Photos: Flogging Molly, Jon Snodgrass, Scott H Biram @ The Observatory, March 14, 2018

I always mean to post photos the day after a show, but stuff comes up and then I feel like nobody really cares anymore anyway, but real people go out of their way to make it possible for me to be able to shoot, so eventually I acknowledge the photos deserve to see the light of day, even if they're spotty and hazy from my dirty camera. That said, I hadn't intended to go to the Flogging Molly show, and then I realized Jon Snodgrass was opening and though I knew it was sold out, I had to ask anyway, and so I got to be one of the lucky ones in the photo pit. I've been missing the openers at the Observatory a lot lately because they tend to come on at 8 and I always feel bad heading out before Nova's bedtime, but I made an exception for this one.

Scott H Biram opened the show and he's always great to see. He plays the Casbah a few times a year, so I feel like I see him often and I'm fully onboard with the scruffy punk guys doing the twangy outlaw country-tinged singer-songwriter thing. He'll be back at the Casbah on April 7th with JD Wilkes and The Legendary Shack Shakers, where he and Low Volts can have a duel of the best one man band.

Hopefully Jon Snodgrass comes back soon, too He was next onstage and I love his voice so much and he played a few of my favorite Drag The River tunes among his set and made some relatable dad-rock comments throughout the show, too. I've also included an embed (shot with my phone) when O came out to play with him. He has a long history in San Diego and with Cargo Records and gave a nice shout out to Larry Munroe and O and others.

Finally, Flogging Molly hit the stage. It's hard to say anyone is energetic after Gogol Bordello just the week before, but Flogging Molly is certainly up there when it comes to onstage energy. The last time I saw them was at Street Scene what seems like forever ago. I was on the 9th floor of the Clarion watching the street below and a thousand bros in a massive circle pit, and at no fault of the band, having that feeling that Street Scene was over, it had grown too big while downtown open spaces were diminishing. I wasn't wrong, but that's why seeing the band in the contained space of the Observatory felt both nostalgic and hopeful, that all good things come back around. I took hundreds of pictures but have trimmed it down after the jump.

Local Radio News: 98/9 TJ-SD To Launch March 31 and other radio tidbits...

You may or may not have heard that More-FM is modifying their format to be a multilingual and 'Borderless' station branded 98/9 TJ-SD. As much as it pains me to link to a KL penned article, The Reader primarily focuses on the fact that Cesar Gonzalez--owner of the now defunct Mama Testa (home of the best salsa ever but never served without attitude)--will be the first on-air personality at the station, then digs in a little on Halloran, who will be playing three hours of cross-border local artists every weeknight from 9pm-Midnight. As someone who has known Hal for years, and worked with station owner Mario Mayan and sales director Randy Phillips for several years back in the day, I'm super excited about a new radio format to stir the San Diego pot.

From a local music perspective, Halloran and crew are trying to build their local music catalog. Bring CDs to Pitbull Audio in National City 2 pm on Saturday, March 31, or April 7 at 2 pm at Secret Garden [Jardin Secreto] on Manuel Doblado in Tijuana. If you plan on submitting music, note that they are specifically requesting CDs. Don't email links or MP3s. If you don't have CDs, burned ones are usually acceptable, but LABEL them. The CD itself and the case should both include your Band Name, a contact phone number and/or email, web address and track titles. On the case, you might suggest one or two "singles" from the record, bio, band photo, and other pertinent or more specific info. (Perhaps my old San Diego Music Thing notes might help in this situation.)

In other radio news, 91X recently launched a new morning show...The Moug Show...and you know I'm not commuting or listening to radio in the mornings (or even awake) to have an opinion about it. Meanwhile, Woods is back on the air at The Mighty 1090 with the Ben and Woods show, offering up morning sports talk weekdays from 6-9am.

 And on Monday night, I was made aware of the disgusting, tacky, and insensitive photo posted on social media by the new Kevin Klein Live show on 97.3, which has flipped from Energy 97.3 to The Machine 97.3, which will be a classic rock format and taking the Padres broadcasts from Alt 94/9.  The dude's morning show starts today. I'm not posting his shit photo here, but I'm sure you've seen it, and you can see the backlash on NBC, the U-T here  and HERE  and even the Padres. If what he wanted was attention, mission accomplished. I'm not the demo so my not listening doesn't mean shit to them, but for the record, fuck that guy and all the assholes defending the post.

If radio news interests you, you should always keep up on SanDiegoRadio.org and you can see press releases, news, and quarterly radio ratings, and marvel at the fact that country is the 3rd ranked station in San Diego, and more people listen to Christian Radio than to your favorite alternative station. Gag.

Things To Do In San Diego: Tuesday, March 27- Monday, April 2, 2018

It was a bit of a rough week, I have to be honest. The night of the Music Awards I was already feeling a little sick, enough that I'd almost given up my ticket. It ended up being a long and crazy night and has left me with a hacking cough, achy body, and more jacked up sleeping hours than usual. I rallied enough to catch Lucy Dacus and And The Kids on Wednesday then laid low the rest of the week. I missed the march, but caught Sure Fire Soul Ensemble at Soda Bar then L.A. Salami at Casbah on Saturday, and wasn't up for working a whole Casbah shift but did catch Rhett Miller's set on Sunday, and then Monday was hell because I was feeling better but Darren got some bug or food poisoning so we were tied home. Fortunately Nova was off with my nieces, getting some time in before she leaves to Missouri so hopefully we can at least keep her germ-free before her trip. Supposing Darren's thing is just a quick blip, this week should be a whole lot better.

KAABOO 2018 Lineup Announced

The 2018 Lineup for KAABOO was released this morning. The festival takes place at the Del Mar Fairgrounds the weekend of September 14-16, 2018. I'm going to just give you the full press release after the jump.

2018 San Diego Music Awards at House of Blues

It was another great night on Monday as the San Diego Music Awards were held at the House of Blues. The air was electric, the vibe celebratory, and the beverages flowing. I got to sit with our SoundDiego crew, which was especially awesome as several of our own crew were presenters, performers, and a couple even honored with awards. You can see the full story at SoundDiego. More than the awards, however, it's super awesome to see and hear so much talent in the same room at the same time, and the after party at the Casbah was off the chain and a great chance to catch up with so many old friends. Full list of winners below and more phone cam pics after the jump.

Sure Fire Soul Ensemble

2018 San Diego Music Awards•Official Winners List

The following are the winners of the 27th annual San Diego Music Awards, presented on Monday, March 19, 2018 at House of Blues.

Best Singer/Songwriter- Lindsay White
Best Jazz-Danny Green
Best Jazz Album-Rebecca Jade & Pete Sprague Planet Cole Porter
Best Blues-Whitney Shay
Best Blues Album-Robin Henkel  Slippery Like a Watermelon Seed
Best Country or Americana-Sara Petite
Best Country or Americana Album-Trouble in the Wind Pineapple Moon
Best Hip Hop/Rap-Vokab Kompany
Best Hip Hop or Rap Album-1019 The Numberman Solus Superstes
Best Indie/Alternative-Authentic Sellout
Best Indie/Alternative Album-Grizzly Business Spanish Old Fashioned
Best Pop- Birdy Bardot
Best Pop Album-Marie Haddad Stories from Atlantis
Best Rock-The Farmers
Best Rock Album-Mittens Endlessly
Best World Music-B-Side Players
Best World Music Album- Marujah Marujah Rising
Best Local Recording-Wish & the Well Darling Darling
Best Live Performer-The Creepy Creeps
Best New Artist-Jumbotron
Artist of the Year-Trouble in the Wind
Song of the Year-Ariel Levine-"Sunshine Part 2:On My Color TV"
Album of the Year-Little Hurricane Same Sun, Same Moon
Lifetime Achievement Award– The Paladins

Things To Do In San Diego: Tuesday, March 20-Monday, March 26, 2018

Another crazy week in the books and another crazy one to come. After spending last Sunday at Safari Park and Monday at the Zoo, we went to see the La Jolla Seals on Tuesday. During the week, I also got to shoot the Flogging Molly show (with Jon Snodgrass and Scott H Biram opening), followed by the Mowgli's at the Casbah in the same night. Friday I hit up the Redwoods Revue, on Saturday we took Nova and my nieces to see Wrinkle In Time, and Sunday night we went to see C.W. Stoneking at Soda Bar after spending the day at Nova's piano recital and hanging out at the Cabrillo Monument tidepools and Monday doing the SDMA's. So yeah. Busy but fun.  Tuesday through Monday archives are after the jump.

Photos: Gogol Bordello and The Lucky Chops at Observatory North Park, March 3, 2018

A couple weeks back, I had the pleasure of shooting Gogol Bordello and The Lucky Chops at the Observatory North Park. When Darren and I were first dating, he had an old Gogol shirt that he wore and cross-referencing shows we'd both been to without knowing each other was one of those things we did as we got to know each other. It was a super amazing night and The Lucky Chops brought an amazing energy to start the show off.  Gogol's full setlist is here  though we dipped out at the encore because Darren wasn't feeling super well. Anyway, I thought I'd already posted these, but found them sitting in my queue, so here they are now. A bazillion more after the jump, including Lucky Chops.

Things To Do In San Diego: Tuesday, March 13-Monday, March 19, 2018

Last week was a little less exciting because after working the Hot Snakes show on Wednesday night, I got a bit of a bug and decided to keep it low key the rest of the week, though I did catch Thunderpussy at Casbah on Friday. Still, trying to keep it mellow, we went to the Safari Park on Sunday and the nursery was still open in the afternoon, so we got to ooh and aah over the three 9 week old cheetah cubs. We also hit the zoo on Monday and though the animals aren't particularly a fan of Daylight Saving Time, it means you can stay at the park a little longer than you could before DST. This week is SXSW so pretty chill on the touring acts, but lots of SDMA showcases and preparties to keep you entertained. Tuesday through Monday archives are after the jump.

Photos: Real Estate and Bedouine at Music Box, February 27, 2018

i kinda already told you about the Real Estate show a couple weeks back, but to recap, it was Darren's birthday, February 27th. We got there early because we heard Bedouine was amazing, and she certainly lived up to the expectation. Although I missed it because I was in the back of the room for a minute after shooting, apparently she called out the loud talkers in the room, which only makes me respect her more. The last time we caught Real Estate was at the free Casbah show sponsored by Newcastle, and in the couple of years in between, there was a whole lot of controversy with former guitarist Matt Mondanile and his side project Ducktails, which has ultimately mostly disappeared off the face of the earth in light of #MeToo. We love Real Estate though it isn't exactly clear why they left "Talking Backwards" out of their set. Regardless, we had a great time and especially because our friend Joe came and plucked us from the crowd and put us in the owner's box which is on the 2nd level mezannine, adjacent to the soundbox. It's the best view in the room and we felt honored and lucky to be there. A bazillion photos after the jump.

From the Owner's Seats

Things To Do In San Diego: Tuesday, March 6-Monday, March 12, 2018

It was Darren's birthday last week, and it's super hard to celebrate the person you love when they'd rather just quash any mention of it, but he somewhat relented and we ended up having an amazing week. We had the big dinner with my family the day before his birthday, then we went to Music Box on the actual night of to catch Real Estate and Bedouine, where we were gifted the privilege of sitting in the owners' box after I was done shooting. It was a fairly mellow week besides that, until Saturday when Nova went with her team to an LA bout and we stayed behind for the amazingness of Gogol Bordello and The Lucky Chops. I'll try to get a ton of those pics up this week. In the meantime, this week is looking pretty solid with music and fun stuff to do. Full week larchives are after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: Tuesday, February 27-Monday, March 5, 2018

Last week I was freaking out because I was gonna be out every night last week. What I didn't factor into the equation was that I would jack my back and have spasms all week. I was able to shoot Dan Auerbach on Monday and tUnE-yArDs on Tuesday, but I was sitting for the majority of both shows and I had to have my merch gigs covered. I was finally mobile again this past weekend, and Nova had back to back slumber parties, so Darren and I enjoyed getting out for Missing Persons on Friday, and after I got to catch The Spits at Space. It was so damn cold we laid low on Saturday, but I worked on Sunday at the Irenic then hung out with Julie at the Office. Today is Darren's birthday so we had a big family dinner last night and tonight we'll be checking out Real Estate and typical fashion, he really doesn't want any attention but it's a big one so we'll keep trying to find ways to make it special. Tuesday through Monday archives are after the jump.

Mondo Cozmo Pens Blistering and Heartbreaking "The Ballad Of Vegas"

I love Mondo Cozmo. Here's a little secret: we almost exclusively listen to Sirius XMU or playlists on Google Play at home and in the car. So when I'm driving alone, I have Mondo Cozmo in the CD player and it's now been in there for maybe 8 months and it is my solace. I'm terribly sad I missed his other jaunts through town last year after his Casbah show, and if I could get up to his show in LA, I totally would, but it's just not feasible without making Nova ditch school. So I eagerly wait for him to book another Casbah show, or maybe an Irenic show, and listen to him on loop. I know I don't typically use this space for new music (because there are a thousand other music blogs who do that), this one is important and poignant and timely and beautiful. Don't tell me today's artists don't know how to write protest songs. (I mean, you saw my David Dondero videos, right?)

If you would like a FREE DOWNLOAD of this song, simply email mondocozmoPEACE@gmail.com



If you would like to support organizations fighting for common sense reform of gun legislation, here are some good ones:

Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence

Newtown Action Alliance

Everytown for Gun Safety

Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America

March For Our Lives

Photos: Typhoon at Music Box, February 10, 2018

I told you how I went to Vegas a few weeks back for The National. On that trip, Jeff and I had 12+ hours in the car for the roundtrip adventure, and as such, we listened to a ton of new records, including Offerings, the latest from Typhoon. The record is amazing, and weird, and intricate, and heartbreaking, and powerful. Listening through the desert, I'd decided that I had to see what they're about live. Because the record is a cohesive story in four parts, I was curious if they'd just play the whole thing front to back. That would've been awesome, but also maybe too intense, so I was actually surprised how uplifting and fun the show was. Despite the seriousness of the record, and the amazing musicianship, the members themselves don't seem to take themselves too seriously, and the energy from the stage to the crowd and back again was easy to get caught up in. I took a zillion photos, and several of them are after the jump.

San Diego County Fair Performer Applications Open

I got this a few days ago and thought I'd pass it along from the people at the San Diego County Fair.

THE SPOTLIGHT IS ON YOU! APPLY NOW TO SHOW OFF YOUR TALENT ON STAGE

DEL MAR, Ca. (Feb. 16, 2018) ­– Hey San Diego – we know you’ve got talent! You have until March 13 to apply to perform at the 2018 San Diego County Fair, presented by Albertsons|Vons. This year’s Fair runs June 1-July 4 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Each year, the San Diego County Fair showcases the talent of local entertainers on eight stages throughout the Fair. It’s a chance for you to show off what you do best and perform family-friendly entertainment that will spread Fair-time cheer. Whether you are part of a dance group, band, Latin group, or a soloist, the Fair offers a perfect spot to showcase your talent.

March 13 is the deadline to apply to be considered to perform at the 2018 San Diego County Fair. After that date, you will be put on a waitlist. Don’t delay – apply today!

Entertainer applications are available online at www.sdfair.com/perform

Things To Do In San Diego: Tuesday, February 20-Monday, February 26, 2018

What a week. I swear, I thought I'd never get these listings done. Last week was a great one though I only made it to Chuck Ragan and Jesse LaMonaca at Casbah before we went on our trip to Phoenix. I love road trips and the desert landscape is beautiful, but I'm not a fan of the AZ. That said, we made the best of it and Nova enjoyed being with her teammates. The Juvenile Dollinquents lost pretty handily to the home team, the Arizona Minor Assaults, but later that day beat the LA Junior Derby Dolls by nearly 250 points, so it would've been nice to see Nova on the track more than she was since we made the effort to be there. After the tournament, we did have an amazing dinner at Lou Magneti's (famous Chicago deep dish pizza) and on Sunday we went on a nice hike at Hole-In-The-Rock before driving home. Plus, I got home early enough to catch Adult Magic, Odd Robot, and Samiam at Awesomefest, and then on Monday got to see the brilliance of Dan Auerbach and The Easy Eye Sound Revue. This week is going to be bonkers, because I'm going to Tune-Yards, selling merch for Superchunk and Willie Watson, then I plan on going to Missing Persons on Friday and Bruno Major on Saturday, then I'm working Enter Shikari at the Irenic on Sunday. Yikes. I might have to reorganize because I don't do well going out that many nights in a row. Anyway, it's a great week for live music so go out and get some. Tuesday through Monday archives are after the jump.

Locachella: Coachella "Sideshow" Acts In San Diego

I'm ecstatic that San Diego is getting a good cut of this year's Coachella cake. The other day I posted the freshly announced Observatory shows, but obviously there are so many venues getting in on the action, I thought I'd make a more complete list of Coachella artists playing in San Diego before, between, or after Coachella.

• Thursday, March 29 Declan McKenna, Chappell Roan @ Music Box
• Tuesday, April 10 Chromeo, Phantoms @ Humphrey's Concerts By The Bay
• Wednesday, April 11 Hayley Kiyoko @ Observatory North Park 
• Tuesday, April 12 David Byrne @ San Diego Civic Theatre
• Thursday, April 12 Angel Olsen @ Music Box
• Sunday, April 15 War On Drugs @ Observatory North Park  
• Sunday, April 15 Fleet Foxes, Amen Dunes @ Humphrey's Concerts By The Bay
• Monday, April 16 Ibeyi @ Belly Up  
• Monday, April 16 Jungle @ Observatory North Park  
• Tuesday, April 17 David Byrne @ San Diego Civic Theatre
• Tuesday, April 17 Miguel, SiR, Nonchalant Savant @ Humphrey's Concerts By The Bay
• Tuesday, April 17 Boogarins @ Casbah
• Tuesday, April 17 Kali Uchis @ Observatory North Park 
• Wednesday, April 18 Alvvays, Frankie Rose @ Music Box
• Wednesday, April 18 The Bronx, NO PARENTS @ Casbah
• Wednesday, April 18 Tash Sultana @ Observatory North Park - SOLD OUT
• Thursday, April 19 alt-J, Twin Shadow @ Humphrey's Concerts By The Bay
• Thursday, April 19 Jessie Ware @ Belly Up 
• Thursday, April 19 HAIM @ Observatory North Park 
• Friday, April 20 Japanese Breakfast, Snail Mail, And And And @ The Irenic
• Friday, April 20 King Krule @ Observatory North Park - SOLD OUT
• Sunday, April 22 Ron Gallo The Nude Party, Twen @ Casbah
• Monday, April 23 Marian Hill, Michl @ Observatory

Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments!!

Observatory North Park Announces Coachella "Sideshows"

OMG! I have been so curious about what shows would come through for "Localchella" and I got a little heads up last night from the Observatory. All of these shows are now announced.

GRAMMY Award Winners War On Drugs are playing at The Observatory between Coachella weekends.
Photo by Shawn Brackbill Courtesy Pitch Perfect PR

• Wed, Apr 11   Hayley Kiyoko @ Observatory North Park - Onsale Feb 16
• Sun, Apr 15  War On Drugs @ Observatory North Park - SOLD OUT
• Mon, Apr 16   Jungle @ Observatory North Park - Onsale Feb 16
• Tue, Apr 17   Kali Uchis @ Observatory North Park - Onsale Feb 16
• Thu, Apr 19   HAIM @ Observatory North Park - Onsale Feb 16
• Wed, Apr 18    Tash Sultana @ Observatory North Park - SOLD OUT
• Fri, Apr 20   King Krule @ Observatory North Park - SOLD OUT
• Mon, Apr 23 Marian Hill, Michl @ Observatory North Park

Additionally, Casbah announced Ron Gallo @ Casbah on April 22. Tickets are also on sale for this one are on sale Friday at 10am. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Tuesday, February 13-Monday, February 19, 2018

We were back at the Safari Park on Sunday and though we missed the new cheetah cubs, we got to see a baby rhino born just a few days earlier. We caught her nursing, then later saw her chasing gazelle, and it even looked like her mom was playing peek-a-boo with her because she was hiding in the little hut and then surprising her. After watching Dagmar's Extinction Crisis the week before and the very graphic video of Thandi, just seeing this little baby made me incredibly emotional. Over the weekend, I also had the chance to catch Typhoon and Mimicking Birds at Music Box (photos to come) and David Dondero at Soda Bar (check out his protest songs Presidential Palace of Pornography and When The Pendulum Swings). This week (besides watching endless hours of the Olympics) I'm thinking I'll check out Chuck Ragan and maybe Mary Timony at Casbah, but for the weekend we'll be missing most of Awesome Fest because Nova has a derby tournament in Phoenix. I hope everyone has a great week. Tuesday through Monday archives are after the jump.

Things to Do In San Diego: Saturday, February 10-Monday, February 12, 2018

This has been an amazing week and a shit week all at once. I got to see the phenomenal Phoebe Bridgers on Monday, then had time to catch Western Scene with my old friend Tom at the Casbah afterward. I also interviewed Patty Lynn of The Wind and The Wave and caught their show on Wednesday night. There was also some compelling TV (like This Is Us finding their stride again, or the kick off of the Winter Olympics). But it's also shit. I shouldn't let the news or stress or the messes of life get to me but I have sometimes crippling anxiety and insomnia and Friday night was the first night I actually slept this entire week (versus all nighters then 'dozing' in the daytime while Nova is at school). I'm trying to do the things like cutting late screen time or just shutting off the news entirely, but in this line of work and in this day and age it's nearly impossible. So for now it's either nighttime advil or melatonin. I need to get a normal sleep schedule. That said, I was up all shiny and early this morning so I thought I'd update the listings so they're easier to find. Saturday through Monday archives are after the jump.

Photos: St. Vincent at Observatory North Park January 27, 2018

I'm not gonna lie. I am kind of embarrassed to share these photos. I was so excited to see St. Vincent at the Observatory a couple weeks back. She's long been one of Darren's favorites and over time has become one of mine, too. I had the chance to see her a few times before, including House of Blues and the tour with David Byrne in Orange County, but this one was even better for numerous reasons-- it was on my home turf, I got to shoot, she was playing solo, I got to see her with Darren, her aunt and uncle Tuck & Patti opened the show after hearing about them for years, Nova was at a sleepover, it was a Saturday night...the reasons are endless. And then I get 50 pictures loaded in and see that the lighting was actually TOO good and got every speck of dust and hair that's just locked in my camera. I have two cats and a dog, I carry my cameras just about everywhere and not in their photo bag, so I'm just always going to have imperfections, but on someone as flawless as Annie Clark--St Vincent--they're just way worse. So my apologies, I don't use lightbox or edit my photos, you get them how I shot them. And if I don't share them then I get backed up and stop sharing altogether and it's a big downward spiral. But I'll spare you and put them after the jump. (Unless you're on mobile, then you'll just get them all in one quick burst).