The San Diego Album – Page 2 – An Anthology of Live Music in San Diego

June 5, 2017October 9, 2017

Mattress Firm Amphitheatre

An open air amphitheatre in San Diego seems unfair. Sitting under the stars in always-68-degree-weather with a handful of friends to hear amazing bands makes me wonder why I do anything else. Mattress Firm Amphitheatre, formerly Sleep Train/Coors/Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre is down in Chula Vista, and holds 20,500. The venue opened in 1998, and I was pleased to find out that its first concert was none other than the Spice Girls. Initially owned by Universal Concerts, then House of Blues, Live Nation now owns the space.

Like all good country concert goers, we got to Mattress Firm with plenty of time to enjoy our surroundings. In other words, bring on the Corn Hole. We were surrounded by pickup trucks, American flags, short shorts, flannel shirts, and cowboy boots. Most importantly, I am proud to say I did not see a single confederate flag our entire trip. Maybe times are changing as San Diego rolls into this year’s country concert season. After a few hours throwing bean bags around and making friends, we headed in to find our seats.

Brett Young is a baseball pitcher turned country music singer, originally hailing from the OC but now based in Nashville. His hit “In Case You Didn’t Know” is currently in the #1 spot on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and the audience made sure to let him know they love it. His voice was impressive last year at Stagecoach, and it still is. He has swagger, sound and tells stories to reel the audience into his music. I can’t wait to see where he goes from here.

Kelsea Ballerini came out next. She’s so frickin’ cute and bubbly, how can you not love her? She has a list of top hits, and is currently working on new stuff. My favorite last night was “I Hate Love Songs” “We were drunk when we met so we don’t know our anniversary.” I love you.

Then Lady Antebellum. Some trivia—the band’s name describes a style of architecture in the Deep South, dating to the pre-Civil war era. Ante-Bellum = Pre-War. Think Gone with the Wind. The group formed in 2006, and has collected awards for their music like candy. Hillary Scott’s voice is incredible live, Charles Kelley has an awesome stage presence, and Dave Haywood on mandolin is that goofy guy who you’d love to just have around. But the real stars of the show were their new brass section! Their trumpet and trombone player opened the show, and quite honestly their 8 bar jam session mid-set was just a tease. These two have amazing chemistry, and really rip it up. I wish we heard more of them.

Lady Antebellum at Mattress Firm Amphitheatre

The night was great. Definitely a different vibe than the living-room-like-venues lately but a good change. Thanks to Katie for planning the tailgating session like a pro, and to Jenna for drinking piña coladas out of a bottle like a champ.

June 3, 2017October 9, 2017

Java Joe’s

A quiet legend within San Diego, Java Joe’s has a long history here. The original venue opened 26 years ago in Poway, making stops in Hillcrest, Mission Valley, a local bike shop and 4 other locations before coming to rest in Old Town. Keep your eyes peeled for signs or you might miss Java Joe’s tucked unassumingly behind a row of touristy shops. From its simple furnishings, you’d never know that stars like Jewel, Jason Mraz and Steve Poltz got their start here. Coffee shop by day, open-air music venue by night, this spot serves mugs of hot chocolate and mouthwatering pumpkin bread to its 100 or so patrons. You can expect live music Thursday-Saturday night, and an open mic night that is apparently legendary on Sundays.

As the crowd trickled in on Friday night, I scooted to the coffee bar in the back to order some snacks for the show. “Don’t I know you? What’s your name?” asked a gentleman standing by the door. We chatted for a moment after he realized I wasn’t my doppelgänger. “What’s your name?” I asked. I swear that he smiled with a twinkle in his eye and said “Marco.” I shook his hand, smiled, and took my seat. Hours later I would come to realize he actually said “I’m Joe” like THE Joe, THE Java Joe. Like ships in the night.

The night’s star, Billy Galewood, took the stage to tell us that he would be beginning his performance a bit late, as he had to wait for a friend to arrive. Twenty minutes later, this guy dressed in a t-shirt, baseball cap and armed with a bag of avocados meandered onto stage. Avocado guy introduced Billy Galewood, joking about their friendship and the shenanigans they had shared. Oh, and if you like avocados, stop by the back to pick up a bag of “Mraz Family Farm” avocados after the show. Mraz. Like Jason Mraz. You know, the two time Grammy Award winner who is playing The Hollywood Bowl next week. Peddling his avocados to us at Java Joe’s. No big deal.

Once I regained my ability to breathe, we settled in for the show. Billy “Bushwalla” Galewood is hilarious. Going into the show, I admit I didn’t do my homework and I expected an acoustic set. Turns out, this guy tells stories about life, sex and hippie yoga teachers, while beatboxing in his underwear. I honestly can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard at a show, or giggled so much the day after in reverie. The night took an interesting turn as Jason Mraz came back on stage and proceeded to critique Billy’s set. Turns out, Billy was trying out new material, and this was his feedback session. The two’s chemistry was great, and they could have bantered back and forth all night long. But like all good things do, the show had to end, leaving all of us all wanting a bit a more music and laughs. I suppose that’s the sign of a good time.

Billy Galewood and Jason Mraz at Java Joe’s (photo credit: Jenna, the cous)

Mad props to Tim and Chad for bumping into Jason Mraz and Billy after the show to shake hands and to thank them for the night. Jenna and I stood in awe, content with the bag of avocados clutched to our chest. It was an absolutely unexpectedly perfect night that will be hard to beat.

May 30, 2017October 9, 2017

Lestat’s

It was Memorial Day Monday, and I was aching for some music. A glance through the San Diego Reader revealed that Mondays are popular days for Open Mic nights. Where better to go for an Open Mic night in San Diego than Lestat’s?

Lestat’s opened in 1997 (yes, 20 years ago!) and is named after Anne Rice’s vampire Lestat. Think Tom Cruise in Interview with The Vampire. You’ll find three locations (Hillcrest, Park Avenue and Adams Avenue) but the best known cultural hub is found on Adams, spread between three sprawling “rooms.” If this is your first time to the music venue, you might need instructions. First, walk past the guitar-laden slightly-nervous-looking-crowd standing on the sidewalk, and enter under the huge “Lestat’s” sign. This is where you get your grub. Proceed to the back, and order a piping hot cup of tea and a vegan oat bar (heaven!) Pop your head into the adjoining room to your left, only to realize it is PACKED with 20-somethings with their noses buried in laptops. Where is the music, you ask? Well, make sure you asked for that tea “to go”, exit back onto the sidewalk, and make a U turn to your left. You’ll squeeze between guitars and ukuleles, and into an unassuming darkened room spilling sweet harmonies onto the street. You have arrived.

Lestat’s West is a cozy little room, with a stage at the far end facing rows of folding chairs and round tables. Around 6:30pm, artists are assigned time slots via a lottery for performances between 7 and 11ish. Each performer gets 10 minutes or 2 songs before they are ushered off stage for the next act. The audience is an eclectic mix of artists waiting to perform, their friends and family, a Mohawk, one feathered hat, and a few misfits who popped in for a few tunes, like myself.

The night was an amazing menagerie. A young girl on a ukulele stole the show as I was arriving, followed by a comedian, and an awesome band Fashion Jackson who may look underage but their music surpasses their appearance by decades. Add to that Luis who was the lead vocalist for his own prerecorded mariachi band. Then a few heart wrenching Emo tunes on the piano. And a chick who belted Alicia Keys like it was her jam. Some performers make regular appearances, while others were there for their first time. In terms of a chill Monday night sipping a cup of tea, this was an awesome spot to hear up and coming artists in San Diego. And special thanks to Chad who joined the fun midway, and confessed his love for Mariachi music. You’re a trooper. Cheers San Diego!

May 27, 2017October 9, 2017

The Holding Company

Ocean Beach has always been a bit mystical in my mind. I never thought my life included enough pot, dreads, or hula hoops to fit in in over there. So the idea of live music in OB left a lot of questions in my mind. Live music in OB? That’s a thing?

Enter The Holding Company. Mid-August 2016, Gallagher’s on Newport was bought, sold, and renamed “The Holding Company” paying homage to the 1960’s band of the same name. You might recall their lead vocalist, Janis Joplin. Steve Yang, who also owns OB Noodle House and Bar 1502, is the proud new owner of The Holding Company. A quick search into Steve Yang reveals more than your normal Ocean Beach resume. Steve Yang was born in Cambodia of Chinese dissent, and spent time in a Thai refugee camp during the era of the Khmer Rouge. His family was then sponsored by a family in OB to come to the United States, and he’s been committed to the OB community ever since. Voted OB citizen of the year in 2015, this guy is on to something. Not only have his restaurants been voted “Best Asian Fusion in San Diego,” but his new music venue is spot on.

I can’t quite put my finger on it, but my first thought when I walked it was “I want to be here.” It’s cozy, welcoming, and slightly edgy. Tables have been replaced with wooden kegs. There are a few places to perch in the shadows to enjoy a drink and conversation. Otherwise, most of the floor plan is wide open and centered around the stage with a bar running the length of the room.

We caught two sets while we were there. My favorite was Quel Bordel. Singing in French and English, this band is best described as Gypsy Punk. Their lead vocalist is the real deal, born in Ukraine, traveling Europe with gypsy bands, and eventually meeting up with some southern Californians to form this pearl of a group. Check out the song “La La” on their website and you’ll be singing along within one verse. (Who knew you spoke French?!?) My sister once told me that I was part gypsy. Now I hope I am. San Diego Gypsy Fest anyone?

Quel Bordel leaves the stage. And then I notice the kilts. And leather jackets. And tattoos. For a moment, I’m concerned I’m in the middle of a white supremacist meeting. A raised white fist on the back of the leather vest in front of me has me even more concerned. (Still no verdict on that one.)

I didn’t give much thought to the headlining band The Real McKenzies. I should have. The Real McKenzies formed in 1992 in Vancouver and play traditional Scottish songs with a punk flare. Celtic punk, who knew. Founding member Paul McKenzie looks like he has led a weathered life. He also looks like he’ll beat the living daylights out of you if you look at him funny. Bagpipes, electric guitars and a guy on the drums who reminded me of Animal from Sesame Street—these guys were too much for such a small space. Their prerecorded stuff is much more palatable.

In the end, I think it was just a lot of white folk excited about Celtic Punk which involves leather and tattoos and songs about whiskey. I’m not going to lie though, I wouldn’t have been surprised if they sang about White Power instead.

We ducked out before the show ended and ducked into Pizza Port just as they were closing. Best way to score free slices! Thanks to Katie and Sean for sitting on the curb and eating pizza with me on a school night. And I hope your eardrums stopped bleeding.

May 17, 2017October 9, 2017

Soda Bar

I’d heard about this place within certain circles since I moved to San Diego. I pictured soda fountains, tall metal cups filled with milkshakes, and guys in those white paper hats and striped shirts. Wrong. So Soda Bar is a dive. Renamed “Soda Bar” in 2008 from it’s previous “Chasers,” Soda Bar strikes me as a dive bar that is trying too hard. Grunge to the nth degree, the quintessential San Diego beards manning the front door, the bar, and the sound, and judging stares if you order anything other than the latest local craft IPA. Stacy and I heard three different sets while we were there. And although the acoustics were atrocious for the first two bands, the third was mesmerizing.

Tow’rs is a band out of Flagstaff, Arizona whose founding members got their start in college Young Life. They now have a band that makes beautiful music with haunting lyrics. Trumpet, cello, electric guitar and two lead vocalists whose voices mesh as if they come out of one body. Look these guys up and try not to be transfixed by their words.

I’d go back to Soda Bar for the music, which I guess is the idea. It’s a live music joint where you can vibe out with no distractions. Bare bones music. I can appreciate that.

Thanks to Stacy for the nudge to find this place, and for freezing our buns off while we waited for the doors to open!

May 14, 2017October 9, 2017

House of Blues and Prohibition

I normally start at the San Diego Reader to get my ideas for the week. This week, the list was amazingly long. And as I clicked from venue to venue, Aaron Tveit’s face popped up on my screen. I am pretty terrible at keeping up with pop culture, but every now and then I get glued to a TV series. Recent examples: Narcos, Friday Night Lights (I know, I’m late to the party), and before that—Graceland. It ran for 3 seasons on USA. You probably never watched it. But I did. And I was in love with Mike Warren, played by Aaron Tveit. So when the San Diego Reader told me that he would be playing at House of Blues, it was a no brainer.

So what’s a TV actor doing performing at a live music spot? Well, it turns out he was actually classically trained in musical theater at Ithaca College. He’s been in a number of Broadway shows and has won some pretty hefty awards. Turns out he does more than just act! And díos mío, he was amazing. This guy is the epitome of an amazing performer. A voice like butter, a stage personality that wins you over in a heartbeat, and a look that’s pretty easy on the eyes. Imagine all your favorite broadway hits, mixed with Taylor Swift, 80’s staples, and Radiohead. I know, right? It was a bottle of pure delight that I wish I could revisit every evening.

But I’m supposed to be talking about venues. The House of Blues! So yes, it is a chain. Opened in Boston in 1992, and originally financed by Dan Aykroyd, Aerosmith and James Belushi among others, it operates 11 clubs throughout the US and has since been acquired by Live Nation. The San Diego spot does not disappoint. The line to get in stretched 2 city blocks, but within minutes, we were inside at the bar stocking up on spirits and popcorn shrimp. Whether you come before the show for dinner, or just snack at the bar, the menu will hold you over. The setup is pretty sweet—small enough so that every seat (or place to stand) feels like you are up close and personal with the performers. Thumbs up to House of Blues. They have a formula for excellent live music and they delivered. Can’t wait to get back for more!

After leaving, Nancy and I made a quick stop at Shout House (45 minute wait!) and ducked into Tin Roof to check out that night’s performers. “Wanna go to a speakeasy?” Nancy says.

Enter Prohibition. Or actually, stand in line at an unassuming door where a bouncer in a Fedora explains the rules. Small venue. Craft cocktails. Jazz, funk, blues. After about 10 minutes, we make our way down the stairs and beeline to the bar staffed by men in newsboy caps. 2 fancy pours later, we are nestled on a couch in front of Shelle Blue and her sultry rhythm and blues band. Talk about an oasis in the midst of downtown. We made friends with some chefs from a paella competition (seriously) and squeezed our way onto the dance floor for some good vibes.

Love you SD, and the little surprises you keep putting in my way.

And thanks to Nancy for coming along for the ride!

May 2, 2017October 9, 2017

Belly Up

My mom loves Crystal Bowersox. Crystal Bowersox grew up about 10 minutes from our out-in-the-boonies home in Ohio. So when Crystal was on American Idol singing Janis Joplin, my mom had no choice but to support her wholeheartedly. Fast forward about ten years, my mom is in my living room, flipping through channels for the morning news, when she uncharacteristically pauses on Fox News. Before I had a chance to remind her that my TV would self-destruct if left on that channel for more than 3 seconds, we both realized Crystal Bowersox was playing on the morning news! And she was here in San Diego! Tonight at Belly Up! Approximately 2 minutes and 30 seconds later, we had 2 tickets for the show and were doing our happy dance.

Belly Up has been a San Diego establishment since 1974, and has been voted “San Diego’s Best Live Music Venue” about a million times. Enough said. I love it for its unpretentiousness, its guacamole, and its excellent acoustics. Plus it only holds 600, so every seat is a good one. Crystal Bowersox and Belly Up lived up to our expectations. My mom and I might have gone all groupie on the guitar player, Guitar Dave, before the show. This paid off as my mom got a shout-out during the show…“Is that Jan out there?!?” Way to go mom.

Hands down, one of my favorite spots in San Diego. I’d consider moving to Solana Beach just so I could catch a show every night. And eat their guacamole.

Belly Up with the Crystal Bowersox setup

April 9, 2017October 9, 2017

Tin Roof and Moonshine Flats

So, round 2 of my live music tour did not go as planned. Perhaps that’s why it was great. If you know me, you know that I love going to Tin Roof in downtown San Diego. I love the laid back unpretentious vibe you get when you walk through the door. I love the small stage, the local bands, and the crazy mix of people that show up every night to sing and dance the night away. So when my friend’s husband “was dying” to go to Tin Roof, it didn’t take much convincing.

First up at Tin Roof, Rob Deez and Kenny Eng. Rob Deez and Kenny Eng have been a staple of my San Diego music experience since I moved here. I stumbled into a show they were playing at Tipsy Crow 6 years ago, and have had mad crushes on both of them since then. While at first they come off as a jamming cover band, their original material is laced with quirky lyrics that are sure to make you giggle. They mix country with rap, pop with lullabies, and have everyone on their feet yelling like mad men at the end of each song. I’m a fan.

Then onto Moonshine Flats for a concert by Jerry Jacobs. Moonshine is quite the experience. The barber chair for body shots greets you as you walk in the door. That’s always a good sign. The place was packed—everything from bachelorettes to cowboys, beach boys and their underage girlfriends. Hand me a PBR. We finagled our way up to the stage for one of the best concerts I can remember. Jerry Jacobs is a phenomenal performer, and his band was radiating positive energy the entire 2 hours they were on stage. Luke Bryan, Fall Out Boy, and some original jams filled the air. They were awesome. There’s plenty of room for dancing for you and about 200 of your closest friends. Or if you prefer to sit back and watch, the upper level seems like a great people watching spot (if you don’t mind looking like a creeper.) By the time the show ended, we were ready to head home and call it a night.

Luckily, the line for the ladies bathroom at Moonshine was about the same length as the line for the ladies bathroom at a Taylor Swift concert, so we stopped back at Tin Roof for just a sec.

Cassie B Project was on stage and if you’ve ever seen them perform, you know it’s nearly impossible to walk by without dancing. She has the most amazing, wide ranging voice, and their music covers 40 years of hits. Before I knew it, my cousin and I were shakin’ it until closing. So much for an early night.

Throw in some Brooklyn Pizza to round out the night with a couple of other happy-go-lucky concert goers–San Diego, you make me proud.

April 1, 2017October 9, 2017

Park and Rec

I had no intention of starting my journey last night, but I realized the music scene in San Diego is not going to sit around and wait to give me a guided tour. So a random “You should come out ” text from my up-to-no-good cousin led me to the beginning of what I hope becomes a long soiree of adventures.

First stop on my magical mystery tour, Park and Rec. Out back of the bar in a little bungalow is a small stage, medium dance floor and some of the most hipstery hipsters in San Diego. We spent the night grooving to 80’s tunes from Rock of Ages, an 80’s tribute band. Sound was great and you feel like you can reach out and touch the band. (Some did.) There are enough dark corners around the stage that you can stand back and people watch without being stared down for not dancing. Super diverse crowd for San Diego—way to go University Heights! Complete with a menu of craft cocktails to make your heart swoon. Kudos to the guy dressed up like Indian Jones, leather hat, leather bomber jacket, cool guy attitude—you rocked it.

The anomaly of the night came while I was waiting for a drink at the bar. Mr. Early 40’s tried to strike up a conversation over the women’s March Madness games playing on the TVs. His soliloquy went something like this:

“Isn’t it weird watching women play basketball? I mean, it’s a guy’s sport. Girls aren’t supposed to be dribbling, dunking, or any of those guy things. Especially not on TV. I mean, I grew up playing basketball—there weren’t any girls back then! It’s just awkward…Girls shouldn’t be playing basketball. It’s just wrong.”

Don’t worry Mr. Early 40’s, we’ll keep our hands off your balls.

For more insight into Park and Rec’s historically progressive past, click here.

March 28, 2017October 9, 2017

An introduction

Changes happen, and sometimes you just need to start over in life.

That was my realization about a month ago, when I found myself asking why I wasn’t spending more time doing things that make me happy with people who make me happy. Seems like a simple concept.

So I decided to start.

I love music, and I love finding new spots and new bands to explore here in San Diego. For years, I dreamed of touring all the sweet music spots that I could find, and writing about my adventures. I write to keep me honest and committed to the tour, but also to help others seek out their new favorite venues in San Diego. There are a ton of live music spots, but how do you know where to go?

Well, here I go. Diving in, and committing to one venue per week. Bringing together my love of music, and my love of all the quirky people in my life that will explore with me. We’re bound to get some good stories out it. So come along, check back weekly, and see where the wind takes The San Diego Album.