COVID-19: 'Under Control'? | Backwards Ass Arizona Bans Abortion | Excessive Heat Advisory |

Adams Avenue Street Fair Sunset (Taken 9.24.22)

I had a super weekend - caught up on sleep, worked at the Adams Avenue Street Fair for Starcrawler, had some drinks, ordered and received my new camera lens, spent time with the family, and generally lazed around. I went to sleep extra early last night because I knew today would be a big work day, but wanted to get this general update published while it was on my brain. 

It's my birthday week and I've got some fun shows to go to and some Zoo time ahead of me and hopefully gonna get some snorkeling in, too. A high school acquaintance just died of cancer, so it just makes this whole thing called life a little more sweet while we've got it. 

Stay safe out there.  

Things To Do In San Diego: Wednesday, September 21-Wednesday, September 27, 2022: Sarah McLachlan | Andrew Bird | Schizophonics | Adams Avenue Street Fair | ArtWalk Carlsbad | Wild Horses 22 | CRSSD | Sudan Archives | Iron Maiden | Lykke Li |

This always happens. My birthday is next week and I didn't know if I should do listings through my birthday so I can take the time off, or just suck it up because I want to spend time with my partner tonight. I guess I'll update these listings if more things come up but wow...literally amazing shows every night of the week. I'm hoping to get out a little myself - obviously Adams Avenue Street Fair is just up the street from me so I'll walk there if it isn't blistering, but Sudan Archives is amazing, so is William Fitzsimmons, and hopefully I'll squirm my way into Lykke Li. So much good stuff this weekend, tons of festivals, and it kind of exhausts me just looking at the list. 

Stay safe out there. 

CoVid-19: "Pandemic Is Over" | Bivalent Boosters Available Everywhere |

Kaja at the San Diego Zoo (Taken 9.18.22)

So apparently Joe Biden went on TV and said that the pandemic is over. I think we like to extrapolate and say thread what he really meant but you can't say something so declarative and then still expect legislative funding, or people to wear masks, or for schools to be able to mandate vaccinations. NPR did a similar story and I'm not even going to link it because I'm so sick of hearing from Monica Gandhi as their primary source when the rest of their story has at least six other experts who refute her. But whatever. I guess it's over. As such, reporting is really unreliable and incomplete, so this may be my final stat post unless things dramatically change. 

Meanwhile, I had a pretty good week. I worked at the Balboa Theatre, I went to the Zoo a bunch, and I got to see Wilco at the OAT on Saturday night with my sister. This week is going to be busy with work because, as always after Labor Day, things pick up and the calendars become more packed. 

I guess we're all out for ourselves now. Stay safe out there. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Wednesday, September 14-Tuesday, September 20, 2022: BAYNK | Foreign Air | Monophonics | Fontaines DC | Maren Morris | Wilco | Dry Cleaning | Bad Bunny | CHAI | Fiestas Patrias |

Fontaines D.C. (Taken 5.21.2019)

I'm not really allowed to say that summer kinda sucks for concerts and there are definitely dozens of exceptions to that theory that we can look to, but there is something magical when fall comes around and artists start doing tours instead of just a slew of festivals and you end up with the problem of too many good things happening on the same day. 

That is definitely the case this weekend so hopefully that suck-ass weather we had last week is finally dissipating and we can get back to our beautiful San Diego lives. I've had a very good week, a couple nights of work, lots of days at the zoo, we went to see David Dondero and Davey Tiltwheel at Modern Times, and Darren and I even went snorkeling. The tourists are mostly gone and San Diego can truly be our playground once again. 

If I look down the listings, there are at least two or three things I would go to every single night if money was no object and time was more abundant and my energy didn't get so sapped so easily, but I'm happy to have more work on the horizon, more zoo days in my routine, and I'll have to deal with the FOMO that I'm not going to see Wilco this time around.  

Hopefully you can find some awesome things to do, too. I may add new show announcements later this week, but I'm pooped and have been working really hard to get out of my all-nighter sleep habits. So maybe check back throughout the week and I'll update when I can. 

Stay safe out there. 

Other Music & Event Stuff:

• September 16 is Mexican Independence Day. Check here for various events throughout the weekend all over the county
• ¡Viva México! Where to do ‘El Grito’ and other events in San Diego - San Diego Union Tribune
• Need a job? The Observatory is looking. So is Pechanga Arena. 

  Wednesday, September 14, 2022:

• Baynk, Two Lanes @ Casbah (SOLD OUT)
• Foreign Air, Anna Shoemaker @ Soda Bar
• Circles Around The Sun, Mikaela Davis @ Belly Up
• Allen Stone @ Live & Up Close, Sycuan Casino 
• Phora, Terell Online, FLXWZ @ Music Box
• Joe Pera: Summer In The Midwest And Rustbelt Tour @ The Observatory
• Home Free: Road Sweet Road Tour @ Balboa Theatre
• Chicago  @ Humphrey's Concerts By The Bay
• Gilbert Castellanos Young Lions Series & Jazz Jam @ Copley Auditorium, Panama 66
• Last Point, Mouth Guard, Wanted Noise, Taking on Water @ Bancroft Bar
• Jason Hanna and the Swingin Bananas @ The Riviera 
• Fandango For Butterflies (And Coyotes) @ La Jolla Playhouse
• Kinky Boots @ The Moonlight 
• Amanda Portela Trio @ Seven Grand 
• Come Fall In Love - The DDLJ Musical @ The Old Globe
• What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank @ The Old Globe
• Street Legacy: SoCal Style Masters @ California Center for the Arts, Escondido
• Red Hairing Hip Hop Show @ The Holding Company
• An Intimate Evening with Daniel J Parc @ Tio Leo's
• The Emergency Exit Band @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Open Mic with Whit @ Pour House
• Den Bosch Entertainment presents: The OB Takeover Space Bus - Plexus Play - Zach Prantil - Glendonesia - Lit One - Mag - Lord and Atlas - DJ Riddim Wise @ Winston's 
• Karaoke @ Rosie O'Grady's 
• Trivia @ Quartyard
• Big Blues Jam @ Navajo Live
• Open Mic @ 710 Beach Club

Thursday, September 15, 2022:

• Baynk, Cosmos Midnight @ Casbah (SOLD OUT)
• Monophonics, GA-20, Kendra Morris @ Music Box
• Veni Sun, Puerto, NCG @ Soda Bar
• Allen Stone @ Live & Up Close, Sycuan Casino 
• Il Divo - Greatest Hits Tour @ Humphrey's Concerts By The Bay
• Rare Americans, DYLYN @ Voodoo Room, House of Blues
• Kehlani, RIco Nasty @ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, SDSU
• Brawley, Buzz Campbell and the Heartaches, Dulaney and Company @ Belly Up
• Houses of Heaven, Hallows, Mercury Girl, DJ Lady Noir @ Ken Club
• Nite Lapse, Feliz, Noble War, Jara @ Pour House 
• XTR Human & O/X @ Whistle Stop
• John Mark McMillan, Gable Price and Friends, Mark Barlow @ SOMA Sidestage
• Little Jesus & Divino Niño, Tatiana Hazel @ House of Blues
• Starsign @ The Holding Company
• G & The Swingin' Three @ Seven Grand
• Fandango For Butterflies (And Coyotes) @ La Jolla Playhouse
• Kinky Boots @ The Moonlight
• Come Fall In Love - The DDLJ Musical @ The Old Globe
• What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank @ The Old Globe
• Barry Edelstein in Conversation with Nathan Englander @ The Old Globe (6:30pm)
• Street Legacy: SoCal Style Masters @ California Center for the Arts, Escondido
• Victoria Robertson @ Veranda Bar, Westgate Hotel
• Tribute To The Male Jazz Vocalists - From Louis Armstrong to Kurt Elling @ The Jazz Lounge
• Reagan "Guitar" Williams Band @ Tio Leo's
• Thursday Night Jam Session @ Winston's 
• The Royals @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Karaoke @ Luau Bar
• Aztec Open Mic @ Aztec Brewing Company, Vista
• Lyrical Exchange Open Mic @ Queen Bee's
• Jive Chops @ The Riviera 
• Morgan Wallen: The Dangerous Tour, Hardy, Ian Munsick @ North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
• Carte Blanche @ Park & Rec
• Incite, Tornadic @ Brick by Brick
• Slappin’ Hands w/ Ric Scales @ Til-Two Club
• Open Mic @ Aztec Brewing Company, Vista
• Open Jam with Jeff Ousley @ Navajo Live
• Moonshine Thursdays @ Moonshine Beach
• Line Dancing @ Moonshine Flats 
• Mexican Indepen-DANCE feat MAAHEZ @ SPIN
• Karaoke @ 710 Beach Club

Friday, September 16, 2022:

• Fontaines DC, Wunderhorse @ The Observatory
• Emo Nite @ Casbah (Tickets at the Door) 
• Maren Morris: Humble Quest Tour, Lone Bellow @ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, SDSU
• Summer Years, Hardly Human, Joe Dreamz @ Soda Bar
• Dave Matthews Band @ North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
• 16th Annual Nissan Super Girl Surf Pro Returns Concert Series feat. San Diego Brass & Electric, Pulp Vixen, Liza Owen, Doah's Daydream, Annika Bellamy @ Oceanside Pier
• Bayfair Mission Bay
• Katchafire, Gonzo of Tribal Seeds @ Belly Up (SOLD OUT)
• Jerry Seinfeld @ Civic Theatre
• Broadway Sings... And Swings! @ The Shell
• Jazz guitarist Eric Wesling & his trio @ Dizzy's
• Seconds Ago, Demand Less, Ishiki, Muerte Buena, Atrocitvs, Houstin, The Dirty Rats @ Che Cafe
• Violinist Victoria Martino and Pianist James Lent Commemorate the 50th death anniversary of Igor Stravinsky | The Complete Works for Violin and Piano @ La Jolla Athenaeum 
• F!#KIN In The Bushes @ Whistle Stop
• New Skeletal Faces, NOX NOVACULA, Drezden, SHrouds, DJ Javi Nunez @ Ken Club
• Deke Dickerson and the Whippersnappers @ Museum of Making Music 
• Trio Gadjo with Claudia Gomez @ Panama 66
• Focke Wolves, Glimmer Stars, Quasi Mofo @ Black Cat Bar 
• Electric Dream Machine + DJ Sets @ Music Box
• April and the Funk Junkies - A benefit for Boys and Girls Club of San Diego @ Belly Up (Happy Hour 5pm)
• 8 Kalacas, Midnight Track @ Brick By Brick
• Fiestas Patrias ft. Pablo Montero @ Retreat Pool, Sycuan Casino (8pm)
• Ben Zinn and Friends @ Grand Ole BBQ & Asado (6-8pm)
• Tah Rei @ The Riviera 
• Bywater Skanks @ Seven Grand
• Fandango For Butterflies (And Coyotes) @ La Jolla Playhouse
• Kinky Boots @ The Moonlight
• Come Fall In Love - The DDLJ Musical @ The Old Globe
• What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank @ The Old Globe
• Street Legacy: SoCal Style Masters @ California Center for the Arts, Escondido
• Legacy Art Night: Hosted by Mike Giant @ California Center for the Arts, Escondido
• Música en la Plaza: Ernesto La Euphoria @ California Center for the Arts, Escondido
• Young Guns @ Moonshine Beach 
• Lightning Drive @ Moonshine Flats 
• Stop Light Observations @ Voodoo Room, House of Blues
• Amber (311 Tribute Band) @ Aztec Brewing Company, Vista
• Los Tortugas @ The Rabbit Hole (9pm-12am)
• Cooley Blue @ The Rabbit Hole (6-9pm)
• Matt Hall @ Veranda Bar, Westgate Hotel 
• Mojo Brew @ Mr. Peabody's
• Jerry G & The Invaders @ Fast Times 
• Canceled: KennyHoopLa @ House of Blues
• Wild$ide, Flick N' The Beans @ The Holding Company
• Paradise Drive, Ingrate Souls, Brighton Street Bullies @ Bancroft Bar
• Killer Hearts, Death Boys Soaring Blackbirds, Situations @ Tower Bar 
• DJ Boogie Blanco & Friends @ Park & Rec
• Half Hour Late, The Bash Dogs @ Winston's 
• Bedlam Rebels, Build Them To Break (SF), Parade Of Horribles @ Pour House (9pm)
• Taryn Donath @ Pour House (5-8pm)
• Empowered Art Society's - Art Show @ The Merrow (5pm)
• Laugh Outside with Tyrone Hawkins, Connor Costello, Amanda Mizhelle @ Quartyard
• Clockwork @ 710 Beach Club
• Batwings (record release), Poor, 10-19 and the Number Men, Skrapez @ Til-Two Club
• Home By Five presents One Own Heaven, Predisposed, The Industry, Every Other Year @ Queen Bee's
• Soul Persuaders @ Tio Leo's
• The Hips @ Humphrey's Backstage Live (5pm)
• Platinum Vibe @ Humphrey's Backstage Live (8pm)
• Bastard Sons of the Serious Guise @ Navajo Live 
• Tribute To The Male Jazz Vocalists - From Louis Armstrong to Kurt Elling @ The Jazz Lounge
• FNGRS CRSSD presents Sacha Robotti — Slothacid Tour @ SPIN
• Sake and Karaoke Fridays @ Mikami

Saturday, September 17, 2022:

• Wilco: Cruel Country Tour, Kamikaze Palm Tree @ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, SDSU
• Dry Cleaning, Fake Fruit @ Belly Up  
• Slow Magic, omniboi @ Casbah 
• CHAI, Buzz @ Voodoo Room, House of Blues
• San Diego Zoo Food, Wine, & Brew Festival @ San Diego Zoo (SOLD OUT)
• Starlite 15 Year Anniversary Party with Dot & Oli @ Starlite (Reservations Recommended) 
• South Park Walkabout: Miniaturized (6pm), Rosa Rossa (8pm) @ Vinyl Junkies Record Shack
• BLAHktoberfest with The Beer Mugs @ Blind Lady Alehouse (12pm-Close)
• San Diego River Foundation 20 Year Anniversary Party @ River Center at Grant Park
• Bayfair Mission Bay
• Rupaul's Drag Race: Werq The World Tour 2022 @ Civic Theatre 
• Bad Bunny: World's Baddest Tour, Alesso @ Petco Park @ Petco Park
• Fiestas Patrias @ La Casa de Estudillo Courtyard, Old Town (12-3pm)
• Stereolab, Fievel Is Glauque @ The Observatory North Park
• Mexican Independence Day Celebration @ The Old Globe (11am)
• Jack Harlow: Come Home The Kids Miss You Tour, City Girls @ Viejas Arena, SDSU
• 16th Annual Nissan Super Girl Surf Pro Returns Concert Series feat. Smash Mouth, The Expendables, Kira Kosarin, Female DJ Competition, Sensi Trails @ Oceanside Pier
• Harry's House of Styles Dance Party! @ Soda Bar
• 80s vs. 90s vs. Y2K w/ DJs Gabe Vega & Friends @ Whistle Stop
• Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra @ The Shell 
• Taylor Dayne & All-4-One @ Live & Up Close, Sycuan Casino 
• Christian Nodal: Forajido @ Pechanga Arena
• Joshua White, Marshall Hawkins, & Tyler Kreutel @ Dizzy's
• Slowdraw, Toxins, Hailacab, Sucio, Build Them To Break, The Inflorescence, Doc Hammer @ Tower Bar (1-6pm) 
• Ricky, Se Vende, Guilty Party, Bangzz, Yujin 13, Tiltwheel, Hammerbombs @ Ken Club (8pm)
• The Vectors, The 1/8 Milers @ Tower Bar (9pm)
• Julia Sage & The Bad Hombres, The Mothmen @ Black Cat Bar 
• Smithsonian Museum Day @ Museum of Making Music or  San Diego Archaeological Center (Free Admission with Registration)
• Queer Fest: Gloom June, Hoity Toity, The Fazes, Cope, Mouthgaurd, Sleepy Pearls; Rain on Friday @ Che Cafe
• Besos de Coco with Lorraine Theressa @ Panama 66
• Red Not Chili Peppers, Fooz Fighters @ Music Box
• Martin Buttrich, JImbo James, Mr .Wright, Amira @ Quartyard
• Sands, Doll Riot, Erratic Impulse, DSCO, Tunewave, The Microblades @ SOMA Sidestage
• Mojo Repair Shop @ Seven Grand
• Fandango For Butterflies (And Coyotes) @ La Jolla Playhouse (2pm & 8pm)
• Street Legacy: SoCal Style Masters @ California Center for the Arts, Escondido
• Kinky Boots @ The Moonlight
• Come Fall In Love - The DDLJ Musical @ The Old Globe (2pm & 8pm)
• What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank @ The Old Globe
• Grahzny, Bastard Saints, Deadly Dispute @ Bancroft Bar
• The Rag Man Band @ The Rabbit Hole (9pm-12am)
• Slack Key Ohana @ Luau Bar
• Tighten Ups @ Pour House (5-8pm) 
• Red Headed Strangers @ The Riviera 
• TBA @ Pour House (9pm) 
• North County Unplugged @ Aztec Brewing Company, Vista (1:30-5pm)
• Milk Money, Free Martini @ Aztec Brewing Company, Vista (6-10pm)
• Ypsitucky @ Grand Ole BBQ & Asado (5-8pm)
• Aleman, La Banda Baston @ House of Blues
• Black Star Sinners, Revelation 69, Taz Taylor @ Navajo Live
• Halfway to Saint Paddys Party with Quel Bordel @ The Holding Company
• Lightning Drive @ Moonshine Beach 
• Young Guns @ Moonshine Flats 
• Eternal Night @ Til-Two Club
• Sonic Tonic @ Mr. Peabody's
• The Contortionist performing "Language" and "Exoplanet" In Entirety, Rivers of Nihil @ Brick By Brick
• Babylon - Back to School Edition with DJ Jinx Mirage, DJ Thunder Jams @ The Merrow
• Holly Hofman @ Plaza Bar, Westgate Hotel 
• Halfway to Paddy's Day @ Rosie O'Grady's
• Sabbath After Forever (A Tribute to Ozzy era Black Sabbath) and Anesthesia (Metallica Tribute) @ Winston's (9pm)
• Kevin Thomas Band @ Winston's (4pm)
• Wild Nights @ Tio Leo's
• Cuffin DJ Sets @ Park & Rec
• Viva Santana @ Humphrey's Backstage Live (8pm)
• Techniche X Overdrive, Nathan Gorey, MYXZLPLIX @ SPIN  

Sunday, September 18, 2022:

• A Show of Uterine Sovereignty: Spent Idols, Cardiac Kidz, The Tighten Ups, Chloe Lou & The Liddells, Cochinas Locas, Tasajo, C. Gibbs, Sunday Shoes @ Casbah (12pm-4pm)
• 16th Annual Nissan Super Girl Surf Pro Returns Concert Series feat. Spin Doctors (5:45-7pm), Hoobastank (4:15-5:15pm), Surf Awards Ceremony, Laura Marano, Niki DeMar, Female Leadership Panel Discussion, Hello Sister @ Oceanside Pier
• The Brevet, The Petty Saints @ The Casbah (7:30pm)
• Bad Bunny: World's Baddest Tour, Alesso @ Petco Park @ Petco Park
• The Lagoons, Jelly Ellington, Jack Van Cleaf @ Soda Bar
• Bayfair Mission Bay
• BLAHktoberfest with The Beer Mugs @ Blind Lady Alehouse (12pm-Close)
• Mad Hat Hucksters @ Panama 66
• Groundation, SM Familia @ Belly Up 
• CeeLo Green as Soul Brotha #100: A Tribute to James Brown @ The Shell 
• Good Kid @ Voodoo Room, House of Blues
• San Diego Jazz Fest presents feat. The New Orleans Swinging G's, @ Tio Leo's 
• Matute @ House of Blues
• In Your Pockets Presents: Tall Juan, Jackie Mendoza @ Ken Club
• The Music of Steely Dan feat Robben Ford, Tom Scott and Keith Carlock @ Music Box (Sold Out) 
• Fandango For Butterflies (And Coyotes) @ La Jolla Playhouse (2pm & 7pm)
• Kinky Boots @ The Moonlight
• Come Fall In Love - The DDLJ Musical @ The Old Globe (2pm & 7pm)
• What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank @ The Old Globe
• Street Legacy: SoCal Style Masters @ California Center for the Arts, Escondido
• Scotty Saints and the True Believers, Let Me Downs, Dresden’s Burning @ Til-Two Club
• Lady Luck Review @ Winston's (4pm)
• Karaoke "Jose Sinatra hosts O.B.-o-ke - San Diego's Best Karaoke" @ Winston's (8pm)
• Karaoke @ The Merrow
• Jazz Jam with Dylan Soto @ Aztec Brewing Company, Vista
• Live Music @ Sycamore Den (6-8pm)
• Trivia @ The Holding Company
• Nathan James @ Pour House (8-11pm)
• Whit Aadland @ Pour House (1-3pm)  
• Red Headed Stranger @ Grand Ole BBQ & Asado (1-4pm)
• Mars Red Sky, Greenbeard, Olds @ Brick By Brick
• Link Up: Wine, Cocktails, Music, Food @ Quartyard (3-9pm)
• Anthony Ortega Jazz Quartet @ Mr. Peabody's
• Sunday Funday with DJ Julz & Friends @ Park & Rec
• Salsa Sundays @ Queen Bee's (All Ages)
• Rob Thorsen @ Veranda Bar, Westgate Hotel (11am-1pm)
• Karaoke @ Navajo Live 
• Nils @ Humphrey's Backstage Live (6pm)
• DJ Rob @ 710 Beach Club
• Veluda and New Life present Coyu @ SPIN
• Trivia and Sake Nights @ Mikami
  

Monday, September 19, 2022:

• Atomic Sexies, Mochilero All-Stars, Taller Children @ Casbah 
• STONE Rocks IV: Man Fights Manic Kin (Wookalars), Stealing Automatics, Moe N' the Failure, Morskie Oko @ Soda Bar
• Lady Dottie & The Diamonds @ Tower Bar 
• The Homeless Sexuals @ Navajo Live (2pm)
• Electric Waste Band @ Winston's 
• Blue Monday with DJ Camilla Robina, DJ Heather Hardcore @ The Merrow
• Canceled: Shawn Mendes @ Pechanga Arena
• Trivia Night w/Kyle @ Pour House 
• Monday Blues & Classic Rock Jam feat Jessie Lark @ Aztec Brewery, Vista
• Pure XTC, Fab the Duo, 3STR @ Til-Two Club
• Artonic @ La Jolla Athenaeum (12pm Mini Concert)
• Billy Watson @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Open Mic with Jay Cain @ Mr. Peabody's
• Karaoke @ The Holding Company
• Caliente Mondays Salsa y Bachata @ Tio Leo's
• Karaoke @ The Holding Company
• Writer's Round @ Park & Rec
• Dying Species, DAB @ Navajo Live 
• Line Dancing Lessons @ Moonshine Beach 
• Mic'd Up at Moonshine  @ Moonshine Flats 

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 (Happy Birthday, Mama!!):

• National Voter Registration Day!!!
• Marc Oliver, David Rosales, Howlin’ Moon @ Casbah
• Cultivate, Just In Case, Roger! @ Soda Bar
• Eric Gales, The Blitz Brothers @ Belly Up
• North Coast Strings in Concert @ Museum of Making Music 
• The Tourmaliners @ Tio Leo's
• Little River Band @ Humphrey's Concerts By The Bay
• Sketch Party @ Whistle Stop
• Michele Lundeen @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Virtual Lecture: Street Art with Jim and Bobby @ California Center for the Arts, Escondido
• MFA (Portland), GFL (Portland), The Rough + special guest @ Til-Two Club
• Fandango For Butterflies (And Coyotes) @ La Jolla Playhouse
• Kristina Wong, Sweatshop Overlord @ La Jolla Playhouse
• Come Fall In Love - The DDLJ Musical @ The Old Globe 
• What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank @ The Old Globe
• Padres vs. St. Louis Cardinals @ Petco Park  
• Stöner, Mario Lalli & the Rubber Snake Charmers, Mezzoa, Desert Suns @ Brick by Brick
• Blues Berry Jam @ Queen Bee's
• Trivia Night @ 710 Beach Club
• Karaoke @ The Merrow
• Karaoke @ Aztec Brewing Company, Vista
• Line Dancing @ Moonshine Beach 
• Open Mic Comedy Night @ The Rabbit Hole
• Boogaloo with Zack Najor @ Tower Bar
• Clockwork, Do Right Louie @ Winston's
• Karaoke @ Bancroft Bar
• Terrible Tuesday All Vinyl DJ Night wtih DJ Lexicon Devil @ Pour House 
• Karaoke @ Peabody's
• Trivia Night @ Park & Rec
• Karaoke with Christine @ Navajo Live 

CoVid-19 Bivalent Boosters Now Available | Park Boulevard To Get New Stripes | Crazy Weather | The Queen Is Dead. |

 

Ernest in the midst of a big yawn. (Taken 9.9.22)

I wanted to get back in the habit of posting current COVID numbers because I don't want to lose track for myself of what is going on. But obviously I've cut out a lot of the news clippings and links. I'm still watching the White House press briefings, too, but the media pool sucks so bad and Karine Jean-Pierre just takes their bullshit questions, even when 10 people ask the same question in different ways, as if she'll not realize that they're messing with her. Yesterday they kept asking her about the queen's health and if she died what would the president say, would he travel, etc? and she's trying to explicitly say that it is fucking rude to talk about what you'll do when someone dies when they're not dead yet and then by the end of the press conference it was confirmed that she did, in fact, die, and so then it got awkward and the press conference ended. It's kinda worth watching for 27 minutes if you take a shot every time someone asks about the queen but definitely don't plan on driving anywhere for probably 24 hours. 

As far as the queen dying goes, I'm more on the side of thinking it is fucking gross that there are still monarchs and think its a criminal enterprise and lean the way of this thread, so whatever. I'll let y'all grieve but will take no part. 

There was some news this week that I found noteworthy, particularly that the City is going to add bike/bus lanes on that essential corridor of Park Blvd from the President's Way up to Richmond which will be huge because the reason we stopped going to December NIghts was because you couldn't even get there by transit and now you'll be able to...or even ride bikes! 

It was a good week. I've got a big end of summer Zoo post in the works, but it felt good to go back today, in the rain, after not having been since Monday. And working for Pavement and Cat Power was a pretty good way to spend this asshole of a heat wave in air conditioned buildings. 

Hope you're staying cool. Be safe out there. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Friday, September 9-Tuesday, September 13, 2022: The Howls | Alicia Keys | Pink Turns Blue | Shellac | Stella Donnelly | Josie Cotton | Kate Clover | David Dondero |

Alrighty. 

I woke up extra early to get these listings done and they still took me three hours so I have now not been to the San Diego Zoo in four days and that is not acceptable. But work is work and I had a really good time (and busted my ass) to work at Pavement on Wednesday and Cat Power on Thursday. I don't think I have anything on the agenda but I got asked to do merch for the Livewire Anniversary Party and also maybe Rupaul, so that is pretty sweet. 

We know that crazy weather is forecasted for Friday and Saturday in our area. I have noted where things have been canceled or are going on rain or shine when that information was available, but just be smart. Before you go to any event, double check their socials and sites for information. I can't actually believe Boots in the Park and the Blues Festival are both rain or shine events, seems like a HUGE liability, but wtf do I know? 

There also weren't enough concert announcements to justify the time it takes to compile, but Modest Mouse is coming to Observatory in December and tickets are on sale today, so that is for sure worth checking out. 

Anyway, be safe out there. I'm going to make myself a big ass breakfast and spend the rest of my day in the rain at the Zoo. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, September 8, 2022: Cat Power: Covers Tour | Cults | Agnostic Front & Sick Of It All | Sean Hayes | Buck-O-Nine |

I'm exhausted. 

I told you last post that I probably wouldn't get listings together this week, so now I'm scrambling just to get Thursday up because I worked my ass off at Pavement at the Balboa. It wouldn't be so bad if I'd actually gotten my shit together on Tuesday, but now I'm working for Cat Power on Thursday so who knows when I'll find the time for sleep and weekend listings and my (actual job) newsletter and email and all the things I need to do, including celebrating my dad's birthday, which a year ago they told us he would never see. And I haven't been to the zoo since Monday!!! 

So I threw together Thursday listings and while they may not be fully comprehensive, I still checked all my usual sites and I think I got you covered. 

When I'll get Friday through Tuesday done is just as much a mystery to me as to you. But I'm chugging along. Better to be busy than not, right? And I skipped a COVID post last week because what else can I say except it feels a little comforting to be "low" in community levels in the City of San Diego, the County of San Diego, and the State of California. We'll see what happens with Thursday data and if anything is worth reporting. All I'm hearing is that with the new bivalent booster, you should be at least 2 months past your last booster or 3 months past your last COVID infection, which means I'll wait until after my birthday, in the first couple weeks of October to get mine. 

Stay safe out there. Say hi if you see me at Cat Power. It was amazing seeing so many friends at Pavement on Wednesday night, almost felt like the before times.

Things To Do In San Diego: Wednesday, August 31 - Wednesday, September 7, 2022: Labor Day Weekend | Elvis Costello | Jackson Browne | Murder By Death | Dream '22 | Caifanes | Booty Bassment | Peter Hook |

Peter Hook & The Light (Taken 11.8.2016)

The last time I saw Peter Hook & The Light was one of the darkest nights in American politics in my lifetime.

Everyone was excited to be at the House of Blues and it was a great release after a tormenting presidential election cycle. It gave everyone a chance to stop watching the pundits and constant news and predictions about who would win the presidential election, and too many of us were confident that Hillary was going to win that night. 

And then the mood shifted. Polls were closed. People started staring at their phones. People were crying. I was crying. How the fuck did TFG win? How could so many Americans trust this sexist, racist conman-manbaby to be the president of the United States of America? Did enough men hate women so much that they couldn't vote for one for president? Was it her specifically? Did enough women hate themselves to subject themselves to just ignore all the things he'd proven to be? 

It was dark. We're still paying for it today. It is unbelievable that TFG fuckface hasn't been indicted on any criminal charges. It is insane that people we know and interact with and in some cases, are related to, could still support such a prick. 

But here we are. 

And it isn't Peter Hook's fault and he was a pure light that night when the night was such a downer. I have to hope that when he hits Humphrey's on Tuesday that he can help a lot of people expel the demons that linger from that night, if only for this one night. 

There are a lot of amazing shows this week. And I'm going to be honest, I'm working at the Pavement show on Wednesday (which is why listings are through Wednesday instead of Tuesday this week), so I will do my best to get listings done on time next week, but it's a holiday weekend, it's the final weekend of Nighttime Zoo, and I haven't spent nearly enough time with my family, at the beach, or just lazing around the house. All of which sound entirely delightful when we're under an excessive heat watch for our region through at least Monday. Do what you gotta do. I know I will. 

Stay safe out there. 

CoVID-19: San Diego Drops To Low Community Risk Level Then Back To Medium | Student Loan Debt Relief | San Diego Excessive Heat Warning Through Monday |

 

Aisha & Kaja (Taken 7.29.22)

This is all last week's information, but I thought I'd publish just so I can move forward. I've been having some pretty great days but I had to rein in some nonsense. Last week I spent a few hours just unsubscribing from email lists. It was out of control. It's only gonna get worse leading up to midterms, so it had to be done. I know where I stand on issues and don't need daily reminders of how bad shit is with these nutjobs across the country. It's too much and is just far too toxic. I feel lighter, I'm sleeping better, and I'm getting better at compartmentalizing the things that I need to so my life has a little more balance and joy. 

I hope you do the same. 

Stay safe out there. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Wednesday, August 24 - Tuesday, August 30, 2022: The Killers | Echo & The Bunnymen | The Kabbs | Steve Earle | Wavves | Scary Pierre | Courtney Barnett | River Whyless | Death Bells |

Courtney Barnett (Taken 10.3.2018)

There are some really amazing shows in town this week and in the before times I would've eaten it all up but I've gotten so comfortable doing my thing that I couldn't commit to anything. Like The Killers tonight. I would love to go to the show, especially because I've been seeing that they do some Smiths jams with opener Johnny Marr, but logistically I couldn't pull the trigger. Same for Courtney Barnett. In fact, I think this will be the first time she's played San Diego in her career that I'll be missing. Maybe it isn't too late, but for right now, my priorities are elsewhere. 

I will say that on Tuesday night, a friend invited us to dinner at Ponce's Del Sur and it was my first time eating in an indoor restaurant in something like 30 months. They have great ventilation, spacing at the bar, it wasn't crowded because there was an event on their outdoor patio, and we got to hang out with Devlin. I'm not rushing back to dining in most places, but it seemed relatively safe, especially since just Tuesday, San Diego dropped to the "low community risk level". And besides, it's Ponce's. I was DD because I knew I had hours of work ahead of me to do all these listings, but everyone seemed to have a good time, and after having been suffering in bed from allergies all day, it was nice to get out of the house for a few hours, even if I didn't visit my animal friends at the zoo. 

I didn't really hear any music goss this week, but I did get a notification that Wonderfront has changed their ticketing, so anyone who had already bought three-day passes got upgraded to this newer "Wonder Pass" tier, and 3-day pass prices have been reduced by $80 to $279. Two-day passes are sold out, and single day tickets are expected to sell out this week. Wonder Passes can be purchased for $499 with upgraded amenities. Get all the info here.   

Have a great week and keep being safe out there. Fingers crossed, boosters are coming soon. 

Update: I'm going with my sister and nieces to see The Killers after all thanks to an old high school friend who works with the band (Thanks, Fiddy!) My little gorilla friend will have to wait to see me until tomorrow. 

COVID-19: Blah, Blah, Blah | UK Approves Targeted Vaccines, Will US Follow? | Biden Signs Inflation Reduction Act |

Lemur (Taken 8.19.22)

I have adjusted my priorities.

I do my job. I sleep. I go places. I shop. But this shit is FOR REAL! Amiright? We did the deal, but then there was/is a major government insurgency and people travel and then with COVID and you're like, duh, I told you so, but then you get COVID and you fight all the things and then someone you know who was anti-vax and has had COVID 2 or 3 times and suddenly they need insulin because now they're diabetic but they cannot see the forest for the trees and you want to wish them the best but also, perhaps if you got the vax, you would not be dealing with this bullshit. Or at least not this extreme? 

It doesn't really matter. I'm at the age that people just start dying anyway. I see these stupid pre-roll ads on YouTube and this 20 something is talking about aging and all I want (besides skipping her stupid ad) is scream in her face that nobody wants to hear about anti-aging creams or potions from a 20 year old. Bitch! Get my age and I'm just the beginning. See my mom! She will slaughter your stupid anti-aging creams and bullshit. Find love and you'll maybe live forever. Like my mom. 

I deleted COVID data this week. I just can't. Not today. You know what's up. I can't be the only fight and I'd rather spend my time at the San Diego Zoo. 

Be safe out there. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Wednesday, August 17-Tuesday, August 23, 2022: The Bellwether Syndicate | Shakey Graves | En Vogue | Surefire Soul Ensemble | BeerX | The Head And The Heart | Kid Cudi |

The Head And The Heart (Taken 8.2.2019)

I don't think we're done with the pandemic, but it seems life is moving as if it is so and it's interesting to see how differently it is being handled by artists and particularly their management. On the one hand, bands who were playing small venues before the pandemic came right back to those small venues to test that their fan base was still there and seeking them out. Then there are other artists who could play smaller venues who somehow think during the pandemic that their fans just couldn't wait to see them and thus overbooked themselves...playing venues waaaaay too big for them and then crying about it when they're not moving tickets. I've always believed venues should let you know what their calendars look like moving forward, but it isn't the venue's duty to make your fans for you...if people don't know you or haven't heard you, it is on you to make them know you...not my job to introduce you to the world and sell 500 or 700 or 1200 or 2300 tickets for you. Artists need to check themselves, check their management, and come back to this reality and book appropriately. The Head and The Heart selling out two nights at Humphrey's is amazing, but some of these bands coming through are just shooting way too high. Come back to earth in this 'post-pandemic' world or start working on getting Tik-Tok famous. 

Also, if you're here reading my nonsense, thank you. For my friend that gave me a big fat Venmo tip for my work, thank you, especially. Your tip will get us an amazing takeout dinner at our favorite spot and that is kinda everything. xoxox 

COVID-19: CDC You're On Your Own! Good Luck! | Killer Whale Nakai Dies Of Infection At Sea World | TFG Proves Once Again To Be A Fucking Loose Canon Criminal Of The Highest Order |

 

Orca at Sea World (Taken 2.20.22)

Everytime I think I'm going to post, I get caught up with something else or some new big news drops and I just never get around to it. Over the past couple weeks, the CDC has loosened COVID-19 guidance so pretty much everyone interpreted it to mean that COVID is over and you can just resume life, when in reality, you still need to isolate if you're sick or testing positive. The end. This shouldn't be this hard. We also learned of TFG's house/resort being searched by the FBI and goddamn if he isn't the most corrupt fucking human on the planet and it is so embarrassing that I have family who are MAGA nutjobs. Whatever happens, charges need to be brought on this fucking crook so that he is never allowed to run for office in this country again. 

But what I wanted to talk about was Sea World. They lost another orca, 20 year old Nakai, apparently due to an infection. I am going to defend Sea World here. I'm not an animal expert, but some mom posted video after the death showing a couple orcas "fighting". Sea World veterinarians said this behavior is normal and called raking. If we're going to argue about the value or harm of animals in captivity altogether, then what are you even doing here? But if we can look at this is how it is and all we can do is do better for the animals, you'll notice almost all animals exhibit this behavior-- gorilla brothers Frank and Monroe wrestle and "fight" all the time and one of them recently had an enormous gash on the shoulder, from the other's teeth while roughhousing. Just yesterday, the elephant brothers were tusk in tusk and trunk to trunk "fighting" for dominance while they waited for dinner. My sibling cats wrestle all the time over balls, beds, and just to terrorize the entire household while everyone is asleep. In a perfect world, animals would live abundantly in their natural habitats, but this isn't that world. Northern White Rhinos are functionally extinct. Far too many animals in captivity have counterparts in the single or triple digits in the wild - leopards and Somali wild ass immediately come to mind -- and I support accredited wildlife facilities that are part of the AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) whose goals are "promoting species conservation and animal welfare" as well as educate the public and learn from the animals in their care to help their counterparts in the wild. 

I was heartbroken when I heard another young orca died in Sea World's care, but even in captivity, animal care specialists can't 100% control conditions and outright prevent animal incidents, nor should we expect them to do so. 

Stay safe out there.   

Things To Do In San Diego: Wednesday, August 10-Tuesday, August 16, 2022: She Wants Revenge | Tones and I | The Regrettes | Shamir | Creepy Creeps | Trombone Shorty's Voodoo Threauxdown | Tchotchke | Robert Plant & Allison Krauss | MUNA | Durand Jones |

Today I saw a friend post about being completely non-functional during the daytime and I was feeling it and comforted that I'm not the only one. I looked over at my air conditioner wondering why it was not cooling the room, even after sundown, and one of my jerk kittens had stepped on it and set the temperature to 79. 79!! Now it's back to 64, unfortunately as low as it goes, and I was finally able to get this week's listings done. They may not have all the music news and announcements - I tend to get a lot of updates on Thursday and Friday after I publish, but check back and there will be more, I'm sure. 

Stay safe out there. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Wednesday, August 10, 2022: Lost Dog Street Band | WINGTIPS | Imagery Machine |

 

Okay, okay. So what happened was that on Monday I was having some cocktails and trying to organize my photos from this year and so I stayed up super late. That meant I slept in super late on Tuesday and then I did work and I didn't even go to the zoo, and then I tried to start doing my listings and my computer was painfully slow so I went to restart it and of course, there were a bunch of updates and those took forever. In fact, they were still updating when I finally decided to give up and go to sleep. So today you're just getting tonight's listings. I can't not go to the zoo today for my own physical and mental health, so I'll get around to the full week's listings tonight when my apartment isn't 82 degrees with the air conditioning on. Note that tonight's Casbah show has been moved to Whistle Stop so Casbah will be closed tonight. 

Stay safe out there. 

CoViD-19: | Monkeypox Declared US, State, County Emergency | President Biden Tests Negative After 'Consequential Isolation' | Pandemic Drove Us To Drink More Beer |

 

Indah and Kaja at San Diego Zoo (Taken 8.6.22)

I've been meaning to post all week, but I'm actually trying to live my summer, too, so I'm limiting my online time. Plus my apartment is so damn hot, it just feels better to be out at the Zoo in the cooler shady areas than hoping our a/c can fight the heat.

But I did want to write briefly because today is the 10 year anniversary of the night me and Darren met, so even though he's working today, we've been kinda celebrating all week. It's a really big deal for me, after a life of crappy, emotionally abusive relationships, to find someone who loves me and respects me and treats me like a queen and I feel like we've only just begun. I'd say I can count our big fights on one hand, but none have ever been big enough to be big, nothing that I can particularly remember being so mad about we didn't immediately make up. He's been an amazing friend and partner and love, and I just wanted to acknowledge how grateful I am for that magical night at Soda Bar that changed my life forever. 

Beyond that, this week I went to the Father John Misty show on Wednesday and I'm still going to the San Diego Zoo everyday. They're open until 9 through Labor Day, after that we'll have to see how life shakes out and if I can get my ass in gear earlier in the day to pop over. I wanted to at least get this week's data up, though you're on your own for the big need-to-know news of the week. 

Stay safe out there. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Wednesday, August 3 - Tuesday, August 9, 2022: Petite Amie | Father John Misty | Tiki Oasis | Jon Snodgrass | Glass Spells | Sum 41 | Man Man | ArtWalk Liberty Station | DAY.MVS XL | Rostam | John Reis |

Me & Father John Misty (circa May 2012)

Like everyone, I'm so sick of COVID-19. I hated my isolation a couple weeks back, I hate that the virus is still everywhere, and I hate that people are knowingly positive and just out in the world living as if they're fine, because that means people like me, responsible for taking care of my dad in palliative care and having a teen just over a week out from going back to high school and a partner who doesn't get paid if he gets sick, can't actually live normal lives. When I think about all the amazing shows I've missed this year, it's pretty depressing, but it's the way it's gotta be for me so long as this carries on.

So I'll be doing my thing, but there are a lot of fun things happening this week, so if you're healthy and living your carefree best life, get out there. 

As always, I'll update these listings if anything comes up that I missed. 

Be safe out there. 

COVID-19: It's In The Poop | How Long Is COVID Infectious? | Rewilding Mission Bay Is Going To Happen, Kinda | County Offers Naloxone |

 

Indah and baby Kaja (Taken 7.24.22)

This post is shorter than most because I just wanted to get San Diego's data posted. Obviously this week was full of news that I haven't linked. That Senator Manchin may go along with the reconciliation plan is HUGE and hopefully that moves quickly. I know there's a ton of concessions, but I'm presently watching Borgen on Netflix and with these old fogeys running shit, we have to accept compromise sometimes. There was also massive flooding across the country, including in St. Louis, and while Nova's family seems okay, her grandparents are battling COVID so her summer trip to visit them and her mom is now canceled, again, for the third time since travel restrictions lifted last year. We're glad to have her but I don't know how many times we can put her through the anxiety and anticipation that results from rescheduling the visits. It's a good thing she has The Center and has found her people for a little more support and she's not quite so isolated. 

As for me, I've been doing my thing. Over the weekend I woke up early on Saturday and Sunday to go see Kaja, the baby orang who is only out until about 10:30 each day. On Sunday afternoon, Nova and I met Darren at work and enjoyed a very empty Safari Park. During the week, I take my work with me to the San Diego Zoo. I try to go every day, but on Wednesday it was super special because I got some alone time with Denny (because everyone thought the gorillas had already gone in for the night) then zipped over to Sea World to see my favorite walrus, which was also empty, at least in that exhibit, for the final hour of their night. I'm going to be heartbroken when summer nights end and the parks all go back to closing at 5 or 6pm, so I'm trying to get it all in as much as I can. As it is, Safari Park hours right now are 9am-7pm, which ends on Sunday. After that, they're back to 9am-5pm. If you have a pass, you should really take advantage. On Sunday I was pretty much alone with the volunteer and seven rhinos for over an hour at Kilima Point. Just go after 3pm. Make it a full trip and find some amazing Mexican food up there and take advantage of the competitive corner with gas under $5 a gallon. 

I don't know when I'll brave shows again, but until I do, I'm so happy to have relatively safe outdoor spaces to spend my time. 

Stay safe out there.  

Things To Do In San Diego: Wednesday, July 27-Tuesday, August 2, 2022: The Lumineers | RHCP | Guerilla Toss | The Havnauts | Blind Owl Summer Slam | David Gray | Hotel Mira | The Beths |

Me & Brian of Silversun Pickups, Circa 2010

Summer is so weird. San Diego doesn't have the giant festivals that other places have, but we're getting our share of touring bands. We're also getting a large share of COVID, so maybe stay home if you test positive and spare your music community of your contagiousness until you're negative. I don't know where the CDC invented 5 days, but I don't know anyone who has tested positive for fewer than 10. It's maybe a good time to explore your local Concerts in the Park, and I used to track them pretty well, but I don't anymore. You can find them. Bird Park, Kate Sessions, Pioneer Park all probably have stuff this time of year. 

I'm not doing any shows for now, but was happy to hear Silversun Pickups announced a show at Observatory on my birthday. Maybe I'll feel different or conditions will change again by then. If you are going to shows, be safe, wear a mask, and maybe chill on the woo-hooing. 

Stay safe out there.  

New Show Announcements:

• August 21 - Francis Blume, Lauren Leigh, Lindsay White @ Casbah
• September 13 - Josie Cotton @ Casbah
• September 28 - Silversun Pickups, Eliza & The Delusionals @ Obsevatory
• September 30 - Plague Vendor @ Casbah
• October 15 - Jake Scott @ Observatory
• November 11 - Måneskin @ SOMA
• November 13 - Friendship @ Voodoo Room, House of Blues
• November 19 - MEZERG @ Soda Bar

Wednesday, July 27, 2022:

• The Lumineers: Brightside World Tour, Gregory Alan Isakov @ Pechanga Arena
• Red Hot Chili Peppers, Haim, Thundercat @ Petco Park 
• Zach Person, Video Rose @ Casbah
• The Dream Syndicate - 40th Anniversary Tour @ Soda Bar
• Wheeler Walker Jr., Channing Wilson @ Belly Up (Sold Out)
• Tulengua, TX, Soul FLow, 18Scales @ Music Box
• The Shane Hall Band, The Vindys (Ohio), Ash Easton @ Pour House
• Dance Gavin Dance 'An Evening With Friends' Tour, Royal Coda, Body Thief @ House of Blues
• Tiki Oasis Opening Party with Slack Key Ohana, Tiki Mug Giveaway @ The Luau Bar 
• Riff City Comedy @ Whistle Stop
• City Soul Collective with DJ Sergio Tahini (Jake Najor), Sure Fire Soul Ensemble @ Til-Two Club
• Emerging Composers | San Diego New Music @ Athenaeum Art Center at Bread & Salt
• Gilbert Castellanos Young Lions Series & Jazz Jam @ Copley Auditorium, Panama 66
• Twilight in the Park: Ginger Cowgirl/Stacy Antonel @ Spreckels Pavilion, Balboa Park (Free,6:30-7:30pm)
• Here There Are Blueberries @ La Jolla Playhouse
• Pretty Woman: The Musical @ Civic Theatre
• Electric Louie Land @ Seven Grand  
• Bored Teachers Summer Break Comedy Tour with Thomas English, Devin Siebold, KC Mack, Miss Smith, Honest Teacher Vibes @ The Magnolia
• All Souls, Ape Machine, Los Pinche Pinches @ Brick by Brick
• Jason Hanna and the Swingin Bananas @ Riviera Supper Club
• Rockin' Aces @ Tio Leo's
• Leonard Bernstein's New York @ New Village Arts
• Dial M For Murder @ The Old Globe
• Something Rotten! @ Moonlight Amphitheatre
• Maverick City Music Kingdom Tour with Kirk Franklin @ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, SDSU
• Summerfest Open Rehearsal I @ The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center (2:30PM)
• Taylor Clark in San Diego @ Tower Bar
• Jemere Morgan, Willz @ Winston's 
• Karaoke @ Rosie O'Grady's 
• Tyler Ray @ Salvation Stage, House of Blues (FREE)
• Blues Jam @ Navajo Live
• Karaoke @ Bancroft Bar
• Trivia Wednesday @ Quartyard 
• Tradewinds @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Open Mic @ 710 Beach Club

Thursday, July 28, 2022:

• Guerilla Toss, Forty Feet Tall @ Casbah
• Sam Ritchie, Kass Rose Gold, Moon Panda @ Soda Bar
• Leo Kottke - an evening with @ Belly Up (Sold Out, Seated Show) 
• Tony Jaw Karaoke Competition @ Ken Club
• Brett Eldredge, Nate Smith @ The Magnolia (Moved From OAT, SDSU)
• Cory Pesaturo @ Museum of Making Music
• Twilight in the Park: Marine Band @ Spreckels Pavilion, Balboa Park (Free,6:30-7:30pm)
• One Hot Night tour // One Less Guest, Lords of the Satellite, Heaping Teaspoon & The Brain Ghosts @ The Holding Company
• Victoria Robertson @ Plaza Bar, Westgate Hotel
• No Swoon, Hex, The Morning Room @ Tower Bar
• A Tribute to The Music of Djavan @ The Jazz Lounge
• Freqs n' Beats with J. Anders, Yazi, Bizzy Balboa, DJ Almond Eyez @ The Merrow
• BLAH Jazz hosted by Louie Valenzuela @ Blind Lady Ale House (7-10pm)
• Pretty Woman: The Musical @ Civic Theatre
• Witnesses @ California Center for the Arts, Escondido
• Here There Are Blueberries @ La Jolla Playhouse
• Leonard Bernstein's New York @ New Village Arts
• Dial M For Murder @ The Old Globe
• Vamp/So Say We All @ Whistle Stop 
• Something Rotten! @ Moonlight Amphitheatre
• DJ Julz & Guests @ The Rec Room, Park & Rec
• Some Suns, Gypsy Sally @ Winston's 
• Jimmy Ruelas @ Seven Grand  
• The Emergency Exit Band @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Aztec Open Mic @ Aztec Brewing Company, Vista
• Lyrical Exchange Open Mic @ Queen Bee's
• Open Mic with Whit @ Pour House 
• The Rumours, Deathboys, Kilfeather, Silent Vice @ Til-Two Club
• Open Jam with Jeff Ousley @ Navajo Live
• Arts & Crafts @ The Rabbit Hole
• Mercedes Moore @ Tio Leo's
• Good Faith Nite Market @ Quartyard 
• Karaoke @ 710 Beach Club

Friday, July 29, 2022:

• Blind Owl Summer Slam feat Chest Fever, Lord Howler, Justin John Rodriguez, Jesseray Smith. Sleepy Pearls in the Razzmatazz Room @ Casbah
• Moans, Anthony Cullins, Auz Fontaine @ Soda Bar
• Prince Again, Generation Idol  @ Belly Up
• Benefit for WRAAP (Women's Reproductive Rights Assistance Project) with Nicole McFly, The Havnauts, Scary Pierre, Loudmouth @ Black Cat Bar 
• The Green, Stranger @ Beach House
• Whitney Shay & The JazzKatz Orchestra @ Dizzy's
• Club Sex Beat with Black Light Odyssey, Mysti Tonik, 7th Stranger, Javi Nunez @ Ken Club
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 In Concert @ The Shell
• Padres CocktailFest @ Gallagher Square, Petco Park
• Padres vs. Minnesota Twins @ Petco Park
• Here There Are Blueberries @ La Jolla Playhouse
• Riot Scene Presents HOMETOWN HELL: Blackcast, Dreaming Of A Day, Mandala, Defy The Tyrants, Upon The Water, Ghostlife, Good For Nothing @ SOMA Sidestage
• Trio Gadjo @ Panama 66
• Simon Patterson, Fashawn, Mitchy Slick, Sir Veterano, Flii Stylz @ Music Box
• Atomic Groove's Summer Groove Happy Hour @ Belly Up (Happy Hour 5pm)
• MohaviSoul @ Grand Ole BBQ & Asado
• Juneshine at Moonshine @ Moonshine Beach 
• Steven Cade @ Moonshine Beach 
• Coriander Flats @ Moonshine Flats 
• Freddie Walton @ The Luau Bar 
• John January @ Aztec Brewing Company, Vista
• Los Tortugas @ The Rabbit Hole
• Chloe Lou & The Liddells @ Humphrey's Backstage Live (5pm)
• Carlos Velasco @ Veranda Bar, Westgate Hotel 
• Led Zeppelin 2 @ House of Blues
• Vokab Kompany, Purple Kief, Simple @ The Holding Company
• Witnesses @ California Center for the Arts, Escondido
• Bonneville 7 @ Rosie O'Grady's
• Be Maeva @ Seven Grand  
• Pretty Woman: The Musical @ Civic Theatre
• Leonard Bernstein's New York @ New Village Arts
• Dial M For Murder @ The Old Globe
• Something Rotten! @ Moonlight Amphitheatre
• SummerFest Opening Night: Side By Side @ The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center
• The Sound Station, Sellwoods (Portland),Thee Allyrgic Reaction, w/ DJs Tony The Tyger and Richard Whig @ Tower Bar 
• Jerry 'Hotrod' DeMink @ Salvation Stage, House of Blues (FREE)
• Rock of Ages @ Park & Rec
• REO Brothers @ Heritage Event Center, Sycuan Casino
• The Happys!, Doah's Daydream @ Winston's 
• Latino Night with Los Angeles Negros de Chile, Los Arson @ The Park at Viejas Casino 
• Plenum (Joy Division tribute), The Touchies, Super Buffet @ Pour House
• Dig Nitty @ Pour House (5-8pm)  
• Ventralis, Car Radio, Michael Montano @ The Merrow
• Karaoke @ 710 Beach Club
• Pocket Candy @ Riviera
• The Cramp'd, The Humblers, Cut-Rate Druggist @ Til-Two Club
• The New Catillacs @ Tio Leo's
• Liquid Blue @ Humphrey's Backstage Live (8pm)
• Blackout (Scorpions), Chosen Arrow @ Navajo Live 
• A Tribute to The Music of Djavan @ The Jazz Lounge
• Spin Nightclub: Unicorn Takeover @ SPIN
• The Remnants @ Fast Times
• Sake and Karaoke Fridays @ Mikami

Saturday, July 30, 2022:

• Blind Owl Summer Slam feat. Mrs. Henry, The Loons, Barbara Wire, Fresh Veggie Micro Brass, The Fazes in the Razzmatazz Room @ Casbah 
• Banda World - Live Banda X Perreo Party @ The Observatory North Park (18+)
• 2000's Indie Dance Party with Black Crystal Wolf Kids, Geezer @ Soda Bar
• Jerry's Middle Finger - an evening with @ Belly Up  
• Booty Bassment with DJs Dmitri & Rob Moran @ Whistle Stop
• The Farmers @ Navajo Live
• Ashanti @ Electric Ocean Summer Concert Series, Sea World
• The Havnauts, Hutchie (SEA), Matt Caskitt & the Breaks @ Pour House (9pm) 
• The Calvins, Punch Card, Matters Most, Mutates @ Ken Club
• Swingin' With John Saavedra @ Panama 66
• Padres vs. Minnesota Twins @ Petco Park
• Club Sabbat Fetish Night @ SPIN
• Richard Marx @ Agua Caliente
• Chickenbone Slim @ Pour House (5-8pm) 
• Dial M For Murder @ The Old Globe (2pm & 8pm) 
• Something Rotten! @ Moonlight Amphitheatre
• Pretty Woman: The Musical @ Civic Theatre
• Witnesses @ California Center for the Arts, Escondido
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 In Concert @ The Shell
• Here There Are Blueberries @ La Jolla Playhouse (2pm & 8pm)
• Tristan's Birthday Party with Hailey Wild @ Aztec Brewing Company, Vista
• Get On Your Feet! - An 80s Celebration @ Balboa Theatre
• SummerFest: Point Counterpoint @ The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center
• Jenny Scheinman Quintet @ La Jolla Athenaeum
• Rock of Ages @ The Rabbit Hole
• The Flipside Burners @ Grand Ole BBQ & Asado
• Gimme Gimme Disco @ House of Blues
• A Tribute to The Music of Djavan @ The Jazz Lounge
• The Journeymen @ The Holding Company
• Mind Power -DJ OG Mike Giant, Profile, Marasulu @ Tower Bar
• Bywater Skanks @ Seven Grand  
• Rodriguez Jr. Live, Maikm, Chrysocolla @ Quartyard
• Cassie B Project @ Moonshine Beach 
• Steven Cade @ Moonshine Flats 
• EYE, Parasitic Existence, KUSHTAKA @ Til-Two Club
• Konrad Malinowski Quartet @ Riviera 
• 8 East Band @ Mr. Peabody's
• Kottonmouth Kings, Sleeping Faceless, Lil Stone, Freebass Record, Deadly Dispute @ Brick By Brick
• Igor & Red Elvises @ The Merrow
• Milky Wayne presents Mike Holmes, C13, Parker Lewiz, Q. Hype, Mercy Soul, Campthechamp, Mackstar Mitchy, Hosted by Bizzy Balboa, Music by DJ Willi @ Black Cat Bar 
• Holly Hofman @ Plaza Bar, Westgate Hotel 
• Ron Houston & The Berry Pickers @ Salvation Stage, House of Blues (FREE)
• Tribe Divine @ 710 Beach Club
• Zeptune ( A Tribute to Led Zeppelin) @ Winston's (9:30pm)
• Metal Show and food drive @ Winston's (2pm) 
• Love Hate DJ Sets @ Park & Rec
• Groove Mercenaries @ Tio Leo's
• Janice Edwards @ Humphrey's Backstage Live (5pm)
• Wildside @ Humphrey's Backstage Live (8pm)

Sunday, July 31, 2022:

• David Gray @ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, SDSU
• Hotel Mira, The Zolas @ Casbah
• The Jack Moves, Weapons of Mass Creation, Los Shadows @ Soda Bar
• Leon Bridges - The Boundless Tour, Little Dragon @ The Shell
  
• Michael Franti & Spearhead, Tropidelic @ Humphrey's Concerts By The Bay
• Claudia Gomez presents Tap Jam @ Panama 66 (3-5pm)
• Sunday Concert with Bob Plimpton @ Spreckels Pavilion, Balboa Park (Free, 2pm)
• SummerFest: Beyond Bach @ The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center
• Birds Kill Bugs, Machine Politik, Wabash Canons @ Navajo Live 
• Feels & Stucco @ Whistle Stop
• The Hips @ Winston's (4pm)
• Padres vs. Minnesota Twins @ Petco Park
• Karaoke "Jose Sinatra hosts O.B.-o-ke - San Diego's Best Karaoke" @ Winston's (8pm)
• Leonard Bernstein's New York @ New Village Arts
• Dial M For Murder @ The Old Globe (2pm & 7pm) 
• A Midummer Night's Dream @ The Old Globe 
• Something Rotten! @ Moonlight Amphitheatre
• Pretty Woman: The Musical @ Civic Theatre
• Get On Your Feet! - An 80s Celebration @ Balboa Theatre (3pm)
• Salsa and Bachata @ Moonshine Beach 
• Karaoke @ The Merrow
• Jazz Jam @ Aztec Brewing Company, Vista
• Kimmi Bitter, The Hill Family Band @ Sycamore Den (6-8pm)
• Jason Cruz & Howl, QUEL BORDEL, Al Barnes @ The Holding Company (2:30pm)
• Riot Scene presents Takers Leavers (OC), other acts TBA @ Pour House  
• The Ginger Cowgirl/Stacy Antonel @ Grand Ole BBQ & Asado
• Shipwrecks Fest: Sage Armstrong, Ciszak @ Quartyard (4-9pm)
• Anthony Ortega Jazz Quartet @ Mr. Peabody's
• Twerk and Chill DJ Sets @ Park & Rec 
• Robin Henkel @ Salvation Stage, House of Blues (FREE)
• Turnstyled, Junkpiled (songwriters in the Round) @ Til-Two Club
• Salsa Sundays @ Queen Bee's (All Ages)
• Rob Thorsen @ Veranda Bar, Westgate Hotel (11am-1pm)
• Third Project @ Humphrey's Backstage Live (8:30pm)
• DJ West @ 710 Beach Club (3pm)
• Karoake @ 710 Beach Club (7:30pm)
• Trivia @ The Holding Company (7pm)
• OGR (Old Guys Rock) @ Fast Times
• Trivia and Sake Nights @ Mikami
  

Monday, August 1, 2022:

• Nick Dorian, Dry Humor @ Soda Bar
• Lady Dottie & The Diamonds with Rick Lyon @ Tower Bar
• San Diego International Summer Organ Festival: Chelsea Chen @ Spreckels Pavilion, Balboa Park (Free, 7:30pm)
• Electric Waste Band @ Winston's 
• Manzanita Blues Band @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Bark at the Park @ Petco Park
• Blue Monday with DJ Camilla Robina, DJ Heather Hardcore @ The Merrow
• Trivia Night w/Kyle @ Pour House 
• Padres vs. Colorado Rockies @ Petco Park
• SummerFest: Encounter: Under The Influence(r) @ The JAI, The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center
• Monday Blues Jam @ Aztec Brewery, Vista
• Open Mic with Jay Cain @ Mr. Peabody's
• Karaoke @ The Holding Company
• Caliente Mondays Salsa y Bachata @ Tio Leo's
• Karaoke @ The Holding Company
• Jaws the band @ Navajo Live 
• Line Dancing Lessons @ Moonshine Beach 
• Mic'd Up at Moonshine  @ Moonshine Flats 

Tuesday, August 2, 2022:

• The Beths, Rosie Tucker @ Belly Up
• Jupiter Flight, Velzy, Michael Montano @ Casbah
• Helena Holleran, Sahara Grim, Crystal Rose @ Soda Bar
• Sheryl Crow, Keb' Mo' @ The Shell
• New Found Glory - 20 Years of Sticks and Stones, Four Year Strong, Be Well @ The Observatory
• The Tourmaliners, Surfer Joe (Tiki Oasis Pre-Party) @ Tio Leo's
• Twilight in the Park: Summer Winds @ Spreckels Pavilion, Balboa Park (Free,6:30-7:30pm)
• Sketch Party -Drink & Draw @ Whistle Stop
• Reggae Tuesdaze Presents Psydecar (Tim's BDAY Party), DJ Brizion @ The Holding Company
• Songbirds of Shelter Island @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Matt Hall's Jazz & Cocktail Party @ Seven Grand  
• Dial M For Murder @ The Old Globe (7pm) 
• Here There Are Blueberries @ La Jolla Playhouse
• A Midummer Night's Dream @ The Old Globe (8pm)
• Vicki and Carl Zeiger Insights Seminars: A Midsummer Night's Dream @ The Old Globe (7pm)
• Padres vs. Colorado Rockies @ Petco Park (Day Game & Night Game)
• SummerFest Artist Lounge: Joyce Yang @ The Atkinson Room, The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center (SOLD OUT)
• SummerFest: Open Rehearsal II @ The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center (2:30pm)
• Open Mic Comedy Night @ The Rabbit Hole 
• Blues Berry Jam @ Queen Bee's
• Trivia Night @ 710 Beach Club
• Karaoke @ The Merrow
• Karaoke @ Aztec Brewing Company, Vista
• Tuesday Jazz Jam @ The Jazz Lounge
• RIXE (France), Castillo, Self Sabotage, DJ JoeKim77 @ Tower Bar
• Bluesday Tuesday - Open Blues Jam @ Winston's
• Karaoke @ Bancroft Bar
• Terrible Tuesday All Vinyl DJ Night wtih DJ Lexicon Devil @ Pour House 
• Karaoke @ Peabody's
• Trivia Night @ Park & Rec
• Karaoke with Christine @ Navajo Live 

COVID-19: Biden Has COVID-19 | Missing Comic-Con | Baby Orangutan Kaja |

36 year old Indah (b. 6.23.86) with baby Kaja (b. 1.4.22)
You can see the two in their public orangutan habitat at the San Diego Zoo from opening until around 10:30am each day.  (Photo taken 7.24.22)

My preview day of Comic-Con didn't happen. I had worked all night to get my listings up for the week and updating my Comic-Con page, that by the time I was done, I didn't want to steal the final hour of Darren's sleep before his long day of 100 degree temps at San Diego Zoo Safari Park, so I continued working while watching old seasons of Bergen on Netflix, which a friend recommended while I was sick with COVID-19. 

I was feeling a little funny all week. I know I tested negative and life is back to normal, but that means allergies, misery when it's hot, being tired after working late nights, still having to help move my dad to his medical bed several nights a week, wh8ich means long late night drives to Chula Vista and back. Every day I psyched myself up, then made excuses to myself for not going to Comic-Con when if I had just been honest with myself-- after having COVID I don't want it again, I don't feel comfortable in massive gatherings, I don't want to be indoors with others-- I could've just enjoyed the weekend a little more fully and without guilt. It proved true after Darren and I attempted to go the Observatory on Thursday night for Purity Ring, but left after I was done shooting. If we couldn't handle a 1,000 person venue at a not even sold out show, how was I supposed to tolerate the Convention Center? Or even navigating the crowded streets outside? I don't imagine my life will always be this way, but for now, this is where I am and I just need to be honest about that and to be okay with that. It doesn't mean I'm not sad for missing it. It doesn't mean I didn't enjoy all the pictures and posts on social media. I just couldn't pull it off myself. 

Besides Purity Ring, I did (of course) go to the zoo more than a few times, even going in the morning then going back in the evening on the same day, attempted to drive downtown for Comic-Con but got cold feet and ended up only shopping at the Grocery Outlet down there, helped my dad a few nights, drove around with Nova and Darren through downtown just to see the Comic-Con action on Saturday night, and went to the Safari Park. It was a full weekend, not the least of which because for the first time ever in all my years of having a zoo pass, I woke up early enough for the early hour open to members only. That was a whole thing, but maybe I'll talk about it another time. For now, last week's updates to explain why everyone you know is sick. 

Stay safe out there.