new New Mexico video

I love Sundays because everything seems to slow down a bit, and on a good day, I get less than a dozen emails....compared to the three hundred or so I get on Monday (dread). Today, I was happy to see this little gem arrive...a new video from New Mexico. I love these guys sonically and they're all great guys to boot and they've definitely made their mark in the San Diego music scene and beyond.

This is the new video for "Motion Sickness"

New Mexico - Motion Sickness from Grant Reinero on Vimeo.

New Music Tuesday: New Mexico's Have You Met My Friend? Out Today

I love when my San Diego friends start to break out of San Diego. Everyone locally knows that Apes of Wrath were firing up the San Diego scene for a long time, but as New Mexico they've certainly gotten themselves noticed beyond our little town. Today the band celebrates the release of their debut EP Have You Met My Friend? It's available everywhere...iTunes, bandcamp.

To celebrate the release, catch them this Saturday, November 20th, at Tin Can with Grand Tarantula, Scruffles, and Mrs. Magician. The show is only five bucks and starts at 8pm.

You can watch a session of the band from Pinpoint Music below.

Case Closed from Pinpoint Music on Vimeo.

San Diego Music Roundup

This week some of our San Diego friends have been making waves, so I thought I'd do a little local roundup.

The Drowning Men are kicking off a west coast tour Saturday night at Hensley's Flying Elephant. I don't get to Encinitas very often, but that place is super cool and I throughly enjoyed myself when I checked it out for the first time a couple weeks ago, not to mention my hamburger kicked ass. The band is heading north, with shows at Hotel Utah in San Francisco on 7/20, The Blue Lamp in Sacramento on 7/21, Rotture in Portland on 7/22, Lucky's in Eugene on 7/23, and a huge show on the Neumo's stage at the Capitol Hill Block Party in Seattle on 7/24. (The Nightmarchers are also performing.)

Crocodiles have a new video that made its exclusive debut this week at Spin.com. The video is for "Sleep Forever" which you can download here frm Fat Possum. (right-click, save as) The video is super fuzzed out with several layers of visuals, but the live performance appears to be shot at the band's recent Casbah show, or more likely during the soundcheck,since that show was insanely crowded and the lights were barely on.

Tim and I were driving today saying how it's strange how we never see Andrew Bernhardt like we used to. He used to be everywhere. I did see him a couple weeks ago and he's all in love and shit, but he's also been really busy with Lights On, who recently celebrated their CD release and are currently in New York playing some shows with New Mexico (formerly Apes of Wrath). I hope they kill it in Brooklyn, just don't get too comfy because we want you back home. They were featured on Brooklyn Vegan and Insomnia Radio (though the latter has the CD release info incorrect. The CD release was July 3rd at Tin Can).

D/Wolves released their first self-titled CD. It is available FREE on Bandcamp, or you can (and should) buy a physical copy for $5. I seriously love these kids and am so happy they're playing my showcase at NPMT, though I had to fight someone else off who was trying to steal them to another showcase. I feel like mama bear with this band and will do what I can to both help and protect these guys.

The Reader asked me to mention that they are constantly working to make their music database the most comprehensive in San Diego. You can check it out here, where they added a "This Just In" section that has a ton of updates from local bands.

San Diego's Canobliss was High Times Unsigned Band of the Week.

Lastly, I mentioned that West Coast Tavern is hosting music on Thursday nights. I'll be booking these nights, so if you're interested in playing, please feel free to reach out. These are one band shows for about an hour to a crowd as the restaurant winds down restaurant service around 9 or 10 pm.

An Introduction from Michael Klayman

Most of you probably don't know me so here's a brief introduction. I'm a huge local music fan and try to make it out to a rock or jazz show at least once a week. Most of the time, I bring my camera.

I usually refuse to be a guest blogger on other peoples' sites. I figure that if anybody's interested in seeing my work, they can find my blog. But when Rosey asked me to do some posts here, I had to reconsider. She has been a fixture on the local music scene for years, and has always helped me out whenever she could. For that I am grateful, and I'm honored to be a contributor.

Rosey got me in to last month's Birch North Park Theatre show, featuring Dirty Sweet, Transfer, The Silent Comedy, and Apes of Wrath (now called New Mexico). It was a fantastic show and I'd like to show a group photo from each band here, in order of appearance.

Apes of Wrath (New Mexico)

























The Silent Comedy

Transfer

























Dirty Sweet

























You can see more photos on my blog at www.seemichaelsphotos.com. I hope you like them. My next post will be photos from last Sunday's Tortoise show.

Michael Klayman
www.seemichaelsphotos.com

Giveaways for Friday's Dirty Sweet, Transfer, The Silent Comedy, Apes of Wrath show!

You can win a custom painting by Hearts and Stuff's Martha Martin, a limited edition photographic print by San Diego's own Rebecca Joelson, and more just by buying tickets in advance online for Friday's show at the Birch North Park Theatre! The show features Dirty Sweet, Transfer, The Silent Comedy, and Apes of Wrath in an environment unlike any you've seen them in before! Check out the video below for more details.

Jeff's Weekly Pick: Transfer, Dirty Sweet, The Silent Comedy, Apes of Wrath @ Birch North Park Theatre Friday May 28, 2010

This blogger has been accused of only touting touring bands, while tending to bypass the local San Diego bands. I cannot disagree with those sentiments entirely, but I have definitely made an effort recently to watch more of our home grown talent on a regular basis. This Friday is your chance to catch four of the best bands San Diego has to offer in what promises to be one great show. As a bonus, the event is taking place at the beautifully renovated Birch North Park Theatre. Having seen several shows there, I can easily give my stamp of approval since all the proper elements are in place for a great live performance: great sound, lighting and comfortable seating in an intimate venue. Plus the cost is what one would pay to see just one of these bands much of the time.

Dirty Sweet has just returned from a European tour and have released a new album, American Spiritual. Transfer also released their latest effort, Future Selves, which shows more diversity within the songs. The Silent Comedy are gaining popularity with their energized live show. Apes of Wrath gets it done with fewer members, but their songs are so frenetic and catchy at the same time.

If you haven't been to the Birch, you owe it to yourself to support all these great bands as a great way to kick off the upcoming holiday weekend. This is a Casbah produced show, and the venue is almost all ages (5+).

Dirty Sweet - Marionette from Dirty Sweet on Vimeo.

Band of Skulls, Live at X1FM. 7.31.09

Band of Skulls performed live at X1FM.com on Friday before their Casbah show. I knew that since I was working at the Casbah that night, and knowing that Transfer and Apes of Wrath could sell out the Casbah on their own, I wouldn't really get the opportunity to see the band, so Jeff and I went to the Open Door Session in National City. Since the show was earlier than most Open Doors, there were just a few of us there, but we were blown away by Band of Skulls and the performance they delivered. I normally wouldn't video there because the station does such a good job of editing the videos and allowing me to post them, but they might take a few days and I hope that if anyone is contemplating checking them out as they continue to tour that you are won over by this video. Do not miss this band.



I will mention that the show that night was just as packed as I expected so I could really only hear the show in pieces from the patio but it was an amazing night from all three bands and the party that ensued after was pretty damn cool, too.

Rosey's Diary: April 14-16, 2009

Remember the good old days when I used to write everyday? The mountains of photos I have are just getting ridiculous at this point, but it's time for another diary entry. I left off my last post on April 11, then spent a couple days chilling out (and probably catching up with February & March), but Transfer was returning from tour and it was time to get out again. That ended up being a huge week with 9 shows in 6 days. In this diary: Transfer, Apes of Wrath, Roxy Jones, Local Natives, Hockey, Lanterns, Jamuel Saxon, Swim Party, The Notice, The Midwinters. I'll save Coachella for the next post. Click keep on reading for my diary.


April 14, 2009

As I said, Transfer was returning from some gigs that they did with Holy Rolling Empire (that had kicked off at the Casbah). While that show was huge, this show felt far more intimate, as Matt kept noting throughout the show, acknowledging this show felt like family. And it did. Which is really why I didn't take any pics. It was crowded up front from the get go. Apes of Wrath kicked off the show and I can really never get enough of those guys. If you haven't been to the Soda Bar yet, get there soon. The shows are great and it is really one of the only places where I don't feel bad sitting the whole time, whether along the bar or in a booth. On this night, we got the booth nearest the door and had a rotating cast of characters coming and going throughout the night.





Roxy Jones played the middle slot and from where we sat, we could see Peter and the band playing on the TV monitor and through the wall. Once the sound was properly equalized, I enjoyed listening as it had been a while.

I always love seeing bands right after a tour and Transfer is no exception. They're happy to be home among friends and family and playing to a crowd where everyone knows every song. I live for shows like this with good friends, good music, and have I mentioned the amazing beer selection at Soda Bar?

I had to take it easy, however, because I worked at my family's daycare all day Wednesday. Me and six kids. All day. Luckily when they nap, I can close my eyes for about 10 minutes but when the day was over, I was outta there.

April 15, 2009
The reason I was covering the daycare was so my mom, sister, and niece could go to Disneyland for the day for my sister's birthday. I hear they had a great time. My niece is at the age where she can appreciate stuff, and with my sister expecting another girl in the fall, it might be some time before they can head back.

After daycare, I stopped home to let my dog out and zipped up to The Loft at UCSD. I know the campus is tricky and a bit out of the way, but I really enjoy shows there. I hear they've sold out a few shows, but the ones I've attended had plenty of space. UCSD students need to wake up and realize they can catch bands on the rise.

A friend of mine told me about Local Natives, and I'd read several blogs that deem them the next breakout band from Silverlake and it was definitely clear why. You can check out their Daytrotter session here. They're layered harmonies are exceptional and I'm always a big fan of lead vocalists playing random percussion...tamborine, a drum, and I never realized I was such a fan of drums being played on the rim instead of the skin.





I cannot wait for them to come back to town and play a grown-up venue because they bring a party. (They're pretty funny on twitter, too @localnatives)

Hockey played the same night and was a totally different style...more of the dance pop that all the kids are into these days. They definitely bring it live and all the college girls were dancing (and cooing, I believe). If I have any complaints about The Loft, I'd say (1) they should promote and encourage more people from off campus to come to shows because it feels a little cold to non-students and (2) to make sure the students running the booth are making use of the killer lights they have. Nothing bums me out more than state of the art lighting that just stays the same for an entire show. The band doesn't stay still for very long either, but I can't really complain about that aspect.



After the show at The Loft, I headed over to Ruby Room to catch Lanterns and Jamuel Saxon. It has been a while since I've seen Lanterns and it's too bad because they're a super fun band. Jamuel Saxon is equal parts awesome, rad, and hilarious. For their set they had an old TV/VCR combo set-up onstage that was playing a really bad 70's workout video that I believe was a workout for older chairbound people. The music and video actually synched at times and the crowd was loving it. Ruby Room = pure blackness, so didn't bother with pics.

April 16, 2009:

Thursday night rolled around and Swim Party was performing at the La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art. I believe the event was to court donors, but it made me kinda sad to see the expense of this show, with two complimentary drinks per person as well as amazing food stations, while knowing that TNT is gone for a while. You have to spend money to make money they say, but it kinda bummed me out. I can't remember the last time I'd ever been to the museum and was blown away by the size. It would seem like the space could be used for more events, even non-art events, to compensate for overhead costs. But what do I know, really? I'm not gonna lie, I love me some free food and beverages, in this case beer from Stone and an amazing spread including a mac n cheese bar. This was a first for me, but it's a lot like a mashed potato bar, with a scoop put in a martini glass and an assortment of cheeses, bacon bits, croutons, mushrooms, artichokes and other rad stuff to add. I was glad to have not eaten before the event and dug in. There were also some pulled pork sliders, a food station I skipped entirely, and a churro bar for dessert. In a word, it was awesome.
Oh, and Swim Party was good, too. The event was not very crowded (intentionally, I think) and a lot of our friends were there, which made me wonder who the big donors were, cuz lord knows I know no rich folks (unless you're secretly rich, in which case there's a donate button on this site).



Everyone split after the museum, I think they headed to Bar Pink, but I chose the Ken Club because I wanted to see The Midwinters. Fortunately I arrived in time to also catch The Notice who vocally reminded me a lot of Edwin McCain. This is a band for people like me who love KPRI and still declare that Counting Crows are my all time favorite band, and fuck indie cred. Probably not the best band for the Ken Club and not helped by the fact that Ken Club doesn't usually have Thursday shows but I was happy to be there.

They were well matched with The Midwinters who remind me of Toad The Wet Sprocket, specifically Dulcinea, which I probably listened to about 1000 times in the summer of 1994. It was roadtrip music for my friends and I on our epic trip to Berkeley via Highway 1 and when I hear The Midwinters I get taken back to a time in my life when everything feels ahead of you. Yes, all that from a band that plays once every couple months, has no delusions of grandeur, but who describe their project as their poker night. "Some husbands get together for poker night. We get together and play in a band." "Do your wives ever come?" (laughter) "No way. They're over us." I'm not and look forward to seeing them again.

The next day I was off to Coachella which deserves it's own post. Next diary.

Writer Tour: SXSW Day 1 Part 2

So after playing the Singing Serpent show and watching Henry Clay People rock out in a crowded bar on 6th St. We heard that the Cold War Kids were playing somewhere by 1st St. across the river. I thought this will be great, I saw them when they played the Casbah, and a crowded bar is definitely a great way to see them, unfortunately after trekking across downtown Austin for what seemed like ages, we stumbled upon the large outdoor venue which was more like seeing them at Street Scene. We stayed through some of their set as we got lost in the sea of people, but we wanted to be at the bars, not a corporate-fest stage.
Trying to leave huge outdoor area was confusing and we almost ended up backstage, you could hear the security guard stutter his words as he asked us "Are you guys supposed to be back here?" We were definitely grungy enough to be in the Cold War Kids, but we left anyways to go see Rob Crow at the Singing Serpent showcase.
About 40 blocks later, we were back where we started at the Iron Gate, unfortunately Rob Crow was packing up, so we just chilled for a while drinking beers with my friend Riyadh and some of the SD crew there.

Eventually the bar turned into a Mexican dance hall with an age limit of 40 and up, so we headed over the Ms. Beas across the street for Indian Jewelry. There were so many kids there, you couldn't see the band (no stage). So we snuck around back, since there was opening in the gate. Indian Jewelry were really great, and had a lot of energy created by this rhythmic droning and some cool electronic grit to it.

Click on Keep On Reading to get the whole story.

Next was Best Friends Forever on gazebo style stage. A three piece fronted by two females singing songs that are cleverly sarcastic, light-hearted, and empowering enough to make me feel that Adam was created from Eve's rib bone. Loved it, and a flute solo when you thought it couldn't get any better.

After Best Friends Forever finished, we decided to keep cruising. We really just started roaming randomly, no plan. Eventually we heard some rockin music going on and lights and people and free, so we stopped by. Just so happened to be the Obscure Magpie showcase, which Transfer was playing as we walked in. It was an medium sized outdoor venue with great stage backdrops. Transfer played on the main stage, with amazing lights in front and behind the stage. They rocked really hard and it was good seeing San Diego representing.

After Transfer was Apes of Wrath playing on the smaller stage which also had cool lighting, and these guys were going off as usual. I have a couple friends who ever time they see Apes they tell me "This is my new favorite band from San Diego."

After supporting the San Diego bands at Obscure Magpie, we made our way back to Ms. Beas, mostly because that is where are car was parked and it was almost 2AM. This is when the coolest show happened. An acoustic showcase under a tree, featuring a bunch of the bands playing Ms. Beas. This was a truly communal and happy event, each artist got to play two songs and everyone was just hanging out like campfire style. The notable performances were Wavves, Best Friends Forever, Still Flyin, The Homosexuals, and Jana Hunter. I was lucky enough to get some footage of Wavves, who seems to be the new young star from San Diego, signed to Fat Possum Records. I wondered what it was going to sound like without all the fuzz. They were some cool songs.
The show ended at 4AM with a ceremonial burning of some random stuff and we had nowhere to stay. So like true bohemians, we set in for the night in Andy's Honda Element. Day 1 of SXSW was amazing to say the least and we couldn't wait for what was in store for day 2. More story to come later...

Overdue Recap: The Luxury & Apes of Wrath, Casbah, 9.22.08

I would like to be really delicate about how I write this, because I don't know who was had to make the call for the way things went down, but it made me uncomfortable. I had planned on going to see The Luxury (from Boston) and Apes of Wrath at the Anti-Monday League show on September 22 for some time. I didn't preview the show because I'd gotten busy and figured that the usual Anti-Monday Leaguers would show up, especially for local favorites Apes of Wrath. I'll just say that the early bands got kinda screwed. More if you 'keep on reading'.

Cold War Kids decided to have their CD release show at the Casbah on the same night, and instead of combining the shows, they were managed separately. People were told that if they were inside for the first show, they'd have to leave the venue and get in line for the second show, which by 9 was already over 100 people long. So, most people, knowing they were going to see Cold War Kids for a rare performance back in a small venue, plus get a free CD, all for $10, naturally didn't want to risk not getting in for the second show. This basically meant there were about 15 people at the Anti-Monday League show, which was really sad, because while we already know Apes are great, The Luxury were on a self funded tour and probably won't be back anytime soon. Like I said, I don't know whose decision it was (though I have a strong feeling it was CWK's label), but it would've been cool to just combine the shows, charge $15 at the door, and have those 300 people in line inside catching the early show, not to mention spending money inside the venue.

All of that said, it was great to see Apes of Wrath's full set since I always seem to miss them entirely or just catch a part of their set. I am not the only one who believes they're one of San Diego's best acts of the moment, and all the guys are total sweethearts, too.

I was slightly familiar with The Luxury via a press release and I was supposed to run a contest giveaway for tickets to their show and in retrospect, I wish I had because they were really, really good. I know it was disheartening for them to play knowing that there was a huge crowd amassing outside the venue but they played with a lot of heart and they've got some great music and stellar vocals. After the show, I met Jason, the singer, who gave me a CD which I have been listening to a lot lately; I guess I would only say I would've liked to have heard them play some of the ballads because the recording is beautiful, but I think they were also given a shorter set time than they would've otherwise had.

The Luxury "Covered In Smiles"

Incidentally, the Casbah did end up letting most of the people who took their chances pay for the second show and stay inside, though I understand why they couldn't publicly announce that they would do so. I had the good fortune of getting to hear CWK sound check while they closed the doors to the venue and kept the crowd on the patio and in the Atari Lounge. It was a very late show by the time CWK hit the stage, but generally I think the crowd got what they wanted, but I'll save that for another post.

Saturday Recap: Apes of Wrath, Swim Party, Roxy Jones @ Tower Bar

I don't really think there is anyone quite as skilled at procrastination as I am. I have work to do, so what do I do? Have a late lunch at Ponce's. Still have work to do, so what do I do? A nap sounds pretty good. I was going to try to make myself stay home to do what I needed to do, but instead, convinced myself that going to the show was actaully work, too, because I was still on the hunt for material for my next CityBeat column. I can really justify anything...

When I arrived to the Tower, Apes of Wrath were already playing and had a large crowd up front, so I just kinda hung back and didn't really plan on taking pics, but toward the end of their set I was able to snap a few. I've seen the band a few times before and have an unmixed demo from them, but I was really surprised that even though they were playing really loud, the vocals were crystal clear. Did Mick upgrade the sound at the bar? I was also glad to get up close because the drummer was really entertaining to watch.




Swim Party played second and I don't think there's any band that I've written about on my site more than Swim Party, so I'll spare the lovefest and just post the pics. And to Alex, I'm really sorry, but I just had to post a pic of the sneakers...Maybe Santa will notice you need some new ones. Or maybe he'll just hook you up with more duct tape. Either way, think of it as me trying to help you...





Last up for the night was Roxy Jones. I like their kinda unpolished sound and they're another of the San Diego bands that is better every time I see them. Plus, their latest CD is really good. Keep an eye out for my CityBeat column this week for some more info on Peter.




Again, I headed back to the Ken after the show where Todd and I played "Are you smarter than a 5th grader?" on Tarryn's phone. Sadly, the answer to that question is no. I'm happy to report that the Christmas decorations have been up at the Ken for about a week now, and it's always been my favorite time of year to live near this bar. I also wanted to introduce everyone to Kittyhead.



Kittyhead is a cat that hangs around the neighborhood. She sometimes lays in the street, resulting in several people calling the number on her tag only to be told "Leave her alone. She's an outdoor cat." Well, this just isn't the kind of neighborhood where we leave animals alone, so Kittyhead spends her nights in the Ken Club, sometimes on the bar, sometimes sleeping in one of the booths in the back, sometimes hiding out in the band room. She's sweet but cautious, and she will bite if she wants you to leave her alone. Anyway, she follows me home, but with Pascha and my own three cats, I just can't take her in, even just at night, but I do put some food out for her every once in a while. This is probably a bad idea, however, because last night, it wasn't Kittyhead eating the food, but a baby skunk hopping away from me on the sidewalk. Lesson learned there...Anyway, if you're in Kensington, say hi to Kittyhead and give her some love, just please don't take her out of the hood. After all, she does have an owner, even if he is an asshole.

Independence Break Recap: Avenue Q, Ken Club, BBQ, Padres

I don't know about you, but I'd like a couple more random Wednesdays off from work in the future. How nice was that? Sorry to those of you who had to work, we office slaves appreciate you bartenders, retail workers, vendors at Petco Park, and even the trolley security who called me "ma'am" while scolding me. I hope you all got paid triple time.

I can't say it all started off well. On Tuesday I was let off work early, only to find my bike with a flat. Fortunately Pennyfarthings was open and took care of me quick like and I was on my merry way (a new tube for $7!). A short nap later and I was on the phone finding out that someone has stolen my identity and attempted to make credit card purchases at a Sears in Leon, Mexico. Fortunately, Visa can be pretty smart and declined the charges.

After sorting that out and cancelling my account, I was back on my way downtown, scored some princess parking, then bumped into the House Party Girls, Amanda and Heather, out in front of Spreckels while waiting for Andrea. I got my tickets to Avenue Q from will call and Andrea and I found our way to our cheap seats in the terrace level of Spreckels which were so high, it took a few minutes to get used to the visual perspective. Chris (Republic of Letters) and Stephanie were there, too, so we had a little party up there.

Avenue Q lives up to every piece of hype you've ever heard or read about it. The only hard thing is that I keep wanting to tell people about it, but I'm like that annoying person who tells you the end of the movie, so I'm not gonna blow anything here, but assure you that (1) the puppets are potty-mouthed, but it's not gratuitous and it's used appropriately and (2) there is definitely "full puppet nudity". I have not laughed so hard since the first time I saw "There's Something About Mary" and caught myself slapping the knee of the guy next to me. With songs like "It sucks to be me", "Schaudenfreude", and my personal favorite, "Everyone's A Little Bit Racist", even if you're not a fan of traditional musicals, you should appreciate this one. The really incredible thing is how there are only seven people onstage, and three of them are sans puppets, but some of them handle two to three puppet characters seamlessly. It's particularly relatable to 20- and 30- somethings who are still struggling with "growing up" and finding your place in the world...basically everyone who reads this blog.

For your discounted tickets to Avenue Q, join Goldstar Events and get yours. The show runs through August 5 and discounted tickets are usually sold on a week by week basis. Also, better seats are also available at the 45% off discount rate if the cheap seats aren't your style. And, ahem, bring a flask.



The show runs a couple hours. After the show it was time to get to the Ken Club for Transfer and the Apes of Wrath. Sorry about the miscommunication, some of the posters for the show mentioned a third band, "Sea of Cortez" when in fact "Vulgar Herd" ended up playing. I missed them, but Chris is also the sound guy for the Ken Club. He hasn't been around much lately because his other full-time gig is at Humphrey's Backstage Lounge, but on this night, he played and did sound.

As far as the show goes, you're gonna get a hell of a lot better review of it if you go to Cullen's post about it.

Cullen

And since we were next to each other most of the show, our photos aren't much different, though I'll still post a couple. What is different is that he's a musician and knows wtf he is talking about so go read his review.

Apes of Wrath

Transfer

Let me just say, I have lived in Kensington for seven years and been going to the bar as long as I've lived there, and in seven years, I have NEVER seen the Ken Club like that. It's been crowded before...every New Year's Eve is pretty nutty, and certain bands draw huge there, like the Spits, but this was out. of. control. Not in a bad way, I definitely had a good time, but I was glad to have left my hoodie at home. And it wasn't one of those shows that's crowded but half the crowd is ordering waters...this was a drinking crowd. So much so that the bartenders had to use plastic cups for a while until it got a little less hectic. Between Apes of Wrath and Transfer, Brett actually had to stop allowing people into the band room who hadn't already been in. At that point he asked me to take over the post and for about 20 minutes I got the fun job of watching the door and telling people they couldn't get in. Eventually the band started and the few people still waiting were able to pay their $8 and go in, but it only escalated the temperature of the band room that much more.

My stalker, Lynn

I'm not so into sweaty crowded rooms...I've had my share at the old Soma or friends garages and whatnot back in the day, so I only watched about half the sets of both bands. More interesting, and as Cullen pointed out, was that the crowd was different than a typical show, which kinda gives me hope that more people care about music in this town than I previously believed.

Anyway, it was a good night at the bar for sure, everyone buzzed with the energy of people who could drink without consequences on a Tuesday.

After the show, there was mass exodus of people heading to a liquor store for after parties and whatnot. A couple friends came to my house and not surprisingly, it was sunrise before I went to sleep.

My 4th of July was then spent at an afternoon BBQ at my parents' house until I hopped on the trolley to head to the Padres game with Sara. It was close to one of the most boring games I've ever been to, though it was a nice finish with the Pads loading the bases in the 9th to score a forced run at home off a dropped ball by the Marlins catcher for the win. The whole point of going was that I expected fireworks and there were none which was lame. From the game we traversed downtown to Sara's in Cortez Hill, watching the Embarcadero's fireworks from near the post office, which is to say we didn't really see shit. It was all ok, though. Can't complain about the day off. I was tired, she took me home, and it was sleepytime. Now it's time to prep for the real weekend.