Tours, Shows, and Awards for Maren Parusel

Since days off for me are very limited or are a week long.  It is hard to pick and choose the show that I want to attend due to work scheduling and my constant procrastination.  Not to mention the insomnia that occurs since all I can think about is work  and the local music scene.  


This Sunday was like no other weekend night.  Maren Parusel just returned from an excruciating two month tour.  The night before they were in Las Vegas playing the Artifice.  Hours, and I mean hours later they made it back to San Diego.  Right off the van and onto the Casbah Stage.


The line up was Noel Jordan, Maren Parusel and Jesse Malin and St. Marks Social.  With a total of maybe 60-75 people in attendance for the show, this was still a highlight of my weekend.  Walking into Noel as he was in the middle of his set took me back to my teen years of hanging out watching The Classified his voice is recognizable compared to all the vocalist in San Diego.  


With a quick hellos and hugs to Maren and the band.  The drinks started quick flowing.  (this was probably bad idea number #1) It has been so long since I have seen and hung out with Kyle McGee.   (the few stories of Austin, TX were enough to bond us for a while.)


The time came and Maren Parusel introduced her self and the band. With in seconds the sound that exploded from those speakers were undescribable. Not seeing the band since maybe SXSW and a Bar Pink show in between.  It was time to take note of a band that once held a place to my heart.  Playing songs from their debut album Artificial Gardens.  Songs such as "Dont Take Your Eyes Away," "Artificial Gardens," and  "Ordinary Day."   


Although the line up has changed since the first time ever seeing Maren Parusel.  The music being played out and written by this band is extraordinary. Maybe a reason why Monday night they won Best Pop Album for Artificial Gardens at the San Diego Music Awards this year.  Only predicting that this band is just beginning to see the good out of of all the hard work is now finally paying off.  

Do not miss Maren Parusel next time around. Their next show is August 18th at The Belly Up Tavern with Kevin Martin.  

As I wish I can do a full review, I was too intoxicated half way between Jesse Malin set to write an honest review, however the pictures I took were great!

Maren Parusel trouble in the East Coast.

Reading updates on Owl & Bear or NBC Sounddiego Blog is awesome when it is about the locals on tour.  A tour diary more or less of the ins and outs of what is going on with the band as they travel city to city.  However, when you read a story such as that of Maren Parusel, it breaks my little heart to read that there are people out there targeting touring bands when their van is left unattended.

A few years back I had a few friends have their studio broken into.  A slew of benefit shows began.  Equipment that is irreplaceable or has some kind of significance to the band.  (Their "baby") A few weeks later another tour van disappeared.  Another studio broken into. So on and so fourth.  What do you do when you are in another part of the country and your van gets broken into.  Do as Maren does.. Keep on trucking and don't give up!

Between the early morning of 3am and 7am on W87th street not to far from Central Park, the white ford E250 was broken into.  Taking guitars, merch box, cash box with money inside, food and clothes and almost all the belongings left in the van.  Below is a laundry list of the items with a  description followed by pictures.  If anyone can help out and keep an eye for these items that would be great. Tragic as it seems, if any one wants to donate to the cause of helping Maren out here is where you can lend your donations:

Donations can be made to: Chase Bank
Account Name: Maren Parusel
Account Number: 444 201 2871
4078 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA
619-280-8872



Items gone missing:

1. Custom built bass guitar, in shape of Fender Precision Bass. Red w/ white pickguard.
Black hardshell case with some damage on corners,

2. 1984 Fender Japanese Stratocaster, white w/ white pickguard, lace sensor pickups.
Brown guitar shaped case w/ "Gorilla Coffee" sticker on case. Also "Fragile" sticker.

3. Fender "Telecaster/Esquire". 80's Japanese Fernandes Telecaster body, brown/black sunburst w/ black pickguard. Fender Esquire neck.
Black "Kases" case. Hardshell with soft surround and zipper, rectangular shape. 2 cables in the pocket.

4. Epiphone Casino, Hollow body. TV Yellow.
Black guitar shaped hard case w/ stencil "Maren Parusel"

5. BOSS Pedal board w/ 5 pedals.
-Boss Chromatic Tuner
-Boss Chorus
-Maxon OD-808 Overdrive
-Ibanez Tubescreamer
-Boss Tremolo
-Boss Digital Delay

6. Yamaha Keyboard. Black 88 Keys, weighted.

7. Alesis Micron synth. In violin case with stencil "Maren Parusel"

8. DW-9000 Kick Pedal, in hard-shell DW case, with stencil "GOLD"

9. 1 Rack-Tom. Porkpie 12", Sparkly Red with stencil "GOLD"



Other items:

-Black Cashbox w/ approx $1,100

-Garmin GPS w/ stand and cable.

-HP Laptop computer, black.

-Camping bag full of clothing and personal items.

-Black chest w/ band's merchandise

-Black windbreaker type jacket

-black and red "Trader Joe's" food bag. 

Hanging with the King...and other debaucherous tales

So what was a weekend full of music like?  Started at the Casbah and ended at the Casbah.  Everything in between was just plain fun. Pictures are worth a million words, right?  Something like that, I got some words about Jul16-18th.  You can blame me not updating the blog for that reason actually.  I decided to take a mini local vacation and pack as much rockn roll into 3 days as one can do.

It started with King Khan and Gris Gris.  Opening for them was The Fink Bombs and a maybe new favorite band Shake Before Us.  Maybe a new favorite band.  I need to go check them out a few more times prior to making that final decision.  Then finally the moment that this sold out venue was waiting for, King Khan and The Gris Gris hit the stage.  The dance party unfolded. Casbah was in full swing of rockers looking for a dance floor to shake what their mother gave them.  A full hour or so of music and the band was done. Drinks with the Guitarist and lead singer of The Gris Gris took place by the merch table. Always a treat to speak to the band afterwards especially if they had a very stellar set.   What to do? What to do? Probably go home and sleep the night away with dreams of the beauty that was a Saturday night filled with music, laughter, jokes, friends and whiskey.

It's Sunday mid-afternoon, only one place to be; Lafayette Hotel Pool for the ultimate KK & GG PP.  Acronyms could really suck if you don't know what this means. Let me break it down for you.  King Khan and The Gris Gris Pool Party. Ten dollars gets you into the pool to hear King Khan DJ a good amount of songs out of his iPod. (Let's just say that American Airlines is not that to good with shipping vinyl).  Few hours into the mixing of the ones and twos on the iPod, the ever so loving staff at Lafayette set up for another hour of King Khan and The Gris Gris pool side.  What more can this little lady ask for pool side in a classic two piece, the sun shining and rockn roll live music from a great band.

The day was not over after the party.  It kept going as a mater of fact. That night Bar Pink was celebrating 4 years since the day they opened their doors with musical guest The Creepy Creepys (who r recently opened for Robert Plant June9th in San Manuel) .  Then the lights went black.  Woke up the next day with the worst hangover in months!

The only thing that would get me out and about again was being kidnapped to lay in the beach.  No such luck, instead, got kidnapped on a boat. That is right.  Not just any boat, however the KPRI boat with Portugal, The Man playing as we cruised the beautiful San Diego Bay.  (Yes you are allowed to be jealous right now).  I can not explain the beauty that is San Diego.  The Sunset, the downtown skyline, the water and all of the above.  This is probably why people pay so much money to live in our beautiful town.

Once that boat ride was over, Casbah here we come.  Behind The Wagon, Screaming YeeHaws, and Coda Reactor.   Still trying to figure out how all these shows were done with in 48 hours baffles me! Honestly it does not. Although, trying to keep the weekend "mellow" was an idea that occurred many times.   For Casbah show, The highlight was no other than local boys Coda Reactor.  It is a mix of Danzig and Jim Morrison. It has been said over and over.  Pretty sure everyone is tired of hearing the mix of what the lead singer sounds like. He jumps jives and wails on vocals like a mad man on speed.  The likes of Davit Buck(Homeless Sexuals) and  Iggy Pop when it comes to his antics on stage.  After this the weekend was over.

Coda Reactor

Get to know them

You might be Seeing Red

Get excited! Many bands are emerging out of our wonderful music scene.  I can laundry list every single one of them.  Seriously, that would be completely boring. If you know me, the word boring only happens when I stay home and watch re-runs of CSI: Special Vitim Units.  So within the weeks to come there will be a posting for each  band recommend for the rest of the year.


If you go to the deepest darker corner of San Diego, you will find a hole in the wall bar.  Between a taco shop and a laundry mat.  The same bar that I constantly call The Bar of Broken Dreams.  Although it has changed from time to time. The drinks are as stiff as half of the bargoers, and ordering a double anything is the worst mistake ever. You do not want to be the jackass with a pint of whiskey not being able to drink what you ordered. (Which I did drink and then ordered a regular afterwards.)


Out of the gloom, the metal, and the empty bottles of Jack Daniels and Jagermister comes the three piece thrash rock band, In The Red.  Rodney on guitar and vocals, J-Sin on drum and vocals, Nichols on bass and vocals.  That is correct all three share the duty of beating the mic with their heavy vocals. I am still trying to pin their exact sound.  They could be considered thrash metal, rockn roll, punk and just good ole' times at a bar. They call themselves Scrap Metal.  The lesser takings of what have been left behind from previous metal bands that havent be explored.  I just call them Punk Metal. Cause that is what they are.  


With their crazy personalities, these three men have been making some noise together.  Their first show was opening up for Red Fang and Ghetto Blaster at Casbah.  They followed up a few more shows with Lord Howler and opening up for The Archons.  Their latest show with got San Diego wound up with an excitment of getting people from all over watching them was at Eleven, with True Widow and Lantvrn.  With the newly media attention those guys are getting, it is no joke that by the end of the year they will have a steady mark on the map with their genre of "scrap metal."


Their up coming show at Bar Pink August 11 with Unruly Bangs and Queen Caveat. Also Sept 17th (a birthday celebration for me!) with Long and Short of It and The Marsupials at Eleven. 


Check them out on Facebook




photos by : Michael Klayman taken @ The Casbah Atari Lounge
Please visit Michaels' webpage here.

Weekday Picks. You should Go to These shows!

Ever have the case of the Mondays?  I sure as hell wont remember what that feels like for a while.  Not working on Mondays and going back to writing from the moment I wake up til it is time for the rockn roll show.  Sounds like a good Monday to me.  Can't forget the sleeping in either.  So as you all Monday mourners are reading this, here are the Weekday Picks from yours truly. 

Monday July 11
Anti-Monday League Presents: Melvins Lite, Toshi Kasai @ Casbah
  (and why would you miss this silly music junkie?)

Tuesday July 12
Drew Grow and The Pastors' Wives, Todd Day Wait and the Golden Hills Blues Band, Brothers and Sisters @ Soda Bar
Tinariwen, Mr. Tube and The Flying Objects @ Belly Up Tavern (I would totally be there)

Wednesday July 13
Avalon Tattoo Anniversary Party w/ Ghetto Blaster, Low Volts, Stephen Rey and The Slicks, The Lumps @ Casbah
H.R. (of Bad Brains), Katastro, Roots Covenant, DJ Peril @ Soda Bar

Thursday July 14
Normandie @ Bar Pink
The Blow, He's My Brother She's My Sister @ Casbah
Avenue Saints, Big Buck Hunter and The Pros, San Deviants @ The Shakedown Bar

See ya kids around the scene!

The Weekend. 3 Days of Shows. Where to GO!

So I have made a weekly writing assignment for myself.  Everyday I will try to come out with two post.  That is right I said it TWO post a day. Starting today I will start with my weekend picks.  I will be doing Weekend and Weekly Picks.  This should make it easy to decided on what is out and about the town.


The question really is how far are you willing to travel for shows? Personally it just really depends on how badly that artist is needed to be seen by yours truly.  As you all know, I am pretty picky of my Rockn Roll.. However, given the right band I would travel to the depths of Hell to see them. Locally I go to the ones that run along El Cajon Blvd and University Ave with of course the constant travels to Casbah.  Also, LIVE MUSIC. I really can't DJ Ones and Twos or "Dance Party Taco Pants off"


So now with out further rambling the weekend Picks starting actually tomorrow. Ill post tonights for those who haven't decided where to go or is home like me and wonders what was playing out tonight.


Friday - July 8th

• Pussy Galore’s 4 year Anniversary feat. Hotel St. George, Grand Tarantula, DJs Robin Roth, Terryn S, and Jaime Ali @ Whistle Stop
• The New Kinetics, Masxs, Clockart, Uniform Victor @ Tin Can Ale House
• Bella Novela @ Soda Bar

Saturday - July 9th

• Short Eyes @ Tower Bar
• The White Buffalo , Ari Shine, Blackout Party @ Casbah
• The Hot Moon (record release), The Donkeys, Foreign Film @ Soda Bar
• The Goomies, The Littlest Viking, Housewives @ Tin Can
• Statue, Sandbox Bullies, Who Rides The Tiger @ Eleven

Sunday - July 10th

• Otro, Hazzard’s Cure, Badr Vogu, Deep Sea Thunder Beast @ Tower Bar
• The Bassturd, Coolzey, Mic E$ @ Bar Pink

SDMA - Lets start the voting.

Quick side note:  I would like to apologize for this not coming out last Monday, when the voting began; but hey, it's out now. So don't fret my readers. Here is my thoughts on SDMA 2011:

It is certainly that time of year.  Seems like the San Diego Music Awards are right around the corner and voting has begun (as of last Monday actually).  Every year its the same old story, with a few morning text messages and emails of:  "Why didn't my band get picked?" or "Why this and what that?"  Really, please stop your bitching for one minute about why your band did not get nominated  for being one of San Diegos' best (insert category here). If you had a time to shine in the past then let others have the spotlight as well.

This year I was actually part of the "Academy" that got the pre-ballots for picking the categories in which people live and die for in San Diego.  After reading and seeing how the SDMF chooses their nominees, for the first time in a while I felt content with the bands that have been chosen in the majority of the categories.   I only say majority due to the fact that I would not be able to choose a "World Music" band in our city.  I may be in the know of music for San Diego however, the rock, metal and indie scene is more my cup of tea.

In the previous years, I volunteered my time in helping my music community in being part what seemed to me the biggest event of the year.  From the first year I ever attended the SDMAs (in 2001), til now, ten years later.  The bands and local talent that we had in the past has now tripled almost quadrupled in size.   What do you do when it actually becomes time for public voting? So many people, artist and groups on the ballot.  Take this years' Best Americana category; It has Blackout Party, Brawley, Bill Cardinal and The Canyon Band. How does one pick just one band when all three are just as great as each other.  This happens with all the categories actually, except hip hop and world.

This year Ben Johnson (heavy front man and wicked drummer) has landed two nomination in different categories. One of Best Hard Rock and the other Best Hip Hop act. The Long and Short of it and Grammatical B.  This is not the first time a band or solo act has been nominated for two different categories.  Also Nena Anderson nominated in the Jazz category and also her band Brawley for best Americana.  Although those are the good things about these awards.

The only real complain I have with the way they are categories is based on the genre of the band and then the genre of the album they are nominated for. Take Hyena for example, nominated for best Electric Group or Act.  However, their album is nominated for Best Alternative.  Does anyone else see a problem in that?  Or, Lady Dottie and The Diamonds as Best Blues act, instead of best Tribute band.  There probably is a method to this madness. I just do not see what this method is.  I am sure they have the same problems when it comes to The Grammy's right or the LAMA's.

I am sure there could be more said about the ups and downs of our music awards.  Although for Best New Artist/Act, some of the new artist I have seen around the greater San Diego area were not nominated.  I wont mention who, however I will keep supporting them.  Last but not least.  If there was to be ONE year and I mean ONE year that Jason Marz and Slightly Stoopid were no longer on the ballot, it would probably make my year.

The SDMA's will be August 8th at Humphrey's By The Bay. With special performances by The Silent Comedy, Cuckoo Chaos, Gilbert Castellanos, The Penetrators, and Candy Kane and Sue Palmer.  Make sure you get your tickets here.  For a list of all the nominees and for voting please visit San Diego Music Awards website.

I'm Back - (A Quick Release before I Start Again)

Hello to all those I have abandoned.  I am so sorry.  You aren't forgotten.  Priorities got mixed up in the whole rockn' roll scene here in (weather has been fucked) San Diego.  I have been doing way to much.  I know at the end of the night when my buddies give me a hug and whisper sweet nothings about how much I do for this music scene I smile. Then  I go home and wonder to myself  how  many people realize that there is so much work behind the scenes.  The stress, the hours of emails, the constant running around, poster making, socially interacting with people you might or might not see again, not to mention a good amount of bands that you must work with and sometimes, just sometimes, said bands don't appreciate what you did just to make that show happen.  Nights like those are when I actually go home and cry in my pillow.

How many people can actually say that rockn roll saved their lives many times?  I realized when I was a young child that music would be my life. Playing bass, booking shows, making posters, taking pictures and just supporting the local musicians.  I tried so many different career choices that included : grip on a few films, make up artist in Hollywood, coffee shop girl, photographer, bartender, cook, chef, personal chef and not to mention I am still working at a restaurant. Some how I go back to music.

 I'm only 27 years old.  Yes, that is right a youngin'.  Many people think that with the amount of connections and knowledge on music, I have to be at least in my early thirties.  (Hopefully it isn't the way I look.)  I have gotten this far with music due to my passion.  I eat, sleep, and dream of music. I BLEED music.   Now I am living my dream, I work for a pretty cool bar, a restaurant (which I will be booking a few nights a month.) I am also managing two bands who will be touring pretty soon.  Please be excited and I got my blog back into order.  Expect new designs, a few fun little gadgets and so many upcoming post.

If you have a new EP, LP or any kind of music that you would like to be reviewed shoot me an email at BULLETMCK (at) GMAIL (dot) COM.   I will make sure to review that shit!

I will also be doing my weekly picks of upcoming shows.  So get ready for an upcoming half year of craziness and wild shows!  A lot of writing that's for sure.

ALSO thanks for reading and the support.

Exciting Weekend Ahead...

First time in a while that I have been so excited for shows!  This weekend has some amazing acts coming into town. I am pretty sure you will see me at everyone of those shows. I know this Friday I will be jumping from two venues..
Lets just make the quick list of shows you should all attend.  If you are not at these shows.  Then I recommend you ask for your testicles back from whom ever is hiding them! 
I am going to make your weekend plans very easy.  

• Tonight 11/18 - Echo Revolution's CD Release Party w/ Wendy Bailey and The True Stories @ Eleven  
• Maren Parusel and Guest  @ Casbah San Diego .

• Tomorrow 11/19 - Images, Jet Kill Radio, and Compton SF @ Eleven
• Flexx Bronco w/ Superbees, and Tuggs at  Bar Pink

• Saturday 11/20 -The Dragons with Lord Howler and DJ Gary Shuffledust ... For Mario's Tearful Birthday (mans getting old but still looking young)

• Sunday 11/21 -  Bloody Mary Recovery time @ Eleven... DO IT!

So Ill see ya at those shows!  

Pictures sometimes are better than words..

So I will admit it, I have had writers block over and over again.  My post could sound so much better.I know I should have done many reviews on shows, cds and the random guy at the bar who thinks his band is the coolest thing since Blink 182.

Well I am apologizing.  However, I have been getting my creative juices flowing by doing the next thing I know how to half ass.  Which is flyer making.  Yes Photoshopping and the use Illustrator to make some pretty flyers for upcoming Eleven shows.

I decided to post them on here so you can all go "OOO," "AHH," and "oh shit girl really?"

All in order by dates of the shows.

      

  

  

    

  

Enjoy all the shows to come!  

Like a bird ready to fly

For the longest time I knew I wanted to do a small piece on Maren Parusel and her wonderful band.  Every time the opportunity came, so did writers block.  I would sit there and wonder, what is it about this band that puts a smile on my face. Six months ago when at SXSW I was watching the band and something came over me.  It was almost like a form of relaxation and complete bliss.  When headed back to San Diego, I asked for the press kit and started reading their bios and listened to their music more than before.  

Today finally I decided to do what their live music makes me feel, to just go with the flow.  As "Days in Universe" is playing in the background.  I placed my hands on the keyboard and went along for the music journey that is Maren Parusel.  

Ever since Maren step foot unto American soil, only good things have been coming her way.  She grew up in small town in Germany (Tubingen).  As a child, she was classically trained on piano. Then jumping on to a bass and guitar in her teenage years.  Her musical influences also changing.  From composers such as Debussey and Chopin to artist like Chuck Berry, The Pretenders and song writers such as Leonard Cohen.  


From Wild Weekend to her own band, the stylistic music journey is never ending for Maren. During SXSW the legendary Kim Fowley took an interest in her.  The band traveled to Los Angeles to record with him.  Following that was a mini tour up the coast.   Maren is like a song bird ready to wake the morning before soaring the sky with her enchanting voice and dreamy lyrics. 


Her next show will be at Casbah San Diego with Get Back Loretta, Black Hondo, and Gunrunner on Novemeber 18.  Make sure you get your tickets soon.  This one will sell out quickly.  While you're there make sure to pick up her five song EP.  

Beer Week at Eleven...a little more than a week.

Hey everyone,

Looks like its that time of the year. Beer Week San Diego. We at Eleven have a super big treat for all of you beer drinkers and music lovers!

This is our schedule for the entire week. (its more like 10 days of nonstop drinking and festivities!)

Starting this Friday (Nov 4) and ending with a day time bbq on Nov 14th

Nov 5th - THE QUEEN'S GUARD and THUNDERADO - 5 bucks 

Nov 6th - SATELLITE SKY, RUN DEVIL RUN and COZY CORNERS - 5 bucks

Nov 7th - LIARS' CLUB REVISITED & M.E.X. BBQ JAM! - 3pm

Nov 8th - CHIMAY HAPPY HOUR 5pm; OPEN MIC NIGHT starts at 7pm

Nov 9th - BALLAST POINT BEER & SPIRITS NIGHT; MUSIC FROM 90 PROOF PISSERS - $2 after 8pm

Nov 10th - HAPPY HOUR WITH THE BARNACLES; LIVE COMEDY AT 9:00 PM

Nov 11th - CORONADO BREWERY NIGHT WITH MUSIC FROM FOR DAYS - $3 after 8pm

Nov 12th - SKYLINE UNION and THE YEASTIE BOYZ- 5 bucks 

Nov 13th - 20 GRAND CLUB WITH THE BAJA BUGS - 5 bucks 

Nov 14th - THE FIRKINS BBQ JAM - 3PM

Being a San Diego scenester is not all that bad.....

Hello to all my readers and followers.  I know I have been MIA from writing on my blog.  I haven't really.  I have drafts that I have started and have left there due to my running around.

I really need to take more days off.

However, luckily enough San Diego City Beat was generous enough to write a small bio about my love of the San Diego music scene.

You can catch it here at San Diego City Beat.   Thanks for your continued support with this blog.

I wish my original partner in crime was still here to see this happen... Chris Wick (RIP) lil buddy this was for you!

Young Post Hipster Sweethearts Playing Dirtwave..

The description given to me by San Diego's lovable Ryan Blue about his new band was "post hipsters sweethearts playing dirtwave."   Post hipsters so true.  Sweethearts, also true.  Playing dirtwave, Is that a new genre? Or is that just what the creative Ryan Blue thinks of his music?


If you remember my expedition with five awesome companions towards SXSW earlier this year, well one of those companions was no other than Ryan Blue.  Silly tall man that was around for an entire week with four others. A good thing I met Ryan.  Didn't know much about him till that week.

Now months after that adventure, here I am doing a piece on his band. Centerlight Pop.  Don't let the name confuse you to thing they are bubblegum, happy go lucky, pop rocks, and lollipops kind of band.  Instead they bring the alternative - country, anything can happen rockn roll into the bar.

That crooning Ryan does in all his songs bring that almost country vibe. The music behind him is high energy rock.  When the other members of then band cosist of River City, Golden Red, and Gun Runner.  You know your in good hands.

Their music could be best describe as a country rock ballad that has never been heard.  Its not really like Ryan Adams and The Allman Brothers had a bukaki.  Nothing like The Who decided to explore their Amur-ic-ahn red neck side. However the classic meets the new improved alternative country rock. Centerlight Pop takes it to a whole new level of music.  Since the band first started with their debut show at Lestats for NPMT, they have been getting nothing but exploding reviews.

This might not be as exploding, however, I recommend checking out the band.

Israel's TV Buddhas Brings the Rock to Pink

So we got the news they are from Israel. Well at least their EPK said so.  Their publicist says they are from Berlin.  When I was trying to get a supporting act for them, the manager for a local band asked me how I had affiliation with a band from Israel (will no longer contact that ass).    They are originally from Israel, but have found a residency in Berlin while recording their new EP We are Busy Bodies.

This trio team consist of a brother and sister, a husband and wife, and a complete road family.  Their first American tour started in the beginning of September. For six weeks, these band of rockn rolls will become Americanized with an extensive every day, city to city, cross country experience that they haven't encountered before.

On September 15th I received an email from their label.  "For Immediate Release,"  the band made a vlog (video log) based on their tour so far.  A band that has no friends, no family and no time for themselves, in a country where the face of music has drastically changed.  These DIY rockers face what a true American tour has become.

Through the hard aches of the music industry in the USA (big time fancy promoters, Hipster publication, and music consumer hype. Which I always say DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE).  The log shows that, their tour has been a bust.  Promoters are putting them as a headliner in clubs and cities they have never came across before.  The clubs are clearly empty, they are making under 50 bucks a day and living off that.  A frustrated amazing band that deserves the right crowd and maybe the right club to turn their depressed, frustrated, almost frantic tour into something to write home about.

With local act The Displaced headlining the 26th of September at Bar Pink, the show might change the way the rest of their tour goes.  San Diego is their first city in California, making their west coast tour maybe something they are looking for during their six weeks of hard work and road wary.  I guess what I am saying is we west coast rockn rollers could probably turn their frowns upside down.

Ever since I heard TV Buddhas via Dang at Bar Pink and their label, I knew it was a must see show.  Their music was so enlightening.  Like if Modern Lovers married the Ramones and found garage rock near Motor City.  Is that even a possible way of explaining what a band sounds like?  I think so. Their album We Are Busy Bodies  makes you want to shimmy and shake while wearing your sunglasses in the night club and drinking your PBRs.  In my case I will stick to my whiskey and beer while I dance my face off in the front and hoping that you will be next to me as well doing the same.

September 26th with The Displaced at Bar Pink.  Be there or... well, you know the rest.  Like I mentioned in my tweeter update if you aren't there it must mean you do not like talented musicians and great rockn roll. (Or you aren't in the city.  But they are on tour so catch them in your city!)

http://www.myspace.com/tvbuddhas
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Upcoming shows! The weekly Picks are back up!

Hello end of summer.  Oh, wait, it never came.  That's alright, based on the nights and the shows this could have been one of the best summers San Diego has seen in a while.  This year for my birthday, I celebrated with my dear friends and The Night Marchers.  How awesome is that? 


Now, it's been a while, however back to my weekly picks starting with tonight!


Sept 21:
Nena Anderson and Friends @ Riviera Supper Club
Signal Path, Blockhead and Nocando w/Open Mic Eagle @ Casbah
Saccarine Trust, Neo, Tribraco, Pea @ Soda Bar


Sept 22
The Jim Jones Revue, The Bellrays, Coasting @ Casbah
Wise Monkey @ Bar Pink
Paul Collins Beat, Baja Bugs, Jungle Fever @ Soda Bar
Lindbergh Skies, Dying To Wake, Paper Rock Tiger, Dead Animal Mod @ Beauty Bar


Sept 23
Riverboat Gamblers, Victor Ship, One F @ Bar Pink
The Riot Before, Breaker Breaker One Niner, The Getdown @ Ruby Room


Sept 24
Centerlight Pop w/ Hotel St. George @ Eleven
Dungen , No Joy @ Casbah
FOOL'S GOLD, Hosannas, Mattson 2 @ Soda Bar


Sept 25
Adams Ave Street Fair Day 1
MR ROCK DUDE nite! w/ EARTHLESS, The Loons, Joy, Operation Mindblow
Immovable Objects w/ Mundy Knights @ Eleven
Helmet , Bison BC, The Makeup Sex @ Casbah


Sept 26
Adams Ave Street Fair Day 2
The Displaced w/ TV Buddhas @ Bar Pink 
The Amalgamated, Unsteady, Ottley Mercer, Fire Corner @ Casbah


See ya guys at the shows!

Where have all the Postings gone..

Dear readers,

I would like to thank you all for your continued support over the blank pages of this blog.  No, I have not decided to abandon my blog.  The past few months have been a bit hectic on my end, but in a great way.   After the many many years of helping out in the music scene and paying my dues for the past 10 or so odd years.  My dues decided to pay me back.  I have in the past month taken over the responsibility of booking shows in San Diego, going on the road with a a couple of legendary bands, and just being the eyes and ears of all Rockn' Rollers in the world.

In the past two months I have seen more of California with two amazing bands The Dragons and The Zeros, then I have alone.  The road treated us well.  The first weekend it was Thee Parkside and Benders with The Dragons.  Merching is always a great time.  Those guys know how to treat a lady.  At least one who (and this is still up in the air) can maybe, possibly out drink the band. Again it hasn't been put to the complete test, but who knows.

The weekend after that The Zeros!  Hector Penalosa came to my house at 9am, and it felt like a kidnapping situation.  A green creeper soccer mom van with two out of the four Zeros.  Back up to San Francisco again for a show at the Elbo Room and Sacramento for the show at The Blue Lamp.  A place that I always found interesting is the city of Sacramento.  Tweeker galore. Kind of creepy, but still had a blast.

The final weekend of the mini weekend tours was the Vegas Shakedown.  There is no place like Vegas.  Crazy fun times with some amazing bands.  Both The Dragons and The Zeros took me along (in the same creeper van) with Captain M as the driver.  This man kept us all in order when it came down to taking care of some business all three weekends.  When we got to Vegas, it was towards the 4 Queens.  In our rooms, we rest up and shower from the hotter than hell ride towards the desert. Two nights two venues.  The Las Vegas Country Saloon and The Beauty Bar.

Now back home and your truly had a few shows I was already booking for Bar Pink.  Now I have my own proper venue.  Eleven (www.elevensandiego.com) This is the old Radio Room/Zombie Lounge.  The nice people at Hamilton's have taken over the management of the amazing now renovated location.  If you do not get Eleven then watch Spinal Tap.   The bar is open daily from 3pm-2am Monday-Friday.  12pm-2am Saturday - Sunday.

Again, just cause I book here does not mean I will only pick those nights as my pick of the nights.  Well, wont lie, if I booked them, that probably means you should really check it out!  More road stories, more highlights will continue to do the weekly picks.  All in due time. Until then thanks for the patience and support!

The North Park Music Thing...

3 years ago NxNP was one of the first music festivals that actually caught more than just my attention.  It caught also my eyes and ears. I have been to many festivals over the years. However, this one is in my city.  Representing San Diego while helping you (the musician) understand the whole dynamic we call the music industry. The NxNP changed their name during the second year to North Park Music Thing.  It is similar to the world famous SxSW that occurs every year in Austin Texas.  As many of my readers remember, I did attend

You might be asking yourself, is it that time of the year again?  Yes, my good friends and comrades, it is.  Changing the name from NxNP to North Park Music Thing, the event is now spread out for two days.  Before it was two days of panels guest speakers, questions, demos so on and so forth.  One day of 150-200 artist in 15 venues and panels.  Second day of panels and a large music stage in front of hotel.

This year, it is going to be so much better.  I can feel it. It's two days of music and two days of panels!

I was asked to book an "Official Showcase" and help finish rounding up the line-up for another showcase.
Taking a lot of bands into consideration.  What better than to book a good rockn' roll band that was in one of my first rosters ten years ago.  Back when the only venues I was able to book was my backyard and a coffee shop, it was hard to find cool bands that weren't made up of young kids my age. (Mind you I was 16 years old)

They say things come back in full circles.  I believe it when it comes to the music scene in San Diego.  When The Displaced first moved to San Diego as a band.  They came to me for a show.  I booked them at a coffee shop and here it is a full circle.  The Displaced will be headlining the official showcase for RRNLSG.  Also on the bill is Gun Runner, Little Hurricane, Centerlight Pop (a debuting band from Ryan Blue)  and Shawn Rolhf and The 7th Day Buskers.  This is an All Ages show so bring the kids down and show them what good rockn roll sounds like.

If you decided to want to drink and listen to music, by all means please stop by the Ken Club for "A Night of Whiskey Drinkin and Shitkickers."  Yes you heard it right,  The Ken Club will be hosting the only Honky Tonk/Cowpunk/Country Rockn' Roll showcase during the NPMT.  Headlining that showcase will be The Screaming Yeehaws and Behind The Wagon, The Palominos, Stephen Rey and The Slicks, and El Monte Slim.

Be sure that you picked up your passes for both days.  This event goes off the wall every year! I would hate for you to miss it.

For more information go to The North Park Music Thing Website