Ryan Adams To Kick Off Tour In San Diego

Ryan Adams has been a pretty mysterious dude. I've been a fan since the first time I was introduced to Whiskeytown's Stranger's Almanac and got to see them at my first Casbah show. Maybe there's a certain sentimentality then, even when Ryan announces his last record ever or puts bizarre rap or metal albums online, or when he just gets kinda crazy on his Facebook wall, that the guy really can do no wrong for me. Once I put together a playlist of all the Ryan Adams material I have and I stopped after 267 songs.

Last week I got an advertising inquiry with the subject "Ryan Adams" and though I haven't heard back if they'll buy an ad (please, please buy an ad), it was my first clue that he'd be coming to town. I've been paying attention and in the past few weeks, Ryan announced a new record to be released on October 11, 2011, called Ashes & Fire. There's a full tracklisting posted on his Pax-Am label site.

From Ryan's Facebook:

New album is called "Ashes & Fire". It was produced by Glyn Johns ( rocknroll wizard & true gentleman). It has 11 songs on it. I played acoustic on all of them and sang and played live to tape. We recorded the album ALL 100 percent ANALOG ( 2" tape mixed to 1/4" ). A computer didn't touch this album. It has very few overdubs. I gave these songs the most consideration I have ever given and it is certainly the longest amount of time I've spent writing. It was made with total love. Very excited. XX

Today, various sources (Jambase, Consquence of Sound) around the web announced tour dates, kicking off October 11 at our very own Balboa Theatre.

My 35th Birthday is on September 28. Last year I got a big wet kiss from Conor O. I thought this year couldn't compete, but with all of this goodness coming up, I think 35 isn't looking so bad.
September 16 & 17 Bon Iver/Other Lives @ Spreckels
September 21 Bright Eyes @ Soma
September 28 AA Bondy @ Casbah
October 4 Rocky Votolato/Matt Pond PA @ Casbah
October 10 Dawes/Blitzen Trapper @ Belly Up
October 11 Ryan Adams @ Balboa Theatre

Here's a playlist of various videos from a recent Ryan Adams appearance in LA.

Things To Do In San Diego: August 15, 2011

This weekend I worked security for a film shoot at the Casbah. Basically I had to make sure nobody touched any alcohol from the bar, but it was super interesting to how professional and controlled the environment was. The film is by Destin Cretton and from what I understand, it's called ::Songwriter:: (though I heard someone joke, "it's called 'I Am Not A Hipster'") and is scored by music written by Joel P West. The male lead was played by Dominic Bogart and he was such a sport playing the same two songs about 83 times each (mild exaggeration).

Anyway, it was a fun shoot and reminded me how much I wanted to work in film back when I was deciding what I wanted to do with my life (though I suppose I'm still deciding). Anyway, I have no idea how long post-production will take or when or how the film will be released, but if you've ever seen Destin's work, you know it is probably going to be pretty amazing. Good luck to Destin and thanks for letting me be a part of the fun. Hopefully people show more support for a film about a songwriter than they do for actual songwriters (zing!) because from what I've witnessed lately, show attendance has been really pathetically dismal. Sometimes I don't even know why I bother with these listings.

Monday August 15, 2011:

• Anti-Monday League Presents: Califone, Little White Teeth, Nothingful @ Casbah
• This City Defects, Incomplete Neighbor, Death on Mars, Space Town Savior @ Soda Bar
• Jimmy Dean and the Modern Mexicans @ The Shakedown
• Just Like Jenna, The Consonance, Oh Air Night @ Tin Can
• Shannon & The Clams, The Trashies, Northern Tigers @ Til-Two Club
• Dirty Mondays w/ DJ Gabe Vega @ The Saloon (Encinitas)
• Acoustic Night w/ Bosen and Suede @ Eleven
• April Ventura @ Riviera Supper Club
• Stoney B. Blues Band @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Mellow Mondays w/ DJ Mello D @ House of Blues
• Open Mic @ Lestat's
• The Accidentals @ Tiki House
• Club MAW @ Henry's Pub
• Doug Allen @ The Kraken
• Karaoke @ Til-Two Club
• Jeff Moore Witchdoctors @ Patrick's II
• Electric Waste Band @ Winston's
• Monday Night Mic @ Club Kadan
• Dave Scott & Monsoon Jazz @ Croce's
• MynhKa Ba, Aimon, Preteen Pornstar, DJ Team Grim @ Kava Lounge
• Lightning Train @ Bar Leucadian
• Karaoke @ Coyote Bar & Grill
• Gene Warren @ McP's Irish Pub & Grill
• Trivia @ Whistle Stop

San Diego Zoo Safari Moonlight Safari: Last Chance

Last month I had the opportunity to experience the San Diego Zoo Safari Park's Moonlight Safari. I wanted to write about it right away, but then it was Con and there were shows and Vegas and well, it was literally one full moon cycle ago. This weekend is a full moon, so once again, the zoo is offering their Moonlight Safari packages. You choose the safari: The Rolling Safari (on a Segway), The Caravan Safari, or the Flightline Safari. The activities take place as the park is closing and after each caravan, the three groups meet up for a banquet dinner in the park after it's closed.

Like I said, I did my Moonlight Safari back in July. While I think I probably should've done the Caravan or Rolling Tour for reporting/photo purposes, I just really wanted to do the Flightline. I'm not generally afraid of heights, but I wondered if there would be some anxiety before the adventure. Then I remembered crossing the Capilano Bridge in Vancouver and this was no sweat. Not to mention, every step of the way you feel completely safe. The adventure starts with a check in and quick lesson on getting the harness on. From there, you walk to the practice Flightline. Don't let it fool you...this is the Flightline visible as you walk the park, and it's short and is just for a quick lesson on how to ride and direct and stop at the end. The ACTUAL Flightline is for the most part out of site from most areas of the park. One of the guys running the Flightline, along with being super friendly, looked a lot like super-sexy Dave Salmoni, so I was very much at ease.



One of the side benefits of the Flightline Safari is that you get to drive up into a closed off area of the park. The Safari Park has 1800 acres, but much of the acreage is set aside for conservation and propagation of sagebrush, so it "will never be developed". The actual part of the park open to the public is just a fraction of the land the Zoological Society owns. When you get to the platform, the view is breathtaking. The platform stands three stories high and the ride itself is spectacular. You can upgrade your helmet with a camera, but really, the view is stunning as you soar over gazelle and rhinos that it's just worth looking around and taking in the solace of the quiet.





After our ride, we had a bountiful buffet of lasagna, chicken, salad, and delicious cupcakes for dessert. The family we sat with for dinner were great and we enjoyed having dinner with them as the park turned dark and we finally called it a night around 9pm. I highly recommend the Flightline, especially splurging on the final Moonlight Safari of the summer.

Things To Do In San Diego: August 13-14, 2011

I need to take things less personally sometimes. This week, the universe kicked my ass, but with a little perspective, I'm sure everything will be just fine. That being said, I still have a show at the Ken Club tomorrow but Dynamite Walls had to cancel. I still think you should come have the stiffest drinks in town and catch The Morgansterns and Jesse LaMonaca and the Dime Novels. The two bands played together earlier this year in Los Angeles so it's a little bit of a reunion for them playing on the same bill, and since it's just the two, we'll them all rock out for sets a little longer than usual. Below are your weekend listings.

Saturday, August 13, 2011:

• Jesse LaMonaca and the Dime Novels, The Morgansterns @ Ken Club
• The Penetrators, The Bedbreakers, Manual Scan @ Casbah
• Josh Damigo’s Friends With Benefits Show feat. Josh Damigo, Maggie McClure, Shane Henry @ Lestat's
• ABC's of Rock benefit artshow/concert with Geezer & San Diego School Of Rock @ Space4Art
• Mike Pinto, Social Green, Stone Senses@ Belly Up
• Milkcrates with DJs Mikey Face and Angie @ Bar Pink
• Natural Child, Liquor Store, Chamuko!, DJ Brian Clinebell (The Kabbs)@ Tin Can
• Beat Kitchen feat. Question, Charlie Rock Raichous, Bella Loki @ Til Two Club
• Roxy Blue and the Handful @ Eleven (6pm matinee)
• Punk Rock Record Swap/Deadbolt, the Creepy Creeps, the RevHawks, Los Seafinks @ The Shakedown
• Booty Bassment with Dmitri & ROb@ Whistle Stop
• The Donkeys, Behind The Wagon @ Eleven
• Pauhana @ Ruby Room
• Sole and the Skyrider Band, Agent24 & his Cabinet of Curiousities, Parker and the Numberman@ Soda Bar
• Cactus Jacks @ Tower Bar
• The Inked Magazine Music Tour Featuring The Damned Things @ House of Blues
• Pool Party @ LaFayette Hotel
• Reason To Rebel, Munson Keef, Missing:Neptune, Me and Heath, Soundbored, Summersfall, Aurora @ Brick By Brick
• Billy Joe and the Roosters @ Winston's (6pm)
• Todash, Back 2 Black @ Winston’s (9:30pm)
• F.O.A. (formerly Mower), Dive Bomber, Fish Tacos @ 710 Beach Club
• Live Like Giants, Simple Green, Positive Company, Oceanside Soundsystem @ Soma
• Spirit Animal & Grizzly Records Presents DUDES, D/Wolves, Lanterns, Twin Cabins @ Che Cafe
• Brick By Brick presents Necromantix, Bamboula, The Brains’@ Epicentre
• Michele Lundeen @ Marble Room
• Rockola @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge
• America, Berkley Hart @ Humphrey's Concerts By The Bay
• Bang! Glow! feat. DJ Loczi, Beauty and the Beats, DJ Hymn, DJ Devoy @ 4th & B
• The Four Freshman @ Anthology (Early Show 7:30pm)
• Mighty Mo Rogers @ Anthology (Late Show 9:30 pm)
• Felix Cartal, The C90s, Kevin Brown @ Voyeur

Sunday, August 14, 2011:

• Hillcrest CityFest feat. The Tighten Ups, Into The Presence, A Scribe Amidst The Lions, Run Honey, Pauhana, Mad Martigan, F.U.Z.Z., Endoxi, Wendy Bailey & True Stories, Liveagain @ Hillcrest
• Aimee Mann, The Wilderness of Manitoba @ Belly Up
• The Happy Hollows, Shapes of Future Frames, Marquez @ Soda Bar
• Kera & The Lesbians , Touchies, The Bombpops!, Hocus @ Casbah
• Senior/Weezer Singles Pool Party: Geezer, Gray Stripes, Shades McCool @ Handlery Hotel pool (1pm)
• St. Ranger, Wild Pack of Canaries, Early and Often, Filardo @ Tin Can
• Pool Party with DJ Artistic @ LaFayette Hotel
• Mex, Harpco @ Eleven (Anniversary BBQ, 1pm)
• David Dondero, Awahnichi, International Dipshit, Drew Smith, DJ Sickness @ Eleven (Matinee, 5pm)
• David Dondero, Awahnichi, Ian Taylor, Davey Quinn @ Bar Pink
• Anything Goes DJs @ Whistle Stop
• Sic Waiting, No Captains @ Ruby Room
• Steel Pulse, Tribal Theory @ House of Blues
• Diane Waters & Steven Ybarra @ House of Blues, The Voodoo Stage
• Aaron Bowen, Monte Pittman, Owen Stone @ Lestat's
• Saddle Up Sundays @ 710 Beach Club
• The Wick Hauser Band @ Winston’s (5pm)
• Jose Sinatra's OB-O-ke @ Winston's
• Tribe of Kings/Reggae Vibes @ U-31
• Jesse Davis @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge Brunch (10a-2p)
• Intervention Pool Party @ Hard Rock Hotel
• Jamie Shadowlight Electric Ladyland @ Anthology (Early Show 7 pm)
• Zeds Dead, Mr. Skeleton @ Voyeur
• Reggae Sundays @ Spin

Free Acoustic Performance with Scott Hutchison (Frightened Rabbit) at the Hard Rock Hotel's 207

Next Tuesday, Frightened Rabbit return to San Diego. Sadly the days of the band playing the Casbah are probably over, but they're coming to town on the Death Cab For Cutie tour which rolls through RIMAC arena. While I'm still waiting to find out if UCSD is in the cards for me, I was happy to receive a facebook invite from my friend Matt over at the Hard Rock Hotel. Apparently Scott will be performing a solo acoustic set at 207 after their opening slot at RIMAC and the show is FREE and open to the public (21+). It says 10pm, but I'd exercise patience and say get there early and be prepared to wait. Below is a video of Scott performing one of my favorite Lemonheads songs, "Confetti", for the AV Club.


Frightened Rabbit covers The Lemonheads

Scott was also part of this compilation for the Fruit Tree Foundation for 2010’s Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival which also featured James Graham (Twilight Sad), Rod Jones (Idlewild), Jill O’Sullivan (Sparrow and the Workshop), Emma Pollock (The Delgados), Karine Polwart, Jenny Reeve, Alasdair Roberts and James Yorksto. This is one of my favorites from the compilation, with Scott Hutchison and James Graham.



You can also grab a free download of 'I Forgot The Fall' by Scott Hutchison & Rod Jones here. (right click, save as to download)

Things To Do In San Diego: August 12, 2011

I'm still working on your weekend listings, but in the meantime, here's what's going on tonight.

Friday, August 12, 2011:

• Jimmy Eat World @ Summer Concert Series, Del Mar Racetrack
• Pelican , Aeges, All Pigs Must Die, Ghetto Blaster @ Casbah
• Pussy Galore presents Chop Love Carry Fire, Street Of Little Girls, Astra Kelly, DJs Robin Roth & Jaime Ali @ Whistle Stop
• Royal Baths, SISU, Public Dims, Divers, DJ Blk Pnts @ Tin Can
• Wayward Sons, Way Cool Jr., FOOU @ Belly Up
• The Very @ M-Theory (Free, 6pm, All ages)
• Daikaiju, Zombie Surf Camp, The Razorblades, The Secret Samarai @ Soda Bar
• Pocket @ Bar Pink
• Tawnie and the Replaceables, CPA @ The Shakedown
• Jesse LaMonaca @ Hennessey’s (PB)
• Zach’s Birthday Party feat. Obi Best @ Til Two Club
• Deep (DnB) presents ANT TC1 (Dispatch, Commerical Suicide, Peer Pressure-UK) @ Ruby Room
• Ken Club Tiki Bash feat. The Embalmers, Fink Bombs, Watusis & Los SeaFinks @ Ken Club
• Schitzophonics (CD release), New Kinetics, Legz, JJCnV@ Eleven
• The Glossines, The Regressions, Los Sweepers @ Tower Bar
• Feel The Noise with Guiseppe Poletti, DJs Gabe Vega, Saul Q, Chris Chamberlin @ U-31
• LG Ones To Watch Presents STS9 With Inspired Flight @ House of Blues
• Meg & Brian, Parlour Regiment @ Lestat's
• Afroman, As The Sun Sets: Fire!, Bello Mafioso @ Brick By Brick
• The Devastators @ Winston's
• Dust n Bones, DJ Fishfonics @ 710 Beach Club
• Runnin the Circle B-Boy event @ Epicentre
• Plug In Stereo, Bird By Bird, Weatherstar, Little Lamb, Jackson Guthy @ Soma
• Weatherbox, Snuffaluffagus, Kenseth & Brandon (Sleeping People), Entropy @ Che Cafe
• "Something Beautiful" (cd release) by Gifted Jazz Pianist, Eric Reed, & His Trio Featuring Drummer Kevin Kanner & Bassist Hamilton Price@ Dizzy's (San Diego Wine & Culinary Center)
• Will Donato @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge
• Dave Koz, Lisa Sanders @ Humphrey's Concerts By The Bay
• Nipsey Hussle, Mr. Doobie, Jewelz P @ 4th & B
• Goapele @ Anthology (Early Show 7:30pm, Late Show 9:30 pm)
• The Styletones @ Gallagher's
• Richard Vission, Zen Freeman @ Voyeur
• DJ Joemama, Myxzlplix @ Syrah
• Zenbu Fridays with DJ Leif @ Zenbu Cardiff
• Dennis Deyoung (Styx) @ Summer Pops, Embarcadero Park
• Magic 92.5 Night Featuring Pleazure and DJ 2rille @ Viejas Dreamcatcher
• Radio Karma @ Viejas V Lounge
• Ford F-Series Presents Toby Keith W, Eric Church and JT Hodges @ Cricket Wireless

Other Lives "Tamer Animals"

I went to Vegas last week and I promised a whole bunch of videos of Other Lives but they're taking much longer to upload than I planned. I wish I had more to say about my trip other than it being awesome, but mostly I just want YOU to love Other Lives like I do. This is probably one of the better video clips because it doesn't have a bartender's head in my view, but those ones are coming, too. It's true, you may love Bon Iver, but you will be blown away when Other Lives opens at Spreckels next month. I filmed the greater part of the four sets I caught, so I'll put those in a playlist, but until then, please enjoy.

SECRET LIVE GREEN DAY SHOW!

FYI...

Secret live GREEN DAY show! Thursday August 11th, doors at 8:00 PM at The Tiki Bar 1700 Placentia, Costa Mesa, CA. Tickets $20 at the door. All proceeds donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. NO PRESALE, STRICT NO CAMERA, NO CELL PHONE POLICY. 21 years and over. Be ready to dance!

UPDATE (Thanks, Xavie)

NEW TICKET INFO
Due to an overwhelming response for tomorrows club gig, The Tiki Bar and the City of Costa Mesa have asked us to pre-sell tickets for tomorrows event. Tickets for this event will go on sale tomorrow (8/11/11) at 1pm (PST). Stay tuned for information on how to purchase tickets.

- No tickets will be sold at the venue.
- No lines will be allowed to form at the Tiki Bar prior to 7pm.
- No one without a ticket will be allowed in the immediate area of the club.

Things To Do In San Diego: August 10-11, 2011

The music awards were fun as ever and Warped Tour was exhausting...I have a lot to catch up on so hang tight, I'll try and make today a posting marathon with photos and videos and other loose ends. In the meantime, here are the listings for tonight. Thursday's are after the jump.

Wednesday August 10, 2011:

• Alberta Cross, Low Volts, Patrick Bates @ Casbah
• The Arrivals , Tiltwheel, Sunnyside @ Soda Bar
• Dex Romweber Duo, The Screamin' Yeehaws, DJ Heather Hardcore & Marcus Exx @ Til-Two Club
• "Three Waves A Day" feat. Chad Scott, Avasa, Matty Love, Hazmatt @ Belly Up
• Three Chord Justice, Mudgrass, Billy Joe and The Roosters @ Tin Can
• A Night of Belly Dancers and Music @ Lestat's
• Sneeze, The Clippers, Sleepwalk, Good Grief @ Che Cafe
• Dub Dorado Presents: Udachi, Corey Biggs, Headshake, Austin Speed @ El Dorado
• El Monte Slim @ Riviera Supper Club
• Ellis (acoustic) @ Hensley's Flying Elephant
• John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey @ Anthology
• The Parade, The Holy Ghost Circuit, Ampora @ Brick By Brick
• The Hips @ Humphreys Backstage Live
• STP Tribute @ Tiki House
• Tori Roze and The Hot Mess @ Bourbon Street Bar & Grill
• Top Shelf @ Kava Lounge
• Chet & The Committee @ Patrick's II
• Wreck Shop Wednesday @ The Office
• Fuzzy @ Croce's
• Frankie Dee and The Funk Natra Band @ The Kraken
• Gilbert Castellanos w/ The New Latin Jazz Quintet @ El Camino
• Wednesday Night Shakedown @ Henry's Pub
• Club Kingston w/ Ishmael & The Peacemakers, DJ Carlos Culture @ Winston's
• Taryn Donath @ Marble Room
• Rob Bondurant @ Coyote Bar & Grill
• Evolution @ Club Kadan
• Lady Dottie and The Diamonds @ Gallagher's
• Ben Powell @ Davina's Cabo Grill
• Manwhore Night @ Ken Club
• Firehouse Swing Night @ Queen Bee's
• Sleepwalking DJs @ Whistle Stop
• Karaoke @ Chico Club
• Tommy Price @ McP's Irish Pub & Grill
• The Bill Shreeve Quartet @ The V Lounge Viejas Casino

Thursday August 11, 2011

• @ West Coast Tavern
• Buck 65, Jel, Addiquit @ Casbah
• Bob Schneider, Little Hurricane @ Belly Up
• FM 94/9’s Big Sonic Chill Presents: Sia, Oh Land, Ximena Sarinana @ House of Blues
• Keb Mo', Billy Thompson @ Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay
• Milk Carton Kids, Andrew Belle @ Anthology
• Adam Arcuragi & The Lupine Chorale Socirty, Other Mountains, guest@ Soda Bar
• Moonbeams, Neat Beats, Phen Swan, tbd @ Tin Can
• Jordan Reimer, Jarrod Dickenson, Terra Naomi @ Lestat's
• Hey Ho! Let's Go!, The Last Years, The Accoutrements @ Eleven
• Pinata Protest, Konorteno @ The Shakedown Bar
• Miss Erika Davies, Laurelin Kruse, Katie Howard, Tania ChatdiMuse, Tiffany Jane @ Park Gallery
• The Gamer Girls Present: Nerdcore Night @ Ruby Room
• KSON Pickin' Parlor feat. Eden's Edge @ House of Blues 12:30 pm
• Noo Tropics Party w/ Chico Sonido, Los Macuanos @ El Dorado
• John Foltz @ Marble Room
• 7th Day Buskers @ Riviera Supper Club
• Gregory Micheals @ Hensley's Flying Elephant
• Kill Devil Hill, Sledd, A Battle to Fight, Medius @ Brick By Brick
• Full Circle @ Tiki House
• The Ratt's Revenge @ Tower Bar
• Liquid Whip, So Far Gone, Her You And I, Anaphylactic Shark, Saphead, Suburban Boredom @ Epicentre
• Shay Blues Revue @ Patrick's II
• Gilbert Castellanos and The New Latin Jazz Quintet @ Croce's
• Moonlight Serenade Orchestra @ The Lucky Star Restaurant (54th & University)
• Michele Lundeen @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Altruism @ Kava Lounge
• L.E.D. Presents: Siriusmo, Bang Gang Deejays @ Voyeur
• EDM Presents: Bad Boy Bill @ Fluxx
• The Flock of 80's @ Henry's Pub
• Club 80's @ Club Kadan
• Rhythm Method, DJ Paul D @ Coyote Bar & Grill
• DJ Reffah's Bday Bash @ Gallagher's
• Psydecar @ Winston's
• Live Band Karaoke @ 710 Beach Club
• Soup @ Hennessey's Carlsbad
• Marianne & The Republic @ Valley View Casino
• Warren La Plante @ Davina's Cabo Grill
• Devastating Karate @ RT's Longbord Grill
• Northstar @ McP's Irish Pub & Crill

SDMA 2011 Winners List

The winners for the San Diego Music Awards have already been posted everywhere, but I got a little tied up the past couple days, so just in case you haven't already seen them, here's the list.

2011 San Diego Music Awards – Winners List

Best Tribute Band - Cash'd Out
Best Club DJ - Gabe Vega
Best Acoustic - Colin Clyne
Best Electronic - Jamuel Saxon
Best Jazz - In Motion Trio
Best Jazz Album - The Mattson 2 - Feeling Hands
Best Blues - Lady Dottie & the Diamonds
Best Blues Album – Low Volts - Twist Shake Grind Break
Best World Music - B-Side Players
Best World Music Album – Todo Mundo - Organic Fire
Best Americana - Blackout Party
Best Americana Album - The Tree Ring - Generous Shadows
Best Hip Hop - Vokab Kompany
Best Hip Hop Album - Blame One - Endurance
Best Pop - The Silent Comedy
Best Pop Album - Maren Parusel - Artificial Gardens
Best Alternative - Little Hurricane
Best Alternative Album – Little Hurricane - Homewrecker
Best Rock – Transfer
Best Rock Album – The Donkeys - Born with Stripes
Best Hard Rock - As I Lay Dying
Best Hard Rock Album - Downspell – The Violent Majority
Best Local Recording - Writer - Miss Mermaid
Best New Artist - Low Volts
Song of the Year – Transfer - Losing Composure
Album of the Year - Little Hurricane - Homewrecker
Artist of the Year - Switchfoot

Lifetime Achievement Award – The Penetrators

The 21st annual San Diego Music Awards raised $25,612, which will be used to provide Taylor Guitars to San Diego County Elementary Schools.

Things To Do In San Diego: August 8-9, 2011

Never leave Vegas at 5 pm. It took nearly 8 hours to get home and I was completely useless today. Catching up on sleep was good however, because now it's time to go celebrate at the San Diego Music Awards and then spend all of tomorrow in the sun at Warped Tour. It's gonna be a good week, dontcha think? Tuesday-Thursday listings are after the jump.

Monday August 8, 2011:

• San Diego City Beat and Blue Moon Brewing Company Present: 21st Annual San Diego Music Awards featuring live performances from Wavves, Cuckoo Chaos, Little Hurricane, Gilbert Castellanos, Dynamite Walls, The Silent Comedy, Candye Kane, Sue Palmer, Plus a very special Lifetime Award presentation to The Penetrators @ Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay
• Anti-Monday League Presents: Big Business, Torche, Thrones, Sleep Lady @ Casbah
• Starcrossed, Bricklayer Bosh, Her Linear Blast @ Soda Bar
• Dirty Mondays w/ DJ Gabe Vega @ The Saloon (Encinitas)
• Macabre, Withered, Omision, Ruines Ov Abaddon, Gortuary @ Ruby Room
• April Ventura @ Riviera Supper Club
• Danny Weller @ Dizzy's
• SDMA After Party @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Mellow Mondays w/ DJ Mello D @ House of Blues
• Open Mic @ Lestat's
• The Accidentals @ Tiki House
• Club MAW @ Henry's Pub
• Doug Allen, Susie Bongo @ The Kraken
• Karaoke @ Til-Two Club
• The Burnsville Band @ Patrick's II
• Electric Waste Band @ Winston's
• Monday Night Mic @ Club Kadan
• Dave Scott & Monsoon Jazz @ Croce's
• Karaoke @ Coyote Bar & Grill
• Tommy Price @ McP's Irish Pub & Grill
• Karaoke @ Whistle Stop

Tuesday August 9, 2011:

• Vans Warped Tour 2011 @ Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre
• Avi Buffalo, Nik Freitas, Cuckoo Chaos @ Casbah
• 91x Next Big Thing Presents: The Joy Formidable, WATERS @ Belly Up (sold out)
• Jarrett Killen, Tom Schraeder & His Alter Ego, Vandella @ Tin Can
• Yeah Buddy Tuesdays w/ Rev, Jefferson Deathstar, Flatwheeler, Revoltrevolt @ Eleven
• Mattson 2 @ El Dorado
• Katy Perry @ Valley View Casino Center
• Nate Hancock @ Hensley's Flying Elephant
• Demerit, Sleep Walk, Trash Axis @ The Shakedown Bar
• The Bradipos IV @ Bar Pink
• John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey @ Anthology
• Local Brews Local Grooves w/ Soul Ablaze, Astra Kelly, Lenny Morris, Mario Armando, Carmen Caserta @ House of Blues
• The D.A. @ Suture Gallery (655 Tenth Ave)
• Darkwave Garden @ Club Kadan
• Tori Roze Presents: Ruby Tuesday w/ The Nauticals, Jack City Blues Band @ Ruby Room
• Mark Russel @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Trent Hancock @ Tiki House
• Eve Selis @ Croce's
• Comedy Night @ Til-Two Club
• Train of Thought @ Queen Bee's
• Comedy Night @ Lestat's
• 145th Street @ Patrick's ll
• Tomcat Courtney @ La Gran Tapa
• Tommy Price & The Stilettos @ Henry's Pub
• Doug Allen, Suzy Bongo @ The Kraken
• Apparatus, Beautiful View @ Winston's
• Jackson/Jesus @ McP's Irish Pub & Grill
• Missy Andersen @ Valley View Casino
• Quintinn @ Davina's Cago Grill
• Friends Chill @ Whistle Stop
• Karaoke @ Kensington Club
• Chet & The Committee @ The Harp
• Run Hit Run, Craig of Suede @ Stage Saloon
• Hocus @ The Grand (El Cajon)
• Stress Free Standup Comedy @ U-31

Sunday Night: Humming House at Til-Two Club

Sunday night has more good options than usual, but just in case you haven't decided where to go tonight, I thought I'd post a video from Humming House, who will be at Til-Two Club. Justin Tam, frontman for the the band, says they just finished tracking a new record with Grammy winning producers Mitch Dane and Vance Powell (The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, Third Man, Chris Thile etc.). Their debut single came out in June and they were featured on NPR's All Thing Considered (click HERE and HERE). He's originally from San Diego, too, so go check them out! Gayle Skidmore is opening so you should definitely check it out if you can.

Things To Do In San Diego: August 6-7, 2011

Vegas has been awesome so far. Other Lives were amazing in both sets last night and hanging out at the Cosmopolitan was fun, though I have to say, as much as I love to gamble, when someone gives you money for gambling, it hurts even more to lose, but at least I finally convinced Jeff to give video poker a try for himself (so we ended up losing twice as fast :/) I recovered some of the losses later at Palace Station but until I hit that royal all wins and losses belong to him, I'm just along for the ride. Here are the listings for the rest of the weekend since I won't be online much tomorrow when we drive back. I cannot wait to share all the photos and video but I'll have to wait until I'm back on a high-speed wi-fi connection. By the way, if you wanna know where I'd be this weekend if not in Vegas, it would be Tin Can tonight for my friends in Summer Darling. Check em out.

Saturday, August 6, 2011:

• Family Wagon, Black Hondo , Pretty Too Bad, A Beautiful View @ Casbah
• Summer Darling, Silian Rail, Privet, Housewives @ Tin Can
• Hyena, Gabe Vega @ Syrah
• Groovin with Godfather @ Belly Up
• The Old In Out, Stalins of Sound, Coda Reactor @ Bar Pink
• Weezer @ Del Mar Racetrack, Summer Concert Series
• Operation Mindblow presents Astra, The Quarter After, Slow Motion Rider, Molino @ Til Two Club
• Little Wiibowski Urban Achievers Night Benefit Event with The Overall, Save Amos, The Alter Relics @ Eleven
• Records With Roger- Hardcore Happy Hour @ Whistle Stop (5pm)
• Solid Gold with DJs Vaughn & Junior theDISCOpunk @ Whistle Stop
• May*Star’s Fashion Whore @ Ruby Room
• 2000 Tons of TNT, OttlyMercer @ Ken Club
• Talky Tina, International Dipshit and guests @ Soda Bar
• Short Eyes, Todd Day Wait & The Golden Hills Blues Band, Sleazy Listening with DJ Stack-Aly & Mikey Ratt @ Tower Bar
• Fuze It Worldwide @ House of Blues
• Roy Rapid and they Rhythm Rock Trio @ Riviera Supper Club
• Future You, John Hull, Mark Davis Ashworth, Muralismo @ Lestat's
• Pool Party @ LaFayette Hotel
• The Chop Tops, The Strikers, The Rocketz, Hard Fall Hearts, The Gore Horsemen @ Brick By Brick
• Destructo Bunny Birthday Bash@ Winston's
• Zig Zag Jones, Subliminal Trip, Broken Stems @ 710 Beach Club
• A City Serene (EP Release), Like Tyrants, Lorraine, Saints, Before The Flood, Eve of Conviction @ Soma
• The Social Club presents: a host of musicians, bands, artists, and poets to raise funds for The Che Cafe & Ducky Waddles @ Che Café (6pm-12am)
• This Century, Carter Hulsey, Austin Gibbs, The Greater Heights, Fourth and Coast, Matt Toka @ Epicentre
• Candye Kane - CD Release Party @ Marble Room
• First Friday Gomango Kids Concert @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (2-4pm)
• Patti Zlakett @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (5-7pm)
• Rising Star @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (9:30 pm)
• Shrewd Lucy @ Hensley's Flying Elephant
• Club Ascension feat. Robin Roth, Tom King, guests Aeon, Michael @ Kava Lounge
• 2011 Vans Warped Tour Battle of the Bands Finale feat. S.I.G.M.A. Project, Relevance, Dick Justice, The Elephant Project, Tribal Theory, Bucket of Fish, Days To Change, Munson Keef @ 4th & B
• Blood, Sweat, and Tears @ Anthology (Early Show 7:30pm) SOLD OUT
• Blood, Sweat, and Tears @ Anthology (Late Show 9:30 pm)
• Adam Salter’s Bday Bash @ El Dorado

Sunday, August 7, 2011:

• Jesse Malin and the St Marks Social , Maren Parusel, Noel Jordan @ Casbah
• KMFDM, Army of the Universe, 16 Volt, Human Factors Lab @ Belly Up
• Humming House, Gayle Skidmore @ Til Two Club
• April Ventura and the Magnolias, Archery For The Blind, The Filthy Violets @ Soda Bar
• Norse Horse, Brother Mitya, Chairs Missing, US 11” @ Tin Can
• Pool Party @ LaFayette Hotel
• Jonny Castle, Plexikill (ex Madcap), Against The Grain, DMF, Los Seafinks @ The Shakedown (4pm)
• Bugs Henderson & The Shuffle Kings, The Blitz Brothers @ Wave House
• Candye Cane @ PB Concerts on the Green
• Club Transmission with The Sacred Spiders and more @ Ruby Room
• John Hull and friends @ House of Blues (Voodoo Stage)
• Rob Deez, The Real Nasty @ Lestat's
• "DAM Presents" U.C Palooza Resurrection Sunday @ Brick By Brick
• Saddle Up Sundays @ 710 Beach Club
• The Duchess/Benefit @ Hensleys Flying Elephant
• Pants Karaoke @ Eleven
• Jose Sinatra's OB-O-ke @ Winston's
• Tribe of Kings/Reggae Vibes @ U-31
• Joshua White-jazz pianist- with Marshall Hawkins bass, & special guest Charlie Chavez percussion @ Dizzy's (San Diego Wine & Culinary Center)
• Jose Serrano @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge Brunch (10a-2p)
• Native Vibe @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge
• Matisyahu, Tea Leaf Green, John West @ Humphrey's Concerts By The Bay
• Intervention Pool Party @ Hard Rock Hotel
• Rumbankete @ Anthology (Early Show 7 pm)
• Reggae Sundays @ Spin

A Warning About Drunk Driving From Blind Lady Ale House

The other day I received the weekly newsletter from Blind Lady Ale House and it stuck out in my head. This morning while walking through Normal Heights, I passed Barberside and the befallen tree across the road and it dawned on me that the message deserved a repost in light of #IPAday or International Beer Day or Friday or whatever fake holidays we make to justify our drinking. Hopefully Lee and the crew don't mind a repost.

" Yep, it's Summer! Enjoy it...  
 
...but drink and drive responsibly. Just as a final note, a business, a tree and one of our beloved employees were all hit by a drunk driver this week. That's three different drunk drivers on Adams. Barberside is reopened for business, the tree not so much, and our employee, who was on his bike, will heal up in a few weeks-all bad, but it all could have been so much worse.  Beer is great, we ascribe to that tenet wholeheartedly, but when you drink it (and other libations we don't trade in), you got to not drive.  
 
That's all folks."

Have a safe weekend. That goes triply for Monday night at the Music Awards.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Save The Date: August 13 at the Ken Club with Dynamite Walls, Jesse LaMonaca & The Dime Novels, The Morgansterns

I know I've been all over the place this week but gotta keep chugging along. I'm always trying to navigate this existence and how to make ends meet and the one thing I completely left off the list was the simplest of all: show up. Whether that means coming to shows that I'm involved with or not, the validity of this whole site is best demonstrated by supporting the local music and shows that are posted here daily.

That said, I've got a slew of shows coming up and one I'm particularly excited about is taking place next Saturday at the Ken Club. Dynamite Walls, Jesse LaMonaca and the Dime Novels and The Morgansterns (from LA) will all be performing for your enjoyment. If you haven't been to the Ken Club in a while, I suggest you change that. My showcase at Eleven was fine but since they brought in a new talent buyer, I was left to fend for myself and my dear friends at the Ken Club stepped it up to let me host some fun shows. I know that it sometimes seems like all the good stuff happens in North Park, but for your information, I've walked from Kensington to Bar Pink and The Whistle Stop and it's not that far (1.7 and 2.7 miles, respectively.)

This week I'll post videos and such from all three bands, but in the meantime, enjoy your weekend after you add August 13th at the Ken Club to your iPhone, BlackBerry, Droid, or whatever it is that you use to keep track of where you need to be.

Things To Do In San Diego: August 5, 2011

Alright. So I'm kind of a jerk. There are clubs and things that I sometimes include, and there are still a few that I let slip in, but honestly, this site is about LIVE MUSIC, so while I'll still throw in a karaoke here or there, or certain club nights around town, but I just don't have it in me (this week, anyway) to list every DJ event around town. Anyway, I'm gonna give these to you to look over and if there's something I missed that just has to be posted, let me know and I'll try to get it added before I hit the road to Vegas in the morning.

Friday, August 5, 2011:

• Scattered Trees, Alternate Routes, Gun Runner @ Casbah
• Mr. Tube and the Flying Objects, Rafter, Count Fleet @ Soda Bar
• Meseta, Fille Facile, Boxdox, Shoe Shine Boys @ Che Cafe
• Dazed and Confused, Back 2 Black, Rushed, DJ ManCat @ Belly Up
• The Bravery @ Del Mar Racetrack, Summer Concert Series
• First Friday with DJ Artistic and guests @ Bar Pink
• The Amandas @ Whistle Stop
• Strangely Strange, The Experiments, Far From Frequency @ The Shakedown
• Men Seeking Women, So Many Wizards, World Club, Clockart @ Tin Can
• Bujwah presents Ronni Nogood & The Youngbloods, DJ Junior Metro@ Til Two Club
• Infinitum Obscure, Fatalist, Ritual Torture, Sanguis Imperium, Mutilation @ Ruby Room
• Cedar Fire, Frontsiders, Death on Mars & Cypress Project @ Ken Club
• Manchest & Her @ The Ould Sod
• Barrio Tiger, Dead Engines @ Eleven
• Punk vs Hip Hop feat. Chinese Rocks vs. Stuntdouble & Tenshun, DJ Peril vs Mr. Henshaw vas DJ Cesh @ Tower Bar
• Feel The Noise Electro Dance with special guest Audrey Napoleon, DJs Gabe Vega & Friends @ U-31
• Unwritten Law @ House of Blues
• The Gregory Page Show @ Lestat's
• Hell on Heels Burlesque Review w/ Scarlett Martini (Italy's biggest burlesque star) & Armitage Shanks (Circus Contraption Host) @ Brick By Brick
• So-Cal Vibes, Sunny Rude, Rightjahs Blend @ Winston's
• The Mar Dels @ Belly Up (Happy Hour 5:30 pm)
• Polynesian Underground Presents Kingston 13 and special guests @ 710 Beach Club
• Suffokate, Deceiver, As They Burn Alive, Shores, Life Withheld, Jeremiah Johnson, Head of the Hydra (CD release) @ Epicentre
• Gates, Paper Planet, Arm & A Leg, The Fixtures, New Year @ Soma
• The California Consort featuring Karen Follingstad piano, Alyze Dreiling violin, Susan Ung viola, Lorie Kirkell cello, & contrabass virtuoso Bert Turetzky perform “The Trout Quintet” Opus 87 by Franz Schubert & J.N. Hummel’s piano quintet @ Dizzy's (San Diego Wine & Culinary Center)
• Delta Nove @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge
• Green Jackets @ Hensley's Flying Elephant
• All Star Comedy Event to Benefit Community Construction Charity feat. Lou Pizarro, Gary Sturgis (host), Amir Rahim, Wacko, DJ Cooch, Jason Collings @ 4th & B
• Steph Johnson, Monette Marino-Keita @ Anthology (Early Show 7:30pm)
• Big Sam’s Funky Nation @ Anthology (Late Show 9:30 pm)
• Adrianna Marie & The Deep Blue Three @ Marble Room
• Zenbu Fridays with DJ Leif @ Zenbu Cardiff
• 5&a Dime 90s Party Jay Dread, Saul Q, Flo, Kid Wonder @ El Dorado

From The Archives: Transfer at the Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas, March 25, 2011

Since Transfer has their HUGE homecoming show tonight at the Belly Up, and since I found the start of an entry that I never posted from way back in March, and because I have nothing but love for the guys and wish I could be there tonight, and since I'm going back to the Cosmopolitan this weekend, I thought I'd post a couple videos from that amazing trip to Vegas and that lost blog post that I recently discovered in my email from March 27, 2011.

When we heard that Transfer would be returning from their European tour with a 4 day stint in Vegas, I didn't really consider going. Jeff did, however, and got a room at the Trump on Priceline, and yesterday we made the 6 or so hour drive out. I kinda forgot how nuts Vegas is for March Madness. At the moment I'm sitting in the Triple 7 Brewpub at Main Street Station in downtown. The brewmaster's special beer is a tasty Irish Stout.

This city is always insane. The Cosmopolitan opened in December and is pretty swanky; you know that from the first contact at the valet. At the same time, it wasn't tacky and not outrageously expensive either. After checking in at Trump, we hurried to the casino to attempt to catch Matty singing the national anthem for a boxing match in the casino. Unfortunately it ended up not being broadcast, but apparently Cooker shot video, so I'll post it when available.

Instead, we went upstairs to find something to eat. None of the restaurants had enough variety for the polar opposite diets that we have, so we had the buffet. The place is called The Wicked Spoon and it was amazeballs. For $29, it wasn't cheap but had tons of options including several pretossed salads, a mac n cheese bar, a rotisserie area, Italian and Asian sections and the most insane dessert bar I've ever seen, I highly recommend checking it out. They had a sections devoted entirely to fudge, chocolate dipped fruit (and even chocolate dipped candy bars!!) and gelato.

After stuffing our faces, Jeff watched the game as I played video poker. I hung in for awhile, getting a couple 4 of a kinds and a straight flush, but when some chick sat next to me and hit a royal within 3 minutes, I walked away.

We sat in Stage & Book until Transfer started. It's pretty unique to have a stage behind the bar of a casino lounge hosting new music...traditionally these spaces have a cheesy cover band playing hits from the 80s and 90s, so it's definitely a cool thing. Apparently they've hosted some great bands...BRMC and Florence & The Machine to name a couple, and they have Tennis and Kisses coming in the future. They book themas 4 night residencies and man, I'd love to send some bands to play there.

Instead of really adding too much to that four and a half months later, I'll say that the weekend was crazy. We watched both sets on Friday, and so many people were out from San Diego. At one point we were in an amazing suite overlooking the pool as Girl Talk performed. We ate well, drank well, and of course, got our fix of the band we love so much. In the time since then, The Nervous Wreckords and The Silent Comedy have also played there, and like I said, I'll be going out this weekend to catch up with Other Lives, one of my favorite discoveries this year. I'll also say there was some crazy stuff that happened that weekend, like karaoke at Dino's with Fiddy and a couple members of The Killers, and I learned not to walk Las Vegas Blvd at 4 am because you will get solicitations, even if you're in a hoodie and jeans.

Anyway, here are the videos from that weekend. Watch them AFTER you get home from the Belly Up or you're gonna miss the openers.

Things To Do In San Diego: August 4, 2011

Whereas yesterday was a really good day, today is a bit more stressful. That's how life as a freelancer goes, sometimes. Realizing I'm short on rent for the month and having more bills to pay just around the corner and no money coming in to cover them...not really sure what to do. My landlord is going to freak. The ironic thing is I'm running off to Vegas for the weekend, so one might think I must have money to blow, but I'm really just tagging along with Jeff who is covering the trip so that we can see Other Lives at the Cosmopolitan.

I've debated options for this site...I have that donate button over in the sidebar, I see other arts and entertainment people using Kickstarter, I've explored "Tip The Web", and there are ways to make it available only to subscribers. I've considered charging venues to have their shows listed but then you wouldn't have a complete rundown of what's going on. What's it actually worth to you though? If everyone who used this site regularly donated $10 or $5 or even $2 a month, I think I could keep on with the way it's going, but at the moment I'm feeling pretty fuzzy headed about it. Jeff suggested I just skip weekend listings and leave you all on your own, but that's not my style. So I'll get those weekend listings up, I'll do my best to enjoy Vegas, and I suppose I'll deal with my landlord and bills and figuring out how to close my personal budget shortfall as I can. Moving or homelessness wouldn't be a concern except that I have a dog and two cats to think about. I am also always open to new social media clients, banner advertisers, and band consulting/booking. I will suck this up and hopefully figure it all out. Or maybe I just skip rent and put it all on black?

Thursday August 4, 2011:

• Colin Clyne @ West Coast Tavern
• Transfer, Dead Feather Moon, Bully @ Belly Up
• TNT: Emerge Presents: The Nervous Wreckords, Republic of Letters @ MoCA San Diego Downtown
• YOB, Dark Castle, Author & Punisher @ Casbah
• Moenia, Crisantes @ House of Blues
• Yes, Scott West @ Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay
• Ghetto Blaster, Hauksness, Lady Parts @ Soda Bar
• The New Assembly, Hotel St. George, The Sterotypes, Death On Mars @ Tin Can
• Wintersfear, Altercation @ The Shakedown Bar
• Men Seeking Women, Mad Traffic, Neon Cough @ Ruby Room
• Queen Caveat @ Bar Pink
• Chase Morrin & His Quartet @ Dizzy's
• Physical Education Presents: LBCK, Steve McQueen, French Kiss Collective @ El Dorado
• Missy Andersen @ Marble Room
• Old Tiger @ Riviera Supper Club
• David Bromberg @ Anthology
• Rich the Stich @ Hensley's Flying Elephant
• The Ratt's Revenge @ Tower Bar
• 145th Street @ Patrick's II
• Soul Jazz @ Croce's
• Moonlight Serenade Orchestra @ The Lucky Star Restaurant (54th & University)
• Private Domain @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Critical Beatdown w/ Devon Who, Mndsgn, Elan, DJ Pound, DJ Cleancut, Nino Sineris @ Kava Lounge
• L.E.D. Presents: Pendulum (DJ Set), Dan Sena @ Voyeur
• The Flock of 80's @ Henry's Pub
• Miss Asia San Diego Mixer w/ DJ Ricochet, Love Newsome, One Hunned @ Til-Two Club
• Club 80's @ Club Kadan
• Red Lane @ Coyote Bar & Grill
• Hazmatt @ Gallagher's
• Dead As Dillinger, Screamin Yeehaws @ Boar Cross'n
• Snug Mojo @ Winston's
• Live Band Karaoke @ 710 Beach Club
• The Stevie Starlight Band @ RT's Longboard Grill
• Micky Arnett Band @ Skybox Bar & Grille
• Michael Leclerc @ Beaumont's
• Harmony Road @ McP's Irish Pub & Crill

The Horde and the Harem, Skyline Union, Jesse LaMonaca and the Dime Novels @ Soda Bar, 8.3.2011

I haven't really written about a show in a while, but since there were so few people at Soda Bar last night, I thought I'd fill you in on what you missed. Before that, I'll rewind a little and say that I spent the afternoon poolside at the Handlery Hotel, where Jesse LaMonaca and the Dime Novels performed for the better part of three hours. It's worth mentioning, too, that the band is currently in the studio recording their follow up to Until The Stars Came Out. When Jesse performs...whether it's a mix of originals and covers to a passive pool or pub crowd or whether it's a show like the Soda Bar, Jesse never gives less than a full performance. My throat hurts just thinking about what he's doing to his when he hits certain notes. So after three hours at the pool, Jesse's voice was worked, but he kept it together for their 35 minute set at Soda Bar. Matt, the bassist for the band, couldn't make it, so it was really cool seeing Jesse play acoustic with Brandon on electric guitar and James with just a floor tom, a cajon, and some tambourines. They played a song I've heard them do a couple times but I still don't know the title (video here) and another new one, "Meteorite Shower" that I love for a million reasons including the fact that Jesse incorporated his dog's name into the song. ("we can say the same thing five million different ways/but Rosco T. he don't know what it means anyway...")

Following up was Skyline Union. The band was made up of familiar faces but I didn't know any of them personally. Turns out the singer, Frank, was the lead for Campaign For Quiet (or so I was told). His voice was amazing and sounds like he can do well with any genre or style of music. It kinda reminded me of Kevin from Better Than Ezra in certain ways. I couldn't really classify their music...it's rock with a bit of a throwback to classic rock (and an obscure Stones cover to prove it), but with the keyboard front and center, there's definitely a unique quality to what they're doing. I also have to say that I had fun talking to Frank after their set because he has this amazing positive energy and radiated enthusiasm. You would've thought that he was seeing his all time favorite bands as he supported JL&tDN and The Horde and the Harem. I know it's so hipster cool to hate life and be indifferent to everything, but someone like Frank defies that and it was very refreshing.

Finally The Horde and the Harem took the stage. They're from Seattle and didn't seem to mind that the crowd was mostly made up of the other bands and family. They were happy to be there, they seemed to like Soda Bar, and during their set, they mentioned returning in March 2012. I loved them. I loved the multi-part harmonies, I loved when they switched up instruments, and I loved when they switched up lead vocals. Their music certainly fits the caliber of indie rock coming out of the Pacific Northwest and I suspect the next time they come around they'll have a lot more local love.

Here are a few videos of The Horde and the Harem at Soda Bar:

New Casbah Shows Announced

Yesterday I told you I had a lot of updates for the Casbah's calendar and today I posted all of them. I'll get around to posting bios and photos, but in the meantime, the following shows all go onsale this Friday:

Sun Sep 11 - FM94/9 presents an About the Music show with Givers
Fri Sep 23 - Good Time Zoo Tour featuring Sims/with Lazerbeak, Cecil Otter
Sun Nov 27 - Rachael Yamagata

These were also just announced but are onsale right away.
Mon Sep 5 - Glass Candy/Chromatics, DJ Mario Orduno
Sat Oct 8 - Mucca Pazza @ Soda Bar
Oct 13 - Narrows, Helms Alee @ Soda Bar
Sat Oct 22 - Tamaryn, Mood Rings, Melted Toys
Oct 25 - Pre-Halloween Halloween Show - He's My Brother, She's My Sister, The Mumlers, Kera and the Lesbians

PS. When you navigate the Casbah website, be sure to check the Featured, Newest Added, Outside Shows, and the Extended Calendar. You don't wanna miss a thing!

pss- Since I'm SO EXCITED about Givers coming back to San Diego, here's some footage of the last time they were in San Diego.