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