Saturday, December 19, 2009
New Years Eve Masquerade
Today is the last day to buy half priced tickets ($30). You can pick them up at Architecture. If you buy tickets at the door of tonight's Sight & Sound, you get free admission to S&S.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Rosey's Diary: 2.25.09 - 3.03.09
2.25.09: AC Newman, Dent May @ Casbah, Karaoke @ Soda Bar
I sold merch for AC Newman and Dent May, so I didn't really get to see the show, but Dent May is this amazing band with a eukele as the centerpiece. I was a little surprised the show wasn't sold out, especially since there was such demand for Neko Case tickets just a week later, but there were plenty of people who told me that A.C. Newman's first album, A Slow Wonder changed their lives. Carl was kind enough to sign a tour poster for me at the end of the night.
The show ended quite early because the band was playing on KEXP the next morning and had to be up by 4 a.m., so this gave me time to hit the Soda Bar where I ran into friends on Kipper's Karaoke Night. They tried to get me to sing, but as I've said before, it is NEVER going to happen, so instead I played pool with a guy who lives around the corner from the bar and asked if I was a student at SDSU. Considering I graduated college in 1998, I have to say I was more than flattered. The bar was a bit slow so they closed down a little early and I was on my way to prepare for another day.
2.26.09: Kinky @ House of Blues, N.A.S.A.@ Casbah
The next night I made my way downtown with a Jonathan and Xavie to see Kinky. I had won 10 tickets from Kinky and thought I'd take my best friends who both had upcoming birthdays, but they couldn't make it after all, so I hooked up some friends with tickets. When we arrived, the line was crazy and the first band hadn't started, so we decided to hit up The Local. On Thursday nights they have $3 pints and other great drink specials, so we stayed there for quite some time, bumping into a few of my friends who were on a pub crawl. When we finally left to the show, Kinky was about to take the stage. I smuggled my camera in, as did half the audience, but could never really get close enough to the stage for any real results, so this is the best I got, and actually the photo on the left was taken from the balcony when we were getting drinks. It's funny that I get press releases so frequently from the band's publicity agency but they couldn't hook up a photo pass or tickets for the actual show. I don't hold it against the band at all and they gave a stellar performance and it seems to me that of all the shows I go to, the rock en espanol crowds are by far the most frenzied and enthusiastic at shows, perhaps because they don't happen very often.

After the show, we made our way to see N.A.S.A., a DJ duo, at the Casbah. It was fun and the crowd was in full dance party mode, but personally I just don't get the whole DJ thing. I felt like I was at Mr. Crown's or Safari in Tijuana back in 1993, which is all good and fun, but I guess I'm just always gonna be someone who prefers to see live bands. Maybe I should look into ecstasy?


2.27.09: Swim Party + Writer (Split 7" Release Party), Joel P West @ Whistle Stop
Because I was going to be on a music panel on Saturday, I opted to steer clear of any drinks on this night, which was a damn shame because all my favorite people were there and everyone was having a blast. Joel P West started off the night and where my photos as Whistle Stop generally suck, now that my camera is failing and making everyone purple, you can really see why I didn't really bother with photos that night:

Still, Joel told me he's taking some time to work on new songs and hopefully start recording a new album so I'm looking forward to that. He's a high school teacher so I guess spring break gave him some time to play shows including this one, one at Soda Bar, and another at TNT, all in the span of a week. His songs simultaneously make me happy and sad inside and his vocals backed by beautiful string arrangements make him an artist to watch.
To make it an extra special night, Writer and Swim Party were releasing their split 7" record and played together. Eli, Jaime, Andy, Petro, Alex, and Erik all played along, and even had Natalie on keys for a couple songs. For the most part they alternated between Swim Party and Writer songs that just made for this amazing superband that couldn't be drowned out by the beyond packed Whistle Stop.The $5 records can be purchased at either bands' shows.

2.28.09: Associated College Press Panel, Sight & Sound feat. Jamuel Saxon, Swim Party, Joanie Mendenhall, art, performers, and more. Hosted by ME! @ Planet Rooth Seth Combs B-day Party featuring Transfer @ Ruby Room
I had been invited by San Diego Union-Tribune music critic George Varga to be on a panel for the National Association of College Newspapers convention that was held in San Diego. Once I got over the feeling of "what the hell am I even doing here", we actually had a great discussion about music journalism and it was cool to be on a panel with Bart Mendoza, Marc Balanky, Keli Dailey, and my blog partner-in-crime, Natalie Kardos. Natalie and I stayed after for a while and chatted with some students until we finally had to bail so she could dye her hair blue. I didn't have much time to do anything after because I had to be at Planet Rooth by 6 to get squared away for my night of being MC for Sight & Sound. I know it's a bit of an oddity for someone like me who hates being photographed or onstage to be at two events in the same day where I was on a mic, but it ended up being a really good time...at least once I was able to introduce the bands. There was a long wait between my arrival and the festivities beginning, so Natalie and I walked to Sicilian Thing and had some pizza before returning. I took to my hosting duties, but the actors and carnival people just kinda did their own thing, starting before I got through my intros, so who am I to argue with thespians or a carnival woman with a painted clown face?
There was a contortionist, a young acrobat on a Chinese pole, a duo who did a scene from a play, and then Joanie Mendenhall playing solo. And, as self depracating as she can be, she sounded great. She wanted me to introduce her as a "five time San Diego Award loser."

After Joanie the crowd moved outside, where I introduced a comedy/acrobatic group called the Platt Brothers who had this choreographed dance routine that was pretty funny. I was really happy to be able to introduce Swim Party, and later beatboxer Generic, who ended up joining forced with Jamuel Saxon. It was also cool because some of the students that were at the conference earlier in the day came to the event. (Although their advisors left after an awkward jaunt into The Rubber Rose. They explained that they were from a conservative Jewish school on the east coast and I felt bad for not even thinking about warning them.)


I hung out for a few minutes after the show but I wanted to catch Transfer at Ruby Room, too, so I said my goodbyes and headed over. I missed the show, walking in during the band's last song, but I at least got to wish Seth a happy birthday and chat with Matt and Sean for a bit. I think I might try and do an sddialedin.com show soon, and it will likely be at The Ruby Room, so I'll keep y'all posted.

After all that goodness, I took a couple days off from going out and actually wrote a bunch, catching up from the previous month. Yikes. I think I need a better time management system. I'll pick up this diary post in the next post...
Friday, February 27, 2009
Don't Forget: Sight & Sound, Planet Rooth, 2.28.09

Since it's over by midnight, you'll still have time to get to Ruby Room for Seth's Birthday and Transfer's set.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Save The Date: Sight & Sound, February 28, 2009
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Overdue Recap: November Sight & Sound, 11.22.08
I enjoy attending the event and decided to stop by before the show at the Beauty Bar. Having not eaten, I was pleased that El Comal was there with some snacks and I talked to the woman who told me it was the same restaurant that used to be on Imperial Avenue (& 28th?), contrary to what I'd been told by friends. I cannot wait to go there.
It is a chill event and one I highly recommend. I couldn't stay long, but I did meet some cool people. I also saw Rob Deez perform for the first time. He writes quirky songs, mostly about chicks he crushes on but is too shy to talk to.

I also stuck around to hear a couple songs from Tropical Depression which made me really look forward to catching them in a full set. I was only going to stay for one song, but ended up staying for a few more.

Unfortunately, I had to bolt quickly and get on my way to Beauty Bar, but I look forward to this Saturday to do it all over again, this time with Gregory Page performing.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Recap: Sight & Sound feat The Burning Of Rome & RE:amp feat Fever Sleeves 10.30.08
Entering the gallery, there was beautiful art, a 'donation' beer and wine bar and snacks, then in the back patio, another bar with sponsored vodka from Svedka Vodka, complete with a fog machine on the patio for effect. I was there alone, so I kinda wandered aimlessly, checking out art and everyone in their costumes and all of the sponsors... Pink Party SD was there promoting their breast cancer awareness festival happening downtown this month (11.15), a stand selling jewelery, Hell on Heels had a table, and X1FM.com was there handing out tickets and CDs and promoting their online music channels. "Gun Show Trev" was the MC for the night and introduced the various acts that were lined up.

The first being a "spoon percussionist" who was really quite amazing, playing merely two spoons and what I could only guess are quads made of steel.

Here are a couple video snippets:
Then there were some Hell on Heels burlesque performers. First, with Luna Neuveau singing a song about boobies.

Then with Lady Borgia who is more woman than most women will ever be just for wearing that corsett all night long. Women like me appreciate that it is no longer the renaissance because I could've never pulled off an outfit like that. Not then, and not now.

From there, everyone moved to the patio/parking area to see The Burning Of Rome and all I can say is it had been far too long since I'd seen them play.



I gotta say I was really impressed with the event and it was clear that the guys bust their asses trying to pull together so many different art, culture, and music events into their preview parties so my hat is definitely off to them. Keep an eye out for the next monthly event which you know will always be in my listings when the information is available.
Unfortunately I didn't get the chance to stick around and say hi to Adam and the band because I was on my way to catch Fever Sleeves at Beauty Bar for RE:amp.
RE:amp is a new weekly thing happening at the Beauty Bar. With Marshall at the helm, the whole idea is for bands, musicians, promoters, enthusiasts, and even little ol' bloggers to get a chance to get together for that ever so lame and overused 'N' word (yes, I mean Networking). It's a great concept and a great chance for people to just kinda hang out and let loose. And of course, Fever Sleeves brought it big time. And, while the night hasn't caught on too huge yet, I think there's a really good thing brewing there.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Film & Culture Preview: Thursday 8/28/08
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First is the POP Thursdays (Photography Off the Prado) event at the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) at Balboa Park. The event is every few months and features music, drinks, interactive photography projects and cult films. This week's movie screening is the essential college film Animal House. Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School will also be there, "San Diego's premier cabaret life drawing group! "
Animal House
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Event begins at 6pm
Film begins at 7pm
Cost: $6 general public, FREE to MoPA Members
*Theater seating is provided on a first come, first serve basis

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Also screening Thursday evening is the last of this summer's Balboa Park "Screen on the Green" film series.
Thursdays, 8:00 p.m.
Paper Moon(1973, PG)
August 28
East Lawn, near the Botanical Building and the
Casa del Prado
Free
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The last item at Balboa Park is the monthly series "Tower After Hours" at the San Diego Museum of Man. This month, Germany is the country of choice that will be showcasing their booze, dancing and music. From their site:
Experience Tower After Hours,™ our ongoing series celebrating San Diego’s unique and vibrant ethnic mix.
Don't miss this pre-Oktoberfest party at the San Diego Museum of Man! Join the German American Societies of San Diego, the La Jolla Brew House, and The House of Germany as they kick off the Oktoberfest season with a celebration of Germany during Tower After Hours on Thursday, August 28. Enjoy an array of regional German food and drinks as you experience this showcase of German culture. We are featuring the Edelweiss Band with dance performances by the Balboa Park Dancers. Enjoy the tantalizing tastes of German food and the vibrant experience of German music and dance during this festive event."
---Up the coast a little ways at the La Jolla branch of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD-LJ) they are screening the sixth annual alt.pictureshows, where Sherwood Auditorium and portions of MCASD’s galleries are transformed into San Diego’s premier short-film showcase and the definitive experiment in “physical channel surfing.”
As numerous short films screen on a loop throughout the Museum during the one-night festival, MCASD becomes a movie funhouse featuring a cross-section of innovative cinematic works by filmmakers from around the globe. This year’s featured filmmakers include David Lynch, Nash Edgerton, Ari Gold, Ken Wardrop, Rob Meyer, Mads Matthieson, Justin Nowell, David Michod, Amanda Micheli, and Isabel Vega, among others. The themes of this year’s alt.pictureshows ricochet from dark comedy, twisted romance, and offbeat drama to personal, experimental documentaries. Please note: Many of the program’s short films have adult content and have not been rated.
ALT.PICTURESHOWS
Thursday, August 28 > 7 PM
MCASD La Jolla
Free for MCASD Members; $5 General
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With all of these options, it's hard to decide where to go. Also you could just head down to Kava Lounge for this month's "Sight & Sounds" event featuring CircaNow, AcroYoga performers, Slapjazz & Spoonful, hosted by Trev from the X1FM Gun Show, free hors d'oeuvres and wine.
