Saturday was the North Park Festival of Arts. HUGE THANKS to all of the bands who performed on my stage and Tim Pyles for hosting. It was an incredible day and it was great to so many people hanging out by the stage throughout the day. This week should be interesting---tomorrow is the UCSD Vote on Che Cafe funding, so head up there if you can make it. We have more show announcements at The North Park Theatre, I'm interviewing Nickel Creek on Tuesday, and there are a ton of great shows around town, too. Monday through Thursday archives are after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: May 16-18, 2014

I have to say this week has been completely exhausting. Fun, no doubt, but I'm wiped out. On Monday we did the Zoo field trip, went to the new Waterfront Park, and went bike riding around Balboa Park. On Tuesday I worked, then took all the girls to Sea World to ride the wet rides. Wednesday was a shopping day and then date night where I probably had one or three tequila shots too many, and then Thursday I worked all day then worked at the Irenic at night. Tonight I'll be working for Sean Lennon as his band, The Ghost of A Saber Tooth Tiger performs, and tomorrow I'll be at my festival stage from sunrise to sunset. Don't forget tickets for The Naked and Famous at The North Park Theatre go on sale today. Friday through Monday archives are after the jump.

Saturday: The North Park Festival of Arts is Back!

The North Park Festival of Arts is back this Saturday and once again it promises to be a great day of music, craft beer, art, food and vendors. The event is free and all ages, though the craft beer block is a ticketed beer tasting event for 21+.  And, while it's swamp ass hot as hell today, the temperatures should get back to normal on Saturday.

I booked the Main Stage (at 30th and University) and I'm really stoked on my lineup. Dang from Bar Pink booked the 21+ stage in the beer garden, and there are three other stages (Dance, Beat&Eats, Ray Street) to keep you entertained all day. The Festival volunteers and staff who put the whole thing together work really hard to get quality food and curio vendors, artists, and food trucks so that the festival can really stand out above your typical street fair, and you can also stop in to the great business along University and the surrounding streets that you might miss if you haven't been to the area in awhile or just pass by in your car.

Here's my lineup for the Main Stage, hosted all day by Tim Pyles:

11-11:40 School of Rock
11:50-12:30 Soda Pants
fashion show
1:00-1:40 Oh, Spirit
1:50-2:30 Western Scene
2:40-3:20 The New Kinetics
swing dance
3:50-4:30 The Intergalactix
4:40-5:45 The Creepy Creeps

Hope to see everyone there! I'll have a tent in front of Marie's, so stop by and say hello. 

San Diego is On Fire!

During the Cedar Fire a few years back, I was live posting for 3 days straight. Now, I don't have to and neither do you. Our news channels are deficient and you just can't trust your Facebook wall. Instead, use your phone or tablet and download the San Diego County Emergency app. You'll get evacuation updates, school closures and more, plus you can create a disaster plan for your family: where to meet if separated, where to take pets, places to stay, etc. Once you've downloaded the Emergency App, do yourself a favor and download SD311 (non emergency city service info and reporting) and 511 San Diego (real time traffic and transit info)

Plan and prepare for disasters and receive important emergency information. Check out the free SD Emergency app for Android and iOS: http://www.readysandiego.org/sd-emergency-app-redirect/

Things To Do In San Diego: May 12-16, 2014

So much to talk about this week. First of all, the North Park Festival of Arts is this weekend. Once again, I've booked the main stage and I love my lineup. I'd recommend buying VIP tickets to the Craft Beer Block because they're going to have some limited beers and casks for VIP only. Otherwise, all the stages have great acts and the festival is free, all ages and open to the public- just think twice before dragging your dogs out because the street gets blazing hot and the music and crowds might not be the best experience for your pooch. This weekend was awesome, with Fear of Men and Pains of Being Pure at Heart putting on a rad show at the Casbah on Friday, and We Are Scientists on Saturday with a special appearance by Matt Sharp...I actually have video from both nights that I'll get up soon. Today Darren and I are going on Nova's school field trip to the Zoo, but I have another show to announce at The North Park Theatre so I'll try and get that info out, too. Monday through Thursday archives are after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: May 9-11, 2014

Hahaha. It's kind of like a sick little tease. I've stopped writing massive diary posts, but you get the family updates whenever I post new listings. I kind of like it this way. I get to tell you that all week I've been busting ass to make sure the site is updated while also fulfilling my duties for Casbah and The North Park Theatre. Meanwhile, my aunt and uncle were in town and it was so nice to get lost in family time with all of them. At this point, all I can say is that things are great and rolling right along. We have a bunch of Casbah shows on sale today at 10am. Grab them while you can. Friday through Sunday archives are after the jump.

The North Park Theatre Announces Three New Shows!

sooo...this is what I've been working on this week...

The North Park Theatre Announces New Shows!

Rita Rudner - July 19

Lake Street Dive - August 22

An Evening with John Waters - December 1

All tickets on sale Friday, May 9 at 10am

The North Park Theatre is proud to add three new performances to our event calendar.

On July 19, comedian Rita Rudner takes the stage to bring her wit and charm to San Diego audiences. This will be a general admission seated show with reserved Gold Circle seating available, which includes orchestra pit seating and photo-op with Rita after the show. General admission tickets are priced at $35 advance/$40 day of show and $75 for Gold Circle. This show is 21+.

On August 22, The Belly Up and Casbah present Lake Street Dive. This will be an all ages show with doors at 7pm. Tickets are $22.50.

Finally, on December 1, Casbah presents John Waters. Part performance, part storytelling, part comedy, past shows have sold out in San Diego. This will be a general admission seated show, with Gold Circle tickets available, which includes orchestra pit seating, 2 cocktails, and an event poster. General admission tickets are priced at $40 advance and $100 for Gold Circle. This show is 21+.

See below for additional information about each performance. For ticketing and additional information, please check out our website at TheNorthParkTheatre.com.
Tickets for all three shows will be on sale on Friday, May 9 at 10am.

Things To Do In San Diego: May 7-8, 2014

What a whirlwind day. Started at Superior Court, then lunch with my family at Old Town Mex, then a Casbah meeting, then visited with my sister-in-law and nieces & nephews, then went to Alan Sanderson's newish spot, Pacific Beat studio, to sneak peek Colin Clyne's new record, "Never Ending Pageant" (amazing, btw!) Then I got my nieces and headed to Chula Vista to hang with my family while I work. Which brings me to now...trying to get some work done and decide if I'll be going to see Jacco Gardner tonight. I added a show for Til-Two tonight. Wednesday and Thursday archives are after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: May 5-6, 2014

I hope everyone had a great weekend! I know it was pretty great over here. I went to the Tokyo Police Club & Geographer show on Friday night at the Belly Up and then on Saturday we shopped for Nova's party and then had van customers from Chula Vista going all the way to Stone World Bistro in Escondido, so Darren and I had an awesome dinner at Hacienda De Vega and then checked out the open trails behind Stone while we waited. And of course, Sunday was Nova's birthday party which went off without a hitch though we were all pretty exhausted after, though I still rallied to catch Pillar Point at Soda Bar. The forecast for music and weather looks great this week and I've got some new show announcements for The North Park Theatre, so check back later! Monday and Tuesday archives are after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: May 2-4, 2014

I was a little nervous this week. Nova turned 7 yesterday, and I was so worried she would be disappointed once the day actually came- that realization at 7 that your friends at school don't really care about your birthday as much as you do. Fortunately, she came to grips with that pretty quick, and we picked her up from school with her new bike loaded with ours, and went to Liberty Station. We picnicked, painted, applied temporary tattoos, and eventually, she braved her new bike and quickly mastered it. We rode a while, then met up with my sister and nieces for dinner at Corvette Diner, then had some playground time before riding a night ride and finally calling it a night so I could catch part of SoundDiego Live. I don't know how it will rank in her memory when she looks back in 30 years, but seeing Darren beam made the day one for the books. Or the blog. So there it is. This weekend should be fun, hoping it chills out a little. Friday through Sunday listings after the jump.