NOVEMBER 6, 2019 • SDCITYBEAT.COM • FREE
Everything is ‘Awesome’
San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival coming to town (P.10)
VALLEY FARM MARKET (P. 5) • THE NOLEN ROOFTOP (P. 6) • JAMIE-LEE DIMES (P. 12)
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EDITOR Christina Fuoco-Karasinski ART DIRECTOR Jay Banbury CONTRIBUTORS Jackie Bryant David L. Coddon Samantha Fuoco Michael A. Gardiner Sara Harmatz Glenn Heath Jr. Taylor O’Connor Octavio Serrano EDITORIAL INTERN Mary Pat Abruzzo PRODUCTION MANAGER Tristan Whitehouse ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Steven Persitza SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jason Noble
FEATURE
San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival coming into Volume 18 • Issue 5 town
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Arrive at Awesome
FOOD & DRINK
MUSIC
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PRESIDENT Steve Strickbine VICE PRESIDENT Michael Hiatt ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Interested in advertising? Call 619-281-7526 or e-mail advertising@sdcitybeat.com. The advertising deadline is 5 p.m. every Friday for the following week’s issue. EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICE 3047 University Ave. Suite 202 San Diego, CA 92104 Phone: 619-281-7526 Fax: 619-281-5273 sdcitybeat.com
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On a Dime
THE WORLD FARE
Spin Cycle_________________ 4 Food & Drink �������������� 6 World Fare_________________ 5 Top 15 ������������������� 7
ARTS & CULTURE
IN THE BACK
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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.
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FILM
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Theatre �������������������������������� 9 Film ��������������������������������� 11
ON THE COVER:
Music �������������������������������� 12 Concerts & Clubs ����������������������� 13
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San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival
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NOVEMBER 6, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 3
UP FRONT | FOOD & DRINK
SPINCYCLE
Backward in the park Will Team Faulconer ever learn? A sound discretion is not so much indicated by never making a mistake as by never repeating it. -Christian Nestell Bovee By John R. Lamb
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n a crystal-clear Sunday afternoon at Inspiration Point, both the beauty and pitfalls of a neglected portion of Balboa Park were on full display. A mother and father doted over their child in an otherwise vacant but lushly landscaped courtyard. A couple reclined at the base of a steep staircase, soaking in the late-day sun. Meanwhile, in contrast to the tranquil scene, planes roared overhead on their final approach, and park-ranger trucks clattered their way back to headquarters, itself a mind-bending mix of historic elegance and decrepit decay. So, when word emerged last week that the administration of Mayor Kevin Faulconer had decided to pull the plug on a short-lived, revenuegenerating effort seeking private developers interested in leasing and revitalizing Inspiration Point’s 25.5 acres of dedicated parkland, opponents of park commercialization were ecstatic. “We’re very, very pleased,” said David Lundin, a retired attorney who heads up the nonprofit Balboa Park Heritage Association. “We’re enormously grateful, but the process stunk. It was just an awful idea for all the wrong reasons, and it’s our job to not let that kind of stuff happen.” In a statement last week about yanking the so-called “request for proposals”
Facing pushback, the office of Mayor Kevin Faulconer has canceled a pitch to developers to commercialize Balboa Park’s underused Inspiration Point. (Photoshopped graphic by John R. Lamb)
that had just been issued October 7, a spokesperson for Faulconer told the San Diego Union-Tribune, “We want to make sure that any future development of Inspiration Point is a worthy addition to Balboa Park and something of which we can all be proud. To do so, we must take additional time to evaluate our process to ensure that we listen to the broadest possible community voice and provide responsive and obtainable opportunities for park development.” For Lundin, the mayor’s reasoning for additional time should have been a no-brainer going back to July, when the city’s Balboa Park Committee held a workshop to discuss the future of Inspiration Point, a scenic vista overlooking downtown now dominated by massive parking lots. Of the hundreds who attended that workshop, neither Lundin nor park officials Spin spoke to privately could recall any speaker in support of further commercialization of the parkland east of Park Boulevard. “The mayor says, ‘Oh, we’re listening to the people,’ but what about all the negative comments he got in July?” Lundin said last week. “Here we are at the end of October.
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What took them so long to be responsive to that when they were just marching along with this RFP for commercial development of dedicated parkland. It’s insane.” It only takes reading to page 3 in the now-tabled 206page request for proposals to see what irked park advocates. “The city is seeking proposals that serve the best interest of the public while maximizing the economic viability of the property and ensuring a sustainable revenue source to the park,” the request noted, adding proposals “should include (either individually or a combination of) activity centers, museums, passive park space, center for cultural and performing arts, restaurant space, hotel accommodations, parkrelated concessions, parkrelated rentals, park-related shops and other ancillary uses aimed at activating and complimenting the park and surrounding area both during the day and night.” Lundin said the city’s 1989 Balboa Park Master Plan lays out a different vision for the expanse: “It says this is supposed to be open parkland and what they call ‘nonexclusive’ uses,
meaning anybody can use the dirt—nothing there for a fee, no restaurants, not even a museum. It’s park, it’s dirt, it’s trees, it’s grass. And to change that plan would require a vote of the City Council, Planning Commission and Balboa Park Committee. And we would have opposed it all the way through.” Charles Kaminski, a retired UC San Diego architect, said he joined other park advocates in a meeting two weeks ago with mayoral staff and was not shy to remind them of the city’s recent troubled track record on seeking public input before forging ahead on major Balboa Park initiatives, most notably the 2015 centennial celebration that cost millions but fizzled and the now-abandoned Plaza de Panama redevelopment plan championed by billionaire Qualcomm co-founder Irwin Jacobs. “I don’t think staff anticipated the pushback,” Kaminski told Spin. “They seemed to be the deer in the headlights. They do this little workshop (in July), and now, all of a sudden, they want developers to come in and make proposals. Once again, they’re going about it backward.” Kaminski said mayoral staff, apparently sensitive to concerns voiced in July about the commercialization push, instead emphasized words like “placemaking” and “recreation and cultural” uses in their recent meeting. “The emphasis seemed to be food, music and retail.” So, where did the idea for restaurants and a hotel spring forth? No one really knows or is saying. But an email thread
from last year unearthed by Lundin in a public-records request may offer a hint. In the thread, Gordon Kovtun, head of constructionmanagement firm KCM Group and former program manager for the now-shelved Plaza de Panama project, sought a meeting with city officials in July of last year about a “new and exciting idea.” “I would like to set up a meeting with you and my client to review a potential concept for an area of Inspiration Point,” he wrote to Robert Vacchi, the city’s deputy chief operating officer. Neither Vacchi nor Kovtun could be reached for comment on what was discussed. Park officials told Spin privately that several proposals for Inspiration Point have been pitched over the years, from a Native American museum in an abandoned medical library dating back to the property’s previous use as a naval hospital to a performing arts center, a military museum, even additional office space for neighboring San Diego Zoo employees. So, seeking ideas for the underused parkland may have seemed prudent for a city that struggles with mounting deferred maintenance in Balboa Park. Unfortunately, this latest effort only bolstered the notion that city leaders need to do a better job of listening. As one park official put it, “There wasn’t a lot of confidence that this was going to go over well.” Spin Cycle appears every other week. Write to johnl@ sdcitybeat.com. @SDCITYBEAT
the WORld fare
UP FRONT | FOOD & DRINK
The Real Deal
Valley Farm Market has amazing smoked chicken and tri-tip is the tri-tip sandwich. The cut is a hile the San Diego triangular foodie cognoscenti muscle of audibly wring their beef from the hands about the bottom sirloin. fact our town only While an got one star in the Michelin inherently tasty Guide California, something cut it presents else has been happening. challenges; Quietly, under the radar, the particularly the 619 has grown a really good fact that slicing barbecue scene. From Andy against the Harris’ Grand Ole BBQ and grain (which Coops West Texas BBQ to enhances Hanis Cavin’s The Pioneer, tenderness) is local barbecue joints are complicated by doing things the old ways well the tri-tip’s odd and doing things their own shape. When way even better. One of the cooked and seemingly least likely of these Valley Farm BBQ’s smoked chicken just might make you a believer in barbecued chicken all over again. (Photo by Michael A. Gardiner) cut properly is a little shack in the parking it’s juicy and lot of one of Spring Valley’s magnificent, genuine gems, the Valley But that’s what Valley I expected to love the and that is Farm Market (9040 Campo That’s likely because not Farm’s smoked chicken isn’t. wagyu beef brisket. What exactly what Valley Farms Road). enough people have had the Here’s what it is: smoky, could be better than the king does. My advice? Forget the When people think of opportunity to try the Valley savory and lusciously, almost of low-and-slow barbecue bread. Just eat the mediumbarbecue in America it tends Farm BBQ’s smoked chicken. heartbreakingly moist. The done with the best, most thick slices with or, as I did, to be pork or beef that come It’s also likely because too lightly bronzed surface hints marbled beef available? without the accompanying to mind. Sticky ribs, pulled many people have burnt too at the smoky flavors and Why, a lot, as it happens. tangy-sweet barbecue sauce. pork and glorious beef brisket many chicken breasts on too perfection of the seasoning. There’s a reason the Japanese Spring Valley may not be get the headlines and the many backyard barbecue But what makes it is the serve really small portions the first community in San heart racing. Chicken, on the grills. Those chunks of nearly precision of the cook: the of wagyu: It’s so rich you Diego County that comes other hand, tends to be an carbonized protein give degree to which the meat itself don’t really need more, and I to mind for great food. At afterthought: barbecue’s poor barbecued chicken a bad simply cries chicken. didn’t want more. The brisket least, that is, according to sister. name. sandwich was the same food snobs who plainly over the express a patronizing sort of top with fat (and sympathy for how we, in San not in a good Diego, “was robbed” in the way). The pulled Michelin Guide. Me? I just pork sandwich say: “our barbecue is better is better: moist, than your barbecue.” And hey, tender and Valley Farms BBQ definitely savory, with just doesn’t make you put up with enough barbecue pretentious waiters. sauce. The better Valley Farm Market beef bet at Valley 9040 Campo Road, Farms (and Spring Valley nearly as good valleyfarmmarkets.com The best beef bet at Valley Farm BBQ is the tri-tip sandwich. (Photos by Michael A. Gardiner) as the chicken) By Michael A. Gardiner
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NOVEMBER 6, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 5
UP FRONT | FOOD & DRINK
Drinks to This
The Nolen’s facelift includes new drinks and small bites By Mary Pat Abruzzo
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hen the Courtyard San Diego Gaslamp Hotel and Basile Studio discussed renovations to The Nolen rooftop bar, it considered one thing. “The biggest motive for both us and on behalf of ownership is never take ourselves for granted,” says Tim Billing, Azul Hospitality Group’s regional vice president. “We have this stunning venue, great atmosphere and such loyal followers. We’re always making ourselves current and not taking the venue for granted.” The hotel’s 14th floor now features a redesign courtesy Paul Basile of Basile Studio. The Nolen complements its new space with a refresh of its
cocktail and small bites menu. “The space and food and beverage are raising the bar on a city staple to an entirely new level,” Billing says. Basile Studio is one of San Diego’s most prolific and highprofile design firms, changing up San Diego’s restaurant scene with a portfolio of restaurant projects like Raised by Wolves, Morning Glory and Ironside Fish & Oyster. Basile Studio injected The Nolen space with a mid-century art deco style to elevate its design. It also expanded “edge” seating to allow more guests to enjoy the views of the San Diego skyline and waterfront. That included custom furniture to allow comfort while taking in the views. The cocktail and small bites menus were refreshed, although The Nolen
Top: The Nolen complements its new look with a revamping of its menu. Bottom: Crab cakes benedict. (Photos by Haley Hill Photography)
continually revamps its drink menu, which offers local small-batch spirits and a barrel-aged cocktail program using unique blends of hard-to-find spirits aged in American oak barrels. The drinks are created in-house by its bartending team and the result is an innovative cocktail menu that respects the classics. The Sweater Weather—a smooth mix of vodka, pumpkin spice simple, Borghetti and almond milk—
is a customer favorite. Masaya is a fall hit as well, with reposado tequila, habanero honey, yellow chartreuse and pamplemousse liqueur. New bites can be paired with the cocktails. The Nolen’s menu includes decadent items like homemade four-cheese
mac and cheese and light items such as heirloom tomato and burrata. Even with a total reimagination, Billing ensured The Nolen will keep its original charm. The Nolen is an attractive spot for visitors to San Diego, but it has collected a loyal following of locals as well. “The atmosphere lends itself to any walk of life. It doesn’t matter if you are a Bud Light drinker or a very exotic rare spirit drinker,” Billing says.
The Nolen
Top: A bartender creates Seater Weather, made with vodka, pumpkin spice, espresso liqueur, almond milk, aquafaba and a shaved nutmeg garnish. Bottom Left: The Nolen updated its look with a mid-century art deco style. Bottom Right: Crab cakes, four-cheese mac, and crab cakes benedict.
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Courtyard San Diego Gaslamp Hotel 453 Sixth Avenue, Gaslamp District thenolenrooftop.com
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TOP15
OUR PICKS FOR COOL THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK By Taylor O’Connor
1 The Ghost of Paul Revere NOVEMBER 6 The Ghost of Paul Revere calls itself “holler folk” because of its beloved call-and-response melodies and densely layered harmonies. The band, which blends bluegrass and rock, is celebrating the release of its sophomore album, “Monarch.” The first album drew comparisons to The Revivalists, The Avett Brothers and Brown Bird. The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Boulevard, Middletown, casbahmusic.com, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., tickets start at $19.23.
2 Pink Boots Society San Diego Ladies Arm Wrestling NOVEMBER 7 The Pink Boots Society women take to the tables to arm wrestle for charity. The nonprofit with international membership supports women working in the brewing profession—especially in creating craft beer. Tickets include the arm-wrestling event as well as a drink and two tacos. Audience members are welcome to challenge the members. Kairoa Brewing Company, 4601 Park Boulevard, University Heights, pinkbootssociety.org, 5:30 to 10 p.m., tickets start at $28.16.
3 Mesmerica 360 San Diego: A Visual Music Journey NOVEMBER 8 This family-friendly, 360 fulldome projection journey will be something else. Those ages 6 and older can witness the music of Grammy-nominated composer and percussionist James Hood and 3-D animated @SDCITYBEAT
art made by artists across the world for an immersive experience designed to relax, soothe and stimulate the mind and senses. Fleet Science Center Planetarium, 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park, boxoffice@ jameshood.com, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m, tickets start at $15.48.
4 Whethan NOVEMBER 8 Whethan—otherwise known as 19-year-old DJ Ethan Snoreck—comes to Old Town with his mixes and beats. Snoreck began his career as a Soundcloud producer and subsequently got the attention of Skrillex. Snoreck has since collaborated with chart-topping artists like Dua Lipa and Charli XCX, and toured with The Chainsmokers. Spin Nightclub, 2028 Hancock Street, Old Town, spinnightclub.com, 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., tickets start at $20.56.
5 Film and Float: “The Great Gatsby” NOVEMBER 8 The Lafayette Hotel’s monthly film by the pool will have you sipping champagne and wanting to do the Charleston with the classic “The Great Gatsby.” Feel transported while you lounge poolside watching the intoxicating life of Mr. Jay Gatsby in the classiest way possible. Prohibition cocktails are on special all night. This event promotes the Roaring 2020s, the Lafayette Hotel’s New Year’s Eve party. The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club and Bungalows, 2223 El Cajon Boulevard, lafayettehotelsd. com, 6 to 8 p.m., free, registration required.
6 Beer and Cupcake Pairing with Daniella’s Cupcakes NOVEMBER 8 Celebrate San Diego Beer
EVENTS Week with Thorn Beer and specially created cupcakes from Daniella’s Kitchen. By purchasing a ticket, guests receive four mini cupcakes and four 5-ounce tastes of beer. See the breakdown of the pairing menu on the website. Thorn Brewing Mission Hills, 4026 Hawk Street, Mission Hills, eventbrite.com, 5 to 8 p.m., $20.
7 Uncorked: Derby Days NOVEMBER 9 Experience over 150 wines and champagnes from across the globe, live music and food trucks while enjoying the races trackside. In addition, keep the festivities going with the Russell Dickerson concert immediately after the event. Del Mar Racing, 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar, uncorkedwinefestivals.com, noon to 4 p.m., $25-$95.
8 Cali Love Music and Arts Festival NOVEMBER 9 Named after 10 Barrel Brewing’s most popular IPA, “Cali Love,” the festival has three stages of local music, interactive and live art, and beer. See website for performance times and stage lineups. 10 Barrel Brewing San Diego, 1501 E Street, East Village, 10barrel.com, 2 to 11:30 p.m., $17.
9 Give Clean Water: Going Global Fundraiser NOVEMBER 9 Give Clean Water, a nonprofit dedicated to providing clean water to communities in Fiji, is hosting its fundraiser to grow on a global scale. Join the organization on Coronado Island for an evening of island music, food, drinks, a silent auction and raffles. The evening will also feature founder Darrel Larson discussing how guests can partner with the organization and provide clean water to different communities. The Broadstone Coronado Clubhouse, 1515 Second Street, Coronado Island, givecleanwater.org, 5 to 8 p.m., tickets start at $20.
10 Morning Yoga on the Cliffs NOVEMBER 10 Wake up with yoga at Sunset Cliffs with Yoga Jawn, whose mission is to serve others through yoga and finding peace. Feel centered with the free community class of vinyasa flow overlooking the ocean. Guests are asked to bring a towel or blanket, water, and a sweater in case it gets cold. All experience levels are welcome. Students who have not attended class need to sign their waiver at http://bit.ly/ yogajawnwaiverEB. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, 1253 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, San Diego, yogajawn.com, 11 a.m., visit website for further information.
11 Kilo
album, “ERYS,” Jaden Smith is joined by his sister, Willow. Jaden is having one hot year, having been added to the RapCaviar playlist with genredefining artists like Cardi B, Juice WRLD and Gunna. He performed at 2018 Coachella and went on tour with Post Malone. Along with music, Jaden co-founded Just Water, an environmentally conscious paper water bottle that is ethically sourced and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The two will bring a night of rap, hiphop, alternative rock and indie rock. SOMA San Diego, 3350 Sports Arena Boulevard, Midway, somasandiego.com, 8 p.m., tickets start at $34.50.
14 2019 OB Restaurant Walk NOVEMBER 12
NOVEMBER 11 Artist Kilo returns to the United States to offer a sneak peek of an album set for release next year. The Australia-based group released its debut, “Backwater,” in 2014, and went on to sell out the majority of its shows. The band blends electro-pop and rhythm and blues. Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Boulevard, North Park, sodabarmusic.com, 8 p.m., tickets start at $15.
12 Pacific Beach Cleanup
The Ocean Beach Town Council and Ocean Beach Mainstreet Association invites everyone to join the foodie event of the year. The OB Restaurant Walk offers more than 50 food samples from OB’s best restaurants. Guests can hop on a free trolley with multiple stops in the neighborhood. Proceeds go to the OB Food and Toy Drive, which helps more than 100 local families and seniors in need during the holidays. Ocean Beach, 4805 Newport Avenue, San Diego, oceanbeachsandiego.com, 5 to 9 p.m., tickets start at $30.
15 Voices in the Sea
NOVEMBER 11 With summer coming to a close, now is the perfect time to look at the damage done to the beaches. Visit the beach and help pickup leftover sunscreen bottles, juice box straws and Starbucks. Music will blare and snacks will be handed out to participants. Cleanup supplies will be provided and sustainable gifts will be distributed. Volunteers should wear sturdy shoes and long pants. Crystal Pier, exact location handed out upon registration, eventbrite.com, noon to 3 p.m., free.
13 Jaden Smith and Willow Smith NOVEMBER 12 On tour supporting his 2019
NOVEMBER 13 The National Marine Mammal Foundation will provide a 90-minute workshop for students to learn about the science of marine mammal sound. Most marine mammals rely upon sounds for communication, foraging, navigation and predator avoidance. Through a variety of activities and demonstrations, students can learn about the importance of sounds. The NMMF scientists have published thousands of peer-reviewed papers, and developed instrumentation that allows hearing of sound production abilities. Girl Scouts San Diego, 1231 Upas Street, Balboa Campus, eventbrite.com, 6:30 to 8 p.m., free to register.
NOVEMBER 6, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 7
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CULTURE | THEATRE
Battle of Britain
‘Handbagged’ gives its best; ‘The Sunshine Boys’ is fun By David L. Coddon
anglophiles.
f Moira Buffini’s “Handbagged” were a better play, it might have provided tour-de-force opportunities for two of San Diego’s most gifted leading ladies: Sandy Campbell, who portrays Queen Elizabeth II, and Linda Libby, who plays Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. These two make the most out of their moments in Moxie Theatre’s production of Buffini’s historical comedy. But because of the structure of the 2013 work, they’re obliged to take a back seat to the two women portraying younger versions of the queen and “Mags”: Debra Wanger (measured) and Lisel Gorell-Getz (strident), respectively. The potential for provocative confrontations between the two latter-day British
‘The Sunshine Boys’
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Moira Buffini’s “Handbagged” runs through Sunday, November 17, at Moxie Theatre in Rolando. (Submitted photo)
icons is also mostly lost in the play’s fact- and gossip-filled recounting of the history in the United Kingdom during the Thatcher years in power. All four actresses give their best, nonetheless, and the device of having two ensemble
actors, Max Macke and Durwood Murray, playing a raft of other characters (Ronald Reagan, Dennis Thatcher, Neil Kinnock, et. al.) contributes to “Handbagged” having many animated exchanges onstage. In any event, it’s a treat for
Its mugging and leering vaudeville scene aside, “The Sunshine Boys” is an old-fashioned, gently paced relationship comedy. The relationship in this vintage Neil Simon play is between a couple of crusty comic veterans whose 43-year partnership belied a foundational dislike for and intolerance of each other. At North Coast Repertory Theatre, the pair is portrayed with all due spit and vinegar by Lenny Wolpe (as Willie Clark) and James Sutorius (as Al Lewis). Watching the two spar—and it takes a long while in Act One before they get to do so—is the heart of the show, directed at North Coast Rep by Jeffrey B. Moss. Wolpe does, however, wring some comic tension out of his
multiple scenes with Bryan Banville, who plays Clark’s harried nephew with likable exasperation. That nephew, who happens to be an agent, is the one who had the bright idea to reunite the estranged Lewis and Clark for a network TV special. Bad idea, but good fun for theatergoers.
“Handbagged”
runs through Sunday, November 17, at Moxie Theatre in Rolando. $15$48; moxietheatre.com.
“The Sunshine Boys”
runs through Sunday, November 24, at North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach. $46-$57; northcoastrep.org.
NOVEMBER 6, 2019· SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 9
CULTURE | COVER
Arrive at Awesome
The San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival continues to evolve By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
H
aley Messner with the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival has one word to describe her event: “awesome.” Set for Sunday, November 10, to Sunday, November 17, the 16th annual San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival invites travelers to “Arrive at Awesome.” “It’s the largest food and wine festival in Southern California,” Messner says. “It’s the only festival that has experiences in two countries in one week. There are a lot of people coming in from out of town, too. About 30% of the attendees come from outside San Diego. It’s a big tourism
driver. “We say they ‘Arrive at Awesome.’ That word sums up San Diego.” Each year, more than 11,000 foodies join the showcase of food, wine and culture, which features over 40 citywide events, including the Grand Tasting held on San Diego Bay. Along with a collection of the country’s best chefs and restaurants, sommeliers and distillers, farmers and fishermen, the weeklong event boasts over 200 wine, beer and spirit companies, 60 chefs and restaurants, and 30 gourmet food companies. “As San Diego has continued to grow in its culinary diversity, chefs have been coming from across the country and we’ve highlighted
10 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · NOVEMBER 6, 2019
the talent and unique elements of the city,” Messner says. “One of the things that’s unique is our cross-border integration. We have some programming in Valle de Guadalupe. We’re also able to do a lot of amazing things with seafood. We have some really talented chefs who have helped to make the event what it’s turned into.” This year also marks the return of Barbecue + Bourbon, an all-inclusive barbecue cookoff and sauce battle from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, November 10. This family-friendly event overlooks the picturesque Coronado Marriott bay. “We launched our Veterans Day barbecue last year,” she says. “San Diego is a huge
military community. It’s important for us to highlight some of the areas that make the city unique and stand out. Plus, it’s cool to create an experience that highlights the veterans community. It’s pretty cool to be able to barbecue in November, too.” Messner says the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival is filled with different types of experiences for various tastes and palates. “We have intimate wine tastings, chef-led dinners and cooking basics,” she says. “We’re doing a craft beer tour and a speakeasy tour.” The Grand Decant is Friday, November 15, and The Grand Tasting is Saturday, November 16. “The Grand Decant is our
wine tasting with more than 150 wine, beer and spirits companies, who will be pouring,” she says. “Saturday is The Grand Tasting. It’s a huge food party with 5,000 people in attendance. There are 40 different chefs and 30 more specialty food companies. Sailboats are passing by. It’s beautiful.” Celebrated as one of the largest culinary showdowns in Southern California, the Chef of the Fest Competition challenges seasoned and up-and-coming chefs to put their best dish forward at the Grand Tasting. A cash prize and bragging rights are on the menu. The blind-tasting contest is See
WINE on page 11
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CULTURE | FILM
WINE
from page 10
held in partnership with the American Culinary Federation, a professional organization of chefs and culinarians.
New items are aplenty as well. “We have a plant-based zone, which is cool,” she says. “We have a lot of vegetarian items and plant-based items. We also have organic
wineries. Claudia Sandoval will moderate a chef ’s table experience throughout the day. It’s a first-come, first-serve for seating.” The week ends on Sunday at the Intercontinental with the
Taco TKO. “The winner is San Diego’s most awesome taco,” she says. “Friday to Sunday is our main weekend, but something’s going on throughout the week for different tastes.”
The Last Stroll
San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival
Various times Sunday, November 10, to Sunday, November 17 Throughout San Diego sandiegowineclassic.com.
Sobering ‘Frankie’ thrives thanks to strong ensemble cast By Glenn Heath Jr.
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ra Sachs makes films that are quiet only on the surface. Daily routine and committed long-term relationships wrap his bourgeois characters up in what feels like a blanket of normalcy. But internal storms of doubt and jealousy always rage, threatening to penetrate the façade and reveal more sobering truths within. “Frankie” walks right up to the edge of such a transition and looks over the proverbial cliff. Quite literately sometimes because the impressive ensemble cast spends much of the film strolling the pathways and cobblestone streets of Sintra, Portugal.
Marisa Tomei and Isabelle Huppert sit quietly and appreciate the time that’s left in “Frankie.” (Photo courtesy Sony Pictures Classics)
Estimable human chameleon Isabelle Huppert plays the film’s sickly namesake, an acclaimed French actress who
has gathered her immediate family in the picturesque European town as a kind of farewell. While world media
organizations believe she has overcome a dangerous bout of cancer, her actual prognosis is far direr. Such crucial subtext bleeds through in casual conversations that occur over one long balmy day. Sachs’ browsing camera trails each character at different times, giving them space to oscillate between grief and selfishness. There’s no judgment made against their weaknesses and failures, but “Frankie” also doesn’t let them off the hook. Frankie’s kind and conflicted husband Jimmy (Brendan Gleeson) slowly comes to grips with what like might look like in the near future, while her pouty son Paul (Jérémie Renier) hides his pain underneath a pompous veneer. Marisa Tomei
plays one of Frankie’s close friends, and steals the movie with multiple showstopper scenes that cut to the heart of the film’s appreciation for honesty. All of this anxiety washes like a wave over Frankie, who is more interested in experiencing what little time she has left rather than getting caught up in the affairs of those who have a future. Which makes Huppert the perfect actor to embody the duality between external stillness and internal panic. “Frankie” (opening Friday, November 8, at Landmark Hillcrest Cinemas) plays like her last will and testament where no earthly possessions come close to sufficing as penance.
MOVIES “BURNING CANE:” Directed by the youngest director to have a film in competition at Tribeca Film Festival, this film tells the story of a deeply religious woman’s struggle to reconcile her convictions of faith with the love she has for her alcoholic son and a troubled preacher. Opens Friday, November 8, at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park. “DOCTOR SLEEP:” In this sequel to Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining,” Danny Torrance (Ewan McGregor) meets a young girl with similar telepathic powers to his own who is being hunted by a murderous cult. Opens Friday, November 8, in wide release.
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CORONADO ISLAND FILM FESTIVAL: This film festival has a full line-up of studio films, features, documentaries, shorts, student films and culinary cinema plus parties, industry panels and live entertainment. Screens from Friday, November 8, to Monday, November 11, at multiple venues on Coronado Island. “END OF THE CENTURY:” Lucio Castro directs this romantic drama about two men who randomly meet one day in Barcelona only to discover they had spent time together two decades previous. Opens Friday, November 8, at the Landmark Ken Cinema. “FRANKIE:” Ira Sachs wrote
and directed this drama about a sick French actress (Isabelle Huppert) who gathers with her family and close friends on a vacation in Portugal. Opens Friday, November 8, at Angelika Carmel Mountain Cinemas and Landmark Hillcrest Cinemas. “LAST CHRISTMAS:” A young woman (Emilia Clarke) addicted to making bad decisions meets an attractive young man (Henry Golding) while playing Santa’s elf in a department store in this romantic comedy from Paul Feig. Opens Friday, November 8, in wide release. “MIDWAY:” Roland Emmerich lends his particularly
unsubtle style to depicting the horrors of the infamous naval battle between the Japanese and Americans that took place six months after Pearl Harbor. Opens Friday, November 8, in wide release. “PLAYING WITH FIRE:” John Cena stars in this family comedy about a group of elite firefighters who are tasked with babysitting three children. Opens Friday, November 8, in wide release.
Time Only “BUMMED:” This indie drama follows a pregnant widow struggling with her faith who hits a homeless man with her car. She quickly recognizes
the man she hits is her husband, Brendan, who was lost at sea three years ago. Screens at 8 p.m. Friday, November 8, at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park. “ROCKETMAN:” A musical fantasy that charts the early professional career of singer Elton John (Taron Egerton), whose meteoric rise from shy piano prodigy to pop superstardom was filled with wild excess. Screens at 8 p.m. Friday, November 8, and Saturday, November 9, at Cinema Under the Stars in Mission Hills. “GREMLINS:” Screens at 7:30 p.m. Monday, November 11, at Arclight Cinemas La Jolla.
NOVEMBER 6, 2019· SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 11
MUSIC
On a Dime Australian singer Jamie-Lee Dimes gets emotional with ‘Hide in My Head’ By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
A
ustralian singersongwriter JamieLee Dimes has fond memories of playing San Diego: the intimate shows, the responsive crowds. But more importantly, she was in the back of an Uber when she heard a radio DJ talking about her show. “It was amazing,” Dimes says. “I was so emotional.” Dimes is returning to San Diego to play Salty Frog on Friday, November 8. “It’s going to be a solo show, stripped back and emotional about my time spent in New York, California and Mexico,” she says. The show will advance her album due out next year. However, she just released
co-dependency, toxic love and leaving a bad relationship. I wrote it on Valentine’s Day in the middle of the California desert, drinking a margarita, feeling jaded.” In between San Diego visits, Dimes’ life has been in upheaval. Jamie-Lee Dimes is set to release a new album next year. “I’ve had a (Photo by Jason Dobrowolski) lot of intense a nonalbum track, “Hide things happen, in My Head,” produced by like people close to me dying Tim Maxwell, the singer for and stuff,” she says. “I played the Australian punk band a couple shows this week and Loser. The music video is set I got emotional and had this for release on Wednesday, crying sound in my voice. The November 6. songs are therapeutic to sing “I thought the single was live.” different from the album,” “Hide in my Head” captures Dimes says. “The song is about audiences with the song’s
12 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · NOVEMBER 6, 2019
dreamy washed-out guitars, eerie layered vocal harmonies, hook lines, melodies, and lyrics that take you through a journey of love, co-dependency and escapism, showcasing a darker side to romance and committed relationships. “‘Hide in My Head’ is like when you’re in a car with someone you once loved, and you just stare out the window thinking to yourself, ‘How am I going to get out of this alive?’” Dimes has been determined to get to the United States since she was 7. Since that age, she saved to move to New York, which she did at age 22. “My whole life I’ve been doing dance, drama and music,” she says. “I had a very solid direction as a child. I was doing big dance shows as a child, and concerts.
“The last couple years, I had fallen in love with songwriting. I’ve always been a storyteller. I constantly develop my craft.” She’s looking forward to bringing her songwriting style to California. “San Diego was my favorite show on my last tour,” Dimes says. “San Diego folks really opened their arms to me and got on board to the sound I was singing. The California/Mexican influences, I think, really resonated.” Oak Palace w/Heirgloom, Jamie-Lee Dimes and Dani the Changeling 7 p.m. Friday, November 8 The Salty Frog, 992 Palm Avenue, Imperial Beach Visit website for ticket information, thesaltyfrog. comsandiegowineclassic.com.
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MUSIC
CONCERTS HOT! NEW! FRESH!
Jungle Fire (Soda Bar, 11/16), Deep Sea Thunderbeast (Casbah, 11/21), Michael Blaustein (Soda Bar, 12/2), With Confidence (HOB, 12/9), Mega Bog (Soda Bar, 12/9), Jade Jackson (Soda Bar, 12/19), Andrew McMahon (Music Box, 12/21), El Vez (Casbah, 12/22), Big Sandy (Casbah, 12/28), Petty 2 (Casbah, 1/4), Matumbi (Music Box, 1/17), Boomshaka 2020 (BUT, 1/18), Fog Lake (Soda Bar, 1/24), The Toasters (Casbah, 1/30), Internal Bleeding (Brick by Brick, 1/30), Pinegrove (Music Box, 2/4), Minnesota (Music Box, 2/21), Anarchy-X (Brick by Brick, 2/22), Sudan Archives (Casbah, 2/29), R.LUM.R (Casbah, 3/4), Dan Deacon (Music Box, 3/11), Marc E. Bassy (Music Box, 3/17), Algiers (Casbah, 3/21), Beth Hart (Humphreys, 4/17).
ALL SOLD OUT
(Observatory, 11/29), Aly & AJ (BUT, 12/8), El Vez (Casbah, 12/22), King Princess (Observatory, 1/28), Joyce Manor (Music Box, 1/10), Blake Shelton (Pechanga, 3/7), Marc E. Bassy (Music Box, 3/17), James Arthur (Observatory, 5/19), Wednesday, November 6 Penny & Sparrow at Belly Up Tavern. Tobe Nwigwe at Music Box. Ghost of Paul Revere at The Casbah. Sluka at Soda Bar. Thursday, November 7 Helmet at Belly Up Tavern. Sloan at The Casbah. Luke Combs at Pechanga. Shawn James at Soda Bar. Lohanthony at Ché Café Collective. The Locust at Music Box. Friday, November 8 Hilltop Hoods at Music Box. The Pine Mountain Logs at Belly Up Tavern. SKEGSS at The Casbah. Lyrics Born at Soda Bar. Sabrina Claudio at SOMA.
Kinney at Observatory North Park. The Dangerous Summer at Soda Bar. Augustana at Music Box. 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. Art Alexakis at Music Box. The Good Pour at Belly Up Tavern. Ed Maverick at House Of Blues. Friday, November 15 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.
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.
Saturday, November 16 Twin Peaks at Belly Up Tavern. Moonchild at Music Box. Dizzy Reed’s Hookers at Brick by Brick. The Ocean Blue at The Casbah. Rufus Wainwright at Copley Symphony Hall. Jungle Fire at Soda Bar.
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. Nebula Drag at The Casbah. Above Borders at Soda Bar. The Surrealistics at The Casbah.
Sunday, November 17 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 Ché Café Collective. Young Thug at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU. Fister at SPACE.
MyKey (Soda Bar, 11/16), Dick Dale’s Misirlou (BUT, 12/19), Christian Death (Soda Bar, 11/6), Jacky Vincent (Brick by Brick, 11/12), Goblin (Brick by Brick, 11/14).
Monday, November 11 Kilo at Soda Bar. Broncho at The Casbah. Charley Crockett at Belly Up Tavern. Stonecutters at Brick by Brick.
Monday, November 18 Pip Blom at Soda Bar. Leonid & Friends at Belly Up Tavern.
GET YER TICKETS
Tuesday, November 12 Built To Spill at The Casbah. Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors at Belly Up Tavern. Sleater-
Omar Apollo (Observatory, 11/7), Two Door Cinema Club (Observatory, 11/8), Nahko (Observatory, 11/14), Built To Spill (Casbah, 11/12-14), Cold War Kids (Observatory, 11/15), The Surrealistics (Casbah, 11/17), Adam Carolla (BUT, 12/1), Thievery Corporation (BUT, 12/12), Bayside at The Casbah, 12/12, Silversun Pickups (Observatory, 12/17), Chris Isaak (BUT, 12/17), Stick Figure (BUT, 12/27-28), Trey Anastasio Band (Observatory, 1/16), Dashboard Confessional (Observatory, 2/11-12).
CANCELED
Helmet (BUT, 11/7), Cold War Kids (Observatory, 11/15), The Maine
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Tuesday, November 19 ScaryPoolParty at House of Blues. Puma Blue at The Casbah. Stoop Kids at Soda Bar.
Wednesday, November 20 Mason Ramsey at House Of Blues. Meg Myers at Music Box. Ghostland Observatory at Belly Up Tavern. The World/Inferno Friendship Society 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. Cryptic Wisdom at Soda Bar.
Thursday, November 21 Tyrone Wells at Music Box. Big Freedia at Belly Up Tavern. Charlotte Lawrence at House of Blues. Enterprise Earth at Brick by Brick. Our Girl at Soda Bar. Deep Sea Thunderbeast at The Casbah.
Friday, November 29 Buku at Music Box. Morbid Angel at Brick by Brick. The Maine at Observatory North Park. The Greyboy Allstars at Belly Up Tavern. The Rosalyns at The Casbah.
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. Emo Nite at The Casbah. Saturday, November 23 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. Sunday, November 24 The Chainsmokers at Viejas Arena. Crocodiles at The Casbah. Turnover at Observatory North Park. Wild at Soda Bar. Kottonmouth Kings at Brick by Brick. Wonderfront Festival at Waterfront Park. John Craigie at Belly Up Tavern. Monday, November 25 Emily Afton at Belly Up Tavern. Tuesday, November 26 The Dead South at House of Blues. Eddie Spaghetti at The Casbah. Widowmade at Soda Bar.
Saturday, November 30 Wayward Sons at Belly Up Tavern. Ten Bulls at Soda Bar. Ensiferum at Brick by Brick. Lane 8 at Petco Park. 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. The Skatalites at Soda Bar. Monday, December 2 So You Think You Can Dance Live! 2019 at Balboa Theatre. Jesse Egan at Soda Bar. 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. Jonny Lang at Belly Up Tavern. 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. Kill Devil Hill at Brick by Brick.
NOVEMBER 6, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 13
MUSIC
CLUBS 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Avenue, Pacific Beach. Wed: Open Mic. Thu: Find Indigo, KWN. Fri: The Frets. Air Conditioned Lounge, 4673 30th Street, Normal Heights. Fri: ‘House Music Fridays.’ Sat: ‘Juicy.’ Sun: DJ Elevate.Mon: ‘Organized Grime.’ Tue: Ginger Lou. American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Avenue, Downtown. Thu: Shayne Smith. Fri: Shayne Smith. Sat: Shayne Smith. Tue: Open Mic. The Bancroft, 9143 Campo Road, Spring Valley. Wed: Karaoke. Fri: Methane, Incarnit, Mind Cell. Sun: Dark Future. Mon: Trivia. Tue: Karaoke. Bang Bang, 526 Market Street, Downtown. Fri: Baauer. Sat: Ivy Lab. Bar Pink, 3829 30th Street, North Park. Wed: La Beat Cantina, 357 Magnum, Julia Sage. Thu: DJ Ratty. Beaumont’s, 5665 La Jolla Boulevard, La Jolla. Fri: That’s the Carlos Rock Experience. Sat: Moonage Daydreamers. Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach. Wed: Easy Wind, Carly Jo Jackson. Thu: Halloween Heat, Bella Lux Dance. Fri: Kero Kero Bonito, Negative Gemini. Sat: The Spazmatics, Rockgarden. Sun: Aaron Neville. Tue: Micky and the Motorcars, Sara Petite. Black Cat Bar, 4246 University Avenue, City Heights. Fri: Codex Confiteor, Legion X, Flowers, Sean Francis Conway.
Blonde, 1808 W. Washington Street, Mission Hills. Wed: ‘Dance Klassique.’ Thu: ‘Stranger Things Halloween Bash.’ Fri: ‘We Are Your Friends.’ Sat: ‘Just Like Heaven.’ Tue: ‘Techit Easy.’ Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Avenue, Bay Park. Thu: Cold, Awake for Days, DiVad, Silent Vice. Fri: Wovenhand, Blind John Pope, The Howlin’ Roosters, Captured! By Robots, The Gay Agenda, Speculum. Sat: Suffocation, Belphegor, Necronomicon, Abiotic, Gravespell. Tue: Monolord, Blackwater Holylight, Warish. The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Boulevard, Midtown. Wed: Jaymes Young, Phil Good. Thu: ‘Halloween Party: Michael vs. Prince.’ Fri: Mike Watt & the Missingmen. Sat: Black Mountain, Ryley Walker. Sun: Guerilla Toss, Los Pinche Pinches, Permaar. Mon: Hammered Satin, Babydoll Warriors. Tue: Elephant Stone, Cosmonauts. Che Cafe, 1000 Scholars Drive S, La Jolla. Wed: Pale Horse of the Apocalypse, Mortar, Grosero, Dendera Bloodbath. Tue: Mellow Fellow. Dizzy›s, Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Boulevard. Fri: Peter Sprague & Roni Ben-Hur. Sat: Sayed Sabrina. Fluxx, 500 Fourth Avenue, Downtown. Thu: Shaffy. The Holding Company, 5046 Newport Avenue. Wed: Martyrs for Mayhem, Cherry Road, Jam Packed. Thu: OREN, DJ Byrd, DJ Mancat. Fri: B3K, OFIER, The Jeffrees, CARLO. Sat: DJ ManCat, CARLO. Sun: Fish & the Seaweeds. Mon: Karaoke. Tue: Drifting Roots, Sandollar, Strictly Skunk, Tomboyce Ave. House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Avenue, Downtown. Thu: The Adicts. Fri: La Santa
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Cecilia’s Muerto Boogie. Sat: Noah Kahan. Sun: BBMAK. Mon: The Cadillac Three. Tue: Sinead Harnett, Ralph Castelli, Johnny Goth.
the Roots, Pacific Dub, Brothers Galvez, Cydeways. Sun: Mac Ayres (sold out). Mon: LITE, Elephant Gym.
Humphreys Backstage, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. Wed: Puro Feeling. Thu: Clapton Hook. Fri: Detroit Underground. Sat: Rising Star. Sun: Gordon Goodwin. Mon: Sue Palmer. Tue: Fuzzy Rankins.
The Office, 3936 30th Street, North Park. Wed: ‘Kiss Undercover.’ Thu: ‘All-Vinyl Happy Hour.’ Mon: ‘Motown on Mondays.’
The Irenic, 3090 Polk Avenue, North Park. Wed: Jaymes Young. Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner Boulevard, Midtown. Thu: ‘Disco Bloodbath.’ Sat: ‘Ascension Day.’ Kensington Club, 4079 Adams Avenue, Kensington. Thu: Amalgamated, Marujah, Epic XVIII. Mc P›s Irish Pub, 1107 Orange Avenue, Coronado. Wed: Jerry Gontang. Thu: Stilettos. Martinis Above Fourth, 3940 Fourth Avenue, Hillcrest. Wed: Miss Richfield 1981. Thu: Miss Richfield 1981. Sat: Soulfire. Sun: Carol Curtis. Tue: Chris Mann. The Merrow, 1271 University Avenue, Hillcrest. Thu: Karaoke. Fri: Lakuti. Sat: ‘Bear Night.’ Tue: Messer Chups, Go Fever, Bad Kids. Mother’s Saloon, 2228 Bacon Street, Ocean Beach. Tue: Trivia. Mr. Peabody’s, 136 Encinitas Boulevard, Encinitas. Thu: It’s Never 2l8. Fri: Custard Pie. Sat: Sound Vault. Sun: ‘Jazz Jam.’ Mon: Open Mic. Tue: Trivia. Music Box, 1337 India Street, Little Italy. Thu: Dirtwire, Boostive, Kaipora. Fri: Kikagaku Moyo, Minami Deutsch. Sat: Through
OMNIA Nightclub, 454 Sixth Avenue, Downtown. Thu: Lil Jon. Fri: Brklyn. Sat: Deorro. Panama 66, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. Wed: ‘The Wednesday Jam Session.’ Fri: Mad Hat Hucksters. Sat: Robin Henkel Jazz Quartet. Parq, 615 Broadway, Downtown. Thu: Cheat Codes. Pour House, 1903 S. Coast Highway, Oceanside. Wed: Open Mic. Mon: Trivia. Tue: DJ Lexicon Devil. Proud Mary’s, 5550 Kearny Mesa Road, Kearny Mesa. Wed: Bill Magee. Thu: Tomcat Courtney. The Rail, 3796 Fifth Avenue, Hillcrest. Thu: ‘Country Dance.’ Sat: ‘Sabados en Fuego.’ Rich›s, 1051 University Avenue, Hillcrest. Wed: ‘Mischief w/ Bianca.’ Thu: ‘Halloween Fright Night.’ Riviera Supper Club, 7777 University Avenue, La Mesa. Wed: ‘Boss Jazz.’ Thu: Blind Mountain Holler. Fri: Rose Colored Glasses. Sat: Nathan Hubbard Quartet. Tue: ‘The Works Jam.’ Rosie O’Gradys, 3402 Adams Avenue, Normal Heights. Sat: Thump Juice. Mon: ‘Jazz Jam.’ Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Boulevard, City Heights. Wed: The Spill Canvas, The Juliana
Theory, Cory Wells. Thu: Old Man Wizard, Witch Ripper, Forming the Void, Mezzoa. Fri: Cults, Weatherbox, Positioner. Sat: Cults, Weatherbox, Positioner. Sun: Matt Heckler, Casper Allen. Mon: Making Movies, Los Rakas, DJ Ethos. Tue: Craig Finn & the Uptown Controllers. SOMA, 3350 Sports Arena Boulevard, Midway. Wed: Mild Orange. Fri: Shoreline Mafia, 1TakeJay, AzChike. Tue: The First and Last Tour, Summer Walker, Melii, Jozzy. SPACE, 3519 El Cajon Boulevard, City Heights. Wed: Pocari Sweat. Thu: Devo, Afi, Iggy and the Stoogies, Discharge. Fri: ‘Rituals.’ Tue: French for Rabbits. Spin, 2028 Hancock Street, Midtown. Thu: Lee Burridge, Gab Rhome, Alex Wax. Fri: Justin Ray. Sat: Detroit Love. Sycamore Den, 3391 Adams Avenue, Normal Heights. Wed: Paul Gregg. Thu: ‘Burlesque Boogie Nights.’ Sun: Rosa’s Cantina. Tue: Trivia. Til-Two Club, 4746 El Cajon Boulevard, City Heights. Thu: Death Nation. Fri: Dethsurf, Los Pinche Pinches, The Scimitars. Sat: The Rockability Shakeout. Sun: ‘Pants Karaoke.’ Tin Roof, 401 G Street, Downtown. Wed: ‘Rewind Wednesday.’ Thu: ‘Hallow-emo-night.’ Fri: ‘Keep Your Soul Duo.’ Sat: Coriander. Sun: Karaoke. Tue: ‘Beats & Booze Industry Night.’ Tio Leo›s, 5302 Napa Street, Bay Park. Wed: Carl Sonny Leyland, Chloe Feoranzo. Thu: The Crypt Keepers Ball, The Mercedes Moore Band. Fri: Big Time Operator Orchestra. Sat: Full Strength Funk Band. Mon: ‘Sexy Salsa & Sensual Bachata.’ Tue: Sue Palmer.
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IN THE BACK
CANNABITCH
Historic Move Lowell Café is the country’s first public cannabis lounge By Jackie Bryant few weeks ago, I was sitting outside in an olive tree-, string light-laden West Hollywood courtyard, smoking a joint with my boyfriend and my best friend. We were surrounded by other people, a diverse and mellow crowd that was doing the same thing we were: sampling cannabis drinks, smoking joints, eating vegan nachos, drinking espresso and testing out concentrates. We were at Lowell Café, the United States’ first open-to-thepublic cannabis consumption lounge from California premium cannabis brand Lowell Farms. While select cities and jurisdic-
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tions allow for cannabis consumption lounges, Lowell is the first in the United States to legally serve food alongside cannabis. In short, this cafe is historic. Naturally, there’s a catch, but it’s one that turned out to be a boon of sorts. Notably absent was any kind of tense or rowdy energy, the kind that one might normally find during the first few weeks a new, buzzy West Hollywood lounge is open. This is because no alcohol is served or allowed on the premises, which at first gave me pause, but it didn’t take more than a few minutes of taking in the energy of the lounge to realize that this was in no way a bad thing. Stoners can be slow and inarticulate, but they’re rarely
The illicit feeling is completely absent at Lowell Café, the United States’ first open-to-the-public cannabis consumption lounge from California premium cannabis brand Lowell Farms. (Photo courtesy Lowell Café)
ever loud or obnoxious. The quiet buzz that permeated every inch of the cafe’s shared space was welcoming and low-key. The cafe occupies a lush, fernadorned indoor bar space as well as a sprawling outdoor lounge, both of which are equipped with proprietary state-of-the-art ventilation systems that keep the whole place as un-smoky as possible. There are other hints that no expense was spared in the construction of Lowell Café, too: premium building materials
(like a copper bar top); Lowellbranded everything; two imported-from-Tuscany olive trees in the center of the courtyard; and a celebrated executive chef, Andrea Drummer, who is also a partner in the restaurant. Food service was rocky, which echoed complaints I heard from those who visited after the cafe first opened in late September. Servers asked if we needed shared plates for dishes (yes, obviously), dessert was offered only one bite into our entrees and certain things were forgotten. In the grand scheme of things, they were minor hiccups, things that tend to be smoothed out over time. Cannabis service was straightforward and thorough, mainly owing to a 14-page menu offering edibles, vapes, concentrates, prerolled joints, flower and cannabisinfused drinks. It’s all marked up, but that’s to be expected. These are restaurant prices. I took copious notes regarding product selection, food quality (average, across the board) and other specifics but, in the end, when I think about what I want to convey to readers, it’s the feel-
ing of being part of something that I keep coming back to. I’ve smoked in public-ish places around the world: dingy consumption lounges in San Francisco, semi-legal cannabis clubs in Barcelona, Zacaz in Tijuana, touristfilled coffee shops with terrible weed in Amsterdam. While all are treasured memories (not to mention worlds better than anything we could ever access in San Diego), the feeling of shame was present in all of them to some extent. I, like most others in attendance, knew I was there because I wasn’t allowed to be doing what I was doing anywhere else. That illicit feeling was completely absent at Lowell Café. Despite the hiccups, we were smoking good weed, in public, with like-minded perfect strangers. No threats, no cops, no overserved frat bros trying to get a word in or slip something in my drink. No elbowing to get to the bar. No straining to hear my companions’ conversation over the din of the crowd. In a word, it was nice. It was also normal, mellow, fun and exciting—everything that smoking weed is supposed to be.
NOVEMBER 6, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 15
16 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · NOVEMBER 6, 2019
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