Farewell, SoundDiego

Photographer Albert Rascon, me, and Eric Page at the Casbah. Photo by Vito de Stefano 1.23.2020

My time with SoundDiego has come to an end, and I would like to talk about it.
After the jump.

San Diego Radio Tributes to Steve West to Air Sunday, May 17 from 6-10am

photo by Ciro Sepulveda

Last week, we got the sad news that Steve West lost his long battle with cancer. Throughout the week, several radio luminaries took to the airwaves in tribute and to honor his legacy. You can listen to a 91X tribute with Marty & Danielle here and with Hilary and Halloran here. On Sunday, ALT949 will be running a Legends of the Alternative tribute from 6-10am. At the very same time, 91X will be running a special episode or Resurrection Sunday which will be accompanied online with a live Zoom and Facebook Live feed, so fans can chat and share memories. More info from 91X after the jump. Also, take the time to read George Varga's long-form obituary in the U-T if you can get past the paywall and check out Yew!'s podcast.

CoViD-19:House Passes HEROES Act | County Expands Testing | Wooten Shuts Down KUSI | Farewell, SoundDiego | Frances Quinlan Tiny Desk

Taken 5.10.2020 along the Imperial Beach segment of the Bayshore Bikeway

Can I just call a do-over on today? Some rando broke into our yard at like 4 in the morning, had a dumb work fiasco this morning, then got cut from SoundDiego this afternoon. Now I have to motivate and still muster up another week of articles and I don't know if I have it in me. Today's briefings were pretty chill, and as I predicted yesterday, we'll get them less frequently, though I had it backward and it's actually the County ones cutting to 3x a week, not the City, though I expect them to follow suit as Kev seems to be in lockstep with Cox. My neighbors have officially declared war for the summer, after crossing over my fence and slaughtering our bushes, they attempted to do more today until I screamed at them, and they've blaring their shit music all day long every day, not stopping until 9 or 10 at night, and sometimes beyond that. It's kind of one of those days where you feel powerless as everything spins out of control and it blows. Today's news after the jump.

CoViD-19: California Releases "Resilience Roadmap" & Endorses Statewide Vote By Mail | Local Music News | Phase 2 In Effect

Strawberry, Tikka, Kitty, Monster, Strawbs, Bubba, Babushka

I was trying to fall asleep last night and kept thinking that maybe I should get out of bed and write a happier post so I didn't leave that last one lingering and seething with negativity. Instead, I decided today's post will only be positive even though sometimes the bad stuff just screams out with a louder voice. I can go back to complaining tomorrow ;) California continues to see a modest decline in hospitalization and ICU stays (.6%) though cases continue to rise daily. My house is getting repainted (not surprisingly, without any notice, but keeping it positive so no dwelling on that today) so I was worried my butterfly would be scared away but it was back today so we had a moment this afternoon before Nova and I went for a drive to Harbor Blvd to pick up some fresh ahi from Haworth Fish to make poke bowls at home. It was a little sad to see Spanish Landing empty when normally this weekend would be filled with Gator By The Bay, but I'm certain the state is being proactive enough that those big events will be back by 2021. Lots of new info and State/County/City Health Order clarifications after the jump.

CoVid-19: Incompetent President Ignored Warnings | VIrtual Earth Day | Covidiots Strike Back | SBA & PPP Failure | SoundDiego

A Juvenile Sitatunga (Antelope) From Our Last Trip To San Diego Zoo Safari Park 3.13.2020

This weekend I've just decided to mimic my sleepy cats. Sleep when I'm tired, be up when I'm up, eat only when I'm hungry. Which has meant more or less going to bed as the sun comes up. I'm just more productive and inspired when everyone else is asleep, and I'm reading a great book right now so I've been pushing through that, too. I guess I also slept extra because I heard back from EDD. Darren was declined, but I got a small benefit so that should help some, meaning the anxiety didn't just have me tossing and turning all night. Cheers to long, restful, completely sober sleep.

 Today's links are after the jump.

CoViD-19: San Diego Bans All Social Gatherings of Any Size | The Chicken King of OB | Bernie Bows Out | Links & Articles of Interest

This bunny has taken up occupancy of our yard for the past several months.

I had to file for EDD today. Unfun. On the positive, I actually got through my first batch of today's emails by 5pm (instead of working till 2am yesterday) so I guess I'm streamlining a bit better and making a more functional system, kinda like Konmari (read now, label and read later, delete without reading). The main news today was that the County and City will be adding a Behavioral Health Fund, but all these new systems, which should've existed all along in the first place, are really slow to roll out, so we'll see what happens there. The bigger news is that ALL SOCIAL GATHERINGS ARE NOW PROHIBITED in San Diego unless you are members of the same household.

The County Wednesday expanded its Health Order to prohibit gatherings of any type, effective Thursday. 

“We decided to extend the gathering restrictions because people were getting together in parks, beaches and other open spaces,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “People should stay at home and only go in public when doing essential activities, such as grocery shopping or going to the pharmacy.”

Here are my latest for NBC:

• SoundDiego: Forget Joe Exotic; Here Comes the Chicken King of OB (4.8.2020)
• SoundDiego: Local Musician Shares Covid-19 Recovery Story (4.7.2020)
  Drew Andrews has recovered from COVID-19 and offers some helpful advice should you find yourself sick from the novel coronavirus. (4.8.2020)

And some of the latest must-read articles:

• Trump Said the Quiet Part Out Loud on Vote-By-Mail: Republicans Think They Can't Win When More People Vote - Esquire (4.8.2020)
• The Reality of Covid-19 Is Hitting Teens Especially Hard
  The pandemic has been emotionally devastating for us adults, but its impact on teenagers is arguably far greater. - Wired (4.6.2020)
• How the Pandemic Will End
  The U.S. may end up with the worst COVID-19 outbreak in the industrialized world. This is how it’s going to play out. - The Atlantic (3.25.2020)
• Celebrities keep saying, ‘We’re all in this together.’ But Lady Gaga isn’t so sure. - LA Times (4.7.2020)

And of course,

• Bernie Sanders Suspends His Presidential Campaign - NPR
  STOP SAYING BOTH PARTIES ARE THE SAME. THEY CLEARLY ARE NOT. CAN WE ALL MOVE ON NOW? VOTE BLUE NO MATTER WHO. 

And hopefully these aren't bogus like the dolphins in the canals of Venice, but some bright news...

• With Humans in Hiding, Animals Take Back the World
  During lockdowns around the globe, species of all kinds have emerged in areas previously crowded by humans. (Bloomberg, 4.8.2020)

While I'm still writing for SoundDiego, that income is definitely not enough to cover expenses. If you appreciate the posts on this site, please consider a small donation or tip via Venmo/sddialedin or Paypal.

SoundDiego: #BandTogether | Bro-Am Canceled | Club Relief Funds | Local Pandemic Playlist

On Friday, the Casbah launched a YouTube channel called Casbah Live, which will post a new playlist every Friday at 1pm. It kicked off with a playlist curated by Tim Mays, but will also feature local musicians, journalists, fans, and more. I included this in my Sunday story for San Diego, but you can check out my most recent pieces below.

4.3: Artists, Venues #BandTogether for Local-Music Livestream Series

4.4: 2020 Switchfoot Bro-Am Canceled, Kick off Fundraiser

4.5: Kick Something in to Help Out the Clubs

4.6: Help Local Musicians Featured on the San Diego Pandemic Playlist

SoundDiego: No Fooling: Stay-at-Home Order Inspires Well Well Well’s ‘No Surfing’

A View of Pacific Beach, photo taken January 29, 2020

I wrote another one for SoundDiego about Well Well Well's "No Surfing". It was super fun catching up with Seton and doing all these interviews lately has been kinda fun because I probably wouldn't otherwise talk to many people outside of my family during this stay-at-home time. Check out the article and video below.

No Fooling: Stay-at-Home Order Inspires Well Well Well’s ‘No Surfing’

Check out the video here.

Wrote this song the day the earth stood still and they cancelled surfing...it’s called “No Surfing”
Posted by Seton Edgerton on Tuesday, March 31, 2020

(If you appreciate the posts on this site, please consider a small donation or tip via Venmo/sddialedin or Paypal.)

CoViD-19: Local Musician Drew Andrews Shares His Coronavirus Diagnosis, Experience

I'm so grateful to my sweet friend Drew Andrews for allowing me to share his story today on SoundDiego. Check it out: Local Musician Shares Coronavirus Diagnosis, Experience

My dear friend and colleague Graham Stevens also believes he may have the virus and has shared a personal video here.

I wish I had more to say but it's kind of overwhelming right now.
Just wishing the best for my pals.

Drew has continued sharing valuable information, which I'm reposting, after the jump:

SoundDiego: ‘You Are (Not) Going to Hate This’: The Frights Plan Full-Album Livestreams

The Frights at Spreckels Organ Pavilion in February 2020 

I wrote about The Frights at Home Tour for SoundDiego. Check it out. (watch tonight at 7pm via Instagram)

Here are the links to some of the other pieces I've written this week:

Blink-182 Gives Social Love to Coronavirus Parody ‘Wash My Hands Again’

Lady Brain Trust

San Diego Music Awards Rescheduled

Local Nightclubs Get Creative to Help Struggling Staffers

Seaport Sessions Switch Up

Local Artists #BandTogether to Livestream Concerts
Aztec Brews Livestream Shows for Housebound Fans

Entercom Lockdown Prompts ‘Local 949’ Hiatus

(If you appreciate the posts on this site, please consider a small donation or tip via Venmo/sddialedin or Paypal.)

Seaport Sessions Live Stream with Low Volts & Dirty Sweet

I wrote another thing for SoundDiego. Seaport Sessions Switch Up

SoundDiego: Aztec Brews Live Stream (and others are streaming, too!!)

It's been so heartwarming to see musicians, artists, yogis, teachers, and others embracing live streaming while we're all staying home and limiting contact. Aztec Brewing is going to be streaming artists live, and I wrote a little thing about it for NBC SoundDiego here:

Article: Aztec Brews Live Stream
Check out the livestream: Aztec Brewing Facebook

I'm also keeping an eye out for other streaming stuff, so here are a few things to save in your calendar:

"Same Same but Different Festival will be hosting a series of online live beneficiary concerts to raise awareness and give the community an opportunity to directly help musicians through this tough time. The first streaming concert will be held on Wednesday, March 18 at 7pm on the Same Same But Different website."

Seaport Sessions was scheduled, then canceled, then rescheduled to go Virtual. It will be streaming via their Vimeo channel on Thursday from 6-8pm with Tim Pyles hosting and Rowlberto Media handling the broadcast. Live performances by Low Volts and Dirty Sweet. (Please do not show up in person. You will be asked to leave and it will be super awkward for everyone.)

And if you're looking for some national acts, check out messages from Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie (streaming daily at 4pm here), The White Buffalo, Joe Pug and others who are committing to scheduled livestream concerts.

(If you appreciate the posts on this site, please consider a small donation or tip via Venmo/sddialedin or Paypal.)

SoundDiego: Entercom Lockdown Prompts ‘Local 949’ Hiatus

I'm fortunate that NBC SoundDiego has allowed me to pivot a bit since we won't be posting my listings for the foreseeable future. You can check out my first article, Entercom Lockdown Prompts ‘Local 949’ Hiatus, and keep an eye on SoundDiego for diversionary content through these unprecedented times.

Andrew, Mario and TJ 

Things To Do In San Diego: Friday, June 26-Sunday, June 28, 2015

It has been quite a week, and since I'm sitting at The Observatory selling merch for Bully, I figured I'd update the post so you don't have to do all that scrolling on your phone while you look for fun things to do this weekend. It was a pretty fun week as we hit up Legoland on Tuesday and then to The Rugburns at Bar Pink and closed the night at Whistle Stop. I worked a lot on Wednesday lingering around the house, took Nova shopping, then went on an activist bike ride with Bike SD to promote bike infrastructure on University, all followed by a great dinner at West Coast Tavern. On Thursday we went boogie boarding in OB before leaving Nova with her mom, then I worked at the Donkeys/Vetiver show while Darren sold merch at the Casbah for Head Wound City, where I met up with him later and was able to have a fun Thursday night. I'm pretty wiped out as I sit typing but Bully goes on in one minute and I suspect it's going to be a pretty great set. Friday through Sunday archives are after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, May 25-Tuesday, May 16, 2015

It has been a great but exhausting weekend. I worked for X on Friday and Saturday night. After work on Friday I was off early enough that Darren and I got to catch Gayle Skidmore and Jesse Marchant at Whistle Stop. Saturday I worked a little later, but we still got some time in at Bar Pink and Ken Club. Yesterday was fun, too, with a great BBQ at Tim's house, getting some of these listings done, and then being on The Local FM 94/9. I got home later than planned but we got an hour in at karaoke just for fun. Today is a lazy day though we might saddle up on our bikes or something before Kopecky tonight at the Casbah. Maybe we can even make Lo-Fang first. Anyway, sorry these are so late. Monday and Tuesday archives are after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: Wednesday, May 20, 2015

I have had such a cool week so far and it's only Tuesday. Darren got his first photo pit experience shooting at Little Dragon and then going to San Fermin, his enthusiasm beyond what I would have had if I had gone instead, so it was kind of magical. Then yesterday, Darren, Nova and I got a tour of the incredible Sector 9 factory by Rob Molt. I had no idea the volume of boards these guys make- it is mind blowing. We learned every process, from where the wood starts as flat sheets to the presses and molds, to the cutting and sanding and shaping and applying graphics down to the laser printed serial numbers. Rob hooked us up with some swag and gave Nova a complete Liquid Metal deck, which he boxed up for us. Then he showed us the Bread Bowl- their onsite skate ramp- and had one of the Sector 9 team riders demo for us before letting Nova skate around it a little. It was truly an experience we won't soon forget. We took her to OB skatepark to skate on the small pools, had a rad dinner at Phil's, and then I went to Glass Animals at the Observatory followed by Speedy Ortiz at Soda Bar. And it's only Wednesday! Wednesday archive after the jump.

ICYMI: SoundDiego Live at the Casbah

In case you missed SoundDiego TV on Saturday night, or if you just want to relive Friday night's fun with We Are Scientists at the Casbah, here's the clip that aired.

Things To Do In San Diego: August 30, 2012

Are you kidding me with this weekend? Chase did the basic weekend stuff, and Jeff compiled next week's stuff, but I just spent an additional 4 hours going through all of those crazy Facebook event invites and all I can say is this weekend is completely overwhelming. Awesome Fest is sold out, there's the Aloha Fest and SoCal Music Festival (can we PLEASE ERASE "SoCal" from our vernacular???), it's the last weekend of NightTime Zoo, plus all kinds of shows and events and art shows, and well, it is enough to make your head spin. I'm happy to find out on top of all of the stuff I have planned, my cousin is flying in from NYC tonight so I expect to throw in a taco tour of San Diego this weekend. I hope to see you all at SoundDiego Live tonight. This is the last time I'll mention this, but as of 2:20 pm on Thursday, there are 18 tickets left to Tallest Man on Earth this Sunday, and only 56 left for M83 at Soma on Friday. Tell your friends. Thursday archives are after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: May 15-17, 2012

I'm going to try to take a few nights off from the scene. Tonight I'll attempt to pack at least 15 boxes of things and hopefully make some progress in getting the majority of my stuff out of this place before the weekend. There are some great shows, however, so hopefully you'll go out and enjoy and then tell me all about the good stuff I'm missing. There are 35 tickets available for the Casbah tonight, so if you didn't buy tickets in advance, I suggest getting there early for the show. Wednesday and Thursday listings are after the jump.

Tuesday May 15, 2012:

• Flight To Mars, Mistress Of Reality, Vendetta Red @ Casbah
• Daniel Hart, Adams and Eves, Ugly Boogie @ Soda Bar
• Balloons, Neat Beats, Room E, Mystery Cave & Ryan Haynes @ Tin Can
• Pass The Axe, Audio Addiction, Oliver Trolley @ Belly Up
• OFF!, Spider Fever, FIDLAR @ Che Cafe
• Tiki Tuesday @ Bar Pink
• Tekno Sessions Presents: Carlo Lio @ The Griffin
• Dita Von Tease "Burlesque: Strip Strip Hooray!" Variety Show @ House of Blues
• Local Brews Local Grooves feat. Patrick Norton, John John and the Time Traveling Bicycle, Nikki Wilkins Band, HumanXing @ House of Blues Voodoo Stage
• Anthology House Band @ Anthology
• The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Sparks The Rescue, Steal The Scenery, Namesake, Keep The Change @ Soma
• Westside Inflection @ Riviera Supper Club 7 pm
• Lost Dog, This Is Confusing @ Ruby Room
• Darkwave Garden @ Club Kadan
• Michele Lundeen @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Fruition String Band @ Winston's
• Train of Thought @ Queen Bee's
• Comedy Night @ Lestat's
• Fully Loaded Comedy @ Til-Two Club
• Trent Hancock @ Tiki House
• Tomcat Courtney @ La Gran Tapa
• Friends Chill @ Whistle Stop
• Gio Trio + 1 @ Croce's
• Comedy Night @ Til-Two Club
• Tommy Price & The Stilettos @ Henry's Pub
• Doug Allen @ The Kraken
• Open Mic @ Patrick's Gaslamp Pub
• Laguna @ McP's Irish Pub
• Quintinn @ Davina's Cabo Grill
• Karaoke @ Kensington Club

Things To Do In San Diego: May 13-14, 2012

What a great weekend so far! I got the keys to my new apartment, so my mom and sister came by to help me start packing so naturally my apartment is in complete disarray and I have two weeks to get it all done, but in the meantime, I spent the day at Gator By the Bay with my family and now I'm at the Casbah gearing up for comedy with Todd Barry. He is hilarious, so if you don't have plans tonight, you should definitely check him out. I know it's late in the day so some of these Sunday things have already passed but I thought I'd update anyway. Sunday-Monday archives are after the jump.