Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, January 21-Sunday, January 24, 2016

I had to finally end my streak. After seven straight nights out/working, I did a three-stop night on Monday, working at the Irenic, shooting Josh Ritter at the Observatory, then catching Car Seat Headrest at the Casbah and closing the night down at the Office. So the rest of this week I've been laying low as far as shows go- a little bummed I missed Martin Courtney, but I was happy to stay home Wednesday so Darren could see James Supercave. I really can't call it laying low, however, as I feel like I've been online for the majority of the last few days trying to get all of my little projects in line. And, while I know I'm really still behind, I feel good about all the things this year is going to bring. I'm excited to share DoSD with all of you very soon, and this weekend I'm looking forward to a day trip to LA. Thursday through Sunday archives are after the jump...and don't forget to get on the list for SoundDiego Live on Friday at the Casbah to score comp beverages.

Josh Ritter at the Observatory 1.18.2016

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, January 18-Wedneday, January 20, 2016

My winter lull is definitely over, so I'm sorry I didn't post update listings last week, but it's been busy in my little world. I had only been only going out once or twice a week over the holidays, and this week managed to hit Oh, Wonder at the Casbah on Tuesday, Ty Segall at the Belly Up and Ziggy Shuffledust's Bowie Tribute on Wednesday, then I worked for Earthless on Thursday and Friday and worked for Sweet and Tender Hooligans on Saturday. We're getting closer to our soft launch for DoSD, the Casbah never stops being busy and shows at the Observatory are picking up again, too. I've been trying to work in new SoundDiego interviews, too, but these damn labels and their video restrictions make it challenging...so I didn't interview Oh Wonder and I won't be interviewing Car Seat Headrest. I will however be working at the Irenic tonight, then shooting Josh Ritter, then checking out Car Seat Headrest at the Casbah. I intend to catch Martin Courtney and James Supercave this week, too, but we'll see how the week flushes out, because then it's SoundDiego Live on Friday, San Diego River Cleanup on Saturday morning, then NAMM in Anaheim and Chairlift in LA, and then back home so Nova makes it for soccer on Sunday. Sheesh. If I fall asleep while talking to you, you'll know why.
Monday through Wednesday archives after the jump.

Ty Segall in the scariest baby mask, ever

Upcoming Casbah & Casbah Presents Shows (Updated 1.16.16)

Since I'm updating the Observatory, I have to update the Casbah. Lots of new shows and a couple that have sold out since the last time I posted. February shows are after the jump.

Sat Jan 16 - Sweet and Tender Hooligans @ Casbah (SOLD OUT)

Upcoming Observatory & Observatory Presents Shows (Updated 1.15.2016)

A bunch of new shows were added this week, and since Monday is a holiday, I decided to post a little early. New shows include Jhene Aiko, DJ Quik with Warren G, Andra Day, Atreyu & Devil You Know, Ben Rector, Flatbush Zombies, Moderat. February shows and beyond are after the jump.

1/18 Josh Ritter and the Royal City Band, Elephant Revival, 8pm, Age 18+

1/22 Talib Kweli & Hi Tek - Reflection Eternal, 7pm, 18+ (at Music Box)

1/22 Tuxedo, Bang Pow, 7pm, All Ages

Photos: Oh Wonder at the Casbah

I like to think I keep up with new music, but when Oh Wonder was announced and then quickly sold out, I was just wondering who they were and how so many people were already on board with the next 'it' band. So it seems the band became known for their one new song a month stunting on SoundCloud, but I was trying to find out if they'd gotten some sort of music placement somewhere or some club mix that all the kids have downloaded. I still don't know, because I'm an old lady who doesn't understand kids today, but I'm glad I listened to the record enough to check out the show, because they were awesome. Like take some of the pop and sweet vocals of Chvrches and mix it with the XX or In The Valley Below, and you're getting close to their sound. Vocalist Josephine Vander Gucht looks a lot like Winnie Cooper (I told you I'm old. If you don't know, GOOGLE it.)

The band kicked off their first US tour right here in San Diego at the Casbah. "This is the smallest gig we've ever played," they exclaimed, seeming both overjoyed and horrified at the same time. They repeated that this was their first time in San Diego, that they loved it, that they loved the crowd, and the crowd never stopped cheering for them, even as the show was over without an encore and the house music and lights came up. You can be sure this band will be back. You can also be pretty confident the next go-round will be at a much larger venue. More photos after the jump.

San Diego Celebrates The Life & Mourns The Loss of David Bowie

Photo by Phil DeFalco, Wiltern, 2003. Used with permission.

I obviously don't need to tell anyone that on Sunday night, the world was delivered the sad news of the passing of David Bowie, just a few short days after his 69th birthday and the release of his final album, "Blackstar". The response was immediate and deep from fans worldwide, and San Diegans joined in remembering concerts, songs, records, and other moments of transformation catalyzed by David Bowie. There are a million articles and posts and tweets and whatnot, but one of my favorites is a blending of interviews by George Varga of the U-T, called David Bowie: In His Own Words. Naturally, people want to share the heaviness of the loss and places like the Office and Livewire and the radio airwaves have busted into spontaneous tributes, but we're also an organized group here in San Diego. So far, these are a few of the upcoming local tributes and memorials for David Bowie.

Wednesday, January 13 at the Casbah (9pm, FREE)
91X presents Unwashed and Somewhat Slightly Dazed - a Celebration of David Bowie with Ziggy Shuffledust and Schizophonics Live!

The music of David Bowie - all night long - this is a free event to celebrate the life, impact, and all around amazing talent that is David Bowie! Live sets by Ziggy Shuffledust and the Spiders from Mars, Schizophonics! DJ Mr Mazee & guests

Friday, January 15 at the Hideout (9pm, FREE)
SOUND + VISION - A Celebration of David Bowie at The Hideout

DJs
Handsome Skeleton (St. Vitus, Blood Ponies)
Timothy Hines (Tropical Popsicle)
Davey (Tiltwheel, Santa Ana Knights)
Ryan Hand (Wild Wild Wets, Tropical Popsicle)
Selector Beardon (Santa Ana Knights)

Sunday, January 17 at Spreckels Organ Pavilion (2pm, FREE)
Tribute to David Bowie

San Diego Civic Organist Dr. Carol Williams pays tribute to David Bowie during Sunday's Spreckels Organ Concert

Sunday, January 17 at the Hideout (8:45, Free)
Pants Karaoke Presents: Goodbye Spaceboy

All Bowie Karaoke, All Night. Sign up here.

Saturday, January 23 at Whistle Stop (5-8pm, Donations)
Hunky Dory Happy Hour: A Tribute to Bowie

Celebrate the life and music of David Bowie -- and help fight cancer!
DJ Claire & friends will be playing their favorite Bowie and Bowie-inspired/influenced records.
Proceeds will support cancer research.
Guest selectors include: Alfred Howard (Rebecca Jade & the Cold Fact, The Midnight Pine, Birdy Bardot, and Dani Bell & the Tarantist), Lety Beers (The Schizophonics), Pat Beers (The Schizophonics), Diana Death, Mark E Quark, Ikah Love, Heather Hardcore, and more to be announced.

Saturday January 23 at Numb3rs Nightclub
Club Sabbat presents A Night Honoring David Bowie (9pm, $5)

San Diego's classiest Gothic, Industrial, Fetish event
On this night we join together in music, fashion and dance to honor the life of the legendary David Bowie. All proceeds from this night will be going to fight cancer at UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center.

DJs: Diskdroid (Sabbat, Cydonia), Ladynoir (Darkwave Garden, Cathedral), Vaughn Avakian (Neon Beat)

Along with playing David Bowie songs, Bowie-inspired tracks, plus the best in Gothic, Industrial, Ebm and Darkwave throughout the night, you are encouraged to dress in theme.

Hosted by Robin Roth (91X, Sabbat, Ascension, Pussy Galore)

Upcoming Casbah & Casbah Presents Shows ( Updated 1.11.2016)

Here's your updated Casbah show list for the week. New shows once again marked with the X. There are some new shows announcing this week and I'll update as I can. Listing archives are after the jump.

Mon Jan 11 - Super Buffet, Pumphouse, Caroline Corn @ Casbah ($6 at the door)

Tue Jan 12 - Oh, Wonder, GEMS @ Casbah (SOLD OUT)

Tue Jan 12 - Langhorne Slim & The Law, Jonny Fritz @ Belly Up

Wed Jan 13- David Bowie Tribute/Memorial. Details TBA.

Wed Jan 13 - Ty Segall & the Muggers, CFM @ Belly Up

Thu Jan 14 - Earthless, Sacri Monti, Loom, Operation Mindblow Light Show @ Casbah
Fri Jan 15 - Earthless, Joy, Harsh Toke, Operation Mindblow Lightshow @ Casbah

Upcoming Shows at The Observatory North Park (Updated 1.11.2016)

Things have been pretty mellow around the Observatory for the last few weeks, but their 2016 concerts are about to heat up after last night's show with The Game and next week's show with Josh Ritter and Tuxedo, but personally I cannot wait for David Cross. Of note, the Talib Kweli shows was finally moved to Music Box, so check the updated ticket link below. February shows and beyond are after the jump.

1/18 Josh Ritter and the Royal City Band, Elephant Revival, 8pm, Age 18+

1/22 Talib Kweli & Hi Tek - Reflection Eternal, 7pm, 18+ (at Music Box)

1/22 Tuxedo, 7pm, All Ages

1/26 David Cross: Making America Great Again!, 7pm, 18+

1/29 Bryson Tiller, 6pm, All Ages (SOLD OUT)

1/30 Mike Gordon, 7pm, All Ages

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, January 11-Sunday, January 17, 2016

It's a little rough going into the workweek so exhausted, and on the heels of the sad news about the passing of David Bowie, but such is life- ashes to ashes and all that stuff, right? Over the past several days, we went hiking around Oak Canyon in Mission Trails, we spent some time at La Mesita Park, hung out with my nieces, I went to see the Downs Family at Soda Bar and hung out with old friends at the Ken Club, I got a ton of work done, Nova started her first soccer league, and we braved the traffic to go play in the snow around Lake Cuyamaca. It was a blast but I'm really beat. This week, there are some great shows in town and we're closing in our soft launch for DoSD so I expect a whole lot of down time, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of things to look forward to, like Ty Segall, Sweet and Tender Hooligans, and Devotchka, to name a few. Have a great week! Tuesday through Sunday listings are after the jump.

Monday, January 11, 2016:

• The Gloomies, Jimmy Ruelas, The Fresh Brunettes, DJ Gary Hankins @ Soda Bar
• Super Buffet, Caroline Corn, Captain Viejo @ Casbah
• Dogtooth & Nail, No-Knock Raid, Hungry Livers, Kitchen Creek, Sin Tierra @ Tower Bar
• Simpkin Project, Trevor Green, Project Out of Bounds @ Belly Up
• Wreckord Mania w/ DJ @Large @ Bar Pink
• Metal Mondays @ Brick By Brick
• Backwater Blues Band @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Clay Colton Duo @ Croce's Park West
• Trivia @ Whistle Stop
• Trivia with Shantih @ The Bancroft
• Mic Check Mondays with Sloat Dixon, Locness, Overtime @ Gallagher's
• Velvet Cafe @ Alexander's (30th & Upas)
• Wheels of the Industry @ Live Wire
• Open Mic @ Lestat's
• Electric Waste Band @ Winston's
• Acoustic Night/Industry Night @ Henry's Pub
• Karaoke @ Til Two Club
• Industry Night @ U-31
• Industry & Local night presented by Mark Rondeau @ 710 Beach Club

Tuesday, January 12, 2016:

• Oh Wonder, GEMS @ Casbah (SOLD OUT)
• Langhorne Slim & The Law, Jonny Fritz @ Belly Up
• Tiki Tuesday feat. The Fink Bombs @ Bar Pink
• Dogs On Acid, Winter Break @ Che Cafe
• Voice Actor, Electric Healing Sound, Comet Calendar @ Soda Bar
• Jessica Lerner, Radios Silent, Raelee Nikole @ Music Box
• Mike Dillon Band @ Winston's
• Radio Halloran presents: Flatlands, Dome Dwellers, Mariel @ The Merrow
• thingNY @ The Loft, UCSD
• The Cadillac Wreckers @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• The Grease Monkeys @ Croce's Park West
• Comedy Night @ Til Two
• Rad! Karaoke! @ U-31
• Karaoke @ Riviera Supper Club
• Farm To Turntable @ FLUXX
• Open Mic Hosted by Gaby Aparicio @ Java Joe's@ Winston's
• Sketch Party @ Whistle Stop
• Karaoke @ Riviera Supper Club
• Train of Thought @ Queen Bee's
• Comedy Night @ Lestat's
• Rockabilly Tuesdays with Big City Dawgs @ Henry's Pub
• High Tech Tuesdays @ Kava Lounge
• Roots of a Revival & Creative Impulse @ 710 Beach Club

Wednesday, January 13, 2016:

• David Bowie Tribute/Memorial. Details TBA. @ Casbah
• Ty Segall & the Muggers, CFM, Wild Wild Wets @ Belly Up
• Taurus Authority @ Bar Pink
• Reel Big Fish, Suburban Legends, and The Maxies @ House of Blues
• The Tip, Kill Matilda, The Anomaly @ Soda Bar
• Dave Mason's Traffic Jam @ Music Box
• Gilbert Castellanos Young Lions Series & Jazz Jam @ Panama 66
• Dorkbot SD @ Whistle Stop (6pm)
• Open Oscillator @ Whistly Stop (9pm)
• Bumpasonic @ Humphreys Concerts By The Bay
• Winter Arts & Crafts @ The Loft, UCSD
• Hilary Scott, Eliza Rose Vera, Josh Jones @ Lestat's
• Jody Mulgrew @ Croce's Park West
• Clairo Beats @ Java Joe's
• Karaoke with Cici @ The Bancroft
• Karaoke with Cici @ The Bancroft
• Tropical Wednesday with DJ Mo Lyon @ U-31
• Open Mic with Jefferson Jay @ Winston's (6-9pm)
• Club Kingston Presents: Euphonics and Shocks of Mighty with DJ Carlos Culture @ Winston's
• Interrobang Brass, Balinger, Quel Bordel @ The Merrow
• Open Mic/Open Jam @ 710 Beach Club
• A.O.K. Musik @ Henry's Pub

Thursday, January 14, 2016:

• Earthless, Sacri Monti, Loom, Operation Mindblow Light Show @ Casbah
• Paula Cole - An Evening With & Seated Show @ Belly Up
• Andy Frasco & The U.N., Battlehooch @ Soda Bar
• Jeff Berkley, Veronica May @ Java Joe's
• Blue Oyster Cult @ Sycuan 
• Grown Folk Music with The Husky Boy All-Stars @ Bar Pink
• Polynesian Underground Presents: Psydecar, AOK, Twisted Relatives, KNG MKR @ Music Box
• Adam & I @ Folkey Monkey
• Uptown Rhythm Makers @ The Black Cat
• Landis, Fusebox @ Sycamore Den
• Authentic Sellout, Revolt-Chix, Obligerant, The Profit Heist @ Brick By Brick
• Broni, Isaac Cheong, Kelsea Rae Little, Rob Deez @ Lestat's
• Philosopher's Ray Gun, Sundrop Electric, Future Age, Diamond Lakes @ The Merrow
• Steph Johnson & Rob Thorsen @ Croce's Park West
• Walter Gentry @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Karaoke @ Tower Bar
• The Theory of Everything @ The Loft, UCSD
• Jerry Seinfeld @ San Diego Civic Theatre (7 & 9:30pm)
• Open Jam Session @ Winston's (6-9pm)
• Modern Day Moonshine @ Winston's
• Kennedy Jones @ Omnia
• Rock Out Karaoke @ Tin Roof
• Anderson M, Eli M, BALA, Nomad @ Kava Lounge
• Blue Largo @ Tio Leo's
• King Scha Scha, DJ Reefah, TRC Soundsystem @ Gallagher's Irish Pub
• Tribute Night @ Boar Cross'n
• Liquid Courage Karaoke @ 710 Beach Club

Friday, January 15, 2016:

• Earthless, Joy, Harsh Toke, Operation Mindblow Lightshow @ Casbah (SOLD OUT)
• Pine Mountain Logs - An Evening With @ Belly Up (SOLD OUT)
• Soft Lions, Gloomsday, Mint Field @ Soda Bar
• Atomic Groove Happy Hour @ Belly Up (Happy Hour 5pm)
• Lord Of War, Aethere, Parasitic Ejaculation, The Prevalant Reaping, Triumph Over Shipwreck, Mythraeum @ Soma
• Marcela Mendez @ Park&Rec
• Charlie Arbelaez @ 98 Bottles
• Kitty Plague, The Focke-Wolves, Crow Squawk @ The Black Cat
• Warhead, Nukem, Brain Dead, Tormenter, Monarch @ Brick By Brick
• San Diego Symphony's Upright & Grand Piano Festival @ Poway Center For The Performing Arts
• F#ing in the Bushes @ Whistle Stop
• Telegraph Quartet @ La Jolla Athenaeum
• Leave the Universe, Elisia Savoca @ Lestat's
• The Expendables, Zach Deputy, Tunnel Vision @ House of Blues
• The Zicas @ Java Joe's
• Philosopher's Ray Gun, Sundrop Electric, Future Age, Diamond Lakes @ The Merrow
• Swords of Fatima, Georgio "The Dove" Valentino @ The Bancroft
• Graham Elliot, Austin North @ The Loft, UCSD
• Give Me Back My Wig @ Tio Leo's
• Sue Palmer @ Croce's Park West
• Michele Lundeen @ Humphrey's Backstage Live (5pm)
• Monette Marino @ Humphrey's Backstage Live (9pm)
• Skaal, Boss Fight, Horsefly @ Tower Bar
• Subdvsn @ Winston's
• Broken Gold, Western Settings, Diamond Lakes @ Til-Two Club
• Neon Party with Jordan V @ Fluxx
• Steve Aoki, Tiësto @ Omnia San Diego
• Madeaux @ Bang Bang
• Purps n Turqs with Rybo, Justin Campbell, J Blaze @ Kava Lounge
• Crucial Blend, Midnight Track @ Gallagher's Irish Pub
• Club Musae @ Boar Cross'n 
• The Gringos, The Soulside Players & Special Guest @ 710 Beach Club

Saturday, January 16, 2016:

• Sweet and Tender Hooligans @ Casbah (SOLD OUT)
• Salt n Pepa, Spinderella @ Sycuan 
• Andy Rourke of the Smiths (DJ Set), DJ Saul Q @ The Hideout
• The Lulls, Bit Maps, Lost Pets @ Soda Bar
• Monterey Jazz Festival 2016 @ Balboa Theatre
• Ruth Moody Band @ AMSD Concerts
• Joshua White Quintet @ Dizzy's 
• Steam Powered Giraffe @ Spreckel Theatre
• Neon Beat - The Best and the Worst of the 80s @ Bar Pink
• Tower Of Power, Hamish Anderson@ Belly Up
• The Expanders, The Devastators, Piracy Conspiracy @ Music Box
• 80s vs 90s with Gabe Vega & Saul Q @ Whistle Stop
• Led Zepagain @ House of Blues
• Sideshow, The Undesirables, The Dangerfields, Repeat Offenders, Wet Brain @ Tower Bar
• Stone Horse @ Winston's (5-8pm) 
• Ryan Bowers, Atlantis Rizing and Friends @ Winston's (9:30pm)
• Deadbolt, The Mission Creeps, The Fink Bombs @ Til-Two Club
• The End, Jason Hanna & The Bullfighters @ The Black Cat
• "Never Surrender" Benefit Show with Aghori, Godhammered, Contortion @ Brick By Brick
• Allison Lonsdale and Eben Brooks @ Lestat's (6-8pm)
• Lightning Starts Fire, Savannah Philyaw, Kennady Tracy @ Lestat's (9pm)
• Nicholas Payton and Ravi Coltrane @ Balboa Theatre
• DJ Ruckus @ Omnia
• Low Steppa @ Bang Bang
• Le Ra, Northern American, The Rosalyns @ The Merrow
• Comedy @ The Bancroft
• The Profit Heist @ Tio Leo's
• Patrick Berrogain @ Croce's Park West (12pm)
• Curtis Taylor @ Croce's Park West  (7pm)
• Lotus The Band @ Humphrey's Backstage Live (5pm)
• Detroit Underground @ Humphrey's Backstage Live (9pm)
• Karma @ Fluxx
• Kahi Lofa @ Gallagher's Irish Pub
• The Traumatics & Special Guests @ 710 Beach Club

Sunday, January 17, 2016:

• Devotchka @ Belly Up
• Christian Death, The Maension, Sleep Money, DJ Heather Hardcore @ Soda Bar
• Death Eyes, The Grids, Cruz Radical @ Whistle Stop
• The Tighten Ups, Alvino & The Dwells, The Shenanigans @ Casbah
• Rat Sabbath @ Bar Pink
• Flight Plan @ Winston's (5-8) 
• Pants Karaoke @ The Hideout
• Kid Ink @ Parq
• Tori Roze & Johnny Alexander @ Sycamore Den
• The Robin Henkel Band @ Lestat's
• Dave Good's Jazz Jam @ Java Joe's (2pm)
• Open Mic with Isaac Cheong @ Java Joe's (6pm)
• Kid Ink @ Parq
• Kill Liberal @ The Bancroft
• Reggae Sunday @ U-31
• Gio & Diamond @ Croce's Park West (12pm)
• Louis Valenzuela Trio @ Croce's Park West  (6pm)
• Jason Brown @ Humphrey's Backstage Live (10am-2pm)
• Martin Luther King Jazz Fest @ Humphrey's Backstage Live (7pm)
• Jose Sinatra's OB-o-ke @ Winston's
• Salsa Sunday @ Til-Two Club
• Sulcus Subtle System Live @ Kava Lounge
• Reggae Sunday @ Spin
• Sunday Funday Karaoke @ 710 Beach Club

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, January 7-Sunday, January 10, 2016

There are a million things for me to write about this week, even though my only show this week has been Omega Three at Casbah. First is the crazy-ass El Nino three storm system that has rolled through this week. It's a beautiful thing with regard to our drought, but it is certainly causing mayhem and havoc on our small businesses and residents. Our decrepit city infrastructure certainly isn't helping matters, so I'll take the opportunity to plug the San Diego River Park Foundation. Darren and I volunteer for cleanups when we can, but if you're not involved, you have no idea how much goes into preserving, restoring, cleaning, and reclaiming public lands along our river, from the mountains all the way to Ocean Beach. This is public land that belongs to us and should be maintained and preserved for all of us. Of course, that leads into the terrorists taking over the wildlife refuge in Oregon. Seriously?! Call it what it is. This is the best article I've seen about the situation thus far. I'm plugging away working my ass off for DoSD and trying to get this all built for our launch, so do me a favor and sign up for the emails, won't you? In the meantime, I would have an inflated sense of self to consider myself part of the birder community, but here's a sweet little hummingbird in the rain at Mission Trails from Tuesday. (Also, if anyone has recommendations on where to get my camera cleaned, please let me know!!!) Friday through Sunday listings are after the jump.

Thursday, January 7, 2016:

• Muse, Phantogram @ Valley View Casino Center
• Tim Heidecker featuring some brand new songs, Heidecker & Wood and the Yellow River Boys, JP Inc. @ Casbah
• Nicely, Dani Shivers, Eraserhead, Stage Kids @ Soda Bar
• Rude Dog DJs @ The Black Cat
• Ceremony Night @ Bar Pink
• Full Strength Funk Band @ Music Box
• Levi Dean, Heidi Hughes @ Sycamore Den
• Reign OvTerror with Dark Measure, Ruines Ov Abaddon, Planet Flesh, Gortuary @ Brick By Brick
• Kilo and the Dew, The Other Half, Animal Soul @ Lestat's
• Jeff Berkley & Veronica May @ Java Joe's
• SoundOn Festival @ La Jolla Athenaeum
• Lee Gallagher and The Hallelujah, Jimmy Ruelas, Mario Esteban and the Blessed Hellhounds @ The Merrow
• DarkWaveGarden @ The Bancroft
• Ke'ahi @ Croce's Park West
• R:Tyme @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Sister Speak, Craig Marker, On Fifth @ The Loft, UCSD
• Open Jam Session @ Winston's (6-9pm)
• Rock Out Karaoke @ Tin Roof
• Zolopht and Soul Ablaze @ Whistle Stop
• Sinbad @ Sycuan Casino
• Cadillac Wreckers @ Tio Leo's
• Wyatt Lowe @ Tin Roof 
• Maka Roots, DJ Reefah, TRC Soundsystem @ Gallagher's Irish Pub
• Will Locken and the Euphonics @ Boar Cross'n
• Live Band Karaoke @ 710 Beach Club
• Metal Allegiance (Mike Portnoy, David Ellefson, Alex Skolnick, Mark Menghi, Troy Sanders, Mark Osegueda, Phil Demmel) with Doll Skin @ Ramona Mainstage

Credible Best Of: Sirius XMU Top 41 of 2015

I didn't have a lot to say about my favorite albums of the year, or even my favorite shows. There were just so many shows, and besides a handful of records we listened to on repeat like Purity Ring, CHVRCHES, Lady Lamb, The Decemberists, Tame Impala, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and Kurt Vile, the reality is that I spend very little time absorbed in music. I don't have a commute, and on most car rides we're all just singing along to XMU or Nova's playlist (which was very Shamir, MIA, and Katy Perry heavy), and when Nova's not around, I have quite a habit of tuning in to Doctor Jenn.  So that all being said, Darren has always looked through XMU's year end list to see how many of the acts we saw live. Of course, with Nova mostly full time with us this year, Darren has been on SuperDad duty and didn't get to quite as many shows as he would've liked, but I did. A lot. Sometimes by choice, sometimes because I was working, and sometimes because I felt like I had to, but I went. Below is the top 41 of Sirius XMU and an X indicates that I saw this band live in 2015. My biggest regret for missed show was probably Sufjan Stevens and just barely missing Baio at CRSSD, but I also probably should've seen Ratatat, Foals, and Deerhunter, Mac DeMarco, and Youth Lagoon. Sometimes work and life and sleep just come first. I've attached pics where I have them. You can peep the whole list after the jump.

41 Wavves – Way Too Much
X 40 Waxahatchee - Air

39 Youth Lagoon – Highway Patrol Stun Gun
38 Mac DeMarco – The Way You'd Love Her

X 37 Decemberists – Make You Better

Coachella 2016 Lineup Announced

Today the good folks at Goldenvoice released the official lineup for Coachella 2016. This year's event at the Empire Polo Fields in Indio, Californiia will take place Friday, April 15-Sunday, April 17 and Friday, April 22-Sunday, April 24. The lineups are supposed to duplicate, however, as we know something always comes up and so you really never know what you're going to get either weekend. Imagine if the SoCal El Nino is really so intense that it pours both weekends!?

Anyway, I'm sure everyone is chiming in about the hits and misses on the lineups, I honestly have no opinion except that I always get excited about what secret shows are going to happen between the weekends. Grimes, if you're listening, please play an all ages show in San Diego and you will make Darren and Nova's life.

The bigger question is HOW DO YOU GET TICKETS? Well, good luck with that. But seriously, you can start buying tickets on Wednesday, January 6 at 11am. You can read full instructions here, and follow this to the purchase link.

Here's my sage advise: Coachella is ticketed through Frontgate. Make sure you have a Frontgate account with a current credit card. Like now. Long before Wednesday. And have a Coachella account. These may or may not be the same thing. I'm not that sage.

When you try to purchase tickets, know exactly what you are trying for: Weekend 2 GA, Weekend 1 GA + Shuttle, Weekend 2 GA + Shuttle, Weekend 1 VIP, or Weekend 2 VIP. If you can't get in, can't get through, or otherwise think all has failed, instead of bitching on FB (or bragging because nobody GAF), refresh your browser. Refresh it a million times. Or at least 20. As I've said before, transactions time out, people change their mind on how many passes to buy, credit cards bounce back, and eventually those tickets release back into inventory, so even if it looks sold out in the first minute, or 5 minutes, or 10 minutes, it might not actually be. And we're talking about a 99,000 or so capacity event each weekend.

So good luck. Come April, I'll be watching drinking some craft beer at home, enjoying Couchella on YouTube on our giant plasma TV.

If you need the text lineup, I took the time to type it out after the jump.

New Radio in San Diego: Jack-FM flips to KFM-BFM "True Variety That Rocks"

As you may or may not recall, a few weeks back 100.7 Jack-FM announced that Garett Michaels would be returning to the San Diego market as Program Director of the station. This also happened shortly after Midwest and LMA, the group behind 91X, combined promotional and sales forces (kind of), and then they announced the station would be taking a new format, for which we've been  patiently waiting. Today, it was revealed.

For background info, check out this piece on SoundDiego and this one in the Reader and my little blurb from last month.

From this day forward, the station will be known again as 100.7 KFM-BFM (with the pause after the first M). They kicked off with history of the spot on the dial, then played a promo with snippets of Led Zeppelin, The Clash, Green Day, INXS, Guns n Roses, Nirvana, The Cars, White Stripes, and AC/DC with tag lines like "True Variety That Rocks" and "We play whatever, whenever." They kicked off the new format with Rush into The Ramones to Pearl Jam to Modern English into The Who, and Midnight Oil. (Then Tom Petty, The Black Keys, AC/DC, Foo Fighters). This is a dad rock station for your dad bod to chill in your man cave. Don't expect to hear many (any?) female artists on this format aside from maybe some tokens like Joan Jett, Blondie, or The Pretenders.

So there you have it. Let's see how it goes and grows. You can find the station online at KFMBFM.com.

ICYMI: CRSSD Preliminary Lineup Announced

CRSSD Festival is returning to the San Diego County Waterfront Park on March 5 & 6, 2016. Over the holidays the preliminary lineup was announced and tickets went on sale. You're definitely not too late to grab tickets but don't wait as prices will definitely go up and both the spring and fall versions sold out in 2015.

Get all of your info here, or go straight to the ticket link here.

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, January 4-Wednesday, January 6, 2016

I have to admit that I have really been enjoying being completely mellow. We stayed home on NYE since it was the first in a long time that I didn't have to work. We played board games and had an awesome night at home. Then over the weekend, Nova slept over with my nieces so though we didn't make it to Tijuana this year, Darren and I did have a fun night out at the Ken Club for karaoke on Friday and got to just lounge around trying to catch up on sleep and catching some outdoor time, too. I'm not entirely looking forward to this week--I feel like my email is going to be completely out of control and the new project is in full effect so deadlines are going to steamroll me, but hopefully I can keep it all together and get 2016 off to a great and productive year. Monday through Wednesday archives are after the jump.  

Upcoming Casbah & Casbah Presents Shows (Updated 1.1.2016)

It was an amazing year at the Casbah and I'm so proud to work for such an awesome venue and with a great team of people. January is always the anniversary month of the Casbah, and at 27, the legendary venue lives on. Once again, new shows have an X in front of them, and expect a gush of new announcements in the next couple of weeks as Tim will be back from vacation and all of the great bands are locking in their 2016 tours. 2015 was a blast, lets look forward to more in 2016. February shows and beyond are after the jump.

Sat Jan 02 - Big Sandy and His Flyrite Boys, Fanny and the Atta Boys @ Casbah

X- Tue Jan 05 - Bandalier, Just Like Jenna, The Sinclairs @ Casbah ($6 at the door)

X- Wed Jan 06 - Omega Three, Sundrop Electric, Velvet Club @ Casbah ($6 at the door)

Thu Jan 07 - Tim Heidecker featuring some brand new songs, Heidecker & Wood and the Yellow River Boys, JP Inc. @ Casbah

Fri Jan 08 - The Paladins, Blue Largo, The Bedbreakers @ Casbah

X- Sat Jan 09 - The Redwoods Revue feat. Rebecca Jade and the Cold Fact, Birdy Bardot, The Midnight Pine, Dani Bell and the Tarantist @ Casbah

Sun Jan 10 - Nobunny @ Soda Bar

X- Mon Jan 11 - Super Buffet, Pumphouse, Captain Viejo @ Casbah ($6 at the door)

Tue Jan 12 - Oh, Wonder @ Casbah (SOLD OUT)

Tue Jan 12 - Langhorne Slim & The Law, Jonny Fritz @ Belly Up

Wed Jan 13 - Ty Segall & the Muggers, CFM @ Belly Up

Thu Jan 14 - Earthless, Sacri Monti, Loom, Operation Mindblow Light Show @ Casbah
Fri Jan 15 - Earthless, Joy, Harsh Toke, Operation Mindblow Lightshow @ Casbah

Sat Jan 16 - Sweet and Tender Hooligans @ Casbah

Sun Jan 17 - Devotchka @ Belly Up

Mon Jan 18 - Car Seat Headrest, Octagrape, The Cardielles @ Casbah

Mon Jan 18 - Stuff You Should Know @ The Irenic (SOLD OUT)

Mon Jan 18 - Josh Ritter and the Royal City Band, Elephant Revival @ The Observatory North Park

Tue Jan 19 - Martin Courtney (of Real Estate), Matt Kivel @ Casbah

Wed Jan 20 - Half Moon Run @ Casbah

Wed Jan 20 - The Bright Light Social Hour, James Supercave @ Soda Bar

Thu Jan 21 - Chuck Ragan accompanied by Todd Beene on pedal steel @ Casbah

X- Fri Jan 22 - SoundDiego Live with Botanica Chango, The Palace Ballroom, Jesse LaMonaca, Mayfield @ Casbah (FREE!)

Fri Jan 22 - Tuxedo @ The Observatory North Park

Sat Jan 23 - All Them Witches, L.A. Witch, Dani Bell and the Tarantist @ Casbah

Sun Jan 24 - Vanessa Carlton, Skye Steel @ Casbah

X- Mon Jan 25 - Little Heroine, The Natives, Bad Kids @ Casbah ($6 at the door)

Tue Jan 26 - Killing Joke, Soft Moon @ The Belly Up

Wed Jan 27 - Mustard Plug, Dan Potthast, Duping the Public @ Casbah

Thu Jan 28 - Wanda Jackson, Action Andy & The Hi-Tones, Recommended Dosage DJ's @ Casbah

X- Thu Jan 28 - PWR BTTM @ The Hideout

Fri Jan 29 - The Hood Internet, Dino Soccio, KYWO @ Casbah

Sat Jan 30 - Casbah 27th Anniversary Celebration feat. The Silent Comedy, Creature and the Woods, Robert Jon and the Wreck @ Casbah

Upcoming Shows at the Observatory North Park (Updated 1.1.2016)

It was just about a year ago that we found out the North Park Theatre had been bought by The Observatory. Nobody knew what 2015 would bring, and despite some trials and missteps and certainly some bumps in the road, above all else was a year of awesome shows. Some standouts for me were The Decemberists, Neutral Milk Hotel, TV on The Radio, Father John Misty, and Glass Animals. 2016 is already lining up to great with more excellence coming to us in San Diego. Since last update, Tyga and two shows with The String Cheese Incident have been added. February shows and beyond are after the jump. I've had some technical problems, so please let me know if any of these links don't work for you.

1/10 The Game, 7pm, 18+

1/18 Josh Ritter and the Royal City Band, Elephant Revival, 8pm, Age 18+

1/22 Talib Kweli & Hi Tek - Reflection Eternal, 7pm, 18+

1/22 Tuxedo, 7pm, All Ages

1/26 David Cross: Making America Great Again!, 7pm, All Ages

1/29 Bryson Tiller, 6pm, All Ages (SOLD OUT)

1/30 Mike Gordon, 7pm, All Ages

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, December 31, 2015-Sunday, January 3, 2016

I realized this week as I looked at Facebook that pretty much every bar in San Diego is doing something for NYE, but I didn't go too far above and beyond the usual live music spots. This has been a pretty good week- The Office Undercover was great on Monday night, and we spent Tuesday in Mt Laguna playing in snow and Wednesday freezing by the Big Bay at Coronado Ferry Landing. I wish I could say I have big NYE plans myself, but Darren and Nova have both been a little bit sick and this is the first year Darren and I don't have to work and thus, our first year together with Nova. So I suspect we'll do some low key family gathering and then if they zonk out, I might sneak off to the Casbah.  I have no major year end deep thoughts or lists, just trying to keep on top of everything to keep all the pieces moving for this site and all of my other projects. Thursday through Sunday archives are after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: Sunday, December 27-Wednesday, December 30, 2015

What a week. I definitely enjoyed taking some time to spend with family, but now I need a break from the break. Darren's mom and nephews came down from the Bay area and we did lots of touristy stuff- Safari Park, Balboa Park, Cabrillo Monument, and it also rained while they were here so there was lots of lounging and movie watching, too. They left on Tuesday, which meant Christmas Eve at my brother's and Christmas at my parents', though Darren and Nova got sick somewhere in there and meant I snuck off to Exile on Kettner, which was an awesomely good time. This week is going to be full of work that I've been procrastinating on, so I decided to knock out listings early and get them out of the way. Sunday through Wednesday listings are after the jump.  

Upcoming Casbah & Casbah Presents Shows (Updated 12.21)

Casbah Tote Bags are in! Just purchase from your bartender!

Upcoming Shows at Observatory North Park (Updated 12.21)

I'm gonna keep it fast. For one, the Observatory added a whole slew of shows: Tuxedo (1/22), Tiger Army (2/11), Stick Figure (3/10), Glassjaw (3/24), and comedian Jim Breuer (5/6). I know there's a conflict on 1/22, the bosses are working that out. But the more important thing I wanted to tell you is that we had to migrate the Observatory newsletter to a new platform, and even if you were getting the newsletter before, you might not get it anymore. Maybe that is okay with you since you know I always update here, but for presales and show announcements and such, I'd recommend just making sure that you sign up for the new list. It's in the top right corner of the Observatory site. I'm the one who sends this stuff out, so I promise we're not sharing the list or sending a crazy amount of announcements. 2016 shows are after the jump.

Update: Also added- The Game (1/10)

12/26 RJ, 6pm, All Ages (doors changed from 7pm to 6pm)

12/28 Duke Dumont, 10pm, 18+

12/29 Chet Faker, 7pm, All Ages (SOLD OUT)

12/30 The Academy Is..., 7pm, All Ages

New Year's Eve Events in San Diego

Thursday, December 31, 2015 NEW YEAR'S EVE 2015 (event archive after the jump):

Things To Do In San Diego: Sunday, December 20-Sunday, December 27, 2015

We can either consider this a peace offering since I haven't updated much this week, or we can call it a Christmas Miracle, because I've got all your week's listings a day early. The truth is Darren's mom and nephews are in town and Sunday--usually a big work day for me--I'll be at the Casbah holiday brunch, so I'm just trying to plan ahead for limited online time this week. Obviously Christmas on a Friday throws a wrench in this week's touring shows, but hopefully there is enough going on to keep you balanced with family and friend time along with some time for music. If you don't hear from me much, Merry Christmas, or as Darren prefers to say, happy secular December 25th. I didn't get a full rundown of bars that will be open in Christmas, but assume most venues are closed or call your favorite dive before you go. Sunday through Sunday archives are after the jump.

I was trying to line up that shadow across their eyes, but it didn't quite work out.

The Artist Odyssey presents Frank Lee Drennen "More Love" Documentary (Thursday, Dec 17)

When I first started listening to Loudspeaker back in high school, hearing the voice of Frank Lee Drennen certainly kept me tuned in. I was a huge fan of Loam, and have always fpllowed his music throughout the years. His latest project, Dead Rock West, with Cindy Wasserman, just finished an tour opening for X. Now he's the subject of a documentary that screens this Thursday night. Info below.

The premiere of “More Love”, featuring singer songwriter Frank Lee Drennen, will take place Thursday, December 17th at The Artist Odyssey’s studio headquarters in Encinitas, California. The documentary, the second release on new global arts network The Artist Odyssey, covers Frank’s personal and artistic journeys, including his thoughts on music helping him through tough times: “You can talk about bad things with music and feel good after you get done listening to it.”

• Date: Thursday, December 17th
• Time: Doors open 5pm.
• Location: 1509 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas, CA 92024
• RSVP: On The Artist Odyssey’s Facebook event page
• Musical Performance: Frank and his Dead Rock West partner Cindy Wasserman will perform a short set at 6pm
• Premiere: Film will screen at 6:30pm. Runtime – 40 minutes
• Q&A: Frank, the director, and the producers will field questions after the documentary screens.

Directing/producing team David and Barbarella Fokos said, “We’ve been aware of Frank and his music for years, but it was only through the making of this film that we came to understand the deep emotional well that informs his work.”

The Observatory Presents David Cross: Making America Great Again!

For a very long time, David Cross has been one of my favorite comedians. I loved Mr. Show with Bob and David and saw their live show at the Poway Center for the Arts many years ago. Add in all of his other stuff like Arrested Development and The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret, and it's hard to find someone funnier in comedy today.

David Cross: Making America Great Again! is the newest standup tour, and it will be circling through San Diego at the Observatory North Park. Tickets go on sale on Wednesday, and if you're a fan of comedy, I wouldn't miss this one if I were you.

David Cross: Making America Great Again!

Tuesday January 26, 2016

Doors at 7 pm

Show at 8 pm

The Observatory North Park

All Ages

$35 GA seating 

$35 GA standing

$55 Gold Circle VIP seated

Tickets On Sale Wednesday 12/16 at 10 am

BUY THEM HERE

Photo Credit: Daniel Bergeron

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, December 14-Saturday, December 19, 2015

It has been a really fun December so far. The Three Mile Pilot show on Thursday was phenomenal, and Friday we went to the San Diego Zoo, which now has extended hours for Jungle Bells. On Saturday morning, we drove out to Boulder Creek, which is way out near Descanso and required about 6 miles of driving on an unpaved road, but it was worth it to do native species restoration for the San Diego River Foundation. Afterward, we drove a little past the Three Sisters Trailhead and had a picnic before heading back west. We stopped at the Outlets at Viejas and ate at the casino buffet before I had to be at work at the Casbah for The Dears, which I shouldn't make sound so bad because their performance was awesome. This week overall show listings start to thin out, but there are plenty of sold out shows to prove that we haven't all packed it in for Christmas just yet. Monday through Saturday archives are after the jump.

Upcoming Casbah & Casbah Presents Shows (Updated 12.10.2015)

I missed a week of updates when I was in Austin but we've added a bunch of shows like OFF!, The Hood Internet, The Toasters, plus a bunch of outside venue shows. The other day someone asked me the question that always stumps me: "What shows are coming up that you're looking forward to?" I have a hard time answering this because for one, I never really know my schedule, how much work I have, or more commonly, I have to work at a show the same night as another show, but I have to say, I about jumped out of my seat when we announced Nada Surf at the Irenic, and then we followed up with Ra Ra Riot being announced at the same venue. I'm looking forward to lots of nights this month at the Casbah, like Three Mile Pilot, Mariachi El Bronx, The Bronx, and Exile on Kettner. Then January rolls around and you've got Oh, Wonder (which is already sold out) the same night as Langhorne Slim, Devotchka, Car Seat Headrest, Martin Courtney and so many more. Instead of buying stupid tchotchkes this Christmas, how about giving the gift of live music? Archives after the jump.

Upcoming Shows at The Observatory North Park (Updated 12.10.2015)

After a couple of quiet weeks with regards to new show announcements, The Observatory came out with a bang this week, announcing new shows with Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek,  STRFKR with Com Truise, Wavves & Best Coast, and two show with The Growlers. I'm not strong at predicting hip hop sell outs, but I can tell you the others will all sell out, so don't wait to buy tickets. Don't forget you can skip the bulk of service charges by buying at the box office, which is open any show night at least two hours before posted door times. Box office sales are always cash only, so know what you want and have the cash on hand and you'll save some bucks. Archive after the jump.

KAABOO 2016 Offers VIP & Festival Packages

I went to dozens, if not hundreds of shows this year, but there were some events that I completely missed out on. I can't say I completely regret it because having Nova nearly full time has been amazing, but I can't say there isn't a little part of this music blogger that knows I kinda missed out, especially on the inaugural KAABOO at Del Mar, even more so after I found out many of my friends were given the royal treatment throughout the weekend. It seems crazy that the first wave of acts are going to be announced this week, but apparently that is the case. In the meantime, KAABOO is already selling VIP and full festival packages.

Update: First acts have been announced: Jack Johnson, The Avett Brothers, Goo Goo Dolls, Jason Isbell (Drive-by Truckers), Gavin DeGraw, Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness, The Green. Comedy: Janeane Garafolo, Rachel Bloom. (Source: U-T)

For information and ticketing, go here. Below are their words, not mine.

If you are still looking for that jaw-dropping gift, look no further. KAABOO – the arts and entertainment ‘mix-perience’ of a lifetime, is offering an amazing holiday gift pack, perfect for that hard to shop for relative or best friend who likes to have a good time.

Not familiar with the KAABOO ‘mix-perience’? KAABOO is a three day event taking place in beautiful Del Mar, CA in September 2016. The upscale experience combines great live music, delicious food vendors, impressive and unique art displays and your favorite comedians all in one place. As the perfect weekend escape, KAABOO is a cut above your average music event and you never have to worry about sacrificing comfort and luxury for an amazing experience.

For a limited time only, weekend passes are available at an exclusive holiday discount. Please see below for the breakdown as well as details on the type of access you receive for each pass.

HANG TEN VIP 3 - Day Pass: $2,499

• VIP for the entire weekend
• Complimentary food and beverage in designated areas
• Hang Ten stage viewing areas at main stage and two other stages
• KAABOO Artist Lounge access

HANG FIVE VIP 3 - Day Pass Level 2: $729

• VIP-only Thursday night, featuring memorable live performances
• VIP "SuperLounge" and viewing area at Sunset Cliffs main stage
• VIP only viewing area at all other stages
• Access to three KAABOO VIP Lounges

HANG LOOSE GA 3-Day Pass Level 2: $229

• Three-day access to all stages
• Entry into all GA experiences

Stay tuned later this week for the exciting first wave announcement of confirmed bands, comedians and artists who will be rocking out with KAABOO!

Things To Do In San Diego: Wednesday, December 9-Sunday, December 13, 2015

After a busy weekend, and in light of a whole bunch of jam-packed days of work and events ahead, it has been nice being home the past couple nights (and truth be told, working after my household is asleep while indulging in the cheesiest of Hallmark Christmas movies. So far, kissing while ice skating in every single one!) I updated my holiday event page and will keep adding stuff (you can find it on the menu bar of the main page, too) as I find it. We heard that there were massive waves at the beach the past couple days, so after Nova's early dismissal day, we headed to Sunset Cliffs Nature Reserve with Ficus, hoisted ourselves down the rope to the beach and enjoyed what felt at times like a completely private beach. In December. We followed that with dinner outside at Point Loma Sea Foods and I have to say, while we love the cold and rain when we can get it, some days just don't get any better than that. Wednesday through Sunday archives are after the jump.

Radio News: Tommy Hough Takes The Helm of 91X Morning Drive & Garett Michaels Returns to San Diego with KFMB-FM

Back in October, it was announced that "Local Media San Diego, LLC and KFMB Stations, two leading digital and broadcast companies in the greater San Diego area, announced a joint operating agreement that preserves local ownership and operation of San Diego’s top-rated radio stations. Magic 92.5, Z90, 91X, 100.7 Jack FM and AM 760 KFMB will now make up the largest local radio broadcasting platform in San Diego."

At the time, I didn't post the press release, because it's the kind of things radio nerds like me care about, but so long as it didn't affect major shifts on the stations, it didn't seem something necessary to share. Fast-forward a few months, and we're starting to see just the impact the joint operation is having and it is a good thing for San Diego. Besides some "shared assets", in the way of focused sales and promotions staff able to work across formats and stations, yesterday it was announced that Tommy Hough would be taking over full time on morning drive at 91X and that Garett Michaels is returning to San Diego as the new Program Director at KFMB-FM (Jack FM).

Garett Michaels from back in his FM 94/9 days

I'll post the full news releases after the jump, but I have to say the most interesting thing about the news was this quote by SDLocal Vice President / General Manager Gregg Wolfson (Wolfie!), who said about Michaels, “with his large market experience, knowledge of San Diego, and his proficiency in CHR, AC, Alternative, Triple A, Rock, and Country, he is the perfect fit for the future format of KFMB-FM.” (emphasis mine) Could this mean change is coming to Jack? I certainly hope so, because I don't care how high DSC ratings are, Dave is off the rails and shouldn't have a mic in his face anymore, and with the recent sale of KPRI-FM, there is definitely a void in San Diego radio in the realm of Triple A (Adult Album Alternative) and really breaking new music in the market, which is only reinforced every time a new show is booked in San Diego and the agents ask for our "KEXP or KCRW equivalent" and we have none. But that's just my little projection. Congratulations to Tommy and welcome back, Garett. You'll both be hearing from me, I'm sure. Full press releases after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, December 7-Tuesday, December 8, 2015

After my trip, I really needed a weekend like this one--seeing good shows and getting to hang with so many amazing friends who I have't seen in ages. On Friday I worked at the Tanlines show at the Irenic and then hit Little Hurricane after, then had a super late night with Robin & Matt, who was in town for the weekend. On Saturday, all the kids had an overnight at my mom's, so Darren and I got a rare datenight. He came to see The Glamour & The Squalor with me (which was incredible, by the way, and so amazing to see Marco), then we went to Casbah and then Bar Pink after that. Sunday was pretty mellow, it's my big catch up with work day, but it was nice heading to the Casbah for our annual staff photo and then going to Snoop Dogg later in the night with Jakey. As we approach Christmas, you'll notice the listings getting a little thin, but there are still some gems between now and then, so don't hermit up just yet. Monday and Tuesday archives are after the jump.

Not my best photo of Snoop, but he did this one for me. 

Things We Did In San Diego: Snoop Dogg at The Observatory, 12.6.2015

There are certain shows that come across my desk that get me a little more excited than others. Obviously Snoop Dogg is a big deal, but when I found out I was approved for a photo pass, it made it that much cooler. The show was packed with people by the time I arrived...I had been home working so I strategically planned on skipping the openers because I had way too much to do. Snoop plays all the hits you'd expect him to, and a couple I was surprised about, like a remix of California Girls that emphasized his part and just played Katy's vocal as a backing track. It was made even more fun by the fact that one of my BFFs, Sara, who I never ever see anymore, was at the show. It was pretty fun and worth the hour break I took from working. Here are some of my photos. (more after the jump)

Upcoming Shows at The Observatory North Park (Updated 12.4.2015)

The last time I was at the Observatory--on Monday night, slinging shirts for John Waters and taking all the VIP photos--I had an interesting conversation about show times. While I thought these were mostly arbitrary or determined by the promoter, the reality is that for every show, the venue meets with SDPD and that is where sometimes they get pushback. So say a show is booked to start at 9pm, the cops might ask that it start earlier so they can appease neighbors or whatnot. On the list below, instead of just changing the times, I've noted that the times were changed since the new times aren't necessarily reflected on the artwork. I believe there are still a few tickets left for Snoop, so get on it! Shows beyond next week are after the jump.

12/4 Slightly Stoopid, Yellowman & The Law, 6pm, All Ages (SOLD OUT)

12/5 CANCELLED: Warren Haynes and The Ashes & Dust Band with Jonathan Tyler & ChessBoxer 6:30pm, All Ages

12/6 Snoop Dogg with Tha Eastsidaz, Dogg Pound & LBC Movement , 7pm, 18+

12/10 Tribal Seeds, Stranger, Iya Terra, 7pm, All Ages
12/11 Tribal Seeds, New Kingston, Maad T-Ray, 7pm, All Ages

12/12 ​Dance Gavin Dance with Slaves, A Lot Like Birds, Dayshell, Strawberry Girls, 7pm, All Ages

12/13 Reverend Horton Heat, Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys, The Bellrays, Lords of Altamont 7pm, 21+ (note new time- Doors at 7, Show at 8pm)

Get Your Tickets To 91X Lump of Coal!

I'm so behind and totally meant to post the whole press release and yada yada last week, when it was announced that Jane's Addiction dropped off the bill for Wrex The Halls. With that news, refunds were supposed to be issued at point of purchase, and the whole show--without Jane's--moved to Soma with a lowered ticket price of $25. Tickets to Wrex the Halls will NOT be honored at Soma. You have to buy a new ticket for this event. The show is all ages. (Tickets are ticketed through Ticketmaster or Soma. I've provided the Soma link because historically their fees are lower than TM)

Get your tickets here.

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, December 3-Sunday, December 6, 2015

It's my third and a final day in Austin and training is going well and Marjy and I had a really great time last night on Rainey Street. I'm not sure BBQ would make the flight home, but I might have to try. I just thought I'd do a little update since both Little Hurricane Shows have sold out. Don't forget this weekend is the big San Diego debut of The Glamour and The Squalor at The Irenic about Marco Collins. Did you know Marco was the first person who ever hooked me up with a photo pass for a festival? And, not only that, he was the first who really gushed about the future of blogging and had faith in this little site...and it's changed a lot, but I'm still chugging along after 9 years. See y'all tonight. Friday through Sunday listings are after the jump.

Thursday, December 3, 2015:

• The Avengers, I Wish I, Social Spit, Widows @ Casbah
• Jennie Vee, Vowws, Lowlands, Blood Candy @ Soda Bar
• Joshua Taylor & 22 Kings (Double Album Release), Jesse LaMonaca @ Sycamore Den
• Listen Local Radio's All Access Fest feat. 7:00 Krass Bros, 7:30 Katie Leigh and The 
• Infantry, 8:00 Boondock Brothers, 8:30 Astra Kelly, 9:00 Channel, 9:30 Boxcar Chief, 10:00 Jimmy Lewis Band, 10:30 Landis, 11:00 The Yes Team, 11:30 Daddy Issues @ Music Box
• Charlie Hunter Trio ft. Bobby Previte & Curtis Fowlkes, Bomb Squad @ The Loft, UCSD
• Customer Appreciation Party @ The Office
• The Ten Tenors: Home For the Holidays @ California Center for the Arts, Escondido
• Ceremony Night @ Bar Pink
• Mesa College presents Jingle Bell Jazz @ Dizzy's
• The Venice Christmas Show, Sister Speak @ Belly Up
• Adeumazel @ The Hideout
• Simer Bakri, Lily Love @ Lestat's
• Gregory Page @ Java Joe's
• Nebula Drag, The Hand of Gavrilo, The Wind Playing Tricks @ The Merrow
• DarkWaveGarden @ The Bancroft
• Liz Grace Duo @ Croce's Park West
• Wildside @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Open Jam Session @ Winston's (6-9pm)
• Firebeatz @ Omnia
• LowKeyTanner and DevinTheDude @ La Luz Ultra Lounge
• Movember with Valentino Khan @ Fluxx
• Rock Out Karaoke @ Tin Roof
• 11 Year Anniversary with Egyptian Lover @ Kava Lounge
• Rockin Aces @ Tio Leo's
• Liquid Courage Karaoke @ 710 Beach Club