San DIego CityBeat • Oct 9, 2019

OCTOBER 9, 2019 • SDCITYBEAT.COM • FREE

SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Laurence Fishburne leads the list of honorees at this year’s event.

PUERTO NUEVO NO. 1 (P.6) | RAISING HELL (P.14) | RIDE (P. 16)

2 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · OCTOBER 9, 2019

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EDITOR Christina Fuoco-Karasinski ART DIRECTOR Jay Banbury COLUMNISTS Edwin Decker Alfred Howard John R. Lamb Rhonda “Ro” Moore CONTRIBUTORS David L. Coddon Michael A. Gardiner Sara Harmatz Glenn Heath Jr. EDITORIAL INTERN Mary Pat Abruzzo PRODUCTION MANAGER Tristan Whitehouse ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Steven Persitza SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jason Noble

FEATURE

Volume 18 • Issue 4

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SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK

MUSIC

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PRESIDENT Steve Strickbine VICE PRESIDENT Michael Hiatt ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Interested in advertising?

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Wort Mentioning

16 THE WORLD FARE

Ride

Spin Cycle ________________4 Wort Mentioning ____________7 Top 15 ____________________8 World Fare ________________ 6 Calendar of Events __________9 Theater ___________________10

ARTS & CULTURE

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IN THE BACK

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theater

FILM

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CannaBitch San Diego CityBeat is published and distributed every Wednesday by Times Media Group, free of charge but limited to one per reader. Reproduction of any material in this or any other issue is prohibited without written permission from the publisher and the author. Contents copyright 2019.

Cover Story ___________________________ 15 Film _________________________________ 14

ON THE COVER:

Ride ________________________________ 16 Concerts & Clubs _______ 20-22 The Waterboys _________________________ 17 CannaBitch _______________ 23

2019 San Diego International Film Festival Honoree, Laurence Fishburne.

Twitter: @SDCityBeat | Instagram: @sdcitybeat | sdcitybeat.com

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OCTOBER 9, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 3

UP FRONT | OPINION

SPINCYCLE

Piggyback Pickle

A handcuffed city audit committee stinks So, last week it was likely no mystery to “ Silence may be as variously audit committee shaded as speech.” members whom

- Edith Wharton they were talking about, even ast week’s meeting of the though no names San Diego City Council’s were uttered in audit committee was truly public. Some a sight to behold. members expressed In an age of exploding frustration about misinformation, misdirection the limited and misguidance emanating information from the White House, it did they had been Spin’s heart a modicum of good given, despite to watch local folks tally forth the committee’s on an admirable path toward oversight wresting some power away from responsibilities. the mayor’s office when it comes The public version to supervising the proverbial of the report they henhouse.

When it comes to guarding the henhouse, termed-out City Hall roosters Scott Sherman and Kevin received spanned On a 3-1 vote, the Audit Faulconer may peck it out over a canceled “piggyback” contract. (Photo illustration by John R. Lamb) 50 pages; the Committee offered its blessing to confidential version a March ballot measure initiated independence for the city committee. In San Diego’s case, given to the mayor’s office by its chairman, termed-out auditor, the measure still needs it “adopted the process, pricing, and Chief Operating Officer Councilmember Scott Sherman, approval from the City Council, terms and conditions of a Kris Michell was 100 pages, that would eliminate the mayor’s which is expected to take up contract from a much smaller said interim City Auditor Kyle involvement in the process of the proposal before a holiday organization,” Horita added, Elser, who’s run the office since selecting an independent city legislative recess late next referring to the mysterious last October after predecessor auditor. month. company only as “the vendor.”

Eduardo Luna left in frustration “We don’t want to have What is less certain, The odd part of the story, for a similar position with the the administration choosing unfortunately, is how the however, is that just days before city of Beverly Hills. an auditor who oversees bureaucratic game will be last week’s committee hearing, The 50 pages alone contain administration,” Sherman told played leading up to the time the San Diego Union-Tribune dynamite, describing a wellhis colleagues last week. when voters get to decide just had reported who that vendor documented, two-year effort A representative of equally how independent they want the was—Host Compliance, a by the mystery vendor to curry termed-out Mayor Kevin city auditor to be. That reality Seattle-based short-term-rentalfavor with city staffers who felt Faulconer dispatched to the played out during a subsequent management firm—in a wild committee meeting gave a agenda item only minutes after tale about a deputy city treasurer pressured to enter into a contract and did so while allegedly general thumbs up to the the ballot-measure bonding filing a complaint that the circumventing city regulations, proposal, offering a few moment. auditor’s report had damaged council approval, collective technical tweaks and support for Back in September, the her reputation and forced her to splitting up the current 10-year city auditor released a report retire after 21 years with the city. bargaining requirements and frankly common sense. Elser term into two potential five-year lambasting a multimillionThe Union-Tribune reported said his preference would have stints. dollar city contract with an that Robbin Kulek Lockie, the been to provide the confidential “In the end, we also aren’t unnamed company, alleging the deputy city treasurer, named report to the audit committee. going to be here in about a year so-called “piggyback contract” Host Compliance as the Committee member Stewart and change, so we’re looking at was unfairly awarded and quite unnamed contractor in a city Halpern agreed. “It’s just unclear it dispassionately more from a possibly violated state laws, the auditor fraud hotline case report in my mind if this committee good public policy standpoint,” city charter and the San Diego dated January 3 of this year. can exercise the proper oversight Almis Udrys, Faulconer’s deputy municipal code.

In her claim, the UT reported, responsibility without seeing the chief of staff for innovation In typical “piggyback Kulek Lockie said an internal full contents of the confidential and policy, assured committee contracts,” smaller organizations review exonerated her. (The report,” he said. members. can “benefit from leveraging company’s president and CEO, Ron Villa, the city’s assistant While it’s good to know two the prices and terms from Ulrik Binzer, told the UT the chief operating officer, did outgoing Republican stalwarts larger organizations,” city auditor’s report was “flawed” but his best to assure committee with uncertain political futures fraud investigator Andy did not address allegations of members that the mystery seem aligned on backing true Horita explained to the audit favoritism and collusion.)

By John R. Lamb

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4 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · OCTOBER 9, 2019

contract was not renewed and such contract stumbles would never happen again. And while Villa said he agreed that all of the recommendations made by the city auditor “made sense” to prevent such abuses in the future, he did add, “We…could not come to an agreement with the opinions that were identified in the investigation.”

Deputy City Attorney Joan Dawson seemed skeptical that the confidential report could be released beyond administrative staff, adding, “We have to be mindful of the confidentiality provisions of state law.”

The problem at least for Cory Briggs—who’s challenging Dawson’s boss, City Attorney Mara Elliott, in the 2020 election—is simple: Elliott’s office signed off on the Host Compliance contract last year without traditional council approval for consultant contracts valued at more than $250,000.

“The informant is protected, but the illegal conduct is not,” Briggs told Spin. “What transpired is not protected.

It’s public business. The City Council should know whether or not there was an illegal contract and people got money they shouldn’t have gotten.”

A city attorney spokesman declined to respond, but Sherman may have put it best: “It’s tough to make decisions when people can’t comment on something. It bothers me, is all I can say.”

After the meeting, Sherman said it’s bad enough that the city seems frozen in dealing with short-term rentals as a whole, but trying to find out who does and doesn’t pay taxes is even more maddening. “This whole situation has been incredibly frustrating,” he said. “Frankly, if we’d just get off our ass and pass a damn law, we’d have some finality.”

- Spin Cycle appears every other week. Write to johnl@sdcitybeat.com. @SDCITYBEAT

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OCTOBER 9, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 5

UP FRONT | FOOD & DRINK

All the Bugs and All the Kitsch Lobster’s the calling card at Puerto Nuevo

By Michael A. Gardiner

I

f there is a relatively wellknown Northern Baja tourist destination other than Tijuana it’s probably Puerto Nuevo, the town that lobster built.

Perhaps the most famous of Puerto Nuevo’s lobster restaurants is Restaurant Puerto Nuevo No. 1 (Guadalupe de Rentería, S/N 36890 Puerto Nuevo) just a block inside the arched entry to the village. It may not be the best, but it is what the place is about.

Puerto Nuevo-style lobster is a brilliantly simple thing. It’s Baja’s clawless spiny lobster— not the more familiar Maine variety—split lengthwise and pan fried in lard. It’s served with creamy refried beans, Mexican rice, and flour tortillas. It’s not exactly an elegant dish nor does it shy away from the fact it’s essentially fat four ways.

While Puerto Nuevo may have begun its life as a lobster fishing village that’s definitely not its calling card today. It’s long since “evolved” into a tourist trap hawking the town’s signature crustacean dish, micheladas, tequila, “Cuban” cigars and curios. Getting from the car to a restaurant seat involves dodging a phalanx of restaurant hawkers and

sidewalk curio salesmen. Time your trip wrong and a half hour wait in a line stretching into the street is about the best you can expect.

But get to Puerto Nuevo No. 1 early—hopefully pre-dosed on Lipitor—and prototypical Puerto Nuevo-style lobster is the reward. The understated player in the dish is the homemade flour tortillas.

Any resemblance to the stuff available in

Puerto Nuevo-style lobster is a brilliantly simple thing. (Submitted photo)

6 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · OCTOBER 9, 2019

supermarkets is either visual or accidental. These tortillas are a genuine source of rich flavor in and of themselves thanks, in no small part, to copious amounts of lard.

There are a lot of ways to eat your bug. One approach is to rip off a piece of tortilla, grab a chunk of lobster, dip it into the refried beans and rice, add a bit of hot sauce. Another is to make your own lobster burrito.

I went with the latter.

The star of the dish, of course, is Puerto Nuevo is about more than lobster, there are mariachis and tchotchkes, too.

(Submitted photo)

that spiny lobster. At its best it’s a glorious thing: rich, moist and luxuriously delicious.

Too often, however, my visits to Puerto Nuevo have yielded tough, overcooked lobster. It wasn’t quite that way at No. 1, but neither was the meat at its succulent best.

A huge issue

with Puerto Nuevo restaurant lobster is the reality the lobster season runs from October through March (this

year’s season started early).

The rest of the year the bugs come in frozen from Chile, the Caribbean or elsewhere.

Regardless, most waiters (pointing west) tell you the product is from just off the coast or “Ensenada.”

While vegans are pretty much out of luck, there’s more than lobster on Puerto Nuevo menus. No. 1 does a passable shrimp aguachile. Carne asada comes out of the back too. But why would you go to Puerto Nuevo for those?

Puerto Nuevo is, no doubt, a tourist trap. When it’s not about the lobster, it’s all kitschy food and mariachis and

tchotchkes.

I’m not really into those things. But sometimes a food critic just has to turn those knobs down.

Are mariachis really so bad? Does overpriced lobster actually taste bad? No. Really: no.

There are worst ways to spend a Baja Sunday morning before the crowds descend. @SDCITYBEAT

UP FRONT | FOOD & DRINK

WORT MENTIONING

Deserved Support or Life Support?

Has San Diego’s brewing industry reached maximum occupancy?

By Karen Barnett

S

an Diego has been pining for the title of The Craft Beer Capital of America for years—a title pushed by our own local tourism board. Our economy appears to be big and booming, with craft beer available seemingly everywhere beer is sold. But is it too big? Is there enough cash flow for everyone to succeed?

Does social media activity display a false positive?

There are 154 active breweries in San Diego, 29 tasting rooms (nonproduction, satellite locations), and 10 more in planning or build-out

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stages. That’s a lot of beer. It’s an incredible amount when you think about how just 10 years ago there were only 34 operating breweries in all of San Diego County. Now toss in the buzz to spend money at beer events advertised daily. There’s a festival every weekend. A ticket to buy, a bottle/can launch, and a new growler to fill. Tuesday trivia or live music at your neighborhood tasting room.

The industry is starting to shoot itself in the foot.

Aren’t we spreading things a little thin by having too much to offer? Maybe it’s just me, but warm beer sitting on a shelf at Target doesn’t scream “success”

to me. While some thought tasting rooms were the answer to increasing revenue, many of those have closed or are visibly bleeding. Is it the lure of $4 daily pints or the arguably irresponsible $20 all-you-can-drink nights from Little Miss Brewing that allows it the capital to have just opened its fifth location?

However, on a positive front, Brewery Igniter programs have helped launch up and coming small breweries, offering turn-key style locations for the more experienced brewer to aid in production. Amplified Ale Works, Eppig Brewing and Pure Project are all successful

graduates of these programs, each making great beer and opening new projects across the county. Others are continuing to grow as well.

Burgeon Beer Company is actively pursuing a tasting room south of its Carlsbad brewery, and North Park’s Fall Brewing has had an ABC license posting in a South Park window for months.

I’m not afraid to say it: Not all the beer in San Diego is great. Some of it isn’t even good. Bad beer goes beyond a subjective palate. Dirty equipment, poor maintenance and bad recipes can be tasted in every drop. What’s worse than

the flavor or quality of these products, is the support behind them. The blind support.

People who don’t know what a beer is actually supposed to taste like and kind of don’t care. It’s cheap. It’s close to their house. There’s a hot chick pouring it for you. The owners are so nice. None of these reasons does a good beer make.

These types of breweries water down the quality of the overall industry. And, worst of all, they slow the success of those who are making great products and should be rising to the top.

But what do I know? I’m just a girl who’s been selling worldclass beer for a decade.

OCTOBER 9, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 7

TOP15 OUR PICKS FOR COOL THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK

By Mary Pat Abruzzo

1 Crumb, Divino Niño, Shormey OCTOBER 10 A collaboration of Brooklyn-based bands, Crumb is known for its blend of psych-rock and jazz with distinctive ideas to match its intimate vocals and luminous guitar lines. Opening for Crumb is the Chicago quartet Divino Niño, who will bring rhythmic, soulful Latin punk songs.

Music Box, 1337 India Street, 7:30 p.m., $21, 619-795-1337, musicboxsd.com.

2 Latin American Art Fair OCTOBER 12 Savor the best of Latin cuisine, music and food, while taking in the finest artwork from art galleries and artists across Latin America at Bread & Salt.

The event takes place in Bread & Salt, a dynamic and contemporary art venue that is recognized as a multicultural hub for showcasing art and cultural programming in Northern Baja and Southern California.

Bread & Salt, 1955 Julia Avenue, Barrio Logan, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., free admission, latinamericanartfairsd.com.

3 San Diego Modern Home Tour OCTOBER 12 Get a chance to explore and view modern residential architecture and design right in your neighborhood.

The San Diego Modern Home Tour offers a selfguided tour for lovers of architecture, design, real estate, giving inspiration and connection to the creative minds behind these masterpieces.

Tours offered in Pacific Beach, Encinitas, Sunset Cliffs, Bakers Hill, Bay Park and La Jolla, 11a.m. to 5 p.m., $20-$50, sandiegomodernhometour.com.

4 The Stories They Tell and Dreamscapes Exhibitions Opening Reception OCTOBER 12 Celebrate the opening reception of two new exhibitions in MOPA. “The Stories They Tell: A Hundred Years of Photography” draws from MOPA’s collection of almost 9,000 photographs representing approximately 850 photographers. “Dreamscapes: 14th Annual Juried Youth Exhibition” features submissions of K-12 students from Tijuana and San Diego responding to the theme of “dreams.”

Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park, 7 to 9 p.m., free, mopa.org.

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5 DogFest San Diego OCTOBER 12 DogFest San Diego is a free community event featuring inspirational speakers, music and a dogfriendly beer and wine-tasting garden. All funds raised benefit Canine Companions for Independence and their mission of matching assistance dogs with children, adults and veterans with disabilities for free.

Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., free, $25 beer and wine garden ticket, cci. org/dogfestsandiego.

6 Taste of North Park OCTOBER 12 Find bites and brews in North Park, the home of culinary innovation and cutting-edge brewmasters.

Taste of North Park invites guests to enjoy more than 40 food tastes from San Diego’s best restaurants in this self-guided tour.

3939 Iowa Street, North Park, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., $20-50, bit.ly/tasteofnorthpark2019.

7 La Jolla Art & Wine Festival OCTOBER 12 TO OCTOBER 13 Flock to the heart of the beautiful seaside village of La Jolla for the 11th annual La Jolla Art & Wine festival. For the art lovers, wine enthusiasts and beer connoisseurs, the festival features over 150 artists from across the United States and Mexico and highlights 40 international wineries and local craft breweries and distilleries. Bring the kiddos, too, as there will be a family art center and live music and entertainment.

Girard Avenue, La Jolla, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., free admission, ljawf.com.

8 Ceramic Sugar Skull Paint & Sip Workshop OCTOBER 12 Glitter, paint and beer! Decorate your very own Calavera, the representation of a human skull that is used in Día de los Muertos.

Border X Brewing, 2181 Logan Avenue, Barrio Logan, 1 to 3 p.m., $15, eventbrite.com.

9 Barrio Art Crawl OCTOBER 12 The Barrio Art Crawl is a free self-guided tour of murals, open studios, galleries and local businesses throughout the Barrio Logan Cultural District. Come enjoy art, live music, food, vendors and more.

Barrio Art Crawl, 2257 Logan Avenue, Barrio Logan, 4 to 10 p.m., free, barrioartcrawl.com.

10 The Future Standard: Music & Art Experience OCTOBER 12 The Future Standard: Music & Art Experience is a San Diego-based mini-fest created to galvanize the city’s alternative music scene, mixing top national talent with local pioneers in an effort to continue

raising the bar within San Diego’s creative community.

Headliners include Toro y Moi (DJ Set), Zack Fox, 143 Soundsystem, Allblack and more.

SOMA, 3350 Sports Arena Boulevard, San Diego, 6 p.m., $40-$100, facebook.com

11 Dempsey Holder Surf Contest OCTOBER 12 The Dempsey Holder Ocean Festival and Surf Contest represents the local heritage of surf competitors and lifestyle, born out of Imperial Beach and stretching down the Pacific Coast through Baja. Wildcoast hosts this event each year to honor the memory of legendary waterman, big-wave surfing pioneer and lifeguard, Allen “Dempsey” Holder.

North Imperial Beach Pier, 940 Seacoast Drive, Imperial Beach, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., free admission, facebook.com.

12 La Pulga Flea Market OCTOBER 12 Get ready to find your treasure. La Pulga Flea Market is a place to discover talented emerging artisans and independent vendors showcasing one-of-a-kind, rare goods, attic treasures, art, clothing, jewelry and a variety of new and used items. Explore the shops and cafes in the heart of Barrio Logan’s art district.

La Pulga Flea Market, 2292 National Avenue, Barrio Logan, 4 to 9 p.m., free, facebook.com.

13 The Fit Expo San Diego OCTOBER 13 TheFitExpo weekend will feature competitions and events, nonstop cutting-edge classes, internet fitness celebrities and exhibits showcasing the newest in fitness.

San Diego Convention Center, 111 W. Harbor Drive, Downtown, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, $25-$40, thefitexpo.com.

14 Mother Miguel Guided Hike OCTOBER 12 Hike to the peak of Mother Miguel Mountain at San Diego National Wildlife Refuge to catch breathtaking views. A guided hike of 4 miles is best for experienced hikers, with opportunities to see Sweetwater Reservoir and the Pacific Ocean. Learn about endangered species and trail sustainability, kicking off the start to National Wildlife Refuge Week.

2335 Paseo Veracruz, Chula Vista, 8 to 11 a.m., free, thelivingcoast.org.

15 March to Close the Concentration Camps OCTOBER 13 March to close the camps and stop the collaboration between local government and ICE. Close the Concentration Camps is a coalition of people who is dedicated to human rights and the fundamental principle that all human beings have a right to life with dignity.

585 Harbor Lane, Downtown, noon to 4 p.m., free admission, facebook.com. @SDCITYBEAT

ART

BOOKS

Art San Diego 2019 at San Diego Convention Center, 111 W. Harbor Drive, Downtown. The largest local contemporary art show features a curated display of artwork from local, national, and international galleries alongside live entertainment. Times vary. Thursday, October 10 through Sunday, October 13. Free-$20. 619-5467488, art-sandiego.com

Samin Nosrat at Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Avenue, Downtown. The award-winning cookbook author will be in conversation with James Beard award-winning chef, radio host and restaurant owner Evan Kleiman as part of UCSD’s ArtPower series. From 8 to 10 p.m. Friday, October 11. $25$45. 858-534-8497, artpower.ucsd.edu

Betty Woodaman Memorial Exhibition at Escondido Arts Partnership Municipal Gallery, 262 E. Grand Avenue, Escondido. Showcase of creative works combining elements of art and science in which artists catalog and research technology and nature in new ways. Opening from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, October 12. Free.

760-480-4101, escondidoarts.org

Sugar Brown: Burlesque Bad & Bougie Comedy at Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd., University Heights. The alter ego of diva Lanita Shera will perform her steamy stand-up comedy by diving into her diaries and exploring her past on-stage. From 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, October 13. $40. diversionary.org

Latin American Art Fair at Bread & Salt, 1955 Logan Avenue, Barrio Logan. The multi-cultural juried showcase will feature Latin art pieces alongside authentic cuisine, craft Mexican beer, wines from Valle de Guadalupe and live performances. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, October 12, and Sunday, October 11. Free. latinamericanartfairsd.com

COMEDY

FILM The Hola Mexico Film Festival Tour at Digital Gym Cinema, 2921 El Cajon Boulevard, North Park. The celebrated Mexican film festival will feature nine of Mexico’s recent hits and soon tobe art-house classics. Times vary. Friday, October 11, through Thursday, October 17. $7.50-$70.

619-200-0206, digitalgym.org

Second Saturday Market at San Diego Made Factory, 2031 Commercial Street, Downtown.

Pop-up show with over 15 local makers including a gallery art show by Art in Texture, pumpkin succulent workshop and more. From 3 to 7 p.m.

Saturday, October 12. Free. sandiegomade.org

Sudden Change Documentary at The Lot, 7611 Fay Avenue, La Jolla. Film screening of a 65-minute documentary pilot focusing the diversity and resilience of New Mexico and its people. From 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, October 12. $100. 619-869-0220, suddenchangedocumentary.com

(S)LIGHT OF HAND at The Photographer’s Eye Gallery, 326 E. Grand Ave., Escondido. Showcase of alternative photographic processes that includes a variety of photographic art styles such as Cyanotype, Tintype, Photogravure, Platinum and 3-D works. Opening rom 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, October 12. Free. 760-484-3951, thephotographerseyecollective.com

San Diego International Film Festival at various locations. Over 200 filmmakers with gather to showcase fresh voices from around the world through film screenings, Q&As, parties and more. Times vary.

Tuesday, October 15, through Sunday, October 20. $16-$599. 619-818-2221, sdfilmfest.com

The Starting Line at Distinction Gallery and Artist Studios, 317 E. Grand Avenue, Escondido, Meet artist Gabe Leonard, watch as he demonstrates his painting technique live in the gallery and browse through his works. From 6 to 10 p.m.

Saturday, October 12. Free. 760-781-5779, distinctionart.com

Ocean Beach Oktoberfest at Newport Avenue and Bacon Street, Ocean Beach. Beachside festival featuring live music performances, a beer garden, a brew fest featuring local breweries, contests, vendor booths, food and more. From 4 p.m. to midnight Friday, October 10 and 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday, October 11. Free. oceanbeachsandiego.com/ob-oktoberfest

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FOOD & DRINK

Taste of North Park at 3939 Iowa Street, North Park. Self-guided food and drink tour through breweries, boutiques, cafes, gastropubs and everything in-between alongside live music performances. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, October 13. $20-$50. explorenorthpark.com OktoBeerFest Street Fair at Broadway Pier, 1000 N. Harbor Drive, Downtown. Festival of German culture and goodies including beer, sausages with kraut, fresh pretzels, schnitzel sandwiches as well as games, music and more. From 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday, October 12. $20-$30. oktobeerfestsd.com

MUSIC Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos at Samuel M. Ciccati Theatre, 9000 Rancho San Diego Parkway, Rancho San Diego. Performance of four of Bach’s celebrated works, as well as his wedding cantata sung by soprano Clara Rottsolk. From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, October 11. $15-$50. 619-3411726, bachcollegiumsd.org

PERFORMANCE A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B Street, Downtown. Rafael Payare will conduct a symphony performance of Felix Mendelssohn’s music while a cast of actors present an abridged version of William Shakespeare play. From 8 to 10 p.m. Friday, October 11 and Saturday, October 12. $23-$85. sandiegosymphony.org Aliens, Immigrants, & Other Evildoers at San Diego Repertory Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, Downtown. José Torress-Tama will perform in his own sci-fi Latino noir solo show in which he tackles the issue of immigration with a multimedia performance. From 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, October 15. Free. 619-544-1000, sdrep.org

POETRY & SPOKEN WORD The Poets Vote at Queen Bee’s, 3925 Ohio Street., North Park. An evening of spoken word, education and voter registration featuring a handful of poets, a talk from a Kumeyaay elder, films of immigrant hip-hop poets and more.

From 7 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, October 10. Free.

619-255-5147, jimpoet.com Poe Fest at Adobe Chapel, 3950 Conde Street, Old Town. Staged performances of works

EVENTS

by Edgar Allan Poe and other authors of the phantasmic will be featured in a six-night celebration of the spooky author. Times vary.

Friday, October 11 through Saturday, October 26. $20-$80. 619-297-8953, writeoutloudsd.com Second Saturday Poetry Cafe at Meraki Cafe, 1735 Adams Ave., University Heights. Enjoy snacks and beverages before hearing a debut of Jeff Walt’s first collection with opening remarks

by Judy Reeves, followed by open mic. From 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. Saturday, October 12. Free. meetup.com/brokenanchorpoetry Evening of Spoken Word at Frontwave Credit Union, 1278 Rocky Point Drive, Oceanside.

Raise money in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month with spoken word poetry, Toastmaster speakers, auctions and more. From 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, October 12. $20-$50. leapto-success.ticketleap.com

9. Free. 800-827-4277, sharp.com San Diego History Center at Seaport Village, 849 W. Harbor Drive, Downtown. Elsa Sevilla, Director of External Affairs at the San Diego History Center, talk about “behind the scenes” elements of her filmmaking career. From 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 10. Free. 858-866-6889, seaportvillage.com Engineering the Ripple Effect at Klienfleder, 550 W. C Street, Downtown. A panel of speakers from Engineers Without Borders will discuss how their work creates a lasting and everspreading effect on the communities they serve. From 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, October 10. $30-$40. support.ewb-usa.org

SPECIAL EVENT

Life Outside the Studio at The Studio Door, 3867 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest. Patric Stillman will lead a discussion about the necessary skills that an artist needs to succeed in today’s creative marketplace as part of the Artist Almanac series.

From 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, October 12. $5.

619-255-2867, thestudiodoor.com

Massing of the Colors and Service of Remembrance at Spreckels Organ Pavilion, 2125 Pan American Road E., Balboa Park. Patriots, community members and more gather to honor the American flag, current service people and veterans with color guard performances and more.

From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, October 12.

Free. 760-579-8720, sandiego-moww.org

Studio Art Card Swap at The Studio Door, 3867 Fourth Avenue, Hillcrest. Fred Marinello will lead a presentation on the history of the international movement followed by local artists showcasing their ATC portfolios as part of the Artist Almanac Series. From 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, October 16. $5. 619-255-2867, thestudiodoor.com

Serbian Festival at St. George’s Serbian Orthodox Church, 3025 Denver Street, Bay Park. The 47th annual celebration will center on Serbian Orthodox Christian faith, food, and music with authentic dishes, folklore dance performances and more. From 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, October 12. Free-$3. 619-2765827, sdserbianfestival.com

TALKS & DISCUSSIONS Medical Insights: HIV/AIDS at Serra Mesa/Kearny Mesa Branch Library, 9005 Aero Drive, Serra Mesa. Dr. Raymond Chinn will speak about his experiences working with HIV/AIDS patients in the 1980’s, as well as some of the science behind the disease. From 6 to 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, October

The Design of Horton Plaza at Gaslamp Museum at the David-Horton House, 410 Island Ave., Downtown. Lecture on the history of Horton Plaza and an inside look on how the distinctive design ideas helped make Horton Plaza a celebrated destination. From 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, October 16. Free-$5. 619-233-4692, gaslampfoundation.org

WORKSHOPS The Piñata as a Narrative at Shop Mingei, 2640 Historic Decatur Road, Liberty Station. Artist Diana Benavides will teach how to use the piñata to convey a personal narrative or message and share some history and folklore surrounding the piñata. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, October 12. $30-$45. 619-704-7495, mingei.org

OCTOBER 9, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 9

ARTS | CULTURE

THEATER

Seamstress of Dreams

New Village Arts’ ‘Intimate Apparel’ has star power

By David L. Coddon

N

ew Village Arts’ production of Lynn Nottage’s “Intimate Apparel” is among the finest stagings the Carlsbad theater has accomplished in recent memory.

Thoughtfully directed by Melissa Coleman-Reed and featuring a superior star turn by Tamara McMillian, this realization of Nottage’s 2003 play about an African-American seamstress clutching at love and dreams is sublime in its storytelling and engulfing in its sadness.

A creator of fine intimate wear around the turn of the 20th century, Esther (McMillian) yearns for a meaningful life of her own and one in which she may be cherished and desired like those for whom she sews.

The NVA cast in this deliberately paced but literate drama also includes Cashae Monya, who brings to bright but bittersweet life part of Esther’s wayward friend, Mayme.

“Intimate Apparel” runs through October 20 at New Village Arts Theatre Cashae Monya, left, and Tamara McMillian star in “Intimate in Carlsbad.

Apparel.” (Photo by Daren Scott) $25-$36; The prospect of a long-distance newvillagearts.org lover (sending letters from From the opening moment of Panama) buoys her hopes. In Heather Raffo’s “Noura,” when Nottage’s intelligent script, very the title character (played with little turns out as one might arch desperation by Lameece expect, and Esther’s strength Issaq) stands alone in the and heart are tested throughout. snowfall until its abrupt though

10 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · OCTOBER 9, 2019

unsatisfying end, this one-act drama pulsates with tension. A Chaldean Christian refugee who has left her homeland of ISISterrorized Iraq for a new life in Queens, New York, Noura feels herself in the psychological and emotional vise of two worlds: past and present.

In the San Diego premiere of this play at the Old Globe under the direction of Johanna McKeon, questions and platitudes predominate during a claustrophobic Christmas celebration among Noura and her husband (Mattico David), young son (Giovanni Cozic) and lifelong friend (Fajer Kaisi).

The anticipation and subsequent arrival of an orphan college girl from Mosul precipitates the startling revelation of secrets and the articulation of sentiments long suppressed or festering.

For an hour-and-a-half play that takes place in a very short time window “Noura” traffics in complications, personal conflicts and identity crises enough for a work three times this length.

“Noura” runs through October 20 at the Old Globe’s Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre in Balboa Park. $30 and up; theoldglobe.org OPENING THIS WEEK “BAD HOMBRES/GOOD WIVES:” San Diego Rep playwright-inresidence Herbert Siguenza tapped Moliere’s “School for Wives” and the narco telenovela genre for inspiration here.

The result is a satiric comedy that includes one of Siguenza’s Culture Clash co-founders, Ric Salinas, in a supporting role.

It’s at the San Diego Repertory Theatre through October 27.

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OCTOBER 9, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 11

12 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · OCTOBER 9, 2019

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OCTOBER 9, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 13

ARTS | CULTURE

Raisin’ Hell New film fondly remembers gunslinger journalist Molly Ivens

By Glenn Heath Jr.

T

he only thing Molly Ivens enjoyed more than drinking beer was calling out hypocritical politicians. The Dallas Times Herald journalist and lifelong Texan wrote a notoriously pithy weekly column that would eventually become syndicated by hundreds of newspapers during the 1990s and early 2000s.

“Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivens” celebrates its trailblazing subject warts and all, interviewing friends, family and colleagues to get at the heart of what made her such a force. Like most portrait documentaries, the film employs a classic linear

energizes these conventions by injecting a quickened pace, cutting between talking heads segments, archival clips, and personal correspondence with the speed of an Ivens quip.

This approach always keeps things lively.

While championing of free speech and civil rights, Ivens focused her ire on the predominantly white men of the Texas State Legislature. She challenged their machismo and boys club entitlement through scathing humorous wit.

But not all newspaper publications were fond “Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivens” celebrates its trailblazing subject warts and all. (Photo courtesy Magnolia Pictures) of the writer’s comically sardonic voice. Ivens spent trajectory that begins with advancing forward. some tumultuous years at the the childhood years before Director Janice Engel New York Times during the

1970s, but Engel depicts these frustrating times with just as much vim and vigor as the career highpoints that would come later.

“Raise Hell” doesn’t imbue the same raw power and intimacy as “Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am”, a more experimental approach to exploring the influences and tactics of another revolutionary 20th century wordsmith.

Nevertheless, it’s a fleet footed and loving introduction to the work of a gunslinger scribe. Ivens was especially prescient on a number of troubling political trends, writing frequently about the moral and ethical contradictions that would eventually bring America to its current nightmarish moment.

FRI: Electric Waste Band - Paging the 90s Country Rockin Rebels - Maka Marley Funk ‘N’ Stein DJs Green T & Unite BOTH DAYS! SAT: One Drop - Sure Fire Soul Ensemble - Band of Gringos High Tide Society - Unsteady - Mango Habanero - Fun ‘N’ Stein Poured with Courage Bavarian & Local Craft Brews Unlimited Taste $40 • Saturday 12–3 A portion of proceeds go to Warrior Foundation Freedom Station

Stein Holding • Brat Eating • Balloon Blow

OBOktoberfest.com 14 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · OCTOBER 9, 2019

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ARTS | CULTURE

Something to Talk About SDIFF brings thoughtful films to the area

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

A

s CEO of the San Diego International Film Festival, Tonya Mantooth has witnessed the power of the silver screen.

She is thrilled she gets to do it again Tuesday, October 15, to Sunday, October 20, at The Theatre Box, The Balboa Theatre, The Pendry SD Hotel and Arclight La Jolla.

“We’re excited about the power of the films we’ve been able to bring in,” said Mantooth, also the festival’s artistic director. “It’s really about showcasing some amazing subjects and amazing filmmakers from around the world.

“We’re hosting them here in San Diego and giving San Diego an opportunity to get very close to seeing why these filmmakers make these films and be introduced to important topics.”

The 18th San Diego International Film Festival features “Jo Jo Rabbit” for opening night at the Balboa Theatre, as well as “The Irishman” at the ArcLight Cinemas La Jolla Kickoff Film Premiere on October 17.

“We do like to be able to premiere films before the theatrical release,” she said. “But it’s also about what are the indie filmmakers doing. What are the issues they’re taking on. We try to really broaden the scope of the programming. We have a little bit of something for everybody. We have really strong foreign films that really highlight the great work in other countries.”

The San Diego International Film Festival opens for submissions in January. Its panel screened 3,000 films from 70 countries.

“That’s something we’re incredibly proud of,” Mantooth said. “To engage filmmakers from around the world is really, really key.

We have 60 screeners who commit to watching films all year long.

“We have programmers who look at every genre—like features, documentaries, shorts—and @SDCITYBEAT

work with us to curate a really, really strong lineup. It’s a process that’s important to us.”

Mantooth would know. A 10-time regional Emmy award winner, she began her career as an executive producer when she became the director of acquisitions for CRM Films.

She cofounded and was president of The Dakota Group, a film and postproduction company in Southern California.

Mantooth has produced national TV campaigns and awardwinning documentaries for Fortune 500 companies.

In 2007, she launched

In “Clemency,” Alfre Woodard stars as Bernadine Williams, who confronts the psychological and emotional demons of her prison warden job. (Photo courtesy San Diego International Film Festival)

This year, the festival is honoring six individuals: Laurence Fishburne (Gregory Peck Award); Jared Harris (Cinema Vanguard Award); Pitbull (Music Icon Award); Lindsay Wagner (Humanitarian Award); Jillian Bell (Fairbanks Award); and Camila Morrone

“The Irishman” is Martin Scorsese’s epic saga of organized crime in postwar America.

(Photo courtesy San Diego International Film Festival)

Mantooth Studios, which produced four feature films, including “Grave Secrets.”

Mantooth and her colleagues took over the San Diego International Film Festival in 2012.

“The four of us who took it over wanted to rebuild and bring more international exposure and to be able to highlight the city as the arts and culture city that it is,” she said.

(Rising Star Award).

For the Gregory Peck Award, Mantooth works with the Peck family to identify the person who carries on the family’s legacy of equal rights for all. This year that person is Fishburne.

“We’re thrilled to have him,” she said.

Mantooth is a longtime fan of Harris, whose roles included Lane Pryce in “Mad Men;” David

Robert Jones in “Fringe;” King George VI in “The Crown;” and Valery Legasov in the HBO miniseries “Chernobyl.”

“He’s a British actor and not only on stage and in film,” she said. “He has an incredible portfolio with ‘Mad Men,’ ‘The Crown’ and ‘Chernobyl.’ Richard Harris is his father. He has this incredible body of work. He brings a lot to the table.”

Mantooth called Bell an “incredibly talented young actress we’ll see more and more of.” She auditioned for “Saturday Night Live” as a cast member but was instead hired as a writer. Bell recently starred in the critically acclaimed fim “Brittany Runs a Marathon.”

“They saw in her the brilliance in her comedic writing,” she said. “‘Brittany Runs a Marathon’ is such a great showcase for her.”

Morrone is a rising star, Mantooth said.

“She’s a young talent who is really in the early stages of her career and shows great promise.”

Musician Pitbull “is just amazing,” she said. “To have someone of his caliber who crosses all demographics and generations, I love that. He’s a humanitarian.

That is true of all of our honorees.”

Mantooth said legendary TV actress Wagner shares the festival’s mission, just like the rest of the honorees.

“We feel it’s important to develop empathy and use cinema for a positive change and to really bring people together,” she said.

“We hear that in their acceptance speeches. It’s about aligning them with our mission.”

Like the honorees, the films at the San Diego International Film Festival wants to start a conversation. She cites “Clemency” starring Alfre Woodard as one such film.

“She’s brilliant in the role of Bernadine Williams,” she said.

“This film is really interesting.

What you see is wherever you stand on the issue of the death penalty, you’ll see the film explores it from a different standpoint.

“It shows the reality of those who have to carry it out and what a toll it takes. No matter how hard you try to stay disconnected, there are emotional repercussions. You see the toll. You walk out of this film wanting to have a conversation.

That is the whole point of a good film. It’s not necessarily about trying to change people’s minds.

It’s to start a conversation.”

OCTOBER 9, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 15

MUSIC

The Inspiration Continues Shoegazers Ride are back to stay—for now

By Scott McDonald

A

ny way you slice it, 21 years is a long time.

But as a gap between albums from a rock band, it’s more like an eternity.

Yet that’s the exactly how long it took Ride, the pioneering English shoegaze quartet, to release a followup to its 1996 fourth album, “Tarantula.”

More than simply picking up where they left off, 2017’s “Weather Diaries” found the original foursome—vocalist/ guitarist Andy Bell, vocalist/ guitarist Mark Gardener, bassist Steve Queralt, and drummer Laurence “Loz” Colbert— expanding upon the feedbackdrenched sound that had originally defined them.

Now the band is back with another album, the Augustreleased “This Is Not a Safe Place,” which once again showcases their sonic evolution, but also serves as a solid indication that there is much more to come in their newly ignited, second go-round.

“The inspiration is still rolling,” Bell said. “We’re on a great label and we have a great team around us. We’re still finding our feet in what we’re doing again after so long. But we all want to carry on.”

Although a hiatus of more than two decades presented plenty of challenges by itself, the radical changes to the music

Ride is, from left, Mark Gardener, Steve Queralt, Laurence “Loz” Colbert and Andy Bell. (Photo by Steve Gullick)

industry during Ride’s absence were even more severe.

Mobile phones were just beginning their ascent to ubiquity when Ride initially broke up. But terms like digital single, social media profile and online presence? Nonexistent.

“That’s been the biggest change,” Bell said. “It has nothing to do with making the music—writing, recording, or mixing. It’s that adjustment to all the things needed to do when you finish the thing.

We’re operating in a parallel universe from what it used to be like.”

While Bell and his band mates undoubtedly had their own unique hurdles in reuniting after so many years had passed, it’s not like they’re

16 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · OCTOBER 9, 2019

grumpy about it.

You certainly won’t find them pining for the “way it was” or refusing to embrace the current norms of their profession. In fact, the only negative Bell acknowledged regarding Ride’s return to the scene is its lack of a head start on so many of these things.

“We just got thrown into the deep end,” he said. “This is what it is now and we’re still catching up. But it’s actually gotten better. There’s more music. It’s easier to get. And I’m feeling more inspired. Just sitting on a tour bus and both making, and listening to, a Spotify playlist that’s Bluetoothed to the tour bus stereo. It’s just so brilliant.”

But what about the delicate alchemy of retaining enough of

what made them the band they were when they started and adjusting that with more than 20 years of changes to music and the world?

“We actually had a strategy for this,” Bell said.

“And it was to pretend that we’d been making records all that time. We asked things like, ‘What would we do if we were making album 14 or 15?’ We also found out that we were all still pretty much listening to the same things, independently.

So it wasn’t that hard to find common ground—even if that common ground wasn’t going to lead to ‘Nowhere Part 2,’” he added about Ride’s seminal 1990 debut.

It also may have helped that Bell spent much of his

time after Ride initially broke up playing bass in Oasis and then guitar in Liam Gallagher’s Beady Eye. “To use a football analogy, it was like playing for a local team and then spending 10 years playing for Barcelona,” Bell said.

“Then, getting the chance to go back. I learned so much. It was like a master class.”

Whatever it is, Ride seems more than content with the vitality of their second life.

Because they don’t really write on the road—rather in the gaps between runs—they’ll have to wait until they’ve properly toured “This Is Not A Safe Place” to start working on what will come next.

But with so much going right, they do have a tentative plan to eclipse the creative output of their first tenure.

“It’s been quite an enjoyable process,” Bell said. “We have a natural thing together and the rest has fallen into place. We’re in no rush, but I would like to make more Ride albums than we made the first time around.

I want to get over that bridge.

But they’ll all have to be good as well.”

Ride

7 p.m. Tuesday, October 15 House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Avenue, San Diego Tickets start at $23 619-299-2583, houseofblues.com

@SDCITYBEAT

MUSIC

The Waterboys are Bringing the Action British-Irish band visits The Observatory this week

By Christina FuocoKarasinski

T

he Waterboys lead singer Mike Scott doesn’t look toward the future. He takes things a day at a time.

“San Diego,” he said with a pause. “That seems a long way away to me. I can’t even think about that yet.”

The date is sneaking up, as The Waterboys play The Observatory North Park on Saturday, October 12. Known for the song “The Whole of the Moon,” Scott is vague about the show, but he reveals a little bit.

“There will be a lot of songs from the last three albums, some older ones, as well. I don’t like to give away too much in advance.

“I should say the sets keep changing. They keep morphing.

Who knows where it will be by the time we get to San Diego.”

The Waterboys are touring

@SDCITYBEAT

The Waterboys’ Mike Scott said his albums come about organically.

(Photo courtesy The Waterboys)

in support of their new album “Where the Action Is,” which was released in May. The 10-song collection aptly captures the talents of Scott,

whose songs have been covered by Prince, Rod Stewart, Tom Jones, Steve Earle and Ellie Goulding.

Scott is well known for his radical changes in music genres throughout what he refers to as his “allegedly unorthodox” career.

“I don’t think of them as genres,” he said. “I think of them as songs I like to play.”

He said his songs come about organically, primarily at his home studio in Dublin.

“I just write and record almost every day,” he said.

“Suddenly, I realize I have enough for a record and that’s how my albums come about.”

“Where the Action Is” was a response to “Out of All This Blue,” the double album The Waterboys released in 2017.

“The last one was a double album and it was too long for a lot

of people,” Scott said. “Everything’s speeded up, so it takes the same amount of time to digest.”

That said, Scott quickly added the music isn’t necessarily just for fans.

“I don’t make records for anyone,” he said. “I fought those battles in the ’80s, when the labels and fans wanted me to keep making the same music I wanted to change.

“I made compromises, but they’re not the kind of compromises you think. I had to get a tough manager to keep the record company out of my face while I made what was the third record, ‘This is the Sea.’ He achieved that for me, but it was at a cost. He was a good guy, but not the right manager for me. I had more difficulties down the line. It took a few years to get full authority over my music.”

Scott admitted the labels weren’t all that bad.

“Sometimes the cats at the

label give good advice,” he said.

“Not everything they say was terrible. Sometimes they’ve helped me, sometimes they didn’t. I needed my space to make my own mistakes and learn from them.”

Scott doesn’t consider his career “fun,” either. It’s work, but he does enjoy it at times.

“I just love the songs,” he said.

“To me, it’s fun but it’s also work.

It’s not like I’m off in a toy shop.

I’m working at the same time. It is a great job to go around the job making music with my mates, playing the songs I’ve written.”

The Waterboys

8 p.m. Saturday, October 12 Observatory North Park, 2891 University Avenue, San Diego $35 observatorysd.com

OCTOBER 9, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 17

MUSIC

No ‘Doom’ and Gloom

Bastille encourages escapism during its shows

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

B

astille drummer Chris Wood said fans have learned the breadth of the English band’s tastes, thanks to its latest album “Doom Days.”

Telling the story of a colorful night at a party that is emotionally chaotic yet euphoric, “Doom Days” blends gospel, house music, R&B, pop and rock. But just like the mélange of genres, there are numerous meanings for the tunes.

“A lot of those songs are open to interpretation,” Wood said via telephone from Toronto.

“We’re really conscious of

We’re really conscious of telling a story. On the previous album, we addressed the state of the world head on and it occurred to us that people will go to a show and want to escape all of that. They don’t want to be constantly reminded.

We’re their escape.

Bastille drummer Chris Wood, second from left, said his band’s show at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre will tell a story with new songs, older tracks and collaborations. (Photo by Piczo)

telling a story. On the previous album, we addressed the state of the world head on and it occurred to us that people will go to a show and want to escape all of that. They don’t want to be constantly reminded. We’re their escape.”

Fans can escape when Bastille comes to Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU on Sunday, October 13, with Joywave.

“We’re bringing the European festival tour to the States,” Wood said. “It’s trying to tell a little bit of a story. We’re doing new songs, the older stuff and the collaborations, which is a broad sort of mix.”

Included in the set is Bastille’s breakthrough, six-timesplatinum hit “Pompeii.”

“People often ask, ‘Do you get bored of playing ‘Pompeii’? No. That song changed our lives. We are incredibly fortunate.

“The songs have evolved naturally live a little bit. It’s not intentional. We just add little things in here and there. We’re constantly evolving.”

18 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · OCTOBER 9, 2019

Marshmello and Bastille’s hit “Happier” is in the setlist, too, after 2 billion cumulative streams.

“It was pretty quick and mad,” he said about the process.

“We were tapping into that whole EDM/DJ world we had not peered into before. We’re obviously really pleased at how the song turned out, but we didn’t expect for it to blow up.

We’re very, very happy for that.”

The success can be partially chalked up to the tearjerker video about a girl and her dog.

“A lot of people were very upset about that,” he said, without giving away too much. “We didn’t realize it would have such an effect. We had the song written a long time before, but we weren’t quite sure if we wanted to use it ourselves because it wasn’t very Bastille. We were looking for someone to do it.

We kept it and recorded it with Marshmello.”

Bastille is hoping to encourage real human connection through its music. For example, the single “Joy” sees a hangover

turned around by a simple phone call from someone special.

“Doom Days” was interesting—yet stressful—for Bastille to create. Its first album, “Bad Blood,” was made while the musicians had regular day jobs.

“Now, we have a studio in south London,” Wood says. “It took us six months to write and record every day. Our singer, Dan Smith, is a perfectionist.

He’s never satisfied, and he continually improves things in his work. He would rarely bring a song to us unless it was halfway done—or more—in his mind.

It’s worked pretty well so far. If it ain’t broke…

“He’s very hard on himself, though. He needs that for his work. He’s a workaholic.”

The pressure is mostly within Smith, with the band members letting very few outside pressures get to them.

“We have some from the label,” Wood said. “We’ve had a certain amount of commercial success. As cliché as that may sound, we just want to make

music we’re proud of. Whether the song is the next single or an album track, we just try to do the best we can.”

Bastille has several U.S. tours under its collective belt. On its first stateside jaunt, Wood admitted to a bit of debauchery— but not in the way one thinks.

“We ate all the junk food we could,” Wood said. “We got it out of our system. We’re really fortunate to have friends in different cities. Instead of touring, it’s like we’re traveling and catching up with old friends.

“We’ve been here enough that we’re not complete tourists. In L.A. we know certain bars and restaurants; same with some other cities.”

Bastille w/Joywave

8 p.m. Sunday, October 13 Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU, 5500 Companile Drive, San Diego, ticketmaster.com, tickets start at $25. @SDCITYBEAT

MUSIC

Blazing Hot

Morcheeba is infusing old tricks with new beats at its shows

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

M

orcheeba multiinstrumentalist and producer Ross Godfrey has a pretty good idea of what fans expect from his trip-hop act—a moody and ambient show.

But Godfrey and vocalist Skye Edwards have been turning those expectations on its head their latest album “Blaze Away” and their shows in support of it.

“We pulled some of the old tricks out of the hat, but we wanted to bring an energy to the record,” Godfrey said.

“Our older records are mellow. This is the first record made without my brother, Paul, who left five years ago.

My brother was more into hip hop. There’s less of a pop influence on this record and it’s a bit more guitar heavy. At

@SDCITYBEAT

Morcheeba—Skye Edwards and Ross Godfrey—is playing a sold-out show at Belly Up on Sunday, October 13. (Photo by Nicol Vizioli)

the same time, it’s the same old Morcheeba.”

The band is infusing energy into shows like the October 13

gig at Belly Up, too.

“Even though we’re a quite mellow band, people expect us to be moody and ambient,”

he said. “But we get in the audience and sing and dance along. It’s like everybody has a few tequilas before we go on.

We play a lot of our old songs, and we play a few new songs from the new album.

“We have a couple covers, too. We’re just trying to make the most of it, really. We love playing live. It’s when we’re in our element. I get to play funk guitar really loudly. When we’re recording, it’s a clinical, controlled process. At gigs, it’s really nice playing loud and having fun. I’m a really big fan of Jimi Hendrix and guitar players like that.”

Morcheeba leans toward traditional instrumentation, over electronics. Besides Godfrey and Edwards, Morcheeba includes Edwards’ son, Jaega, on drums; and her husband Steve Gordon on bass.

“People think we’re electronic, but we are

actually relying on traditional instruments,” he said. “We’re a bunch of great musicians, and Skye is a natural performer.

Everyone wants to see the songs the way she performs them.”

Godfrey is familiar with California, as he lived in Hollywood for about five years and frequented San Diego to visit friends.

“We hung out on the beach and had good times,” he said. “I love Belly Up. It’s great. I like to hang out there and the Gaslamp District, bouncing from bar to bar.”

Morcheeba w/Earth Moon Earth

8 p.m. Sunday, October 13 Belly Up, 143 S. Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach, sold out, 858-481-8140, bellyup.com

OCTOBER 9, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 19

MUSIC

COncerts HOT! NEW! FRESH!

Daytrip (Casbah, 10/13), Hocus (Casbah, 10/15), Wild Wild Wets (BUT, 10/23), Super-Villain (Soda Bar, 10/24), Cults (Soda Bar, 11-1/2), Ralph Castelli (HOB, 11/5), Fister (SPACE, 11/17), Stoop Kids (Soda Bar, 11/19), John Craigie (BUT, 11/24), Motel Radio (Soda Bar, 12/14), Chris Isaak (BUT, 12/17), Silversun Pickups (Observatory, 12/17), Donavon Frankenreiter (BUT, 12/29), Donavon Frankenreiter (BUT, 12/30), Joyce Manor (Music Box, 1/10), Gary Gulman (Observatory, 1/11), Los Stellarians (Music Box, 1/16), The Great Love Debate (Music Box, 1/22), Theo Katzman (BUT, 1/22), The New Pornographers (Observatory, 2/4), Xavier Omar (Observatory, 2/7), Murder by Death (BUT, 2/13), The California Honeydrops (BUT, 2/14), Amber Liu (Music Box, 2/22), Flor de Toloache (Casbah, 2/25), Wacken Metal Battle Round 1 (Brick by Brick, 3/7), Cult of Luna (Brick

by Brick, 3/11), Wacken Metal Battle Round 2 (Brick by Brick, 3/14).

ALL SOLD OUT

Tinariwen (BUT, 10/12), Morcheeba (BUT, 10/13), Tyler Childers (Observatory, 10/15), Caamp (BUT, 10/19), DEAN (Brick by Brick, 10/20), The Story So Far (Observatory, 10/24), Tab Benoit (BUT, 10/25), Black Pumas (Soda Bar, 10/25), Mac Ayres (Music Box, 11/3),Two Door Cinema Club (Observatory, 11/8), Nahko (Observatory, 11/14), Built To Spill (Casbah, 11/14), Cold War Kids (Observatory, 11/15), Adam Carolla (BUT, 12/1), Thievery Corporation (BUT, 12/12), Stick Figure (BUT, 12/27-28), Dashboard Confessional (Observatory, 2/11).

CANCELED

Dick Dale’s Misirlou (BUT, 12/19), Christian Death (Soda Bar, 11/6), Goblin (Brick by Brick, 11/14).

GET YER TICKETS

Sunday, October 13

Lana Del Rey (Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, 10/11), The Japanese House (Observatory, 10/11), The Who (Viejas Arena, 10/16), Judah & The Lion (Observatory, 10/17), Senses Fail (HOB, 10/19), Hozier (Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, 10/26), Helmet (BUT, 11/7), Cold War Kids (Observatory, 11/15), The Maine (Observatory, 11/29), Aly & AJ (BUT, 12/8), King Princess (Observatory, 1/28).

J Balvin at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre. Kishi Bashi at Music Box. Disentomb at Brick By Brick. Collie Buddz at Observatory North Park. Brick + Mortar at Soda Bar. Bastille at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU. Lila Downs at Balboa Theatre.

Mayday at SOMA. The Backseat Lovers at Ché Café Collective. Daytrip at The Casbah.

Wednesday, October 9

UFO at House Of Blues. Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears at The Casbah. Wurve at Soda Bar. Badflower at Music Box.

Dodie at House Of Blues. Dropkick Murphys at Park At The Park. The Parlor Mob at The Casbah. Skarhead at Soda Bar. Cass McCombs at Music Box. WAR at Belly Up Tavern. Stone Temple Pilots at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre.

Thursday, October 10

Immolation at Brick By Brick. Too Many Zooz at Belly Up Tavern. Crumb at Music Box. The HU at Observatory North Park. Swervedriver at The Casbah. Nebula Drag at Soda Bar. Live at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre.

Friday, October 11

Logic at Viejas Arena at SDSU. Little Hurricane at Music Box. Led Zepagain at Belly Up Tavern.

The Japanese House at Observatory North Park.

Lana Del Rey at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre. Kllo at Soda Bar. The Schizophonics at The Casbah. Contortion at Brick by Brick. Logic at Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl. Power Alone at Ché Café Collective.

Saturday, October 12

The Waterboys at Observatory North Park.

Carlos Rivera at House of Blues. flor at Music Box. El Ten Eleven at The Casbah. Mothership at Brick by Brick. Death Cab for Karaoke at Soda Bar. The Glitch Mob at Petco Park. Patton Oswalt at California Center for the Arts. Zack Fox at SOMA. Bar1ne at Music Box.

20 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · OCTOBER 9, 2019

Monday, October 14

Tuesday, October 15

Ride at House Of Blues. Godsmack at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre. Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes at The Casbah. Caracara at Soda Bar. The Obsessives at Ché Café Collective.

Hocus at The Casbah.

Wednesday, October 16

The Who at Viejas Arena. Surf Curse at Observatory North Park. Battle of the Bands at Music Box. The Side Deal at Belly Up Tavern. Bloom. at Soda Bar. The Beach Boys at Humphreys. The Atom Age at The Casbah.

Thursday, October 17

Judah & The Lion at Observatory North Park.

Lost Frequencies at Music Box. Joseph Arthur at Soda Bar. Birdy Bardot at The Casbah. The Beach Boys at Humphreys. Faim at SOMA.

Friday, October 18

The Rocket Summer at Soda Bar. Chelsea Wolfe at Observatory North Park. Joseph at Belly Up Tavern. Neon Indian at Music Box. Ty Dolla $ign at Viejas Arena. Sum 41 at SOMA.

Saturday, October 19

Lucero at Music Box. Senses Fail at House Of Blues. Maribou State at Observatory North Park.

The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band at The Casbah. Alien Weaponry at Soda Bar. Bring Me

The Horizon at Viejas Arena at SDSU. Havok at Brick by Brick. Tyler, The Creator at Pechanga.

Kurt Elling at San Diego Symphony. Taimane at California Center for the Arts.

Sunday, October 20

Dean Lewis at House Of Blues. Santo at The Casbah. Monster Movies For Music at Observatory North Park. GRLwood at Soda Bar. Boots in the Park at Waterfront Park. Gus Dapperton at SOMA. Suzanne Santo at Casbah.

Peter Mayer at Belly Up Tavern.

Monday, October 21

Mushroomhead at Brick by Brick. Pruitt Igoe at The Casbah.

Tuesday, October 22

Todrick at House Of Blues. Mephiskapheles at The Casbah. The Speed of Sound in Seawater at Soda Bar. GRiZ at Observatory North Park.

Cavetown at Music Box.

Wednesday, October 23

Off With Their Heads at The Casbah. Danny Brown at Music Box. Caravan Palace at Observatory North Park. Subhumans at SOMA. Distressor at Soda Bar. Wild Wild Wets at Belly Up Tavern.

Thursday, October 24

Andrew Bird at House of Blues. Al Jardine at Belly Up Tavern. Sean Hayes at The Casbah.

Dreamers at The Irenic. Half Pint at Belly Up Tavern. Lizzo at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre. For King and Country at Viejas Arena.

Maldita Vecindad at Balboa Theatre. SuperVillain at Soda Bar.

Friday, October 25

The Weeks at The Irenic. Rocket from the Crypt at House of Blues. Death Valley Girls at House Of Blues. Peelander-Z The Merrow. The Story So Far at Observatory North Park.

Saturday, October 26

Hozier at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air

Theatre. Hepcat at Music Box. (Sandy) Alex G at The Irenic. Love Revisited at The Casbah.

Agnostic Front at Soda Bar. Heartbones at The Merrow. Our Second Home at Brick by Brick.

Devendra Banhart at Observatory North Park.

Rich Brain at SOMA. Benise at Balboa Theatre.

Con at Ché Café Collective.

Sunday, October 27

Lukas Graham at House Of Blues. Night Club at Brick By Brick. EyeHateGod at The Casbah. Face to Face at Observatory North Park. Cory Wong at Music Box. Ra Ra Riot at Belly Up Tavern.

Cherry Glazerr at SOMA.

Monday, October 28

Lucy Dacus at Belly Up Tavern. Saintseneca at Soda Bar. Chameleons Vox at The Casbah.

Tuesday, October 29

Sara Bareilles at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre. Michale Graves at Brick By Brick.

Todd Snider at Belly Up Tavern. Justin Townes Earle at The Casbah. Steve Lacy at Observatory North Park. Skizzy Mars at Music Box. Last Dinosaurs at SOMA.

Wednesday, October 30

OK Go at California Center for the Arts. Gramatik at Observatory North Park. The Spill Canvas at Soda Bar. Easy Wind at Belly Up Tavern.

Thursday, October 31

The Adicts at House Of Blues. TR/ST at Observatory North Park. Dirtwire at Music Box. ‘80s Heat at Belly Up Tavern. Cold at Brick by Brick. Old Man Wizard at Soda Bar. Acid Tongue at Ché Café Collective.

Friday, November 1

Kikagaku Moyo at Music Box. Dinosaur Jr. at Observatory North Park. Kero Kero Bonito at Belly Up Tavern. Wovenhand at Brick by Brick.

Shoreline Mafia at SOMA. Jon Pardi at Cal

See

CONCERTS on page 21

@SDCITYBEAT

MUSIC

CONCERTS

from page 20

Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre. Mike Watt & the Missingmen at Casbah. Cults at Soda Bar.

Saturday, November 2

Noah Kahan at House Of Blues. Black Mountain at The Casbah. Through the Roots at Music Box. The Spazmatics at Belly Up Tavern. Suffocation & Belphegor at Brick by Brick. Cults at Soda Bar.

Sunday, November 3

Whitney at Observatory North Park. Matt Heckler at Soda Bar. Guerilla Toss at The Casbah. Electric Guest at The Irenic. Aaron Neville at Belly Up Tavern.

Monday, November 4

LITE at The Irenic. Making Movies at Soda Bar. The Cadillac Three at House of Blues.

Tuesday, November 5

Monolord at Brick By Brick. Craig Finn & the Uptown Controllers at Soda Bar. Mellow Fellow at Ché Café Collective. French for Rabbits at SPACE. Twenty One Pilots at Pechanga. Matt & Kim at Observatory North Park. Summer Walker at SOMA. Micky & the Motorcars at Belly Up Tavern. Elephant Stone at The Casbah. Ralph Castelli at House Of Blues.

Wednesday, November 6

Penny & Sparrow at Belly Up Tavern. Tobe Nwigwe at Music Box. Ghost of Paul Revere at The Casbah.

Thursday, November 7

Helmet at Belly Up Tavern. Omar Apollo at Observatory North Park. Sloan at The Casbah.

Luke Combs at Pechanga. Shawn James at Soda Bar. Lohanthony at Ché Café Collective.

Friday, November 8

Hilltop Hoods at Music Box. The Pine Mountain

@SDCITYBEAT

Logs at Belly Up Tavern. SKEGSS at The Casbah.

Lyrics Born at Soda Bar. Sabrina Claudio at SOMA.

Saturday, November 9

Rat Boy at House Of Blues. Baby Bushka at The Casbah. Sammy Johnson at Music Box. Liturgy at Soda Bar. Homesafe at Brick by Brick. Super Diamond at Belly Up Tavern.

Sunday, November 10

Gloria Trevia at Viejas Arena at SDSU. Rhett Miller at Music Box. Immortal Technique at Belly Up Tavern. Gesaffelstein at Petco Park. Lil Xan at House of Blues.

Monday, November 11

Kilo at Soda Bar. Broncho at The Casbah.

Charley Crockett at Belly Up Tavern.

Stonecutters at Brick by Brick.

Tuesday, November 12

Built To Spill at The Casbah. Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors at Belly Up Tavern. SleaterKinney at Observatory North Park. The Dangerous Summer at Soda Bar. Augustana at Music Box. Jacky Vincent at Brick by Brick.

Wednesday, November 13

Frankie Cosmos at Ché Café Collective. Cave In at Soda Bar. TAUK at Belly Up Tavern. Miami Horror at Music Box.

Thursday, November 14

Strung Out SOMA. Hovvdy at SPACE. Jonathan Bree at Soda Bar.

Friday, November 15

Brick. MyKey at Soda Bar. The Ocean Blue at The Casbah. Rufus Wainwright at Copley Symphony Hall.

Wild at Soda Bar. Kottonmouth Kings at Brick by Brick. Wonderfront Festival at Waterfront Park.

John Craigie at Belly Up Tavern.

Sunday, November 17

Monday, November 25

Reckless Kelly at Belly Up Tavern. The Black Keys at Pechanga Arena. The Midnight Hour at Soda Bar. SuicideGirls at Music Box. Youth of Today at Casbah. Young Thug at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU. Fister at SPACE.

Monday, November 18 Pip Blom at Soda Bar.

Tuesday, November 19

ScaryPoolParty at House of Blues. Puma Blue at The Casbah. Stoop Kids at Soda Bar.

Tuesday, November 26

The Dead South at House of Blues. Eddie Spaghetti at The Casbah.

Wednesday, November 27

Nile at Brick By Brick. Yachtley Crew at Music Box. Jim Breuer at Observatory North Park.

Fortunate Youth at Belly Up Tavern.

Friday, November 29

Wednesday, November 20

Buku at Music Box. Morbid Angel at Brick by Brick. The Maine at Observatory North Park. The Greyboy Allstars.

Thursday, November 21

Wayward Sons at Belly Up Tavern. Ten Bulls at Soda Bar. Ensiferum at Brick by Brick. Lane 8 at Petco Park.

Mason Ramsey at House Of Blues. Meg Myers at Music Box. Ghostland Observatory at Belly Up Tavern.

Tyrone Wells at Music Box. Big Freedia at Belly Up Tavern. Charlotte Lawrence at House of Blues. Enterprise Earth at Brick by Brick.

Friday, November 22

Cherry Poppin’ Daddies at Belly Up Tavern.

Cautious Clay at House Of Blues. Vetiver at Soda Bar. Whitey Morgan at Observatory North Park.

Bad Bunny at Pechanga. Wonderfront Festival at Waterfront Park. The Expendables at Music Box.

Saturday, November 23

Nekromantix at Brick By Brick. Mating Ritual at Soda Bar. Max Bemis at The Irenic. The Babe Rainbow at The Casbah. Black Belt Eagle Scout at Ché Café Collective. Los Amigos Invisibles at Music Box. Max Bemis at SOMA.

Hirie at Observatory North Park. Pinback at Belly Up Tavern. Shred for Dime Tribute at Brick by Brick. The Get Up Kids at Soda Bar. Wonderfront Festival at Waterfront Park. Simple Plan at SOMA. Spendtime Palace at Ché Café Collective.

Johnny Distortion at Music Box.

Saturday, November 16

Sunday, November 24

Twin Peaks at Belly Up Tavern. Moonchild at Music Box. Dizzy Reed’s Hookers at Brick by

Emily Afton at Belly Up Tavern.

The Chainsmokers at Viejas Arena. Crocodiles at The Casbah. Turnover at Observatory North Park.

Saturday, November 30

Sunday, December 1

Mikal Cronin at The Casbah. The Old Firm Casuals at Brick by Brick. A$AP Ferg at House Of Blues. Elton John at Pechanga.

Monday, December 2

So You Think You Can Dance Live! 2019 at Balboa Theatre.

Tuesday, December 3

Angel Olsen at Observatory North Park. The Make-Up at The Casbah.

Wednesday, December 4

From Indian Lakes at Soda Bar. Moon Hooch at The Casbah.

Thursday, December 5

Black Flag at House Of Blues. DIIV at Belly Up Tavern. Judge & Cro-Mags at The Irenic. Marco

Benevento at The Casbah. Reagan Youth at Soda Bar. The Slackers at Music Box. Unknown Mortal Orchestra at Observatory North Park. Catfish & the Bottlemen at Pechanga. Shawn Colvin at California Center for the Arts. Judge at SOMA.

Friday, December 6

Lee Fields & the Expressions at The Music Box. Magic Sword at The Casbah. Daughters, HEALTH at SOMA. Exhumed at Brick by Brick.

Illenium at Pechanga. Griffin House at Soda Bar. Lisa Prank at Ché Café Collective.

Saturday, December 7

John Waters at Observatory North Park. With Confidence at The Irenic. Tow’rs at Soda Bar. Gryffin at SOMA. Authority Zero at Brick by Brick.

Sunday, December 8

Andrea Bocelli at Pechanga Arena. Aly & AJ at Belly Up Tavern. Kim Petras at Observatory North Park. Pink Froyd at Music Box. Death Eyes at The Casbah. Valley Queen at Soda Bar.

Tuesday, December 10

The Charlie Daniels Band at California Center for the Arts. Pete Yorn at Belly Up Tavern.

Wednesday, December 11

Son Little at Soda Bar. Kolars at The Casbah.

Defeater at Ché Café Collective. JD McPherson at Belly Up Tavern. The Shelters at Music Box.

Thursday, December 12

La Dispute at House of Blues. Khemmis at Brick

by Brick. Bayside at The Casbah, 12/12.

Friday, December 13

Allah-Las at Observatory North Park. Lebanon Hanover at Brick by Brick. Tragedy at The Merrow.

Saturday, December 14

Chon at Observatory North Park. Nick Offerman at Balboa Theatre. As I Lay Dying at SOMA. Blockhead at The Casbah. Randy at Ché Café Collective. Motel Radio at Soda Bar.

OCTOBER 9, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 21

MUSIC

CLUBS 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach. Wed: Open Mic. Thu: Sweet Myths. Fri: Pinheads. Sat: Zen Robbi, Jonny Tarr Quartet.

Tue: Sluka, Donna Larsen & Messengers.

Air Conditioned Lounge, 4673 30th St., Normal Heights. Wed: ‘#HipHopWeds.’ Thu: Kizomba Social. Fri: ‘House Music Fridays.’

Sat: Lady Verse. Sun: ‘Phantasy Lounge.’

Mon: ‘Organized Grime.’ Tue: ‘Deep & Progressive.’

American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Ave., Downtown. Thu: JP Sears. Fri: JP Sears. Sat: JP Sears. Tue: Open Mic. The Bancroft, 9143 Campo Road, Spring Valley. Wed: Karaoke. Thu: Anhedonia, Doc Hammer, Inhuman Atrocities. Fri: One High Five. Sat: Batlords, NATives, War Boy. Sun: Hold Jovi. Mon: Trivia. Tue: Karaoke.

Bang Bang, 526 Market St., Downtown. Fri: Darius, Cess. Sat: George Fitzgerald.

Bar Pink, 3829 30th St., North Park. Wed: Action Andy & the Hi Tones. Thu: Hell’er Highwaters, Broad Band. Fri: Doc Hammer, MDRN HSTRY, Modern Love. Sat: Chica Diabla, Whole Hog, The Touchies, Deatheboys, DJ Diana Death. Sun: ‘Rat Sabbath.’ Mon: DJ Grimm. Tue: ‘Tiki Tuesday.’

Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. Wed: WAR. Thu: Too Many Zooz, Thumpasaurus. Fri: Led Zepagain, Paradise City. Sat: Tinariwen, Lonnie Holley (sold out).

Sun: Morcheeba, Earth Moon Earth.

Black Cat Bar, 4246 University Ave., City Heights. Sat: The Violet Mindfield, Magical Animals, Runs Deep.

Blonde, 1808 W. Washington St., Mission Hills. Wed: ‘Dance Klassique.’ Thu: ‘Disco

Goth.’ Fri: ‘Just Can’t Get Enough.’ Mon: ‘Catacomb.’ Tue: ‘Techit Easy.’

Boar Cross’n, 390 Grand Ave., Carlsbad. Sat: Big Dude.

Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave., Bay Park. Thu: Immolation, Blood Incantation, Condemned, Corpsemaker. Fri: Contortion, Aghori, Godhammered, A Hero Within. Sat: Mothership, The Great Electric Quest, Shield of Snakes, Psylow. Sun: Bloodletting, Visceral Disgorge, Signs of the Swarm, Continuum, Organectomy, Mental Cruelty.

Wed: Dodie. Thu: Banda Machos & Banda Arkangel R-15. Fri: Tribal Theory. Sat: Carlos Rivera. Sun: Damien Escobar. Mon: UFO. Tue: Ride.

Divino Nino, Shormey. Fri: Little Hurricane, Dead Feather Moon, Low Volts. Sat: Flor, Joan, lostboycrow. Sun: Kishi Bashi. Mon: Badflower, Weathers, Dead Poet Society.

Humphreys Backstage, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. Wed: Stefan Hillesheim Blues Band. Thu: The Surf Birdz. Fri: Detroit Underground. Sat: Rising Star. Sun: The Delphonics. Mon: Sue Palmer. Tue: Billy Watson.

Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner Blvd., Midtown.

Thu: PartyWave, KOWTA, Stoik, Sassparilla.

Fri: ‘Techno Sabbath.’ Sat: ‘Umbrella Nights.’

The Office, 3936 30th St., North Park. Thu: ‘Dig Deeper.’ Fri: ‘Factory.’ Sat: ‘Strictly Business.’ Tue: ‘Night Shift.’

Kensington Club, 4079 Adams Ave., Kensington. Sat: MoonSugar Collective, Flower Animals, Lefties.

The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., Midtown.

Wed: The Parlor Mob, Dan Luke & the Raid, KidEyes. Thu: Swervedriver, Milly, DJ Ian Utero. Fri: The Schizophonics, Deke Dickerson & the Whippersnappers, The Loons. Sat: El Ten Eleven, Rob Crow. Sun: Daytrip, Blacks Beach Boys. Mon: Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, Malachi Henry & the Lights. Tue: Hocus, Mariel, Electric Elms.

Lestat›s Coffee House, 3343 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Wed: Rebekkah Darling, Karyn Ann, Julia Sage. Fri: Ben Grace, Annie Bethancourt, Girl Boy. Sat: Ernie Halter, Tony Lucca. Sun: Robin Henkel Band. Mon: Open Mic. Tue: ‘Comedy Night.’

Che Cafe, 1000 Scholars Drive S, La Jolla.

Fri: Sect, Power Alone, Cauterize, XReignX, Headcount. Sun: ‘Surf-Rider Foundation Benefit Show.’ Tue: The Obsessives, Jordan Krimston, Weatherboxes.

Mc P’s Irish Pub, 1107 Orange Ave., Coronado. Wed: Jackson & Billy. Thu: North Star. Fri: Mystique. Sat: Stilettos. Sun: Ron’s Garage. Tue: Harmony Road.

Dizzy’s, Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. Fri: Paul Combs.

F6ix, 526 F St., Downtown. Fri: Jenny Pocket, DJ Rell. Sun: ‘Reggae Sundays.’ .

Fluxx, 500 Fourth Ave., Downtown. Fri: Bar1ne. Sun: Eladio Carrion, Lyanno.

The Holding Company, 5046 Newport Ave. Wed: KRS-One, Atlantis Rizing, T-Chronic.

Thu: Russell Ramo & the Funk Bus. Fri: Quel Bordel, XOXO. Sat: Casual Yak, Chunky Hustle Brass Band, The Electric Arch. Sun: Dink, DGTL_CLR, Ofier, Oren, Aldav, Wendigo, Desertic. Mon: Karaoke. Tue: ‘Reggae Tuesdaze.’

House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., Downtown.

22 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · OCTOBER 9, 2019

Loft @ UCSD, Price Center East, La Jolla.

Wed: ‘Triton Music Showcase.’

Martinis Above Fourth, 3940 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest. Thu: ‘Sinatra Night’ w/ Chance Tobar.

Fri: Soul Fire. Sat: Sophia Alone. Sun: Keep It On The DL. Mon: Carol Curtis.

The Merrow, 1271 University Ave., Hillcrest.

Wed: ‘Night Bloomers: Boolesque.’ Fri: Toothless George, Poison Hearts, Rat City Riots, Razor Nights. Sat: ‘Club Sabbat.’ Mon: ‘’80s Nite.’

Mother’s Saloon, 2228 Bacon St., Ocean Beach. Tue: Trivia.

Mr. Peabody’s, 136 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas.

Fri: i-90. Sat: Sometimes Julie. Sun: ‘Jazz Jam.’ Mon: Open Mic. Tue: Karaoke.

Music Box, 1337 India St., Little Italy. Wed: Cass McCombs, Farmer Dave. Thu: Crumb,

OMNIA Nightclub, 454 Sixth Ave., Downtown.

Thu: ‘Undone on Thursday.’ Fri: A-Trak. Sat: Vice.

Panama 66, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park.

Wed: ‘The Wednesday Jam Session.’ Thu: Besos Trio. Sat: Sara Petite. Sun: ‘Funk Jam.’ Parq, 615 Broadway, Downtown. Fri: Karma.

Sat: Jus Ske. Pour House, 1903 S. Coast Highway, Oceanside. Wed: Open Mic. Thu: Pinky Eye. Fri: Bumpsonic. Sat: Custard Pie. Sun: Dulaney & Co. Mon: Trivia. Tue: DJ Lexicon Devil.

Proud Mary’s, 5550 Kearny Mesa Road, Kearny Mesa. Wed: Baja Blues Boys. Thu: Tomcat Courtney. Fri: Bayou Brothers. Sat: Sharifah Muhammad.

Rich’s, 1051 University Ave., Hillcrest.

Wed: ‘Mischief with Bianca.’ Thu: ‘#Lez.’ Fri: ‘Electro-Pop.’ Sat: ‘28 Year Anniversary’ w/ Pepper Mashay. Sun: ‘Stipper Circus.’

SOMA, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd., Midway.

Sat: Toro Y Moi, Zach Fox, 143 Soundsystem, Allblack. Sun: Mayday. Tue: Vetusta Morla.

SPACE, 3519 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights.

Thu: Runsdeep, Bort Nebulon, Funerol, Bedlam Rebels. Fri: ‘Broken Geometry.’ Sun: The Revivers. Tue: Karaoke.

Spin, 2028 Hancock St., Midtown. Thu: Holt 88. Fri: Dillinja, Hive. Sat: Heidi, Galen, Dubeats.

Sycamore Den, 3391 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Wed: Paul Gregg. Tue: Trivia.

Til-Two Club, 4746 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights.

Thu: Dave Gleason Trio. Fri: PAK, Dr3aMbro5, Peymaar, Infinite Shrug. Sat: Vultures, Pissed Regardless, Palace of Mourning, The Rookies.

Sun: ‘Pants Karaoke.’ Mon: ‘Open Vinyl DJ Night.’ Tue: Dave Gleason.

Tin Roof, 401 G St., Downtown. Wed: ‘Rewind Wednesday.’ Thu: The Black Stripes. Fri: L.A. Party Band. Sat: Kenny & Deez. Sun: Jenny & the Tramps. Tue: Erick Tyler & the Vibe.

Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St., Bay Park. Wed: Mad Hat Hucksters. Thu: Gino & the Rockin’ Gunmen. Fri: The Siers Brothers. Sat: Third Project. Mon: ‘Sexy Salsa & Sensual Bachata.’

Riviera Supper Club, 7777 University Ave., La Mesa. Wed: ‘Boss Jazz.’ Thu: Clinton Davis.

Fri: Good Vibes. Sat: David Gleason Trio. Tue: ‘The Works Jam.’

Tower Bar, 4757 University Ave., City Heights.

Wed: Children of October, Busted Coffin, 13 Wolves. Fri: Meager, Le Saboteur, Con-Tact. Sat: City Windows, Dewey Defeats Truman. Tue: Dan Melchior Band, Slum Summer, King Whisker.

Rosie O’Gradys, 3402 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Wed: Hammond Organ Party. Mon: ‘Jazz Jam.’ Tue: ‘Adams Gone Funky.’

U-31, 3112 University Ave., North Park. Wed: DJ Mo Lyon. Thu: ‘BoomBox Thursdays.’ Fri: DJ Kid Wonder. Sat: DJ Bacon Bits. Mon: ‘#31 Flavors.’

Seven Grand, 3054 University Ave., North Park. Tue: Charlie Arbelaez.

Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern St., South Park.

Wed: Dumbo Gets Mad. Thu: ‘Dance Party.’

Fri: The KVB, Numb.er. Sat: ‘Booty Bassment.’

Tue: ‘Sketchplosion.’

Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights.

Thu: Nebula Drag, Drug Hunt, Call of the Wild.

Fri: Auz Fonyaine, Moans, Thee Sacred Souls, Mariel. Sat: Death Cab for Karaoke. Sun: Brick, Mortar, Dentist. Mon: Wurve, Overself, Was. Tue: Bloom, Cold Moon, Nights Like Thieves, Life in Discord.

Winstons, 1921 Bacon St., Ocean Beach.

Wed: ‘Club Kingston.’ Thu: Russ Liquid Test.

Fri: Zach Deputy. Sat: Southtown Generals, Hazmatt. Sun: Karaoke. Mon: Electric Waste Band. Tue: PUERTO.

@SDCITYBEAT

IN THE BACK

CANNABITCH

Cannabis Cocktails CBD-infused drinks are risky ventures

By Jackie Bryant first wrote about cannabis cocktails in October 2017.

Back then, the cannabis world was a different place. Recreational legalization had not yet been implemented in California, so businesses were testing its limits.

One business was Madison on Park, a University Heights restaurant that gained media attention for its $18 cocktail “Mr. Nice Guy,” which, at the time, included mezcal, CBD oil with a coconut oil base, matcha, pineapple, coconut milk and lime.

I watched Mr. Nice Guy soar to ever-elevated heights and wondered often how Madison wasn’t getting in trouble with Alcohol Beverage Control, the

I

@SDCITYBEAT

governing agency policing the booze industry. Long story short: it wasn’t exactly legal to mix cannabis and alcohol and sell it, even if it’s just the nonintoxicating CBD compound. Madison wasn’t the only one doing it. There were restaurants nationwide selling CBD cocktails.

Mixing cannabis and booze became explicitly codified on January 1 with the passage of California Assembly Bill 2914, which prohibits “an alcoholic beverage licensee from, at its licensed premises, selling, offering, or providing cannabis or cannabis products.” In those establishments, “no alcoholic beverage shall be manufactured, sold, or offered for sale if it

contains tetrahydrocannabinol or cannabinoids, regardless of source.” Establishments that violate the terms risk suspension or loss of their alcohol license.

ABC caught up with Madison about nine months ago, one of Madison’s owners, Matt Sieve, recently told me.

“I heard ABC shut down another CBD cocktail at True North,” Sieve said. “A few weeks later, an ABC guy walked in, showed his badge, and ordered that not only were we to stop serving the cocktail, but we had to physically remove it from any guests who had it in their hand at that moment.”

So, Madison’s bar team stopped serving the Mr. Nice

Guy as is. Today, the cocktail is served with mezcal, matcha, pineapple, coconut milk, lime and hemp seed-infused vodka from Humboldt Distillery. It’s honestly better than the original.

The vodka has a sweet, peppery finish that adds a nice contrast to the upmarket pina colada.

Other restaurants around town are still playing the CBD cocktail game, which is admittedly a risky venture.

Bartenders I’ve spoken to are genuinely clueless about its illegality and others are willing to risk a slap on the wrist from ABC as long as their drinks generate a little buzz (no pun intended— remember, CBD isn’t the “fun” cannabis compound!).

International Smoke, the lauded Michael Mina and Ayesha Curry restaurant from Northern California, recently opened shop in Del Mar’s swanky One Paseo complex. On the drinks list is one swanky $25 CBD cocktail: the Blowing Smoke with Facundo Neo rum, pineapple, apricot Luxardo and CBD oil from a company called Organico, served in a smoking box with an elaborate demonstration. There is

also the option to add CBD oil to any cocktail for $4.

As with most CBD cocktails, the Blowing Smoke is great! But if there hadn’t been any CBD oil added, I likely wouldn’t have noticed. My server did note they serve 20 mg of CBD in each cocktail, which is a punchy dose, but it’s hard to tell the true calming effect when mixed with another depressant (alcohol).

And that’s where I throw my hands up with CBD cocktails.

Drinkers aren’t going to get a weed buzz from it, and alcohol already does its job in slowing the world down. Do we need CBD cocktails? Is it worth the risk?

Personally, though I know it’s a bit of a gimmick, I’m a fan of CBD cocktails because I appreciate the visibility reducing the stigma of cannabis use.

It is clear that walking the straight and narrow seems boring to Sieve, who is committed to keeping the Mr. Nice Guy on the menu. He made sure to let me know that another update may soon be coming. “We might add CBD oil back (into the cocktail) soon,” he said. Because they frankly don’t care anymore.

OCTOBER 9, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 23

24 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · OCTOBER 9, 2019

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