Recommended Shows in San Diego April 1-7, 2013

The first week of April begins what just might be one of the best months of musical happenings here in San Diego. Maybe Coachella is responsible for the quantity of great local shows, but most bands are in touring mode as the festival season approaches. A closer look at the upcoming week reveals those events worth attending.

On Monday King Dude (T.J. Cowgill) brings his folksy music to the Casbah...Lindsy Stirling plays to a sold out crowd downtown at the House of Blues...The Weeks bring their raucous show to The Griffin...

The Last Bison headline The Loft on Tuesday with their high energy folk rock...

On Wednesday Phosphorescent (Matthew Houck) hits town at the Casbah on the heels of his latest release, Muchacho...Strand of Oaks opens making this the show of the week...highly recommended...

Brooklyn band Widowspeak play their infectious brand of dream pop this Thursday at The Void...

Friday kicks off with the return of Kopecky Family Band at Soda Bar...arrive early to catch opener The Eastern Sea...

British indie rockers Esben and The Witch will be playing music of a darker nature at Soda Bar on Saturday...their live performance is sure to turn a few heads...TV Girl and Vacationer rock the Casbah...

Sunday offers Thao & the Get Down Stay Down returning to the Casbah...Jaymay (Jamie Seerman) makes a rare San Diego appearance at Soda Bar... Canadian Mac DeMarco returns for a show at The Void...

Choose wisely, but be sure to enhance your well being by watching live music in San Diego.

Watch a video of Locusts from Widowspeak below.

Django Django w/ Night Moves @ The Fonda Theater- 03.23.13

It is truly a shame that UK alt/electro/indie rockers Django Django have yet to play in San Diego- chalk it up to a perceived lack of support, booking conflicts or a distaste for fish tacos. As was the case, a drive north to Hollywood & Vine was in the works last Saturday night to catch what turned into an absolute rocker of a show. More words and photos after the jump.

Watch: Phosphorescent Performing Live for Pitchfork

In anticipation of the weekend and a great show next week, watch the live performance, courtesy of Pitchfork.tv,  from Matthew Houck, aka Phosphorescent...I do believe all the songs (excluding the last) are from Muchacho and will be part of the setlist (listed below)...simply copy and paste the address below into your browser and enjoy...







Terror in the Canyons
The Quotidian Beasts
Song for Zula
A New Anhedonia
Down to Go
Los Angeles

See you at the show...tickets can be purchased here.


http://pitchfork.com/tv/outside-in/1938-phosphorescent/3134-perform-live/#ooid=drb2RmYTo7UjExno244zSphlciBiv8uo

Things To Do In San Diego: March 28-April 1, 2013

Hooray! Today is a good day. Final doctor checkup and I'm all put back together. I am so grateful that Planned Parenthood exists because they deal with far more health concerns than just pregnancies and STI's, despite what the asshole Republicans will have you believe, and their sliding scale means people like me, with no insurance, are taken care of on a sliding scale though I guess the Repubs It's gorgeous outside and I worked until 5am so I could enjoy the day, starting off with some archery and a picnic at Balboa Park and now I'm off for a bike ride. See you tonight at the SoundDiego party at El Dorado. Archives are after the jump.

A Day In The Life of North Park

My bestie Kristian and his company, MySMN, put together another video for North Park Main Street highlighting the neighborhood of North Park. It's super cute and definitely a reminder of why we live here (or near here). They used Jesse LaMonaca's "Other Side of the World" for the soundtrack, too. Check it out:

Show Preview: Caveman @ Casbah Friday March 29, 2013

Brooklyn five piece indie rockers Caveman continue their stateside trek here in San Diego this Friday. This is four days before Fat Possum releases the bands eponymous sophomore record. The label has teased us with advancing a couple of tracks on the forthcoming album. If this is a pretense of the entire work, then all signs are pointing upward as the band continues to expand its sound. At the center is lead singer Matthew Iwanusa , whose voice is so readily likable one cannot help but become somewhat transfixed on the overall effort. I was in the crowd the last time Caveman played the iconic Middletown venue, but this show promises to be even better while showcasing the band's growth. Do yourself a favor and kick off the weekend with an intimate show featuring a true up and coming band at the Casbah. Tickets can be purchased here.

Pure Bathing Culture and Boy King set the stage.

Listen to Over My Head and In The City (via SoundCloud) from the yet to be released Caveman below.

91X Announces X-Fest 2013

This morning 91X announced their lineup for X-Fest taking place on May 17, 2013 at Sleep Train Amphitheatre in Chula Vista. In case you missed it:

30 Seconds To Mars
The Offspring
Jimmy Eat World
Silversun Pickups
The Dirty Heads
Fitz and the Tantrums
Wavves
Atlas Genius
Capital Cities
New Politics
IAMDYNAMITE

Presale runs now through Thursday, with general public tickets on dale Friday.

See 91X.com for more details.

Things To Do In San Diego: March 25-27, 2013

Someone woke up with a case of the Mondays today. I meant to post these yesterday and forgot and looking at my inbox, it seems there are a lot of things I forgot, so today I'm a wound up ball of stress trying to focus and handle one thing at a time until that list dwindles. It's really nice outside, too, which make it all the more tempting to just close up the laptop and play, but I need to earn my keep. Anyway, Monday through Wednesday archives after the jump.

Recommended Shows in San Diego March 25-31, 2013

Jeff Mangum by Will Deitz

The last week of March offers many quality shows in San Diego. A closer look reveals some worth attending.

On Monday Erika Wennerstrom brings blues indie rockers Heartless Bastards to the Casbah.

Spreckels Theatre is the place to be on Tuesday when Jeff Mangum (Neutral Milk Hotel) plays solo in front of his adoring fans.

Two Portland bands, And And And plus The We Shared Milk take over the intimate Tin Can on Wednesday.

This Thursday Sister Sparrow and The Dirty Birds swoop into The Griffin with their brand of soul rock.

Caveman headline the Casbah on Friday playing songs from their eponymous new record. Pure Bathing Culture opens for what promises to be a great show.

The Airborne Toxic Event begin a two night run at the House of Blues on Saturday. A few tickets remain for Sunday's show. Foxygen returns for a sold out show at Soda Bar on Saturday. Post punk rockers Iceage (Denmark) make their San Diego debut on Sunday at the Casbah.

A great week of music lies ahead for those willing to support the artists playing in America's finest city.

Watch a video of Timeless by The Airborne Toxic Event below.

Things To Do In San Diego: March 22-24, 2013

It's Friday night and I am so ready for the weekend. It was a beautiful day today and spring is in the air and my little feral bunny came back after not visiting for a few days so things are looking up. I almost made plans to run off to Vegas with my family next week, but I think there's so much fun to be had here that I think I'll just give myself a little spring break. For anyone playing along with 91X's "ticket thief" promotion, I am NOT the ticket thief. Listings for the weekend are after the jump.

Friday, March 22, 2013:

• The Donkeys, Low Volts, John Meeks Band @ Soda Bar
• Bob Schneider, The Palace Ballroom @ Belly Up (9:00)
• Janis Ian @ AMSD
• Get Back Loretta, Barbarian, Jackson Price, 9 Theory @ The Casbah
• Casbah Presents: Drop Dead Dames Burlesque Show and Kadavar @ The Void
• 91X presents Pennywise with Anti-Flag and Death by Stereo @ House of Blues
• Los Lonely Boys @ Casino Pauma
• Mod Sun, Cisco Adler, Tayyib Ali, Pat Brown, Super Groupie, Falkon Klan @ Epicentre
• Split FInger & Subliminal Trip @ 710 Beach Club
• Chica Diabla, The Touchies, Hocus, SXO @ The Tower Bar
• Tactical Fever, Ana, Dead Animal Mod @ The Tin Can
• Bonkers! EDM Dance Party @ Bar Pink
• Atomic Groove Spring Fling Happy Hour @ Belly Up (5:30)
• Sinner's Sermon Unplugged, Freakstar @ Brick By Brick
• Nectar w/ DJ Eye @ Fluxx
• Buzzbombs, DJ Sammi B @ Gallagher's
• Sister Speak (5:00) @ Humphrey's Backstage
• Detroit Underground (9:00) @ Humphrey's Backstage
• Chris Trapper @ Lestat's
• Enter Shikari, The Architects, Heartist, Crossfaith @ Soma
• Polynesian Underground Presents: Beyond I Sight Band, Maka and the I Sight Band, Positive Co. @ The Griffin
• Da' Mac @ Tio Leos
• Oscar D'leon @ Blue Agave Nightclub
• Rising Star @ Dreamcatcher
• Caliber @ V Lounge
• Sex Panther @ Voyeur
• Band Showcase Staff Picks @ Whistlestop
• The Red Not Chili Peppers, Wicked Garden @ Winstons

Saturday. March 23, 2013:

• Big Bad Buffalo, Ella, Christy, The Bridge @ The Ché Café
• Black Lips, Night Beats, Beach Party @ The Casbah
• Lucky & Wild, Owl Paws, Rob Bondurant @ The Tin Can
• High Noon, WithOut Papers & Tonsil Yeti @ 710 Beach Club
• 94/9 Presents: Pennywise with Anti-Flag and Death by Stereo @ House of Blues
• Stevie & The Hi-Stax with The Milkcrates DJs @ Bar Pink
• San Diego Experimental Guitar Show feat. Scott Nielsen, Bart Stull, Clint Davis, Demetrius Antuna, Rafter, Wages @ Space 4 Art
• Mjurder Construct, Pig Life, Bad Acid Trip @ The Void
• The Atomic Punks with 619 @ Belly Up
• The Weener Pigs @ Brick By Brick
• Charles Chavez and AFROTRUKO @ Dizzy's
• The Orange Pickers, The Gravities, Dark Matter, Reprieve @ Epicentre
• Nectar w/ DJ Karma @ Fluxx
• Deadly Birds, DJ Chelu @ Gallagher's
• CANCELED Asi Suena/Live Nation present: Lo + Cool Tour feat. Los Bunkers @ House of Blues
• Nemesis @ Humphrey's Backstage (5:00)
• popRx @ Humphrey's Backstage (9:00)
• Billy Watson Madcap Harmonica Show @ Lestat's
• The Mercedes Moore Band @ The Marble Room
• Toothless George 10 Man Band Year Anniversary Show with The Screamin Yeehaws @ Ruby Room
• SD Experimental Guitar Show @ Soda Bar
• Mortify Your Enemies, Brave Coast, Capsize, Hotel Books, Immoral, Halftime @ Soma
• Suite Brigitte Presents: The Amalgamated, Stevie and the HI Staxx, T Irie Dread @ The Griffin
• Crash Diet, Crucified Barbara, Snakeskyn Whiskey, Slut Machine, Sister Steele @ The Shakedown
• Full Strength Funk Band @ Tio Leos
• Robin & Linda Williams @ San Dieguito United Methodist Church
• Caliber @ V Lounge
• Sirens Crush @ Dreamcatcher
• Gregor Salto @ Voyeur
• DJs Dimitri and Rob, DJ Claire @ Whistlestop
• Cubensis, Moonalice @ Winston's

Show Preview- Django Django @ The Fonda Theater- 03.23.13

There is a ton of solid live music in San Diego this weekend, but if you aren't finding anything to your liking (or didn't get tix to the sold-out Black Lips show in time), there is what will be a killer show happening at The Fonda Theater (formerly the Music Box) just off of Hollywood and Vine.   UK four-piece Django Django most recently played Southern California almost exactly six months ago (also in LA- for some reason they have yet to play a SD venue) and blew the doors off of The Echo.  Their exceptional self titled debut album translates exceptionally well to a live setting where the band takes the opportunity to ramp it up several levels.  So if you feel like getting out of town for a night, head north- guaranteed good times.  Tickets available here (and maybe at the box office, but it will most likely sell out before then).  See you up there!

Video: Pinback on Fallon

Last night Pinback performed on Jimmy Fallon! (In case you didn't already see dozens of messages on Facebook about it...) Bonus video, too! As Adam Gimbel posted: "Holy allstar Fallon taping! Pinback with JP Inc, Rick Froberg (Drive Like Jehu/Hot Snakes), Devon Goldberg (Creedle/Morricone Youth) & Gabe Voiles (Powerdresser)."

Things To Do In San Diego: March 20-21, 2013

It has been a great week so far, and it is only getting better as we move along. I finally got out of my house over the weekend, got to check out Ivan & Alyosha on Monday, and spent my Tuesday babysitting Zane with a fun day at Balboa Park. There are some great shows coming up, so hopefully you get out and enjoy some sunshine then follow up by tickling your earholes with some live music. I have some posts bouncing around my brain, so hopefully I'll find some time to let the thoughts run through my fingertips for some rants and diaries and such.

Show Preview: Ducktails @ The Void Wednesday March 20, 2013

It is quite common for independent musicians to become involved in multiple projects. Such is the case with Matt Mondanile, guitarist for New Jersey based indie rock band Real Estate. Many fans of that group may be unaware that Matt is the creative tour de force behind Ducktails, a similar sounding project with a rotating cast of support musicians. Matt and company are touring the West Coast after a successful run at SXSW. Having recently released his latest full length, The Flower Lane, it has become readily apparent that Ducktails has evolved into more than simply a 'side' project. The songs have a wonderful flow, though sometimes drift from the plotted course. The album is his best work to date, and warrants seeing Ducktails perform in the live setting. San Diegans will get their opportunity to witness Matt and his cohorts at the newly named The Void (Eleven) on Wednesday (3/20).

Mark McGuire sets the stage.

Watch a video of Letter of Intent below.

BRMC // TRANSFER Tour so far...

LA to London to Liverpool to Dublin to Belfast, where we started our tour in support of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and things seem to be moving right along.  It's been a long journey to get here but it feels as though we've hit a good stride.
Irish crowds were warm to us despite it being our inaugural voyage there.  After the two shows, (Belfast, Dublin) we headed back to England and found out that our show in Istres, France had been cancelled due to weather.  Also learned that our friends that had been on tour in the area of the storm on had been stuck on the side of the road in the snow for 11hrs before it finally let up...so it appeared as though we had dodged a bullet.  It also afforded us a few days to situate in London and catch up with some old friends.
We headed out to catch the Euro Tunnel at 3:30am to get to Paris for the two sold out nights at Le Trianon.  Amazing venue and awesome crowds.  Check the live version of White Horse below:
 

It's been an incredible ride so far, and the BRMC camp through-and-through is absolutely top notch.  Their new material is fantastic and the performances are beyond awesome.
It's a real treat for us to tour with one of our favorite bands and I gotta say, if you have the opportunity to see them on this tour, take it.  You won't be disappointed.  
We'll be anouncing a handful of UK dates soon, so keep an eye out for updates.
And if you missed it:  Get the FREE download of our new single "Still Bad Blood" and watch the Official Lyric Video HERE
Track the progress @
TRANSFERBAND.COM
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
Instagram: @transferband

Show Preview: Ivan and Alyosha at the Soda Bar Monday Night

The band Ivan and Alyosha initially piqued my interest due to their Literature-major-baiting band name, which is a reference to two of the four brothers in Dostoyevsky's Brother Karamazov.  And please think of me when you answer that Jeopardy question and sound smart in front of your friends.  Well my curiosity brought me to the Soda Bar a while ago and I was immediately charmed by their pop-hooks embedded in some solid folk rock.  So I came back for more the next time they were in town and wasn't disappointed again.  And now tomorrow night they will be bringing a new album's worth of songs to make your and yours swoon in delight.  All the Times We Had has been on constant rotation for me in anticipation of the show, so make sure you come to the Soda Bar Monday night.  Tickets are available here and Lemolo and Soda Pants are opening.  Check out the a live performance of their new single "Running for Cover" below.

Recommended Shows in San Diego March 18-24, 2013

Now that the insanity known as SXSW is officially over, thousands of bands disperse from Austin, TX to various locations around the globe. The upside is a number of those bands will be visiting San Diego. Let's take a closer look at the upcoming week for some quality live music events.

Imagine Dragons headline a sold out show downtown at the House of Blues on Monday...Atlas Genius and Nico Vega round out the bill...if you don't have a ticket, head over to Soda Bar for Ivan and Alyosha, a terrific indie pop/rock band from Seattle...highly recommended...

Tuesday finds Welsh rockers The Joy Formidable with their arena rock at the Belly Up (updated: sold out)...Matt Costa will be playing songs from his new eponymous album at the Casbah...

On Wednesday Matt Mondanile (Real Estate) brings his side project Ducktails to The Void...

There are many options for Thursday...Christopher Owens (Girls) is solo now, playing at The Irenic...The Deer Tracks, a Swedish duo, play Quality Social downtown...Doldrums headline an eclectic bill at Soda Bar...

Start the weekend (Friday) with a locals only show at Soda Bar featuring favorite The Donkeys...Low Volts and John Meeks Band make this the show of the night...

The Black Lips begin a two night run Saturday at the Casbah...

Natural Child finishes the weekend at Soda Bar on Sunday...gritty rock from Nashville...

March continues to be an outstanding month for live music in San Diego...enrich yourself by going to a show...or two...

Watch a video of Ivan and Alyosha's Running For Cover below.

Things To Do In San Diego: March 16-19, 2013

I'm going slightly out of my mind this week. Health always comes first, but when you think something is no big deal and then it kinda is, it's a knock down for sure, especially when you otherwise feel okay. I've been stuck at home for a couple days and Darren has been incredible, going above and beyond what anyone has ever done for me. I should be back to normal soon but until then, I love and appreciate Jeff and Nate and Elliott and Transfer and all the other blog contributors who are keeping all of us abreast of things going on in the scene. You might also be interested to know that Anthology's auction was postponed and my friend Pete informed me that Flying Elephant has been sold and will no longer host live music, so I'll keep you posted if I hear anything else. Be safe out there tonight at tomorrow...there will be DUI checkpoints all over. Darren is out driving his taxi late tonight, too, so if we're friends enough that you have my number, feel free to text me and I can pass along his number. Saturday through Tuesday listings are after the jump.

Show Preview: Richard Buckner @ Soda Bar Sunday March 17, 2013

Alt-country troubadour Richard Buckner will be making a rare appearance in San Diego on Sunday,  capping off a beautiful St. Patrick's Day. Currently residing in Brooklyn, Richard is currently completing his West Coast tour playing songs from his most recent album, Our Blood (Merge records). Five years had passed since his last release. A soundtrack was written but never came to fruition. Though nothing jumps out when listening, it is the mood that is cast by the well traveled singer. Each of his albums  is a little different, but his voice remains constant. This is what draws the listener to his work, and his cult-like fans know there is a passion that Richard shares with those familiar with his songs. The next chapter will be the yet to be released Surrounded. Hopefully those of us in attendance will get to hear a preview of some songs from this upcoming album. The show tomorrow will lean to the acoustic side, while the headliner will probably be seated during the performance. This is a Casbah Presents show and is 21+.

The Midnight Pine set the stage.

To get you in the mood, watch a video of Traitor (Sleepover Shows) below.

Frightened Rabbit w/ The Twilight Sad @ Belly Up- 03.12.13

 This past Tuesday was Scots night at the Belly Up as a pared-down The Twilight Sad and indie rockers Frightened Rabbit mad a trip across the pond for yet another US tour.  More words and pix after the jump.