Show Preview: Minor Alps @ Soda Bar Thursday November 14, 2013

Minor Alps is the name of the collaborative project featuring seasoned musicians Matthew Caws and Juliana Hatfield. Caws is the lead singer for New York band Nada Surf, while Hatfield has performed with Blake Babies, Some Girls and as a solo artist. Having worked together in the past, it seems like an ideal match for these two great singers and songwriters. The result is Get There (Barsuk Records), an album filled with vocal harmonies, layered guitars, while songs cover a wide range of emotions. Overall, this is indie pop of the highest order, with two sometimes indistinguishable singers doing what they do best. As Alternative Press wrote, the pair have recorded an album of "gorgeous, perfect, pop". Sounds like a great way to get a jump start on the weekend.

Casbah Presents Minor Alps with opener Dan Wilson on Thursday November 14 at Soda Bar...Tickets can be purchased here.

Listen to Far From the Roses from Minor Alps below.

Recommended Shows in San Diego November 11-17, 2013

The days are getting shorter (daylight time) but the nights still have plenty to offer San Diego music fans. The upcoming week reveals some shows worth attending.

Sweden's duo Deer Tracks play strange yet captivating music...catch them at Soda Bar on Monday...Lord Howler and Chess Wars fill the air with their hard rock at The Griffin...

Thee Oh Sees return to their favorite haunt here, Bar Pink, for a great show on Tuesday...OBN IIIs open the evening...

Wednesday marks the return of the interestingly named band Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, playing this time at Soda Bar...they recently released Fly By Wire, more indie pop goodness via Missouri...

On Thursday newly formed band Minor Alps, comprised of Matthew Caws (Nada Surf) and Juliana Hatfield (Blake Babies), hit Soda Bar for a Casbah Presents show...FMLYBND and Kiev will be at The Griffin...Melt Banana will be melting faces at the Casbah...

The weekend kicks off with Wild Child, a Minnesota band who just released a great self titled album, at Soda Bar...Nik Turner's version of Hawkwind headlines the Casbah...

Austin troubadour Slaid Cleaves returns to AMSD Concerts, i.e. that Normal Height church, for an acoustic show on Saturday...Autolux will be at the Casbah, Caspian and 65daysofstatic co-headline Soda Bar...

One of my favorite Canadian bands, The Besnard Lakes, stop at the Casbah for a great show this Sunday...Elephant Stone open...highly recommended...

A great week of live music is waiting for those wishing to enrich their lives...head out to a show (or two)...

Watch a video of I Don't Know What To Do With My Hands from Minor Alps below...



Watch a video of People of the Sticks by The Besnard Lakes below..

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

As I said yesterday, the anniversary party at the Casbah was great on Friday night, and made for a very lazy Saturday, but after a night of working with Darren's Van, we're spending the day serving beer at Qualcomm Stadium and will very much be looking forward to tonight's Cults shows at The Irenic, and maybe even make it for Jello Biafra after. Unless we pass out from exhaustion some time before that. Listings are done through Thursday since I had to plan ahead with my time. I got a new phone last week thinking my laptop was gonna be fixed, but it still isn't ready and I don't know that it can be saved. So ugh, #firstworldproblems, I know. Archives are after the jump.

Review: Deerhoof at The Irenic, 11/3/2013

DEERHOOF 11/3/13 @theIRENIC

(show presented by SODA BAR)

      Wow. I've been waiting to see this act for a while... quirky rhythm drum beats lead the way, dreamy follow-the-bouncing-ball, english-as-a-second-language type vocals, with a mostly upbeat wash of guitars or basses...all of this in one band- DEERHOOF.

      I loved their stage set up, having singer and drummer in front with guitar players or bass players holding down the back of the stage. Every song seems to revolve around the drums which punch, click, and drag the controlled noise between picturesque compelling vocal scenes, one after another. Just when you think they have departed into the realm of “Jammy noise”, an outburst of drums suddenly snaps the entire room into another quiet dreamscape-intimate vocal. Everyone took a turn at the bass, with one or two guitars. Singer Satomi Matsuzak's voice sounds a little like a child playing in a sandbox and singing and doesn't know you are listening. She also sounds amazingly sharp with her visually stilted rhythms and opaque melodies. She also does leg kicks above her head when it's her turn to play the bass.

      For the encore she was trying to teach us to sing like her. “ Come see Da Dum!,... Come,... Come,... Come see Da dum!” Then the band would stop and she would say “ It's a pattern, ok??” We tried to keep up.

      This show could have gone either way since they have such an extensive catalog with divergent material. It was great. Everything you want from them and a little more (maybe that you don't want.) Of course they don't play their radio “hit,” “The Trouble With Candy Hands". But they do play some of their best material off the most recent albums (“Breakup Song,” and “Deerhoof vs. Evil") and some more obscure songs, too. They also mix in an indie-prog-rock version of “I Don't Want to be a Pinhead No more!” and an appropriately poignant version of The Velvet Underground's “ All Tomarrow's Parties” to shatter our expectations.

      The VU song was cute (since another member of that band died lately) with Satomi appearing to read the lyrics from a hand written sheet given to her on stage by another band member. Everyone clapped, and she smiled.

       Before the encore, the drummer took the mic for an enjoyable extended rambling stand up comedy interaction with members of the audience. Nice.

       There is no place I would rather see live music then at North Park's Irenic, with it's soaring spacious ceilings and it's middle 1940's charm. More please. I can't wait to see them again.

       BTW ... I really got a chance to know people while waiting in the merch line, because the drummer who was selling their merchandise was also taking the chance for long form conversations with each of the dozen or more people who were picking up vinyl, shirts, and compact discs in the line in front of me. Seriously... buy your shirts and move to the side, we all want to buy. Special thanks to whatever member of Cuckoo Chaos and GF helped me to pass the time in the SLOWEST MERCH LINE EVER.

The photos are from my mobile, but there's more after the jump. 

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

What a night! Thanks to everyone who came out to the Casbah last night. It was really fun hanging out on the patio and seeing so many friends. It was also fun hanging with Robin, Sean, and Jakey after the show at Rudford's. It had been way too long since we had a late night hang. There are some great shows tonight but I'll be working with Darren's Van and then hitting the hay early because we're beertending at the Chargers game tomorrow. (The irony of this new occupation isn't lost on me.) Hope everyone is having a great weekend and enjoying the last few days of San Diego Beer Week, too.  Weekend archives after the jump.

Show Preview: Blitzen Trapper @ Porter's Pub Saturday November 9, 2013

Blitzen Trapper

Portland based indie folk rock band Blitzen Trapper are returning to San Diego this Saturday for a show at the all ages Porter's Pub on the UCSD campus. For those uninitiated with the band, folk, americana, alt-country and indie rock are all styles found in their music. Formed back in 2000, Blitzen Trapper recently released their seventh full length album, appropriately titled VII. This marks the group's first release on Vagrant Records. The songs really are mostly what we have come to expect, and there is nothing wrong with that. Being together as a band for over ten years is quite an accomplishment in itself. Putting out consistent quality music is something else Blitzen Trapper can be proud of. Led by singer/guitarist/songwriter Eric Earley, the band currently performs as a quintet. Because it is difficult to pigeonhole their multifaceted style, there is no mistaking their sound. When this band wants to kick it up a notch, they can compete with almost anybody. This sort of makes me wonder (and wish) they would do this more frequently. This is music that gets you moving, whether in the form of stomping your feet or clapping your hands.

Alialujah Choir, also from Portland, set the stage. Tickets for the show can be purchased here.

Listen to Ever Loved Once by Blitzen Trapper below. (courtesy SoundCloud)

Rob Machado Foundation Benefit Concert Preview

Well known San Diego County resident Rob Machado is one busy guy. When not surfing he keeps himself immersed in his foundation, the primary goal being that of helping youth becoming more aware of their role in maintaining a healthy planet. The RMF has many programs, such as healthy food lunches, school greening, environmentally safe recycle bins, and water refill stations at schools. The immediate and long lasting effect of these initiatives can be seen here locally (ten recycling bins were installed at Cardiff beaches in August).

Next Monday (November 11), the 2nd Annual RMF Benefit Concert is taking place in Rob's back yard, so to speak. The Belly Up Tavern is hosting the event, with performances by several world class musicians and other local talent. Topping the list is Jason Mraz, along with John Rzeznik from The Goo Goo Dolls, Run River North and Austin Burns. These artists will be performing acoustic sets to a sold out crowd.

This is certainly going to be a special evening with the proceeds benefiting some great causes. Those wishing to donate to the Rob Machado Foundation click here.

Things to Do in San Diego: Beer Week Edition - November 6-10, 2013

How’s your liver holding up? I know mine is starting to cry “Uncle” but there are still FIVE more glorious days of San Diego Beer Week to go! I’d have to say some of my highlights so far were the Victory at Sea event at Hamilton’s on Sunday, the 50+ IPAs at Toronado over the weekend and the opening night VIP Brewer’s Guild party was fantastic. I managed to hit most of the events I’d planned, and even a couple more that I hadn’t. So what’s good for the rest of the week? Read on after the jump for the things I’ll most be looking forward to. Cheers!





Wednesday November 6, 2013


Mo-stache for Mo-Beer at Belching Beaver Tasting Room (North Park) - This event, sponsored by the San Diego Beer Club meetup group, starts at 7PM in one of NP’s newest craft beer spots and will help raise awareness and money for “Movemeber.” Additionally, Belching Beaver will be offering $1 off pints and $2 off flights for this kickoff event.


ALL ABOUT BOOBS, SAUSAGES, AND BEER! at Acoustic Ales Tasting Room - Another SDBW charity event, this one is for the Boobies!! We all love boobies, so go show some support. The event will feature brats from Salt n’ Cleaver paired with Acoustic Ales in-house offerings.


Stone Brewing Co./Eclipse Chocolat Pairing at Small Bar - Get your sweet tooth on! Five rare Stone beers are paired with delicious truffles from Eclipse Chocolat. Five beer tasters and five truffles for just $20.




Thursday November 7, 2013


Societe Brewing Company Tap Takeover at Societe Brewing - The week long (and very tounge-in-cheek) tap “takeover” continues from my favorite new SD brewery. If you’ve never been to the tasting room, be sure to check it out. Great space, great staff and, of course, really great beers.


HAPPY HOUR W/ RIP CURRENT- SOCIETE - HESS at Hamilton’s Tavern - Three of the newest (and best) SD breweries on one night at the (arguably) greatest craft beer bar in town. Hard to argue with that one! There will be two different flights, one with IPAs and one with stouts and other additional beers available from each brewery as well. Pro Tip: Get both flights! Also, #teamApprentice.


Crooked Stave Brewery Night at Small Bar - Meet the brewer event from the great Crooked Stave out of Denver. Small Bar will have flights available, plus some bottles of the Beer Advocate “world class” rated L’Brett D’Or, a beer that has never been poured outside of the Stave’s tasting room. Whales bruh.




Friday November 8, 2013


Johnny Brown's IPA Night at Downtown Johnny Browns - while not quite as ambitious as some other IPA events, DTJB will still bring the goods with 21 taps of IPAs from Kern River, Pizza Port, Stone, Ballast Point, Green Flash, Port, Russian River, Bear Republic, Sierra Nevada and more.


NKOTB - Rip Current, Modern Times & Benchmark Keep The Pint! at Urge Gastropub - North County kids will want to check out this event, featuring these three rad breweries which have all debuted in the past year or so.


Tyson's Big Ass Barrel Aged Beer Blowout Bonanza! at O’Brien’s Pub - This is a SDBW stand by as OB’s and Tyson bring out all the barrel aged beers they’ve stashed away over the course of the past year to put them all back on at once. The list is HUGE and amazing, but highlights include brews from Firestone Walker, Drakes, Lost Abbey and more.


We Got The Funk! SOUR NIGHT! at Pizza Port Ocean Beach - If Barrel Aged beers aren’t your thing then go to the opposite extreme and get some delicious sours instead. A bunch of Russian River Sours among other breweries and, oh yeah...a little something called CANTILLION KRIEK! Get it.


Saturday November 9, 2013


Monkey Paw Tap Takeover at Amplified Ale Works- Head to PB for a full slate of great beers from Monkey Paw Pub & Brewery including the delicious, GABF Gold winner Bonobos.


Decadent Decade Of Stone Imperial Russian Stouts at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens (Escondido) - another good event for the North County kids (or those ready to make the drive up north) as Stone puts on a full TEN years worth of their always great IRS.


Hops With The Homebrewer at Tiger!Tiger! - Meet George from The Homebrewer shop in North Park who will regale us with his seemingly endless knowledge of all things brewing, in this case those wonderful things called HOPS! Sure to be a very informative and fun event, even if you’re not a homebrewer. This is a ticketed event and it sold out so fast they added a second session. Act fast and get them here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/510666




Sunday November 10, 2013


4th Annual Alpine (Up And) Downhill Challenge sponsored by Blind Lady Ale House - Not for the light-hearted, this ride from Blind Lady in Normal Heights all the way up the hill to Alpine for flights of Alpine beers and a pizza buffet and then a ride all the way back to BLAH. Wowzers! This ticketed event also includes a commemorative t-shirt. Tix here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/508306


"Beer Garden" at The Lodge at Torrey Pines - **  UPDATE SOLD OUT!! ** This is the official closing event for San Diego Beer week, featuring beer and food pairings from 12 great local chefs and 24 local breweries. Tickets here: http://arestravel.com/6367_attraction-tickets_a1363.html




Thanks to sdbwplanner.com for all the links and their easy to use planning site!

Things To Do In San Diego: November 6-8, 2013

It has been such a busy week that I barely mentioned that this Friday night, we'll be celebrating the 7th Anniversary of San Diego: Dialed In. I had no plan when I started this little site seven years ago and I've sort of let it follow its own trajectory over the years- writing reviews when people read them, posting photos and video when people wanted to see them, writing long winded diaries when I needed to vent, and lately featuring previews and reviews from a team of music fans who make all of this still possible. Behind the scenes, I juggle my Casbah responsibilities with my daily listings on SoundDiego, am helping get Darren's Van off the ground, trying to staying on top of local politics and launching San Diego: Cycled In to keep up on some bike news, babysitting, taking on a beertending job at Qualcomm Stadium, all the while being in a relationship with a man and his daughter who have in no small way changed my life and priorities. And my laptop is still broken. So things are a little crazy and hopefully you still come here to find out what's going on in this city, even if sometimes my news comes a little slower than it once did. The anniversary party is going to be a great show with Rubblebucket, The Heavy Guilt, and Grampa Drew and the Gutstring Girls at the Casbah and I would love to see some of your pretty faces at the show. Listings for the rest of the week. Wednesday through Friday archives after the jump.

For Your Eyes & Ears: Torches & The Lonely Wild

The Casbah is presenting a show tonight (Wednesday) at Soda Bar featuring two of L.A.'s best emerging bands. Since this is a co-headline show, allow me to introduce the bands alphabetically. The Lonely Wild have played San Diego many times and never fail to disappoint. The quintet released their initial full length, The Sun As It Comes, back in April. The album is a result of all the hard work the group put in since forming in 2010. Led by Northern California transplant Andrew Carroll, the songs reveal raw emotion and gentleness throughout the album. This rare combination of energy transforms well in the live setting.

Watch a video of Buried in the Murder below.

The other headline band is Torches, the brainchild of Azad Cheikosman and Eric Fabbro. They released their first LP back in 2012 titled Heads Full of Rust, featuring lush gutars and heavy drums creating a somewhat darker sound which is very accessible. Torches are no strangers to San Diego, having played at various venues here in the past. They recently came out with an EP, If The People Stare.

Watch a video of When You Gonna ? below.



This promises to be one night of great music from bands happy to drive south on Interste 5 and please the fans in San Diego. Tickets ($12) will be available at the door. This is a 21+ event.

Casbah Announces Anniversary Shows (and then some)

I am so excited for January 2014. The Casbah will be celebrating 25 years of bringing live music to San Diego. I remember being in high school when it opened and just drooling over the bands who were performing there, and when I finally got into a show, it was to see the amazing Whiskeytown and I was in love with the place. Fast forward 25 years, and I've been to hundreds of shows at the Casbah and other venues where the Casbah has presented shows over the years. The anniversary month is also special to me because Tim Mays hired me back when we were celebrating the 20th anniversary 5 years ago, and I certainly feel lucky every time I walk through the doors. There will be a ton of special shows in January, a limited edition t-shirt designed by Shepard Fairey, and thanks to Todd Gloria's office, January 7, 2014 will be declared Casbah Day in the city of San Diego during the City Council meeting. Below is the first batch of anniversary shows being announced, as well as other shows that have been announced over the past few weeks. Tickets are onsale now unless otherwise noted.


Thu Jan 2 - Neil Hamburger Comedy Revue $10/12     TICKETS

Fri Jan 3 - The Paladins, Big Sandy and His Flyrite Boys $18     TICKETS

Tue Jan 7 - Three Mile Pilot $20     TICKETS

Thu Jan 9 - No Knife, Ghetto Blaster, Nancy $16     TICKETS

Fri Jan 10 - The Rugburns, Truckee Brothers $20     TICKETS

Mon Jan 13 - Pinback, Death Fix $25     TICKETS

Fri Jan 17 - The Penetrators, The Loons, Sidewalk Scene, The Executives $20     TICKETS

Sat Jan 18 - Buck-O-Nine $12     TICKETS

Sat Jan 25 - SMILE, Uncle Joe's Big Ol' Driver $12/14     TICKETS

Wed Jan 29 - OFF!, Widows, Bumbklaat $20     TICKETS

Feb 25 - Kodaline $13/15 (Onsale Friday, November 8 at 10am)      TICKETS

April 1- An Evening with That 1 Guy - $10/12     TICKETS


Other recent show additions:

Nov 19 @ Soda Bar - Night Terrors of 1927 $6     TICKETS

Sat Nov 30 - Redd Kross $15     TICKETS

Dec 3 - Kaki King $15     TICKETS

Dec 4 @ Soda Bar - Beware of Darkness $6     TICKETS

Dec 5 @ Soda Bar - My Jerusalem $8     TICKETS

Dec 7 - Fu Manchu, Moab $12     TICKETS

Dec 7 @ Soda Bar - MS MR 91 cents. (This is already sold out as it was postponed from October 19)

Dec 8 - Escondido $10     TICKETS

Dec 8 @ Irenic - Professor Blastoff Live with hosts Tig Notaro, Kyle Dunnigan and David Huntsberger $18     TICKETS

Dec 10 - Exhumed, Iron Reagan $10/12     TICKETS

Dec 15 - Kitten $10     TICKETS

Jan 12 - Pickwick $15     TICKETS

Jan 25 @ Soda Bar - Wooden Shjips $12/14     TICKETS

Feb 1 - ASH, Deaf Havana $15     TICKETS

Feb 2 - Yuck $13/15     TICKETS

Feb 9 - White Denim $13/15 onsale Fri Nov 8.  

Mar 2 - Dave Hause, Northcote $10     TICKETS

May 10 We Are Scientists $15 (onsale 11/8)     TICKETS

Things To Do In San Diego: November 5, 2013

I feel haggard. The other day someone asked me what I do, and I started thinking about my various jobs, and sometimes I feel a little overwhelmed. Then I remember what it was like working in an office all day everyday, and I'm grateful I can get by with my various duties. So yeah, things are good, but I'm beat. Where did all my naptime go? Hopefully I can focus a little better because there are a dozen things I've been meaning to write about and there's all kinds of stuff to be excited about this fall and winter, including some of the big Casbah anniversary month announcements, which you'll see here at 10am today.Tuesday archives are after the jump.

From the Vault- The Naked And Famous @ HOBSD- 09.25.13

 
I'm pretty sure the phrase 'better late than never' has an expiration date, but here we go...

Five weeks ago, Kiwi five-piece The Naked And Famous swung through town on a whirlwind of a headlining tour which, starting in September (and continuing through mid-March (with a return to SD scheduled for the day after Valentine's)), saw them cover the majority of the US, open for a few big names, and make an appearance on late night TV.  The quickly-sold-out-all-ages-show's line stretched from the box office to Broadway when I dove by around 6 and, being unfamiliar with the opening acts, elected to wait until the headliner's set started to head in.  I was greeted by the most elaborate lighting setup I've seen on the HOB stage- it didn't kick in until a few songs into the show, but the second it did the entire floor turned into a massive dance party.  If you haven't heard of these guys yet, you will very soon.

For more pix from the evening head here. For other concert photography, head here.
_________________________________
All photos © Nate Vandermeulen.  Please email with request for use.

Recommended Shows in San Diego November 4-10, 2013

USMC Day Nov. 10

The first full week of November shows no sign of slowing down when it comes to quality live shows of the music variety here in San Diego. A closer look reveals some events worth attending.

Canadian pop artist Matt Halverson, aka Teen Daze, headlines Soda Bar on Monday...Graham Nash plays his first of two sold out shows at the Belly Up...

Tuesday brings Active Child (Pat Grossi) to the Casbah...he plays a harp and the music is enchanting...

Casbah Presents two of L.A.'s most underrated bands, Torches & The Lonely Wild, at Soda Bar on Wednesday...well worth attending...Alejandro Escovedo drops by the Casbah for an intimate show...

Crocodiles return to their home town for a great show at the Casbah on Thursday...their latest album, Crimes of Passion, is some of their best work to date...Meat Puppets hit Soda Bar for an intimate affair...

The 7 year anniversary of SDDialedIn is official...Rosemary will be hosting a party on Friday at the Casbah with a terrific lineup...Rubblebucket headlines with The Heavy Guilt and Grandpa Drew offering support...

Portland indie/alt country faves Blitzen Trapper play an all ages show at Porter's Pub on Saturday...

On Sunday Cults are headlining The Irenic (all ages) behind their new release, Static. ...Catch synth pop artist Goldroom at Soda Bar for the late show...

Looks like a great week of music lies ahead for the adventurous music fans here in America's Finest City.

Watch a video of Save Charlie by Rubblebucket below.

Things To Do In San Diego: November 4, 2013

It seems like I wasn't the only one who decided to take the weekend down a few notches after Halloween and all the craziness around town, and hopefully you were able to see some of the awesome bands playing over the weekend, particularly on Sunday. To be honest, my highlight was registering with a chiropractor while at the Dia De Los Muertos festival at Sherman Heights Community Center because part of the reason I've been quieter on the interwebs is because my whole right side just feels like a mess lately and laptopping only exacerbates the problems. So yay. Here's to getting fixed. Monday archives after the jump.

Tonight: Diego Garcia, Kan Wakan @ The Griffin

The first Sunday of November has arrived with an earlier sunset (turning the clocks back last night) and the reality that autumn is truly here, even in San Diego. For those wanting to finish the weekend on a high note, look no further than The Griffin where the Casbah is presenting a great show at the intimate Morena Blvd. venue. Headlining is New York singer/songwriter Diego Garcia, touring to promote his latest album, Paradise. This is a big step forward for Garcia, both personally and professionally. The songs on his latest creation reveal a more confident and contented person.

Listen to the lovely track Sunnier Days below. (courtesy of SoundCloud).

Opening the show tonight are one of L.A.'s newer bands, Kan Wakan. Starting as a threesome but expanding to a seven piece currently, the band recently released its first EP, Forever Found. Soulful vocals backed by an orchestral sound comes to mind when describing the band.

Listen to the track Moving On below. (courtesy of SoundCloud).



This promises to be a wonderful evening of music for those wishing to see two talented acts in an up close setting. Tickets can be purchased in advance here.

Set Times: Kevin Devin & The Goddamn Band

Those attending the show with Kevin Devine & The Goddamn Band at Soda Bar tonight should be aware of the earlier than normal set times...they are as follows:

Kevin Devine & The Goddamn Band 10:00-11:30

Now, Now                                          9:00-9:45

Spero                                                 8:15-8:45

Harrison Hudson                                7:30-8:00

Doors are at 7 pm...tickets will be available at the door...$15...(21+)

Things to Do in San Diego: Beer Week Edition

It’s the most wonderful time of the year...San Diego Beer Week, a celebration of all things Craft Beer in America’s Finest City. There’s so much to celebrate that Beer “Week” is actually ten days. With 70+ breweries and tons of great beer bars, there is no shortage of great events, tap takeovers, ticketed dinners and of course wonderful tasting rooms to visit.

The list is much, much too large to attempt posting here, but I’ll run down some of the highlights and particularly those that are on my personal radar. There’s no single exhaustive list, but head over to San Diego Beer Week’s official site for a calendar of most events. Also check out SDBWplanner’s great mobile site for checking the event list while on the go. Some bars keep their own schedules, so be sure to check out websites of your favorite spots as well so you don’t miss any cool happenings. And of course, Taphunter and the West Coaster are great resources for additional info on beers, breweries and tap lists all year round.  

Anyway, on to my picks and can’t miss events over the first five days after the jump. (I’ll post the remainder of of my SDBW top picks on Wednesday.) Be sure to find me at any (or all) of these stops so we can kick one back together! Cheers!

Things To Do In San Diego: November 3-5, 2013

I'm a little bit embarassed to admit that I was in bed by 9pm last night. Darren and I had a big date night Wednesday and I'll just say, it ain't easy keeping up with Mike Beebe. We went to the early Casbah show with Federico Aubele, then met up with The Beebe at Ritual Kitchen, then popped into Toronado, and closed the night at Red Wing for karaoke. Fun times, but Thursday was non-stop go go go as we carved pumpkins at the Casbah, and ran errands which ultimately ended with us Trick-or-Treating in La Mesa near Nova's school. I got home around 8:30 with the intent to go to SoundDiego Live, and then completely zonked out until about 11, at which point going out was just not going to happen. I have a lot of catching up to do but that may or may not happen this weekend, but for those of you who have asked, the 7th Anniversary of this site is just around the corner, and I've hijacked the Rubblebucket, The Heavy Guilt, and Grampadrew show at the Casbah on November 8 to celebrate. This one is going to sell out, so don't wait to grab tickets. It's Beer Week and Dia De Los Infantes/Muertos this weekend, so get out and have some fun, and as always, Darren's Van will be in service, so call him at 619.990.5064 if you need him.

Friday, November 1, 2013 (#SDBW):

• Dia De Los Muertos Procession @ Sherman Heights (Starts at Community Center 6-9pm)
• Dia De Los Muertos @ Old Town (Free, 1-9pm)
• Day of the Dead feat. Cantua @ Liberty Station (5-8pm, Free) 
• SDBW: VIP Brewer Takeover @ Port Pavilion, Broadway Pier (6-9pm)
• Casbah Presents: Father John Misty, Kate Berlant @ House of Blues
• Soda Bar & Invisible Children Present: Kevin Devine & The Goddamn Band, Now Now, Spero, Harrison Hudson @ Soda Bar
• Schitzophonics, Shake Before Us, Flaggs, Chinese Rocks @ The Casbah
• Casbah Presents: Mellowhigh featuring Hodgy Beats, Domo Genesis, And Left Brain of Odd Future, Odessa Kane, DJ Artistic @ Porter's Pub
• Tourist @ Bang Bang
• Le Castle Vania @ Bassmnt
• Ottly Mercer, The Shifters, 2000 Tons of TNT @ The Tin Can
• Really Idol, DJ Joe Mama @ Seven Grand
• SDBW: Bottled and Kegged History Happy Hour @ San Diego History Center (5:30-7:30 pm)
• Condemned, Servile Conceptions, Seraphic Disgust, Infernal Conjuration @ The Griffin
• Hip Hop vs. Punk: First Power Crew vs. Dirty Dishes/Man Vs Man vs. Nikki & The Mongoloid @ The Tower Bar
• Jennifer Knapp @ MissionGathering (3090 Polk, 7:30 pm)
• Dia De Los Muertos Panteon Fronterizo feat. Ramon Amezcua (Bostich/Nortec), Mariachi Diamante @ San Ysidro Civic Center (Free, 4-9pm)
• Taste Machine @ Riviera
• Mark Hall (5:00), Harriet and the Tubmans, Takahashi @ 710 Beach Club
• First Friday with NoSuckerDjs @ Bar Pink
• Atomic Groove @ Belly Up(5:30)
• Cowboy Mouth, The Cringe @ Belly Up
• The Joshua White Quartet (feat. Ben Schachter, Mackenzie Leighton, Dan Schnelle)  @ 98 Bottles
• "The Day After" w/ The Strikefits, The Ramones, Mommy's Little Nutstache, Batface @ Brick By Brick
• Evan Ziporyn (solo clarinets and electronics) @ Bread & Salt (Barrio Logan)
• RETALIATE, Lies, MethxBreath, Exile @ The Ché Café
• Le Freak w/ DJ Craig Smoove @ Fluxx
• Caliber (5:00), Len Rainey (9:00) @ Humphrey's Backstage
• Melissa Polinar, Nathan Angelo @ Lestat's
• Brent Curtis and Guest @ Marble Room
• The Word Alive, I See Stars, Crown The Empire, Get Scared, Dayshell, Palisades @ Soma
• Leon's Old School Karaoke @ Tio Leo's Lounge
• Jay Idol @ Voyeur
• Space Jazz tour-Michal Menert w/ Mux Mool + More @ Winston's
• Custard Pie @ Mr. Peabody's
• Poncho Sanchez @ Jacob Center for Community Innovation
• Brothers Gow @ Mothers Saloon
• The Routine @ PB Cantina
• Hazmatt @ Surf & Saddle

Show Preview: Diego Garcia, Kan Wakan @ The Griffin Sunday November 3, 2013

The Casbah Presents welcomes Diego Garcia and Kan Wakan to The Griffin this Sunday. This is the official tour opener and Diego's second appearance in San Diego. Previously he played the swank supper club Anthology (now shuttered) downtown. Throughout that set Diego appeared somewhat overwhelmed by his surroundings. In contrast, The Griffin should be the ideal venue for his personal heartfelt songs to be played. The recently released sophomore full length, Paradise, is a uplifting set of songs about a life filled with love. The Latin influences are felt throughout the album, which has a gentle flow from start to finish.

Listen to Truth Will Ring (courtesy SoundCloud) by Diego Garcia below.

Please be sure to arrive early to catch opener Kan Wakan, a Los Angeles (Silverlake) band formed last year by Gueorgui Linev. Guitarist/producer Peter Potyondy and singer Kristianne Bautista rounded out the initial threesome. Their music has classical roots while adding many dimensions to create a fuller sound. This is due in part to the addition of four members (violin, drummer, keyboard, bass) resulting in a mini orchestral sound if you will. The group just released its first EP, Forever Found, on Verge Records. A full length is due out later in the fall. This is an emerging band poised to etch its footprint in the crowded musical landscape.

Listen to Forever Found (courtesy SoundCloud) by Kan Wakan below.



Tickets for Sunday's show at The Griffin can be purchased here.

Show Preview: Atlas Genius @ House of Blues Sunday November 4, 2013

photo courtesy Roger Ho

Australian indie rock band Atlas Genius are no strangers to San Diego. It wasn't too long ago when the group led by the Jeffery brothers played a 91X Next Big Thing show at The Griffin. Even before the release last spring of their debut full length When It Was Now, the band toured extensively across North America and beyond. This Sunday marks Atlas Genius' biggest show to date here at the House of Blues. Currently the band is comprised of Keith Jeffery (guitar, vocals), brother Michael (drums), Darren Sell (keyboards) and a touring bass player. When describing their sound, Atlas Genius draws on some of the familiar styles such as synth, electronica, and exploding guitars mixed with emotive vocals. The key is the ability to take all these ingredients and create a signature sound of their own. With songs such as Trojans, If So, and Through the Glass it becomes readily apparent why Warner bros. signed the band prior to any official release. Atlas Genius are able to take contemporary sounds and make them stylish.

House of Blues Entertainment is presenting the Ones To Watch Tour featuring Atlas Genius, Family of the Year, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. this Sunday November 3rd at the San Diego downtown location. This is an all ages show with 7 pm doors. Tickets can be purchased here.

Watch a video of Symptoms by Atlas Genius below.

Show Preview: Federico Aubele, Haunted Summer @ Casbah Wednesday October 30, 2013

In order to accommodate more artists and their touring schedules, the Casbah is offering an early show this Wednesday featuring Argentine singer Federico Aubele and L.A. quartet Haunted Summer. Aubele plays a down tempo music style, while his music tends to reflect the region where he might be residing at a particular time. Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Federico moved to Berlin, then Barcelona, and now calls Brooklyn home. His music has been labeled as dub, electonica and the like.  He last visited San Diego at the now defunct Anthology, while his first visit was at the Casbah some five years ago. Berlin 13 is the latest album recorded by Aubele. It captures the very active electronica music found in the German capital. Watch a video of Bohemian Rhapsody in Blue from the album below.




Opening the show are L.A. based dream pop band Haunted Summer, led by vocalist Bridgette Moody and guitarist John Seasons. The music tends to be eerie and hypnotic, a perfect combination for this time of year.
Watch a video of All Around from their EP Something in the Water below.



Doors for the show are at 6 pm, tickets can be purchased here.

Recommended Shows in San Diego October 28-November 3, 2013

Halloween marks the end of October, but there is no end to quality live music here in San Diego. The forecast of rain will probably bring the city to a screeching halt, but those who wish to quench their thirst for live music will not be disappointed during the upcoming week. A closer look reveals some shows worth attending.

Cure the Monday blues with Memphis blues rockers Dirty Streets at Soda Bar. The group just released their third full length Blades of Grass...

Tuesday brings the return of indie duo The Blow to the Casbah. It has been seven years since their last record, but the new eponymous album should satisfy fans new and old alike...

Speaking of the Casbah, the cool folks there have a great double header on Wednesday...the early show brings Argentine singer Federico Aubele and L.A.'s Haunted Summer (great band name for this time of year). Dax Riggs and The Palace Ballroom play the regularly scheduled late night slot...

Halloween is on Thursday so I will leave the costumes, parties and all the hoopla to the blog readers out there...be safe and consult the full listings...

Father John Misty will be playing his biggest show to date in San Diego with a solo show on Friday at the House of Blues...elsewhere Kevin Devine & the Goddamn Band roll into Soda Bar promoting not one, but two Kickstarter funded releases...Now, Now open for a great show...

On Saturday The Lonely Forest headline Soda Bar...The Sadies return to the Casbah...both bands have new albums to share with attendees...

The Casbah Presents Diego Garcia and Kan Wakan (a band) at The Griffin on Sunday...Garcia just released his sophomore full length Paradise...Soda Bar presents Bay Area noise artists Deerhoof at The Irenic...

These are only a few of the awesome shows coming to San Diego this week...be sure to get out and experience live music by attending a show (or two)...

Watch a video of Sunnier Days by Diego Garcia below.



Watch a video of From the Future by The Blow below.

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

It was an incredible weekend in San Diego. It was a rare weekend for me personally, because I got to spend most of my time with Darren and Nova, who's usually only with us on weekdays, so instead of late nights in pre-Halloween revelry, it involved lots of playground time, designing a last minute back-up skeleton costume (that I am quite proud of) when it was decided Scooby-Doo would be a little too hot for the Murray Manor Halloween Carnival, some hiking and Spooky Stories at Mission Trails, entertaining three little sugar-addled girls into the late night, and an afternoon joining my nieces at the New Children's Museum, which has some great new installations as well as the always popular clay patio. Darren was quite busy too, driving around the revelers to all kinds of parties and events, so if you caught a ride from Darren's Van, show him so love on Yelp.

Sometimes people ask me how I go out so often, am up so late, or how I do what I do, but the reality is that all of you who have full time day jobs, well-rounded kids and still occasionally get some grown up time at shows or playing in bands deserve some serious props. It was absolutely awesome, but I'm definitely more run-down than any marathon of shows has ever knocked me down. This week is going to be really great, too, because there are some awesome shows, parties, Halloween festivities, and then the Dia De Los Muertos events own next weekend. For you civic minded folks, Monday night at 6pm is a super important City Council vote on Capital Improvement Project Prioritization. If you're free, you should certainly attend.

Monday through Thursday are archives after the jump. End of the month means that a lot of calendars aren't updated, so if I missed anything, leave a comment and I'll add as I can.

Casbah Presents: BOY and Jeremy Messersmith at UCSD's Porters Pub tonight!

San Diegans are in for a treat tonight with the buoyant melodies of BOY and the graveyard ballads of Jeremy Messersmith.  BOY, a female pop duo who hail from Switzerland and Germany, has been building a potent American fan-base as their delightful debut album "Mutual Friends" finally was released stateside.  Infectious hooks are bountiful in such songs like "This is the Beginning" and their hit "Little Numbers".  I sadly missed their first show in San Diego at the Loft, but that is a mistake I won't be making twice.  Jeremy Messersmith is an artist that has come to San Diego many times over the years, mostly playing at Lestats.  In fact, I first became acquainted with this website's founder, Rosemary, at his show.  Messersmith's music, despite containing graveyard imagery deeply informed by death, is never staid or boring.  His stage presence is warm and songs move between soulful acoustic guitar like "A Girl, a Boy, A Graveyard" and raucous chamber pop in his new single "Tourniquet".  If you're interested in seeing two groups come and confidently blow a crowd away, don't miss tonights show.  Tickets are on sale here for $15 and doors are at 8p.  Check out BOY's "Little Numbers" and Jeremy Messersmith's "Tatooine" below.

Local Goodness Part 2: Plateaus, Barbarian, Buddy Banter @ Soda Bar Saturday October 26, 2013

Plateaus

The weekend before Halloween promises to be filled with live music and all the revelry that goes with it. While there are a plethora of choices (see the listings), one Saturday night show in particular stands out for this writer. Three local bands will be taking the stage at Soda Bar in City Heights. Headlining are Plateaus, a band with just the right amounts of pop, punk and swagger to keep things interesting. Tomorrow marks the end of  a mini tour of the Golden state promoting their 10" EP Wasting Time on Mt. St. Mtn.


Supporting act Barbarian have come a long way in a few years. Led by singer/guitarist Andrew Mills, the band captures the psychedelic side of the surf rock spectrum quite nicely. Touring recently for Bat For Lashes has given the band some well deserved confidence and experience moving forward.

Opening the evening are local garage rockers Buddy Banter. I must confess to not having seen the band perform live as yet, so read the excellent review of their album form CityBeat's Jeff Terich here.

An excellent night featuring three of San Diego's best young bands awaits those in attendance at the intimate City Heights venue. Tickets can be purchased here.

Watch a video of Wasting Time by Plateaus below. (live FM 94/9 Pyles Session)

Knapsack Returns to SoCal

In case you missed the mid 90's scene, Los Angeles' Knapsack makes their return to SoCal after a decade plus hiatus with a show at The Echoplex tonight. This is their third show of the brief reunion that includes dates on the East Coast with a stop at Fest.
The group, fronted by Blair Shehan, made a special first show appearance earlier this month at San Diego's The Void. Check out the photos below.

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

I had serious ambitions of providing listings through Halloween so that all of you could properly pace yourselves, but as sunlight creeps over me, there is no way that is going to happen. I get to have a super fun and rare weekend with Nova as we bake for Murray Manor's Cake Walk, practice makeup for Dia De Los Muertos, and enjoy time with no responsibilities. You'll just have to follow along with my Foursquare and Twitter and Facebook and shit. Of course Darren's Van will be in full service, so if you need to get somewhere or get home, call him direct at 619.990.5064. I've tried to add some fun stuff here, but there is this insane fact that the weekend before Halloween and the weekend after are two of the biggest weekends in San Diego. There is no way for me to get all of it into the listings, but if you have something that I've missed, shoot me a message via any of my social accounts and I'll try to update. Sorry that I don't care about Haunted Hotel or the like, I just want good options for daytime and nighttime fun, whether for families or bar hoppers. Friday through Sunday archives after the jump.

Local Goodness: Hills Like Elephants, The Midnight Pine @ Whistle Stop Friday October 25, 2013

While this writer is sometimes accused of solely focusing on touring bands visiting San Diego, I decided it was time to answer the critics and mention some upcoming events featuring bands only from America's Finest City. Two great bands are playing South Park's cozy Whistle Stop Bar on Friday with no cover (21+). First up will be SDMA winners The Midnight Pine (best local recording), featuring the wonderful vocalist Shelbi Bennett and the ubiquitous Al Howard playing everything (literally). The band is set to release their second full length album. Their performance will surely get you in the right mood for the night. Headlining are indie soul rockers Hills Like Elephants, a quintet led by keyboardist/vocalist Sean Davenport. The band already has two albums under its collective belt, so it is no wonder their audience is growing after seeing them perform live. This promises to be a great way to kick off the weekend. Be sure to read Saturday's preview tomorrow.

Watch a video of Good Night by The Midnight Pine below.



Watch a video of Ninjavitus by Hills Like Elephants below.

Things To Do In San Diego: October 23-24, 2013

What an awesome day to curl up inSomamies and veg out. Unfortunately and fortunately, this city never stops ticking, so along with all of the great shows lined up tonight and through the weekend, there will certainly be pre-Halloween revelry and school carnivals and fall festivals and the Boo Parade and all kinds of fun action in which to partake. Personally, I'm looking forward to #datenight with Darren, where we'll be hitting the super-important SANDAG meeting about the Coastal Rail Trail bike infrastructure. If you wanna join us, the meeting is at the Nobel Rec Center tonight from 5-7pm. Archives for Wednesday and Thursday are after the jump.

For Your Ears and Eyes: Hanni El Khatib, Bass Drum of Death

For those who are suffering from the midweek blues, the cure is available. Check out some cool music videos featuring tonight's performers at the Casbah. Hanni El Khatib is a native Californian who plays a bend of garage rock, punk, blues and folk. Bass Drum of Death calls Oxford, Mississippi home, with writer and lead performer John Barrett playing  music of a similar nature.

Tickets to tonight's show can be purchased here.

Watch a video of Family from Hanni El Khatib below.



Watch a video of Bad Reputation from Bass Drum of Death below.

The Silent Comedy October 2013 Update

What has The Silent Comedy been up to lately? Recording and writing new music for a full length album, releasing an EP titled Friends Divide, playing shows around California in the fall/winter, and writing lyrics on naked bodies... You can see evidence of one of those activities here in the new lyric video for their song Light Of Day. Fair warning, it may not be safe for work... Depending on your place of employment.


Catch the band in San Diego at 91X's Wrex The Halls on December 8th with Queens Of The Stone Age, Vampire Weekend, Cage The Elephant, Arctic Monkeys, and Alt-J. Tickets are available now.

KPRI Holiday Soiree featuring The Head and the Heart, Dawes

Local independent radio station KPRI is holding its annual holiday soiree this year on December 8 at the gorgeous California Center for the Arts in Escondido. Artists include The Head and the Heart, Dawes and Matt Nathanson. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Saturday October 26 @ 10 am PST. Presale tickets go on sale on Tuesday October 22 @ 6 am PST (Password: AEG 2013). Prices range from $40 to $200 plus fees. The ticket link can be found here. The Head and The Heart are touring in support of their recently released album Let's Be Still. (cover pictured to the left).

Things To Do In San Diego: October 21-22, 2013

What a great weekend! I missed most of Rocktoberfest because I had to work at Sleigh Bells but it was an awesome show and Block No 16 looks great now that they removed the center bar. I also got some good family time in now that my cousin is back living in LA, and Darren and I had some fun groups while driving the van all weekend, too. The fog has returned to San Diego, but don't let it stop you from having some fun out on the scene this week. Monday and Tuesday archives are after the jump.

Recommended Shows In San Diego October 21-27, 2013

As October rolls on so do the great musical events in San Diego. The upcoming week offers some great reasons for music fans to get off the couch and out of the house.

Tim Kasher, noted Cursive front man, brings his solo work (recently released Adult Film) to the Casbah on Monday...Laura Stevenson and Jake Bellows open for a great night of music...

Phantogram make their long awaited return to San Diego at the House of Blues on Tuesday...the upstate New York electronic duo are set to release their sophomore full length Voices...

On Wednesday garage rocker Hanni El Khatib headlines the Casbah with Bass Drum of Death offering support...

Chrome Sparks headline Soda Bar on Thursday...he plays music classified as chillwave (see video below)...London artist James Blake makes his San Diego debut at the House of Blues...

Spain's Crystal Fighters return to the Casbah for the show of the night on Friday...this one is sure to sell out so don't delay...

Josh Damigo plays his monthly show at Lestat's on Saturday...Kim Richey will sing an acoustic set or two at AMSD Concerts...

Sunday is loaded with some great options: Keep Shelley in Athens at the Casbah, Deer Tick at the Belly Up, and Boy and Jeremy Messersmith make a tour stop at Porter's Pub...

Another great week of music awaits those wishing to enrich their lives...be sure to support live music whatever your choice(s) might be...consult the listings for all the shows...

Watch a video of Don't Move by Phantogram below.



Watch a video of Send The Pain On by Chrome Sparks below.

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

So I was racing around this morning trying to get my life in order that I gave myself a panic attack. It is nice to have a Superhero boyfriend who is tolerant and can handle my issues when shit like that happens. Perhaps, then, it was a premonition. We went to Rocktoberfest and made sure anything we needed to handle was handled, went to lunch at El Comal, stopped home for a quick change so Darren's Van could be in full service for the evening ahead, and discovered that the MS MR show tonight at Soda Bar is CANCELED. Not a big deal since it was a $.91 show and I won't have to feel FOMO, but that means updating many sites and platforms and emailing ticketholders. So I guess it's a good thing I came home. Probably no Rocktoberfest for me after all, since I'll be working at the Sleigh Bells show in two short hours, but here are your listings for the weekend so that they're handy.

Saturday, October 19, 2013:

• West Coast Tavern, Casbah, and FM 94/9 present Rocktoberfest feat. Pinback, The White Buffalo, Little Hurricane, El Vez Punk Rock Revue, Tropical Popsicle, Black Hondo, Barbarian, Octa#Grape @ Birch North Park Theatre Parking Lot (29th & University, 3-10pm, $15 adv/$20 at the door, 21+, Ins-and-Outs okay)
• Casbah Presents: Sleigh Bells, Doldrums @ Block No. 16
• CANCELED: Casbah and 91X Presents: Ms Mr, Wildcat! Wildcat! @ The Soda Bar
• Quintron and Ms. Pussycat, ZZZ, Beehive & The Barracudas @ The Casbah
• Soda Bar Presents: Restorations, Weatherbox @ The Ché Café
• Junip, Barbarossa @ The Loft, UCSD (Sold Out)
• KPRI Block Party w/ Michael Franti & Spearhead, Brett Dennen, Serena Ryder, The Boxer Rebellion, Saints of Valory @ Liberty Station
• Dave Chapelle @ Spreckels (7:30 & 10 pm- Both Sold Out)
• Jason Lee & The R.I.P.tides, The Fink Bombs @ The Tower Bar
• Full Moon Fever, Open Arms Tribute @ 710 Beach Club
• Scream It Like You Mean It 2013: Story of the Year, Like Moths to Flames, Hawthorne Heights, Capture the Crown, Set it Off, I Am King @ Soma
• Another Zeke Production Presents: East of Sweden, Bella Novela, The Gods of Science @ The Tin Can
• The Browne Sisters and George Cavanaugh @ San Diego United Methodist Church Hall
• Neon Beat-The Best & Worst of the 80s @ Bar Pink
• Stepping Feet with Squirming Coils @ Belly Up
• Circle 7, Vattica, Shotgun Chaperone, Before the Mourning @ Brick By Brick
• Living Legends: Daniel Jackson, Marshall Hawkins, George Bohanon, Roy McCurdy, Jacques Lesure, Bob Boss, Joshua White, Trevor Orr and Dorothy Annette @ Dizzy's
• The Indys, Aim To Kill, Camacho @ Epicentre
• DJ Karma @ Fluxx
• Drinking Cowboy Band, DJ Chelu @ Gallagher's Pub
• The Groove Factory (5:00), The Groove starring Stelitta (9:00) @ Humphrey's Backstage
• Allison Lonsdale, Elephant King, Jesse Thomas, Trent Hancock @ Lestat's
• Leagues, The Dig, The Palace Ballroom @ The Griffin
• Blood Danger w/ Raise The Guns & Darkale @ The Shakedown
• Left4Dead @ Tio Leo's Lounge
• DANCEDANCE W. DJ Qenoe @ U31
• Elvia and the Fellas @ The V Lounge
• Polyester Express @ Dreamcatcher
• DJs Gabe Vega and Saul, Dj Silence de LaRue @ Whistle Stop
• C.Fish (4:20 pm), New Monsoon and the Homesick Hitchers (9:00) @ Winston's

Sunday, October 20, 2013:

• Supersuckers, Hellbound Glory, Neighbors to the North, Saint Shameless @ Casbah
• Gary Hankins, Lionsweb, Grandma Kelsey @ The Tower Bar
• Dave Chapelle @ Spreckels (7:30 & 10 pm)
• 1776, Bjorn Baillie & The Breaks @ The Griffin
• An Evening with Three Dog Night @ The Belly Up
• Requiem For The Rockets, Inspired and the Sleep, Tan Sister Radio, Throne @ The Soda Bar
• "Afton Presents" Whiskeytickle, Brennon Peters aka T.B.G., Hot Gin, A.D., Chase Enriquez, Big Country Elephant, Seth Geko, Ta'East @ Brick By Brick
• Jason Brown (10:00am), Shelle Blue (7:00) @ Humphrey's Backstage
• Elli Perry, James Maple, Cara @ Lestat's
• Death Angel (CD Release), 3 Inches of Blood, Battlecross, Revocation, Diamond Plate, Damcyan, Gravespell @ Ramona Main Stage
• Handguns, A Loss For Words, Major League, The Sheds, Cut Your Losses @ Soma
• Cham @ Spin
• Wilson Renette (5:00), Jose Sinatra hosts O.B.-o-ke @ Winston's

CANCELED: MS MR and Wildcat! Wildcat! at Soda Bar

After canceling an FM 94/9 private session this afternoon at West Coast Tavern, MS MR has determined that they are too ill to perform tonight's 91X-sponsored show at Soda Bar. Ticketholders will be refunded, but no doubt this is very disappointing. With short notice, Soda Bar will not have a replacement show tonight.

Fortunately San Diego never lets you down, and there are plenty of tickets for Rocktoberfest (which goes until 10pm), Sleigh Bells at Block No 16, and Quintron and Ms Pussycat at the Casbah. Tickets are available at the entry of each event.

2013 San Diego Music Award Winners

I meant to post these on Wednesday night, but obviously that didn't happen. Congrats to all the nominees and winners for the 2013 San Diego Music Awards. Hopefully everyone had a good time and keeps plugging hard to keep San Diego music so vibrant.

Best Cover or Tribute Band – Cash'd Out
Best Jazz – Gilbert Castellanos
Best Jazz Album – Gilbert Castellanos - Federal Jazz Project
Best Singer/Songwriter – Gayle Skidmore
Best Blues – The Bayou Brothers
Best Blues Album – Low Volts - Oh My Stars
Best Americana – Sara Petite
Best Americana Album – The Tree Ring - Brushbroom
Best Hip Hop – The Lyrical Groove
Best Hip Hop Album – Odessa Kane - Cuetes & Ballsongs
Best Pop – The Silent Comedy
Best Pop Album – Old Tiger - Love Have Mercy
Best Alternative – The Heavy Guilt
Best Alternative Album – The Night Marchers - Allez Allez
Best Rock – Blackout Party
Best Rock Album – Dirty Sirens - self titled
Best Hard Rock – Schitzophonics
Best Hard Rock Album – Author & Punisher - Women and Children
Best Club DJ – Marc Thrasher
Best World Music – Tribal Seeds
Best World Music Album – Tribal Theory - Hell of a Night
Best New Artist – Soda Pants
Best Local Recording – The Midnight Pine - Awake Now
Best Live Performer - The Creepy Creeps
Best Music Video by a San Diego Artist - Slightly Stoopid - Don't Stop
Artist of the Year – Gilbert Castellanos
Album of the Year – The Burning of Rome - With Us
Song of the Year – The Silent Comedy - God Neon

Lifetime Achievement Award – Daniel Jackson

Things To Do In San Diego: October 18, 2013

I don't know what is wrong with me, but I've had this bug for a few weeks now, and every time I think I'm better, I go out as I did on Wednesday (to the Music Awards and a post-awards bike ride to Bar Pink) and then I can't function for the entire next day. I wish it was as simple as a hangover, but my throat is so swollen I feel like a football linebacker, and it doesn't do anything for my self-esteem that I feel like shit, I look like shit, and I just want to sleep all day long. Fortunately life has its demands and yesterday wasn't a total waste as me and Darren and Nova got a nice Ponce's lunch and some playground time in with my cousin, my sister, and my nieces, then the three of us went on a little mini-hike in the Normal Heights Open Space before returning home and zonking out on Darren's couch. Hopefully I can motivate tonight as we do pickups in Darren's Van and such and are able to drop by the CityBeat Besties and then catch Langhorne Slim later. Have to be careful, however, with Rocktoberfest and Sleigh Bells demanding me tomorrow, it looks like it will be a sparkling water kind of weekend for me. Friday archives after the jump.

Haim Collaborates with Sound Off for Diabetes Charity

We just wrapped up a successful month with The Silent Comedy, and while we're still tallying up the number of t-shirts sold it looks like we will have raised around $800 to help fight human trafficking! Thanks again to everyone who supported the cause!

That being said, on Tuesday we launched with our first non-San Diego band, Haim, and we couldn't be more excited. As many of you know, recently these girls have been blowing up EVERYWHERE so to get the opportunity to see them live at The Casbah earlier this week and to have them collaborate on one of our designs has been pretty amazing. 

Saturday: Rocktoberfest 2013 (with Set Times)

This Saturday is the return of Rocktoberfest. I'm super excited about the lineup and the many of you who paid $5 in the blind sale should be pretty pleased. As for the rest of you, tickets are $15 in advance, $20 day of, and FM 94/9 has a promo code to get them for $10 which you can find here.

Set times are out, too. Check it out

Main Stage:
Pinback 8:45 - 10:00
Little Hurricane 7:05-7:50
Tropical Popsicle 5:45 - 6:15
Black Hondo 4:35 - 5:05

Second Stage:
The White Buffalo 7:55 - 8:40
El Vez Punk Rock Revue 6:20 - 7:00
Barbarian 5:10 - 5:40
OctaGrape 4:00 - 4:30

Things To Do In San Diego: October 15-17, 2013

I feel bad for squandering Nova's last full day with us for Fall break (since we only have her part of the day Thursday and Friday), so I'm going to be brief here. Haim is still sold out, please stop asking. Sleigh Bells and Rocktoberfest are this weekend and you should buy tickets in advance. I believe you can get $10 Rocktoberfest tickets with a code from FM 94/9, so dig around for that. Also, there are only 25 tickets left to Langhorne Slim, so don't wait to get tickets. Here's the shell of listings through the weekend, I'll pepper with any other special events around town another day. Wednesday through Thursday archives after the jump.

Recommended Shows In San Diego October 15-20, 2013

The current week is loaded with more musical options than one could possible attend. A closer look reveals some shows worth mentioning. Please consult the listings for all the musical happenings around San Diego.

Tuesday has some great shows that still have tickets available such as Portland's mini orchestral pop band Typhoon at The Loft @ UCSD...Widowspeak have a return engagement at The Void with Pure Bathing Culture in the opener slot...

Long Beach's Crystal Antlers have a new look (trio) and a new album, Nothing is Real...catch them at Soda Bar on Wednesday...Burger Records seems to be everywhere, five bands including Gap Dream, Cosmonauts, Teenage Burritos invade the cozy confines of Black Cat Bar on University Ave...

Thursday brings a mellow show to Bar Pink with Radar Bros. and friends Little White Teeth...

The weekend kicks off with singer-songwriter Kelley Stoltz headlining Soda Bar...he just released Double Exposure...Langhorne Slim and Jonny Fritz will be playing their whiskey soaked songs at the Casbah...

Jose Gonzalez brings his band project Junip to The Loft on Saturday...he just released an eponymous album...highly recommended...Thad Cockrell leads his Nashville band Leagues into The Griffin...

If you have any energy left after the week, find a show of your own liking on Sunday from the listings...

Remember this is only a sampling of some of the great shows coming to San Diego this week...most importantly, be sure to support music by attending a show (or two)...

Watch the video of Line Of Fire from Junip below.



Watch a video of Kim Chee Taco Man from Kelley Stoltz below.

Things To Do In San Diego: October 14, 2013

I'm feeling accomplished since I zipped through these, though my bike ride to Golden Hill has been postponed so that I could get these done, but I thought you should start your planning because not only are there dozens of incredible shows between now and Thursday, but you should start thinking about next weekend. You can still grab Rocktoberfest tickets for Saturday for only $15 (they'll be $20 day of) and Casbah is also presenting Sleigh Bells that same night at Block No. 16. Tickets for that can be purchased here. Surfer Blood's show at the Irenic the same night was canceled, so you better find something else to do. Personally, I just can't wait for Tuesday to come and go so people will stop asking me for Haim tickets. It's sold out, I don't have any, please stop asking. Thanks. Monday archives are after the jump.