Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, January 16-Sunday, January 22, 2017

I spent the past week kind of miserable. I mean, besides the overwhelming depression of the upcoming inauguration, I was fighting sickness--that thing where you feel like you're getting sick but you load up heavily on vitamins and fluids and sleep and mostly never get fully sick-- and I also tweaked my back last weekend, so I'm walking like I'm twice my age and suffering from hyperkyphosis. Still, it was a pretty awesome week when I did get out of the house. On Tuesday, we went to the Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve and hiked to the waterfall which I'd never seen before. I mostly laid low the rest of the week, but on Saturday we were up early to do the San Diego River Foundation annual estuary cleanup, then we had a late lunch at Ponce's and zipped up to the Safari Park, then left all the kids at my mom's so we could see Tig Notaro at the Observatory. January continues to be a slow (and depressing) month, but get out and see some shows if ya can, or hit up some of our cool locally owned spots for San Diego Restaurant Week. Monday through Sunday archives are after the jump.

Newsy Bits: 91X Radio Shakeup & Goodbye Chargers?

I'm stunned to read the news that Michael Halloran, program director and afternoon host at 91X, has been let go. I mean, I guess we're all used to the radio shuffle here in SD, every year seems to see some big shakeup and as SoundDiego mentions, we should expect to see more when 94/9 begins their Padres broadcasts, but it doesn't mean we ever get used to it...not as listeners of the stations, not as friends of the jocks and programming directors and music directors, and even as a veteran of advertising where this kind of thing seemed to happen all the time. When I was let go from The Observatory, Hal was one of the only people to call me to check on me and I only hope he's staying in San Diego because he's an essential part of our music culture. I suspect, based on this inquiry about Garett Michaels "logging off" of KFM-BFM on Friday (and disappearing from their website), we might conclude he'll be installed as PD of 91X or oversee programming for multiple stations. But I guess we'll know when we know.

Here's the full article on SoundDiego

Bye-Bye Chargers?
In meantime, there's another article circulating social media, and that is this ESPN story that the Chargers are, in fact, leaving San Diego with an announcement to come tomorrow. While I would love for this to be true, as I commented on Facebook, I would love to do a FOIA request on all of Kevin Faulconer's e-mail tonight. And Sherman, and Zapf, and all of the City Council for that matter. This has been going on for years, of course, even before the renovations and upgrades that got us the blackout ticket purchase deal. I hoped that with November's resounding votes against Prop C & D, that this issue would be dead and gone. But I'll believe it when I see it. Meaning even if an announcement is to come tomorrow, I won't believe it. Not until the Chargers kick-off on someone else's, not paid for by San Diegans, field.

Let's think about this. This is the same team that "essentially pays no rent". This is the team only willing to contribute $350 million to a new San Diego stadium, even though leaving will cost them a $650 million relocation fee. And if they decide on moving, they still have to find a place to play until that L.A. stadium is finished in 2019. You really think they're playing in Carson Inglewood with half the seats as the Q for two years?? And on a really superficial level, you think they want two blue & gold teams in the same stadium? Give me a freaking break. I'm just not buying it.

But I hope it's true. We've wasted enough City and County resources and money on this billionaire family. Time to move on.

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, January 9-Sunday, January 15, 2017

I usually take this moment to talk about my real life. Tonight, I'm just trying to sleep, trying to not be a part of all of this. I'll get to it eventually, but for now, good night. Archives for Monday through Sunday are after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, January 2-Sunday, January 8, 2016

Hello, 2017! So where did we leave off? On Friday, Darren and I walked in the rain for dinner at Dao Fu, a quick drink at Sycamore Den, and to catch Josh Damigo's birthday show at Lestat's. Our New Year's Eve involved a couple hours at the Lafayette masquerade party (and an amazing set by Oh, Spirit!) before heading to the Ken Club to karaoke the way into the New Year. Mostly we've been working on this massive undertaking. We bought a t-shirt quilt, so we've basically been going through years of concert shirts that have outlived their wearability and will be putting together 88 shirts to send. It's been a lot harder whiddling down our collections than we thought. Anyway, this week Nova returns, work should remain relatively quiet, and hopefully we'll find a good little roadtrip or something before the week is over. Sites haven't all been updated, so we're missing some listings from Black Cat, El Dorado, Sycamore Den, and Whistle Stop. Monday through Sunday archives are after the jump.

My Favorite Shows of 2016 in Photos

I can't really muster a reflective post on the year. I feel like if you thought 2016 was bad, just hold on for 2017. I can't even. What I can do is remind you that we are an amazing city for music. I have the privilege of seeing hundreds of bands every year (though admittedly, I probably went to about half as many shows this year than last), and because of my various jobs, this year I was a lot better at having my camera in tow. I thought I'd share some of my favorite shows of this year, with honorable mention to Kero Kero Bonito, where some mixup left me without a photo pass, and Rocky Votolato, whom I've shot more times than I can count and left my camera at home so I could just enjoy the 10 year anniversary of Makers. The following are in no particular order. 

Blind Pilot at the Belly Up, 10.28.16

Car Seat Headrest at Casbah 1.18.2016 (and again in Nov at the Irenic) 

Frightened Rabbit at Belly Up, 5.21.16

Glen Hansard at The Observatory, 9.28.16

Joshua James at Moniker Warehouse, 8.17.16

Lucius at Belly Up, 11.19.16

Lucy Dacus at Casbah, 8.12.16

Silversun Pickups at The Observatory, 4.19.16

Bad Religion at Ye Scallywag at Waterfront Park, 10.22.16

Hey Marseilles at Soda Bar, 3.26.16

Things To Do In San Diego (NYE Edition): Friday, December 30, 2016-Sunday, January 1, 2017

Back when we became full time parents earlier this spring, I dreaded the idea of Nova having to leave three times a year, but with this being her third visit of the year, we now know to take advantage of the time. We've been organizing our studio, purging old clothes and things, going out to restaurants the kid would snub her nose at, going out, and of course, catching up on sleep. While we miss her terribly, I can't say it isn't also awesome to sort of wrap up the year ready for a fresh 2017. This week we checked out False Idol, went to Blonde on the Kings of Leon tribute night, saw Henry Rollins, saw the Melvins, have been having evening walks, and we've been communing with the opossums my cat used to look after when they were babies, with three separate visits this week alone. Of course, it's NYE weekend so there are a gazillion things to do tonight and tomorrow, so I thought I'd repost the listings to make it easier to navigate. Saturday and Sunday archives are after the jump. If you don't hear from me tomorrow, Happy New Year to all. May we stand in solidarity against the impending havoc and doom about to be unleashed upon our country. 

A blurry shot of Grayson through the filter of our Christmas lights
(and no flash so as not to freeze him). 

ROI and the Music Industry: A Guest Post by Josh Damigo

Josh Damigo is playing at Lestat's TONIGHT (Friday, December 30) at 9pm for his 10th annual Birfday show. We had a conversation the other day that lead to me inviting him to post. Sorry to get this up so late, but you still have time to make plans for Lestat's. (Happy birthday, Josh!! I love you, Bestie!!)

Whattap? It’s Josh Damigo. I took over SDDIALEDIN to teach you all a quick lesson on Return of Investment and it’s role in the life of a musician. It’ll be quick, and it’ll help with your business skills. Ready…. READ!!!

Let’s start with the basics. I’ve been a singer/songwriter in Southern California since 2006. I have a bachelor’s degree in Communications from San Diego Christian College and my Master’s Degree in Organizational Management from Ashford University. I’m a member of SESAC for my PRO (Performing Rights Organization) and have opened for Jason Mraz, Matt Nathanson, Zac Brown, Eric Hutchinson, Andy Grammar, name drop, name drop, name drop… When you put all of that together, it means that I’ve studied the music industry pretty extensively over the last ten years. I’ve had my ups and downs, like the $28,000 royalty check from live shows to losing all of my money and then some on a 30 city - US tour. (It’s give and take in a musician’s life, so buckle up!)

I’m playing at Lestat’s West tonight for my 10th annual “Birfday” Show. Unfortunately, this will be my last show, at the venue, because they are increasing the cut that the venue will take, starting on January 1st from $3 a head (when I started) to $5 a head. (That’s going to cut into my profits by 40%!) And as you know, profits for a musician are already pretty minimal. That got me to thinking – When is a gig TRULY worth it? Let’s talk about what an ROI is and what it means to your music business life. (Read the rest after the jump)

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, December 26, 2016-Thursday, December 29, 2016

Today Nova leaves to visit her mom for 11 days and while I know it will fly by, it doesn't get any easier when she leaves. I only hope with each trip she is embraced for who she is and doesn't feel like she has to pretend she's someone she's not, but I know she struggles with other people's expectations. The past week was pretty great...Darren's mom and nephews visited and despite the rainy weather, we were able to pull off a trip to Safari Park, to the Zoo, to Cabrillo Monument, and plenty of hang time around the house. After they left, Nova got in one final slumber party with my nieces and Darren and I enjoyed Friday at the Casbah for Pony Death Ride and El Vez. On Saturday we saw a picture of Laguna and though we didn't get on the road until after 2, we had enough time to pack up the van, drive to the Sunrise Highway, get our chains on, and had about 40 minutes of intense and cold snow time. Of course Christmas was spent at my mom and dad's and there was plenty of food, gifts and napping all around. This week Darren and I have some household projects we'll reluctantly dive into and hopefully you'll see us out and about on our first childless week since summer. Monday through Thursday archives are after the jump, including a massive list of NYE events. If you plan on going anywhere, get your tickets ASAP because just about everything is selling out.

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, December 19-Sunday, December 25, 2016

Last week we tried to keep it mellow. Darren was pretty sick, so we mostly laid low, which means I didn't do much in the way of shows or photos. I worked the X shows on Thursday and Sunday, I worked at the Irenic on Friday, and we went to Magic Mountain on Saturday. It's possible I'm regretting making those passes my Cyber Monday purchase because I am too old for those terrifying and nausea inducing mechanical terrors. It was still fun and seeing Nova's eyes was, in the end, worth it. Darren doesn't really know it, or maybe he does, that I just like an excuse for a road trip. We have the best talks on the road. I'm gonna be as offline as I can be this week because D's mom will be here, then the holidays, then our little Nova leaves to St. Louis for her maternal visit. No idea how we're gonna get through that again. But happy holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and all that biz. Hold the ones you love.
Monday through Sunday archives are after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, December 12-Sunday, December 18, 2016

I don't know about you, but I am really struggling. Life is good with my family, we're all good on the homefront, and work is just fine, too. But I thought after the election I would start to get used to the idea of a Trump presidency. But I'm not. And every outburst, every cabinet selection, every word out of his mouth, all of it, and it's like a depression I just can't shake, an anger I can't contain, and a heartbreak I can't resolve. I'm still living life...this weekend I worked at the Album Leaf show, caught the Spits at Whistle Stop, hung out at the Ken Club, went on an evening hike at Mission Trails, hung out with some old friends at the Casbah, got lots of work done. But man, it's hard. Watching the news and having a 9-year-old ask questions, it's so daunting. I look for glimmers of hope. It's not easy.
There are some great nights of music this week, the Zoo's Jungle Bells kicked off, and maybe the holidays will bring some warmth to such depressing times. Monday through Sunday archives are after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: Friday, December 9-Sunday, December 11, 2016

It's been a pretty good week around here but I'm not gonna lie, I am definitely looking forward to the weekend. On Monday, Darren and I took Nova to see one of her favorites, Miike Snow at the Observatory which was a pretty great show because it was more band than synthy dance as I'd expected. On Tuesday we went to The NAT for Free Tuesday in hopes of catching the Animals in Motion exhibit, but didn't realize it was $18 on top of entry ($28 on a regular day!!). We love science but couldn't justify dropping $50 for it. So we explored the regular parts of the museum before going to the Zoo for a couple hours. After Nova's dance class on Wednesday my whole family met up and my parents house to celebrate December birthdays of my uncle and two nephews. Afterward I went to the Casbah to catch CRX who were awesome, albeit a pretty short set. On Thursday Nova had a school field trip at The Living Coast Discovery Center in Chula Vista. Darren and I both chaperoned as the kids walked the trails, pet the rays, and planted native species in a restoration area. We were able to check Nova out and lingered for some extra time so we could see all the raptors and turtles at feeding time. Incidentally, if you're ever interested in going, you can check out a family pass from various libraries (Chula Vista Library has a few, for example) which gives complimentary admission for two adults and two children. After that, we picked up our Christmas Winter Solstice Tree. This weekend is going to be a good one...I'll be working at the Album Leaf show tonight at the Irenic, and we're considering a trip to Magic Mountain sometime this weekend or next unless I can get my grubby hands on Saturday X-Fest tickets. Speaking of, Kaleo cancelled on Sunday and have been replaced with AFI, who also announced two upcoming shows at the Observatory. Have a great weekend! Friday through Sunday archives are after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, December 5-Thursday, December 8, 2016

It was pretty much an all soccer weekend for us and though Nova's team was basically crushed in their tournament, I think she was really lucky to have a great team experience, an awesome coach who clearly loves the game, and two weeks of intense soccer skills training that really challenged her and made her really enjoy the game. Mostly I think she was excited she got to play with my niece after all. My uncle is in town, so we went to the dinner on Saturday night, and the kids all had a big sleepover, so Darren and I went to the Ken Club where there was a show with Amenity and Forced Down with Tony Savala filling in on vox for Amenity. I'm looking forward to some fun times this week and some great shows. Monday through Thursday archives are after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: Saturday, December 3-Sunday, December 4, 2016

An old friend posted a link to my site and it kinda nudged me to update. I thought when I, uh, uncluttered my life of extraneous jobs I'd suddenly have a whole world of time open up, but the reality is that I'm still just as busy, just not so tethered to my Note quite as much. With Nova having daily soccer practices for All-Stars and the Thanksgiving holiday, and dealing with some bullshit family business to help my mom and dad, I've been pretty much a homebody at night. We did go to the Safari Park on Monday in the drizzle which was awesome, and I made it out to the Office on Wednesday for Metallica Under Cover and that was pretty rad despite me never being a fan of that band. Nova's tournament is under way this weekend and if they win 4 games, they'll be in another tournament next week. Yikes. We'll just see how it goes. I've got family in town this weekend so get out and enjoy all the shows, events, and beer fests that I'm gonna miss, okay? By the way, Bar Pink wanted me to let all of you know that Head Wound City is playing there on December 15, and tickets go on sale today at 10am here and you should buy tickets because it's a benefit for The San Diego LGBT Community Center and after this bullshit election, we need to give our money to worthy causes when we can afford to. Saturday and Sunday archives are after the jump. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, November 28-Friday, December 2, 2016

It was a pretty great week having Nova off school, runnig her to and from soccer practice, and spending time with family. I also had a couple fun nights out, like Tuesday I worked for Warpaint, then caught Red Fang at the Casbah or Friday night when Darren, my sister, my cousin and I went to Blonde for their Oasis and New Order tributes. I also worked for The Mother Hips on Saturday and spent most of the weekend lazing around the house in pajamas. I'll come back with updates once Bar Pink, Black Cat Bar, El Dorado, Ken Club, The Merrow, Sycamore Den, and Whistle Stop post their December calendars. I didn't really have the energy to chase them down. Monday through Friday archives are after the jump.  

Hot Off The Presses: San Diego Music Awards To Return 3/21/2017

Leave it to Kevin to send a press release at 11pm on a Tuesday night...

REFORMED SAN DIEGO MUSIC AWARDS

SET TO RETURN ON MARCH 21, 2017

SDS Events is proud to announce the return of the San Diego Music Awards, the annual awards gala that recognizes the diverse achievements of the talented San Diego music community. The 26th version of San Diego's premier local music event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 21, 2017. As in the past, a portion of the proceeds from the event will continue to benefit the San Diego Music Foundation, in partnership with the Taylor Guitars for Schools program.

The event has been reorganized. "After 25 years, it was time for change. I was asked to step in to once again produce the event," said awards show founder Kevin Hellman, who had retired after the 2015 event. "I'm pretty excited to once again have the opportunity to continue what we started 25 years ago. It's already been alot of fun putting the team back together. We are planning to once again produce a great event, one which will make a difference in our community."

The 2017 San Diego Music Awards will be held at House of Blues, located at 1055 Fifth Ave, in downtown San Diego - a new location for the event. The new venue will allow for both VIP seating, reserved seating and also general admission tickets. In additional to the new venue, a major change for 2017 will be a brand new award trophy. Hellman adds, "With the new venue, it's a new era for the event. It just seems to be the right time to create and present a brand new San Diego Music Award."

Over the past 25 years, awards have been presented to San Diego artists including Jason Mraz, Jewel, P.O.D., blink-182, Slightly Stoopid, Switchfoot, Pierce the Veil and countless others. And while the event has and will always focus on homegrown music, the main goal of the event is to keep music education alive in public schools in San Diego County. As such, proceeds from the San Diego Music Awards will once again be used to purchase and place "Baby Taylor" guitars into elementary, middle and high schools in San Diego County, via the non-profit San Diego Music Foundation, in partnership with El Cajon's Taylor Guitars. To date, over 75 schools have participated in the Taylor Guitars for Schools program.

Additional event details will be announced on Sunday, January 15, 2017, including performers, nominees, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, plus several affiliated events. Event tickets will go on sale on Monday, January 16, 2017 at 3pm, via the official event website, sandiegomusicawards.com.

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, November 21-Sunday, November 27, 2016

 You know, if you're gonna lose two jobs at the same time, it might as well be right before Thanksgiving. Nova had a week of minimum days last week and is off school the whole week, so perhaps the freed up time means we can do more fun stuff. Last week, for example, we went up to the Safari Park and got to see the new baby gorilla. As it is, she was selected for her soccer league's all-star team so she'll have 8 more practices between now and the actual rec league tournament a week from Saturday. Besides the Safari Park, last week was pretty busy. I worked at the Irenic for the Copeland show, went to emo night at The Office, caught Smokey Brights at Soda Bar, on top of taxiing Nova to her soccer, dance, figure skating, and derby. On Saturday Darren and I got to see one of our favorites, Lucius, at the Belly Up, and it was a magnificent show, even though Jess was apparently sick. This week is pretty chill, but Wednesday should be pretty raging all over town before we all hunker down for Thanksgiving. Monday through Sunday archives are after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, November 14-Sunday, November 20, 2016

What a rollercoaster week, amiright? I am still processing the election and as a result have been backing off social media just a little bit because I can't take any more bad news. That being said, while we can no longer control the national outcome of the election we can still fight for this City and today at 2pm, the City Council is voting to authorize $80m in bonds to build #FaulconersFolly- a bypass bridge off the Cabrillo Bridge and a completely unnecessary parking structure. I'm going to do my best to be there and cede time to SOHO (Save Our Heritage Organization) and if you can, you should be there, too. I'll leave that there. As for the weekend, it was pretty great, with San Diego Music Thing, I spoke at the Social Media panel on Friday, and worked at the Irenic for both Touche Amore and Car Seat Headrest. I also got to catch Sweet Spirit, Har Mar Superstar, and Open Mike Eagle. We also had Nova's soccer game where she scored a goal from midfield (her first goal of the season because she's usually a defender or goalie), and on Sunday night we hiked the West Fortuna/Camp Elliott side of Mission Trails to see the beaver supermoon. So it was a good weekend, life as we know it goes on for now, and I'll take some time to talk about last week when I'm ready. Monday through Sunday archives are after the jump. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Friday, November 11-Sunday, November 13, 2016

I'm not quite ready to talk about this week, but I'm at San Diego Music Thing right now and realized my listings are a little hard to get to this week, so I thought I'd update and repost here. I'm on a social media panel on Friday at 3:15 if you want to come down to Chuckalek Biergarten. I'll talk about all the nightmarish things that happened this week another time. Friday through Sunday archives are after the jump.

San Diego Music Thing Weekend Is Here!

San Diego Music Thing is under way with the first panel kicking off as I type this. I decided to post the whole schedule here for you for easy reference all weekend. As far as I know, individual tickets are still available at the door for all showcases, but if you want a full event wristband, you have to come to Chuckalek Biergarten to purchase. Event schedule after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, November 7-Thursday, November 10, 2016

I want to deeply and sincerely thank everyone for your responses to my post last week. I didn't really expect it to reach so far, and it really means a lot that so many people read it, liked it, and reached out to me about it. Things are going just fine over here, SoundDiego and The Casbah are still keeping me busy and I'm working with the San Diego Music Thing right now, too. San Diego: Dialed In quietly turned 10 years old (!!) over the weekend, which is kinda crazy but I certainly appreciate the support after all of these years. Last week I worked at Boy & Bear and Max Frost, and checked out the Gram Rabbit show as well as the Fall Brewing Anniversary Party at the Casbah. We also spent some time at Nova's soccer and skating, hanging out with my sis and nieces at Mission Bay, visiting my parents, and crashing a girl scout campfire sing-along. This week is obviously the election, we're in the midst of San Diego Beer Week, and San Diego Music Thing is on Friday and Saturday. This week you can find me at the Irenic on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and I'll be at the Peter Hook show this week. I'm also speaking on the social media panel at SDMT, so come by and say hi. Monday through Thursday archives are after the jump.