Sleep Lady, Archons, Kuntz at Tin Can Ale House, 11/26/10

The best way to digest a big Thanksgiving dinner is to spend the next day feasting on meaty riffs.

Kuntz opened up, and this is the last time they're playing as a duo. They'll be debuting a bass player soon. Archons and Sleep Lady after the jump.





Archons. Brutal.




Sleep Lady just put out a powerhouse of an album. Get it.






My blog has more photos.

San Diego Newsy Tidbits

It's been a while since I posted any newsy bits, and since I don't have a lot of time before I hit two Christmas parties and at least one show, I'll keep it brief.

First, congratulations to my dear friend and colleague Tim Pyles (photo by Natalie Kardos) for being named the 2010 SubModern Host of The Year for his "FTP" show on FM 94/9. We all know he rocks, but it's nice for FMQB to take note and spread the word among the radio world. It would be super awesome if his show was syndicated to other stations, dontcha think?

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A couple weeks ago, I posted about O'Connell's being sold. Apparently that report was premature and at the last minute, the buyers dropped out, so for now, O'Connell's is still O'Connell's. As they'd planned on moving on, there were no shows booked for December, so if you want or need a show in December, you might wanna hit them up.

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Other tidbits- The Styletones will no longer have a Monday residency at Bar Pink come 2011. Though they'll still be all over town, those Mondays became a ritual for manyso be sure to catch them before the year ends. ** Word on the street is that Dirty Sweet has called it quits. With a long history in the San Diego music scene, I suspect they'll find new outlets down the road. **CityBeat reports this week that Seth Combs new venture will be a lifestyle site call GFYSanDiego. Presumably "Go Fuck Yourself", and with SDGossipScene closing up shop and heading to New York, I can already feel the target on my back from my favorite frenemy. Best of luck to Seth.

Contest: FM 94/9 Holiday Hootenanny Tickets

The FM 94/9 Holiday Hootenanny is almost here and there are still some tickets available. I've been pretty excited about the station's lineups in the past, but this one takes the cake, especially with all the Grammy nominations that the Black Keys received.

The Black Keys, Against Me!, The Temper Trap, Sleigh Bells, Tokyo Police Club

Tickets are $40 and you can skip service fees by getting your tickets at the Price Center box office.

My friends over at FM 94/9 really want YOU to be at the show, so they're letting me give away a pair of tickets to one lucky person. Send an email with the subject "Hootenanny" to sddialedin AT gmail DOT com. Include your full name and phone number. I will select a winner at random on Friday. While my dear personal friends can enter, don't try and guilt me or beg me because like all of my contests, there will be no advantage given to anyone.

Grand Opening: Spa Na'Mara at Stratford Inn, Del Mar

Last week, I got an email inviting me to a spa opening. I was definitely intrigued since it's not something I get to cover often. I wasn't sure I'd find a way to get to Del Mar on a Tuesday at 4:30, but over the weekend I heard from my friend Steve, a guy who will go on for hours about health supplements, alpha-biotics, the genotype diet, and the tragedy of the pharmaceutical industry, the FDA, and the dangers of gluten, processed foods, and high fructose corn syrup, and asked if he'd like to spend the evening at a holistic spa. Naturally, he agreed.


Spa Na'Mara is located at the Best Western Stratford Inn in Del Mar. From what I understand, the entire hotel has new ownership and has undergone some room renovations and will renovate the hotel's exterior, but the first major change is the opening of the spa. We were immediately greeted by the hotel and spa owners and managers and front desk receptionists and made to feel welcome. We could walk ourselves through or get a tour if we wished, but we opted to wander since the space isn't especially large.

The spa itself was formed out of a block of poolside rooms. The interiors of the rooms are warm, with bamboo like wallpaper in earth tones and mellow (but not cloying) music playing throughout the rooms on the intercom system. There's a mani-pedi room (with the most amazing pedi chair I've ever seen), a few massage treatment rooms including a double room for couples massages, and a miscellaneous room for other services like waxing, spray tans, etc. The bathroom has a shower and separate toilet stall, with brushes, blowdryers, and other amenities for post spa grooming. (For more, click 'keep on reading')

Each treatment room has glass double doors that lead to the pool, but you never feel a lack of privacy. After a glass of wine and some nibbles on the tray passed appetizers (bruschetta, chicken canape, seared ahi on wonton crisps), I was asked if I'd like a mini-facial. I've been to events where they say there will be free services, but there's some sign up sheet with 25 people more important than you already signed up, or you feel like you have to beg. Not here. I went into the first treatment room and after getting partially disrobed and comfortable on the amazing contoured massage table, was treated to an amazing facial by Julie G. She's not actually with Spa Na'Mara, but she works for Phytomer (warning: the site has sound that doesn't turn off), the marine-based products used in the spa, and it's her job to train estheticians how to properly use them. Basically I was in the hands of a master. Besides not doing extractions (the really gross part of any facial), I don't know what made this "mini" because I was treated to steam, masks, and some serious (but ultra lightweight) moisturizing. Julie was awesome and we chatted the whole time. I even gave her a little social media 101. It was the least I could do. I'm not sure if I was actually glowing when all was said and done, but I felt (and still feel, nearly 8 hours later) amazing.

I rejoined Steve who had a massage. "How was it?," I asked. "Painful." Steve has thrashed his body over the years and he explained that his "painful" response wasn't a bad thing, just very intense. I signed up immediately for a massage.

As we awaited more treatments, we sat around the pool, had some more wine, and enjoyed a nice simple spread of fresh fruits and cheeses. I might have been a little too excited when I saw that the cheeses were Humboldt Fog, Manchego, and a delicious bleu. It really doesn't take much to make me happy.

We nibbled until everyone was asked to hear Ciara Lydon discuss five ways to stay stress free during the holiday season. She's a Holistic Health Counselor specializing as a "weightloss coach and wardrobe therapist". While I had to laugh a little (if you've seen my wardrobe I don't have to tell you why), she was clearly well-versed in her areas of expertise. If you're a new year's resolution type person or are looking for help with weightloss, healthy eating, or even just dressing best for your shape, Ciara has a "New Year New You" Tele-seminar and virtual group nutrition program kicking off in 2011. Check her site for info and program details.

I was called in for my massage and I could tell that Stanly Namoa (who floats between Spa Na'Mara and The Valencia- same owners) was a great massage therapist, but I could also tell he was taking it easy on me. Still, laying on the table and just getting my shoulders and back worked on, even briefly, felt amazing.

After my massage, I sat by an outdoor heater by the pool while sipping my glass of wine until we were called in for a raffle. There were two door prizes. They drew the first winner and she claimed her prize. As they drew for the second prize, I saw it and I wanted it so bad. "254". Darn. I was holding 256. Nobody claimed it. "we'll draw again. You have to be here to win." I like those rules. "302". No winner. In my head I stared at the bowl with the raffle tickets. I thought of "The Secret", and though I've never read it or seen the movie, the idea of focusing energy on something you want to manifest isn't exactly that hard to grasp. In my head I repeated 2-5-6, 2-5-6, thinking I really wanted that prize. "256". I won! The gift basket had a facial set of Phytomer products, a body brush and natural sponge, and a Boca Terry bathrobe.

The crowd thinned out, but we still had a little time to get quick basic manicures (moisturize, clean and clip cuticles, shine) from Master Esthetician Laurie Womack. As we enjoyed the hot tea provided, the spa cleared. We were handed our swag bags and were on our way.

I haven't been to many spas around San Diego, but in my limited experience, I'd say Spa Na'Mara is definitely worth checking out and their pricing is pretty standard for the industry. To celebrate the opening, you can get $50 off any 80 minute spa service or $25 off any 50 minute service through April 30, 2011 (with some blackout dates) or indulge in some of their special spa therapies like a Lavendar Bolus Massage, the signature mani/pedi, an organic facial, or a tone & tighten body wrap.

Spa Na'Mara at the Stratford Inn Del Mar is located at 710 Camino Del Mar and can be reached by calling 858.356.0307 for information and appointments.

Things To Do In San Diego: December 7-8, 2010

I feel like whenever I plan a day of catching up, I end up running around even more than usual. My postings over at SoundDiego have increased and now I'm doing some Foursquare Checkin galleries over there, so if you wanna see where I've been, you can check it out here.

Tuesday December 7, 2010:

• HBO Presents "Wartorn 1861-2010" Screening & Panel Discussion @ Lestat's (6:30pm, Free)
• Dandy Warhols, Blue Giant @ Belly Up
• Millionyoung, Teen Daze, The Great Mundane @ Casbah
• Zapf Dingbats, Steve McQueen @ El Dorado
• Nena Anderson @ Riviera Supper Club
• New Country 95.7 Presents: Lee Brice, Stealing Angels @ Dreamcatcher Viejas (FREE)
• Songwriters Showcase Competition @ Humphreys Backstage Live
• The Psycle, Crippled Puppies, Space Nature @ Soda Bar
• Tiki Tuesday feat. Adrian Demain's Exoticatronica @ Bar Pink
• Belanova @ House of Blues
• Tommy Price & The Stilettos @ Henry's Pub
• Darkwave Garden @ Club Kadan
• Tomcat Courtney @ La Gran Tapa
• Jeans Wilder, Speculator, Teen Porn, Raw Moans @ Tin Can
• Anthology House Band @ Anthology
• Thea Tochihara @ House of Blues Voodoo Stage
• Carlos Rock Experience @ Bar Dynamite
• Train of Thought @ Queen Bee's
• Comedy Night @ Lestat's
• 145th Street @ Patrick's ll
• Dave Booda Acoustic @ Tiki House
• Red Lotus Review, Alyssa Jacey @ Stage Bar & Grill
• Open Mic w/ Jefferson Jay @ Gallagher's
• Friends Chill @ Whistle Stop
• Doug Allen, Suzy Bongo @ The Kraken
• Randy Rogers, Whiskey Dawn @ Winston's
• Karaoke @ Cafe La Maze
• Jaimie Muehlhausen @ Hennessey's Vista
• The Green Jacket @ Hennessey's Carlsbad

Wednesday December 8, 2010:

• Bedouin Soundclash, Moneybrother @ Belly Up
• The Gay Blades, Grand Tarantula, Feet Feet Parachute @ Casbah
• Beautiful Small Machines, The New Assembly, Echo Revolution @ Soda Bar
• Casey Neill, The Shantyannes @ Bar Pink
• The Bad Plus @ Anthology
• Eclipse79, Skyline Union @ The Office
• Peter Bolland, Joe Rathburn & Jeff Stasney perform the music of John Denver @ The Folkey Monkey (email joe AT joerathburn DOT com for reservation/directions)
• The Secret Samurai @ Riviera Supper Club
• Age Of Collapse, The Taxpayers, Di Niginum, Mala Salud, Say Something @ Che Cafe
• A Night of Belly Dancers and Music @ Lestat's
• Skynyrds Innyrds, 89 Vissions @ Brick By Brick
• Safety Orange @ Hennessey's Gaslamp
• Skyline Union @ The Office
• Spin Cycle feat. Sab The Artist, Day-Go Produce, Parker & The Numberman, Tramlife, DJ L, Collagey @ Ruby Room
• Lady Dottie and The Diamonds @ Gallagher's
• Soiree of Music & Dance @ Don Powell Theatre SDSU
• Dave Scott Jazz Ensemble @ Humphreys Backstage Live
• The Golden Hill Blues Band, Nasty, Zack @ Tin Can
• Club Kingston with Pali Roots, DJ Carlos Culture @ Winston's
• Skybeatz @ Stage Saloon
• Dub Dorado feat. TROWA, Whiskey Pete, Tea Long, Mr. Biggs, Austin Speed @ El Dorado
• Missy Andersen @ Patrick's ll
• Acoustic Fooks @ Dublin Square
• Gilbert Castellanos w/ The New Latin Jazz Quintet, Rob Thorsen @ El Camino
• Len Rainey and The Midnight Players @ Donovan's Circle of 5ths
• Sleepwalking w/DJs Jeff & Michelle @ Whistle Stop
• Wednesday Night Shakedown @ Henry's Pub
• Jeff Moore & The Witchdoctors @ The Kraken
• Knight Vision @ Club Kadan
• Sue Palmer @ Croce's
• Thump Night feat. DJ Mancat & Coda Collins @ Bar Leucadian
• Firehouse Swing Night @ Queen Bee's
• Problumz, Mz Chief, Prissy Krissy, Likwit, The Nutty Buddies, No Face @ Dreamstreet
• Karaoke @ Chico Club
• Epica, Scar Symmetry, Mutiny Within, Blackguard, Aventale @ Ramona Mainstage
• Jaden Carlson @ Davina's Cabo Grill
• Steve Portillo & The Banditos @ Cafe LaMaze

Video: People Under The Stairs @ Casbah

Last week, Nate wrote a great blog post about the People Under The Stairs show at the Casbah. While he was up front shooting photos, I shot some video from the back of the club. Click the right and left arrows in the playlist to see all 7 videos.

Things To Do In San Diego: December 6, 2010

Over the weekend, The Styletones announced that come 2011, they'll no longer have their Monday night residency at Bar Pink, so enjoy it for the next few weeks before it's gone.

Monday December 6, 2010:

• The Silent Comedy, Vinyl Film, Mad Traffic @ U-31
• Anti-Monday League Presents: Family Wagon, Stone Foxes, Dead Feather Moon @ Casbah
• Batwings, K Holes, Stickers, Syndicate @ Tin Can
• Teddy Fantastico's Broken (open) Mic Night @ Soda Bar
• The Styletones @ Bar Pink
• Miss Erika Davies @ Riviera Supper Club
• Acoustic Evening with Dark Star Orchestra @ Belly Up
• Unrestrained, Anchor, The River Card @ Che Cafe
• Chet Cannon's Blue Monday Blues Party @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Nuclear Tomorrow @ Ruby Room
• Dirty Mondays feat. DJ Fishfonics, Gabe Vega, Pleasure Victim @ The Saloon (Encinitas)
• Open Mic @ Lestat's
• Trivia Night @ Whistle Stop
• Club MAW @ Henry's Pub
• Doug Allen, Suzy Bongo @ The Kraken
• Will Street Blues @ Patrick's II
• Electric Waste Band @ Winston's
• The Get Down @ Club Kadan
• Dave Scott @ Croce's
• Karaoke @ Coyote Bar & Grill
• Ron Bell @ Cafe La Maze

Old Tiger, Josh Damigo at Soda Bar, 11/27/10

This was my first time seeing Josh Damigo and Old Tiger perform.





Old Tiger has an excellent album out right now full of soulful sounds. Pick it up, you won't regret it. Click over to my blog if you'd like to see more.

Transfer Tour Blog ~December 2, 2010

It's 1:30am and there's a bar somewhere in Montreal that has a mechanical bull in it and right about now I believe that 2 of the 4 members of Transfer along with some of the tour crew are engaged in a battle of man vs. machine! (VIDEO SOON). I don't know about you but I have high hopes of some quality pictures surfacing tomorrow of which will have to be posted. In the meantime I'm sitting in the hotel room at 2am deciding that now would be a good time to tell you a little about the trip so far.

This is Transfer's first trip to the East Coast and has been nothing but amazing on all accounts. We find ourselves again sharing the stage with Brandon Flowers for the US/Canada leg of his 2010 tour and it seems as though every night has been getting better and better for us. Tonight was the smallest venue of the tour but you would have never known from the noise and response we received, my first impression is that I can't wait to figure out when we can get back here and play another show.

The tour starting with a grueling 3 day drive from San Diego to Detroit about 2 weeks ago, rain and snow, road closures in Utah and ridiculously long drives, it was seriously one of the toughest things I've ever had to do.........and by toughest thing ever I mean make sure I had time to go to the bar at the airport before I caught my flight because I decided that I would do the complete opposite to spending 3 days traveling the road and meet everyone there........true team player right?? Anyway, after meeting up with our main man Super Tom who flew in from London to Detroit, the Transfer team were together once again and ready for the first show.

Detroit was a great first show, cold as hell but nonetheless a good time had by all. The day had it's drama in the face of Card's brand new one week old guitar amp being placed on top of it's flight case with wheels and blowing down the path after the show, the wheel caught on the pavement and face planted the amp off of the top of the case and into the ground, smashing everything inside. Mr. Cardenas definitely needed a drink after that incident SO when the owner of the bar/restaurant next to the venue decides to close down the club and allow you to stay in there til 4am and serve yourself drinks, I think we could say that the first show (and Tom's b'day) started off with a bang!

That leads us to Thanksgiving day.........and our only day off on the whole tour.........unfortunately a very slow moving band had to wake up after 3 hrs of sleep and drive 14hrs to Boston MA. At some point during this trip we (and by we I mean Matt) thought it would be a good idea to take a detour to Niagara Falls, maybe grab some Thanksgiving dinner somewhere and relax for an hour. Having never been, everybody agreed and decided to do it since who knows when the next time we're gonna be in that area, we may never get to see Niagara Falls!! That being said, It wasn't until we were 5 minutes away from it (it's now dark by the way!) that we noticed a city overlooking the falls, “Oh, what city is that?” …....well, that city is Toronto, Canada and in approximately 9 days time we will be performing in that city and will have all the opportunity in the world to see the Falls that day! So, a slightly pointless 2 hr detour was had. However that being said, seeing the Falls at night and the fact that there was no one there because it was Thanksgiving was amazing, the roar coming from it, the intensity of it was unbelievable...so ultimately although I gave him shit for it, Matt's idea actually turned out pretty good.

After a day spent trying to locate a new amp for Card and having it arrive an hr before doors open Boston - House of Blues was a great show for the band, big venue and loud a crowd got us back in the swing of things. We got to hang in the bar at Fenway Park after the show and although I'm not a huge baseball fan it was pretty dang cool to be there regardless.

Shows in Atlantic City, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Asbury Park NJ, and 2 shows in New York City followed. Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC is an amazing room in the center of Manhattan and is the biggest show on the tour. As with most of this tour it was sold out and packed to the top for our set. Over the course of the tour Brandon has a core group of fans that travel to every city and camp out before the shows so they can get in first and at the front, they all seem to take the time after and sometimes before to come say hi and for the most part seem to have accepted us. It was at this show that I first noticed that I started seeing people singing along and a bunch of people wearing Transfer T-shirts! Ultimately our main goal is to gain as many new Transfer fans over the course of this tour and it has been pretty awesome to get to go out there every night in a different city and try and win people over. We're close to selling out of all the CDs we brought with us and the feedback we've been getting has been incredible. A big thank you to all of you who hang around after the shows to say hi, send us messages, buy CDs and generally make this whole touring thing worthwhile for a band trying to pave their way into this market.

I guess at 4am I may not be making sense anymore therefore time to shut up! Toronto tomorrow.

www.transferband.com
www.facebook.com/transferband
www.twitter.com/transferband

Jeff's Weekly Pick: The Western States Motel @ Bar Pink Thursday December 9, 2010

A couple of years ago I heard of a band that was appearing @ Bar Pink in North Park. As a result I proceeded to listen to the songs posted on their Myspace page, piquing my interest level enough to make the trek to see the band perform live. Playing in front of a modest crowd they did not disappoint. Now it is two years later and I must profess I still know very little about the band. One thing I have known for these few years is their name: The Western States Motel, based in Los Angeles. The band is the brainchild of Carl Jordan, formed mainly to produce soundtracks to short films. An eponymous debut in 2007 featured great pop sensibilities and I was hooked. One song on that LP is titled I Won't Be Going Back to San Diego. Obviously, one can catch the indie band doing the exact opposite this Thursday. There will be a full group assembled for the live show. Also featured will be songs from an EP released in 2008, Painted Birds Flying in the Orange Mirror Sun. Sometimes the best kept secrets turn out to be the best shows. Hopefully this Thursday will be one of those times.

Maren Parusel sets the stage.

Watch a video of Powerlines below.

Things To Do In San Diego: December 4-5, 2010

I thought I'd have more online time today but it didn't work out that way. I've added a bunch of new videos on my YouTube page then sort by "date added" to see the most recent. For all of the holiday events, click here.

Saturday, December 4, 2010:

• Mississippi Man, Rumspringa, The Howls @ Bar Pink
• Earthless, 400 Blows, Rats Eyes, Widows, DJ Mikey The Rat @ Casbah
• KPRI Holiday Soiree feat. The Doobie Brothers, Shawn Mullins, Crystal Bowersox @ Spreckels Theatre
• Comedy: Louis CK @ Balboa Theatre (8 & 10:30 pm)
• Windigo International Presents the 8th Annual Turtleneck & Sweater Party feat. Metro @ Belly Up
• Jay Smart, Kelsea Little & Michael Reed @ Mueller College (4603 Park Blvd, University Heights)
• The Dabbers, The Hitchhikers, Spare Parts For Broken Hearts @ Eleven
• Electric Healing Sound, The Mantles, Devon Williams, Twin Lion @ Tin Can
• Lucy Schwartz, Julian Velard, Derek Evans @ Yoga One
• Speakeasy/Descarga Cubana feat. Gilbert Castellanos, Giancarlo Anderson, Irving Flores, Dante Loaiza, JP Maramba, Gene Perry + Guests. Daytime Holiday Bazaar @ Cocina Club (email cocina.club@gmail.com for reservations, directions, and password. Doors at 2pm, Dinner at 8:30, Music at 11pm)
• Screamin Yeehaws, S.F.T. @ The Shakedown
• One Nation Under A Groove with DJs Atari & Bart Blackstone @ Whistle Stop
• May*Star's Fashion Whore 5 Year Anniversary @ Ruby Room (Attire: Ugly Christmas Sweaters/70s Ski Suits)
• Bangladesh, Bleeds, Space Town Savior, Free Mace @ Soda Bar
• Third World, Mighty Diamonds @ Soundwave
• Mike Pinto, Stranger, The B Foundation, High Tide, Hi Roots @ House of Blues
• Frank Giampaolo, Lovers Drugs, Tony Scalzo @ Lestat's
• Calabrese, Stellar Corpses, Zombie Cartel @ Brick By Brick
• Dazed and Confused @ Winston's
• Boom Snap EP Release @ 710 Beach Club
• Voodoo Glow Skulls, Lexington Field, The Mayors of Sexytown, Ottly Mercer, The Risky Businessmen @ Soma
• Robin Henkel/Allen Singer, The Baja Blues Boys @ Templar's Hall, Old Poway Park
• Warehouse Dance Party @ 955 S. 16th Street, San Diego
• Ramshackle @ El Cajon Grand
• Lions Tigers Bears, The Cost of Salvation, Run Lola Run, Dawn Defeo, Eyes Like The Sea, Above Me @ Epicentre
• Add The Color, Plane Without A Pilot, Dive Bomber, Vacscene, Privatized Air @ Dreamstreet
• Charles McPherson Quintet @ Dizzy's (San Diego Wine & Culinary Center)
• Lady Dottie & The Diamonds @ Donovan's Circle of Fifths
• Summer Mechner @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (5-7pm)
• Viva Santana @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (9pm)
• Wu-Tang Clan- The Reunion Tour feat. Methodman, Raekwon, U-God, Ghostface, Inspectah Deck, Masta Killa with Vok Merger, Mr. Dubie, Substance Abuse, Black Resume, DJ Righteous, G. Smeezy The 16 Bar Bully @ 4th & B
• San Diego Ballet Presents Nutcracker @ Birch North Park Theatre
• Still Time, DJ Chelu @ Gallaher's
• John Foltz @ Marble Room
• Boys & Girls feat. Rchrd Oh, Saul Q, Adam Salter @ El Dorado
• Style of Eye, Brazzabelle @ Voyeur
• John Joseph + Big Chris @ Spin
• Inferno/PINK Party 2 Year Anniversary feat. Garrison Bailey and the Groove Kitties, DJ Muse @ The Flame
• Website Launch Party feat. DJ Cobra @ Fluxx
• Ascension feat. Robin Roth, Tom King @ Kava Lounge
• Broken Beat @ Kadan
• Junior theDISCOpunk @ The Waterfront
• Art: disclosed unLocation Grand Opening @ disclosed unLocation (1925 30th St., South Park)
• Art: Michael James Armstrong Opening Reception @ ICE Gallery (4317 30th St, North Park, 5-9pm)
• Art: Judit Hersko & Lea Dennis, Open Studios, Music by John Meeks, Rio Peligroso, Cascavell @ Space 4 Art (325 15th St, East Village, 6-10pm)
• Art: Surfindian Rock N Roll Christmas Party feat. art by Damian Fulton, DJ WYWY @ Surfinidian (4652/4658 Mission Blvs,, Pacific Beach, 6-9pm)
• The Dance Conservatory presents Guess Who Stole The Nutcracker? @ Joan B Kroc Theatre (6611 University, San Diego, 1:30 pm)
• The Nutcracker @ California Center For The Arts, Escondido

Sunday, December 5, 2010:

• The Greenhornes @ M-Theory (Free, All Ages, 3pm)
• The Greenhornes, Hacienda, The Sea of Cortez, Low Volts @ Casbah
• Casbah Presents: Passion Pit, Mister Heavenly, We Barbarians, Pepper Rabbit @ Soma
• Dark Star Orchestra @ Belly Up
• John Lennon Tribute Night feat. DJs Charles Rowell, Brandon Welchez, & Mario Orduno @ Whistle Stop
• Alika @ World Beat Center
• Masquerade Nouvelle Orleans 11th Annual Holiday Promenade and Benefit For Mama's Kitchen @ Bar Pink (Invite Only)
• Bohemian Rhapsody Open Mic Rap @ Kadan
• "The Game" Songwriter's Challenge- Create a song titled "Take One" @ Desi n Friends (Point Loma, 5-8pm)
• Z-Bop Live & Swingin @ The Tipsy Crow (Use Side Entrance)
• Dweezil Zappa Does Zappa @ House of Blues
• Craig Of Suede, The Lumineers @ Lestat's
• Cactus Jacks & Friends @ Winston's (6-9pm)
• Midori @ Balboa Theatre
• Jose Sinatra's OB-O-ke @ Winston's
• Josh Wink, Alain de Saracho @ Voyeur
• Karaoke with Daryl Johnson @ Soda Bar
• Tribe of Kings/Reggae Vibes @ U-31
• Camarada CD Release Tango Nuevo @ Dizzy's (San Diego Wine & Culinary Center)
• Will Donato @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge Brunch (10a-2p)
• Will Donato @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (8pm)
• San Diego Ballet Presents Nutcracker @ Birch North Park Theatre
• Reggae Sundays feat. Shotta Crew @ Spin

Things To Do In San Diego: December 3, 2010

Lots of great stuff happening this weekend. Grab a scarf and a jacket and hit the town. For all of the holiday events, click here.

Friday, December 3, 2010:

• John Meeks, Blackout Party, River City, The Western Set @ Casbah
• Casiotone For The Painfully Alone, The Donkeys, The Hot Moon @ Soda Bar
• FURTHER Presents: Holiday at the Park Art + Music feat. Bravo Miro, Gloomsday, Primitive Noyes, Colony, Ghost Shores, The Psycle, James Curry, DJ Washington. Art by Ande Nelson, Christian Clemesha, Egor Sapov, Josh Richards @ The Park Gallery (4325 Park Blvd, University Heights. All ages. 6-11pm)
• Embalmers (Record Release), Dirty Eyes, Dead On A Wire, Unloaded @ The Shakedown
• The Ex Humans, Foster Care, The Last Years @ Tower Bar
• Still Ill, FMera @ El Cajon Grand
• DJ Artistic @ Bar Pink
• Trap Gold, New Mexico @ Whistle Stop
• Nature's Kid, Ankla Luz, Neat Beats, Recordable Colors @ Tin Can
• Benefit for "The Second Chance Program" feat. DJ Swamp, UBUV, F.U.Z.Z., Aerial Yoga by Simone & Brent, DJ Joel Moreno @ Ruby Room
• Barrio Tiger, Tuggs, Hypnotic Odyssey @ Eleven
• Raga Bop Trio, UCSD Student Musician's Community @ The Loft, UCSD
• Feel The Noise Electro Dance w/DJs Mike Delgado, Gabe Vega, Pleasure Victim @ U-31
• Led Zepagain, Fan Halen @ House of Blues
• Tribal Seeds, Fortunate Youth, Through The Roots, Seedless @ Soundwave
• The Gregory Page Show @ Lestat's
• "Season's Beatings" A Holiday Fetish Smackdown feat. DJs Robin Roth & Terryn, Fashion/Fire Eaters, Aerialists, Vendors and more @ Brick By Brick
• Oakhurst @ Winston's
• Holidaze Acoustic Tour feat. Tomorrows Bad Seeds, Josh Fischel & Kat @ 710 Beach Club
• As Blood Runs Black, Thick as Blood, Burning The Masses, In The Midst of Lions, I The Breather, King Conquer @ Soma
• Fat 20, Skynards Innyrds, Baghdad Buddha, Habitat @ Dreamstreet
• Hip Replacements @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (5-7pm)
• Kim Wilson's Holiday Party @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (9:30 pm)
• Kava Lounge 6 Year Anniversary Pt. 1 feat. J-Boogie, Mateo, Gina Rene @ Kava Lounge
• Steve Angello, Jason Videna, Yusef, Paul Najera @ 4th & B
• Stepping Feet @ Marble Room
• Still Time, DJ R2 @ Gallagher's
• Sirens Crush @ Donovan's Circle of Fifths
• Simon Patterson, Victor Dinaire, Michael Carter @ Voyeur
• Zenbu Fridays with DJ Leif @ Zenbu Cardiff
• "Hickies and Dry Humps" All Nineties Party feat. Jason Waterfalls, Saul Q, Kid Wonder @ El Dorado
• NextAid World AIDS Day Benefit feat. John Bishop + Brian Millar, Turbo Teen, Jason Tokita, Eric Yo, Bassmechanic, Austin Speed + CRMNL, RFX, Arkon, Chris Gardener, Rebellion @ Spin
• EDM with Eddie Halliwell @ Fluxx
• December Nights Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration @ World Beat Center
• Moonshake feat. Paluka, Mark E Quark, Dazzla, DJ Claire @ Kadan
• Junior theDISCOpunk, Alex Villalobos @ AC Lounge
• Opus 2010 Centennial Concert @ Copley Symphony Hall
• Christmas In Ireland @ California Center For The Arts, Escondido
• The Dance Conservatory presents Guess Who Stole The Nutcracker? @ Joan B Kroc Theatre (6611 University, San Diego, 7:30 pm)
• The Nutcracker @ California Center For The Arts, Escondido
• Straight No Chaser @ Harrah's Rincon Casino Pavillion

Working With Promoters...

I had a musician hit me up a few weeks ago because he was wondering how to grow his fan base. He did everything right: Offered to buy me coffee, meet at LeStats... So naturally I was down! (If you want advice, you're supposed to pay for the other person... That's "old school" business... I like that...) He started asking me about the use of promoters. He told me at a show a few weeks ago, he had been approached by someone who was throwing a "Benefit" show that would be a "Battle of the Bands". (Don't get me started about those...)

He goes all-out promoting the show to his friends and family, and shows up at the venue with his people, only to see that the other bands haven't brought any peeps, and NOTHING is posted about any benefits. The show ends, and the promoter walks away with all the cash, and he feels completely ripped off.... (The poor kid is CRUSHED...)



Another friend of mine was working with a "promoter" who hit her up through MySpace. (People still use that???) He invited her to join in this great opportunity because he "LOVED" her music, and she simply "HAD" to play the next show he threw, and even worked for a "PROMOTION COMPANY". She was excited that he had heard of her, because she had only played a few shows, and jumped at the opportunity. After promoting the show and selling a few tickets, he hit her up to find out how she was doing. She said she had sold a couple tickets and he wigged out on her. He started pressuring her to bring more people and let her know that if she didn't bring enough people she would NEVER be able to play in this town again!

I was upset, but not surprised, by both of the stories. These types of promoters are EVERYWHERE, and God knows you have to be super careful with how you book your shows. Here are two things I consider before working with any promoters:

1. Do I trust this person? Now I've always been sort of "untrusting." (Ask Rob Deez... He'll tell you tons of stories about me over-asking about something... and he's my best friend!!!) But you need to know EVERYTHING about the show! If You're about to put your band's name on something, you need to make sure there is nothing shady going on and your fans/friends/relatives aren't paying for some promoter's online college classes. (Yes, I got my master's degree online. Shut up.)
If you've asked all the questions, you've checked the promoter's websites, the other bands, etc... then go for it and rock that ish!

2. No one cares about your band as much as you. No matter who you work with, if you're a beginning band, the only person that is going to make or break your career is you. Work your ass off, do your homework, don't take shortcuts. The time of Elvis Presley becoming an overnight sensation is done. The best bands work their asses off and don't make excuses. You're reading this, you're obviously intelligent. Who is your favorite band? How long have they been together? How long have they been working on their craft?

Rome wasn't built in a day, and your fan base won't be either. If a promoter is promising all kinds of amazing things, be VERY careful. (And don't worry about revenge... Karma is a bitch...) If you're just starting out, get ready to see some shady stuff go down, and be careful who you work with.

Good luck, and let me know when you're playing. (And hook up some free tickets...I'm broke...)

Contest: KPRI Holiday Soiree

This weekend has so many holiday events and shows. One that I'm excited about (because it will be a fun bonding night with my mom) is the KPRI Holiday Soiree at Spreckels. The venue is beautiful and makes for a great concert experience regardless of who's playing, but with The Doobie Brothers, Shawn Mullins, and Crystal Bowerbox, this should be a pretty special and rare show.

The music of the Doobie Brothers has been a huge part of the American soundtrack for more than 40 years. Their indelible contributions to the American songbook – from “Listen To The Music” and “China Grove” to “Black Water” and “Long Train Runnin’” – remain as beloved and relevant as ever. But Pat Simmons, Tom Johnston, John McFee and Mike Hossack are far from resting on those considerable laurels. With the release of their new CD, World Gone Crazy, The Doobie Brothers have added another great chapter to their songbook.

KPRI has kindly given me a pair of tickets to giveaway to an sd:dialed in reader. If you want them, email sddialedin AT gmail with the subject Soiree and tell me your favorite Doobies classic. Include your first and last name and a phone number. I'll select an entry at random on Friday afternoon.

For more information on the show, click the flyer below.

Things To Do In San Diego: Weekend Holiday Events

There are so many holiday events happening throught the next few weekends. By no means is this a complete list, but I'm just gonna focus on some of the events happening this weekend for now. Whether you're looking for large scale community events or small neighborhood events, we really do have it all here in San Diego. If you know of more events, feel free to leave a comment, shoot me an email, or tweet @sddialedin.

December Nights at Balboa Park
December 3, 5-10pm
December 4, Noon-10pm (Museums Free From 5-9pm only)

North Park Toyland Parade
December 4, 11am
University between Utah & Iowa

North Park Holiday Fair 12-2pm
29th & North Park Way (behind Birch North Park Theatre)

Handmade Holiday Pop Up Shop
Space4Art, 325 15th Street
December 4, 6-10pm

“Twinkle, Twinkle, Mix and Mingle”
South Park Holiday Walkabout
Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010, 6-10pm

SoNo Park Holiday Fest/ChiliPalooza
December 5 10am-5pm
Thorn St. Between 32nd & Bancroft


Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village
December 4, 4-7:30pm
Piazza Natele India & Date

Crystal Pier Tree Lighting
December 5, 2-5:30pm

Surf Story Project
12/4 6-10pm
Music by Peter Sprague and Friends
Surf Story artists
Food bt Beachwood
Drinks by Primo
4150 Mission Blvd ste 161


Chula Vista Starlight Parade
December 4, 6pm
Third Avenue Between H & E Streets

Alternative Healing Network/Red Lotus Society Holiday Party
Saturday December 4, 7pm-1am
546 3rd Avenue, San Diego
Featuring music from The Styletones
Silent auction, cash bar

Holiday Wonderland in Del Mar

Holiday Activities 12pm-4pm
Throughout Downtown Del Mar
(Hwy 101 from 15th Street to 11th Street)

Holiday Music 4pm-5:30pm
L’Auberge Del Mar Amphitheater
(NW corner of 15th Street and PCH 101)

Holiday Community Tree Lighting 5pm
L’Auberge Del Mar Amphitheater
(NW corner of 15th Street and PCH 101)

California Center for the Arts, Escondido presents
Holiday Tree Lighting and Winter WonderlandSaturday, December 4, 2010 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Lyric Court and Great Green at the Center

Things To Do In San Diego: December 2, 2010

Your weekend listings are finally here and I hope to still get the holiday stuff posted before I hit the town tonight for TechCocktail at Analog.

Thursday December 2, 2010:

• Incomplete Neighbor @ West Coast Tavern
• Nortec Collective presents: Bostitch & Fussible, Smile Now Cry Later, DJ SK @ Casbah
• Nortec Collective @ M-Theory Records, 4:30
• Dead Kennedys with D.I., Social Task & Authentic Sellout @ House of Blues
• Nocando, DJ Nobody @ The Loft
• 91X Loudspeaker Presents: The Grass Heat, Hot Moon, The Paragraphs, Alysse Fischer @ Belly Up
• Art In The Park feat. Abjo, Live Art & DJs @ Soda Bar
• Colour Palette feat. Longstay, Low Volts, High Rolling Loners, Art by Bryan Wingen & Van Gould @ Tin Can
• Get Back Loretta, Lady Sinatra @ Bar Pink
• Twisted Nutcracker feat. The Burning of Rome, Free Mace, Zoe & Zeph (Tragic Tantrum), Hannibal Selector, burlesque and more @ The Ruby Room
• School's Out Show feat. Red Rocket. Curious and the Boys, Anton H., Nothingful, M&M Blues @ Porter's Pub, UCSD (7-10:30)
• Sarah Sample @ Lestat's
• Cardiac Kidz, The Baja Bugs @ Eleven
• Java Joe presents Gregory Page, Lisa Sanders, Berkeley Hart, Veronica May, Carlos Olmeda, Kelsea Rae Little @ The Ideal Hotel (542 3rd Ave)
• Global Medical Brigades Fundraiser @ Ruby Room
• Jazz West @ Riviera Supper Club
• Brokencyde, Millionaires, Kill Paradise, The Hit, A Dull Science @ Soma
• The Grouch, Brother Ali, Eligh and Los Rakas @ Soundwave
• Monte Negro, The Lyon Crowns @ El Camino
• Psydecar @ Winston's
• All Things Rad/Transworld Skateboarding Mag/Irons Brand Presents: 9 Ball Tournament & after party, Profile & Iron Mike, Blairly Legal @ El Dorado (9-Ball from 6-9pm)
• Burt Brion @ Anthology
• The Cooler presents LBCK, Colour Vision, Cheekbones, Hosted by Maystar @ AC Lounge
• Gilbert Castellanos and The New Latin Jazz Quintet @ Croce's
• 12 Gauge The Poet, Balian, Adt Tha T3am, Aav, Exodus @ Brick By Brick
• Moonlight Serenade Orchestra @ The Lucky Star Restaurant (54th & University)
• Lanee Battle @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• The Flock of 80's @ Henry's Pub
• Headshine @ SDSU, noon
• Missy Andersen @ Marble Room
• Club 80's @ Club Kadan
• Red Hot Blues Sisters @ Patrick's II
• Bozzani Bros. @ Coyote Bar & Grill
• Rising Water, Ronnie Rico @ Dreamstreet Live
• Dan Stelter @ Hennessey's Carlsbad
• L.E.D. Presents: Mr. Oizo, Erick Diaz, Gabe Vega, Adam Salter @ Voyeur
• EDM Presents: Eddie Halliwell, Johnny James @ Fluxx
• Firefly @ Valley View Casino
• Inburst, Zombie Cartel, DJ Luminous @ Boar Cross'n
• Live Band Karaoke @ 710 Beach Club
• Tommy Price & Ther Stilettos @ Island Sports & Spirits
• Califarians @ RT's Longboard Bar & Grill

Deep Rooted, People Under The Stairs @ Casbah- 11.30.10

The hip hop scene in San Diego is not what it once was. When I first moved here, an on-the-cusp-of-mainstream act (Talib Kweli, Dilated Peoples, Common and The Roots come to mind) would swing through town on a regular basis. As time went on, this dwindled to every half year, then to once a year or less. Underground groups could be found here and there, but you had to dig for it. Last night's show at the Casbah was evidence that SD is (over)due for a resurrection, and it was damn good to witness some live hip hop once again.

Apparently, for me and many others in the community, absence makes the heart grow fonder as a good sized line had formed on a brisk evening well before the doors opened at 8:30. DJ Artistic set up early and had the 1s and 2s warmed up by the time MCs Johaz and Mr. Brady took the stage (accompanied by an 'I'm only here to dance- my show is tomorrow' Aloe Blacc) to complete a pared-down version of local mainstays Deep Rooted. Over the course of their set they did the best they could to hype up the steadily growing crowd with a mix of their past three albums, all of which have been well recognized at the San Diego Music Awards over the past five+ years.

By the time People Under The Stairs took the stage the floor had filled to capacity with a rabid crowd itching to get their hands in the air and heads a' bobbing. Common practice states that hip hop musicians show up 45 minutes late and play for a half hour. P.U.T.S. took that stereotype and put it on its ear with a show that started promptly and clocked in at just under two hours. Such is their reputation, crowd interaction was frequent and entertaining in the forms of audience requests, sidebars about 'fake-ass, lace wearin' rappers', and periodic timeouts to sample some of what the collected audience was passing around (which was in ample supply). The theme for the night was 'house party' and they made everyone present feel like they had been invited to exactly that. Thes One played the part of the gregarious, enthusiastic host- dancing in the crowd to get things going, trading verses with audience members, inviting people onstage, and generally looking like he was having as good a time as everyone else in attendance. The musical portion of the evening consisted of a steady dose of Double K dropping the beat (with some occasional mixing and scratching) followed by Thes One weaving his way through blistering verses and location-friendly freestyle, trading off with Double K and his silky smooth flow. By the end of the set, everyone who was still standing was begging for more. Happy to comply, but visually fatigued from a very active stage presence, Thes One (literally) dragged himself back on to the stage for 'just one more' (which, of course, was followed by one final barrage to finish off the night). Grateful for the experience and the turnout, both members stuck around to sign autographs and receive thanks as the tired but satisfied crowd trickled out into the cold night air.

Having spent a good portion of my college years with Reflection Eternal, Ugly Duckling, NaS, Slum Village and the like on constant rotation, inside me lies a love and appreciation for the spandex-tight lyricism and intricate mixes of a solid hip hop show. As your tastes in music progress and mature you lose touch with what, at one point or another, was the end-all-be-all of the music universe. It's good to have a reminder of why you once thought that way. I know that a good part of my day has been spent dusting off tracks on my iPod that I forgot were there, buried under the thick layer of indie rock that has been accumulating over the past several years, and I would like to personally thank People Under The Stairs for helping me rediscover them.

Deep Rooted:

People Under The Stairs:

For more from the evening click here and the rest of my concert photography here.

_______________________

All Images copyright © Nate Vandermeulen, All Rights Reserved.
Please ask for permission before downloading or linking to them.

Things To Do In San Diego: Decemeber 1, 2010

This week is flying by, holy jeebus. I feel like I'm so behind in everything so I think I'm gonna stay in tonight so I can catch up.

Wednesday December 1, 2010 (Pay It Forward Day):

• Aloe Blacc, The Grand Scheme, Maya Jupiter, DJ Claire @ Casbah
• Trudgers, Ghost Shores, Ancient Crux, Cascavell @ Soda Bar
• San Diego Funk & Soul Presents "The Revue" feat. The Fire Eaters, The Amalgamated, Steve and the Hi-Stax, Super People, The Styletones, Tori Roze and the Hot Mess @ Bar Pink ($2 Cover benefits San Diego Homeless Youth)
• Luminance Presents: Clara Chung & Vision @ The Loft
• Billy Thompson @ Anthology
• Black Hondo @ Riviera Supper Club
• "F*ck Alt. Comedy" feat. Brenon Bullock, Danny West, Joe Robinson, Steven Kendrick, Gene DeBruler, Russel Hicks, Michael Wendorf, Dallas McLaughlin, Kyle Ray, Gordon Downs, Christian Spicer, Rajan Dharni @ Whistle Stop (non-traditional, long form, story based routines)
• Andre Rieu, Bela Mavrak @ Valley View Casino Center
• Irish Christmas In America @ AMSD Concerts
• Chi McLean @ Lestat's
• Greeley Estates, Tides of Man, A Bullet For Pretty Boy, Endure The Fall, Captain! Captain!, Raven Like A Writing Desk @ Epicentre
• Safety Orange @ Hennessey's Gaslamp
• Lady Dottis and The Diamonds @ Gallagher's
• Salt of The Earth, Dodsfalla @ Ruby Room
• Chris Duarte @ Humphreys Backstage Live
• DJs Dead Air, Tropsical Popsicle, JR @ Tin Can
• Club Kingston feat. Pali Roots Music, DJ Carlos Culture @ Winston's
• Bayou Brothers @ Patrick's ll
• Acoustic Fooks @ Dublin Square
• Sister Speak @ PB Bar & Grill
• Gilbert Castellanos w/ The New Latin Jazz Quintet, Rob Thorsen @ El Camino
• Len Rainey and The Midnight Players @ Donovan's Circle of 5ths
• Wednesday Night Shakedown @ Henry's Pub
• Knight Vision @ Club Kadan
• Fuzzy @ Croce's
• Firehouse Swing Night @ Queen Bee's
• Problumz, Fab, SL500, Submission, Fosta Child, All Gas No Brajes, J Dubbs, Money Movement, Likwit, Prissy Krissy @ Dreamstreet Live
• Karaoke @ Chico Club
• Christopher Dean @ California Center For The Arts Escondido (4 & 7pm)

Adam Haworth Stephens Needs Your Help

If you're a regular reader of this site, you know that I frequently mention Adam Haworth Stephens and his former project, Two Gallants. Adam came through San Diego in the spring with another favorite of mine, Rocky Votolato, and then returned in late summer as a teaser for his debut solo record on Saddle Creek which came out, coincidently enough, on my birthday. When he was here, I had the good fortune of accompanying him for a quick interview with Tim Pyles at the FM 94/9 and because I don't drive, we met at the Casbah and he drove me in the tour van to the station. It was a quick interview and he played a quick song then we went back to the Casbah where he was his usual shy and quiet self and played another amazing set. I am always in awe of Adam's talent and I can honestly say that he is one musician whose music changed my life.

A little over a week ago, Adam was heading back to San Francisco after playing his final date of his lengthy promotional tour when he and two bandmates hit a snowstorm in Wyoming and ended up rolling their van several times. You can read about it here and here. Adam sustained injuries including a possible broken shoulder and wasn't released from the hospital until just a couple days ago. His bandmate, Omar Cueller was also injured in the accident and had surgery on his broken hand and cracked a C5 vertebrae that should heal naturally, while a third bandmate was uninjured in the accident.

The guys are uninsured and along with medical expenses are not going to be able to work for several weeks at best. If you're a fan and want to help out the band, you can donate via Paypal here. This whole story breaks my heart and I wish the guys a speedy recovery.

Drag The River at the Casbah, 11.26.2010

Friday night was a good night. I started the night early and caught Steve Poltz and Tim Flannery at Anthology. Our seats were in the bar so I didn't bother taking photos but suffice it to say, Steve was Steve and played a great set and had a bunch of notables join him for the show. From Anthology, we bolted to the Casbah and got there just before Drag The River started. The show had been sold out for a while and it was packed. My friend noted how at one point, Lucero had opened for Drag The River and how it was a little odd that now the opposite was true, but I was happy for it because it meant I had some room to breathe up front. It was just Jon and Chad and they always sound incredible, and despite the stupid drunk bitch next to me who was yelling at the band throughout their set (and at one point, hilariously put her leg up on the monitor while her other leg slipped out from under her, landing her on her fat ass), they were fantastic. My only complaint was that they didn't play Medicine.

This is a playlist of most of their set (though I missed a few while at the bar). Click the right or left arrows to see more. There are 10 videos in total.


I have to admit that while I really like Lucero (and had a close encounter when Ben Nichols walked right into me on the smoking patio), the bar was so incredibly packed during their set that I enjoyed it from afar. They had a horn section which I don't think they had last time I saw them, and it sounded so good but I just couldn't deal up front.

As the show was winding down, we joined a bunch of friends, including Jon and Chad, and headed to the Tower Bar for Vena Cava. I'm uploading those videos now and will add them to this post when they're done.