I feel like I'm in the hellish part of my summer that should be the best part, so I'm trying to take a step back, take a breath, and give myself a little wiggle room to feel my feelings and have anxiety and then hopefully get my head together and come out on the other side.
As you well know, this week is San Diego Pride. Technically, it started last week, but it all culminates in big parties, the parade, and of course, the Pride Festival in Balboa Park. Toby will be playing in the Pride Band in the parade, but shout out to San Diego Youth Services + OSP, HYC, and Ringer's Roller Rink/Derby United, who I believe will all be represented in the parade as well. It is not an overstatement to say that these services, programs, and support systems literally SAVE LIVES. For parents, PFLAG, HRC, and others have also been a lifeline, and we're so grateful. As far as listings go, I put some of the Pride things, but I'm certain Rich's, The Rail, Uptown, Mo's and all the others have their own things going on and will be slammed all weekend. If any of those have specific events that jump out, I'll add them in.
Then just as soon as it all ends, Comic-Con is coming. The volume of my email has tripled in the last couple weeks, that's the price you pay for getting a media pass, so I'm really trying to work through all those emails and see what are just hyping specific panels or collectibles and book releases and author signings with the stuff we're concerned with on this site --- the parties and activations. So, that said, I know I included Wednesday night listings here, per usual, however, I have not yet integrated anything Con related that is outside of the usual venues included here. I hope to pepper them in throughout the week and eventually update my Con guide, but like I said, things are a little crazy right now. I'm temporarily without a vehicle, wasted half a day going to pick up said vehicle and dropping $1700 only to find out the problem I took it in for in the first place wasn't even looked at. So, another day without a car and no real idea if the issue can be fixed within the umbrella of repairs and service that I've already paid for. Nightmare.
Anyway, stay safe out there. Like, really stay safe out there. COVID is still a thing coming back strong this summer as our boosters are all really not doing much anymore, MPOX is hitting back strong, and after last weekend's events, lunatics are brazen and even more empowered by all the vitriol and call to arms they've heard spewed at this week's RNC.
Winston, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park's Silverback, Passed Away (Taken 3.13.24) |
Being that Independence Day is just a week away, I decided to run these listings through Thursday. I'm looking forward to seeing The Color Purple at New Village Arts on Thursday night, and I always love working for Mistress 77, which I'll be doing on Saturday night. In between, you know I'll be at the zoo and also planned a Sea World trip before my pass expires. Beyond that, I'm so exhausted, I would really, really enjoy some sleep. Catch ya on the flip.
Baby Baird's Tapir Born 6.2.24 (Taken 6.11.24) |
This years' North Park Music Festival was a huge success by most indices: talent, turnout, and a great time. While getting over a cold prevented me from being there all day, shooting 3 bands and hanging with some of my favorite SD music fam, it was a stellar time.
The Quartyard is undergoing some changes, but will be SOLD OUT Thursday night for WEDNESDAY |
Baby Langur (Taken 5.12.24) |
Waxahatchee (10.13.2018) |
This week was the San Diego Music Awards. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners, from all the photos, it looks like another epic night. You can see all the winners here.
The rest of the week is looking pretty busy with lots of sold out or near sold out shows around town, plus some Cinco de Mayo festivities for grown-ups or families. I'll be working at the No Vacation show and possible Peach Cooler, but might try to work a few more into my plans. We shall see.
Have a great week and stay safe out there.
I'm not gonna lie, trying to get listings done in a timely fashion so they publish in the morning while also spending long days away from home because everyone else in my household is currently sick really sucks. It also kinda feels like I'm just planning on getting whatever non-Covid thing they have eventually, so I'm trying to stay on top of work and shopping and general adulting. So. Lots of stuff this week and weekend. Lots of San Diego Music Awards showcases leading up to the awards on Tuesday night at Humphrey's. Adams Avenue Unplugged, Artwalk, Book Crawl, Encinitas Street Fair...there's a lot!! I'll be working at the Casbah on Friday for the Emo Night Karaoke and can't wait to see what everyone sings and also be working at the Julia Wolf show on Sunday at Quartyard. Beyond that, I'm just gonna see which way the wind blows, drink a shit-ton of fluids and immune boosters, be outside as much as possible, keep the air purifiers running, and do my best not to get sick with this plague that some are calling "The 100 Day Cough". Also, Tim Fears did a photo post. Check it out.
Stay safe out there.
This show was super fun and what I'd consider a classic Casbah show where you have friends in each of the bands and they all are all killing it doing what they do best.
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Dad and kids, circa 1989 |
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Sold Out Gregory Alan Isakov at The Sound (Taken 3.7.24) |
Listings are done. I don't have a lot to say except there are some great shows this week. With Easter and family and all the things, I don't know how much I'll be out, but I will be working the Adi Oasis show on Tuesday at Quartyard, so say hi if you're coming by. Full listings this week are after the jump.
Funani and Amahle baring their teefs in the new/old pool (3.19.24) |
I don't know about you, but I did not expect all that rain on Wednesday. I was prepared -- because January 22nd should've taught us all not to be caught off guard even when forecasters say just a 'chance of rain' -- but it was still a little more than I expected. It's not bad for me personally, but it definitely made me change plans. I was going to drive to Mission Valley during rush hour, completely forgetting about Gold Cup, but I guess in that way, the rain and traffic was a blessing because I just went home instead. Dumb errands can always wait.
This week I'm going to The Sound for Gregory Alan Isakov (with Damien Jurado opening!!) and going to see one of my kids' elementary school friends in Freaky Friday at Grossmont High. I want to see Real Estate at Observatory but I didn't really make any effort to make it happen, so that's probably a no-go at this point. I will say I'm sooo glad Super Tuesday is behind us and hope we get at least some reprieve from political ads for awhile. What a horrible nightmare shitshow those are.
If you didn't see my last post, the HIPPOS have finally been moved back to their renovated habitat at the Zoo and the gorillas were back out today, too, so if you need to find me, I think you know where I'll be.
Have a great week and stay safe out there.
I am pretty glad to be putting February behind us, but I've always thought we should get a rent discount this month for it being fewer days, even on a leap year. Oh well. I went to the Evan Dando show on Tuesday and it was pretty good, though I could've done without the girl who maneuvered up to the front and proceeded to dance like the show was all about her. It's a major pet-peeve. A solo acoustic guitar performance of Lemonheads songs has literally ZERO danceable moments. Go. Away.
Thursday night, Darren, the kid and I will be going to Arlo Parks. I'm a little bummed my photo pass was declined but whatever. I haven't exactly posted a ton of show photos lately, and no photo pass means no obligation to anyone.
I know this site is mostly about fun events, but don't forget Tuesday is election day, so mail in or drop off your ballots before then. My ballot came during the heavy rains so it was pretty soggy and damaged, so I'll just go vote in person. Be nice to poll workers, I'm super proud my mom got trained to be one and will be working through election day.
There are some pretty great shows this week, so get out and enjoy this town. Just bundle up, because the next storm is supposed to be a cold one.
Stay safe out there.
It's been a bit of a crazy week. Our downstairs neighbors got some water with that big January rain, so they decided to reroof over their bedroom, which is the floor of our catio, so we had to pull everything downstairs and I've had to hover around the house so the dog doesn't go crazy. On top of that, it's Valentine's Day as I write this and Darren needed the van for flower deliveries, so we had to pull out all the seats and all my stuff and now I'll have to organize my prepper essentials that I keep in there at all times. We're home now and I'm staring down five buckets of roses and lillies that I'm going to arrange while I have some beers and enjoy what's left of Valentine's Day with my boo. We don't get each other gifts, but the flowers and Hoppyalis are good enough for me. And as my gift to him, I organized his car while he was working because it was a disaster zone, too. So yeah. Remember those long pandemic days of never leaving the house? I kinda miss those days.
On top of domestic life, there are a million amazing shows this week, plus it's Open Ranch at my favorite Alpaca Ranch and Lunar New Year at the Zoo, so hopefully you find something you love to share with people you love.
Stay safe out there.
I'm stoked that I was able to (mostly) finish my listings on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, so I'm actually about to walk to Soda Bar to catch The Bones of J.R. Jones. I don't have much going on this week besides my usual and then finding things to do to not watch football, but who knows, I do kinda love Patrick. But, I'm gonna be late if I don't scoot. Listings are after the jump.
Suyana, Ransisku, and Alba didn't seem to mind Monday's Rain (Taken 2.5.24) |
Alba the Andean Bear Mama (Taken 12.5.24) |
Here's a pro-tip: If you're going to work 9 nights straight at sold out shows, maybe don't blow your wad the first night and consume exorbitant amounts of whiskey after your shift. Just sayin. I'm on my second night of Pinback and they're amazing, but I didn't take a single photo because I had to get these listings done or I would never get sleep and said whiskey made me miss a whole day of the zoo. So yeah, I'm gonna maybe join the masses and declare the rest of my month "dry January" so I can get back to the zoo for the BGE (Big Gorilla Energy) that replenishes my soul.
Obviously the Casbah 35 Year Anniversary month is wrapping up and it has been a really good run with sold out shows every remaining night except that 2nd Earthless show, which I'm sure will sell out by the time Wednesday rolls around. If you're at the Casbah this week, pop by and say hi. Stay safe out there.
Stay safe and healthy out there.