Things To Do In San Diego: December 31-January 2, 2013

I am ready for 2014. Had a great final day of the year with Darren, enjoying the day, cleaning the house, and just prepping for a long night ahead. I posted Lafayette set times, will post Casbah if I get them. I decided not to add all the downtown and other NYE events, but here's what you've got if you're a really late planner. I hope everyone has a safe, happy, and fulfilling New Year's Eve. Tuesday through Thursday archives are after the jump.

NYE at The Lafayette: Set Times (SOLD OUT)

As you well know, NYE at the Lafayette is sold out tonight. There will be two lines: one for people with hotel reservations, band guest lists, and SoundDiego/FM 94/9 and other contest winners. The other line is the will call list (which I'll be working). The list is super fast if everyone has their IDs out and ready to go. If you're still looking for something to do, there are still tickets available at The Casbah for Terraplane Sun and at Soda Bar for Scarlet Symphony.

Poolside Terrace:
In Motion Collective 8:30-9:45

Conservatory (Lobby):
Low Volts 9:50-10:20
DJ Beto 10:20-11:45
Low Volts 11:45-12:30
DJ Beto 12:30-1:45

Essex Room:
Blackout Party 10:40-11:20
Ziggy Shuffledust & The Spiders From Mars 11:45-12:45

Mississippi Room:
Dead Feather Moon 10:15-11:15
Transfer 11:45-12:45

Things To Do In San Diego: December 30, 2013

It feels like a really long December, no? This extra job at the stadium is cool and all, but working 3 Sundays (I missed one for the birth of my nephew) and then again tonight for Holiday Bowl is seriously cutting into my social life. Still, extra cash is cool and after Darren and I both work NYE, I'm looking forward to a couple days of quiet. I'm actually hoping to steal him off to a day or two in Mexico, but we'll see how that goes. Anyway, Jeff really came through with listings for this week, and if there's more stuff to add for NYE, I'll get around to it before the big day, but I'd rather just assume all my smart readers have already secured plans. Darren is taking van reservations for NYE if you need safe transport. Monday archives are after the jump.

NYE at the Casbah: Terraplane Sun, Jackson Price, The Paragraphs, The Yes Team

If you're looking for a great New Year's Eve show without droves of people and chaos, consider the Casbah's lineup with Terraplane Sun, Jackson Price, The Paragraphs, and The Yes Team. Tickets are only $20 and still available. TICKETS

Of course, you know I'll be working at the Lafayette and there are only 25 tickets left, so if you're hoping to celebrate on The Boulevard, get those tickets now.

Things To Do In San Diego: December 26-29, 2013

I hope everyone had an awesome Christmas. After recovering from Exile, it was a pretty great day of sunshine and family. Personally, I'm looking forward to a few days of absolutely no obligations, at least until I have to work at the stadium on Sunday and Monday. My nephew is doing well and it sounds like he'll be completely unplugged from all hospital apparatus sometime on Thursday. I've stalled enough on getting a new laptop, so I'm hoping to spend some time shopping to get that situation resolved and then I can get back to all the posting I've slacked on for the past two months. Mostly, I'm hoping to spend the last few days of the year just enjoying some quiet time with Darren, maybe we can sneak out of town or have a little staycation or something. I'll try and get your NYE roundup together soon, but I'll tell you that the Terraplane Sun show at the Casbah should be a great night and I'll be working at the Lafayette again- which has fewer than 100 tickets left, so grab them before they're gone.  Listings through Sunday are after the jump.

Thursday December 26, 2013:

• Saint Diego, Radios Silent, Grizzly Business, Action Andy & the Hi-Tones @ Casbah
• Casbah Presents: The Growlers, The Abigails, Mystic Braves @ Belly Up
• Anna Troy, Brendan Bourgeois, Donna Larsen @ Lestat's
• Sue Palmer @ Croce's
• Clay Colton @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• King Schascha & Irusalem @ Winston's
• Rovk N Roll Preservation Society DJs @ Tower Bar
• Johnny Vernazza @ Patrick's Gaslamp Pub
• Moonlight Serenade Orchestra @ Crystal Ballroom (414 N. Magnolia, El Cajon)
• BS Productions Presents: A Night in the Ukraine @ 98 Bottles
• Gaslamp Killer, Mateo, KC3PO, Sleeve, 10shun @ Kava Lounge
• Maka Roots, The I Sight Band, DJ Reefah @ Gallagher's Irish Pub
• Mor Sol @ Coyote Bar & Grill
• Steve Orr @ Crush (Solana Beach)
• Goodall Boys @ McP's Irish Pub
• The Clamjammers @ 710 Beach Club

Things To Do In San Diego: December 23-25, 2013

I have to say I had a pretty eventful weekend. Darren's mom and nephews are in town, so we had some fun time together and though I was expecting to work at the Chargers vs Raiders game, I ended up spending Sunday at Balboa hospital where my brother and sister-in-law welcomed my new nephew Evan- 6 weeks early! They had this big elaborate plan about my sister watching Gabe and Gia when the day would come, but my parents, sister, and nieces are on their annual pre-Christmas trek to Vegas, so I got the 5am call and reported for duty. Evan Joseph is 5lbs15oz and will probably be in NICU for a couple weeks until his lungs are fully ready for this world but it's super exciting to be an aunt to the fifth degree. Obviously listings aren't too extensive this week, but there's still some fun to be had, and we're hearing that this might be the final Exile on Kettner at the Casbah on Christmas Eve, so get there early because though it is free, they still have to be mindful of capacity.

Things To Do In San Diego: December 20-22, 2013

Let the panic ensue. I lost all my weekday shopping days and have no idea when I'm going to be able to shop. The good thing, I guess, is that there are so many small and local businesses that should have what I need for the most part, but Darren's family will be in town on Saturday and I'm still working at the football game on Sunday. My family will be in Vegas until Christmas, so maybe it will be a good week to catch some movies and just veg out...once I get that shopping done. Listings archive after the jump.

For Your Eyes & Ears: Holograms, TV Ghost @ Soda Bar Friday December 20, 2013

Music fans looking for a worthwhile show this Friday should consider the lineup Soda Bar has to offer. Holograms, post punk rockers from Sweden, will be headlining the smallish City Heights venue. Storming out of the gate a couple of years ago, this quartet has released two full length albums in a short time span. The songs have an immediacy to them, as commonly found in punk bands. Add a synthesizer to the mix and there is something unique to the band's sound. This is a band finding their sound while staying above the competition.

Watch a video of Meditations from Forever (Captured Tracks) by Holograms below.



Sharing the bill are art punk rock band TV Ghost, hailing from the Midwest (IN). Disconnect (In the Red) was released earlier this year and is music of a darker nature. Comparisons have been made to Echo & the Bunnymen, though there is a harsher nature to their songs. This is punk rock of the hypnotic form, easy to drift to without getting lost. A great way to set the table for the headliner.

Watch a video of Five Colors Blind by TV Ghost below.



Be sure to arrive early for local goodness compliments of Tropical Popsicle (LP release). A great night of music at a great venue. What else could you possibly want? Tickets can be purchased in advance here.

Things To Do In San Diego: December 18-19, 2013

I've been talking about the approach of the holidays, but it didn't really occur to me just how close we are to Christmas until yesterday, when I realized Darren's family is coming to town on Saturday and that I'll be stuck working the Raiders game alone on Sunday. My Christmas tree hasn't been decorated save for one string of lights and a lone ornament- a small velvet frame with a picture of Pascha from when she was about 3 years old. It's pretty lonely here without her, and poor Kiwi keeps looking under the bed and mewing for her missing sister. But, I have to say I'm happy overall. The other night, some freaking psychotic and reckless cops were in pursuit dangerously fast on Main Street in Chula Vista during rush hour and I had my nieces and god-sister in the car with me and we avoided being t-boned by mere seconds. Since we avoided collision, it seems no big deal, but I have a vivid flash of how it looked coming right at me before I slammed on the gas to get through the intersection and out of the way. I'm a little more appreciative that I get to enjoy a bounty of love with family and friends this holiday week.

New Year's Eve At The Lafayette: Full Lineup & Information

Last week the Casbah held a blind sale for New Year's Eve at the Lafayette. A limited amount of tickets were offered for just $15, and I'm sorry that it only got a mention in my listings and not a devoted post, but things have been a little crazy lately. They sold out pretty quick anyway, but I'd suggest if you're considering going, you buy your tickets now. They went up to $25, and now you can get them for $35, but the price is going to keep going up and I can tell you the show is already over 60% sold out. Of course, there's confusion every year. If you just want tickets, you want to buy them through the Casbah here. However, if you want to reserve a room, all packages include 2 tickets, and you should reserve those through The Lafayette. The reservation system will include the promo code which includes 2 tickets/room. Additional guests will have to purchase tickets separately.

Anyway, the lineup is out and it is pretty exciting. Since Darren's Van will be out on the road (accepting reservations now!), I will once again be working the front door of the event to greet all of the beautiful people.

This year, New Year's Eve at the Lafayette features Transfer, Ziggy Shuffledust, Dead Feather Moon, Blackout Party, Low Volts, In Motion Trio, DJ Beto, and The Visual Underground handling all the cool lights and projections and installations and such.

This has sold out in advance every year. Don't wait! Get your tickets now.

Things To Do In San Diego: December 16-17, 2013

I don't know about you, but I had a pretty great weekend, all things considered. It was my nephew's birthday and my mom's brother and sister were in town, so we had a big birthday and pre-Christmas shindig on Saturday, and I worked with Darren on some pickups, too. On Sunday, we headed downtown and joined about 200 other bicyclists on the Tweed Ride and even won a Blind Lady gift card in the raffle. I'm going to be honest, the closer we get to Christmas and New Year's, the fewer touring acts we'll see in town, but we still have some great locals to keep us going, and don't forget that things like Jungle Bells at the Zoo are also happening, which means the Zoo is open until 8pm most nights through January 5. I've been reminded that there are also nightly Hornblower dinner cruises, too, which can be a good choice if you have visitors to entertain or just want a night without cooking and cleaning. Monday and Tuesday archives are after the jump.

Recommended Shows in San Diego December 16-22, 2013

National Maple Syrup Day

The last full week of shows and holiday shopping has arrived. There are many worthwhile live music events worth noting in the upcoming week, so here we go.

Catch local singer-songwriter Tristan Prettyman on Monday at the Belly Up...

Indie pop trio Lovers (Portland) play an intimate gig on Tuesday at the Tin Can...they recently released their seventh studio effort A Friend in the World...

On Wednesday The Casbah presents Polica, making their second San Diego area appearance, this time in the larger confines of the Belly Up...

Singer-actress Rebecca Pidgeon returns to Lestat's for a cozy show on Thursday...she just released her seventh album, Blue Dress On...

Friday's pick is Holograms (Sweden) and TV Ghost (IN) over at Soda Bar...

Check the listings for a show on Saturday..

El Vez and Rosie Flores present their Mexmas show at the Casbah on Sunday...sounds like a great way to cap the weekend..

A great week of music lies waiting for the music fans in San Diego...support local venues and act responsibly while doing so...

Watch a video of My Oh My by Tristan Prettyman below.



Watch a video of Oh Yeah by Lovers below.

Things To Do In San Diego: December 13-15, 2013

What a week. Thanks to everyone for all of the supportive texts and messages about Pascha. Her absence is definitely felt around home, and being who I am, the best way for me to deal with the loss was to write about her and also to experience live music. On Wednesday night, Darren and I went to the House of Blues where American Authors, The Royal Concept, and Misterwives played an awesome show in the Delta Room. Alain was bartending and made it a really awesome night for us. From there, we went to the Casbah and caught OctaGrape and San Diego's Finest and lets just say Cazadores is your friend until its not. On Thursday, we broke the news to Nova who responded by making up a song about losing your best friend and holding on to memories and it was pretty special. We bought Christmas trees for both of our apartments and after dinner we wandered around the lights at Balboa Park. Staying busy is good, and this weekend I have relatives in town, some shows to catch, my nephew's birthday, and lots of fun stuff to stay occupied. Friday-Sunday archives are after the jump.

Rosey's Diary: Good Night, Sweet Girl

In October of 1999, I was just a year out of college. I was working at my first ad agency, I was freshly single, and life's possibilities were limitless. And then I decided to adopt a dog. My parents cautioned against it, saying I'd never be able to travel around the world like my sister did, that a dog was a liability, but I was okay with that. Visiting the shelter weekly, sometimes daily, I waited for the right dog to speak to me. And then one day, she did. The shelter hadn't even fixed Pascha, they put her in the last kennel with four other dogs and had pretty much ruled her unadoptable. She wasn't a puppy, she was skittish, flashes of light put her into minor seizures, and her spine was injured from abuse. But the day we met, she looked at me, raised an eyebrow, and I knew that I now belonged to her and she belonged to me. I picked her up the next day, and proud of my first real adult decision, I decided to introduce her to my family. I loaded her in my Mazda and drove to Chula Vista. She was terrified during that first long car ride, so she crawled behind me.I reclined the seat and just leaned back on her and she proceeded to pee all over my back right around the Plaza Boulevard off ramp. But what could I do but keep driving and take her to meet my parents.

Her behavior was really challenging at times. I used to keep shoes under the bed and at least 8 pairs were chewed on before I got the message. For the first year, she would just hide under the bed whenever any guests came over, and once she got over that, she'd bark incessantly until the guest would give her a cookie, but it took several years before she'd make eye contact with someone new. At one point we were a family with three cats and Pascha, and she sometimes didn't realize her size and would play a little too rough with Boo and Monkey and Kiwi. But she was also awesome. She loved going for walks, to the park, in the car, or xozying up to me back to back when I'd stay up all night and sleep all day long.

My life now is wildly different than it was in 1999, and overall, things are pretty amazing for me, but I am definitely going to have puffy eyes and a heavy heart as I get over the fact that Pascha is no longer with me. She was an incredible dog, as most dogs are. She had been unhealthy, chomping off most of the hair on her back and tail this summer, but with Darren's care, she was going on daily walks, we switched to healthier food, and it seemed like she would be with me for at least a few more years. But suddenly she wasn't well. She was staggering around, having trouble breathing, gagging, and her stomach inflated and after a Google search, I realized that it was very possible that she had bloat, or gastric dilatation and volvulus. Basically dogs like Pascha get too much air in their body and their stomach just flips. In retrospect, I think it has happened before but she got better, but this time was the last. Thousands of dollars in surgery would've probably revealed that all the tissue in her stomach was dead. Realistically, even if I had the thousands to spend, I couldn't put my dog through that.

And so it was, Pascha was super sick and we took her to the vet hoping for a different prognosis, but in my heart I knew, and after laying on the bed with her for a couple hours, I think she knew, too, and I believe that she told me it was time. Everyone at Bodhi was great, and there was no upsell in trying to sway our decision, and in the end, Darren and I held her as she took her final breath and went to sleep forever.

No person on this earth has been closer to me than this dog. She saw me through the best and worst days of my life. She was there loving me when I didn't feel I deserved to be loved, on those days when I couldn't get out of bed, and for all of the rough patches. And she was there for all of the joy, too, and especially in the past couple years, hogging the bed, being a trooper after we had to move, sharing her love with Darren and Nova, and being my best friend through all of it. I think when you adopt a pet, you learn unconditional love, patience, and kindness in a way you could never understand without. And if you're a lunatic, as I sometimes can be, you prepare yourself for their death from the day you bring them home- what would I do without this being in my life? So with Pascha now gone, there is definitely a void in my life, there is sorrow, and this bewilderment, feeling the emptiness and trying to tell Kiwi that her best pal is gone. But there is joy, too. Because I will always be the girl who was loved by this dog. I am the girl who was chosen by this dog, the girl who saved her from being euthanized for being unadoptable, and the girl who proved there is no such thing.

Things To Do In San Diego: December 11-12, 2013

It's Wednesday which means I can't wait to hear Tim Pyles say, "Guess what day it is?!" It's also date night and I can't decide what to do tonight. I'm thinking maybe HoB then Casbah, but I'll have to talk Darren into it. I haven't gotten weekend listings just yet, but hopefully soon. In case you missed it, I sent out a Casbah newsletter announcing New Year's Eve at the Lafayette. On Thursday only, you can buy $15 tickets without the lineup announcement. The party has sold out the last two years, so save some dough and just buy the tickets. You know there is nothing better going on.
Wednesday and Thursday archives are after the jump.

Show Preview: Ivan & Alyosha @ Soda Bar Friday December 13, 2013

Ivan & Alyosha

Named after a pair of brothers from Russian author Dostoevsky, Seattle folk pop quartet Ivan & Alyosha are returning to San Diego this Friday. Formed back in 2007 by Tim Wilson and Ryan Carbary, the band evolved into its present day lineup featuring Tim's brother Pete and Tim Kim. I first witnessed their energetic live performance in Los Angeles about four years ago when they opened for The Low Anthem. I sensed this was a band that was going to be around for a while. After spending much of their time on the road building a fan base has really paid off for the group. After releasing a series of EP's, Ivan & Alyosha's first full length record came out earlier this year. Appropriately titled All the Times We Had, the album is a great collection of heartfelt songs which accurately represent the long journey the band has traveled. These are songs which are so instantly accessible, easy to sing along to or simply just kick back and enjoy.

If you haven't had the opportunity to see Ivan & Alyosha live (their most recent SD appearance was as opener for Brandi Carlile at Humphrey's), be sure to catch them this Friday at Soda Bar. This is the perfect band to see during the holidays, as their songs are so upbeat and full of life. Tickets can be purchased in advance here.

Watch a video of Be Your Man by Ivan & Alyosha below.



Watch a video of Running For Cover by Ivan & Alyosha below.

Things To Do In San Diego: December 9-10, 2013

What a weekend! I didn't think I was going to enjoy 91X's shows, but found out at the last minute on Friday that I had tickets waiting for me, so Darren and I caught most of Airborne Toxic Event and Fitz and the Tantrums and a night that went way too late. On Saturday I did some pickups with Darren until I had to work at the Casbah. I sold merch for Fu Manchu who were by far the most easygoing band I've ever worked for. I was having a great night and probably carried it out too long because I got about 3 hours of sleep before getting up to beertend at the stadium. That went later than expected, so I didn't work The Irenic, and we were so exhausted that getting to Wrex was just impossible. I see that everyone had a great time and wish we could've made it work, but when your body quits, it is generally a good idea to listen to it. I love December, and I love the coldish weather, and there are great events popping up all month long and I'm just excited to have a little extra work to fund a little extra fun. Monday and Tuesday archives are after the jump.

Recommended Shows in San Diego December 9-15, 2013

The near arrival of winter has brought cooler temperatures and rain to San Diego. Touring bands are winding down their string of holiday and club shows, while local bands headline their favorite locales. A closer look at the upcoming week reveals many musical happenings worthy of attendance.

On Monday Toronto indie rockers Dinosaur Bones make a stop at Soda Bar...

Consult the listings for Tuesday's lineup and choose wisely...

Lissie plays her biggest San Diego show to date on Wednesday at the House of Blues...Nashville's Kopecky Family Band open for a great bill...The Black Crowes hit the Balboa Theatre for a sold out show...

L.A's eight piece band The Mowgli's swoop into The Griffin for Thursday's show of the night...Chillwave artist Slow Wave headlines the Casbah...

On Friday Seattle's up and coming indie pop rockers Ivan & Alyosha play an intimate gig at Soda bar...highly recommended...North County has a great local bill with Transfer and The Drowning Men at the Belly Up...

Saturday finds Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth) and the Dust stopping for a show at the Casbah...

The Clavin sisters band Bleached plays Soda Bar on Sunday...Kitten returns to the Casbah with the young and very talented lead singer Chloe Chaidez...

All in all, a great week of music awaits the pre-holiday show revelers...support the bands and the venues by attending a show (or two).

Watch a video of Nothing Left Between the Lines by Dinosaur Bones below.



Watch a video of The Great Divide by The Mowgli's below.

For Your Eyes and Ears: Sam Outlaw @ Casbah Sunday December 8, 2013

Who is Sam Outlaw? According to his Facebook page, Sam is a country singer living in Los Angeles. Not exactly the first place one considers when determining the home base of a singer from that genre. Nonetheless, Mr. Outlaw is carving a nice little niche in the urban jungle to the north, and he is making his San Diego debut this Sunday at the Casbah. Opening for Nashville country/folk duo Escondido (also making their first SD appearance) makes this a great bill for those looking for some really good roots based music.

Sam released his first full length titled Nobody Loves (Black Hills Recordings) earlier this year. Twelve songs comprise the album, nicely produced and easy on the ears. This is an artist poised to take on whatever might stand in his way, with no reservations.

Check out the video about Sam Outlaw below. Tickets to see Escondido, Sam Outlaw and Derren Raser this Sunday at the Casbah can be purchased here.


SAM OUTLAW from Graham Lovelis on Vimeo.

Saturday: Vinyl Junkies Record Swap @ Casbah

Vinyl Junkies Record Swap and the Casbah are proud to announce our upcoming event on Sat. Dec. 7th! We have some exciting DJs lined up this time that your readers, listeners, viewers (and friends) will want to know about. Your efforts are really appreciated in getting this event posted in your listings and in your mentions through the various outlets. We’re all about great promotional ideas so if you’d like to do something with some record giveaways through social media, etc. (or have some other things in mind), please let us know. Or if you’d like to do a story on the resurgence of vinyl, we’re just an email away to set that up.

Vinyl Junkies Record Swap Meet

When: Sat. Dec. 7th
Hours: 11am-5pm
Where: The Casbah 2501 Kettner Blvd San Diego, CA 92101
Cost: $3 at the door
Age: 21+

DJ Schedule:

Jeff Terich (San Diego City Beat Music Editor) 11- Noon
David J (BAUHAUS/LOVE & ROCKETS) Noon-1pm
Mike Halloran (91X DJ) 1-2pm
Mike Delgado (Moving Units/Shark Attack) 2-3pm
Matt Molarius (Singer for Transfer) 3-4pm
Craig Oliver (Runs Volar Records) 4-5pm

This bi-monthly event is not your every day record swap. We're combining what everyone loves together...Records, DJs, Adult Beverages, and Food! We have lots of vendors from all over Southern California participating. Thousands of records from most all genres will be available for purchase....Soul, Jazz, Punk, Funk, Rock, Indie, R&B, Reggae, Hip Hop, Metal, Electronic, Blues, and much more. We look forward to continuing this fun event for the most discriminating of record collectors as well as those just getting into the world of vinyl.