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

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

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

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

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



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

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

photo courtesy Roger Ho

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

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

Watch a video of Symptoms by Atlas Genius below.

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

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




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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch a video of Sunnier Days by Diego Garcia below.



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plateaus

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


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

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

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

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

Knapsack Returns to SoCal

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

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

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

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

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

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



Watch a video of Ninjavitus by Hills Like Elephants below.

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

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

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

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

Tickets to tonight's show can be purchased here.

Watch a video of Family from Hanni El Khatib below.



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

The Silent Comedy October 2013 Update

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


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

KPRI Holiday Soiree featuring The Head and the Heart, Dawes

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

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

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

Recommended Shows In San Diego October 21-27, 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

Saturday, October 19, 2013:

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

Sunday, October 20, 2013:

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

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

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

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

2013 San Diego Music Award Winners

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

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

Lifetime Achievement Award – Daniel Jackson

Things To Do In San Diego: October 18, 2013

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