Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, April 25-Wednesday, May 1, 2024: Neil Young | Emo Night Karaoke | La Lom | Art Alive | ArtWalk | Encinitas Street Fair | Adams Avenue Unplugged | Book Crawl | San Diego Music Awards | San Fermin | Yellow Days |

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.  

Photos: The Schizophonics, Mistress 77 and Dream Burglar at Casbah

 

Photos by Tim Fears

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.

Rosey's Diary & Newsy Things: Gentrification: Protecting LGBTQ+ Nightlife | Soaring Rents | Public Park Bans Bikes | City Fails FIDO Dogs | Bird Flu | Pathogen Descriptors Rewritten |

Ficus at Fiesta Island Dog Park, before the foxtails seeded. (Taken 2.18.24)

At some point I have to stop collecting links and actually make a post. I've been trying, but work has been crazy busy...the Casbah is presenting more shows at outside venues than ever before, or at least to pre-pandemic levels and the agencies are fully staffed up with 6-12 person marketing teams to remind me -- one person -- that I'm not meeting their expectations. I love taking my laptop to the zoo to get work done, but I find more of my day actually on the laptop than actually experiencing the zoo. As a result, when I get home at night I've been trying to keep that my time, which this week means bingeing Girls 5eva. 

I went to LA last Sunday for the opening of my cousin's new business and ended up making an overnight out of it, with a super rainy Sunday at the LA Zoo and then a much nicer rain-free Monday. I helped out with merch for The Last Dinner Party on Friday afternoon and then we went to the show that night. Darren spent his days off being sick at home, so I've been trying to give him all the space at home he needs to nap and recover, but then after the kid's concert at school, he said he was also feeling sick and likely won't be going to school tomorrow. They're both negative on COVID tests, but I'm still gonna try to do all the things we did back then, because I do not want to also get whatever sinus-throat tickle-congestion thing it is. I'll get to listings this week, and I don't have any major plans besides working at our Quartyard show on Sunday but I'll definitely keep myself scarce at home if I can. 

Ohhhh! And one more thing! Remember when this was just a music site?? Tim Fears is gonna get back to posting photos here. I'll add mine when they're worthwhile than more than an IG post, but be on the lookout for his stellar shots. 

Stay safe out there. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, April 18-Wednesday, April 24, 2024: Sessanta | Faye Webster | Herbie Hancock | The Last Dinner Party | Earth Day | Record Store Day | TWRP | Brittany Howard | Willie Nelson | Mk.gee | Neil Young |

There is so much happening this weekend, and next week is even more nutso, but I have to say, I was looking for Record Store Day stuff and I wasn't finding shit. Sure, I found the list of stuff available across all record stores, but it feels like maybe the store traffic is so intense that all the in-stores and live music that used to be associated with it are gone. Or I couldn't find them. Or I looked in the wrong places. Whatever the case may be, head to Vinyl Junkies and then hit happy hour at Whistle Stop and you can get down with the vibe. (Update: I've added the live music and djs for VJRS which I found after I posted) 

It's also Earth Day weekend, which might snarl my zoo plans, but we'll see. The bus gets me to both, so maybe I'll just have to pack light and partake in both. 

As always, if I missed anything, feel free to hit me up on IG or FB or whatever. 

Stay safe out there. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, April 11-Wednesday, April 17, 2024: Sheer Mag | Trevor Noah | Bad Religion & Social D | The Hangmen | Lang Lang | Billy Joel & Sting | Schizophonics |

For a while I had been hearing that The Merrow had been sold, but this week is the first time I've noticed that a link to the old website now goes to the new name, EQ. I'll get around to updating my music venues page, but just know that EQ is FKA The Merrow. 

I started listings on Tuesday and finally went to bed around 4, then worked from the zoo all day Wednesday, then worked at the Chastity Belt show, then had to finish the listings, so I'm pretty wiped. I'm certain I'm missing a lot from these listings, so feel free to shoot me a DM on socials to tell me what's up and I'll update when I can. This weekend is the open ranch at the alpaca ranch that I love, I'm not including it in the listings but you can find it on Facebook if you search Hazpaca. I'll be going to the Bad Religion show with my mom, sister, and nieces on Friday, and have some busy weekend plans, but I'll try and manage my time and get all the things updated. 

Stay safe out there. 

Rosey's Diary & Newsy Things: COVID Misinfo Persists (Shocker!) | Avian Flu Hits Dairy Farms | Gallagher Square Reno | OB Pier Plan Unveiled | Voters Sick of Stadiums? | Fun History of Avocados in US |

Dad and kids, circa 1989

April 9th marked one year since my dad died. As I've shared before, he was very sick for a very long time, so it certainly wasn't unexpected, but in retrospect, it was definitely his style to go out on Easter 2023. I miss him dearly and I wish I had better organized old photos and videos because I miss his voice the most, even though I carry him with me. We went to a mass on Sunday...I guess called a "mass intention" for my dad and my sister-in-law, which was pretty much a normal mass with an extra shout out from the priest, but it meant a lot to my mom, so off course we went and had a nice family dinner afterward. 

I woke up pretty early today and got some house and yard stuff done with Darren. We found a baby opossum and hoped that putting her back under the house would reunite her with her mama, but Darren saw her again later on by herself, so I'm just hoping that she is old enough to survive separation. Last year, I was with Denny when I got the call that my dad had died, and he was extra cute on Monday when I had some rare late afternoon alone time with him before my friends showed up and he got silly and playful for everyone. Today was a different story, but I'll get to that in the zoo goss. I came home to find everyone already asleep, so I cleaned some more, made a fat dinner, and have been keeping an eye out for my little opossums, but nothing yet. I have to start listings since I'll be working tomorrow night at Quartyard, but hopefully can still work a schedule off some normal sleep. 

Stay safe out there. I love you.   

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, April 4-Wednesday, April 10, 2024: bar italia | Hurray For The Riff Raff | Jesse Daniel | Good Kid | The Cactus Blossoms | STRFKR | Old 97's | John Cleese | Slow Hollows | Chastity Belt |

Sold Out Gregory Alan Isakov at The Sound (Taken 3.7.24)

You can tell by the way the listings are starting to get longer and longer that we're staring down Coachella, with it's first weekend next week. There are so many great shows and not all are conveniently booked on weekends, so you might have to rearrange some things to say, get to the Chastity Belt with it's early door time on a Wednesday, or even double up on shows or nights going out to get it all in. As for me, I worked for Nicotine Dolls on Friday and Adi Oasis on Tuesday, and I'll be working for Good Kid, The Cactus Blossoms, and Chastity Belt this week. And next weekend my mom, sister and nieces are going to the Bad Religion show, so I guess I need to procure a ticket to hang out with them for that. 

It's a busy week and the Casbah has about a dozen announcements this week alone, so stay tuned and make sure you get the newsletter so you're on top of it. 

Stay safe out there. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, March 28- Wednesday, April 3, 2024: Mike Doughty | Marnie Stern | Mary Timony | Skating Polly | Victoria Canal | Andy Frasco & The UN | The Vices | Melissa Etheridge | Torres | Adi Oasis | Madi Diaz |

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. 

Rosey's Diary & Newsy Things: Operation Palm Lift | Animal News | A Vision For A Safer America | San Diego - Diverse & Happy |

Silverback Winston at San Diego Zoo Safari Park (Taken 3.13.24)

I really lagged getting listings done this week as I've had zero desire to work at all. I mean, I have, and I dragged my laptop to the zoo all week while tourists gawked over my shoulder because the orangutans love to watch familiar people do stuff, like type on a laptop or dig through a backpack or eat lunch, but it has been hard to focus. First, I found out that my friend, Mike D from Amenity died over the weekend. That was two days before the first anniversary of my sister-in-law's death and so this time last year, I was driving my sister's car with my nieces to New Mexico to be with my brother and his kids. By the time we got back, we had a big anniversary party for my parents and then my dad died just a few days later, on Easter Sunday. So this time of year brings up a lot from last year. I'm just trying to find beautiful things and enjoy life to the max because what else can we do? But sitting on my laptop is not my favorite at the moment, so these are some articles I've picked up over the past couple of weeks, but I'm just gonna leave it here so I can get sleep and keep myself busy doing things in the world and not just on this screen.

I love you. Stay safe out there.  

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, March 21-Wednesday, March 27, 2024: Federico Aubele | The Spits | Los Straitjackets | Jack Tempchin | Thumpasaurus | The Budos Band | Lyle Lovett | Swami | Devotchka | Bruce Springsteen |

While I was working on these listings, I was on the Pechanga Arena website and wanted to see if Bruce Springsteen was sold out. You get this warning that "GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS HAVE A TWO TICKET LIMIT AND ARE NON-TRANSFERRABLE AND NON-RESALEABLE", yet you continue to the site and there are dozens of tickets for resale, some as much as $2400 each. After re-reading, I realized there is a specific "GA" section in front of the stage, but it didn't stop people from listing resale tickets there "starting at $700". It is fucking outrageous. I'm not trying to go to the show. But have you been to a concert at Pechanga? I had nosebleeds once for Shakira, and by the time the sound hit us in the third echo, she was already singing and dancing to a different song. It's great for an average rock show, or a comedy show or whatever, but ticket prices right now are outrageous. The double-dipping of the corporations that sell the tickets in the first place, to then profit again on the resale is despicable. The monopolies they have on the markets and the influence they have to try to ruin any competition is disgusting. I don't know how we go back in time, but I sure do miss standing in line at May Company customer service, where at least I knew I had a shot at getting affordable tickets to concerts coming to town. Support your small venues because the big guys are certainly doing everything they can to starve them out. Don't bother with Bruce. Head to the Casbah for Swami instead. Bruce, you're welcome to pop by after your early show ends. We'll still be rockin'. 

Stay safe out there. 

Rosey's Diary, Newsy Things & Zoo Goss | 4 Year Pandemic Anniversary | Lots of Americans with Long-COVID | Adobe Falls Restoration | SDG&E Rip-Off Rate Hikes | Loser Navarro Reports To Prison |

 

Funani and Amahle baring their teefs in the new/old pool (3.19.24)

I know I've been really inconsistent with diary posts, but Darren quit his second job with the florist, so last week was his first time with days off in ages. We took advantage by driving out to the desert on Monday, and then I went up to Safari Park with him on Wednesday, all the while trying to keep up with work and the homestead and fighting off a sinusy thing I guess I got from driving to the desert during wildflower season. Not gonna lie, I've also been kinda staying overly busy and doing all the things because this time last year was not good. Today is my brother's birthday, and it was around this time we found out my sister-in-law wasn't doing well, only for her to die about a week later, then this whirlwind of visitors and travel and my parents' anniversary and then my dad died on Easter. Naturally we're all kind of on edge with such monumental anniversaries just around the corner, so I try to keep on keeping on and will try to process all the feels in healthy and productive ways...being at the zoo is one of those ways, so I'm gonna keep on doing it. 
Now, onto listings so I can get to bed at a reasonable hour. 

I love you. Stay safe out there. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, March 14-Wednesday, March 20, 2024: Emo Nite | Karl Denson | Wild Party | Grace Potter | Shane Hall | William Fitzsimmons | Cold War Kids | The Lone Bellow |

I haven't put together a diary/links post this week because I've been out doing life. Darren gave up his second job so he can finally have some days off, and we took advantage on Monday by driving out to Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel for lunch, then doing a hike in Anza-Borrego along The Impossible Railroad. It was quite an adventure and probably one we wouldn't do again because the primitive road was kinda sketchy for our non-4x4 vehicle, but it was fun nonetheless, and the weather out there was perfect - sunny, but not crazy hot, some wind gusts but nothing a windbreaker didn't protect from. My week continued with all day at the zoo on Tuesday, where I learned my wi-fi was strong enough to do a Google Meet conference call. On Wednesday, I decided to go to work with Darren since he only had a five hour shift, and it ended up being pure magic. I spent a couple hours with the tigers before getting an impromptu behind-the-scenes peek where I got to meet some ambassador animals, including petting an echidna and watching a special session with Estrella, the sloth, and I even got to feed it. I didn't even end up doing the tram and after we had a white-Mexican dinner at On The Border. Not gonna lie, that endless enchilada deal was pretty good. 

This week continues to be great as all my usual work emails have slowed while every PR person is in Austin for SXSW and as we approach St. Patrick's Day and spring break. Seaworld (varies), San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park (9am-7pm March 16-April 7) will all have extended hours, so check their schedules if you plan on giving it a go. My favorite Alpaca Ranch has another open house on Sunday, so I'll probably head out there, too. 

As for music, there are a ton of great shows coming up. Humphrey's announced their full summer lineup and tickets go on sale this Saturday at 10am for ones that hadn't already previously been announced. Casbah has two nights with The Lone Bellow which is kind of a big deal considering the sized venues they usually play. Plus, if you love St. Patty's Day, there are events all over the county to get into some shenanigans, even though this year's OB event is canceled.

Have a great week. Stay safe out there. I love you. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, March 7-Wednesday, March 13, 2024: Gregory Alan Isakov | Forester | The Screamin' Yeehaws | Real Estate | Liily | Sam Outlaw | Birdtalker | OKAN |

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. 

Rosey's Diary & Newsy Things: Spring Is Coming - Later Zoo & MTRP Hours| Wildflowers | SDMA Nominees Announced | CDC Revises COVID Isolation |

Nipho & Sundzu Investigate The Arrival of Musi (3.3.24)

I had kind of a rough day. We had our apartment management coming over to check the roofing work, but knowing I had to be up early for them meant I got no sleep last night because I get crazy anxiety when someone tells me I have to be up by any particular time, even for the dumbest things. It's a problem I've had since 3rd or 4th grade and I should probably see someone about it. But in the meantime, he came by, and I did work for a few hours and then went back to bed. I wasn't feeling any better after a nap, but made myself go to the zoo for an hour to get some sun and air and steps, but instead of feeling refreshed, I felt like I was going to collapse. This is TMI, but I get very uncomfortable periods, and today I was convinced that maybe I actually have endometriosis. I was in so much pain that I thought I was going to have to pull over on my drive home. Once I finally made it home and slammed some Advil and laid down for awhile, it seemed to get under control. Still, I'm gonna have to make an appointment because I can't be going through this nonsense with every month getting worse and worse. On top of all that, it was election day and what a lackluster election it was. Of course I voted, but there's usually something you can be excited about on the ballot. There was none of that this primary.
I intended to do listings today, but I'm just going to try to get on a normal sleep cycle and deal in the morning.     

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, February 29-Wednesday, March 6, 2024: Arlo Parks | The White Buffalo | Zack Oakley | Kevin Devine | David Spade | G. Love | Grouplove | zzzahara |

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.    

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, February 22-Wednesday, February 28, 2024: Husbands | Big Business | Ty Segall | Evan Dando | Great Lake Swimmers | Otoboke Beaver | KRS-One |

I stayed up all night on Tuesday to get listings done, while I watched all 8 episodes of Fool Me Once on Netflix. The minute I finished, I regretted not including February 29, because next week is Darren's birthday, Evan Dando is in town, and we're hoping to all go to the Arlo Parks show on Thursday and have some celebrating in between, so I don't know when I'm gonna have time to carve out for listings. But I'll do it, of course, that's what I do. 

I just finished a diary post, so I don't have much to say except that there are way too many good shows this week for me to get them all in my title, and I also included the Audobon's Bird Festival because it's really fun and there are plenty of free parts you can attend without paying for festival registration, even if it's just to check out their pop-up book store or the trade show, which always has a gazillion amazing cameras, binoculars, and lenses to check out. And who doesn't love bird merch? I mean, come on. 

I'm tired and want to have a productive Thursday, so I'm off to bed. These listings will see you in the morning. 

Stay safe out there. 

Rosey's Diary & Newsy Things: More Shootings. More COVID. | Pandas To Return!! | Massive Fentanyl Seizure in San Diego | Sheriff Refuses Body Scans At Jails | KC Shooting | RIP Nex Benedict |

Eloise, Kaja, and Sela conspiring (Taken 2.8.24)

Sorry I didn't get around to a diary post last week. We had the roofers here most of the week and I had the ear infection and it was the Superbowl and then there was that shooting and I just kinda felt limited in how I wanted to engage in that kind of world in that kind of moment. There are people who are definitely for gun safety and banning certain types of weapons, or getting background checks, or licensing and training requirements, and more, but if I had my way about it, there would be no guns owned by any private citizen anywhere ever. Unless, I guess, you really think you need a fucking musket. Then I guess, be my guest. When I have been saying, "Stay Safe Out There," in my posts, I always meant someone coughing in your personal space could be make you sick. I guess it also means, "watch out for random shooters when you're out doing life." 

On a more personal note, last week was good, but I didn't hit the zoo nearly as much as I prefer to. Three full days of Handymen working and then Darren using the van for floral delivery on Valentine's Day, led to a lot of moving and loading and unloading and organizing and cleaning. We're letting this first storm pass before restoring the catio, but I was happy to get my van organized and back to normal, and I carried the theme into the weekend. After Saturday morning at the zoo, I went to and from Jamul to the alpaca ranch and brought home Mexican food. Darren and I ended up hanging out having some beers while the kid was at OSP Prom, and then Darren eventually went to bed, so I decided it was time to clean. 9 hours of cleaning later, the studio is almost livable again. That made my Sunday not productive in any way besides taking my dog to Fiesta Island, but I've made up for it this week with my zoo time, and even going with a couple of my zoo friends to Sea World for Presidents Day. 

It's rained again this week, so I hope it's been just a normal storm and not too troubling for anyone out there and we can just go back to the good ol' days of San Diego storms where some ice cream shops in Mission Beach talk about loading up on sandbags and the rest of us just complain about some potholes and make fun of people who don't understand that the Fashion Valley parking lot was literally designed to flood. 

I love you. Stay safe out there. 

 

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, February 15-Wednesday, February 21, 2023: Baby Bushka | The Slashes | Faetooth | Futurebirds | Little Hurricane | Ween | Steve Poltz | Peachy San Diego | Foxing | Helado Negro |

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.  

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, February 8 - Wednesday, February 14, 2024: Slothrust | Say She She | Todd Barry | The Rural Alberta Advantage | Juice | Provoker | Pure Bathing Culture | Yo La Tengo |

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. 

Rosey's Diary & Newsy Things: Atmospheric River Blasts California | Election Ballot Boxes Open | COVID Zapping Everyone You Know | FDA Recalls Mexican Quesos & Cremas (Check You Fridge!)| GRAMMY List |

Suyana, Ransisku, and Alba didn't seem to mind Monday's Rain (Taken 2.5.24)

What a week it's been. And it's only Tuesday. 

The Kid and I went to see Fun Home at New Village Arts Theatre on Saturday night and, wow! What an incredible show. I'm not a great theatre critic because there's really only one performance I've ever seen in my life that I thought was flat-out bad, but Fun Home itself is a Tony award winning musical and the cast on this local presentation was excellent. The theatre is beautiful and intimate, and every seat has a clear view of the stage. I cried and laughed and cried some more. If you're a person inclined to theatre, particularly touched by LGBTQIA+ issues, this one is one you should catch while you can. 

I know the storms have been top of mind for everyone, but I just chug along and do what I always do. Sometimes I go to the zoo all day, sometimes I just go for a quickie to see some of my little buddies. On Monday, I bundled up in all my rain gear and got five miles in, so proud of myself for having finally found the right gear to keep dry, getting some really special moments with the gorillas, the Andean Bears, the giraffes, Ernest the lion, Nindiri the Jaguar, and some incredible playtime amongst the brother elephants, which you can watch on my YouTube channel (I recommend playing your own soundtrack and watching the video on mute, since I couldn't strip the audio.) Other days, like Tuesday, I wake up after just a few hours of sleep and am super low energy. The rain came down in buckets and even my dry gear was no match, so I was damp and tired and certain I couldn't pull of as much walking in my knee high rainboots as I had in my water-resistant booties. I still made it to see my gorillas and had them nearly to myself for almost an hour, with a couple families popping by briefly but bored because the boys were mostly just sitting with their backs to the glass. As soon as people would leave, they'd get all active and Denny was splashing mud at his brothers and the chase was on. So fun. I'm glad I made it for that. But by the time I'd gone to orangutans, they'd gone back to their rooms, my favorite little monkey was cute but stayed high in his cage to stay dry, so I did a final lap to say goodbye to the gray parrots (talkative as ever) and decided to call it a day. I did some work and cleaned the house a little, but Monday's insomnia demanded a Tuesday nap, and man, did I need it. 

Tonight I've been catching up on work demands and setting up a couple ads and newsletters and procrastinating starting my listings, but I'm sure I'll be up for a while still with my polyphasic sleep cycle, so hopefully I can knock those out tonight and have a real day in normal shoes on Wednesday. Oh, and yesterday I watched two movies...Plus One (on Hulu) which is a completely predictable but cute rom-com, and Frybread Face and Me (on Netflix) which was so, so good, about a Navajo kid from San Diego who goes to live with his grandma and cousin on the "rez" for the summer as a tween and all the life lessons one would expect from that situation. 

Anyway, I hope everyone can enjoy the beauty of the rain and not just suffer from the power of it. Stay safe out there. I love you. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, February 1-Wednesday, February 7, 2024: Taylor Ashton | The Paranoyds | David Dondero | STORM AID FUNDRAISER | Plague Vendor | Portugal. The Man | SATH |

I survived a seven-day streak of selling merch at sold out Casbah shows. 

Well, mostly survived. 

That was two nights of Pinback, then RFTC, the aMiniature, then Lucy's Fur Coat, then two nights of The Bronx. 

Last week I started feeling an earache that by Sunday was incredibly painful. So I went to urgent care and turns out I had a full blown ear infection, I'm sure it was exacerbated by night after night on the patio and trying to keep warm. Even then, I still worked on Sunday and Monday, and I found that walking the zoo and getting oxygen in Fern Canyon would help clear my head a bit instead of the constant popping and sloshing my ear was doing when I'd lay down. So, now I'm a few days into an antibiotic and feeling much better, though I still have a way to go before feeling 100% again. But I'm good and Darren got back on Sunday and I survived the Casbah anniversary month and I could've made at least a few excuses not to do these listings, but I had some news and shows and YouTube things and the premiere of VPR to catch up on, so here they are. And now I shall sleep. 

If you're paying attention, tickets to Future Islands go on pre-sale today so make sure you use the Casbah code so they know you're reading our newsletter. And not gonna lie, I don't really get excited about sporting events, but did you hear there's gonna be a rugby match at Snapdragon this summer between All Blacks and Fiji Rugby? It's July 19th and tickets go on sale Friday and I think I need some comps just for mentioning it. 

Though I'm still healing up, I'll be back slinging at the Casbah on Friday, and I'm excited to take the kid see Fun Home at New Village Arts on Saturday. Then I plan on doing a whole lot of nothing to recover from January.  

Listings are after the jump.       

Stay safe out there. Hopefully this time around, the atmospheric river spares everyone's homes and businesses and studios and we can laugh at how overhyped they are/were. 

I love you all. 

Rosey's Diary & Newsy Things: San Diego Deluge and Aftermath, Resources, Where To Donate | COVID Up; Nobody Cares | GDP Growth | Humane Society Virtual Baby Shower |

Alba the Andean Bear Mama (Taken 12.5.24)

Last diary, I posted Loretta the bonobo, who was turning 50. This week I heard it was Alba's birthday, so I thought I'd share a pic even though I usually capture them with my phone, watching her 1-year-old cubs and their silly antics. So yeah. Not the best shot ever, but it's what I could find. 

This has been a really good week. I'm on my fourth night at the Casbah for Three Mile Pilot, and got to work both Pinback shows and Rocket From The Crypt, too. I'll be slinging for Lucy's Fur Coat and both nights of the Bronx, and then we'll see how much inventory I have and if it is worth it for me to sell Casbah stuff at both Earthless nights. 

My Darren is out of town at the moment; he went to visit his family up north and as much as I wanted to go, I couldn't pull away from work or leave the kid home alone for that long of a stretch. I'll be so glad when he's home again. 

Besides that, things are pretty good, I've gotten my mornings in with my apes and monkeys and have timed it, so I get a brief disco nap each night before work. It's been really great to see so many familiar faces and the different crowds that each headliner brings. Tonight is much louder than it has been, a bit of that Friday night relief that comes after a week of work. 

Obviously, the week started of with the storm deluge. I was a little oblivious, to be honest. I had to wear my knee-high rainboots to cross my own street, but besides that, I still went to the zoo when the rain slowed down a bit, so it wasn't until I was home that night watching the news that I saw all the destruction around San Diego. I've included a bunch of articles and resources, and San Diego Magazine compiled a list of places to donate, which is also linked below. Help out if you can. I think I'll finally clean out my shoes and get those down to Ringer's Roller Rink for people who might need something as simple and obvious as shoes. 

Stay safe out there. I love you all. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, January 25, 2024-Wednesday, January 31, 2024: RFTC | Poolside | 3MP | La Santa Cecilia | Twin Tribes | Explosions In The Sky | The Bronx | Earthless | Tanlines |

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. 

Things To Do in San Diego: Thursday, January 18-Wednesday, January 24, 2024: Cayucas | Mayer Hawthorne | No Knife | aMiniature | Tomcat Courtney Memorial | Ozomatli | Y La Bamba | Pinback |

I didn't go to the zoo on Wednesday and instead spent the entire day slowly doing listings because I finally caught the funk. It's not COVID, it just feels like a cold, nothing Alka Seltzer Plus and Nyquil can't quash, but I figured if I'm bitching about parents bringing their sick kids to the zoo, and they in turn get me sick, I have to at least try not to go and get everyone else around me sick, too. So a day of rest, and green juice and effervescent tabs and nearly four hours of the Murdaugh hearing and I'm wrapping up my night and ready to go to bed. I just got word that JJUUJJUU has to cancel their Thursday night appearance at the Casbah so it sounds like we're canceling entirely and will be closed for the night. I expect this was a quick 24-hour knockout and I am willing myself to be better and able to rejoin the world on Thursday, and ready for my merch gigs on Saturday and Sunday.

Stay safe and healthy out there. 

Rosey's Diary & Newsy Things: Tripledemic Peaked But Still Kicking Ass | TFG on School Shootings: "Get Over It" | Ape Recognition | Diving In To 2024 |

2024 is off and running and I'm exhausted already. I did three nights of merch in a row for The Dragons and then The Beat Farmers, and then Monday was Otto's memorial and I am pooped. The kid has been sick, my sister had COVID last week, and everyone seems to think taking their kids to the zoo is okay when they're staying home from school and daycare because they're sick. So I'm not gonna lie, I'm pooped. I usually start my listings on Tuesday so they're ready to go on Thursday, but I'm gonna call it an early night and hopefully the kid is back at school on Wednesday and I can watch the Murdaugh hearing that I started watching today and get my work done in the peace and quiet of an empty house. 

Today you get a picture of sweet Loretta. She is the matriarch of the bonobos and turns 50 years old on January 22nd. There are only 8 zoos in the US that house bonobos and they are critically endangered within the politically volatile Democratic Republic of Congo where they are endemic. Bonobos are amazing great apes and to get to watch and know their personalities is an incredible privilege. Go visit her.  

Stay safe and healthy out there. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, January 11-Wednesday, January 17, 2024: Casbah Day 2024! | Neil Hamburger | The Dragons | Sum 41 | Tommy Castro | Talib Kweli | The Beat Farmers | Memorial For Otto | Dessa | Buck Meek |

This week has been a little busy so I'm feeling pretty behind in work at the moment, but I had to get listings done. The Music Box had a holiday/staff party this week and it was pretty great. It was a casino night at the Carte Hotel rooftop, so I had great fun playing blackjack most of the night. Also this week, San Diego City Council proclaimed January 12th, 2024 as Casbah Day in San Diego in honor of the 35 year anniversary, so although there wasn't much fanfare in council, it is still pretty cool to be a part of that.

 

I will say that I'm a little irritated with San Diego at the moment for having two horrible events this weekend. I can't believe a place called PETCO PARK would play host to a goddamn rodeo, an event completely devoted to animal cruelty. This is why stadiums shouldn't get one fucking dollar from the cities in which they build. Meanwhile, Snapdragon is getting demolished by Monster Jam, a stupid event borne of destruction and the weird worship of truck culture. It's gross and I don't understand how hauling 26 Million pounds of dirt is even allowed in light of the Climate Action Plan and the fucking waste of it all just makes me insane. 

I'll be at the Casbah all weekend selling 35 year anniversary merch, so if you have tickets to the Dragons or The Beat Farmers, pop over to my table and say hello. 

Stay safe out there. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, January 4-Wednesday, January 10, 2024: El Ten Eleven | TSOL | Princess Goes | Starcrawler | Charlatans UK | Bowie Birthday | Sutton James |

Happy New Year!! I know we're already a few days in, but to me, it didn't count until the Casbah's Anniversary month began. And it does, tonight! El Ten Eleven kicks off with a sold out show, and for those in attendance, you'll have first crack at the new Casbah 35 Year Anniversary merch (without shipping fees!). I'll be there to sell it to you. We'll have it available at several other sold out nights this month, so if you don't want to order it, you can grab it in person if you have tickets to those particular shows: Dragons, Beat Farmers, 3MP, No Knife/aMiniature, Bronx, Earthless, and maybe a couple more, depending on demand. I heard we already sold out of 2x-4x hoodies, but hang tight and we'll work on another run of printing those sizes. 

Meanwhile, it's gonna be a killer week for music, even if our hearts are heavy with the loss of soundman extraordinaire, Otto Valentine. 

All the listings are after the jump. 

Stay safe. 

I love you. 

Rosey's Diary And Newsy Things: 2024 Is Here | Respiratory Viruses On The Rise | Election Year Nightmare |

I always imagine that I'll write some big end of the year recap and beginning of the year 'fresh start' post, but to be honest, after finding out today that our friend and sound guy extraordinaire, Otto, has passed away, it just brings back all the real shit parts of 2023 all over again. Losing my dad, losing my sister-in-law, losing O, losing so many others, human and animals alike. It was a steady parade of grief and loss. 

And not to say it wasn't also a good year, because that is life, right? Shitty things and good things and all the things in between, until it's our turn to fade out and everyone is remembering us. But let's hope that is many, many years away and we continue to grow as people with each moment we have. My "zoo year" has been incredible, I've been getting in better habits - getting up earlier, staying on top of my work, setting and hitting daily step targets, making lots of new friends from all walks of life, getting daily sunshine, getting my ass off the couch. Admittedly, that means I write and post less and I haven't been going to shows as much as I once did, which I expect to find better balance for both in 2024. 

Of course there are always goals to set...like cleaning out our studio and apartment and 'cleaning out the old', or taking better advantage when Darren actually has time off, but let's just marvel that we made it out of 2023. And while we have the shit elections to deal with this year, let's do our best to make 2024 a good one. 

I love you all. Stay safe out there.