Thursday, December 31, 2015

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, December 31, 2015-Sunday, January 3, 2016

I realized this week as I looked at Facebook that pretty much every bar in San Diego is doing something for NYE, but I didn't go too far above and beyond the usual live music spots. This has been a pretty good week- The Office Undercover was great on Monday night, and we spent Tuesday in Mt Laguna playing in snow and Wednesday freezing by the Big Bay at Coronado Ferry Landing. I wish I could say I have big NYE plans myself, but Darren and Nova have both been a little bit sick and this is the first year Darren and I don't have to work and thus, our first year together with Nova. So I suspect we'll do some low key family gathering and then if they zonk out, I might sneak off to the Casbah.  I have no major year end deep thoughts or lists, just trying to keep on top of everything to keep all the pieces moving for this site and all of my other projects. Thursday through Sunday archives are after the jump.



Sunday, December 27, 2015

Things To Do In San Diego: Sunday, December 27-Wednesday, December 30, 2015

What a week. I definitely enjoyed taking some time to spend with family, but now I need a break from the break. Darren's mom and nephews came down from the Bay area and we did lots of touristy stuff- Safari Park, Balboa Park, Cabrillo Monument, and it also rained while they were here so there was lots of lounging and movie watching, too. They left on Tuesday, which meant Christmas Eve at my brother's and Christmas at my parents', though Darren and Nova got sick somewhere in there and meant I snuck off to Exile on Kettner, which was an awesomely good time. This week is going to be full of work that I've been procrastinating on, so I decided to knock out listings early and get them out of the way. Sunday through Wednesday listings are after the jump.  



Monday, December 21, 2015

Upcoming Casbah & Casbah Presents Shows (Updated 12.21)

Casbah Tote Bags are in! Just purchase from your bartender!

Upcoming Shows at Observatory North Park (Updated 12.21)

I'm gonna keep it fast. For one, the Observatory added a whole slew of shows: Tuxedo (1/22), Tiger Army (2/11), Stick Figure (3/10), Glassjaw (3/24), and comedian Jim Breuer (5/6). I know there's a conflict on 1/22, the bosses are working that out. But the more important thing I wanted to tell you is that we had to migrate the Observatory newsletter to a new platform, and even if you were getting the newsletter before, you might not get it anymore. Maybe that is okay with you since you know I always update here, but for presales and show announcements and such, I'd recommend just making sure that you sign up for the new list. It's in the top right corner of the Observatory site. I'm the one who sends this stuff out, so I promise we're not sharing the list or sending a crazy amount of announcements. 2016 shows are after the jump.

Update: Also added- The Game (1/10)

12/26 RJ, 6pm, All Ages (doors changed from 7pm to 6pm)

12/28 Duke Dumont, 10pm, 18+

12/29 Chet Faker, 7pm, All Ages (SOLD OUT)



12/30 The Academy Is..., 7pm, All Ages

Sunday, December 20, 2015

New Year's Eve Events in San Diego

Thursday, December 31, 2015 NEW YEAR'S EVE 2015 (event archive after the jump):

Things To Do In San Diego: Sunday, December 20-Sunday, December 27, 2015

We can either consider this a peace offering since I haven't updated much this week, or we can call it a Christmas Miracle, because I've got all your week's listings a day early. The truth is Darren's mom and nephews are in town and Sunday--usually a big work day for me--I'll be at the Casbah holiday brunch, so I'm just trying to plan ahead for limited online time this week. Obviously Christmas on a Friday throws a wrench in this week's touring shows, but hopefully there is enough going on to keep you balanced with family and friend time along with some time for music. If you don't hear from me much, Merry Christmas, or as Darren prefers to say, happy secular December 25th. I didn't get a full rundown of bars that will be open in Christmas, but assume most venues are closed or call your favorite dive before you go. Sunday through Sunday archives are after the jump.
I was trying to line up that shadow across their eyes, but it didn't quite work out.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

The Artist Odyssey presents Frank Lee Drennen "More Love" Documentary (Thursday, Dec 17)

When I first started listening to Loudspeaker back in high school, hearing the voice of Frank Lee Drennen certainly kept me tuned in. I was a huge fan of Loam, and have always fpllowed his music throughout the years. His latest project, Dead Rock West, with Cindy Wasserman, just finished an tour opening for X. Now he's the subject of a documentary that screens this Thursday night. Info below.


The premiere of “More Love”, featuring singer songwriter Frank Lee Drennen, will take place Thursday, December 17th at The Artist Odyssey’s studio headquarters in Encinitas, California. The documentary, the second release on new global arts network The Artist Odyssey, covers Frank’s personal and artistic journeys, including his thoughts on music helping him through tough times: “You can talk about bad things with music and feel good after you get done listening to it.”

  • Date: Thursday, December 17th
  • Time: Doors open 5pm.
  • Location: 1509 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas, CA 92024
  • RSVP: On The Artist Odyssey’s Facebook event page
  • Musical Performance: Frank and his Dead Rock West partner Cindy Wasserman will perform a short set at 6pm
  • Premiere: Film will screen at 6:30pm. Runtime – 40 minutes
  • Q&A: Frank, the director, and the producers will field questions after the documentary screens.

Directing/producing team David and Barbarella Fokos said, “We’ve been aware of Frank and his music for years, but it was only through the making of this film that we came to understand the deep emotional well that informs his work.”

Monday, December 14, 2015

The Observatory Presents David Cross: Making America Great Again!

For a very long time, David Cross has been one of my favorite comedians. I loved Mr. Show with Bob and David and saw their live show at the Poway Center for the Arts many years ago. Add in all of his other stuff like Arrested Development and The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret, and it's hard to find someone funnier in comedy today.

David Cross: Making America Great Again! is the newest standup tour, and it will be circling through San Diego at the Observatory North Park. Tickets go on sale on Wednesday, and if you're a fan of comedy, I wouldn't miss this one if I were you.

David Cross: Making America Great Again!
Tuesday January 26, 2016
Doors at 7 pm
Show at 8 pm
The Observatory North Park
All Ages
$35 GA seating 
$35 GA standing
$55 Gold Circle VIP seated

Tickets On Sale Wednesday 12/16 at 10 am

Photo Credit: Daniel Bergeron

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, December 14-Saturday, December 19, 2015

It has been a really fun December so far. The Three Mile Pilot show on Thursday was phenomenal, and Friday we went to the San Diego Zoo, which now has extended hours for Jungle Bells. On Saturday morning, we drove out to Boulder Creek, which is way out near Descanso and required about 6 miles of driving on an unpaved road, but it was worth it to do native species restoration for the San Diego River Foundation. Afterward, we drove a little past the Three Sisters Trailhead and had a picnic before heading back west. We stopped at the Outlets at Viejas and ate at the casino buffet before I had to be at work at the Casbah for The Dears, which I shouldn't make sound so bad because their performance was awesome. This week overall show listings start to thin out, but there are plenty of sold out shows to prove that we haven't all packed it in for Christmas just yet. Monday through Saturday archives are after the jump.



Thursday, December 10, 2015

Upcoming Casbah & Casbah Presents Shows (Updated 12.10.2015)

I missed a week of updates when I was in Austin but we've added a bunch of shows like OFF!, The Hood Internet, The Toasters, plus a bunch of outside venue shows. The other day someone asked me the question that always stumps me: "What shows are coming up that you're looking forward to?" I have a hard time answering this because for one, I never really know my schedule, how much work I have, or more commonly, I have to work at a show the same night as another show, but I have to say, I about jumped out of my seat when we announced Nada Surf at the Irenic, and then we followed up with Ra Ra Riot being announced at the same venue. I'm looking forward to lots of nights this month at the Casbah, like Three Mile Pilot, Mariachi El Bronx, The Bronx, and Exile on Kettner. Then January rolls around and you've got Oh, Wonder (which is already sold out) the same night as Langhorne Slim, Devotchka, Car Seat Headrest, Martin Courtney and so many more. Instead of buying stupid tchotchkes this Christmas, how about giving the gift of live music? Archives after the jump.

Upcoming Shows at The Observatory North Park (Updated 12.10.2015)

After a couple of quiet weeks with regards to new show announcements, The Observatory came out with a bang this week, announcing new shows with Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek,  STRFKR with Com Truise, Wavves & Best Coast, and two show with The Growlers. I'm not strong at predicting hip hop sell outs, but I can tell you the others will all sell out, so don't wait to buy tickets. Don't forget you can skip the bulk of service charges by buying at the box office, which is open any show night at least two hours before posted door times. Box office sales are always cash only, so know what you want and have the cash on hand and you'll save some bucks. Archive after the jump.

Wednesday, December 09, 2015

KAABOO 2016 Offers VIP & Festival Packages



I went to dozens, if not hundreds of shows this year, but there were some events that I completely missed out on. I can't say I completely regret it because having Nova nearly full time has been amazing, but I can't say there isn't a little part of this music blogger that knows I kinda missed out, especially on the inaugural KAABOO at Del Mar, even more so after I found out many of my friends were given the royal treatment throughout the weekend. It seems crazy that the first wave of acts are going to be announced this week, but apparently that is the case. In the meantime, KAABOO is already selling VIP and full festival packages.

Update: First acts have been announced: Jack Johnson, The Avett Brothers, Goo Goo Dolls, Jason Isbell (Drive-by Truckers), Gavin DeGraw, Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness, The Green. Comedy: Janeane Garafolo, Rachel Bloom. (Source: U-T)

For information and ticketing, go here. Below are their words, not mine.



If you are still looking for that jaw-dropping gift, look no further. KAABOO – the arts and entertainment ‘mix-perience’ of a lifetime, is offering an amazing holiday gift pack, perfect for that hard to shop for relative or best friend who likes to have a good time.

Not familiar with the KAABOO ‘mix-perience’? KAABOO is a three day event taking place in beautiful Del Mar, CA in September 2016. The upscale experience combines great live music, delicious food vendors, impressive and unique art displays and your favorite comedians all in one place. As the perfect weekend escape, KAABOO is a cut above your average music event and you never have to worry about sacrificing comfort and luxury for an amazing experience.

For a limited time only, weekend passes are available at an exclusive holiday discount. Please see below for the breakdown as well as details on the type of access you receive for each pass.

HANG TEN VIP 3 - Day Pass: $2,499

  • VIP for the entire weekend
  • Complimentary food and beverage in designated areas
  • Hang Ten stage viewing areas at main stage and two other stages
  • KAABOO Artist Lounge access

HANG FIVE VIP 3 - Day Pass Level 2: $729

  • VIP-only Thursday night, featuring memorable live performances
  • VIP "SuperLounge" and viewing area at Sunset Cliffs main stage
  • VIP only viewing area at all other stages
  • Access to three KAABOO VIP Lounges

HANG LOOSE GA 3-Day Pass Level 2: $229

  • Three-day access to all stages
  • Entry into all GA experiences

Stay tuned later this week for the exciting first wave announcement of confirmed bands, comedians and artists who will be rocking out with KAABOO!

Things To Do In San Diego: Wednesday, December 9-Sunday, December 13, 2015

After a busy weekend, and in light of a whole bunch of jam-packed days of work and events ahead, it has been nice being home the past couple nights (and truth be told, working after my household is asleep while indulging in the cheesiest of Hallmark Christmas movies. So far, kissing while ice skating in every single one!) I updated my holiday event page and will keep adding stuff (you can find it on the menu bar of the main page, too) as I find it. We heard that there were massive waves at the beach the past couple days, so after Nova's early dismissal day, we headed to Sunset Cliffs Nature Reserve with Ficus, hoisted ourselves down the rope to the beach and enjoyed what felt at times like a completely private beach. In December. We followed that with dinner outside at Point Loma Sea Foods and I have to say, while we love the cold and rain when we can get it, some days just don't get any better than that. Wednesday through Sunday archives are after the jump.



Radio News: Tommy Hough Takes The Helm of 91X Morning Drive & Garett Michaels Returns to San Diego with KFMB-FM

Back in October, it was announced that "Local Media San Diego, LLC and KFMB Stations, two leading digital and broadcast companies in the greater San Diego area, announced a joint operating agreement that preserves local ownership and operation of San Diego’s top-rated radio stations. Magic 92.5, Z90, 91X, 100.7 Jack FM and AM 760 KFMB will now make up the largest local radio broadcasting platform in San Diego."

At the time, I didn't post the press release, because it's the kind of things radio nerds like me care about, but so long as it didn't affect major shifts on the stations, it didn't seem something necessary to share. Fast-forward a few months, and we're starting to see just the impact the joint operation is having and it is a good thing for San Diego. Besides some "shared assets", in the way of focused sales and promotions staff able to work across formats and stations, yesterday it was announced that Tommy Hough would be taking over full time on morning drive at 91X and that Garett Michaels is returning to San Diego as the new Program Director at KFMB-FM (Jack FM).

Garett Michaels from back in his FM 94/9 days

I'll post the full news releases after the jump, but I have to say the most interesting thing about the news was this quote by SDLocal Vice President / General Manager Gregg Wolfson (Wolfie!), who said about Michaels, “with his large market experience, knowledge of San Diego, and his proficiency in CHR, AC, Alternative, Triple A, Rock, and Country, he is the perfect fit for the future format of KFMB-FM.” (emphasis mine) Could this mean change is coming to Jack? I certainly hope so, because I don't care how high DSC ratings are, Dave is off the rails and shouldn't have a mic in his face anymore, and with the recent sale of KPRI-FM, there is definitely a void in San Diego radio in the realm of Triple A (Adult Album Alternative) and really breaking new music in the market, which is only reinforced every time a new show is booked in San Diego and the agents ask for our "KEXP or KCRW equivalent" and we have none. But that's just my little projection. Congratulations to Tommy and welcome back, Garett. You'll both be hearing from me, I'm sure. Full press releases after the jump.

Monday, December 07, 2015

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, December 7-Tuesday, December 8, 2015

After my trip, I really needed a weekend like this one--seeing good shows and getting to hang with so many amazing friends who I have't seen in ages. On Friday I worked at the Tanlines show at the Irenic and then hit Little Hurricane after, then had a super late night with Robin & Matt, who was in town for the weekend. On Saturday, all the kids had an overnight at my mom's, so Darren and I got a rare datenight. He came to see The Glamour & The Squalor with me (which was incredible, by the way, and so amazing to see Marco), then we went to Casbah and then Bar Pink after that. Sunday was pretty mellow, it's my big catch up with work day, but it was nice heading to the Casbah for our annual staff photo and then going to Snoop Dogg later in the night with Jakey. As we approach Christmas, you'll notice the listings getting a little thin, but there are still some gems between now and then, so don't hermit up just yet. Monday and Tuesday archives are after the jump.

Not my best photo of Snoop, but he did this one for me. 

Things We Did In San Diego: Snoop Dogg at The Observatory, 12.6.2015

There are certain shows that come across my desk that get me a little more excited than others. Obviously Snoop Dogg is a big deal, but when I found out I was approved for a photo pass, it made it that much cooler. The show was packed with people by the time I arrived...I had been home working so I strategically planned on skipping the openers because I had way too much to do. Snoop plays all the hits you'd expect him to, and a couple I was surprised about, like a remix of California Girls that emphasized his part and just played Katy's vocal as a backing track. It was made even more fun by the fact that one of my BFFs, Sara, who I never ever see anymore, was at the show. It was pretty fun and worth the hour break I took from working. Here are some of my photos. (more after the jump)




Friday, December 04, 2015

Upcoming Shows at The Observatory North Park (Updated 12.4.2015)

The last time I was at the Observatory--on Monday night, slinging shirts for John Waters and taking all the VIP photos--I had an interesting conversation about show times. While I thought these were mostly arbitrary or determined by the promoter, the reality is that for every show, the venue meets with SDPD and that is where sometimes they get pushback. So say a show is booked to start at 9pm, the cops might ask that it start earlier so they can appease neighbors or whatnot. On the list below, instead of just changing the times, I've noted that the times were changed since the new times aren't necessarily reflected on the artwork. I believe there are still a few tickets left for Snoop, so get on it! Shows beyond next week are after the jump.

12/4 Slightly Stoopid, Yellowman & The Law, 6pm, All Ages (SOLD OUT)

12/5 CANCELLED: Warren Haynes and The Ashes & Dust Band with Jonathan Tyler & ChessBoxer 6:30pm, All Ages

12/6 Snoop Dogg with Tha Eastsidaz, Dogg Pound & LBC Movement , 7pm, 18+



12/10 Tribal Seeds, Stranger, Iya Terra, 7pm, All Ages
12/11 Tribal Seeds, New Kingston, Maad T-Ray, 7pm, All Ages



12/12 ​Dance Gavin Dance with Slaves, A Lot Like Birds, Dayshell, Strawberry Girls, 7pm, All Ages



12/13 Reverend Horton Heat, Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys, The Bellrays, Lords of Altamont 7pm, 21+ (note new time- Doors at 7, Show at 8pm)

Get Your Tickets To 91X Lump of Coal!

I'm so behind and totally meant to post the whole press release and yada yada last week, when it was announced that Jane's Addiction dropped off the bill for Wrex The Halls. With that news, refunds were supposed to be issued at point of purchase, and the whole show--without Jane's--moved to Soma with a lowered ticket price of $25. Tickets to Wrex the Halls will NOT be honored at Soma. You have to buy a new ticket for this event. The show is all ages. (Tickets are ticketed through Ticketmaster or Soma. I've provided the Soma link because historically their fees are lower than TM)



Thursday, December 03, 2015

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, December 3-Sunday, December 6, 2015

It's my third and a final day in Austin and training is going well and Marjy and I had a really great time last night on Rainey Street. I'm not sure BBQ would make the flight home, but I might have to try. I just thought I'd do a little update since both Little Hurricane Shows have sold out. Don't forget this weekend is the big San Diego debut of The Glamour and The Squalor at The Irenic about Marco Collins. Did you know Marco was the first person who ever hooked me up with a photo pass for a festival? And, not only that, he was the first who really gushed about the future of blogging and had faith in this little site...and it's changed a lot, but I'm still chugging along after 9 years. See y'all tonight. Friday through Sunday listings are after the jump.



Thursday, December 3, 2015:
  • The Avengers, I Wish I, Social Spit, Widows @ Casbah
  • Jennie Vee, Vowws, Lowlands, Blood Candy @ Soda Bar
  • Joshua Taylor & 22 Kings (Double Album Release), Jesse LaMonaca @ Sycamore Den
  • Listen Local Radio's All Access Fest feat. 7:00 Krass Bros, 7:30 Katie Leigh and The 
  • Infantry, 8:00 Boondock Brothers, 8:30 Astra Kelly, 9:00 Channel, 9:30 Boxcar Chief, 10:00 Jimmy Lewis Band, 10:30 Landis, 11:00 The Yes Team, 11:30 Daddy Issues @ Music Box
  • Charlie Hunter Trio ft. Bobby Previte & Curtis Fowlkes, Bomb Squad @ The Loft, UCSD
  • Customer Appreciation Party @ The Office
  • The Ten Tenors: Home For the Holidays @ California Center for the Arts, Escondido
  • Ceremony Night @ Bar Pink
  • Mesa College presents Jingle Bell Jazz @ Dizzy's
  • The Venice Christmas Show, Sister Speak @ Belly Up
  • Adeumazel @ The Hideout
  • Simer Bakri, Lily Love @ Lestat's
  • Gregory Page @ Java Joe's
  • Nebula Drag, The Hand of Gavrilo, The Wind Playing Tricks @ The Merrow
  • DarkWaveGarden @ The Bancroft
  • Liz Grace Duo @ Croce's Park West
  • Wildside @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
  • Open Jam Session @ Winston's (6-9pm)
  • Firebeatz @ Omnia
  • LowKeyTanner and DevinTheDude @ La Luz Ultra Lounge
  • Movember with Valentino Khan @ Fluxx
  • Rock Out Karaoke @ Tin Roof
  • 11 Year Anniversary with Egyptian Lover @ Kava Lounge
  • Rockin Aces @ Tio Leo's
  • Liquid Courage Karaoke @ 710 Beach Club

Monday, November 30, 2015

New Video: MC Flow- "Pot In The Latkes"

I'm not sure if you were listening to the Local 94/9 last night, but it was quite a party to celebrate the one year anniversary of TJ as the host. There was amazing food from Big Front Door (with Pork Loin and Smoked Salmon that must have crack in it because I couldn't stop shoveling it into my mouf), lots of friends in the room, and I even got to pick three songs to close out the show. I knew that MC Flow was dropping a new song today and reached out in an attempt to make it one of my picks last night, but she was in NY and didn't get my message until a few hours later, so I just decided to wait until it released today, and the song is so good, it warrants its own post.

So here you go, a little holiday message from your old friend, MC Flow.

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, November 30-Wednesday, December 2, 2015

December is upon us, so forgive the lack of listings for The Balboa, Black Cat Bar, Hideout, Ken Club, and Whistle Stop. I usually try to update these during the week, but I'll be in Austin for a few days this week, so don't count on it. It was a pretty chill weekend...we spent some time at Balboa Park and the Museum of Art's Art of Music exhibit. I worked at the Irenic on Friday and Sunday, went to X on Friday night, and mostly just laid low, trying to hit up local businesses like Mariposa, Venice Pizza House, Nate's Garden Grill, and City Nursery. Monday through Wednesday archives are after the jump.


Friday, November 27, 2015

Things To Do In San Diego: Friday, November 27-Sunday, November 29, 2015

It's my favorite time of year- the temperature has dropped and Lifetime and Hallmark have no end of cheeseball holiday films. Thanksgiving was pretty awesome and I feel really grateful for so much in this wonderful little thing we call life. Honestly, that my dad is still here after his health scare last year just makes it a joy to be with family, lounging and watching movies together, eating a feast, and lounging around the house. I've got some cool things coming up, including some travel for a new endeavor, and having this past week mostly off was pretty great, getting in a rare date night with Darren while Nova had a sleepover, and getting salon time in for all of us, cooking with Nova, and hanging out at Waterfront park- a bunch of little things that might seem so trivial, but to me, these little things are priceless. I'll be at the Irenic tonight and Sunday, possibly dropping by some of the other great shows going on after my shifts. Friday through Sunday archives are after the jump. Don't forget to #OptOutside this Black Friday. The faux sales aren't worth it.



Upcoming Casbah and Casbah Presents Shows (Updated 11.27.2015)

In usual Casbah fashion, there are several shows booked all over town this weekend, including the 2 nights with X at the Casbah, Robert Delong at the Music Box, Nashville Pussy at the Hideout, Copeland at The Irenic, FRNKIERO ANDTHE CELLABRATION at HoB Voodoo Room. The Peach Kings at Casbah, and The Bird and The Bee at The Irenic. I'll be working both shows at the Irenic, so come by and say hi. December shows and beyond are after the jump.

Fri Nov 27 - X, mike watt and the secondmen @ Casbah

Fri Nov 27 - Robert Delong, Coleman Hell @ Music Box

Fri Nov 27 - Nashville Pussy, In The Whale, Chica Diabla @ The Hideout

Fri Nov 27 - COPELAND, Eisley, We Are The City @ The Irenic (SOLD OUT- Doors at 6pm)

Fri Nov 27 - FRNKIERO ANDTHE CELLABRATION, Roger Harvey, Jared Hart @ House of Blues Voodoo Room

Sat Nov 28 - X, mike watt and the secondmen @ Casbah

Sun Nov 29 - The Peach Kings, Smoke Season, Toothless George and His One Man Band @ Casbah

Sun Nov 29 - The Bird and the Bee, Alex Lilly @ The Irenic

The Bird and the Bee


Mon Nov 30 - NofacE Shadowmen, Stone Horse, Podunk Nowhere @ Casbah ($6 at the door)

Mon Nov 30 - John Waters Christmas Show @ The Observatory North Park (Seated Show) 




Upcoming Shows at The Observatory North Park (Updated 11.27.2015)

I'm not speaking on behalf of the Observatory here, just as someone who has been involved in music for a really long time, but don't expect a lot of updates to show calendars over the next month. It seems to me that all of the great indie bands who'd play a venue the size of the Observatory are holding off to plan tours around festivals, so March and April should start to be booked heavily after the new year right up to and launched from Coachella, but January and February are more for short runs or one off shows. I can always be proven wrong, but the only new show the venue has announced this week is Duke Dumont on December 28. December shows and beyond are after the jump. note: Just got word that Warren Haynes is postponing their tour due to a family emergency. All tickets refunded at point of purchase.

11/29 Silverstein, Senses Fail, Hundredth, Capsize, 6pm, All Ages



11/30 John Waters Christmas Show, 8pm, 21+



Monday, November 23, 2015

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, November 23-Thursday, November 26, 2015

I had a very chill weekend. I went out on Friday to the Broncho show at the Hideout, and worked at the We Were Promised Jetpacks show on Saturday, but other than that we mostly laid low. I was pretty bummed out on Sunday to hear that Nola, the San Diego Safari Park's lone Northern White Rhino had died. Apparently she recently had surgery on an abcess but couldn't shake a bacterial infection and the staff had to make the decision to euthanize her. There are only three of her kind left in the world and watching an animal go extinct in front of our eyes is tragic, but it happens every day. This was an especially big blow since Francesca, the pygmy hippo at the Zoo just last week lost her baby at a week old. Anyway, that stuff just really gets to me. I'm looking forward to this week and spending time with family and relaxing before December comes on like a full assault. Hope you all have a great holiday. Monday through Thursday archives are after the jump.



Saturday, November 21, 2015

Preview: New Found Glory and Yellowcard at House of Blues Sunday Night


image courtesy of Razor + Tie Records


New Found Glory and Yellowcard bring their fall tour to a close tomorrow night at the House of Blues.  New Found Glory is touring to promote the release of "Resurrection: Ascension", reissued this October.  Coheadlining with them on tour is Yellowcard, who releeased "Lift a Sail" on their new label Razor + Tie Records in 2014.  Despite being mainstays of the emo/pop-punk scene of the 00s, both bands had never toured together until now.  Check out New Found Glory's newest single featuring Hayley Williams of Paramore after the jump.  Tickets can be found here for the All Ages show, doors are at 6p and Tigers Jaw opens.

Friday, November 20, 2015

Things To Do In San Diego: Friday, November 20-Sunday, November 22, 2015

Sorry these are coming so late, but I figured I would update because (1) Pyles always fails to give me his Mary Jane Underground shows, so I added that for tonight, and (2) the RAC & Big Data show was moved from The Observatory to the Music Box on Sunday. I normally try to keep it all chipper around here, but the reality is that I'm cranky as hell. Work is mostly awesome, but man, some people are so damn stupid it hurts. Hasn't email been around long enough that we should all know if you don't want to get anymore subscription emails that there is always an UNSUBSCRIBE button on the foot of the email instead of replying back and being a dick? And then Facebook is just exhausting. I miss days when all the shit was about Kanye and Kim because these Republican candidates, the gun-toting right, the xenophobes, the Anti-Muslim, Anti-Syrian, Anti-refugee rhetoric is just too much. And then the little beautiful pygmy hippo at the San Diego Zoo died. It's all too much. So I'm going to go out tonight and get lost in music. Friday through Sunday archives are after the jump. This is a shot of Friday's sunset from Sunset Cliffs.



Upcoming Casbah and Casbah Presents Shows (Updated 11.20.2015)

So here's the updated rundown of Casbah shows. There are so many shows this weekend I can't even start to decide where I'm going to be. This is a full update, including new shows with Polica, Rob Crow's Gloomy Place, Hot Chip DJ Set, Ziggy Shuffledust, Tim Heidecker, Crocodiles, Eleanor Friedberger and more. December shows and beyond are after the jump.

Fri Nov 20 - The Good Life, Big Harp, Jake Bellows with Morgan Nagler @ Casbah

Fri Nov 20 - Broncho, The Shelters, Pearl Charles @ The Hideout

Sat Nov 21 - Holly Golightly, The Loons, Dani Bell and the Tarantist, Madly @ Casbah

Sat Nov 21 - We Were Promised Jetpacks, Seoul @ The Irenic



Sat Nov 21 - Minus the Bear, Murder By Death, Aero Flynn @ The Observatory North Park

Sat Nov 21 - Author & Punisher, Muscle and Marrow, Skrapez @ The Hideout

Sat Nov 21 - Dreamers, Systems Officer, Scuffs @ House of Blues Voodoo Room

Sun Nov 22 - Allison Weiss, Mal Blum, Winter, Kid in The Attic @ Casbah

Sun Nov 22 - Lucero @ Belly Up

Sun Nov 22 - Sturgill Simpson, Billy Wayne Davis @ The Observatory North Park

Mon Nov 23 - DJ Artistic's Hip Hop Battle Bot @ Casbah

Tue Nov 24 - Yuna, Francesca Blanchard @ Casbah

Yuna appears at the Casbah on November 24


Wed Nov 25 - Cash'd Out, Nancarrow @ Casbah

Upcoming Shows at Observatory North Park (Updated 11.20.2015)

So last week we got a little caught up with San Diego Music Thing, but there are a plethora of shows coming up at the Observatory. I think the only addition since my last update is the Decibal Mag show in March, but I thought I'd note that it is exciting to see artists returning after playing the venue last year or earlier this year-- RAC, St. Lucia, Jackie Greene, Tribal Seeds, Lake Street Dive, Bone Thugs n Harmony, and of course, in just a couple weeks, John Waters. Decemeber shows and beyond are after the jump.

11/20 Skinny Puppy, Youth Code, 8pm, All Ages



11/21 Minus The Bear: Menos El Oso Tour with Murder By Death, Aero Flynn, 7pm, 18+



11/22 Sturgill Simpson, Billy Wayne Davis 6pm, All Ages


11/22 RAC, Big Data, Karl Kling, FLOUS 10:30pm, 18+ MOVED TO MUSIC BOX. Doors at 7pm, Show at 8pm.

11/24 Jackie Greene, 7pm, 18+



11/25 Dom Kennedy, 6pm, All Ages



Thursday, November 19, 2015

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, November 19-Sunday, Novemeber 22, 2015

Nova's school has minimum days this week for teacher conferences, so while I was still a little under the weather on Monday, I've been fine the rest of this week (with allergy pills close at hand). On Tuesday, our day was wide open, so we went to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park because I heard there were six new rhinos. Though we didn't see them (they might be quarantined or I heard wrong?), we had some really special encounters. On the tram at the end of the day, we got to see the one month old rhino chasing Momma, and there was a baby giraffe that was born that morning, she even had her umbilical cord still attached! Then we had the cheetahs and lions super curious about us and giving us more action I've ever had with either enclosure. That night I went to see Boy & Bear and Oh, Spirit! at Soda Bar, and while they sounded great, there was this beast of a woman seriously lacking in her situational and spacial awareness, so I sat at the bar for most of the show. There are some great shows this weekend, so live it up before the lull in touring kicks in. Thursday archives are after the jump.



Things We Did In San Diego: San Diego Music Thing 2015

I take a lot of photos. I used to post them here all the time but it takes an awful lot of time that I don't really have to organize and cull and by the time I get around to it, days or weeks or months have passed. This year alone, I have taken in excess of 88 gigs of photos and videos. The fun for me is more in the shooting and less the sharing, though I do manage to get more of them on Facebook than here, but I thought I'd at least post a spattering of my San Diego Music Thing photos from last weekend. Obviously some lighting is better than others and bear with me, as this was my first time really shooting shows with my Canon, though a couple were with the Samsung (Greg Graffin, Bakkuda, and Album Leaf). See them after the jump.




National Geographic Traveler Names San Diego/Tijuana in Top 20 "Go Now" Top Trips of 2016

It's November 19, just a week shy of Thanksgiving, and it is 78 degrees outside in Normal Heights. No doubt San Diego is an amazing place to live. It recently occurred to me that November 5 marked 9 years of San Diego: Dialed In, and my output has certainly changed and morphed over time (though not my ability to craft run-on sentences). Despite our worthless mayor and our city's financial future being threatened by this thrust to make the Spanos family and the NFL rich off of our city that is literally falling apart and currently declared a state of emergency, I still love this beautiful city and the life this little blogging pursuit has afforded me (including a new job I'm super excited to share in the coming months). So I haven't done a local news roundup in ages, but my buddy Derrick Chinn of Turista Libre posted this link on Facebook and it seemed worthy of reposting while I have some screen time. In a shocking twist, this article, about the San Diego & Tijuana Region as a travel destination, didn't even mention craft beer. What it did mention was our coastline, Quatro Milpas, our culinary scene, The Lafayette hotel, the zoo, and of course, Turista Libre.

BEST TRIPS 2016 - NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER: SAN DIEGO/TIJUANA

Baja Artesenal Craft Beer Bar in Tijuana, 1/1/2015

View of Revolucion from patio at Hotel Ceasar, 1.1.2015

Patio of Mamut Brewery in Tijuana 1.1.2015




Monday, November 16, 2015

Things to Do In San Diego: Monday, November 16-Wednesday, November 18, 2015

It is incredibly difficult to be celebratory about the weekend when such horrible tragedies transpired across the globe and it is hard to not relate and feel especially affected by Paris when you imagine the horror at the Bataclan, a theatre about the size of the Observatory, and the death of the merch manager, Nick Alexander, who died doing a job I do dozens of times a year. It is easy to feel sheltered from such a terrorist attack, but the reality is 30,000 people are year are killed by guns in the US, so we should be worried every single day that another lunatic will snap. There are a million people more eloquent than I and there's also a lot of scum to filter through in the wake of such a tragedy, so all I really feel we can do is live on, be the best people we can be, and be the love and peace we want to see in this world. In spite of the weekend tragedies, both manmade and natural (Paris, Beirut, Brazil, Mexico), life did go on here, as San Diego Music Thing brought epic performances to our corner of the world. I was able to catch Greg Graffin's keynote on Friday, and performances by Matt Vasquez, Beach Slang, Ilya, and the Album Leaf. On Saturday I caught L7 and Joy Formidable, Subsurfer, Here We Go Magic and In The Valley Below. Sunday was a work and sleep day as I tried to recover from a busy week and also fighting off aches and pains that feel like I'm coming down with something. Monday through Wednesday archives are after the jump.

 

Friday, November 13, 2015

Things To Do In San Diego: Friday, November 13-Sunday, November 15, 2015

I must sound like the most vocabulary strained writer on the planet because every time I update, I'm just overwhelmed with how much stuff has passed since my previous post, even if only a day or two has passed, and really resort to words like "Wow!" or "Awesome" or whatever. At the same time, I feel like I am living so fully that it is absolutely okay to be wowed (and it certainly beats the alternative). This week I had some fun family time, went to see Quilt and Widowspeak at the Hideout, went to Knott's Berry Farm on Veteran's Day, went to the Heritage of the Americas Museum for Nova's class fieldtrip, saw Martin Atkins keynote speech at the Lafayette, caught Blitzen Trapper and Yo La Tengo at the Observatory, saw AA Bondy at the Hideout, and balanced a whole bunch of work and fun in between all of it. This weekend is going to be busy, which is why I frontloaded a couple blog updates. I will be at SDMT on Friday, hopefully hit the tamale festival on Saturday, then the SDMT Music Fest, then Sunday is my big work day, and then who knows. I just know I won't be looking at my laptop much the next few days, so hit me up on Facebook if you really need me. Friday through Sunday archives are after the jump.

AA Bondy at the Hideout for San Diego Music Thing

Upcoming Casbah and Casbah Presents Shows (Updated 11.13.2015)

If I was a little bit better as a blogger or whatever, I'd tell you all of the new shows added to this list since last time, but honestly, I'm not Type A enough to keep track of that. I know there are some new Belly Up and Observatory shows on this list, some local nights, too, but as far as major news, you'll have to find the links below for Chuck Ragan, Vanessa Carlton, The Silent Comedy and others. Archived list is after the jump.

Upcoming Shows At The Observatory North Park (Update 11.13.2015)

So, first point of information is that the Mayhem/Watain show tonight has been moved to Brick By Brick. Also, this week we added shows with Lettuce, Beats Antique, Lake Street Dive, and St. Lucia at the Observatory. It seems crazy to me to be talking about February and March 2016, but obviously time flies and those shows will be here before you know it. Ticket links provided below.

11/13 Tokimonsta, 7pm, 18+
11/13 Mayhem, Watain, Rotting Christ, 7pm, 21+ (moved to Brick By Brick)



11/14 Lagwagon, Runaway Kids, Brian Wahlstrom, Bobgoblin, 7pm, All Ages



11/15 X Ambassadors- The VHS Tour, Skylar Grey, Kevin Garrett, 6pm, All Ages



11/16 Atmosphere, 7pm, All Ages (SOLD OUT)

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

mewithoutYou returns to San Diego at the Observatory North Park

The Menzingers (courtesy of the Agency Group)


mewithoutYou (courtesy of the Agency Group)

Eschewing their recent habit of touring the west coast once a year, mewithoutYou returns to San Diego to a much larger venue and opening for acclaimed punk act, the Menzingers.  Still touring on the momentum of their 2014 Absolute Punk album of the Year “Rented World”, the Menzingers boisterous and simple brand of punk comes across immediately when listening to highlights like “I Don’t Want to be an Asshole Anymore”.  mewithoutYou has been on a transformative journey from their screaming genesis all the way to freak-folk and back again.  Their recent album, Pale Horse, has been a contemplative take on their posthardcore roots.  So if #SDBW madness has you in the mood for music you can shout along to, head over to the Observatory North Park right now.  Tickets are $17 at the door for this All Ages show.  



San Diego Music Thing Music Fest - Get 2-for-1 Tickets Now!

This weekend is the San Diego Music Thing. If you're already a badgeholder for the conference or if you already purchased a single day pass for Saturday, you've already got access to the Music Fest on Saturday night in the parking lot behind The Observatory North Park. However, if you haven't, it's time to start planning your weekend and this should definitely be on your radar. Plus, tickets are 2 for 1 if you buy them now through Thursday night.

San Diego Music Thing Music Fest:
The Joy Formidable
L7
Milo Greene
Chicano Batman
The Moth & The Flame
Madly
Neighbors to the North 
The Palace Ballroom

Saturday, November 14
2pm-10pm
21+
$25