Monday, June 29, 2015

Upcoming Shows at The Observatory North Park (Updated 6/29)

I know I just updated these last week, but I decided to spiff up the artwork and make sure that all the new shows added to The Observatory calendar have the full show lineups where available. It's a mellow week but end of summer is going to get pretty insane and I cannot wait. Observatory shows from August to December are after the jump.



7/2 Brad Williams, 7pm, 18+

7/6 Rob Bell 7:30pm, 18+

7/10 Burger Records Comic Con Party 7pm, All Ages
7/11 Burger Records Comic Con Party 7pm, All Ages
7/12 Burger Records Comic Con Party 7pm, All Ages

7/14 Barrington Levy 7pm, 18+

7/18 The Casualties, 7pm, All Ages

7/21 Charli XCX & Bleachers present Charli & Jack Do America 6:30pm, All Ages


7/22 Between The Buried And Me, Animals As Leaders, The Contortionist 6:30pm, All Ages

7/25 Father 8pm, 18+

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, June 29-Sunday, July 5, 2015

I had a cool weekend, working for Bully on Friday and Vic Mensa, but getting off early enough both nights to hang out with Darren at The Casbah and Bar Pink and then Sunday was an awesome day to chill at home, slug around, get some work done, and catch the beautiful sunset. Listings are pretty thin this week. Part of that is because of Fourth of July falling on a Saturday, but El Dorado, Gallagher's, The Hideout, Lestat's, Sycamore Den, and The Balboa all haven't posted their July calendars. Monday through Sunday archives are after the jump.

Saturday, June 27, 2015

HOW A SHOW SELLS OUT IN 1 MINUTE

I'm sitting behind a table inside The Observatory North Park, selling t-shirts for headliner Vic Mensa, and I sometimes get a- how do I put it- if I ran the world kind of mindset when I'm slinging merch. Like don't ask me how much shirts are when there's a giant sign that says $30, don't try to negotiate with me, and don't ask me if there's a magical stash of shirts of opposite colors than what you see printed and hanging on the wall. It's comical, I know, and I'm probably way too old to be here anyway, but doing merch is kind of a fun way to get paid while interacting with the public, whom I'd otherwise never see in my own real life at shows or in my day to day work or in my family life. So when I'm asked, I usually say yes, even if it means missing something else where I'd rather be.

But what I really want to talk about is ticket sales. On Friday, Tame Impala tickets went onsale for The Observatory North Park and tickets were gone in the first minute, kinda. Some people were able to snag tickets after that, but not many, and since people ask me how that happens, I thought I'd explain it.

So there you are, circling the website, 9:45, 9:52, 9:59. Your clock changes to 10:00 and boom, action on. I'm only speaking hypothetically here, because I don't have access to Observatory ticketing, but for a show like Tame Impala, there would be about 1100 tickets available for sale. When you're on that magical ticketing page, you use the pulldown to select your tickets, and in the case of this show, with no ticket limit, you could buy up to 10 tickets. So think about that. If people are logged in at 10am, they all click 10 tickets, ONLY 110 actual transactions could sell out a show. Of course, you have a lot of people buying 1, 2, or 4 tickets, but even if everyone only bought two tickets, only 550 people need to be online at 10am for that show to sell out. When we have RFTC shows at the Casbah, with a much lower capacity and a two ticket limit, only 100 people have to be online at that moment to sell it out.

So that being said, I'm going to give you a few tips to be sure you get tickets when a hot show goes on sale.

1. Make sure you have an account on all the major ticketing sites: Ticketmaster, Ticketfly, Ticketweb. About an hour before a show goes on sale, you need to make sure you can log in to your account and that your payment information is accurate.

2. Refresh like crazy. Sometimes a show will go on sale a few minutes before the hour as a test. You should be refreshing your ticket link until you get into the select tickets window.

3. Select the number of tickets FAST and make your clicks fast. Go to another event on the same ticketing site as practice so you know all the things you have to check before the tickets are added to your cart. For example, in Ticketweb, you have to select the number of tickets, choose your method of delivery, accept terms of site, then add to cart. If you have to think about this stuff, you've already taken too long.

4. If you get tickets in your cart, don't change your mind! Say you add 4 tickets to your cart, and then realize you only need 2. Buy all 4 and figure it out later. If you change your order, you go back to the end of the line and those tickets are already gone.

5. If you get a "tickets are not available" message, refresh and refresh again. The venue might decide to add more tickets. Someone could dump their cart. Someone's card could be declined. Those tickets go back into the pool. A friend of mine missed tickets in the first five minutes, but ended up with 3 tickets purchased one ticket at a time because she kept refreshing.

6. Don't get mad if you don't get tickets. Seriously, after Tame Impala sold out, the hateful messages that flooded in were ridiculous. Same with RFTC. The website didn't crash, in fact, it worked exactly as it was supposed to, allowing 100, 300, 600, 800 transactions all to happen at the very same time. Sometimes you're lucky, sometimes not.

7. If you're a superfan, prove it. Don't buy from StubHub, and never pay more than face value on Craig's List. I have two friends who show up at a lot of shows. Some they have tickets for. Sometimes they don't. You never know who just got dumped and is selling or giving away an extra ticket. Maybe the artist was holding tickets but didn't need them and they become available at the box office the night of the show. Maybe the door guy is in a good mood. You never know, but if you care enough, you might be able to find a legit and legal way in. Avoid attempts at bribery, and spare the guy your sob story or fake flirtation. Be cool, and you might get advice on a legit way in.

8. Support bands when they're small. You know why a show sells out in one minute? Because the band is popular, and usually across demographics and genre boundaries. You know how many bands playing the Belly Up, The Observatory, OAT, etc. all played at the Casbah and Soda Bar first? Foster the People played to like 14 people at Soda Bar. Imagine Dragons played at least 3 shows as the SUPPORT act at the Casbah before they blew up. The Casbah and Soda Bar have incredible yet underattended shows all the time. Support live music and you never know who might be the next big thing.

Anyway, these were just some little nuggets that I've been stewing on for awhile. Maybe it's helpful, maybe it's just info you already knew, but since I suddenly become everyone's BFF when a show sells out, I thought I'd share a little insider's view. Carry on, Vic Mensa. Nice Gorillaz cover.

Friday, June 26, 2015

Things To Do In San Diego: Friday, June 26-Sunday, June 28, 2015

It has been quite a week, and since I'm sitting at The Observatory selling merch for Bully, I figured I'd update the post so you don't have to do all that scrolling on your phone while you look for fun things to do this weekend. It was a pretty fun week as we hit up Legoland on Tuesday and then to The Rugburns at Bar Pink and closed the night at Whistle Stop. I worked a lot on Wednesday lingering around the house, took Nova shopping, then went on an activist bike ride with Bike SD to promote bike infrastructure on University, all followed by a great dinner at West Coast Tavern. On Thursday we went boogie boarding in OB before leaving Nova with her mom, then I worked at the Donkeys/Vetiver show while Darren sold merch at the Casbah for Head Wound City, where I met up with him later and was able to have a fun Thursday night. I'm pretty wiped out as I sit typing but Bully goes on in one minute and I suspect it's going to be a pretty great set. Friday through Sunday archives are after the jump.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Things To Do In San Diego: Tuesday, June 23-Thursday, June 25, 2015

Nova's summer officially started yesterday, and while she and Darren met up with my nieces at Aquatica, I was chained to my laptop for a 16 hours work marathon. I hope I'm caught up enough that we can enjoy today at Legoland. Hopefully I can make this cold subside. In case you hadn't heard, Wednesday's show at the Casbah with AA Bondy has been canceled due to a loss in his family. Lots of cool stuff this week to make up for it. Tuesday through Thursday archives are after the jump.

Upcoming Casbah and Casbah Presents Shows (Updated 6/23)

Another week passes, another bundle of shows is announced. Casbah added new shows with a SayVinyl reunion, Santos y Sinners, Cash'd Out, Nails, ON AN ON, Johnette Napolitano, Shannon and the Clams, Telekinesis, and two El Ten Eleven shows. Around town, we added Whitey Morgan, Eagles of Death Metal, Desaparecidos, Prayers, and more. Things are always great at the Casbah, so don't forget your first love and support live music. There are shows booked into November, so always check out the site.

Upcoming Shows at The Observatory North Park (Updated 6/22)

New Shows on sale Friday: Tame Impala, Tove Lo, Aer, Lianne La Havas, Wavves, Xavier Rudd and the United Nations. Full calendar is after the jump.


6/26 Best Coast, Bully 7pm, All Ages

6/27 Vic Mensa 6pm, All Ages

7/2 Brad Williams, 7pm, 18+

7/6 Rob Bell 7:30pm, 18+

FM 94/9 Announces Independence Jam 2015

Lest you feared that Dirty Parts Festival was the big show of the year for FM 94/9, yesterday they announced the 2015 Independence Jam, returning to the Junior Seau Amphitheatre at the Oceanside Pier. The show is September 12, all ages, and gates open at 3pm. The show is headlined by Silversun Pickups, and also features appearances by Houndmouth, Meg Myers, Civil Twilight, Bully and The New Regime. Tickets are onsale now for $28 and can be upgraded to VIP for an additional $15.

Get your tickets and more information here.


Monday, June 22, 2015

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, June 22, 2015

I hope everyone had an awesome weekend. Thursday's Jen Kirkman show was super great, and Friday we had a SoundDiego Party at Gallagher's (my first time there, ever), followed by Burning of Rome at Casbah and closing down the night with Darren and Robin and a bunch of friends at Whistle Stop. Saturday I had way too much work to do so we had to forego DPF, but I worked at Surfer Blood and it was really great to see JP and the guys again. Father's Day was great, with a fun picnic at Presidio Park with a massive group of friends. My family was down at Otay Lakes, but we had the plans for too long to switch things up so I'll get some Dad time this week. We also ended up doing a 10 mile bikeride on the Bayshore Bikeway to celebrate the Summer Solstice. It's officially Nova's summer, so besides trying to cram as much work as I can in as few hours as I can, we'll be all over trying to make the most of the time. This week has a lot of great shows, so get out and enjoy some music. Monday archives are after the jump.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

FM 94/9 Dirty Parts Festival Set Times

This Saturday, FM 94/9 Presents the Dirty Parts Festival at the Lakeside Rodeo. Tickets are only $18 and gates open at 3pm. You don't have to bust out your cowboy boots, but you might want to listen to your mama and wear sensible shoes (*not these) so the rest of us don't have to stare at your nasty dirt crusted feet all day.

Get tickets here.


Things To Do In San Diego: Wednesday, June 17-Sunday, June 21, 2015

I have to say I am happy that this is the final week of school for Nova. Summer is always a fun time and it usually involves lots of beach days, parks, family time, and this year, we've added Aquatica to the mix. If you wonder the value, we've already used our passes three times, including yesterday after school, though I was tethered to email a lot of the time because of work chaos. I updated the listings to include Sausage Fest tonight at JSix, as well as Mass Creativity Day and Carlsbad Village Walk on Saturday, and Making Music Day on Sunday. I'll be working at Jen Kirkman tomorrow and can't wait. I love stand-up comedy and she was so rad all the time on Chelsea Lately that I'm really looking forward to the show. Also, on Saturday, though I might have to work, is the Dirty Parts Festival at the Lakeside Rodeo. Wednesday through Sunday archives are after the jump.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Upcoming Shows at The Observatory North Park (Updated 6/16)

The Observatory has added so many shows that I felt like I had to update again. New shows with Mew, The 1975, Soja, Miguel, Fidlar, Shakey Graves, Leon Bridges, and RAC. Full calendar after the jump.




Monday, June 15, 2015

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, June 15-Tuesday, June 16, 2015

It was a perfect weekend. Friday night was great with Clap Your Hands Say Yeah at the Casbah and on Saturday, Darren and I sold merch at Oysterfest all day. After returning home to shower and entertain Ficus for a while, we saw Hamilton Leithauser at the Casbah, had some drinks at the Lamplighter, and then late night grub at Hong Kong (the restaurant in Hillcrest, not the brothel in TJ). Sunday was for working from home and then seeing DMA's at the Casbah- who were amazing, by the way, for the 15 of us in the room. We followed that with some James Brown and Lupulosa at Seven Grand, a quick drink at Pink, and pizza (mostly for tomorrow) at Florencia's.  This week is full of promise, so get out and see a show or two, won't you? Monday & Tuesday archives are after the jump.

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Photos: X- Fest 2015- Modest Mouse, Public Enemy, The Cult, Cold War Kids, Atlas Genius

A week ago today, Darren and I were running errands trying to get our butts in gear to get to X-Fest at a reasonable time. Unfortunately some things just can't be avoided and we got there as Atlas Genius was finishing. I didn't have a photo pass- which was actually a good thing because they have a weird policy of sequestering photographers after the first three songs of each set so they don't take photos- meaning they're sitting alone in a box for the majority of the day. I did manage a few photos throughout the day and figured it was about time my posts were more than just listings and Observatory and Casbah shows. I have to say this was maybe my favorite X-Fest of all time and Public Enemy was the best I'd ever seen them. All the pics are after the jump.



Thursday, June 11, 2015

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, June 11-Sunday, June 14, 2015

Tuesday was an awesome day, between The Kooks, Aquatica, and Ivan & Alyosha. On the opposite end of the spectrum was yesterday, where I just couldn't catch a break, everything that could go wrong did go wrong, up to an including missing the last step on my staircase and totally faceplanting in my yard. Such a glamorous life I lead. Today seems to be back on track, however, so I'm keeping it together as my inbox is flooded, i got a Casbah newsletter out, we're on our way to Nova's school to show and tell her cloth mache dragon, and then I'll have a little date night with Darren to watch NBA, catch the show at Bar Pink, then head down to Casbah. Thursday through Sunday archives are after the jump.

Upcoming Casbah and Casbah Presents Shows (Updated 6/11)

it's rough around here when I miss a week of updates. Last week I went through the Casbah calendar, show by show, with George Varga to try and get their Summer Preview as up to date as possible, and still there are a lot of new shows added between the time we spoke and the time they published. So here's the latest and greatest of all the upcoming Casbah shows, including the presale link for Hot Chip (password is "whymakesense") and Mew (password is "waterslides"). Heads up that there are only 8 tickets left to CYHSY tomorrow night (as of 12:35pm 6/11). Archive after the link.

Upcoming Shows at The Observatory North Park (Updated 6/11)

It's been a minute since I updated this list and there are a bunch of new additions: Mew, Fidlar, Yo La Tengo, Vic Mensa, Years & Years, Get Up Kids, Ghost, and more, plus maybe some others leaked prematurely. Shows and beyond after the jump.



Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Thursday Night at Bar Pink: The Mackshow vs Inazuma

My good friend Dang from Bar Pink alerted me to a last minute booking for Thursday night. Then Kenny (from The Dragons, The Bronx, Mariachi El Bronx) sent me a text telling me I have to go.

Kenny says, "SD friends and rockers! My friend's band from Japan, The Mackshow added a show in SD at Bar Pink on Thursday! Early show from 8-10pm and FREE! Call your babysitters now! It's a rare chance to see them at such an intimate setting! If you like the Backbeat soundtrack, early Beatles, 50s R&R - go see them! Opening is another LA's crazy Japanese R&R band Inazuma!!"

THE MACKSHOW LIVE IN CALIFORNIA : Update news! INAZUMA vs THE MACKSHOW

The Mackshow, who represents Japanese Rock and Roll nowadays finally will have shows in California, United States. Let's Twist and Shout together!

Japanese Rock'n Roll Volcano in San Diego! Thursday, June 11th @Bar Pink (3829 30th St San Diego CA 92104) 8-10pm

"REV IT UP!" Fri June 12th @Spike's Bar & Billiards (7813 Garvey Ave, Rosemead, CA 91770) Info 626-288-4366 9pm-2am 21+ $8. THE MACKSHOW / INAZUMA / RADARMEN

Black hair, Black eyes, Black Leather!, CAROL look is making me High.....Grease me, CA!

Tuesday, June 09, 2015

Things To Do In San Diego: Tuesday, June 9-Wednesday, June 10, 2015

We are planning to beat Hurricane Blanca with the lunchtime pool party with The Kooks at the Lafayette and some Aquatica water park afternoon action when Nova has early dismissal, but I wanted to send a quick update because there are a ton of new shows that have been announced this week, including HOT CHIP at Soma on August 21 (presale Thursday- password is "whymakesense") and Years & Years at The Observatory North Park on September 30. Casbah has added shows with Melvins (8/27) and Man Man (9/9) as well as some new Irenic Shows with Gardens & Villa (10/9) and The Districts (10/16) and a new show with David Ramirez at Soda Bar (11/5). I also put out a warning that Unknown Mortal Orchestra (8/5) is close to sell out, and last I checked there were only 10 tickets left. Tuesday and Wednesday archives are after the jump.

Monday, June 08, 2015

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, June 8, 2015

What a weekend! I'll get to posting some pics later, but it was definitely a great one starting on Thursday when I was treated to an amazing six course dinner at Vessel at the Kona Kai and then catching Bob Log III afterward. Friday I sold merch for Christopher Owens, and Saturday I went to see Patrick Watson, and then of course, X-Fest was on Sunday and it was probably my favorite X-Fest yet. I think this week will be much more mellow, I won't be at the Casbah every single night of the week like I was last week, but there are definitely some good shows this week. Monday archive after the jump.

Thursday, June 04, 2015

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, June 4-Sunday, June 7, 2015

This has been such a crazy week that I just realized I took down the listings earlier and never reposted as I sit in a playground in San Carlos. I missed both Spoon shows this week, as well as Sufjan, because I worked at both Mother Mother on Monday and Courtney Barnett on Tuesday. Yesterday we went to Aquatica and despite all the anti-Sea World sentiment so prevalent these days, I have to say it was the most fun I've had in ages. It is definitely an activity that is as fun for adults as it is for kids, so the $42 Spash Passes and the $69 Costco Season Pass w/Parking was already definitely worth it. After the waterpark, I worked at the Active Child show then loved seeing Ron Sexsmith at the Casbah. Tonight I get to go to a media menu tasting at Vessel at the Kona Kai. (#summeratVessel) Can't wait. Friday through Sunday listings are after the jump. Don't forget the SD Fair kicks off tomorrow, so allow for extra traffic up north.

Thursday, June 4, 2015:
  • Bob Log III, Schitzophonics, Gloomsday @ Casbah
  • The Rentals, Rey Pila, Radiation City @ The Irenic
  • Miami Horror, De Lux, Dirty Radio @ Soda Bar (SOLD OUT)
  • Jesse LaMonaca and the Dime Novels, Michael McGraw Music @ Sycamore Den
  • Crow Bar, Battlecross, Lord Dying @ Til-Two Club
  • Ceremony Thursday @ Bar Pink
  • An Evening With/Seated Show Puddles Pity Party @ Belly Up
  • Eddie Izzard @ San Diego Civic Theatre
  • Stay Strange presents June Gloom 2015: Innerds, Tron, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Self Esteem, DJ Operating Thetan @ The Hideout
  • Jazz at the Athenaeum: Benny Green Trio @ La Jolla Athenaeum
  • Moneypenny, Behind the Fallen, Riboflavin, Black Chapter, DONA NOVA, Redmond @ Brick By Brick
  • Melissa Polinar and Jeremy Passion @ Lestat's
  • Keff Berkley, Jack Tempchin @ Java Joe's
  • Brass Hysteria, The Tramplers, Fanny and the Atta Boys @ The Merrow
  • Darkwave Garden @ The Bancroft
  • Sleeping With Sirens, The Summer Set, Nick Santino @ Soma
  • Curtis Taylor Quartet @ Croce's Park West
  • We The Heathens, Escape From The Zoo, The Thief's Lineage, Insomniac Collective 
  • @ Tower Bar
  • Open Jam Session @ Winston's (6-9pm)
  • Rockin' Aces @ Tio Leo's
  • Locness (of Atantis Rizing) Album Release, Destructo Bunny, Brendan B and Audios @ Winston's
  • The Dirty Work @ Boar Cross'n
Friday, June 5, 2015:
  • Philippine American Celebration 2015 @ Balboa Park
  • San Diego Greek Festival @ St Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, 3655 Park Blvd. All Ages. Free, 5-10pm
  • Christopher Owens, Devon Williams @ Casbah
  • Dustin Kensrue, David Ramirez, The Rocketboys @ The Irenic (SOLD OUT)
  • Soda Bar Presents: Idlehands (CD Release), Barbarian, Armors, Big Bad Buffalo, Scuffs @ Voodoo Room, House of Blues (6:30pm)
  • Mrs. Magician, Mr. Tube and the Flying Objects, DJ Richie Lauridsen @ Soda Bar
  • Creature & The Woods, The Kenneth Brian Band, Ashley Pond @ Til-Two Club
  • Dave Stamey @ AMSD Concerts
  • Little Fixtures, Cedar Fire @ Ken Club
  • Hip Hop vs Punk Rock: The Homeless Sexuals, Generik LNC, Vernon Bridges, Badabing @ Tower Bar
  • First Friday with DJ Artistic @ Bar Pink
  • Atomic Groove's Here Comes Summer, pt. 1 Happy Hour @ Belly Up (5pm)
  • KC & The Sunshine Band @ Grandstand Stage, San Diego County Fair, Del Mar Fairgrounds
  • Rattz @ Rock On Concert Series, San Diego County Fair, Del Mar Fairgrounds
  • Petty vs. Eagles - A Musical Shootout @ Belly Up
  • Essex, Class 3XA, Radio Active, Odakota, Caitlin Ashley @ Epicentre
  • Euphoria Brass Band @ Seven Grand
  • Three Bad Jacks, Gamblers Mark, Radarmen @ Brick By Brick
  • July Talk, My Goodness @ The Hideout
  • Chris Trapper, Aaron Bowen @ Lestat's
  • Lisa Sanders, Steph Johnson @ Java Joe's
  • Sin - A Tribute To Nin With Mechanical Manson And Zombiewood @ House of Blues
  • Y.Y.Zed, Time Machine, Moxie @ The Merrow
  • SlickIdiot (GermanyKMFDM) @ The Bancroft
  • Teagan Taylor @ Croce's Park West
  • Piracy Conspiracy @ Winston's
  • Leon's Old School @ Tio Leo's
  • Kevin Dillon Hosting @ Fluxx
  • Tierra/Malo @ Sycuan Live
  • Human Life, Lee K @ Bang Bang
  • Junior theDISCOpunk @ Henry's Pub
  • Club Musae @ Boar Cross'n
Saturday, June 6, 2015:
  • VINYL JUNKIES RECORD SWAP @ Casbah (11am-5pm)
  • Art Around Adams @ Adams Avenue - Free, All Ages (most venues), 12-8pm
  • San Diego Greek Festival @ St Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, 3655 Park Blvd. All Ages. Free, 11am-1pm, $3 donation from 1-10pm
  • Sundown at Rhino Art Music by Ditches, Wild Wild Wets, DJ Pillowtalk @ Rhino Art (Free, All Ages, 7pm, 97 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas)
  • Philippine American Celebration 2015 @ Balboa Park
  • Patrick Watson, Villagers @ Casbah
  • Octagrape, Cotillon, Andy Human and the Reptoids @ The Hideout
  • Barb Wire Dolls, The Touchies, Rum For Your Life, Revolut-Chix @ Soda Bar
  • Unwritten Law, Ten Foot Pole, Moon Hooch @ House of Blues
  • London Souls, Diego's Umbrella @ Winston's
  • Toothless George One Man Band, Screamin Yeehaws @ Til-Two Club
  • Super Freestyle Explosion feat. Stevie B, Taylor Dayne, Lisa Lisa, Company B, Johnny O, Midnight Track, Lexicons, Agent 86, Whiskey Avengers @ Tower Bar
  • Trinere, J.J. Fad, Noel, and Seduction @ Valley View Casino Center
  • KSON Country Fest feat. Montgomery Gentry, Casey James, Lauren Alaina, Jackie Lee @ Lakeside Rodeo Arena
  • DJ Mike Delgado @ Bar Pink
  • Common Sense, Bad Neighborz @ Belly Up
  • The Benedetti Trio celebrate Paul McCartney @ Dizzy's
  • Brad Paisley, Justin Moore, Mickey Guyton @ Sleep Train Amphitheatre
  • Gary Allen @ Grandstand Stage, San Diego County Fair, Del Mar Fairgrounds
  • Iron Maidens @ Rock On Concert Series, San Diego County Fair, Del Mar Fairgrounds
  • Mainly Mozart Festival Orchestra @ Balboa Theatre
  • Sick and Heavy Fest feat. As Blood Runs Black, City of Crooks, Theosis, Peace in Terror, Hannibal @ Epicentre
  • Agent Orange, Henchmen, Authentic Sellout, Surrounded By Thieves @ Brick By Brick
  • Peggy Watson, David Beldock @ Java Joe's
  • Dave Aude @ Bang Bang
  • Dispirit, Lycus, Volahn @ The Merrow
  • BuzzMutt (SF), Philosopher's Ray Gun, Beach Goons, Sandy Cheeks @ The Bancroft
  • Patrick Berrogain @ Croce's Park West (12pm)
  • Gilbert Castellanos @ Croce's Park West (7pm)
  • Bump n' Brass @ Tio Leo's
  • Jayceeoh @ Fluxx
  • Markus Shulz @ Bassmnt
  • Pile Palace Fundraiser @ Spin
  • Psydecar @ Boar Cross'n
  • A.O.K. @ 710 Beach Club
  • Caustic Felon, Atropal, The Scatter Bombs, Kill The Radio @ Ramona Mainstage
Sunday, June 7, 2015:
  • 91X X-Fest 2015 feat. Modest Mouse, The Cult, Pennywise, Public Enemy, Cold War Kids, Death From Above 1979, Palma Violets, Yelawolf, Atlas Genius, The Orwells, Robert Delong, Meg Myers, Shady Francos, Moon Hooch @ Sleep Train Amphitheatre (2pm)
  • San Diego Greek Festival @ St Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, 3655 Park Blvd. All Ages. Free, 11am-1pm, $3 donation from 1-8pm
  • Philippine American Celebration 2015 @ Balboa Park
  • Sam Prekop, PANABRITE, Bit Maps @ Casbah
  • Little People, Yppah, 9 Theory @ Soda Bar
  • AJ Froman, tv broken, 3rd eye open @ Kava Lounge
  • Rat Sabbath @ Bar Pink
  • CALiENS, Dre Trav, 18sense, Zochi, Dunga, and Dayfade @ FeeLit Records
  • Banda MS @ Grandstand Stage, San Diego County Fair, Del Mar Fairgrounds
  • ARockalypse Now @ Rock On Concert Series, San Diego County Fair, Del Mar Fairgrounds
  • Brubeck Brothers Quartet @ The Salk Institute For Biological Studies
  • An Evening With Zoso: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience @ Belly Up
  • Civic Youth Orchestra @ California Center for the Arts, Escondido
  • Listen Local Radio: The Kids Show @ Salvation Alley, House of Blues (4pm)
  • Rewind Sundays with Mr Dee Jay @ Voodoo Room, House of Blues
  • Of Mice & Men, Crown The Empire, Volumes @ Soma
  • Pants Karaoke @ The Hideout
  • Fast Heart Mart @ Across The Street at Mueller College
  • Gary Hankins, Gregory Michael Theilmann, Hezekiah Aaron Bussey @ Sycamore Den
  • Jesus Gonzalez, Connor Correll @ Lestat's
  • Dave Good's Jazz Jam @ Java Joe's (2pm)
  • Open Mic with Isaac Cheong @ Java Joe's (6:30 pm)
  • Nitty Gritty Dirt Band @ Sycuan Live
  • Vic Moraga @ Croce's Park West (12pm)
  • Afrojazz @ Croces Park West (6pm)
  • Crucial Blend, DPI, Devils Due, Digital X Cript @ Winston's (3-9pm)
  • Jose Sinatra's OB-O-Ke @ Winston's (10pm)

91X X-Fest Set Times

Some people probably look at the X-Fest lineup and think "Wow! It's like an all day mini-Festival!" I look at it like the old lady I am and go, "Where can I go nap between Shady Francos and Modest Mouse?" I'm just kidding, of course, there are some great bands on this lineup, I just don't know how I'll convince Darren to stay all day and night. Anyway, here are your set times.


Tuesday, June 02, 2015

Upcoming Shows at The Observatory North Park (updated June 2)

The Observatory has had a lot of great shows since taking over the North Park Theatre in January. There are plenty of good shows coming up, too. I'll warn you that there are literally a handful of tickets left for Tuesday's Spoon show, so if you want to go, don't wait to get your tickets.

6/1 Spoon, Sweet Spirit (SOLD OUT) 7pm, All Ages
6/2 Spoon, Sweet Spirit 7pm, All Ages

6/3 An Evening with Walk Off The Earth, 8pm, All Ages



More shows after the jump.



6/11 Joey Bada$$ - World Domination Tour 6pm, 18+

6/12 Queens of the Islands Tour feat. Anuhea & Etana 7pm, All Ages

6/13 Jedi Mind Tricks 7pm, 18+

6/15 Lupe Fiasco, Charles Hamilton 7pm, 18+

6/18 The Slackers 7pm, 18+

6/19 J Boog 7pm, 18+

6/21 Misfits 7pm, All Ages

6/22 Jungle 7pm, 18+

6/26 Best Coast, Bully 7pm, All Ages

6/27 Vic Mensa 7pm, All Ages

7/6 Rob Bell 7:30pm, All Ages

7/10 Burger Records Comic Con Party 7pm, All Ages
7/11 Burger Records Comic Con Party 7pm, All Ages
7/12 Burger Records Comic Con Party 7pm, All Ages

7/14 Barrington Levy 7pm, 18+

7/21 Charli XCX & Bleachers present Charli & Jack Do America 6:30pm, All Ages


7/22 Between The Buried And Me, Animals As Leaders, The Contortionist 6:30pm, All Ages

7/25 Father 8pm, 18+

8/9 Screeching Weasel, The Queers, Mr T Experience 6:30pm, All Ages

8/22 Snow Tha Product 6pm, All Ages

9/9 The Psychedlic Furs & The Church 7pm, 18+

9/22 Future Islands, 7pm, All Ages
9/23 Future Islands (SOLD OUT) 8pm, 21+

10/4 Citizen Cope (Full Band) 7pm, 18+

10/6 Paul Weller 7pm, 18+

10/16 MisterWives 6:30 pm, All Ages

10/17 Fidlar, 7pm, All Ages

11/12 San Diego Music Thing presents Yo La Tengo, 8pm, 18+

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


Monday, June 01, 2015

Upcoming Casbah and Casbah Presents Shows (Updated 6/1)

Time for a Casbah update! There are so many great shows this week and throughout summer, so everything the Casbah has booked is listed below for your convenience. Some of the new shows include two nights with Lucy's Fur Coat, The Redwoods Review, of Montreal, and Alpha Rev. Shows through June 15 are below, the remainder are after the jump.

Mon Jun 01 - Mother Mother, The Verigolds @ Casbah

Mon Jun 01 - Spoon, Sweet Spirit @ The Observatory North Park (SOLD OUT)
Tue Jun 02 - Spoon, Sweet Spirit @ The Observatory North Park

Tue Jun 02 - Courtney Barnett, Chastity Belt, Darren Hanlan @ The Casbah (SOLD OUT)

Tue Jun 02 - Sufjan Stevens, Helado Negro @ Copley Symphony Hall
Sufjan Stevens plays at Copley Symphony Hall on June 2

Wed Jun 03 - Ron Sexsmith, Alice Phoebe Lou @ Casbah

Wed Jun 03 - Active Child , Low Roar @ The Irenic

Wed Jun 03 - Royal Thunder , Wild Throne @ The Hideout

Thu Jun 04 - The Rentals, Rey Pila, Radiation City @ The Irenic

Thu Jun 04 -Bob Log III, Schitzophonics, Gloomsday @ Casbah

Fri Jun 05 - Christopher Owens, Devon WIlliams @ Casbah

Fri Jun 05 - July Talk, My Goodness @ The Hideout

Sat Jun 06 - VINYL JUNKIES RECORD SWAP @ Casbah (11am-5pm. $3 at the door)

Sat Jun 06 - Patrick Watson, Villagers @ Casbah

Sun Jun 07 - Sam Prekop, Panabrite, Bit Maps @ Casbah

Mon Jun 08 - Zella Day, Nicky Venus, Hot Sands @ Casbah

Tue Jun 09 - Ivan & Alyosha, Kris Orlowski @ Casbah

Wed Jun 10 - Agalloch, Helen Money @ Casbah

Thu Jun 11 - Fool's Gold @ Casbah

Thu Jun 11 - The Warlocks, Shake Before Us, Shady Francos, Vowws @ The Hideout

Fri Jun 12 - Goatwhore, Black Breath, Ringworm, THEORIES @ Soda Bar

Fri Jun 12 - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Teen Men @ Casbah

Sat Jun 13 - Hamilton Leithauser, Jack and Eliza @ Casbah

Sun Jun 14 - DMA'S @ Casbah

Mon Jun 15 - Motopony, Gunakadeit, Bruin @ Casbah


Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, June 1-Wednesday, June 3, 2015

It isn't often that a new month starts on a Monday, so I've gone ahead and compiled the listings that I could, but you'll note that Gallagher's, Humphrey's Backstage, Humphrey's Concerts, 710 Beach Club, and Whistle Stop are all missing from the list. I had a fun weekend working the Delta Spirit shows, and Friday catching Will Butler and going to LiveWire with Darren, but after Saturday, I was beat and didn't make it to Diarrhea Planet, unfortunately. This week is going to be super busy, too, with Spoon and Sufjan and Courtney and Ron, and a couple Irenic shows, and then X-Fest. I am going to have to budget my work hours very strategically this week so I stay caught up on everything that I need to. Monday through Wednesday archives are after the jump.