My friend Mikey (from Ponce's and Tivoli) is helping to put on this event today at 3rdSpace in University Heights (by Small Bar). They're raising money for Corazon de Vida, a foundation that helps orphanages in Baja California while offering unique gift, live entertainment and more. The show has a $5 cover. The shopping is happening from noon to 8pm, with the artist reception from 8-11pm. 3rdSpace is located at 4610 Park Blvd. Palindrome and Grand Tarantula will be performing later tonight.
THE GOODS SHOW * BLACK FRIDAY is a collective production that showcases local artists and designers in a creative and lively market scenario. The goal is to provide a progressive and intriguing arena in which local artists can exhibit their creations directly to a community that fosters creativity, good intention and conscientious purchasing power. This will be done by providing a service to our local and regional community. THE GOODS SHOW * BLACK FRIDAY is a show dedicated to generating dialogue between the local community, artists, businesses, and humanitarian causes through art, music, design, fashion, and food. It is through these filters that we are able to raise funds and awareness for Corazon de Vida.
[While I was working the door at Brick By Brick for the TSOL show, Kyle Lynch was over at the Casbah dutifully taking notes to review the show. I think we've got some photos coming, we'll add those if they become available. Sidenote, sddialedin does not endorse nor condone drinking while driving. I also have to say, I'm pretty impressed that Justin Pearson and Gabe Serbian played Casbah when both were at Brick by Brick earlier in the nightm, and after Serbian absolutely killed it with Rats Eyes to open the show.- rosey]
THE LONG & SHORT OF IT, RETOX, GRAND TARANTULA, SCALES & DRUG WARS CASBAH SAN DIEGO 1/7/11
This week was extremely trying, for lack of a better word it just plain sucked. I needed a release, a vehicle for my aggression, something to help me get back to my happy self. You know what? Casbah had just the cure, with a ballsy lineup of up and coming San Diego face melters and "a bunch of old dudes". Jason from Scales and I bobbed and weaved through traffic missing our exits and turns all the while Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti blared through the speakers. A couple of swigs out of a flask later we had arrived at Casbah. Hellos, handshakes and hugs exchanged with all the familiar faces, the crowd started to gather and the bustle and hum of the Casbah attendees was soon to be silenced.
Scales took the stage (they're first time there) with a vengeance, their signature mid 90's San Diego post-hardcore sound and amazing new drummer. They rip roared through their set, lead vocals being exchanged between Brett Flynn and Jason Kirk and their own personal dancer who we found out to be just a very excited fan! My personal fave "Pipes Broken" definitely got the peoples attention, but the brand spanking new "Ear To The Ground" was the one that won them over. I expect big things from this band in 2011! Set changeover, smoke break and more hellos.
Grand Tarantula takes the stage with I swear to be their own personal army, these fans were hungry! And they got exactly what they came for, Jordan Clark flailing about the stage wielding a megaphone with screams of a banshee! This band is pure, raw, unadulterated energy, they did not let up the entire set. They definitely left me wanting more, I am forever a fan of this band. Yes, people may call them pop rock, screamo or what have you but to me this band is just pure rock n roll! Go see them the next time they play and I dare you to not enjoy their set.
Now it's time to dart back to the Atari Lounge for Drug Wars! Hey look it's dancing guy again, yea alright - now it's a party! If you've seen Drug Wars you know the sound, 80's West Coast hardcore to the t. The set seriously screamed out bloody murder but everyone was so timid, if this would have been 1985 bottles would have been broken, people would've been punched, bodies would have been flying. The six song set absolutely killed, Tommy Garcia's blood curdling howl, Cory Stier's fantasic drumming, Farmer's shredding. Perfect. Smiles all around.
It's that time now, what everyone's been waiting for... the San Diego debut of RETOX comprised of Justin Pearson and Gabe Serbian from Locust fame with Michael Crain (Festival of Dead Deer). If you've listened to the EP (free download through ThreeOneG) you know the set would be short and sweet, I think it was around 10 minutes? Absolutely face melting, Gabe's drumming was IMPECCABLE the blast beats were outstanding, such high energy in that room! JP scanning the crowd like he wanted to murder someone. Download that EP and go see them the next time they play, you will thank me.
Drug Wars kill Atari for the second time, many more drinks and hellos exchanged. The Long And Short Of It take the stage and absolutely own it! Ben Johnson stalks the crowd like they are prey, fucking love seeing this band live! TLASOI bring the house down every time they play, their blend of hardcore and metal is perfect; by no means are they metalcore! Just pure fucking madness. This night was perfect and for all of the great shows going on in San Diego this evening, I'm thrilled I got to see this one! Thanks to Rosey for making it happen, big up's babydoll!
Here's a video of Grand Tarantula the last time they played Casbah.
Grand Tarantula is easily one of my favorite new local bands this year and I got the chance to see them again last week at the Casbah. With tons of energy and a very loyal following, the show was a lot of fun and Marshall was nice enough to turn up the lights. They recently put out a 7" on Pretty Awesome Records with awesome art by Kelsey Brookes that benefits the Keep A Breast Foundation. You can buy the record here.
When I saw The Sea of Cortez perform in the Atari lounge at The Casbah a few months ago, my mind triggered a memory of seeing this band sometime in the somewhat distant past. Upon further research, i.e. talking to the band, my recall was correct. The band is from San Diego, relocated to Los Angeles around four years ago due to employment, and was back on the radar in full form. The band has a very distinct sound, filled with visions of the future with a nod to the past. Hard work has indeed paid off and the result is the forthcoming LP, Make It Sound, scheduled for a 2011 release. The Shores, a single from the upcoming album, has garnered regional radio play. The album was mixed at John Vanderslice's Tiny Telephone studios in San Francisco. Until the album hits the stores and the Internet, live shows will have to suffice if one wants to hear (and see) the band. I asked the band how they felt about playing their former stomping grounds and they replied with a firm "anytime". Proof can be found this Wednesday at the Middletown venue. A great way to cure the midweek blues.
Gran Sasso and Grand Tarantula set the stage.
Watch a surf video teaser Billabong "Frothing" featuring Mystified below.
