San Diego Rocktoberfest Returns!

I feel like I failed you, San Diego, because if you weren't following me on Twitter or Facebook, my only mention of the $5 blind ticket sale for Rocktoberfest was in one of my Things To Do posts, but now that the lineup has been announced, tickets can still be purchased for just $15, so that ain't too shabby for an event that has become a not-to-miss party in the past few years. Yes, the joint effort of The Casbah, West Coast Tavern, and FM 94/9 is back and offers a great lineup.

Here's the skinny:

Saturday, October 20, 3pm - 10pm
Buy tickets at sdrocktoberfest.com for $15. Prices go up the day of show.
2 Stages
9 Bands
Beer/Full Bar
Food
Dancing
University Avenue and 29th Street (parking lot behind North Park Theater)

The lineup features Mariachi El Bronx, The Silent Comedy, Transfer, Hyena, Blackout Party, Mrs. Magician, Family Wagon, New Mexico, and Euphoria Brass Band.

I know there are a ton of great shows that night, but if you're like me, this is definitely where you'll start off your day, even if you have to cut out early for Frightened Rabbit, the Livewire Anniversary Party, or any other show that night. This doozy of a lineup runs from 3-10pm, so you can still hit up all of the other places, and keep in mind that this is an event that allows re-entry so you can eat/drink inside the party, or leave to patronize local surrounding businesses.

America's Cup Racing Series Kicks Off In San Diego

Penalty!

I'm at the America's Cup Village at the moment. I scored press credentials which means that I might hang out here during the week for a change of scenery while I take advantage of their wi-fi and learn a thing or two about racing. sailing. catamaraning. I dunno...maybe I'll pick up the lingo while I'm here. I'm also going to strategically sat by some Spanish media guys. I love hearing castellano.

I ran into Halloran and met the stage managers and they told me the listings had been updated but it appears that the site still has the vague spaceholders for the Battle of the Bands slots. They told me that Abandon The Raft, Illuminauts, Black Hondo, and one more qualified- the name escapes me now-but they didn't tell me what order they qualified. I heard Jamuel Saxon is playing on Friday, too, but I don't know what time. So yeah, I'm not very useful right now but thought I'd update what I know since I'm here now. I changed the link to the banner ad at the top of my site, so you should be able to get those updates when the ladies post from the office.

Wednesday, November 16 - Agua Dulce (4:15)
Thursday, November 17 - The Silent Comedy (8:15) , Little Hurricane (7pm), The Donkeys (5:15)
Friday, November 18 - Chromeo DJ Set (8:30), K.Flay (7:45), The Soft Pack (6:30), Earth Amplified (4:15)
Saturday, November 19 - Diplo (8:15), Hyena (7pm), The Chain Gang of 1974 (5:45)
Sunday, November 20- The Cataracs (5pm)







Obviously there is going to be massive press coverage (this media room is MASSIVE), but here are some quick photos I shot. More photos after the jump.

Agua Dulce soundcheck

America's Cup Village Is Coming...and Bringing FREE Concerts!!!

The America's Cup doesn't take place until 2013, but for many years it was an institution here in San Diego, so it is fitting that the first America's Cup World Series event is taking place right here in our own backyard (if you consider the Big Bay your backyard). Even if you know nothing about the regatta, the great thing for you is that the organizers are making a big party out of it. So even if that means they're trying to attract a younger demographic to care about the sport and earn eyeballs for advertisers by bribing you, I'd say that if someone wants to throw a free multi-day event and book awesome FREE CONCERTS, I'm all for it. (There is a suggested donation of $10 for Ocean Conservation Projects)

The concerts will take place at the America's Cup Village (Broadway & Navy Pier on Harbor Drive) each day immediately after racing ends so set times are approximate. There is also a Battle of the Bands taking place, so if you think your band has the chops to play, I highly suggest entering (click the battle of the bands flyer below or the banner at the top of my site). A little bird may have told me that there has only been ONE ENTRY so far, and though they reserve the right to not book anyone, it's a great opportunity to get in front of a lot of eyeballs and the contest closes on Sunday. Halloran will be hosting each night's events.

Wednesday, November 16 - Agua Dulce (4:15)
Thursday, November 17 - The Silent Comedy (8:15) , Little Hurricane (7pm), The Donkeys (5:15)
Friday, November 18 - Chromeo DJ Set (8:30), K.Flay (7:45), The Soft Pack (6:30), Earth Amplified (4:15)
Saturday, November 19 - Diplo (8:15), Hyena (7pm), The Chain Gang of 1974 (5:45)
Sunday, November 20- The Cataracts (5pm)

Tonight: SoundDiego Live with Hyena & Inspired Flight at Firehouse

I'm in LA right now, watching Dynamite Walls soundcheck for their big KROQ show at the Roxy, but if you're in San Diego tonight, I'd love for you to go support my SoundDiego team at the Firehouse in PB. The show is free and features Inspired Flight and Hyena. It kicks off at 7:30pm so get in your cars, limos, party busses or bicycles and get over there! The roof only holds 150 people, so don't dilly dally.

More info here.

Tonight: Daydream Nation presents Mixmaster Mike at FLUXX Live

I know we were all just going "Crazy" for Cee-lo Green, but Daydream Nation is already back with another great FLUXX live event for you tonight. On the bill, the legendary Mixmaster Mike who'll be supported by San Diego favorites Hyena and Jamuel Saxon (so prepare to wear your neon body paint). The event is once again hosted by Mr. Tim Pyles and should be a fun way to kick into the weekend. Tickets are only $10 in advance and you can buy them by clicking on the flyer. I hear there's an unlimited guestlist before 10:30 if you hit up Jamuel Saxon on Facebook, but you'll have to investigate that one on your own.

Remember, the Daydream Nation events are made for those of us who might not hang out in downtown's bourgie clubs, so there's a relaxed dress code. Yes, they even let me in with my hoodies. Don't be afraid to ask the bartenders if there are drink specials...usually there's a $5 beer and $6 well on the menu...if you don't want the sticker shock of paying double that for other bevvies.