Friday, August 13, 2010:
Saturday, August 14, 2010:
I just wanted to take the opportunity to explain why my lineup changed. Holy Rolling Empire's guitarist Ian had to cancel as he's under doctors orders not to do much of anything after an injury. He's been off his feet for over a month and while he'll be okay, in order for him to heal properly, he has not been able to play at all. It was disappointing to all of us, but The Kabbs stepped up and will be filling the slot they left vacant.
This week I also found out that d/wolves would not be allowed to play because Eleven's new Entertainment license doesn't allow for underage performers, or if it does, it needs to be clarified by the issuing agency and the new owners just aren't willing to take a chance the day after opening. I love these kids and you can catch them tonight at Soda Bar, or on Saturday night at the SESAC showcase, also at the Soda Bar. Itai Faierman of The Mashtis will be filling the slot they left vacant.
The bands and I got together and decided to make Eleven your one destination for the night, so we encourage everyone to wear a costume for our Sci-Fi Prom. Anything that would work at Comic-con will work here. We'll have a photo booth and we expect it to be a great night.
Additionally, my bands all submitted some music for a compilation, which you can download for free via SoundCloud. I hope to see everyone this Friday night!
And then that was it. 3 bands. That is all I got to see. In my list of things that can be done better next year, I'd like to see the music staggered. There's no reason why Scarlet Symphony (at Ruby Room), Transfer (at U-31), The Silent Comedy (at Ken Club), and Unclie Joe's Big Ol Driver (at Beauty Bar) should all "headline" at or around the same time. I'd like to maybe see some matinee shows at the busier bars (like U-31 and Bar Pink) and then let those places have their standard busy Saturdays and encourage the true music fans to branch out to the other venues around town. I think I'd like to see a little more random bills, too, instead of all similar bands playing the same bars, though I understand this had to do with the sponsors, too. There were great bands at every bar and prioritizing, at least for me, came down to shortest lines, convenience of working my way back towards home, and cheapest drinks.
After Silent Comedy played, a few friends dropped by and we ended up staying up way too late, which was really fun at the time, but made me miss the band management panel that I really wanted to see, and regrettably, I missed Avi Buffalo, the one band I said NOT to miss. I rode my bike the 2.6 miles and arrived in time to catch the Social Media panel, a bit of the songwriting panel, then have lunch at Luigi's while listening to The Blackheart Procession, before heading to the mainstage to meet with Presidents of the United States of America to do their merch.
I should also note that the street fair seemed very lightly attended. For one, people could line the sidewalks of El Cajon Blvd and listen from outside the fence, but I imagine a lot of people were recovering from a big Saturday as well as the fact that the free Cityfest was going on in Hillcrest all day long. Hopefully that can be adjusted next year. I had fun selling merch and there were a lot of PUSA fans who came out specifically to see the band. I had my shining moment when the band announced that I was their merch girl and asked me to lean out of the tent. They couldn't see me and turned it into an impromptu song as they had the entire crowd wave at me. I'm waiting on the video for that, but hope to have it in a couple days.
After they wrapped up, the sun was dropping quickly and I still had a bike ride home to think about, so I didn't hang around. Since I recently got this bike from my sister, I haven't been able to get a proper headlight or tail light, have no helmet, and the brakes need work, so I cautiously rode home on sidewalks on Meade.
I thought I was done with the weekend, took a nice long shower, and settled in to True Blood, until Jake inquired about the closing party at Casbah. How could I say no? So we caught Apes of Wrath and The Growlers and caught up with all the good people who came out before finally drawing the weekend to a close.
All in all, it was a great weekend. I hope attendance continues to rise, but I have that hope in general for the San Diego music scene all year round, anyway. We have so much talent in this city and there's no reason why San Diego shouldn't be on the map as a music destination.
Thursday August 6, 2009:
Bands encouraged to sign up before March 31st deadline to perform along marathon courseNorth Park Music Thing:
San Diego, Calif. (March 24, 2009) – As the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon approaches, event organizers are placing a public call for local bands to perform at the 12th annual event on May 31, 2009.
Bands selected will play live to an audience of more than 20,000 runners and walkers on entertainment stages positioned along each mile of the 26.2 -mile course. Musicians exhibiting outstanding showmanship will have an opportunity to be featured on local and national television.
“We’re looking for bands that can provide energy to our runners, and love to see musicians from a variety of genres,” said Kari Logan, Event Manager. “With a fantastic course, ideal weather and enthusiastic spectators, the San Diego race is as much of a block party as it is a road race.”
Bands interested in playing along the course are encouraged to apply now. All submissions must be received by March 31, 2009. Sound, stage and promotion will be provided. Promotional packages will not be accepted electronically. Please send a CD, bio information and a photo to:
Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon
Attn: Entertainment Team
9401 Waples Street, Suite 150
San Diego, CA 92121
Over 45 bands will be selected to perform and all types of musicians are encouraged to apply. Event organizers are looking for invigorating, high-energy music to entertain and encourage race participants. Everything from salsa to reggae, R&B to alternative, classic rock to country is welcome. For race information or to download a course band application, visit www.rnrmarathon.com.
As you may have heard by now, our San Diego Music Conference - North by North Park has a new name: NXNP is now known as North Park Music Thing - San Diego Music Conference & Festival. And this year, we have expanded the event to cover 3 days, from Friday, August 7 thru Sunday, August 9, 2009. Please take a look at the new and improved website - go to http://www.northparkmusicthing.com for more info.
Artists that are interested in showcasing at NPMT need to submit music to the conference via our special submission page at http:/www.sonicbids.com/NPMT. The deadline for submissions is on June 15, so if you are interested in a performance slot, please submit your your band as soon as possible, so our staff has the chance to review your music.
If you did not attend in 2008, this event is similar to what is done annually in Austin at South by Southwest. There are musicians workshops, demo reviews and this year, there will be 20+ stages with over 150 artists showcasing their music. We expect even more of the music industry to attend this year, so plan to join us! We've once again set this event up so it's a very, very, very, VERY affordable event for everyone to attend. This year in Austin, the rate to attend was $699 per person. BUT, the early bird NPMT registration rate will be only $25, and that's for two days of music and workshops. For those that wish to attend, tadvance registration to attend will begin next week, on Wednesday, April 1, online only, via the event website at: http://www.northparkmusicthing.com
