Local Media Bitchslap

I love when local media wars are waged, especially when I'm not a part of them. This week I wrote about the "North Park Music Thing", formerly known as "North By North Park", after a press release was issued from Kevin Hellman on behalf of the San Diego Music Foundation. Looks like some panties are in a bunch about the whole thing.

First, Kelly Davis calling out Ken Leighton.

And, Ken Leighton's response.

I shall sit back and let the fun ensue.

Update: Kelly responds, again.

Greg Laswell, Lestat's, 8.2.08

I was having some major technical issues tonight when I intended to upload the rest of my pictures from last week, so I guess that will have to wait until the weekend, but I was looking through my photos and couldn't resist posting this one of Greg Laswell from his set at Lestat's for NXNP. Do you ever look at some people and just say to yourself, "Hot damn! This person is too good looking for me to actually know them in real life?" Yeah. That's how I am with Greg. And, on top of it, they're incredibly talented, devastatingly kind, and shamefully humble? We are very lucky to have such people in San Diego and Greg deserves all the success in the world. It almost makes me look like I'm a good photographer.



Here's another video from that night if you didn't take the time to go to my YouTube page. I love this one because the chords sound like "Canon in D" by Pachelbel which is my all time favorite and most listened to piece of music. I even like the effect that the fan on the floor gave to this recording.

Greg Laswell "That I'm Home"

San Diego: Too Much Yummy Goodness- NXNP

There are so many things I want to write about and so little time to do it. I am really looking forward to using one of my 'summer Fridays' this week because I am in dire need of some chill out time. I'm also really looking forward to North By North Park, and in talking to some people yesterday, I wanted to really encourage everyone to get your tickets now.

To explain a little bit, North By North Park is a new event. It is open to the public. Your registration includes entry to any of the music information panels as well as a wristband for the 15 participating venues and the shuttles that will be travelling between all the venues.

Though I am not a musician, I took away a lot of great information at last year's music panels. They are educational for bands of all levels, as well as anyone interested in music, marketing, promoting, and are a chance to see some amazing talents and icons up close and personal.

The music showcases are also chock full of talent. Admission to the venues will be restricted to people with wristbands so get on it and register now. All venue schedules and times have been posted so you can start mapping out your evening. For full schedule, click here.

If you've ever wanted to show your support for local music, this is the best opportunity to see the richness and diversity of San Diego's music community.

News Regarding Tower Bar & other stomping grounds

This is not an "official" announcement, but more of a 'keep it in mind' warning. Apparently the Tower Bar received a letter to cease all shows. The bar (supposedly) does not have a cabaret license and after complaints from a neighbor, the SDPD has issued the letter. Mick is in Europe right now, so I haven't personally confirmed anything with him, but just an FYI in case you were planning on checking out the shows this weekend that you might want to have a Plan B just in case the bands are forced to cancel. SDPD, as we all know, has been cracking down on venues regularly over the past year, and as far as I know, has put a cap on new cabaret licenses as well as making it a complete pain in the ass for venues who have a lapse in the license.

In other news, Street reported today that Bar Pink Elephant got a C&D from a chain of clubs based out of New York, Pink Elephant Club, for use of the name, so our North Park bar will simply be known as "The Pink". whatevs. New York swankster clubs can suck it.

Bar Pink Elephant was also in the news this week when Dang was interviewed about a growing graffiti problem in North Park. According to the report, we're not just talking people tagging the bathroom walls, but Dang said vandals got the bar on a busy night and actually spray painted the floor of the stage area. If anyone witnessed this or any other acts of vandalism, the police want to hear from you and are giving rewards for tips that lead to the arrests of these assholes.

Last, rumor has it that a certain Hillcrest club is in escrow. That's all I can say about that right now, but I think this is one sale many bands will surely benefit from if it goes through.

Man, so many changes, huh? "The Office" (formerly Scolari's) is open, the Zombie Lounge is in it's transition to become "The Radio Room", Avalon is part of North By Northpark and hopefully will become the all-ages venue it set out to be. Add Toronado to North Park hotspots getting hipster buzz and you can see the rapid change in our area. For better or for worse...

North By North Park LineUp Announced

I haven't really written about how excited I am about North By North Park. Perhaps you recall the monthly Music 101 series presented by the San Diego Music Foundation last summer? Well, this year, the Foundation decided to do the whole shebang in one day. On the morning of August 2, there will be music panels followed by an all day music festival using 14 venues and featuring over 100 San Diego and Southern California musicians. There will be shuttles between the venues and tickets are only $12.50, with all proceeds benefitting the San Diego Music Foundation, which really just benefits all of us... I just wonder how we're supposed to choose between all the great bands and venues.

The full lineup is available on the official site:



Anyone wanna place bets on the Lestat's "very special guests"? I'm gonna go with Greg Laswell and Steve Poltz, though maybe Jason Mraz will stop by between his dates in Japan and his full tour in Australia? Any other ideas?