Photos & Video: Casbahmania 2013

One of the best lineups so far this year happened at The Casbah a couple weeks ago with Transfer, The Nervous Wreckords, The Palace Ballroom, and Boy King. All immensely talented bands but also all keeping quite busy. Transfer headed out to support Black Rebel Motorcycle Club in Europe, TNW will be back with a new video  next month for "Let Them All Talk" and meanwhile, Brian & the Louis XIV boys reunited to support The Killers also in Europe. The Palace Ballroom has a half-dozen sweet gigs over the next two months and are set to release the new video for their album title track "This Is The Plan" in April. You can catch Boy King this weekend at Seven Grand.

Transfer

 The Nervous Wreckords

The Palace Ballroom

 Boy King

To view all the photos, you can view them at Casbahmania 2013 at Tim Fears Photography. For lots of shows and other photos check out TimFears.com.

Recommended Shows in San Diego March 4-10, 2013

Hey Marseilles

The first full week of March brings many fine music events to San Diego. A closer look finds those worth making the extra effort to attend.

Monday Philly power poppers Free Energy headline Soda Bar with their sophomore release, Lovesign, in tow...London singer/songwriter Marcus Foster plays the intimate Casbah...

Aussie indie pop band Gold Fields will be bringing their tour to the Casbah on Tuesday with A Silent Film (UK) and Royal Teeth (Louisiana) opening...dancing shoes recommended...

The Stone Foxes headline The Casbah on Wednesday with their infectious brand of blues rock...

On Thursday March 7 Hey Marseilles returns to San Diego playing songs from their forthcoming album, Lines We Trace...Deep Sea Diver opens making this a must see show...

Friday is loaded with viable options, such as LA genre defying band Fol Chen previewing songs from their upcoming album at the Casbah...UK rockers The View take over the Soda Bar with Said The Whale recently added to the bill...

European female duo Boy play an intimate show at The Loft @ UCSD on Saturday...this band is generating a lot of buzz, and the music is the reason...highly recommended...

Sunday brings a great double header our way...start with an early show at Soda Bar featuring Joshua James and Noah Gundersen...finish with local goodness at the Casbah with The Silent Comedy and The Heavy Guilt...

Watch a video of Queen of the City (Joshua James) below.

Rosey's Diary: February 27-March 2, 2013

I've been writing online in one form or another since about 1997, and over the years I've battled with this theory that it is good to write personal stories, but to learn how to separate that from the private not-for-sharing stuff. I really have few filters, but when it comes to my relationships, it is challenging because while I want to share my joy, I have to be super-sensitive to the object of my affections not give them a life in public that they don't want. Thankfully Darren is a really good sport. Though my diaries and social check-ins often miss large gaps of time when you probably just assume I'm sleeping,  we are fortunate that we get to spend a lot of time together everyday. Still, because of work and family obligations between the two of us, there is only one night every two weeks where Darren and I get to have what I've referred to as our #24HourDate nights.

Wednesday was Darren's birthday and after my amazing birthday with him back in September after only dating a short while, I felt some pressure to make his epic, especially with (or in spite of) his reluctance to even acknowledge the occasion. So we just went with an upgraded #24HourDate. If you wanna hear about it, keep on reading after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: March 2-4, 2013

What a glorious weekend, huh? The church across the street from my house has a big digital marquee that said it was 83 degrees today as Darren and I rode bikes to the First Unitarian Universalist Church in Hillcrest for the Call to Action Against Gun Violence. I'm now laying on my bed debating whether or not to go out tonight, but wanted to update quickly because I forgot about the warehouse show tonight at Cerberus Motorcycles (on the corner of Euclid and University near the Tower Bar), and I just got word from Mr. Mays that Starfucker tomorrow is officially sold out. There aren't a lot of tickets left for Surfer Blood either, so if you plan on going to the Casbah tomorrow, you should buy your tickets in advance. If you happen to be home tonight, my interview with Ra Ra Riot will air on SoundDiego Live after SNL (1am) on NBC 7/39. Saturday through Monday archives are after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: March 1, 2013

This weekend has sooo many good shows by night, but if you pay attention to the forecast, this is also going to be a summery weekend in San Diego, so bust out the bike or the tennis racquets or the golf clubs or the hiking shoes and enjoy all of the things this amazing city has to offer. Personally I'm hoping for some long meandering bike rides through the city topped off by some killer shows that will see me traversing the city from the Belly Up to Casbah to Soda Bar and more Casbah. Friday archives are after the jump.

Buke and Gase w/ Ahleuchatistas @ Casbah- 02.20.13

DIY was the word last Wednesday night as the Casbah welcomed a trio of acts, all possessing an element of the 'made by me' ethos.

Show Preview: Surfer Blood @ The Casbah Sunday March 3, 2013

As the upcoming weekend is nearly upon us, cooler temperatures and great shows are headed to San Diego. Capping off the busy weekend will be none other than those young whipper snappers from Florida, Surfer Blood. I remember their first San Diego gig when van troubles almost kept them from making their set time. Alas, all was well and their career has taken some interesting twists and turns since that autumn evening. The band signed with industry heavy Warner Bros. Records, and their sophomore release, Pythons, is due out on June 11. Meanwhile, the lads are completing a seven date run through the Golden State, while an upcoming tour with Foals is right around the corner. Getting a chance to hear some new songs as well as the 'older' songs is all I need to head down to the iconic Middletown venue. After all, that is where it started here for this band. The songs are catchy, lead singer JT has a carefree (yet charming) attitude and the band certainly brings a frenetic performance to each live show. I have only listened to Weird Shapes, the single off the upcoming album, and if it is any indication, then Pythons should be a welcome addition to Surfer Blood's discography.

Catch Surfer Blood live this Sunday, March 3, at the Casbah. Grand Rapids set the stage.

Watch a video of Floating Vibes below.

Things To Do In San Diego: February 27-28, 2013

So I'm trying to keep up with everything and thanks to Jordan and Jeff, we've got listings out early this week so I can properly ignore my laptop for a day or two to celebrate Darren's birthday. I'd also like to get ahead of things because I'm still hoping to make it to SXSW this year. I'm looking for transportation, so if anyone knows anyone who has a spot in a car or van, I'd be grateful to tag along. I have a place to stay in Texas so I just need the ride there and back. Wednesday and Thursday archives are after the jump.

Rosey's Diary: January 23-February 26, 2013

I've started this diary post about 6 different times, and in that time, over a month has elapsed since my last post. I don't really know what my obsession is with even writing these things...perhaps to clear my head, perhaps to gain perspective, perhaps to assess and appreciate all that I have, but I can't shake them and feel compelled to write them. It was a really great month and it feels pretty awesome to have eliminated the word "rollercoaster" from my posts of just a year ago (codeword for depression). Today is Darren's birthday, and forgive me for being a girl for a second, but I love this man so deeply and have never been in such awe of another human being. That he loves me back with equal regard just blows my mind every day. That said, we are planning on joining the San Diego River Rescue team this morning for some river cleanup, and later after a few Wednesday obligations, I can't wait to kick off another #24HourDate. My gushy diary is after the jump.

Night Beds @ Casbah, 2.19.2013

I know I owe you a lot of videos and hopefully I'll get a few more things tackled this weekend, but I wanted to share the videos from last week's Night Beds show at the Casbah. It was a pretty incredible show, definitely one of my favorites this year so far. I haven't been able to take the time to title the songs, but here's the playlist anyway.

Things To Do In San Diego: February 25-26, 2013

I am kind of addicted to City TV. Today's City Council meeting with the Tourism Marketing District on the docket was super interesting and also very confusing. I guess I'll be doing my research a little deeper to try and make sense of all of it. Anyway, this week is super exciting for me...I'm going to Largo in LA tomorrow to see Grant Lee Phillips and Gayle Skidmore, and Wednesday is my boyfriend's birthday so it should be a super special #24HourDate. Tonight I'll be heading to the last night of Sir Sly's residency and I'd recommend checking it out, especially checking out Man Without Country who are opening the show around 9pm. Monday and Tuesday archives are after the jump. 

Recommended Music Shows in San Diego February 25-March 3, 2013

As the month of February comes to a close, March appears as one of the best months to see live music. A closer look at the upcoming week reveals many great shows.

On Monday Sir Sly finishes their residency at the Casbah, this time accompanied by outstanding openers Man Without Country (UK) and Bear Mountain (Vancouver, were recently announced as openers for Bloc Party in May)...

Jukebox the Ghost, Matt Pond and Lighthouse and the Whaler play Soda Bar on Wednesday...there is no weak link on this triple bill...

Indie rockers Cotton Jones headline the Soda Bar on Thursday, with new local band Oh Spirit opening...Willy Moon plays the 5th Avenue Stage at the House of Blues...

Ryan Bingham and Honeyhoney bring a tinge of country to the Belly Up on Friday...if punk is your thing, then check out the return of Redd Kross at the Casbah...

Kishi Bashi will be dazzling the crowd with his unique violin music this Saturday at the Casbah...Tall Tall Trees open...

Frenetic Floridians Surfer Blood return to the Casbah on Sunday, previewing songs from their yet to be released sophomore album...

All in all, a great week of music awaits those willing to get off the couch and experience the power of live music...

Watch a video of Don't Let Me Fall Behind (Jukebox the Ghost) below.

Calling All Directors: Nokia Music & Sundance London Challenge Filmmakers To Investigate The Music Scenes in Cities Around The Globe

I just got this email and the project sounds really cool, especially since I know of so many projects about the San Diego music scene already in development. Check it out!

Inspired by the Nokia Music's series, New American Noise, Nokia Music and Sundance London are challenging filmmakers and directors across the globe to investigate the music scenes in cities around the globe, giving other music fans an unprecedented introduction into the history of and current music scene in the chosen city. The top two films will feature in a special screening at Sundance London Film and Music Festival 2013.

To take part, filmmakers must upload a short video trailer (15 sec - 60 sec) including a 150 word supporting written description visualizing the 'underground music scene' in their chosen city by the 14th March 2013. In essence the trailer submitted is an audition, which showcases the concept of the proposed film.

Two finalists, voted for by members of the public, will receive two #Lumia920's and a $5,000 production budget each to create their final short film. What's more, both films are guaranteed a special screening at the Sundance London Film and Music festival (2013) in April, along with a mentoring session with one of the 'judges'. Finally, one lucky grand prize winner will walk away with $5,000 and Nokia #Lumia920.

To find out more about this Creative Invite, click here.

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

There are so many things that I would love to catch up on but even when I spend an entire overnight working, it seems like sometimes I can just never catch up. It will happen soon, because for every eyeroll I get when I post a diary, I get at least a few responses telling me not to stop. Feed the beast, as they say. Anyway, there are some really great shows this weekend, specifically Ramona Falls at the Ken Club on Sunday, so don't slack. Get out and enjoy some music. If you're interested, my Night Beds videos are up on my YouTube channel and I'll post them soon, but just in case you wanna peep them before I post. Anyway, Friday through Sunday archives are after the jump.

Weekend Show Preview: Ramona Falls @ Kensington Club Sunday February 24, 2013

The upcoming weekend is nearly here, full of great live music events in San Diego. While this Sunday is Oscar night, what better way to finish the evening than with a show in cozy Kensington. Portland indie rockers Ramona Falls are headlining a terrific bill at the Ken Club, presented by the nice folks at Soda Bar. The creative genius behind this band is none other than former Menomena band member Brent Knopf. Most of the songs from the band's first release, Intuit, were "test driven" while Brent was still in his previous group. Good reviews and a desire to be in complete control led to the formation of Ramona Falls on a full time basis. In addition, band member Matt Sheehy (guitar) is also in the group Lost Lander, whose initial album was produced by Brent. Such is the nature of the music community to the north (Portland) and everyone else gets to benefit from the music. Ramona Falls recently released their sophomore album Prophet. The sound is very complex at times, but that is part of Mr. Knopf's creative marrow. The result is a pleasant listen which shows the band growing their sound. Brent's vocals  lead the way, but do not overpower the music.

After the winners are announced during Hollywood's big night, head over to Adams Avenue for what is sure to be a memorable night of music. Be sure to catch opener Social Studies, an up and coming band from San Francisco.

Watch a video of Fingerhold below.

San Diego County Fair Talent Contests Announced

Here's some info from our friends at the San Diego County Fair, where they've added some new talent competitions for the 2013 Fair:

The San Diego County Fair presented by Albertsons/Sav-On is once again bringing in new talent to compete through song, dance, and acting. This year's hot new talent will compete for cash prizes while spreading the word about their showcased performance skills. The Fair's yearly performance contests are back! 

In its first year "The Ultimate Triple Threat" brings competitors (youth and teen) together to compete in not one, but three talents! Highlighting the competitor's skills in acting, singing and dancing this new competition is sure to test the versatility of the individual's well rounded artistic talent. The grand prize winner will be awarded $1,200, one dance and fitness pack from the Academy of Performing Arts, a one year subscription to Backstage.com as well as a one hour photo shoot with First and Orange. Deadline to enter is April 28, 2013.

The Fair is taking San Diego's best Hip-Hop dancers to center stage for "Southern California's Best Dance Crew"! Amateur and professional groups of five members or more may compete. Most of the dancing must be performed in a Hip-Hop style. Cash prizes will be awarded in two divisions: Youth/ Teen and Adult. The grand prize winner will be awarded $1,000. Deadline to enter is April 28, 2013.

Returning to the Fair is the "Singer/ Songwriter" competition. This is a search for the best performances by a solo singer and showcase for original writing. The grand prize is $3,000, five hours of studio time from Recording Arts and Technology and one Taylor guitar. All performers must be 18 or older. The deadline to enter is April 28, 2013.
For its second year, the Fair welcomes back the "Cantautor Latino" contest. Featuring the best solo performance of an original song in Spanish, this contest offers singers/songwriters the opportunity to share their personally written songs with the Fair's audience at the chance of winning a grand prize of $3,000, four hours to Track Star Studios and one Taylor guitar. Deadline to enter is April 14, 2013.

For complete information on all of the Fair's talent competitions, go to: www.sdfair.com and click on "Contests"

Things To Do In San Diego: February 21, 2013

It's been a funny week over here at sddialedin hq. I got a little bit sick over the weekend and was kinda knocked out, but mostly it was just a cold and I didn't get that dreaded flu making the rounds. I may not have health insurance, but I do have the option to avoid people and places where one might catch such nasty bugs. I had a great time babysitting on Tuesday followed by the INCREDIBLE Night Beds show at the Casbah and yesterday was pretty chill with some time with Darren, a Casbah meeting and lunch with Pyles, and some much needed rest to knock out the lingering bit of my cold. I'm really looking forward to this weekend after and as you can see, there's so much going on through the end of the month.  Thursday archives are after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: Febrtuary 19-20, 2013

I'm currently sitting at my friend Melanie's desk, as her one year old, Zane, stirs quietly in his crib. He's happy and giggling and playing with his toes but definitely resisting taking his nap. It's so tempting to go in there and play with him but I know eventually he'll lay his head down and drift off to dreamland. I agreed to babysit every other Tuesday while Melanie works a freelance job producing local spots for Walmart. If you're a mom in San Diego and wanna get some free groceries, you should check out her casting call. In music related news, I'm so looking forward to Night Beds tonight at the Casbah and there will be plenty of tickets available so just get your tickets at the door. You can thank me later. Tuesday and Wednesday archives are after the jump.

Presidents' Day to The Oscars- Weekly Show Recommendations

A closer look at the upcoming week reveals many worthwhile shows taking place in San Diego.

Monday is a Federal Holiday so why not check out Graveyard, one of Sweden's best hard rock bands, playing the Casbah....this show is sold out...

Tickets are available Tuesday for Night Beds (see feature here) and local opener John Meeks...highly recommended...also at the Casbah...

Wednesday, Brooklyn duo Buke and Gase play their "instruments" at the Casbah...or check out Ryat for those wishing to see something eerily different at Soda Bar...

Thursday Warm Soda brings their garage rock to Soda Bar...

On Saturday LA band Allah-Las will be playing their version of surf influenced garage rock at the Casbah...

On Sunday Brent Knopf returns with his project Ramona Falls, this time at Kensington Club...Social Studies (San Francisco) open, making this a must see show...(post Oscars)...if punk rock is your thing, then head to the Casbah for The Night Marchers playing songs from their new album..

Watch a video of Busman's Holiday from Allah-Las below.

Things To Do In San Diego: February 15-18, 2013

There used to be a time when people would say things like "when do you sleep?" or "how do you go out every night?" and it really wasn't that big of a deal because if your really think about it, even if I went out every night of the week, it would pretty much be from about 9pm til 2am or so. The rest of my days were pretty much devoted to sleeping and laptopping, with some eating, cleaning and showering thrown in between. These days, I have a lot more work but also a lot more play and my sleep hours have seriously taken a hit. This weekend has some amazing shows, but don't hold it against me if I stay home a bit to catch some Z's. Tonight, however, you can find me at the Belly Up for Ra Ra Riot. I'll also be shooting an interview with the band for SoundDiego, so I'll be sure to let you all know when it is going to air. Friday through Monday archives are after the jump. 

Things To Do In San Diego: February 10-14, 2013

Ever since I designated Mondays as my "day off", I've found new ways to enjoy the day, though I have to say that I haven't exactly kept them work-free. Today, for example, after hanging out with Darren for a good chunk of the day and cleaning the house, I gave myself a pedicure while watching Mea Maxima Culpa on HBOGo while slowly weeding through email and playing Words With Friends on my Nexus. I've got a long way to go to be caught up on email and NPFoA and Casbah stuff, so maybe I'll be a jerk and actually take my laptop to Anti-Monday League at the Casbah so I can enjoy the live music while I get some work done. Mostly I want to be all caught up by the time Darren and I have our bi-weekly 24 hour date night on Wednesday, which will include the night at the Casbah for my show with The Peripherals, Burning Jet Black, and Kelsea Rae Little. Save the date and I'll see you there!! Monday through Thursday archives are after the jump.

Anti-Monday Casbah Residency: Sir Sly

Last week I was excited to finally catch Sir Sly at the Casbah. The band is playing 3 Mondays in February, with two more left to go including tonight and February 25. All of the shows are free and definitely worth checking out. Since the band has limited music online, I thought I'd shoot and share some videos to get you off the couch and down to the Casbah tonight. Be sure to get there early tonight to catch Miner and MOXI.

Lightning in a Bottle 2013

There was concern that Lighting in a Bottle, was not going to return this year and if you wanted a Do Lab festival experience then Coachella was the only option.  Do not worry as Lightning in a Bottle, the Southern California music and yoga festival is happening this year and the location is closer to San Diego, Lake Skinner in Temecula.  Lightning in a Bottle has brought in acts like Pretty Lights and Bassnectar, music acts and speakers have not been announced yet but judging from previous years the festival will be well worth it.  Rush-N-Get-Em (get them here) tickets start at $195 presale tickets go on sale tomorrow 2/12/2013 and will be available for 48 hours or until they sell out.  General tickets go on sale March 18th starting at $240.  In addition, single day tickets will be available during the general ticket sale.

Mardi Gras Week Show Recommendations February 11-17, 2013

Tuesday brings a big Mardi Gras show to the Gaslamp Quarter, but be sure to get out and check some of the great live music happenings this week. Gaslamp Mardi Gras 2013

Sir Sly continues their Casbah residency on Mon., joined by LA band Miner and MOXI...

Singer/songwriter Suzanne Vega returns to San Diego on Tues., this time to the much larger Balboa Theatre...

St. Lucia will chill the crowd (sold out) at the Griffin on Wed., be sure to catch opener Wildcat! Wildcat!...

Ra Ra Riot returns to the Belly Up on Fri. with local opener Pacific Air (formerly White Apple Tree)...
Or, Transfer and The Nervous Wreckords rock the Casbah on a four band local bill...
Also, Cyndi Harvel and Jesse Brewster play the intimate Lestat's...

The Heavy Guilt headline Soda Bar on Sat., joined by Young Empress and Michael McGraw and the Butchers...
Rising from the ashes of Sleep are doom metal heavies Om at the Casbah, also on Sat.

Join Roger and Sara this Sun. as they celebrate their wedding anniversary at The Casbah with Old Tiger headlining...

SDDialedin presents a great show at the Casbah this Wed...stay tuned for more details...

I omitted Thursday Feb. 14 since this is Valentine's Day, go wherever your heart(s) desire(s)...

Watch a video below  of Fever (live) by The Heavy Guilt.

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

I've lived in San Diego all my life and have never seen the streets as they were last night. Did you see that hail actually stick to the ground and look like snow? Bancroft was completely iced out and other streets had rain from corner to corner. Of course, it's nothing compared the the blizzard that hit my brother and sister-in-law in Rhode Island and today is quite beautiful out, so our afternoon bike ride is just on a quick pause to update listings while Darren walks Pascha. Mostly I just wanted to let you know that Deadly Birds had to cancel at the Griffin and have been replaced by Dead Feather Moon, so if you're not already planning on seeing Swim Party at Soda Bar, that is certainly a good alternative. There are also plenty of tickets for Gram Rabbit at the Casbah in case you feel like sporting your bunny ears for some high desert rock and psychedelia. Saturday and Sunday listings are after the jump. 

OFF Cancel; The Show Must Go On

OFF! has had to cancel their show tonight due to illness to Keith Morris, lead singer. Negative Approach and Bad Antics are still going to be playing and Ghetto Blaster has been added to the bill. Tickets for the show will be reduced to $10. Casbah will be issuing automatic refunds for all $15 tickets that have been purchased for the OFF! show and selling the $10 tickets at the door this evening and online at this link.

The Casbah will work hard to reschedule OFF! sometime in the near future and wishes Keith a speedy recovery.

Doors for tonight's show will still be at 7pm and is all ages.

Things To Do In San Diego: February 7-8, 2013

I knew when I stayed up working till 4am last night and then taking an afternoon nap on Wednesday that I was in for trouble, so I'm thinking I will just power through till the morning and then sleep sometime before working at the OFF! show at the Epicentre before seeing Gayle Skidmore at the Casbah, then maybe cycle back to normal sleep times. There's so much good stuff this weekend (thanks to Jordan and Jeff as always for their listings) so I'll just let you mull them over. If I might nudge your choices a little bit, be sure to catch WMMF at the early Soda Bar show on Friday, then head back there on Saturday for the reunion of Swim Party while Erik is back in town. Also mark your calendars for next week because on Wednesday, February 13, San Diego: Dialed In is presenting a pre-Valentine show with The Peripherals, Burning Jet Black, and Kelsey Rae Little. It's only $5 or $8 for you and your lover/friend/bestie/ex/whatever. Maybe I'll even make cupcakes or cookies or something. Thursday and Friday archives are after the jump.

Akron/Family @ The Loft- 01.30.13

There aren't many bands that can combine folk, psychedelic and experimental rock in such a wonderfully weird way as 'rural America' born, New York City based three piece Akron/Family.  Valid comparisons include Maps & Atlases, early Animal Collective and Megafaun, though any of those bands would have a hard time looking like they enjoy themselves as much as the trio that took the stage on the UCSD campus last Wednesday.  Following a short and sweet set by local boys Cuckoo Chaos and a quick tear down/ set up by The Loft's own roadies in training, the band broke into what turned out to be almost an hour an a half of strictly new material in the form of their soon to be released seventh LP, Sub Verses. Considering how polished and seemingly well rehearsed the material came through during the set, it was surprising to find out after the show that they had played songs from the new album (in the same start-to-finish format) all of one time before that night.  Though there were some grumblings about the lack of familiar tunes and the occasional call for a specific song from the back catalogs, the frequent and entertaining crowd interaction from lead singer/multi-instrumentalist Miles Seaton and guitarist Seth Olinsky kept everyone at ease during breaks as the band deftly wove their way through what was an impressively captivating show.  As enjoyable of a first experience as it turned out to be, anticipation is high for their (hopefully soon) return to San Diego.

Akron/Family:

 

 

 

For additional shots from the evening click here and additional concert photography click here.

_______________________________

All photos licensed by Nate Vandermeulen under Creative Commons- BY-NC

Please ask for permission before downloading or linking to them.

The Real Deal: Night Beds @ Casbah February 19, 2013

When I first listened to Winston Yellen's new project Night Beds, the first thing I thought was, this guy is only 23? I could not believe the maturity in his voice, let alone the heartfelt lyrics. Settling into his new adopted home of Nashville, the Colorado native sings about love, relationships, and the many subjects commonplace with music. What sets him apart from the rest in his intimate vocal delivery, and the results are, in a word, haunting. I find myself going back to these songs over and over, but never get tired of listening to them.

Night Beds (Winston) brings his band to the perfect spot for a show in San Diego, The Casbah. Mark the date: February 19. Even though this happens to fall on a Tuesday, I feel lucky to have our city included in his tour itinerary. Do yourself a favor and make every effort to see what promises to be a young man on the brink of becoming known on the national stage. Dead Oceans released the 10 track full length, Country Sleep, on Feb. 5. Tickets for the upcoming show can be purchased here.

Watch a video of Even If We Try below.

Things To Do In San Diego: February 6, 2013

I usually try to update listings after the weekend just so they sorta float to the top of the site, but it sorta slipped my mind. So I'm doing it now, and will hopefully have weekend listings sometime on Wednesday night and can get you all caught up. I also wanted to give you a head's up that a bunch of Casbah shows were added this week including two nights with Built To Spill, a night with Mudhoney & Fluf, Peelander-Z at Soda Bar, and Metz, and if you check the Casbah site, we'll be announcing a few more on Wednesday afternoon. Wednesday archives are after the jump.

Quicksand at House Of Blues 1.25.2013

I was not really planning on posting about Quicksand. For one, Nate already did a great post with all of his awesome shots of the bands. I also kinda just wanted to let the night go away from my memory forever. That day was awesome and I went into the show after a great day running around with Darren, but somehow I forgot to eat, so when I had a few drinks before even entering the show, I was already past my limit, add some more, and well, I'm lucky I have rad friends (Thank you Thad, Christy, Brian, and Robin) and an amazing boyfriend who look out for me when I am a complete trainwreck. It's pretty sad, too, because the show was incredible and I ran into so many old school friends and really didn't need a super-rosey appearance, but it is what it is. Fortunately, I was rebellious enough to shoot a couple videos which is why I decided to share. And now I will move on and close the door behind me. Enjoy.

Plaza de Panama Info & RANT: Westfield Horton Plaza Changes Parking Rules

(2.6.2013: Plaza de Panama update: Irwin Jacobs and Bruce Coons both spoke to KPBS yesterday, with Irwin stating, "At this point, it's over." Article, audio and video can be seen here.)

As a native San Diegan, I've seen this city change and evolve. I grew up in Chula Vista, but have been registered as a City of San Diego voter since college. This is the first time in my voting life that the mayor (Bob Filner), my councilperson (Todd Gloria), and my congressperson (Susan Davis) are all people for whom I voted, not to mention the president (Barack Obama), the governor (Jerry Brown) and the Lieutenant Governor (Gavin Newsom) and a host of other elected offices. Maybe this is the reason I've found more interest in local politics of late. Thankfully, nobody is keeping track of how many hours I watch Cox 21 (CSpan), Cox 23 (California Channel), and Cox 24 (Local Government Access). (Side note: 24 is especially great now because between programming there's now a live seal camera at Children's Pool --though the music is horrifying. Mr Filner, if you'd like to program all local music, I can make that happen to make it a TRULY local access channel)

Anyway, I guess I've always cared, but when I can tweet @ToddGloria about the nightmare water/sewer construction problems on my street and get not only a response but a resolution within hours, it feels like even my voice matters, and not just the voices of wealthy property and business owning campaign donors.

So the reason for this post is two-fold. First, I wanted to share the link from KPBS about the Plaza de Panama proposal in Balboa Park. A Judge has ruled that the Plaza de Panama project is in violation of the city's municipal code. Hopefully SOHO and Irwin Jacobs can come to a better proposal in mediation and serve the park's parking needs while also maintaining the integrity of the Cabrillo Bridge and the Plaza de Panama. (update: See Full SOHO press release at the end of this post or here)The other reason I'm posting is because  Westfield Horton Plaza has changed their parking fees and validation rules. And while it seems to have nothing to do with government, in a way it all ties together. That is going to be quite a rant, however, so I'll post that after the jump.

The Week Ahead: Shows for February 4-10, 2013

February might be short on days, but is filled with music events worth attending. A closer look at the upcoming week reveals many great shows.

Monday Feb. 4...Sir Sly, Kitten, Frank + Derol @ Casbah...let the residency begin...

Tuesday Feb. 5...Onuinu, The Glass Canoe @ Soda Bar...synth pop at its finest...

Wednesday Feb. 6...Chelsea Wolfe, Sarah Jaffe @ The Loft or Desert Noises, The Paragraphs @ Soda Bar...unique LA songstress showcases her talent...

Thursday Feb. 7...Gayle Skidmore, Goldenboy @ Casbah...sweet sounds will fill the air...

Friday Feb. 8...What Made Milwaukee Famous @ Soda Bar (early show)..Austin band coming out with first record in five years...Seapony, Rose Melberg @ Soda Bar (late show)...no sophomore slump from this dream pop band...

Saturday Feb.9...Swim Party, Sleep Lady @ Soda Bar or SISU @ The Void...a welcome return from the local post rockers...Sandra Vu leads the fuzzy rockers on this side project...

Sunday Feb. 10...Big Freedia @ Casbah...unique energized show, to say the least..

In addition, The Who hit town on Tues., OFF! plays Epicentre on Thurs., while the Portland Cello Project plays Luce Loft this Fri. and Gram Rabbit returns to the Casbah this Sat.

Whatever you do, make sure and check out a show or two or three this week. To whet your appetite watch a video of Chelsea Wolfe's Sunstorm below.

Super Bowl PSA

I got this email from the local Sheriff Department and thought it deserved a post today. There will be DUI checkpoints all over town, so be safe out there and enjoy the game!


Community: Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk - Designate a Sober Driver for Super Bowl Celebrations

Sheriff's Deputies will be out on patrol this Super Bowl weekend to look for drunk drivers.

As one of America’s most anticipated and celebrated sporting events, the Super Bowl brings together families, friends and fans each year to enjoy the excitement of the big game. In many instances, fans will gather to watch the game at sports bars, restaurants or Super Bowl-themed parties. We want everyone to make the right decision on Super Bowl Sunday.

• AAA Tipsy Tow: Call 800-400-4AAA (4222) for a free tow home of up to seven miles. The service will provide a one-way ride for the driver and vehicle to the driver's home 6:00 p.m. Monday, December 31 – 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 1. Visit http://goo.gl/tCFb3 for more information.

• Be My Designated Drive or DD: Reserve a personal driver in advance to meet you at your location. The driver can take you to your destination, wait with your car and then safely transport you back to your original location. Call 1-877-823-6933 or visit http://bit.ly/IAIigc to make a reservation.

If you’re attending a Super Bowl party or watching the game at a sports bar or restaurant:

•Designate your sober driver before the party begins.
•Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself. Eat plenty of food, take breaks, and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
•If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend, or family member to come and get you; or if possible stay where you are for the night and don’t drive until you are sober.
•Never let friends drive drunk. Arrange a safe way for them to get home.
•Always buckle up. It’s still your best defense against other drunk drivers.

If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party:

•Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with sober drivers.
•Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
•Host your party just like they do at the stadium. Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game. The fourth quarter is perfect for serving coffee and dessert.
•Keep the phone numbers of local cab companies on hand and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving drunk.
•Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in a drunk-driving crash.
•If an underage person drinks and drives, the parent may be legally liable for any damage, injury or death caused by the underage driver.
•Likewise, parents or other adults who provide alcohol to, or host a party where alcohol is available to, those under age 21 could face jail time. For more information on the social host rules, visit www.sdsheriff.net/social-host.

Contact Information:
Sheriff's Department
858-565-5200

Newsy Bits: Styletones Make Super Bowl Cut, Postal Service, SDMT, SXSW

I've been collecting little bits and pieces that I've read this week, so while I wait for Darren to fix the ping pong table in the backyard (!!!) and finally hang some things on my walls, I thought I'd post so you have some ways to kill time as you finish off your workday.

First, I was so happy to see everyone posting on Facebook about The Styletones having a song in a Milk ad airing during the SuperBowl! George Varga was hip to the story and you can read about it in the UT.



Earlier this week, a beer guy took issue with lists about beer towns written by people who really have no business talking about beer. He decided to make his own list, and San Diego was definitively named Best Beer City in his article in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Granted, it is a reader submitted blog, but the guy knows his stuff as far as we're concerned.

This was an interesting little article about new postal rates. NPR: Rising Postal Rates Squeeze Small Record Labels I'm not really sure how much record distribution is happening internationally, but it made me think about places like TAANG!! Records who have storefronts that sell records but primarily rely on international sales of classic vinyl to keep thriving.

Lastly, San Diego Music Thing Submissions Open On Monday! From their Facebook:

Hey friends! Artist submissions for this years SDMT open on Monday, Feb. 4th. Keep you eyes open for our new website also launching on Monday. Were celebrating by giving away a pair of SDMT all access badges. Post below with the name of a band you would like to see at this years Music Thing and we will pick a winner on Monday!

Thanks to everyone who has submitted to the North Park Festival of Arts so far. I got some great entries last week and I'll be getting back to all of you.  There's also an open call for poster artists so check out the site.

Finally, I don't have a ride to SXSW this year. I've tagged along with Dynamite Walls and The Heavy Guilt in the past couple years and would love to get back to Texas in March, so if anyone has room for one, I'll blog and tweet about how awesome your band is and be forever grateful. I think I'm covered with a place to stay, just need to get there and back. If you want to donate to this year's travel fund, my little PayPal is set up in the corner.

Happy Friday!!

Things To Do In San Diego: February 1-5, 2013

It's gonna be a Super weekend with all kinds of Super shows going on around town, so don't let Super Sunday stop you from getting out of the house. It's been a pretty cool week for me but I think maybe I'll save that for another post since I'm working at the Casbah at the moment and slightly distracted. Speaking of the Casbah...the Bronx on Friday and Smile on Saturday are both sold out, and the bar is closed on Sunday so you can watch your game or whatever. Archives through Wednesday are after the jump.

Quicksand @ House of Blues- 01.25.13

Last Friday night New Youk post-hardcore legends Quicksand rolled through San Diego as a part of their first North American tour in over ten years.  An eager Friday night crowd had lined the sidewalk from the box office to Broadway almost an hour before openers Title Fight kicked off the evening.  Given that Quicksand's established fan base is in their thirties for the most part, it was interesting to see the line filled with a much younger fans eager for taste of what proved to be an impressively polished and expectedly intense set.  While the four piece immediately barreled into a set puling equally from their two studio albums, it took the crowd a while to catch up.  Once they did, a 20' mosh pit opened up in the middle of the main floor, much to the band's visible pleasure.  It's always good to see sweat-drenched, smiling faces as fans make their way to the exit and these middle aged rockers were more than happy to accommodate.

More photos after the jump (of for a full set, head here).

Newsy Stuff: Hollywood Bowl, The Void Soft Opening

I don't really know why I'm up at the moment seeing as Tuesday is going to be a pretty busy day, but sometimes I just have really productive days and why stop if you're on a roll and not really tired? So I thought I'd share a couple things while I'm listening to music and sorting through the inbox.

Hollywood Bowl Releases 2013 Lineup I just happened to glance at Facebook for a second when I saw that the Hollywood Bowl has announced their 2013 lineup. It has been a few years since I've been to the legendary venue, but it is a pretty special place to see a show. I gotta say besides Rodrigo y Gabriela, nothing seems worth the trek at the moment, but they always seem to add some major spectacular shows with contemporary artists backed by the Philharmonic. Or maybe I'm living in 2006. Whatever the case, the schedule is out.

The Void Celebrates a Soft Opening: Tonight (Tuesday), Eleven becomes The Void and naturally you're invited to hang out and celebrate. The lineup: THE VOID SOFT OPENING - PRIMITIVE NOYES, PURPLE//IMAGE (SUN ARAW), MYSTERY CAVE, ASHA, BILL WESLEY, 100 LBS OF SMOKE - DJS DEADAIR AND MARIO ORDUNO. The show is free so check it out. Kelsey says they expect the new sign sometime today and since I'll be nearby, I'll try to shoot a photo or two when it happens. For those of you who don't know, The Void (Formerly Eleven, Radio Room, Zombie Lounge, et al) is located at 35th and El Cajon Boulevard.

And a couple links I came across...I skipped NAMM this year because I just couldn't rationalize going to Anaheim in the rain when I had other fun local stuff lined up, but it always takes place around the same time as MIDEM which always seems to be a learning experience, even if you're just chasing the hashtag #MIDEM on Twitter. This was an interesting speech about the current business of music by Martin Mills, founder of Beggars Banquet, as he won an Icon Award.

Finally, I meant to post this link about Annoying Concert Behaviors last week because I found it amusing but then it wasn't really that funny so I didn't. But here it is anyway. Obviously as a blogger, I'm pretty much guilty of anything regarding social media, smart phones, or photos, but I also thought the author dated himself with number 8. Way to stay current on the name drops.

Tuesday Night: Niki & The Dove at the Casbah

[This is written by Kristian Zaspel, my bestie from back in the day who you know as a bartender at URBN, Seven Grand, being a social media baller at My SMN, or from pictures from his recent Turista Libre birthday party, but regardless, Kristian is one of those guys that I trust and respect when it comes to his music opinion. He couldn't remember his login and even though I sent him a new one, he's too busy being a dad and running the world to get on here and post for you. So here it is. Niki & The Dove. -rosemary]

One would think that Niki & The Dove are aliens from an intergalactic, funktified planet far, far away, but they're actually just from Sweden. In the electronic music world though, Sweden is about the closest thing we have to another planet. Acts such as The Knife, Little Dragon, Miike Snow, Lykke Li and Robyn have been churning out metaphysical jams effortlessly on the regular. So much so that I wouldn't be surprised if Sweden's number one export changed from machinery and motor vehicles to catchy hooks and funky beats.

Malin Dahlström (vocals) and Gustaf Karlöf (production) started creating music together in Feb 2010 and haven't looked back. Niki & The Dove recently won the 2013 European Border Breakers Award (honor to best new music acts in Europe) and their music has been getting comparisons to Prince, Fleetwood Mac, Cindy Lauper and trashy Europop. Hell, even snotty, uber hipster, tastemakers Pitchfork.com even like their album: http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/16758-instinct/

Fortunately for us, Niki & The Dove will be bringing their other worldly, dancefloor beats to The Casbah tomorrow at 8:30pm for only $15. I guarantee this will be the last time they play a venue this small for that price. Added bonus, Vacationer is opening and while they're only from Philadelphia, they're still pretty damn good.

Things To Do In San Diego: January 28-31, 2013,

What a weekend. I'm gonna just glaze over Friday's Quicksand show other than thanking Christy and Brian and Robin and Darren for taking care of me. There are no words for my gratitude. Saturday and Sunday were relatively normal though I have to say that last night was pretty amazing with some family time, then time with Darren that included a jaunt to Coronado to try and play late night tennis (too late), Ken Stringfellow at Soda Bar, ping pong at Triple Crown, an almost full-moon 2 am bike ride, and a dog walk which is a nice way to clear your brain before a Monday. There are some great shows this week...Kristian has a post coming about Niki and The Dove, Geographer is sold out, and Thursday has some pretty great options. Tuesday through Thursday listings are after the jump.

Monday January 28, 2013:

• Tiny Telephones, Family Wagon, Great White Buffalo, Calico Kids @ Casbah
• Barbarian, Dirt Dress, Bangladesh, Slipping Into Darkness @ Soda Bar
• Polyphase (Brian Ellis), Nite Ritual, Medicine Machine, Professor Paradox, Shamu Soul @ Eleven/The Void
• Frank Hannon & The String Soldiers, Trailerpark Rockstar, Get Groovin @ Brick By Brick
• The Tin Can Country Club feat. Jarrett Killen @ Tin Can
• Battle of the Chef Bands 2013, DJ ManCat @ Belly Up
• Changuito @ The Loft
• Dirty Mondays w/ DJ Gabe Vega @ The Saloon (Encinitas)
• Chet Cannon Blues Party @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Dave Scott & Monsoon Jazz @ Croce's
• Hausmann String Quartet @ ArtLab
• Open Mic @ Lestat's
• Electric Waste Band @ Winston's
• Barbara Tobler and The Lyriphon Trio @ Athenaeum Music & Arts Library noon
• Karaoke @ Til-Two Club
• Karaoke @ Coyote Bar & Grill
• Dub Dynamite @ The Office
• Battle of the Bands @ 710 Beach Club
• Doug Allen @ The Kraken
• Deejha & Walter @ Patrick's Gaslamp Pub

Coachella 2013 Official Lineup Released

Coachella has released their official lineup for 2013.
The event takes place the weekends of April 12-14 and April 19-21, 2013.
Find details at Coachella.com. duh.

Friday Night Preview- Quicksand @ House of Blues

 Photo credit- Tim Fears

Tomorrow night the House of Blues welcomes very special guests- NYC's own post-hardcore
legends Quicksand.  After building a dedicated fan base following the release of their two albums in the early- mid '90's and relentless touring across Europe and North America, the band dissolved due to the always unfortunate 'internal conflicts'.  Despite efforts to put out new music and tour in the late '90s, the band was destined for relegation to the album shelves and collective memory of those who connected with the Fugazi-esque rock the four piece is known for.  That changed late last year when, following appearances in New York and Los Angeles at FYF Fest (see Tim's writeup and photos here), the band announced dates for their first North American tour in fifteen years.  Tomorrow night San Diego has the pleasure of being on that list.

Doors at 7:30, openers Title Fight hit the stage at 8:30.  Tickets available through the Casbah website or at the box office.  See you there.

Things To Do In San Diego: January 24-27, 2013

The short week is nearly over and it appears that our brief stint of summer-like weather will take a break and make way for cooler temperatures, but you're in SAN DIEGO! Did you see it's like 40 below in Wisconsin? So maybe you can't keep wearing your flip flops at night, but you can still get out and enjoy our awesome music scene. Don't forget that tonight is SoundDiego Live at the Casbah with free food from Lucha Libre and complimentary Jack Daniel's if you RSVP for the list. Doors are at 7pm, so don't be late! Thursday through Sunday archives are after the jump.

Newsy Bits & Bulletins: NPFoA, The Void, Sleep Train Amphitheatre, Che Cafe and more.

There was a time when I'd sit at my desk in my office and just pounce on new news related to San Diego or music or festivals. Perhaps I just figure everyone has the same information at their fingertips or perhaps I've lost my edge or maybe I've just been finger-wagged too many times for posting things prematurely that I just don't feel that urgency to be first or break stories. Maybe I'd rather just link you to other sources so I don't get the backlash of incorrect information. Or maybe I have been having too much fun freelancing and not being confined to a desk or laptop all day that I just figure I'll get to all of it some other time. Whatever it is, there have been some things mulling around my brain that I've been meaning to share, so I'll get to it in one long post. If you don't take the time to read, you can blame yourself for not knowing later. North Park Festival of Arts open for band submissions, Cricket becomes Sleep Train Amphitheatre, Eleven becomes The Void, Che Cafe Cracks down on bigotry, Givit sends you to SXSW, CityBeat Demo Review...read about all of it after the jump.

Rosey's Diary: New Year, Fun Times

The other day I was at the park with Darren and his daughter when he turned to me and said, "I bet last summer you didn't see yourself spending your days hanging at the park with a bunch of kids." The comment choked me up a little bit and really got me thinking, probably more than he intended with his simple observation. We were running around, joining in on games of hide n seek and climbing monkey bars and making batches of sand cookies and I was thinking even further back than last summer...the difference in my life from a year ago to now is beyond words. I kinda buried it in this post from a year ago, my 5,000th post on this site,  but I was pretty much a walking disaster and on an emotional tailspin.

Things have definitely turned around and it's not just the parks, but work is good and steady, my apartment is officially "home" (even with frequent water & power outages from street construction), and as you can tell from the declined frequency of diaries and posts, I'm spending more time actually enjoying San Diego instead of spending my days writing about it from this horizontal position on my bed that is the reason we call these devices 'laptops'. So no, Darren, I didn't have any idea that my days would involve meandering bike rides, playing in parks, shooting arrows, braiding hair, table tennis in rec centers, frequent trips to Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, open space hikes, San Diego River Cleanups, 24 hour dates, getting back on the tennis court, and just lazing in bed by choice instead of the lack of will or energy to get out, but all of this in addition to my regular night life and shows and I feel like a more full and well-rounded human being. All the sunshine and rainbows makes for a really boring blog, but since I haven't really posted a diary since mid-November, I thought I'd sort of get to it before I attack the 600 emails waiting for me. If you dare/care, after the jump.

Weekend Show Recommendations January 25-27, 2013

As the month of January is nearing its end, the momentum for live music shows is building. This means touring bands as well as locals begin to ramp (up) their schedules, resulting in a greater number of shows being offered. After perusing the upcoming weekend listings, several shows grabbed my attention. Friday night brings a great show to Winston's in OB, featuring The Heavy Guilt and Orange County rockers The Steelwells. The other show of note on Friday is down at the Casbah, where North County residents Dead Feather Moon hit the stage after Blackout Party and The Beautiful View. My first choice for Saturday will take me to the UCSD campus for a great show with two of LA's better bands, El Ten Eleven and Races, at The Loft. A solid backup would be San Diego's own The Donkeys, who are headlining a show at The Griffin. If you prefer to go there, make sure and arrive early to catch opener Social Studies from San Francisco. Dead Meadow will bring their heavy rock to the Casbah on Saturday, making this a great night of shows. Wrapping up the weekend this Sunday are the duo of Adam Green (The Moldy Peaches) & Binki Shapiro (No Joy) appearing at The Griffin. This show is being presented by Eric Howarth of Bring On the Bright Lights. LA's JJAMZ are opening the show and are definitely worth seeing live (SD Music Thing). The other option for Saturday features Ken Stringfellow (The Posies) and The Maldives at Soda Bar. Ken will also be appearing earlier that night at M-Theory Music (5 pm).

All in all, a packed weekend awaits, filled with great music. Most importantly, going out to support live music in San Diego is the main objective, resulting in venues being able to continue providing quality shows for the attendees.

Watch a video of Here I Am (vignette) from Adam Green & Binki Shapiro.

SD @ 140 BPM recommends .........

I am happy to announce the creation of Cognitive Frequencies, a new monthly EDM / Future Music and art event at The AC Lounge in Normal Heights.  The inaugural event happens tonight with Painful Pleasures at 9:00 pm, followed by Datphat, urBn:LgNd and Panda Grass.  That is right, the order in the flyer is the order of the performers which does not always happen these days.

The people behind Cognitive Frequencies goal is "Future Music, Future Minds, Spreading unconditional Love to the World and Beyond one beat at at time".  This is a free event, and the people behind Cognitive Frequencies remind you to tip the bartenders, and come with great vibes, wear your dancing threads and get ready for a unique time.  More info can be found here and I hope to see everyone tomorrow night.

Things To Do In San Diego: January 20-23, 2013

I am such a liar. I swore I was going to write a ton of stuff this weekend. I even made a little list of all the things I wanted to tell you about while I was at the Casbah on Thursday night. The reality is that I've been enjoying the weather so much that working just didn't have any place this weekend. That's not to say I didn't mindlessly stare at Facebook and Twitter (and mindfully at Words With Friends), but throw in the holiday and it just has me doing some work avoidance. I'm sorry I missed the listing on the Ken Club last night, and today I'm correcting a listing for Glossary which is at Soda Bar, not Ruby Room, and is a pretty awesome show (I was listening to the record all afternoon). Sunday through Wednesday archives are after the jump.

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

It has been a really great week and now the sun is back in sunny San Diego so hopefully you get out and do something fun, or consider joining up with the National Day of Service and volunteer somewhere. I've got so much to update you on, but I'll let those posts trickle in over the weekend. Friday and Saturday archives are after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: January 14-17, 2013

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend...between our SoundDiego contributors party, the Casbah and the 91X anniversary, some standup and and some other fun shows, I have to say it was pretty awesome, though I also enjoyed the extra blankets and firing up the wall heater as I snuggled up at home was pretty nice, too. This week is shaping up to be a good one, so take a gander at the listings for the week and get out and support those residencies. I also want to highlight a calendar change on Tuesday at Bar Pink, the show is actually Pony Death Ride's CD release show and was listed incorrectly on the venue site as Tiki Tuesday with Secret Samarai. Enjoy the week! I'll be sharing some Keane and Youngblood Hawke photos later today.

Monday, January 14, 2013:

• Strange Vine, Family Wagon, Bruin, Spirit Vine @ Casbah
• Barbarian, Parquet Courts, Ditches @ Soda Bar
• The Tin Can Country Club feat. Grampadrew @ Tin Can
• Spider Heart, guests @ Eleven
• Meagan Flint Band @ Riviera Supper Club
• Dirty Mondays w/ DJ Gabe Vega @ The Saloon (Encinitas)
• Dave Scott & Monsoon Jazz @ Croce's
• Danny Green Trio @ Athenaeum Music & Arts Library noon
• Electric Waste Band @ Winston's
• Karaoke @ Til-Two Club
• Open Mic @ Lestat's
• V-Rock the Beatsmith, Saul Q @ Live Wire
• Karaoke @ Coyote Bar & Grill
• Trivia Mondays @ 710 Beach Club
• Doug Allen @ The Kraken
• Deejha & Walter @ Patrick's Gaslamp Pub

Things To Do In San Diego: January 11-13, 2013

Before I got all excited about planning a Thursday morning bike ride, I probably should've paid attention to the weather. Still,  I really can't complain about a rainy morning curled up inside after being up all night to finally work through the last 4 weeks or so of email . Darren and I will try for a bike ride again on today, hopefully the weather cooperates, though either way the day will lead into what promises to be a really fun weekend. I'll be checking out some comedy at the American Comedy Club, catching the Friday show at Soda Bar, having a party with my SoundDiego cohorts, enjoying the 91X anniversary at the House of Blues and the official 24th Anniversary Show at the Casbah on Saturday, and maybe getting some tennis in and seeing Keane on Sunday. I hope that rain or shine, your weekend is full and happy and healthy, too. Friday through Sunday archives are after the jump.

Weekend Recommendations January 11-13, 2013

For those of you who have been experiencing the post holiday live music slow down, fear not. The upcoming weekend is filled with shows worthy of your attendance. Kicking off the weekend this Friday is none other than the recently name changed trio Boy King, headlining a four band lineup at Soda Bar. Be sure to catch LA rockers Hi Ho Silver Oh, touring with their sophomore release in tow. Actress/musician Charlyne Yi and locals Mothlight round out the lineup. Saturday offers a terrific bill at the Casbah. The Howls and Mrs. Magician will be taking the stage as the month long anniversary continues at the Middletown venue. These two bands seem to be headed for bigger and better things in 2013. The Short Eyes and Teenage Burritos will get things rocking and rolling.

Sunday night marks the return of British rockers Keane to San Diego, fresh off their recently released album Strangeland. The absence of guitars has not diminished the popularity of this band. A full house is expected at the House of Blues for what promises to be an outstanding show. LA 5 piece Youngblood Hawke set the stage. If you are still yearning for a nightcap, head over to Soda Bar for Chris Brokaw (Codeine) and Jennifer O'Connor. Sounds (and looks) like a great weekend to me.

To get you in the mood, watch a video of Keane's Sovereign Light Cafe below.

Things To Do In San Diego: January 10, 2013

So I already mentioned the 91X anniversary this weekend as well as the Casbah's continuing anniversary celebration, so I'm kinda out of things to tell you, unless you care that Xiao Lewu, the new panda cub at the zoo will begin to be on exhibit to the public daily from 9:30-11:30 starting on Thursday. Pretty cute, and you can see him on the Panda Cam. Thursday archives are after the jump.

Newsy Bits: Anthology Closes, Pacific Magazine Music Feature and more...

So I have been meaning to catch up but let's just say I'm taking my time getting into the swing of a new year, and the time I set aside to write seems to disappear quickly when I'm bouncing around town on my new bike or going to the zoo or hanging with Darren or playing Words With Friends (guilty). So anyway, you've heard that 4th & B and now Anthology have closed down. I would guess that you can probably expect both venues to reopen under new owners at some point, but nobody can really be sure at this point. CityBeat covered the story quite thoroughly this week, as did the U-T, and I was on NBC news last week to chat about it (you can read their article here). I thought it would be inappropriate to mention the divorce of the owners, but apparently that is fair game and the most obvious reason behind the closure.

View more videos at: http://nbcsandiego.com.

I also meant to share the link to Pacific Magazine in case you hadn't seen the music feature yet. Me, Pyles, Tim Maze, Candace Mandracia, Johnny Shockey, and Freddie Harb were asked to make music assessments and predictions. Pretty cool, I have to say.

I really didn't have a whole lot of other stuff to talk about that I haven't mentioned already. 91X has their 30th Anniversary party this weekend so that is a pretty awesome achievement. I remember being a kid on my skateboard and listening to early versions of the station (I loved Duran Duran and Tears For Fears at the time), and we've all seen them transform over the years and endure radio ups and downs and ownership changes. Congratulations to everyone who has been a part of the station over the years.

And speaking of anniversaries...the Casbah has been around for 24 years now, and though the whole month is part of the celebration, I guess you can call this weekend the official anniversary weekend, with Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys on Friday and Mrs. Magician, The Howls, The Short Eyes, and Teenage Burritos on Saturday. You can grab Big Sandy tickets for just $5 at M-Theory.

And while I'm talking about the Casbah...a while back I Am Not A Hipster shot some scenes at the club and the movie screened at Sundance and with a couple showings around town, and if you helped Kickstart the project, you should have your DVD by now, but if you still haven't seen it, you can catch a screening on Thursday night at the Ken Cinema. Go here for information.



Ok, early morning biking means I'm going to sleep.

Things to Do in San Diego: Newtown Edition

If there is one thing I have noticed amongst the craft beer community, especially here in San Diego, it's that there is no shortage of craft beer bars in the area. If you happen to frequent one or many of these establishments, chances are you will meet like-minded people who share the same appreciation and respect that you have for the industry. It goes without saying that there is an amazing camaraderie that comes hand-in-hand (and I suppose beer-in-hand) with the craft beer industry and I have met some pretty incredible people over the years because of it. One of these people is Kerin Sovern.

I was fortunate enough to meet Kerin a couple months back. Kerin was bartending at a local establishment near my house and struck a conversation with my girlfriend and I over a few beers. She was extremely friendly and a pleasure to talk to about the different beers we were drinking. A few weeks later, I went back to the same bar and saw Kerin being interviewed by the local news. It was during that visit I learned Kerin was from Newtown, Connecticut.

Newtown, as you all may very well know, is the town that was victim to the deadly shooting spree that occurred last month in which 26 people were murdered at the hands of a young shooter. The reporters had interviewed Kerin that day about a fundraising website (www.newtownpride.com) that she had started with a few other Newtown natives to support the school and victims’ families. Their mission statement on the website is as follows:

We founded Newtown Pride in response to the tragic events at Sandy Hook Elementary on December 14, 2012. We all grew up in Newtown, went through the Newtown school system and know what a wonderful, loving community it is. All proceeds generated from these sales will be donated to the Sandy Hook PTSA and the victims' families. Thank you for your support.

I have spoken to Kerin recently and since they have started this website, they have been recognized on local news networks as well as CNN. They have raised over $30,000 towards the Sandy Hook PTSA and the victims’ families and continue to raise more each day. It is an incredible feat and I am extremely proud of Kerin and all the other volunteers who have made this such a successful and noble effort.

If you are at all interested in donating to the site or purchasing a t-shirt, please visit www.newtownpride.com and help out a fellow friend. Afterall, if it wasn’t for that craft beer camaraderie I mentioned earlier, I would have never met Kerin and been able to participate in such an honorable cause.

Cheers,
Charles Eck

Things To Do In San Diego: January 8-9, 2013

Talk about curveballs! So I really intended to update you on a whole bunch of stuff happening around San Diego. Then the weekend came up so fast and there I was, trying to get downtown to get on camera for the 11 o'clock news on NBC and I was gonna post that clip with my FULL PAGE in Pacific Magazine and act like I know stuff about stuff...and then there's my long awaited diary post that will just bore the hell out of most of you, especially since the last one was in November, and then there are band updates and venue updates and mostly I'm sure the most exciting thing I can say right now is that the Casbah has been around for 24 years and this whole month is a massive celebration of that fact. I will post all of the other things (and I meant to tonight but when power went out it was a great excuse for a date night), but mostly you need to know I'm here and I promise to catch up on everything soon enough. Not like you really need my blah blah blah, but it will come nonetheless. Tuesday and Wednesday archives are after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: January 3-7, 2013

I'm not really on vacation but I sure am being laid back and taking it easy this first week of 2013. I have a lot to tell you about- like the return of the great CityBeat Demo Review and this really cool video app that I was supposed to tell you about last month- but don't expect any heavy writing from me for at least another few days. I just really don't see any reason to force posts when I'd rather enjoy the short days outdoors and spend the nights buried under covers because my heater has a mind of its own and only works sporadically. I'll get around to all the good stuff soon enough, but for now, here are your listings through the next week. Archives after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: January 2, 2013

I don't know about you, but the end of 2012 and the beginning of 2013 have been nothing short of incredible. Working at the Lafayette was a little hectic, so thanks to your patience as we checked in and wristbanded nearly 1000 people throughout the course of the night. Darren was able to take a break during his long night and we got to experience the countdown and some midnight kissing was definitely in order as The Amandas rocked the lobby. It was great hanging out with so many good people at the hotel until daybreak when Darren finally got off his shift and thus began a 36 hour marathon date of sleeping in, bike riding, dinner eating, tennis playing, and walking around the emptiness of the Hotel Del, the beach, and Orange Avenue in Coronado before retiring for the night. Pretty epic way to start the year if you ask me. I have the weekend listings but will wait to post until I can take some time to format them and such. It was my error that tonight's Casbah show was not listed, so just in case you didn't know, they are open tonight. Thursday listings are after the jump and I'll hopefully have the next week up sometime later tonight.

Wednesday January 2, 2013:

• AGE OF COLLAPSE, BRIDGEJUMPER, CASH CROP & TRASH AXIS @ Casbah ($5)
• The Short Eyes, The Dull Drums, Treemotel @ The Griffin
• The Blooming Rye, Princess Die, Skinny Bones Bad Times Band, Elephant Project @ Soda Bar
• Lady Dottie & The Diamonds @ Gallagher's Irish Pub
• Sloat Dixon, Mose, Brother Nature @ Tin Can
• Chris Avetta, Kevin Blaine @ Lestat's
• Iamdustinblackwell, guests @ Eleven
• Kice Simko and Friends @ Riviera Supper Club
• Open Mic @ Winston's
• Noisy Toys @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Sue Palmer @ Croce's
• A Brief History of Rhyme @ Til-Two Club
• Wednesday Shakedown @ Henry's Pub
• Wreck Shop Wednesday feat. Science Fiction Jazz @ The Office
• Firehouse Swing Night @ Queen Bee's
• Get Groovin' @ Coyote Bar & Grill