Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, April 24-Wednesday, April 30, 2025: Owl Be Damned | The Pharcyde | Kevin Atwater | Artwalk | Adams Avenue Unplugged | SD Book Crawl | Black Heart Procession | Papooz | SD Music Awards |

We've officially hit that one crazy weekend in San Diego where it feels like all the good things happen at once: Art Walk, Adams Avenue Unplugged, San Diego Book Crawl, and Art Alive among many other great things happening, like I Love A Clean San Diego's Creek To Bay Cleanup. I've been a bit of a recluse lately if I'm being honest, we have so much stuff coming up that I'm trying to take it easy when running around isn't required of me, but I will be working for The Pharcyde on Thursday, Stan Walker on Friday, and The Bloody Beetroots on Sunday. We're also trying to sneak in a night of camping on Saturday, but only if I'm not too run down by the time it comes around. I still have yet to meet the new orangutan at the zoo, so that is definitely on my agenda, too. In the meantime, the retrial of Karen Read has started, so I'm spending most of my time with headphones on to listen in on the trial and the recaps. So fascinating. 

Anyway, lots of really good stuff this week. 

Stay safe out there. Nolite te bastardes carborundorum. 

Rosey's Diary & Newsy Things: SDCCU & CCCU Intend To Merge | Gloria's Budget Pisses Everyone Off - Except Cops | State Of The County | New Orangutan At SD Zoo Makes Debut | SCOTUS Standoff with TFG | Pope Francis Dies |

Marcella The Sun Bear at San Diego Zoo (4.17.25)

This post will just go on forever if I don't wrap it up and start a new one, and there was certainly a lot of news this past week. I won't bother with a recap, because it's Easter Sunday and I had a nice day and I'm just trying to get it off my brain so I can get a more peaceful sleep, but shit is bonkers and I just can't with it all. So, head in the sand, and hopefully I'll be spending my Monday stalking a new red-headed boy called Pumpkin. 

Stay safe out there. Nolite te bastardes carborundorum. (Also, no Handmaid spoilers. I haven't started the new season yet.)

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, April 17-Wednesday, April 23, 2025: Clikitat Ikatowi | Jeff Bridges | Emo Nite | EarthFest | Black Mountain | Em Beihold | Naked Giants |

Wow. Things have been absolutely bananas around here. I usually like to have a diary post between listings posts, but the news is just insane right now, so maybe I'll finish it up when I'm working for Clikitat Ikatowi at the Casbah on Thursday. Toby's senior year is drawing to a close, so there have been a ton of things we have to show up for, plus tax day and family stuff and I swear I still have this lingering cold that goes away for a bit and then seems to come right back, so whatever. I've been listening to a ton of podcasts, audio books, and courtcasting on YouTube, doing my zoo thing, and just trying not to wear myself ragged when every day the news just gets worse and worse and seemingly unchecked. I haven't started the new season of The Handmaid's Tale because it's a little too raw at the moment, but I look forward to catching up with all of the things at some point. For now, that means sleep. 

Stay safe out there. Nolite te bastardes carborundorum. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, April 10-Wednesday, April 16, 2025: Youth Lagoon | Twin Ritual | Swami | Ducks Ltd. | Laura Jane Grace | SDMA Showcase | Joshua Ray Walker | Vision Video | BBES | DJO

I was really looking forward to seeing Stereophonics again for the first time in over a decade, but unfortunately the show was postponed to September 27 due to illness of one of the band members. It all worked out because I had some personal stuff I needed to handle and it was the anniversary of losing my Dad, though Blonde Redhead or Hinds both would've been pretty fun shows. There are plenty of rad shows coming this week to fill the gap of losing that one. 

I hope everyone has a great week and enjoys the turn in weather and that the allergies don't kick your ass too bad. Stay safe out there. Nolite te bastardes carborundorum. 

Rosey's Diary & Newsy Things: Fiesta Island Dog Park Gets Mowed | TFG Ruins Everything | County Board Primary | Egg Price Gouging | Chula Vista Opens New Park | Zoo Petition For Living Wages |

 

Hamadryas Baboon Lisa Marie and her day-old baby (Taken 4.4.25)

What a weird-ass week, no? If anyone doesn't think that there was some crazy intentional stock-tanking and insider trading happening over the weekend after TFG tanked the whole global economy and then came back on Wednesday saying 'just kidding', then I don't know what to tell you. This motherfucker is the worst of the worst. And I never thought I'd have anything to agree with fElon about, but Peter Never-Won-A-Single-Race-In-San-Diego Navarro is, indeed, a fucking idiot. I didn't make it out to the march but there was a beautiful showing here in San Diego in multiple locations. 

For me, I went to a mass in honor of my dad and my sister in law, who passed nine days apart two years ago. It was also my parents' wedding anniversary, so just surrounding my mom with love has been the priority. We have a baby shower this weekend for my God-sister and her partner who are expecting twins in May, and I'll be working at the Casbah on Sunday. This weekend is the Open Ranch at Hazpaca, but I don't know that I'll make it with my other obligations. This week is also Tax Day, my other sister's birthday, I've got some momming to do and such, so it will be a busy week going into Easter.  Everything is a little crazy around here as we get ready for some big transitions, but we're doing our best to keep our heads on straight and not let TFG steal any more joy from our lives. I hope you're doing the same. 

Stay safe out there. Nolite te bastardes carborundorum. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, April 3-Wednesday, April 9, 2025: The Smithereens | Hovvdy | Willis | Geographer | Festival of Beers NP | Annie DiRusso | Rubblebucket | Deep Sea Diver | Stereophonics | Hinds | Blonde Redhead |

Bob Mould at Music Box (4.1.25)

On Wednesday afternoon, I got a call from Halloran out of the blue. He was trying to find my "updates" because he needed to "steal" my listings for the 91X concert calendar because Hilary is on vacation and he's filling in. I guess it was a lucky thing that after the Bob Mould and Craig Finn show I just powered through all night to get the bulk of them done, though I didn't stop working until 9am, which can really screw up any day plans one might've had. It was all fine though, I got in some zoo time before therapy and was able to spend Wednesday night polishing these up and adding a couple extra things that aren't typical venues, so I hope you find something you're into. And next time you hear one of those little things to do blurbs on 91X, know they got that info from ya girl over here. 

I just posted a diary, so I don't need to rehash my week, but lots of great shows are happening this week besides it being Spring Break and Easter weekend. See you at the rally. 

Nolite te bastardes carborundorum. Stay safe out there. 

 

Rosey's Diary & Newsy Things: Fiesta Island Getting Mowed | So Much Political Fuckery | Celebrate The Wisconsin Win | SDZWA Employees Reject Contract Proposal | so much news.

 

Sea Lions at La Jolla Cove/Point La Jolla (March 30, 2025)

One of the many things happening right now is that the administration of TFG and fElon is moving so fast, that nobody can even react to one thing before another thing and another and another happens, but let's be clear: their path of destruction knows no end, greed and power is what drives them, and the cruelty is the point. Whenever I read articles talking about what the consequences of an action could be, they're like "important science won't happen" or "people will lose jobs" or "{discriminated/underserved/poor} will lose XYZ access and benefit." And all of that is EXACTLY THE POINT. You are a number. You don't matter. Your life is an inconvenience to the Uber wealthy after the extent that they can work you to your literal death and steal any prosperity you earned or to which you are entitled. FUCK ALL OF THEM. Tuesday was the first day I've felt political joy in years, as Wisconsin turned out and turned up. And it will be incredible to see and share all of the rallies happening on Saturday. If for ANY reason you're not able to actively attend a rally, you can amplify and share and spread the word of all the great and peaceful actions you witness. Every drop matters. 

Besides all of that, I've been super busy. Toby had a school jazz performance on Thursday, perhaps his last of his senior year, I did Sawyer Hill on Friday, CG5 on Saturday, and the Swing Kids/Angonista show on Sunday. Then it was Trans Day of Visibility on Monday, I did Bob Mould & Craig Finn on Tuesday, and two hours of family therapy on Wednesday, getting us all ready for some very big things in Toby's affirmation journey. Thursday I'll be at the Smithereens show and then no set in stone plans besides trying to get my ass to the rally on Saturday and shooting Stereophonics next Wednesday. Exciting and scary and anxiety inducing and gotta-find-the-joy times we are living in.  

Nolite te bastardes carborundorum. Stay safe out there. Look out for each other, because the government has officially quit on all of us. 

Things To Do in San Diego: Thursday, March 27-Wednesday, April 2, 2025: zzzahara | Orgōne | K. Flay | Sawyer Hill | Laser Disc Drum Orgy | Billy Raffoul | CG5 | Poncho Sanchez | Allah-Las | Folk Implosion | Bob Mould

I don't know why my internet was soooo S-L-O-W while I was trying to do these listings, but I'm glad to have restarted and now I can type as fast as I want and it seems to be catching up. This week is kind of a funny one; it's spring break for some (San Diego Unified has next week off and goes back on April 7th), but for those of us not in school, Monday is a California holiday but not a federal one, so some people get it off and most people don't. This week will be busy; I'll be at Toby's jazz concert at Hoover on Thursday, doing the Quartyard show with Sawyer Hill on Friday, and at CG5 on Saturday. I've been asked to help out at Casbah on Sunday for the Swing Kids show, then I'll be working for Bob Mould (again) on Tuesday and The Smithereens on Thursday. I'm exhausted just thinking about it all. 

Stay safe out there. Nolite te bastardes carborundorum.

Rosey's Diary & Newsy Things: SDZWA CEO "Resigns" | Developer Wolves Guarding Housing Henhouse in San Diego | TFG and fElon Destroy At Will | States Sue Feds | Citizens Getting Renditioned |

 

Sloth Bear Brother and Sister Cubs (Taken by S24 3.26.25)

If you're coming here for lighthearted reading, skip this post. 

After the November election, I knew things would be dreadful, but doesn't every day feel like another year? The news is seriously so depressing that sometimes I just have to hit publish without even getting close to hitting the points. Like I don't really need to talk about or link to stories about Whiskey-Pete and the war by Signal, right? But things also feel pretty fucked up locally; for a time it felt like progressives were taking the reins and San Diego and California at large were safe, but with our housing turned into slot machines for greedy investors and Gavin trying to reach across the aisle with his shitty ass podcasts, it's hard to feel like anyone is looking out for any of us anymore. It's so hard to try and live "normal" when nothing feels normal. The pandemic was easy. This shit is something else entirely. 

It's spring break for many, so the zoo has been super crowded on most days, but then everyone leaves by like 4pm and it's mostly empty. I try to get my daily trips, but now even those feel a little bananas since there is so.much.drama with the news that the SDZWA CEO resigned...the day of this big employee-wide pep rally, which was canceled the day of...and three days before the union employees within SDZWA get their votes counted on whether to accept the pathetic negotiated offer or to strike. 

And I'm really trying to find joy. But we're still not really okay after losing Ficus, and this time of year for me personally is just full of sad anniversaries; my sister-in-law died from breast cancer two years ago this past Tuesday, and my dad died nine days later, just after my parents' 53rd wedding anniversary. We're preparing for some big life stuff, and Toby has been accepted to some choice schools, but everything just feels so insecure and unsure. So, one foot in front of the other, I guess, I'll keep bingeing shows and court cases to avoid the news as best I can, but pay attention when it counts, and just try to have some faith that this pendulum will swing back before life as we know it is changed irreparably. 

Stay safe out there | Nolite te bastardes carborundorum. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, March 20-Wednesday, March 26, 2025: The Wellermen | Oneida | Jon Foreman | This Is Lorelei | Squirrel Nut Zippers | Rachel Platten | Pallbearer | Josh Kmak Farewell |

This week has been non-stop and I'm so exhausted and I crawled into bed late Wednesday night, or Thursday morning, depending on how you measure a day, and then popped right out, realizing I didn't finish these listings. So here I am, finishing the listings. I'm too drained to say much else. I want to look on the bright side, but shit coming out of TFG every day is really, really fucked up on the daily so brace yourself and find your joy. As for me, I've got family in town, and I'll be slinging merch at Music Box on Friday and Saturday. There are some super great shows this week, so try and get out to see some, and I'll do my best to take my own advice. 

Stay safe out there. Nolite te bastardes carborundorum.   

Rosey's Diary & Newsy Things: Seaworld Opens Jewels Of The Sea: Jellyfish Experience | San Diego Initiates Paid Parking Plan For Parks (AGAIN) | tfg & fElon Are Destroying America |

 

The Klipspringer duo didn't seem to mind my presence in the rain (3.15.25)

I've been thinking a lot about the oughts. I was a single girl, struggling with my employment, barely making rent each month, partying too much, but I think I was relatively happy? But I remember San Diego was bumming me out with Mayor Sanders at the helm, and I felt like I couldn't even participate in politics because it felt like everything that was happening was the exact opposite of what I would do if I was in charge. Still, I started this blog, Obama became president, and things felt pretty okay for a hot minute. 

And now, here we are in 2025 and what the fuck is even happening? TFG and fElon are running roughshod over our entire way of life, our senators couldn't stand up to an insane budget that gives the sociopaths free rein to keep on doing it. And now San Diego is just going bonkers. 

I know so many people who were against bike lanes and are against the housing being built at a rapid clip in this city. I'm generally not one of them. I supported, nay, fought for bike infrastructure that has finally begun to be implemented over the past few years, only now it's scarier than ever to actually get on a bike because there are zero consequences for drivers on roadways as it is, let alone if they have a collision with a cyclist. As for housing...I, too, am sick of "luxury" apartments being built, but let's go back all the way to when Petco Park was built and took out thousands of SROs and housing, then JMI made gazillions of dollars selling gifted land back to developers and we've never caught back up. Add that most disgusting deal in 2021, DURING THE PANDEMIC, of the Conrad Prebys foundation selling 6,800 affordable units to Blackstone, "the world's largest alternative asset manager" and it's no wonder the most basic houses on desirable lots are selling for over a million dollars on the regular and people who should be able to afford rent are out on their asses as their rents got jacked after fake renovations. 

And now the City wants to charge for parking at Balboa Park and Mission Bay. FUCK YOU. This will be a fucking fight. They are taking a parking study done in July of 2024, THE BUSIEST BALBOA PARK HAS EVER BEEN because of "revenge tourism" after the pandemic, an actual prosperous time in America under Biden, and a 4th of July that fell on a Thursday, meaning most working Americans could take 3 or 4 days off from work, and end up with 9 full days for vacationing in this most desirable City of San Diego. I have tried to support San Diego and keep it positive over here, but I am FUCKING RAGING. When things are FALLING APART from the administration and repugs in power, our city should be BOOSTING what is left of parks, the arts, and community accommodations. And you picked the busiest month of the year for your $200,000 study. What about when it is NOT busy? You think Balboa Park or the Zoo will even be a choice if people have to pay to park, even when the lots are empty? Fuck right off. If you're trying to make up for a deficit, make cops do their fucking jobs and ticket people speeding 45 miles on my 25 mile street. 

On top of all that, the council succumbed to the threat of a lawsuit by another megachurch that stomped its feet and demanded they get to build a monstrosity in an area zoned for housing in Del Cerro. I have an idea...why don't you take THE OTHER FUCKING MEGACHURCH that was built in Mission Valley against the protests of pretty much THE WHOLE FUCKING CITY. 

It's so fucking gross. I love San Diego, but right now I'm really. fucking. disappointed. And it is hard not to be depressed AF about it all. But, I will carry on and fight the fight in the ways I know how. Including sharing all of this bullshit with you. 

Stay safe out there. Nolite te bastardes carborundorum. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, March 13-Wednesday, March 19, 2025: The Rocket Summer | Murs | ShamROCK | Jesse Dayton | Joy Oladokun | Victoria Canal | Vincent Neil Emerson | Jason Eady | Rupaul |

It has been a super busy week in music, as it always is right around SXSW. Casbah had a ton of great show announcements, so if you're not getting the newsletters, sign up on the home page here (it's in the left column if you scroll down from the Just Announced list). Humphrey's announced the bulk of their 2025 shows, as did the San Diego County Fair, which runs June 11-July 6, and includes more frequent use of The Sound with their events, in addition to their usual Grandstand shows. Honestly, I don't know how everyone is doing it, with Wallethub just naming San Diego as the MSA with the highest inflation (compared to 22 other MSAs) and tickets for bands like Yeah Yeah Yeahs starting around $80 + fees, but with the whole country imploding at the hands of TFG and FElon, we need our music escapes while we still have them. We also know how many free music events happen in San Diego, so take advantage of all you can. The Belly Up announced the 2025 lineup for Fiesta Del Sol (May 31 & June 1) and with The White Buffalo headlining Sunday, you should definitely mark your calendar well in advance. 

Stay safe out there, especially during this next atmospheric river that is expected to roll through. Nolite te bastardes carborundorum. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, March 6-Wednesday, March 12, 2025: Cactus Blossoms | Lesser Care | Maruja | Systems Officer | Anything Box | Creepxotica | Barns Courtney |

Systems Officer (Taken Oct 2016)

Whenever I can find time, I try to organize old photos and hard drives. Obviously that was pretty critical around the time my dad died, trying to put together family albums. And recently, looking through pics of Ficus in better times was really important and meaningful, too. But I also use a lot of data, so I'm always putting stuff into folders, then trying not to let my phone get too full, so I have to empty it to my laptop and then the laptop gets full so the external drives have to come back out. Never ending cycle. 

Sometimes this can be super hard, super emotional, super time consuming. But sometimes it's fun, like finding this 2016 pic of Systems Officer. The file name even tells me which camera I had back then. 

All that to say, I'm starting to feel better. I miss my dog everyday, often many times a day where I expect her to be in a particular place in the house, to hear her come up the stairs, to creak the floorboards as she would move room to room. But I've been getting my zoo time, my kitties have been super lovey and cute, and I've got a lot of work that keeps my mind occupied. This week, I'll be working at Music Box on Thursday and possibly Casbah on Sunday. There are a lot of super duper shows and maybe this dreamy weather will even warrant a trip to the mountains or something of the sort. 

Whatever you plan, remember self-care is super important with this whole country going bananas. Stay safe out there. Nolite te bastardes carborundorum. 

Rosey's Diary & Newsy Bits: Saying Goodbye To Ficus | San Diego Music Award Nominees Announced | Seaworld to Open Jewels Of The Sea | Zoo Welcomes Joeys | Bird Flu Expanding Threat |

It's been a rough few months. I've mentioned that I've not been feeling great over the past few months, and after seeing a doctor for a real appointment and not just an urgent care appointment, I got "the talk" about some serious lifestyle changes and the usual shit they tell you, like eat healthier, exercise more, watch your alcohol consumption, lose weight, and manage your stress better. Those conversations are like, "yeah, yeah" when your in your twenties and thirties, but when you're older, they definitely hit different. 

But the stress...how are we supposed to manage this? What is happening in our government and our country right now is a fucking crisis that puts everything and everyone else, including my family, in crisis. And it has been so bonkers, I can only read what I can read and watch what I can watch and listen to a few choice podcasts before I have to tune out and just binge old seasons of Below Deck. 

And then on top of all of this giant shit sandwich that has been life, my beautiful sweet girl, Ficus, had declined much faster than we ever expected, and when, midweek last week, she didn't get up to greet me when I got home, we all knew it was time. I was able to spend so much time with her on Friday when we knew it was coming, and we sat outside in the sun until the whole family was home and it was time. And fuck. It is so hard to make the decision to euthanize a pet. You will constantly rethink it and wonder if you made the right call, if you did it too soon. After you look through the final photos and think about their last day, you second guess that you waited too long. All of it hurts so much. My social media posts are full of beautiful and meaningful and inspiring things, and I'll eventually read everything, but I can only really get through a couple at a time before I have to just put my phone back away. So, here I am, sharing some pictures of Ficus in better times, in the first couple years after we adopted her. When she was a scaredy dog but loved running in the ocean, or at the dog park, or at Mission Trails. Or happy just being at home on our bed. 

I will forever miss her, as I miss my others who came before...Kiwi, Pascha, Boo, Monkey, Sydney, Sugar, PA...but the rawness right now...just be gentle with me for a bit. It's gonna take awhile. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, February 27-Wednesday, March 5, 2025: Whores | Bob Log III | The Spits | Witchface | Evan Honer | Michigan Rattlers | G. Love | Mercury Rev | Euphoria Brass Band | Sydney Sprague |

I don't have much to say this week. We're making the decision to "humanely euthanize" our Ficus and I'm pretty much a broken human about it at the moment. 

Stay safe out there. Nolite te bastardes carborundorum. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, February 20-Wednesday, February 26, 2025: Jon Spencer | Ty Segall & King Tuff | Sam Outlaw | Emo Nite | Chat Pile | Grieves | Kool Keith | Orions Belte | Abi Carter |

David Gray at The Events Center, Harrah's Resort SoCal (Taken 2.15.25)

I'm not sure if I mentioned that I did a mostly dry January. After a NYE camping binge on prosecco and Jager (I do not recommend this combo), and ending it a night early with some drinks at Seven Grand and Black Cat. But all in all, I haven't been drinking much at all and I expected to feel invigorated and thought my sleep would get normal, that whatever this lingering wheezing and chestiness (people online are calling it THE COUGH, but I have all the symptoms except an actual cough). Anyway, all that to say that I had to do listings on Wednesday and now for me it's almost 4am and I'm exhausted and I know the second I lay down, I'm not actually gonna fall asleep. It's unfun. I would love to get back to normal normal, but for whatever this is, I'm still trying to find my daily joy, trying to catch shows here and there, and not let whatever TFG is doing get to me because that just launches my stress beyond, as it does for most of us.  

All that said, it was a pretty good week, overall. On Thursday, Darren and I went to watch Toby's last pep band performance of his senior year (which wasn't actually the last because the ladies basketball made it to playoffs), and then had an amazing dinner at 777 Noodle House, one of our favorite spots that we've been neglecting in our drastic cutback on eating out. On Friday I went to the zoo for most of the day and then met my mom and sister up at San Elijo for a night of camping. This time I just had some pinot noir and kept it chill, and didn't feel like total shit the next day. On Saturday, we went to Harrah's Resort to see David Gray at the Events Center. This was his "Then And Now" Tour, so he played a ton of stuff from White Ladder and A New Day At Midnight, which was pretty special, even if those casino show crowds are always a little weird. I got some time at the Alpaca Ranch in, as well as time at Sea World and the Zoo and then of course, Tuesday was a grind after a holiday weekend, but I had fun working at Quartyard for the sold out BALTHVS show. So yeah. Finding joy. Need sleep. 

Stay safe out there. Nolite te bastardes carborundorum. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, February 13-Wednesday, February 19, 2025: Lomelda + Tomberlin | Video Age | David Gray | Adolescents | Steve Poltz | Cursive | Hippo Campus | BALTHVS | Jeremie Albino | Grizfolk |

I decided to dig up this old photo of me, Rhett Miller (of the Old 97's) and Steve Poltz for this week's photo. I think it's from 2003 or so...Rhett was performing solo at 4th&B and maybe Steve opened? It was a KPRI event...thus Rhett's shirt and lanyard, and it's also notable because I'm wearing my David Gray t-shirt...full circle, right? Because Steve's having his 16th Annual 50th Birthday Party this weekend. (Crazy to think we've known each other for 31 years!!) And also, David Gray is playing this weekend at Harrah's. And to keep on with it, The Old 97's are playing April 2 at the Belly Up. So yeah. A lot going on in this pic for me. It was like 3 or 4 years before I even started this site!

It's nice that San Diego finally got a big rain, though I'm not watching much news these days to know if it had any dangerous or negative repurcussions. Though I suppose a Navy jet nose-diving into The Big Bay is kind of a big deal, whether rain related or not. But rain or not, it feels like the Super Bowl is a marker for change in seasons in a way, and suddenly the music calendar is jam-packed all over again, which tends to continue in the run-up to SXSW and Coachella, then there's usually a little lull before summer. I've been looking at some shows, however, and something seems like it's all about to crumble. The amount of big shows with expensive tickets with half or more of their seating charts still available is kind of shocking, so there is going to need to be some major recalibration that maybe people's nostalgia isn't strong enough to make them fork over $60, $80, $100 for tickets, knowing that doesn't cover $15-$20 beers, $50 rideshare or parking, and $40 t-shirts. It's bananas and it isn't sustainable. Fortunately, we've got our small venues and small tours to keep us satiated and not tryna break the bank. And if you're into theatre, there's some great small theatres that offer affordable tickets for great performances. I've seen Other Desert Cities at the Cygnet and The Half-Life of Marie Curie and Love, Linda at New Village Arts, all in the past couple weeks, and all were deeply moving in their own way and I would recommend seeing any or all of them. 

Anyhoo...lots to do. Happy Valentine's Day and President's Day Weekend. 

Stay safe out there. Nolite te bastardes carborundorum.  

Rosey's Diary & Newsy Things: $14 County Dog Adoptions | Zoo Baby Watch | US Wall Broke Treaties | Gaslamp's Car-Free Promenade Ends | WTF Is TFG Even Doing? |

Lupe & Amahle Having Fun On A Rainy Day (2.12.25)

I almost feel like I have to stop newsy things because how can we even keep up?? But there are enough things that don't have to do with TFG that it's still my little chance to vent and share some things. I'll probably repost these a lot, but since the general media is completely complicit in the immoral, wrong, and straight up illegal activities of TFG and F-Elon, ESPECIALLY the New York Times and Washington Post, it is critical to hear legitimate reporting and valuable commentary. In particular, I read Rebecca Solnit, Letters from an American by Heather Cox Richardson, Popular.info by Judd Legum, Civil Discourse with Joyce Vance, and Steady by Dan Rather. Wired is also very much worth the subscription price right now. There are probably 50 other subscriptions I have and read regularly, but it is all so overwhelming all the time that it's important to give everything a minute...not respond to every stupid and ignorant proclamation or EO, every press statement from the State Department, or every Facebook reaction to whatever stupid headline wins the day. I'm trying to watch the courts, the lawsuits, the injunctions, the stays, the tiny little belief that somehow checks and balances will work out and this jackhole and the worse-than-the-Taliban team behind Project 2025 will be stopped. In the meantime, just trying to keep our heads above water, one foot in front of the other, and find joy in the days we have. 

Stay safe out there. Nolite te bastardes carborundorum. 

Peaceful Protest February 9th at 9am

This is supposed to be a peaceful march and rally, but nobody faults you if you sit this one out because of the threat of violence by supporters of TFG and F-Elon (don't have to name the groups but you know who they are, and you know there is always the threat of violence, CCAs, etc.) or cops or ICE.

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, February 6-Wednesday, February 12, 2025: Maro + Nasaya | moe. | Eric Hutchison | The Meteors | Ozomatli | Inspector | Tommy Stinson | Tuxedo | Wild Pink |

The news this week just keeps getting crazier and crazier and I can't even believe this is real life and yet, we carry on hoping that there are checks and balances in place that prevent a full-on takeover by the American taliban that are occupying the government at the moment. So, I'm gonna bury my head in the sand, worry about why the hell I'm feeling sick --- now I'm convinced it is still and not again, and that maybe I did, in fact, have RSV, which is why I'm once again wheezing at night and don't feel like I can catch my breath but still feel fine enough...say 80%... to go do life while women are still allowed in public spaces without burkas or male escorts. Ugh. 

This week has a lot of amazing shows, so you, too, should bury your head in the sand and go experience live music or a farmer's market or a play or musical or engage in protests or do anything to feel a part of this great American experiment. I'm looking forward to seeing Love, Linda: The Life of Mrs. Cole Porter at New Village Theatre and Other Desert Cities at the new Cygnet. I'm also hoping to do some Lunar New Year fun things that I skipped last weekend. It all depends how I feel, though, because being able to breathe is kinda critical. I can tell you I won't be sitting on the couch for a four hour football game, but you do you. 

Stay safe out there. Nolite te bastardes carborundorum.

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, January 30-Wednesday, February 5, 2025: Amerikan Bear | The Wildwoods | Emo Night Karaoke | ALO | Gregory Page | Cadiallac Hearse | Benjamin Booker |

Matt Molarius of Transfer at the Casbah (1.25.25)

I am trying really hard to wrap up listings and go to bed without watching news but holy shit, the firehose of information just doesn't stop. But, we'll keep it to the listings over here because there's some fun stuff happening around town all week and I gotta say, I've been so thrilled to wear my cold-weather gear, which I bought so much of last year when it actually rained around here. I'll be seeing The Half Life of Marie Curie at New Village Arts, which I'm pretty excited about because all the productions I've seen there have been great and the theatre itself has big, wide, comfortable seating and every seat is a great view. I hope to bounce around to check out some Lunar New Year festivities, too, even if that means mostly at San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, or Sea World. On Saturday night, I'm gonna see my friend and old neighbor, Gregory Page, at the Brooks Theatre. I haven't seen a music performance there since Colin Clyne played there several years ago, so that should be pretty great, too. 

I hope everyone finds something fun to do regardless of the weather and in spite of the madness happening in the world around us. The arts are what is going to keep us sane as long as TFG is implementing the worst of P2025. 

Stay safe out there. Nolite te bastardes carborundorum. 

Rosey's Diary & Newsy Things: SD Finally Raises Parking To 2025 Pricing | County Raises Park Fees | TFG Throws Out Constitutional Law | "Anti-Crime" Pres Pardons Felons | Federal Government Stops Working For The People |

Lauren Mayberry at House of Blues (1.28.25)

God damn. It has been a really hard couple of weeks. In my little bubble, things have been great...I've been really loving my zoo time, the shift to colder weather in San Diego including a little spattering of rain here and there, and I've felt like I've gotten into a better groove for work and play and sleep. In addition to my daily zoo trips, I did the alpaca ranch back to back days, I did a couple "Inside Look days" and the Mardi Gras kickoff at Seaworld. I saw Lady Lamb at Lou Lou's, watched Toby perform with San Diego Youth Symphony, went to the Transfer show at the Casbah on Saturday night, worked for Tank and the Bangas at Music Box on Sunday, and went to see Lauren Mayberry of Chvrches at House of Blues on Tuesday. All is good. 
And then I look at the news and we're legit looking at a fucking total coup of the US government and the whole country is like, "nah, he can't really do that" and then they're fucking doing it and we are just eyes wide open in total shock and rage and wondering if our other two branches of government are going to fucking step in and say YOU CAN'T FUCKING DO THAT, YOU FUCKING TREASONOUS TRAITOR and then do something about all of this. Whoever, owing allegiance to the United States, levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort within the United States or elsewhere, is guilty of treason and shall suffer death, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years...
We met with Toby's counselors a couple weeks back and it was really productive and helpful and cathartic and illuminating and then this week we see TFG trying to ban transness and we're just trying to keep this kid alive. I was trying to do a news roundup and found my own breathing strained, my heartrate exploding...I can't. But there's a running list of everything TFG has done or attempted to do and it is really bleak.

Nolite te bastardes carborundorum. Stay safe out there. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, January 23-Wednesday, January 29, 2025: Yesness | Lunar New Year Celebrations | Casbah Anniversary | Olive Krug | Transfer | Tank & The Bangas | Foghat | Lauren Mayberry | Haley Hendrickx |

January is always the month that the Casbah gets to celebrate its anniversary. We've done big things for the 10th and every subsequent 5 years, but now we're on 36 and while maybe not a whole month of ragers, there are a lot of great shows. Friday is being designated as the official anniversary, but Saturday with Transfer is gonna be pretty special, too. 

This has been a super weird week, TFG is back in office and the grift is on and people's lives are already being destroyed by his policies and we're being told not to believe what we see with our own eyes, and it's infuriating. But it's also gross because when we experience personal joy or triumphs or things worth celebrating or sharing, we feel like we have to preface with " I know things really suck in the world right now, but..." and we shouldn't feel that way. Find joy. Live your best life. Be grateful you live here. Celebrate the wins. Nolite te Bastardes Carborundorum.

There's a lot going on this week -- I'll be at the SeaWorld Mardi Gras preview on Friday, going to Toby's San Diego Youth Sympony Concert on Saturday, maybe checking out Lunar New Year, and then trying to get to the Casbah for Transfer. On Sunday I'll be working for Tank and the Bangas, and I'm working on getting a photo pass for Lauren Mayberry on Wednesday. Gotta keep busy and keep the TV off as much as possible. 

Stay safe out there.

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, January 16-Wednesday, January 22, 2025: Brainiac | Futurebirds | Lee Fields | Phantogram | Bright Eyes | Flatten Manhattan | LA Fire Benefit | Lady Lamb | Alan Sparhawk | Ani DiFranco |

photo courtesy SPIN/Torrey Bailey

The start to 2025 has already been bonkers and it is kinda hard to wrap our heads around it. Human brains can only absorb so much trauma and we have natural defense mechanisms that help protect us. The fires, the whiplash of the incoming administration, the absurdity of TV pundits...it can all be a lot. A friend of mine told me about a free preview weekend of Apple+ a couple weeks ago, and quickly found myself bingeing Shrinking and finishing Ted Lasso with Toby, which we'd started back on season one. Then I found out my Roku had a three month preview, so then I got into The Morning Show (S1E6), and was literally on the episode about LA fires the night before the current LA fires started. So I've been watching TV to escape real life and then TV mirrors real life, all while attempting a Dry January! At least we still have the escape of music. This weekend I'll be at Bright Eyes and Lady Lamb, and probably the Casbah benefit on Sunday before Lady Lamb...still probably finding a way to cry my eyeballs out. 

I did want to share some news that SPIN is under new ownership, by Brandon Colt, who has been manager for the past 10 years, and Brandon Garva of drum n' bass collective SD Union. They've updated some light and sound but mostly seem to be bringing back the rave vibes with late nights and after-hours parties, with some nights going until 4am. If that's your scene, you should definitely give a revisit back to the historic Hancock Street venue. 

Stay safe out there.  

Rosey's Diary & Newsy Things: County District 1 Will Get Special Election | SeaWorld Fireworks Face Lawsuit, Averse Council Pres | Fires Ravage LA | Billionaires Kiss The Ring of TFG |

Lupe (L) and Amahle (R) at San Diego Zoo (1.14.25)

I'm sitting at the Zoo as I write this. I usually do these late at night, but tonight I'll be doing listings and Wednesday night I'll be working for Satsang at Music Box. I was coasting during the holidays, but I forgot about the whiplash when everyone gets back to work and everyone decides that the first week of the year is a great time to announce new albums, new tours, and thus my email was bananas. So I'm trying to get this post up before diving into all the other things coming my way. 

It has been really hard, both in writing and in person, to be optimistic. When people ask how I'm doing, it's hard to be like everything is great personally, but TFG is about to be inaugurated, the billionaires are lining up to suck his dick, and the LA fires are a clear demonstration of what fucking crooks his party is all down the line. So like, I'm trying to find my joy, to be happy within my family and household, and also be completely terrified at the prospect of the next four years. Like we're just trying to keep our kid alive as he goes through the roughest time of his life. Trying to find hope and joy. It's all we can do. 

Stay safe out there.  

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, January 9-Wednesday, January 15, 2025: David Cross | Cruelties | Louis XIV | Lenny Zen | SATH | B-Side Players | Swingin' Utters | Sam Blasucci | The Wild Feathers |

This week I got a little ahead of my listings for once, and I'm so glad I did because the regular workload of show announcements and emails is picking up as the week goes along and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. The holidays sure were nice and relatively quiet for work, but it was all really just a pause and all the things stack up, still waiting when the vacation is all over and flooding the inbox this week. blech. 

Meanwhile, I'm watching those LA wildfires and it is pretty insane and I'm so heartbroken by the images we've seen on TV. A friend's dad lost his house that he's lived in for decades, along with everything in it, and I can't even imagine what that's like, especially when you're not out in the country or living in the wilderness, but right in urban developments that have stood for decades. 

Listings are up for this week, but keep an eye on shows and know that some tours may be affected by LA routing, so double-check your shows before you go.

Stay safe out there. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Friday, January 3-Wednesday, January 8, 2025: Tell-Tale Hearts Tribute | Big Sandy | John McCain | Swive | Wars Away | Auz Fontaine | Bowie Birthday Bash |

I have been trying to be online as minimally as possible this week, so I'm just gonna present the listings through Wednesday and we'll be back on track with Thursday morning publishing. I hope everyone had a great Christmas, Hannukah, New Year's, etc., and dodged this stupid cold that is going around. 

Stay Safe out there.