San Diego CityBeat • Dec 4, 2019

DECEMBER 4, 2019 • SDCITYBEAT.COM • FREE

GIFT GUIDE Shop the Best in San Diego

MARISCOS RUBEN (P. 5) | KIM PETRAS (P. 14) | NEON TREES (P. 15)

2 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 4, 2019

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EDITOR Christina Fuoco-Karasinski ART DIRECTOR Christy Byerly CONTRIBUTORS Mary Pat Abruzzo, Karen Barnett, Jackie Bryant, David L. Coddon, Connor Dziawura, Michael A. Gardiner, Sara Harmatz, Glenn Heath Jr., John Lamb, Randy Montgomery, Taylor O’Connor, Debbie Sklar PRODUCTION MANAGER Tristan Whitehouse ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Steven Persitza PRESIDENT Steve Strickbine VICE PRESIDENT Michael Hiatt

FEATURE

Volume 18 • Issue 9

12

GIFT GUIDE

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MUSIC

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THE WORLD FARE

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Spin Cycle_________________ 4 Wort Mentioning____________ 6 Calendar of Events ����������8 World Fare_________________ 5 Top 15 ____________________7 Theatre ��������������������9

SPIN CYCLE

ARTS & CULTURE

IN THE BACK

11 10 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.

NEON TREES

ARTS

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CANNABITCH

FILM

Film ��������������������������������� 10 Arts ��������������������������������� 11

ON THE COVER:

Gift Guide ���������������������������12-13 Concerts & Clubs________ 17-18 Music ����������������������������� 14-16 Cannabitch ��������������� 19

Vintage Christmas, photo illustration - Christy Byerly

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DECEMBER 4, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 3

UP FRONT | VOICES

SPINCYCLE

Letters to Santa

Everything but sanity in 2019’s intercepts

By John R. Lamb

Santa Claus has the right idea: visit people once a year.

— Victor Borge

N

ow that Corporate America has allowed us our 30 seconds to enjoy family and friends on Thanksgiving, it shouldn’t have surprised Spin Cycle when an anonymous packet of documents appeared on the homestead’s seasonal “Merry AF” doormat. Stamped “StNickiLeaks” in Comic Sans font on the envelope, the contents proved a treasure trove of requests to Santa Claus from a plentiful pack of pols, pontificators and public puffery prestidigitators.

Some were predictable.

Sean “Dancing with the Scars” Spicer’s heartfelt plea for a right foot to supplant one of his two left feet, for example. Meanwhile, Melania Trump seeking a “viable, profitable and existential” exit strategy from His Orangeness exhibited Einsteinian thoughtfulness. Conversely, Paul Manafort begging for hair dye was nauseatingly pitiful. (“Lookin’ like Bride of Frankenstein over here, Claus!” won’t garner a lot of sympathy, Paulie.)

Back home, there were some notable Santa queries.

San Diego, as no one has ever said, never disappoints! Check out a sampling from this year’s crop of yuletide yearnings.

Santa amigo!

First off *puff* pardon me for my last couple years being incommunicado. (Oops, did I just use a Spanish word?

Wall I’ll be damned! Dad said to start with a joke.) *puff puff* Anyways, need a couple of things heading into 2020. No, not more golf shorts. Covered there — and besides, I’ve heard my next living arrangements might come with — get this — free uniforms! (Fingers crossed!) *puff puff puff* No, what I really, really need is, um, a solid defense. *puff puff puff puff* I tell ya, we’re throwing vape pens at the wall and, frankly nada. (Dang, Spanish again!) *puff puff puff puff puff* Do I sound guilty?

Pardon? It’s noisy in the uniform-fitting room! Pardon?

Strip search?!?! Mr. President!

Daddy!! Eggburt!!!…

Semper ho ho ho, Duncan “Dragon’s Blood” Hunter Oh, Holy Father of Gimme Things, Santa. Pappy Doug here.

Gotta say the Pops is a little disappointed in your recent track record vis-à-vis me getting what I want. You could argue — not incorrectly — that the Papster has more than he needs and/or deserves.

That’s not the point! I shelled out perfectly good coinage to wrap up that Bahama ambassadorship. (That reminds me. Note to Poppy: cc this to those senators who’ve been so helpful.) So, I’ve bought that big North Pole plot where all the elves sleep in dorms. Planning a Manchester Winterland Reindeer Resort at Santa’s Village as we speak. So how about it?

Regally, Doug “Papa Doug” “Dougster”

4 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 4, 2019

“These folks, they want nothing!” according to the elephantine elf in the room. (Photoshop by John R. Lamb)

“Dougie” “Not Papa John” Manchester Santa-approved (?) U.S. Ambassador to the North Pole Santy ol’ pal, Hey, it’s Carl. And Darrell.

Yeah, him too. Anyways, thought I’d tape this in my basement Bunker for End Times with my good friend who should just drop the hell out of the 50th Congressional race. I’m in it to gin it. I mean win it. Oooo, calling Dr. Freud! Hehehehehe. Shut up, Carl. Ooooo, naughty not nice, right Santa? Speaking of, back to you. We need a copy of Dear Leader Trump’s wish list, and previous years lists if you keep them. We plan to shower him with all his desires until he tweets either of us back with a thumb’s up. It won’t be you, Carl. And why would it be you, other than your millions, Darrell? Enough said, Carl. OK, I’m hitting the stop button on the cassette machine….

In service to us, Carl DeMaio and Darrell Issa

Loser and quitter, respectively, of previous seats in Congress Honorable Mr. Claus, Not a huge follower, but I’ve crunched the data. It seems you have the pulse of many San Diegans, both nice and not so much. I’m wondering if you could provide a spreadsheet prioritizing all the wants and dreams of this quirky, not-so-little hamlet.

If you could also pull the details of Scott Sherman’s past wish lists for me, because I’m guessing “Make Me Mayor” wasn’t ever on any of them. More like “Get Me Outta Here!” amirite? Also, some people I know may be requesting scooters this year.

Please substitute one (1) lump of coal per request.

Careful sleighing on the boardwalk!

Councilmember and mayoral candidate Barbara Bry Nick, Still thawing out the toes from that last visit to Lake

Rudolph. Parachuting in from Vixen’s hang glider was awesome! Almost as exhilarating as that time I wrestled three bears simultaneously while keeping my line in the trout stream.

Good times. But to the point, I’ve done gone and done a crazy thing — yep, pulled papers to run for mayor next year. I know, nuts, huh?

Yeah well, this guy over at Republican HQ, Krvaric? (You probably have him noted on the Naughty List as Strider.)

Anyways, he won’t let up!

Please, please, Scott, I’ve got no one running for mayor!

I’m a laughingstock! Make ‘em laugh less, please, please?

So, yeah, I caved when he squeezed out a tear. So, I’ll need a new calendar, not one of those countdown-till-I’mgone ones. A real one. And see if you can get me a sit-down interview with that guy at CityBeat. I know, but a guy can dream, right?

See

SPIN CYCLE on page11 @SDCITYBEAT

UP FRONT | FOOD & DRINK

Spectacular Sonoran Mariscos

Mariscos Rubén offers astonishingly precise aguachiles and cocteles

By Michael A. Gardiner

R

ubén Martinez is one of the owners of Mariscos Rubén (Av. Andres Quintana Roo 740 Col. Centro, 22000 Tijuana).

Rubén, however, doesn’t run the place. His wife, Mirta, does, and there seems to be absolutely zero question about that fact. Rubén doesn’t seem to question it, customers don’t, and apparently neither do Food & Wine and Travel + Leisure magazines, which just included the truck on a globe-spanning list of “the best restaurants that travelers must visit right now.”

The food Mirta puts out at Mariscos Rubén is Sonoranstyle mariscos (seafood).

The northern Mexican state of Sonora is, perhaps, better known for its terrific beef and overshadowed in the Mexican seafood world by its southern neighbor, Sinaloa. But Sonora has an extensive seacoast and a style all its own.

Perhaps the headline dish at Mariscos Rubén is the scallop and shrimp aguachile. It’s raw shrimp and scallops bathed in a concoction of citrus, chiles and tomato juice with garnishes of red onions and Persian cucumbers. The shrimp were good, tasty and fresh, but

the scallops were downright luxurious. Neither, however, is the star. That’s the aguachile concoction: tart and spicy with an umami layer from the tomato. The overall dish was bright but brilliantly balanced.

Mariscos Rubén has a number of taco offerings (its menu changes based on the best available ingredients).

The most noted of these is the smoked marlin taquitos.

The couple fabricates them ahead of time then grills them to order. The smokiness of the marlin was both tasty and evocative but, in the end, seemed dry.

The shrimp taquito was a better take on the theme. The richness and sweetness of the shrimp offered much of what the smoked marlin didn’t, while the char from the grill provided much of what the marlin did. It was succulent, savory and delicious. The dual creamy salsas—one chilebased, one avocado-based— completed the picture.

The salsas on the tacos were decidedly on the mild side, but that’s just a starting point at Mariscos Rubén. The truck offers perhaps the single most extensive selection of homemade salsas on the rock.

They range from the fruity,

flavorful and mild to the habanero incendiary. And if that weren’t enough, there are some commercially bottled options, too.

Mariscos Rubén’s headliner may be the scallop aguachile, but it ought to be the shrimp and octopus cocktail. At one level it seems similar to the aguachile, but the textural contrast adds an additional layer of interest. The complexity of the cocktail— and, more specifically, the funk and umami from the Worcestershire sauce—brings it to another level.

Mariscos Rubén seems to be a place for gringos rather than locals. While the prices are well within the command of tourists, they’re distinctly higher than most south of

The Tacos de Camarón is a better bet than the more-famed Marlin version.

(Photos by Michael A. Gardiner)

the border. On two trips we did not have a single local sitting next to us. At the end of the day, though, Mariscos Rubén’s food is singular and extraordinary. If it is in your

budget (as it likely is not for most locals) it is a destination not to be missed in Tijuana.

Indeed, it’s well worth a cab ride from the border.

Mirta Rodriguez is fully in command at Mariscos Rubén in Tijuana.

@SDCITYBEAT

DECEMBER 4, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 5

UP FRONT | BEER

WORT MENTIONING

Bottle Rocket Blasts Off in East Village Owners of Regal Beagle, Regal Seagull and Sidecar Bar launch new beer bar

By Karen Barnett

S

even years ago, I worked 15 hours onsite every day for 14 days straight training opening and closing staff in a tiny little kitchen on the corner of 16th and F streets in the East Village.

I ate chicken wings and drank the freshest beer at the bar, as my throbbing feet dangled below my barstool every night. While I was only a part of Monkey Paw Pub & Brewery for a couple of years, it was a very rewarding couple of years, but that definitely wasn’t the first time I spent time in that location and it certainly wouldn’t be the last.

From 1978 to 1995, the bar at 805 16th Street was called Baseball Inn. I’m not going to pretend to know anything about that bar, as I didn’t live in San Diego proper at the time and I wasn’t yet of drinking age. I also have no idea what occupied this space before 1978, but it’s fitting that there was an apparent baseball theme of sorts there once actually.

When I started visiting in the mid-aughts, the Padres had moved from The Murph to Petco Park (Qualcomm will always be Jack Murphy Stadium forever and ever). Jewel Box occupied that corner from 1995 to 2011 (under multiple ownerships) and it was a great place to meet my brothers or friends before and after Padres games. They gave out free hot dogs with your game-day ticket back then, which I decided was brilliant marketing. You’d park your car up there, get a hot dog and a beer at a much more reasonable price than at the park, and then walk down to the game.

That walk through the homeless camps in East Village hasn’t really improved, and neither has our baseball team, unfortunately, but

6 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 4, 2019

neither were/are a reason to stop going. I also once was allowed to bartend at Jewel Box, barefoot, after a bachelorette party. That probably wasn’t the best idea, but it was a colorful story for another column, maybe.

This is (supposed to be) a respectable beer column.

And Monkey Paw produced great beer at Bottle Rocket Bar & Grill’s beer list is stellar. this location for (Submitted photo) years. Former sentence gets an exclamation brewers Cosimo mark because it makes me very Sorrentino and Chris West happy to see love and life back in won us a gold medal at the that location. Longtime Beagle/ Great American Beer Festival Seagull manager Elias Delgado in 2013 for Bonobos, an IPA is the head ninja in charge of its that we cleverly entered as an new Cobra Kai pop-art themed American Strong Ale (because beer and cocktail bar. Delgado that’s the secret behind winning hopes to eventually transform the medals—enter your awesome suite next to the main restaurant, beer in a less-popular category where Monkey Paw brewed and so it stands out). Monkey Paw won lots of medals, actually, but I also formerly housed a printing wasn’t responsible for any of that, press business, into a little arcade/ game room. just proud to serve my delicious The beer list is stellar. These cheesesteaks and Stoner Fries guys know what they are doing. right up next to those fantastic I enjoyed multiple pints of beers.

Coronado Brewing purchased Pizza Port’s So Crisp So Clean IPAs upon my visit to one of Monkey Paw in 2017 but it their “friends and family” soft appears there were too many openings last weekend. Thirty cooks in the kitchen, so to taps total here—five are wine on speak, and the location ended draught, one kombucha and the up shuttering a year later. remaining 24 are all beer running Disappointing to many, yes, but the gamut of styles anyone could now that corner space that’s held so many memories over the years desire. The food menu is basic with sandwiches, burgers, wings, has reinvented itself again. a salad, and a beer battered bacon From the great minds behind appetizer called Awesome Sticks.

Regal Beagle (Mission Hills), Get down there and give it a Regal Seagull (Leucadia), and try.

I suspect they will take off Sidecar (Bay Park) comes Bottle (you know… like a rocket).

Rocket Bar & Grill! Yes, that @SDCITYBEAT

TOP15

OUR PICKS FOR COOL THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK

By Taylor O’Connor

1 “One Big Family”

DECEMBER 4

“One Big Family” is a live series event dedicated to gathering the indie-rock Christian community.

The lineup features Antoine Bradford, Sarah Juers, Lovkn and Beach Chapel. Enjoy the evening listening to spiritual and uplifting songs right before the holiday season.

Bradley Mountain, 710 17th Street, East Village, onebigfamilytour.com, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., $17.55.

2 The 1975 DECEMBER 5 Radio station 91X and Subaru present The 1975, Catfish and the Bottlemen, IDKHOW and Fashion Jackson. England’s The 1975 is one of the leading alternative bands, as the group’s sophomore effort “I Like It When You Sleep, for You are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It,” reached No. 1 in the United States and United Kingdom.

From there, the group has soared through the charts, giving rock that twist of catchy pop rhythms and sending powerful messages while doing it. The second half of the band’s third full-length album, “A Brief Inquiry into Relationships,” is expected in 2020. Fans should keep their eyes open as this new year approaches.

Pechanga Arena San Diego, 3500 Sports Arena Boulevard, Midway, 619-224-4171, pechangaarenasd.com, 6:30 p.m. $35.

3 Illenium DECEMBER 6 Illenium, or Nicholas Miller, is a producer and a DJ who brings a mix of festival-ready dubstep and trap to his sets. In 2014, Miller debuted in several festivals and began collaborating with artists to produce new albums. This three albums since 2016 have reached the top 10 of Billboard’s Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart, with 2019’s “Ascend” reaching No. 1. His performances @SDCITYBEAT

at festivals are top-notch, involving the entire crowd into a sea of dancing and jumping. His shows do not disappoint.

Pechanga Arena San Diego, 3500 Sports Arena Boulevard, Midway, 619-224-4171, pechangaarenasd.com, 8 p.m. $98.

4 Parq Fifth Anniversary

DECEMBER 6

Parq Restaurant and Nightclub is thanking its fans for its five years with an anniversary party featuring Trey Songz and Saweetie. Guests must arrive by 11:30 p.m. if they want guaranteed entry and must be 21 or older. Guests must adhere to the dress code. See the website for more info.

Parq Restaurant and Nightclub, 615 Broadway, Gaslamp District, 619-7276789, parqsd.com, 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., $20-$75.

5 Alonzo Bodden

DECEMBER 6

Comedian Alonzo Bodden refers to himself as “cynically goodnatured,” but the older he gets, he has to call out idiocy to get through the day. Bodden won season three of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” is a regular on NPR’s “Comedy Congress” and a panelist on the Game Show Network’s “Mind of a Man.” He hosts the “Who’s Paying Attention” podcast, too.

The Comedy Store, 916 Pearl Street, La Jolla, 858-454-9176, thecomedystore.com, 7:30 p.m., $23.66.

6 Holiday Jam DECEMBER 6 Join SDXD and UX Speakeasy to celebrate their annual holiday jam, this year with a rock ‘n’ roll theme. Guests are invited to whip out their best leather and grunge ensembles for a night of live music and a taco spread.

A mariachi group and Roper’s Kimono will make special appearances. Food includes carne asada, pollo asada, grilled fish and veggie tacos and three drink tickets.

Konrad + King, 3426 Adams Avenue, Normal Heights, 858333-7369, konradking.com, 6 to 9 p.m., $15-$25.

7 Beatles Fair

DECEMBER 7

Die-hard fan of The Beatles?

Celebrate all-things Fab Four at the Beatles Fair. It’s a day full of music and discussions led by guest speakers Robbie Rist, Mark Brickley and John Borack.

Live performers include Blac Rabbit, Revolution Band, The Nowhere Men, The Baja Bugs and True Stories. Memorabilia displays and a rock ‘n’ roll marketplace are a part of the fun.

Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center, 3925 Ohio Street, North Park, 619-255-5147, queenbeessd.com, noon to 11:30 p.m., tickets start at $27.

8 Little Italy Tree Lighting

DECEMBER 7

Kick off the holiday season with a communal celebration in Little Italy for the annual Christmas tree lighting. This year’s custom tree has been enhanced in Piazza Basilone, which will be filled with festive décor and holiday vendors. The ceremony includes entertainment, horsedrawn carriage rides, holiday treats and a visit from Santa himself.

Little Italy, littleitalysd.com, 4 to 8 p.m.

9 San Diego Barbecue and Craft Beer Festival

DECEMBER 7

Nothing but barbecue, unlimited craft beer and hard cider? Yes, please! Along with amazing, greasy and messy food, there will be live music and a variety of outdoor games. This is a 21-andolder event. Rain or shine.

Ingram Plaza, 2751 Dewey Road, Liberty Station, eventbrite.com, 1 to 5 p.m., $45.

10 East Village Holiday Market

DECEMBER 8

Everything on 13th Street between Island and Market will be closed, only to be transformed into a winter market with more than 100 vendors. Quartyard will have a lighting ceremony for its 25-foot tree, a Santa visit, holiday decorations and Christmas carolers. There will be live music from The Baja Bugs, a Beatles

tribute band, and a special surprise. This is a rain-or-shine and family-friendly event.

Quartyard, 1301 Market Street, East Village, 619-546-5636, eastvillagesandiego.com, 3 to 8 p.m., free admission.

400-4500, ma4s.com, 8 p.m., $15.

DECEMBER 8

holiday season in an evening filled with fun, friends and live entertainment. Santa’s Bag Holiday Party and Drive is an event dedicated to helping children during their hospitalization through the Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego.

Guests are asked to bring an unwrapped, new toy to donate. The party opens with a performance by soprano soloist Barbara Boyle Tobler and ends with a DJ spinning dance music.

Guests are invited to dress festive. There is $6 valet or free street parking.

La Valencia Hotel, 1132 Prospect Street, La Jolla, 855476-6870, lavalencia.com, $4 to $28.

14 Santa’s Bag Holiday Party and 11 Parade of Lights: Drive 10 Holiday Yacht Party DECEMBER Enjoy the beauty of the

Cruise through the San Diego Bay this holiday season on a 90foot yacht while sipping a chilled glass of champagne. Enjoy a full bar, an open-view dance floor and plenty of lounge areas.

Guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite festive attire, from ugly sweaters and Santa hats to all the red and green your heart desires. Check-in and boarding begins at 4:30 p.m. Please arrive 30 to 45 minutes prior to cruise time.

Chere Amie Yacht, 1901 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, 888749-6559, crusesdbay.com, 5 to 7 p.m., tickets start at $44.

12 Breakfast with Santa

DECEMBER 8

Dave and Buster’s is hosting a breakfast with Santa! Enjoy a hot breakfast with Santa and take a picture with the man in charge. Tickets include a breakfast buffet, a power card worth $10 for ticket games and unlimited video game play and a festive hot cocoa station. The buffet includes bacon, scrambled eggs, sausage, roasted potatoes, bagels with cream cheese, waffles, orange juice, soda, tea and coffee. Be sure to bring your own camera to capture the moments!

Dave and Buster’s San Diego, 2931 Camino Del Rio North, Mission Valley East, 619-2807115, daveandbusters.com, 8 to 10 a.m., $21.81.

15 Magical Snowfall DECEMBER 11 At 6 p.m., sunny San Diego will be transformed into a snowy winter wonderland that continues through December 24 at the courtyard near the koi pond.

Children will receive free holiday headbands and “magic glasses” so they can see the snow falling in rainbow colors. Each night, caroling groups will walk through the center, entertaining guests between the snowfalls.

Village Walk at Eastlake, 878 Eastlake Parkway, 619-2390533, shopvillagewalk.com, 6 p.m., free admission.

13 Aubrey Logan in “A Sassy Christmas”

DECEMBER 9

In her “A Sassy Christmas” performance, YouTuber Aubrey Logan takes all Christmas songs and gives them a new take. There will be plenty of heartfelt moments and pure ones as well, but it will mainly be a night of jazzy and fun entertainment. Logan’s octave range and trombone playing leave audiences breathless and wondering how she does it.

Martinis Above Fourth, 3940 Fourth Avenue, Hillcrest, 619DECEMBER 4, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 7

EVENTS COMEDY Jeremy Piven at The American Comedy Company, 818 B 6th Avenue, Downtown. Piven is best known for his role as Ari Gold in the hit HBO series “Entourage,” which aired for eight seasons and offered the actor/comedian the opportunity to win three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. Times vary. Thursday December 5 to Sunday, December 7. $30-$50. 619-795-3858. americancomedyco. com John Leguizamo: Latin History for Morons at San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Avenue, Downtown. Direct from Broadway, this is one of the most unique shows of the season. America’s unsung heroes, throughout past and present are unforgettably told by Tony and Emmy Award winner John Leguizamo, one of the most incisive, insightful and entertaining personalities on stage. Inspired by the near total absence of Latinos from American History books.

8 p.m. Sunday, December 8. Tickets start at $47. 619-5701100. sandiegotheatres.org

EVENTS Encinitas Holiday Parade along Coast Highway 101.

Encinitas. The festive seasonal parade begins at 5:30 p.m., preceded by a 5 p.m. tree-lighting ceremony with a brief appearance by Santa at the Lumberyard. Nearly 100 parade entries will complete in categories for lights, creativity, performance, music, spirit and overall impression. 5 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, December 7. Free. encinitas.gov.

Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village at the Piazza Basoline and Piazza della Famiglia, Little Italy. This year, exciting enhancements will be made to the 21st annual event with the reveal of a new custom-designed 25-foot tall Christmas tree by California artist, Joshua Hubert. The magical evening will feature festive decor, seasonal vendors, a tree-lighting ceremony, live music and entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday treats and a visit from Santa. 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, December 7. Free. littleitalysd.com.

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights travels through various locations in San Diego. This time-honored holiday tradition, now in its 47th year, features more than 80 lavishly

decorated boats lavishly decorated sailing by the shores for all to see. Approximate arrival times of the parade at various locations are: Shelter Island (start of parade): 5 p.m., Harbor Island: 5:30 p.m., The Embarcadero: 6 p.m., Seaport Village: 6:30 p.m., The Pier at Cesar Chavez Park: 6:45 p.m., Ferry Landing on Coronado: 7 p.m. Sundays, December 8 and December 15. Free. sdparadeoflights.org The Hillcrest Farmers Market at 3960 Normal Street (Hillcrest DMV Parking Lot), in Hillcrest. This is San Diego’s oldest and largest farmers market. More than 175 vendors offer a variety of locally grow produce, gifts, arts and crafts, flowers and clothing. Over 10,000 people a week visit the market. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, December 9. Free. 619237-1632. hillcrestbia.org.

FILM “Elf” at Rooftop Cinema Club Inc., Manchester Grand Hyatt, 1 Market Place, Fourth Floor Sport Terrace, Downtown. Celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Will Ferrell holiday comedy classic. After inadvertently wreaking havoc on the elf community due to his ungainly size, a man raised as an elf at the North Pole is sent to the United States in search of his true identity. Directed by Jon Favreau. Enjoy the movie on the big screen under the stars. The event is for guests 18 and older. 7 p.m., Friday, December 6, $20-$24. rooftopcinemaclub.com/san-diego

FOOD & DRINK December Tequila Tasting at Galaxy Taco, 2259 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla. Join Galaxy Taco the first Friday of every month for a complimentary tasting! Partnering with different tequila and mezcal brands, during the tastings, the restaurant teaches guests about how the chosen spirit is harvested and what best to pair with it. This week, guests 21 and older will sample Abre Ojos Tequila, and can purchase cocktail specials. 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, December 6. 858-228-5655. galaxytaco.com.

Blizzard by the Beach 2019 at Stone Brewing Tap Room Oceanside, 310 N. Tremont Street. Oceanside. Oceanside isn’t known for frosty winters and doesn’t get snow very often. But Stone Brewing will celebrate the season all the same by “winterizing” its gardens and pouring stellar

The Nutcracker

Dan Rosales as Tiny Tim, Jacque Wilke as Mrs. Cratchit, Orville Mendoza as Bob Cratchit, Robert Joy as Ebenezer Scrooge, and Cathryn Wake as Ghost of Christmas Present in Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show. (Photo by Jim Cox) barrel-aged, vintage and special creations all weekend long. Sport an ugly holiday-themed sweater and receive $1 off pints during the event. All day. Friday December 6 to Sunday, December 8. Free. Food and drink extra. 760-5290002. stonebrewing.com.

Makers Arcade Holiday Fair at Port Pavilion at Broadway Pier, 100 N Harbor Drive, Downtown. Have that hardto-buy-for person on your gift list? You’re in luck…The Makers Arcade Holiday Fair returns for its sixth annual two-day holiday shopping event. Visitors will enjoy unique makers, live music, free make-and-take craft, photo booth, food and cocktails. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, December 7, and Sunday, December 8. $5. makersarcade.com.

Music in the Gardens: Whitney Shay at Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens, 2816 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego. Craft beer, live music and a lush garden setting.

Every Monday, sip on specialty beers from San Diego and beyond while you enjoy a variety of musical genres outdoors. Music provided by the Whitney Shay Quartet.

The group mixes sultry jazz standards with swing tunes.

This week, rare beers from Modern Times will be featured.

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, December 9. Free. Food and drink extra. 619-269-2100. stonebrewing.com Bottomless & Buffet at Baja Betty’s, 1421 University Avenue, Hillcrest. Weekends are made for “brunching.”

Since 2004, Baja Betty’s has been providing the brunch eats to the Hillcrest community. Sleep in, grab your friends, then revel in the deliciousness. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, December 7, and Sunday, December 8. $15.95 for brunch. $13.95 for “bottomless” bubble or sangria.

619-269-8510 bajabettyssd.com.

December 6 - 22 with The City Ballet Orchestra at Spreckels Theatre

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Happy Hour at Cutwater Spirits at 9750 Distribution Avenue, Miramar. Since opening in 2017, Cutwater Spirits has touted as one of San Diego’s top bars and restaurants.

It’s the perfect venue for to explore innovative cocktails made from its award-winning spirits, paired with regional cuisine. Tour the distillery, explore the spirits process and meet the team. Happy hour features $4 canned cocktails, $2 off of cocktails and $7 food specials. 3:30 to 6 p.m.

Sunday, December 8, to Thursday, December 12. Free.

858.672.FUGU (3848). cutwaterspirits.com.

PERFORMANCE “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” at The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park. A wonderful, whimsical musical based on the classic Dr. Seuss book.

Back for its 22nd incredible year, the family favorite features delightful music from the popular animated feature. Celebrate the holidays as the Old Globe Theatre is once again transformed into snow-covered Whoville, right down to the last can of Who-hash. Times vary to December 29. $34-$134. 619-234-5623. theoldglobe.org.

$10 off with code:

CITYBEAT

ORDER ONLINE AT WWW.CITYBALLET.ORG

ORDER TICKETS AT :

WWW.CITYBALLET.ORG 858-272-8663

“Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big San Diego Christmas Show” at The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park. This is a fast, funny and highly theatrical reimagining of one of the most beloved holiday stories ever told. All the traditional elements of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” are intact, including the iconic ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future—but with a comic local twist. Cheer Ebenezer Scrooge’s rediscovery of the Christmas spirit in this riotous Dickens mash-up filled with music and laughter. Times vary to December 29. Prices vary. 619-234-5623. theoldglobe. org.

Hallelujah! San Diego’s Annual “Messiah” Sing-along at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Street, San Diego. Established in 1961, The San Diego Master Chorale

8 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 4, 2019

John Leguizamo showcases more than 100 of San Diego’s finest singers.

To celebrate the holidays, the chorale will present a timehonored Christmastime classic, George Frideric Handel’s oratorio “Messiah.” 5 p.m. Sunday, December 8. $10-$25.

858-581-2203. sdmasterchorale.org.

TALKS & WORKSHOPS C-3 Presents “Balboa Park: At the Crossroads” at House of Hospitality, 1549 El Prado, Balboa Park. Balboa Park is San Diego’s Crown Jewel, but its 1989 master plan is 30 years old and many projects envisioned remain to be done.

After more than 150 years, many deferred maintenance issues need attention. This breakfast dialogue will explore Balboa Park and its future. Guest speakers will outline important projects in the works, governance and funding under consideration. 7 a.m. Thursday, December 5. $35$45. 858-633-3860. c3sandiego.org.

@SDCITYBEAT

CULTURE | THEATER

Inconvenient Truths

Jessica Kubzanky’s play shows history unfolding

By David L. Coddon

I

n 1942, Gordon Hirabayashi, an American of Japanese heritage, stood on principle and defied a U.S. government order to “sign up” for a wartime internment camp. His case would go all the way to the Supreme Court.

Hirabayashi’s remarkable story comes to life in the San Diego Repertory Theatre’s staging of Jeanne Sakata’s “Hold These Truths.” The one-person show stars Ryun Yu, who, during the course of 90 minutes, portrays Hirabayashi throughout the years of his fight against racial discrimination and for justice.

Yu also plays others who factored in: his friends, his family, his prosecutors, his legal team.

Yu’s is an affecting, dignified performance that transcends “legal case.” The marginalization,

@SDCITYBEAT

“Hold These Truths” runs through December 8 at the San Diego Repertory Theatre, Downtown. $25-$72; sdrep,org

mistreatment and even imprisonment of men, women and children because of their race and color is tragically not a thing

Given the signature David Mamet profanity exercised Ryun Yu in “Hold These Truths” at the San Diego Repertory Theatre. (Photos by Jim Carmody) in “American Buffalo,” it might seem of the past. incongruous to be enamored of Jessica Kubzansky directs the script’s musicality.

Yet there’s “Hold These Truths” at no better way to interpret the the Rep, where well-timed harsh but brilliantly rhythmic sound effects (designed by quality of the 1975 drama’s diaJohn Zalewski) foster the illusion that Yu is not alone and that logue. Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company’s production history, of a shameful kind, is of “American Buffalo” articulates unfolding around him.

this quality to a tee, owing to a smart director (Rosina Reynolds) and two actors (Richard Baird and Francis Gercke) who clearly intuit the incendiary tone but also the rat-a-tat vibrations of Mamet’s play.

The tale of a Chicago junkshop owner (Gercke), his brutally neurotic crony (Baird) and a wrongheaded plan to burgle a house and supposedly turn a con back on a con artist quickly becomes convoluted. But it’s so much fun watching and listening to the actors fret and f-word their way through the proceedings that the quest for a rare and (maybe) expensive coin matters little. What a delicious theatrical departure for the holidays.

“American Buffalo” runs through December 7 at the Tenth Avenue Arts Center, Downtown. $18-$25. backyardrenaissance.com

DECEMBER 4, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 9

CULTURE | FILM

Ripple Effect ‘Waves’ is a punishingly obvious and bloated melodrama

By Glenn Heath Jr.

T

rey Edwards Shults seems to think that life exists only in a heightened state of anxiety. Even though his 2015 debut, “Krisha,” takes place in suburbia, it might as well be a combat film; what should be a hopeful reunion between one woman and her estranged family turns into a holiday massacre of vicious words and accusations. “It Comes at Night,” his cloying end-of-the-world thriller about one family’s attempt to survive the apocalypse, is equally pummeling.

There’s nothing subtle about these films, and Shults’ newest awards-bait drama “Waves” continues that trend with unabashed conviction. It focuses on a well-

to-do black family in South Florida that experiences a collective breakdown in spirit and purpose because of self-inflicted wounds.

Told in two distinctive parts, the film aligns with the frazzled perspectives of two teenage children adrift in the chaos.

A star wrestler and well-liked student, Tyler (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) seems to be living the dream. But it turns out to be the dream of his domineering father (Sterling K. Brown), a man who assigns worth to very specific physical achievements.

Younger daughter Emily (Taylor Russell) is all but forgotten until the film’s jarring shift in perspective at the halfway point.

Through her naïve eyes, “Waves” become slightly more tolerable, if only for a few moments.

In the end, Shults’ impressively terrible film telegraphs tragedy

10 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 4, 2019

For 136 minutes, “Waves” tells us exactly how to feel. Opens in limited release Friday, December 6. (Submitted photo)

with little regard for the nuances of human experience. It swings for the fences in every moment, producing the most uninteresting and unrewarding type of melodrama that panders to obvious sentiment.

For 136 minutes, “Waves” (opening Friday, December 6, in limited release) tells us exactly how to feel at all times, shoving empty images and obvious moral lessons down the audience’s throat with reckless abandon. Sitting through this disaster is akin to being trapped in a pretentious film student’s looping attempt at doing an IG-story version of “This Is Us.”

Opening

One Time Only

“Little Joe:” In this art film Sci-fi from Jessica Hausner, a single mother and dedicated plant breeder at a corporation seeking to develop new species, brings a special sample home to her young son. Opens Friday, December 6, at Landmark Ken Cinema.

“Elf:” In this classic holiday movie, Will Ferrell plays a grown man who has been raised by Santa and his elves. Hoping to find out about his past, he returns to New York City looking for answers Screens at 8 p.m.

Thursday, December 5, at The Pearl Hotel in Point Loma.

“The Aeronauts:” A headstrong scientist and a wealthy young window try to mount a balloon expedition in 1862 hoping to fly higher than anyone else in history. Opens Friday, December 6, at the Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

“Love Actually:” Romance comes in all shapes and sizes in this multistory holiday romantic comedy set in London. Screens at 8 p.m. Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, at Cinema Under the Stars in Mission Hills.

“The Wolf Hour:” Naomi Watts stars in this dramatic thriller about an agoraphobic author who is tormented by a mysterious stranger as the streets outside her home erupt in chaos.

Opens Friday, December 6, at the Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

“Scarface” + “Public Enemy:” Two great pre-code gangster films that are great examples of bleak morality tales that have influenced countless artists.

Double feature begins at 1 p.m.

Sunday, December 8, at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

“Waves:” Tumult and tragedy upend the seemingly comfortable lives of a wealthy black family living in Southern Florida.

Opens Friday, December 6, at Landmark Hillcrest Cinemas and Angelika Carmel Mountain Cinemas.

“Dark City:” In Alex Proyas’ visionary sci-fi film, a man struggles with memories from his past while living in a nightmarish world with no sun.

Screens at 7 p.m. Monday, December 9, at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park. @SDCITYBEAT

ARTS | CULTURE

Moving Images

C. Fodoreanu’s ‘street smart’ captures the struggle of at-risk youth

By Mary Pat Abruzzo

S

Cornel/Henry Art, is a fundraising exhibition with 50% of the proceeds going to an educational fund to support the kids shot on location in San Bernardino.

“I am hoping people will be touched by the work because they definitely need some support,” Fodoreanu says.

Born in Romania, Fodoreanu joined his family in the tradition of icon painting and photography.

“When I got my first camera, it was a man- C. Fodoreanu is an award-winning photographer, who earned degrees in philosophy from UCSD and an MD from Harvard. He is presenting “street smart” at Cornel/Henry Art through December 22. (Photo ual Russian camera

oft light melted through thin ice windows onto innocent faces. Cornel Fodoreanu, who goes

by C. Fodoreanu, stood humbly in his new photography studio in the Arts District Library Station in Point Loma.

The black-and-white photographs of his exhibit, “street smart,” collectively filled the room with a powerful tone: the stories of seven children from Southern California’s suburban streets.

Fodoreanu circled the studio counterclockwise, sharing the story found in each photo. Leo smiles, dancing in a graffiti playground scattered with old tires courtesy C. Fodoreanu) and trash. Markie and pediatrician at Otay his dog are separated Mesa, but even during by a chain link fence his training to become in a photo taken a doctor, he continued six months after his to take photos. father was killed in Fodoreanu’s work a gang-related shootfocuses on “figure phoing. Markie tells tography,” which he people that somedescribes as an imprestimes he would like sion of a figure. to run away like his “‘Figure’ meaning dog. A group photo anything that has a of all seven kids shape: a body, a tree, shows these unsung a leaf, a combination heroes looking to the of them, a shadow,” he future, the younger says. Fodoreanu rapidly ones with fear and the jumped into San Diolder hopeful. Gang ego’s art scene, selected violence, divided as one of the four local families, sickness and talent art visionaries by death construct their the Art San Diego 2019. normal. Although The photos in the “Street smart” exhibition set a powerful tone: the stories of seven children from Southern California’s suburban streets. (Photo by C. Fodoreanu) He eventually won. their daily lives are His 500-square-foot filled with a heavy studio sits on the west side of posure. I am a pediatrician and a and if you don’t move the film, it struggle their eyes show a strong will double expose things. I made photographer as well,” Fodoreanu Barracks 15, a former Naval resilience and a hope for the fuTraining Center recently turned reminisced. this mistake. But it is more of a ture. flourishing artistic hub. FodorFodoreanu is a full-time Kaiser play on my life. It is a double ex“Street smart,” presented by

SPIN CYCLE

from page 4

Housing adventurous wishes from the Grantville Gorilla, Councilman and mayoralpaper-puller Scott Sherman @SDCITYBEAT

Sniff, I want nothing! I want nothing! Hahaha, that line kills me every time. Claus, yeah it’s me, The Donald. Thee Donald.

Donald Duck? Bullshit.

Donald Glover? Don’t know him. Donald Sutherland?

Liked him in “The Dirty Dozen,” otherwise overrated!

I’ll be brief, Santa. That aid you want for the “climate change” Hoax? Fine. Just need a favor, bro. Gift wrap me with a big red bow and sleigh me over to Vlad’s place, will ya? Pence,

are we transcribing this? Oops, into the special server this goes!

No collusion, no quid pro quo, no want nothing, no no no, Make America No Again, Yes? I smell cake. Two scoops for me,

eanu started an expansive search for an art gallery throughout cities like San Francisco and Philadelphia but picked the Arts District Liberty Station to open his first studio.

“Arts District’ is the future of arts here in San Diego. There are so many artists in one spot, the support you get here is amazing,” Fodoreanu says.

The studio’s mission is to create a space of photography free of political constraints. It aims to look at humanity at its purest, with raw fundamental emotions, ideas and esthetics. Fodoreanu expressed his hope for the future, “I want to be my own gallery, but I also want to be a gallery for local emerging San Diego photographers and mixed media.

“Trying to be an artist and show your work, it’s not easy,” Fodoreanu says, believing he is in a position to help the art community.

“We want to be an open gallery. If your quality of work is good, you’re in.”

“street smart” by C. Fodoreanu

Various times through December 22 Cornel/Henry Art, Arts District Liberty Station, Studio 205, Second Floor, Barracks 14 2770 Historic Decatur Road, Liberty Station cornelhenryart.com

*sniff* Tweeter in Chief Spin Cycle appears every other week. Write to john@ sdcitybeat.com.

DECEMBER 4, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 11

COVER STORY

San Diego Holiday Gift Guide

From big-box stores to boutiques, locally we have everything

By Debbie L. Sklar

C

ombating big crowds, being subjected to mall madness, trapped in parking lot chaos, and trying to find the extraordinary versus the ordinary.

Yes, holiday shopping can truly be a nightmare, but why make it any more difficult than it needs to be? We say, skip all the above and make it simple this year by staying local.

From the streets of historic downtown San Diego to the winding avenues of La Jolla, you can happen on everything you need, from fun to fabulous, for those on your holiday shopping list.

For instance, don’t buy another boring necktie for your dad or the same ugly slippers for mom. Instead of a standard box of earrings from the department store for your sister or gifting your brother-in-law more cologne he hates, go big, go bold, be different.

Take yourself out of your element and explore all the wonderful places in San Diego County for some of the best, the most unique and most unforgettable holiday gift options around.

Peruse the quaint shops and art galleries of Del Mar, stroll the antique stores in Leucadia and Encinitas for finds from yesteryear for those you love.

You’ll be amazed by what you can find in places such as Hillcrest and in North Park. Maybe get your Italian on in Little Italy or spend time in Solana Beach and Coronado Island for the ultimate gifts. The possibilities are endless.

Don’t sacrifice when searching for the most remarkable holiday presents for your loved ones, family, friends and others this year. They’re worth it right?

If you agree, we say run, don’t walk.

Slip on your most comfortable walking shoes grab your canvas shopping bags and fill your wallet to partake in some of the grandest holiday shopping in San Diego County—ever.

Where to shop

If you want to avoid the indoor malls, head to lovely outside shopping centers in San Diego for gifts while taking in the seasonal weather.

For example, Fashion Valley Mall offers shops such as Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus. Westfield UTC shopping center has a Bloomingdale’s outlet store and various dining choices that you can hit up in between shopping. There are also anchor stores such as Macy’s, where you can pick out a fluffy down comforter for Mom to snuggle or the latest in Cuisinart kitchen appliances.

Do stop by Nordstrom for the latest in designer jeans for your

12 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 4, 2019

sister-in-law or scoop up hip clothing for your niece. And don’t forget specialty stores like Anthropologie for unique sweaters you won’t see at regular big-box stores, Apple for the latest smartphones and Tiffany & Co. where you can buy your beloved a fab piece of jewelry that comes in its own blue box that will surely make them smile.

There’s also Village Hat Shop (Photo by Stacy Keck) Westfield Horton Plaza located in the heart of Downtown’s ply for bargain hunters.

Gaslamp Quarter for the Art of Visit Carlsbad Premium Shaving and the Perfume Master. Outlets and step into Coach Go to Del Mar Highlands Town for a purse, bag or wallet or for Center for trendy clothing and the latest in jeans, T-shirts, and resort wear at Daisy Blue. Then sweaters from Banana Repubin Carmel Valley, there’s Hazard lic all available at the popular Center with Barnes & Noble, to North County Coastal area buy someone a real book they location. The Las Americas can flip through like a top New Premium Outlets has popular York Times bestseller or Lakebrands like Michael Kors, J. shore Learning Store for quality Crew, and Adidas all under one educational games and toys. How roof in South Bay. about a gift certificate for Ameri Don’t forget San Diego Outlets Nails for your best friend located at the Border, next to Las Ameriat the Mission Valley Mall or cas, and search for unique items something sexy from Victoria’s at great prices like at Armani Secret for your wife or girlfriend? Exchange, Express Factory Outlet, and H&M for the latest in hair accessories. In East County, Outlet shopping Viejas Outlet Center offers highOutlet shops almost always end brands too that won’t hurt have great finds at good prices and San Diego is in no short sup- your wallet too much.

Specialty shops

Of course, specialty shopping for unique San Diego items can be unearthed at Seaport Village for fun reproduction nostalgia items, like “I Love Lucy” memorabilia at American Nostalgia and The Headquarters at Seaport on the Big Bay Embarcadero for great casual wear at Cali Strong or Coco Rose. Visit the Coronado Ferry Landing for firstclass shopping, from sunglasses to sportswear, and take a trip to the Shops at the Del Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado, where time stands still.

Over at Liberty Station in Point Loma, you’ll find 7Stitches Jewelry; Apricot Yarn & Supply, and at Bazaar del Mundo and See

GIFTS on page 13

@SDCITYBEAT

Hot Licks Bag (Photo by Stacy Keck)

GIFTS

from page 12

Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town, you can find out-of-the-ordinary items you won’t find anywhere else.

For the beach lover on your gift list, visit these local boutique stores that scream San Diego style: Everyday California and Surf Diva Surf School & Surf

@SDCITYBEAT

Apricot Yarn & Supply (Submitted photo)

Diva Boutique.

And for off-the-beatenpath items, don’t miss the always off-the-charts boutique shops on Prospect and Girard in the beautiful seaside town of La Jolla for LF Store and Pink Lagoon.

The hip, urban boutiques in the Gaslamp Quarter or the authentic Italian groceries in Little Italy make perfect gifts.

Purchase surf items from Atacama and albums of yesteryear or funky hats in Hillcrest. North Park has unique Mexican crafts and decor at Artelexia, and don’t miss South Park’s Bad Madge & Co. for vintage furnishings art, fashion, accessories, collectibles, shoes, hats, home goods and more.

Encinitas and Carlsbad have a few antique stores still standing

for those rare items of yesteryear, like a set of dishes from another time period at Olde Ivy Antiques or a for a cornucopia of unusual and great finds try Caldwell’s Antique in Leucadia for those on your list who have everything.

If all else fails and you don’t have the time, stamina or wherewithal to get yourself up from the sofa and watching all those

holiday movies on Hallmark, there’s always online shopping at any of the above or, of course, Amazon.

Be safe, be responsible and enjoy the holiday season and all that comes with it from the gift-giving and holiday sweets to what’s most important when all is said and done—spending time with those you care and love.

DECEMBER 4, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 13

MUSIC

A New Era

Kim Petras finds ‘clarity’ in first full-length project

By Connor Dziawura

W

hen German pop singer Kim Petras wrote her debut full-length project, “Clarity,” she wanted to ensure it was relatable.

At the time, she’d recently wrapped a tour and gone through a breakup. So, she says, she wanted her fans to understand her feelings.

“I needed to write songs that were just about that and just about me inside and what I was going through,” she explains. “I just wanted to strip everything back and make songs that people can relate to.”

Following a prolific multiyear run of dropping songs—some nonalbum, some of which made it on to “Clarity”—Petras finally released a full-length collection in June.

She says its lyrics admit to her

German pop singer Kim Petras, who recently released her first full-length project, “Clarity,” as well as a Halloween-themed collection, “Turn Off the Light,” comes to the Observatory North Park with DJ Alex Chapman on Sunday, December 8. (Photo by Byron Spencer)

weaknesses and flaws. “‘Clarity’ was really just like flipping it back and being like, ‘I’m not always confident. I don’t know what I’m doing most of the time, too,’” she adds.

“I just made it for my fans who

14 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 4, 2019

are going through stuff, because my fans were a huge part of me getting over it and being like, ‘Making music is my destiny,’ and, ‘(expletive) it,’ and, ‘I’m just going to keep going and stop being really emo and being sad.’”

Though “Clarity” is her full-

length debut, Petras had already established herself and built up a sizable fanbase over the past several years. She views her discography in “eras,” as her goals and direction are ever-changing.

Era 1 included nonalbum singles such as “Heart to Break” and collaborations with the likes of Lil Aaron and Sophie.

When writing those formative songs, she says, her goal was to make anthems and classics for gay clubs. She cites early records from the likes of Madonna, Culture Club and Cyndi Lauper as influential on her direction.

But “Clarity” marks a change in eras.

“I definitely think reinvention is a really big part of me just working and creating,” Petras explains, noting that she’s always looking to do something new.

For Petras, this includes a twophase themed project. Though Christmas could be considered the popular choice, Petras found herself drawn to a different holiday: Halloween.

“We were just like, ‘Why are there no Halloween albums and stuff out there? There’s so many Christmas ones,’” she explains.

So, she released “Turn Off the Light” in October. It completes an EP—billed as “Turn Off the Light, Vol. 1”—that she released last year. This full project includes that EP and nine new tracks.

She says the project’s creation started the song “Close Your Eyes,” which inspired her to try her hand at “dark synth-pop.”

“It evolved and I started making Halloween music,” she says. “It kind of just naturally happened as the progression from my last sound.”

While developing that new sound, she found herself looking to soundtracks for movies like “It Follows” and “Drive,” as well as Michael Jackson’s ’80s records “Thriller” and “Bad.” The idea was to put horror movie soundtracks through a pop filter.

“I feel like the ’80s were just an amazing time for horror movies and horror movie soundtracks.

I feel like you know exactly what that kind of horror movie sounds

like,” she says. “I’ve always really loved the ’80s.”

She calls “Turn Off the Light” dance-y.

“It’s EDM-inspired, but hard, industrial EDM,” she continues.

“And then we need to have the pop sensibilities when writing always because I’m just a big fan of pop music.”

Perhaps being an independent artist has allowed Petras to take such creative risks and release as much music as she has. Though she admits there can be challenges and it’s a lot of work, she says she has a supportive team and she’s driven.

“I feel like it’s been really cool that I get to release as much music as I want and do it on my own terms,” she says.

While Halloween has passed and the winter months are underway, Petras isn’t kicking the songs that to her define fall, which she calls the “spooky season.”

Now in the midst of a U.S. headlining tour, which comes to the Observatory North Park on Sunday, December 8, Petras says fans should still expect to hear plenty of cuts from “Turn Off the Light,” as well as others from “Clarity.”

Having toured the world, from headlining her own shows to opening for the likes of Troye Sivan and performing at festivals, she says she appreciates the fanartist connections she builds. She feels she’s also given more control and freedom in her performances.

“My own shows are by far my favorite things to do,” she says.

“I mean I love a great festival for sure, but my own shows are really special because those are people that I’m looking forward to seeing.”

Kim Petras w/Alex Chapman

8 p.m. Sunday, December 8 The Observatory North Park, 2891 University Avenue, North Park Sold out 619-239-8836, observatorysd.com @SDCITYBEAT

MUSIC

Take a Chance

Greyson Chance is sharing his ‘Portraits’ with fans

By Christina FuocoKarasinski

T

ouring around the world is exhausting, incredible and “very, very worth it” for synth-pop artist Greyson Chance.

“There were a lot of songs on (2019’s) ‘Portraits’ that I wrote about a relationship and the breakup, in particular,” he says. “The songs helped me heal and helped me through a lot of difficult times.

“The most amazing thing on this tour is seeing the impact these songs have on other people. They’re using the records in the same way I did with my music. I see that in real time. It gives me a purpose to what I do and my job.”

Chance will play those songs when he returns to San Diego to play the House of Blues on Thursday, December 5. Last summer he performed at San Diego Pride with King Princess.

forward to seeing some familiar faces.”

The concerts are a story. Chance starts with a monologue describing how he’s a servant to the crowd to allow them to escape the troubles of their lives outside of the venue’s four walls.

“That’s what it does for me as well,” he says. “It serves as a place I can go and get out of my head and forget the Greyson Chance got his start thanks to a YouTube video of him singing Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi.” (Photo by troubles and the Broderick Baumann) things I have to “It was amazing to be with do in my day-toall the folks in San Diego,” day life. I want people to come he recalls. “I’m really looking and live in the music for an

‘Injection of Joy’ Tyler Glenn is looking forward to Neon Trees’ return to the stage

By Christina FuocoKarasinski

N

eon Trees frontman Tyler Glenn says his band is in the midst of a revival that started with the release of the new single, “Used to Like,” in November.

The show as part of Alt 949’s “Not So Silent Night” on Sunday, December 8, is part of this new era.

“We played some shows the last few years on and off, but this feels like the demarcation of a new vibe,” Glenn says.

“This show will be the first time we’ve ever played ‘Used to Like’ live. I think we really feel rejuvenated and stoked to end the year on a high note.”

“Used to Like” will be included on Neon Trees’ new album @SDCITYBEAT

tentatively set for release in May. “It’s been a minute since we put an album out,” Glenn says. “I put a solo record out and was in ‘Kinky Boots’ on Broadway in the summer of 2018.

“Because of that show, I honestly felt a real reconnection to what I wanted to do creatively.

At this point, we’re all very happy to be back doing the thing we love together.”

Glenn—who auditioned for “Kinky Boots” and took over the role of Charlie Price from “American Idol” winner David Cook—says the entire experience was inspirational. He toured with Neon Trees for eight years and being on the Broadway stage was a departure from his normal gig.

“It’s such a different kind of performance and muscle,” he says.

“I think, beyond that, that show

hour and a half.”

His latest single is “Boots,” and has been dubbed the next step in Chance’s evolution as an artist and what’s to come next year. “‘Boots’ at its core, is a narrative addressing pop culture’s current usage of Western imagery,” Chance says.

“When I was writing the song, I found myself imagining what Johnny Cash would be like if he were around and making music in 2019. I thought about what he would wear, how he would act, and what he would write about. My conclusion was that it all would look and feel considerably different than these stars wearing cowboy hats these days. Being from Oklahoma, I understand that being ‘Western’ isn’t all about the style, it’s about an attitude, an obsessive loyalty and an unwavering wildness. ‘Boots’ is truly just an observation of what I see in pop culture

currently, and what I think about it.”

The song is slated to appear on the album Chance is wrapping up. He says he’s passionate about the record because he, too, is a “massive music fan.”

“I love listening to new things and absorbing new things,” he says. “I’m from Oklahoma, so I like to go back and see my roots and progress and growth. That keeps me inspired. That keeps me awake enough to get up at 5 a.m. to catch a flight to the next gig.”

“I like working with people who push my comfort zone and challenge the things I would naturally go to,” Glenn says. “I found that in Mike and Andrew Dawson, who worked on Kayne West records. Those kinds of ears were important on this record to bring it into 2020. I am so excited about this record.”

In 2020, Neon Trees will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of its first album “Habits” and will tour in support of the new album, whose name has not been released.

“We’ve been away from the public for a good chunk of time,”

he says. “We’re really looking forward to staying on for a bit.

You’ll see lots of Neon Trees in 2020.”

Greyson Chance 7 p.m. Thursday, December 5 House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Avenue, San Diego $17 houseofblues.com

In May, Neon Trees is set to release a new album, which will include the new single “Used to Like.”

(Photo by Grace Pickering)

was such an injection of joy by the end of it.

“It was eight performances a week and I felt like I was wrapped in a warm blanket by the end of that summer. I was feeling really confident again and excited to pursue the band again. It gave me this urgency to be in a rock band and be loose and spontaneous.”

That feeling led to a host of collaborations. Initially, the partnerships were with friends but eventually it expanded to others in the industry like Mike Green.

“He’s more of a rock band producer with tinges of pop,” he says. “I liked his perspective on pop-rock. I think it’s gotten a bit away from that in the mainstream.”

Glenn feels strongly about experimenting with sounds and Green pushed him to do so.

Neon Trees w/Local Natives, Shaed, Half Alive, White Reaper, Winnetka Bowling League 5 p.m. Sunday, December 8 Del Mar Arena, 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar Tickets start at $30 alt949.radio.com

DECEMBER 4, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 15

MUSIC

Homing in on The Beatles

(Photo illustration Christy Byerly)

Chicago’s Jason Scheff joins an all-star lineup to celebrate ‘The White Album’

By Christina FuocoKarasinski

C

“Christopher Cross stands and delivers. He’s not animated—we have Mickey and Todd for that.

Joey is this regal royal British statesman. Me, I’m in the middle.

I like to move, but I’m really focusing on the music.”

The concert begins with

whole time. Peter Cetera really set the bar with playing spirited basslines in the early Chicago records. I’ve always enjoyed that kind of thing.”

Returning to San Diego is meaningful to Scheff.

“Whenever I perform in San

Scheff’s brother, Darin, helped him kickstart his music career with local kids from their hometown of Point Loma.

“We performed in El Cajon, so it’s cool that we’re performing in El Cajon at The Magnolia,” he says. “I’m weird this way. I

hicago’s Jason Scheff admits he’s a little young to fully recall when “The White Album” was released in 1968.

“I’m 57, so when ‘The White Album’ came out, I was 6 years old,” he says. “It really wasn’t on my radar.”

The San Diego-born Scheff is older now, and he’s landed his “dream job”— celebrating the collection’s 50th anniversary with the “It Was Fifty Years Ago Today Tour,” which comes to The Magnolia on Sunday, December 8.

The band is Jason Scheff, who played with Chicago, is rediscovering the Beatles on a current tour. (Photo courtesy Jason Scheff) Scheff, Micky Dolenz, Todd Diego, some of the people who show up at these places and I can Rundgren, Christopher Cross and “Back in the U.S.S.R.” and “Dear Prudence,” the latter of which were at my first gig I played at as a feel the energy of when we were Joey Molland. features Scheff. teenager—the Red Brick Church playing there all these years ago.”

The 2 1/2-hour show—with “I’m playing the bassline and Dance—actually come. It just Scheff joined Chicago in an intermission—is theatrical singing,” he says, “That’s what Paul seems like yesterday. They have 1985 after Cetera left the group (thanks to Dolenz and Rundgren, the same smiles and looks on their to pursue a solo career. Scheff Scheff says), fun and eye-opening. did and does and that’s what I get to do. It’s challenging, but I love faces as when I was playing as a was noted for his uncanny vocal “We’re performing the that stuff. It’s an intricate bass part, 13- or 14-year-old. It brings it all resemblance to Cetera. His lead music and each one of us has a but I’m singing and playing the the way back home to me.” vocals were debuted on the 1986 distinct personality,” Scheff says.

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single “25 or 6 to 4,” a remake of their 1970 hit, then followed up with “Will You Still Love Me?” Scheff, who says he was inspired by Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” as a youngster, recently released his own album, “Here I Am.” Produced by Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts, “Here I Am” is available on Scheff’s website, jasonscheff. com/hia.

He doesn’t play those songs on “The White Album” shows, but he does do “25 or 6 to 4,” which, he says, ties everything together.

“It’s fun to see everybody connect the dots,” he says.

“It’s fun to be part of this tour.”

“It Was Fifty Years Ago Today” 8 p.m. Sunday, December 8 The Magnolia, 210 E. Main Street, El Cajon Tickets start at $34.75 livenation.com

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MUSIC

CONCERTS HOT! NEW! FRESH!

Nicely (Casbah, 12/9), The Sleepwalkers (Casbah, 12/15), Memory Leak (Soda Bar, 12/16), El Vez Screamers Tribute (Casbah, 12/26), San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl (SDCCU Stadium, 12/27), T.S.O.L. (Casbah, 1/2), Chris Coté (BUT, 1/5), 96 Bitter Beings (Brick by Brick, 1/10), Jacquees (HOB, 1/25), Caifanes (HOB, 2/5), Homeboy Sandman (Soda Bar, 2/7), Drakulas (Kensington Club, 2/21), The Blasters (Casbah, 2/22), Lords of Acid (Brick by Brick, 3/15), Dan Rodriguez (Casbah, 4/9), Sweet Caroline (Spreckels Theatre, 4/24), The Doobie Brothers (North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, 9/17).

Wednesday, December 4 From Indian Lakes at Soda Bar. Moon Hooch at The Casbah. Jonny Lang at Belly Up Tavern.

K. Michelle at House of Blues. Ryan Caraveo at House of Blues.

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.

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. Me First at House of Blues.

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Saturday, December 7 John Waters at Observatory North Park.

Tow’rs at Soda Bar. Gryffin at SOMA. Authority Zero at Brick by Brick. Louis Futon at Music Box. The Bronx at The Casbah.

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. Snoop Dogg at House of Blues.

Jonah Matranga at Brick by Brick. Kool Keith at Music Box.

Friday, December 27 The Major Minus at Soda Bar.

Sunday, December 15 The Blind Boys of Alabama at Belly Up Tavern. Omni at Soda Bar. Easy Wind at Music Box. The Fall of Troy at Brick by Brick.

Saturday, December 28 The Crystal Method at Music Box. Jim Brickman at Balboa Theatre. Ignite at Brick

by Brick. Poolside at Observatory North Park.

Twin Ritual at Soda Bar. Big Sandy at The Casbah.

Monday, December 16 Kiefer Sutherland at Belly Up Tavern.

Tuesday, December 17 Mark Diamond at Soda Bar. Body Salt at The Casbah.

Sunday, December 29 Donavon Frankenreiter at Belly Up Tavern.

Art Unites at The Casbah. The Cavemen at Soda Bar.

Wednesday, December 18 The Venice at Belly Up Tavern. Brokeback at Soda Bar.

Monday, December 30 Donavon Frankenreiter at Belly Up Tavern. Ten Bulls at The Casbah.

Tuesday, December 10 The Charlie Daniels Band at California Center for the Arts. Pete Yorn at Belly Up Tavern.

Eyedress at Soda Bar. Electric Mud at The Casbah.

Thursday, December 19 Mariachi Sol de Mexico at Balboa Theatre.

The Tubes at Belly Up Tavern. 13 Bats at The Casbah. Jade Jackson at Soda Bar. Berkley Hart at Music Box.

Tuesday, December 31 Steel Pulse at Belly Up Tavern. The Floozies at Music Box. Elektric Voodoo at Soda Bar.

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. Unearth at Brick by Brick.

DENM at House of Blues.

Friday, December 20 Cash’d Out Christmas at Belly Up Tavern.

Infected Mushroom at Music Box. Matt Embree at Soda Bar.

Monday, December 9 With Confidence at House of Blues. Mega Bog at Soda Bar. Nicely at The Casbah.

Thursday, December 12 La Dispute at House of Blues. Khemmis at Brick by Brick. Ariel View at Soda Bar. Friday, December 13 Allah-Las at Observatory North Park. Lebanon Hanover at Brick by Brick. Tragedy at The Merrow. Rorre at Soda Bar. Choir Boy at The Casbah. Space Yacht at Music Box. Brick by Brick. Ariel View at Soda Bar. 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.

Saturday, December 21 Damage Inc. at Brick by Brick. Phantom Planet at House Of Blues. The Heavy Guilt at Soda Bar. Andrew McMahon at Music Box. Sunday, December 22 Cattle Decapitation at Brick by Brick. Eric Rachmany at Observatory North Park. Mud Slide Slim at Music Box. Late Night Radio at Soda Bar. Groundation at Belly Up Tavern. El Vez at The Casbah.

Monday, December 23 Glass Spells at The Casbah. Nite Lapse at Soda Bar. Tuesday, December 24 Exile on Kettner Blvd. at The Casbah.

DECEMBER 4, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 17

MUSIC

CLUBS 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Avenue, Pacific Beach.

Wednesday: Open Mic. Thursday: Karaoke.

Friday: CaliSamba.

Saturday: 40oz. to Freedom. Sunday: 710 Idol.

Air Conditioned Lounge, 4673 30th Street, Normal Heights. Wednesday: #HipHopWeds.

Thursday: Trancension. Friday: House Music Fridays. Sunday: Phantasy Lounge. Monday: Organized Grime. Tuesday: DJ Staci.

American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Avenue, Downtown. Thursday: Jeremy Piven. Friday: Jeremy Piven. Saturday: Jeremy Piven.

Tuesday: Open Mic.

Blonde, 1808 W. Washington Street, Mission Hills. Wednesday: Dance Klassique. Friday: ‘80s New Wave Night. Saturday: Umbrella.

Tuesday: Techit Easy.

Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Avenue, Bay Park. Thursday: Kill Devil Hill, Shield of Snakes, Antic. Friday: Exhumed, Necrot, Deathgrave, Mortal Wound. Saturday: Authority Zero, Sailor’s Songbook, Ready Set Survive, Fallen Monuments.

The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Boulevard, Midtown. Wednesday: Moon Hooch, Coco Columbia. Thursday: Marco Benevento.

Friday: Magic Sword, Equip. Saturday: The Bronx White Drugs Christmas, Warish, Slaughter Boys. Sunday: Death Eyes, Archons, Forest Grove, The Gay Agenda. Tuesday: Lost Monarchs, Gypsy Sally, Something Contagious.

Che Cafe, 1000 Scholars Drive S, La Jolla.

Thursday: JUDGE, Down to Nothing, Retaliate, Headcount. Friday: Lisa Prank. Saturday: Fear of Noise Day 2.

Dizzy›s, Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Boulevard.

Saturday: Lorena Isabell.

Bang Bang, 526 Market Street, Downtown.

Friday: Offaiah.

The Holding Company, 5046 Newport Avenue.

Wednesday: The Innocent Buystanders, Brain Ghost, Ricky Matty Guchi. Thursday: Jey Pearson, DJ Double B, DJ Burnquist. Friday: Quel Bordel. Saturday: Kick-Stomp Ensemble.

Sunday: Julia Sage and the Bad Hombres, Miki Vale, Chloe Lou and the Liddells.

Monday: Karaoke. Tuesday: Reggae Tuesdaze.

Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach. Wednesday: Jonny Lang, Zane Carney. Thursday: DIIV, Froth, Storefront Church. Sunday: Aly & AJ, ARMORS. Tuesday: Pete Yorn, Dear Boy.

House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Avenue, Downtown. Wednesday: K. Michelle.

Thursday: Black Flag. Friday: Me First, Gimmie Gimmes. Sunday: Snoop Dogg.

Monday: With Confidence.

The Bancroft, 9143 Campo Road, Spring Valley. Wednesday: Karaoke. Saturday: Thou Shall Doubt, Reyah, Silent Vice. Sunday: We Were Giants, NDTH. Monday: Trivia. Tuesday: Karaoke.

18 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 4, 2019

Humphreys Backstage, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. Wednesday: Bayou Brothers. Thursday: The Surf Birdz. Friday: Pop Vinyl. Saturday: Get Groovin’. Sunday: DJ John Phillips. Monday: Fuzzy Rankins.

Tuesday: Manzanita Blues.

Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner Boulevard, Midtown. Saturday: Ascension.

Kensington Club, 4079 Adams Avenue, Kensington. Friday: Gentrocide, Masteria, Inciting Riots.

Lestat›s Coffee House, 3343 Adams Avenue, Normal Heights. Friday: Scott West’s Annual Birthday Bash. Monday: Open Mic. Tuesday: Comedy Night.

Loft @ UCSD, Price Center East, La Jolla.

Thursday: Battles. Friday: Tritones Fall Show.

Sunday: Lo-fi Study Jam. Martinis Above Fourth, 3940 Fourth Avenue, Hillcrest. Wednesday: No Cover Entertainment. Thursday: Daryl Sherman.

Friday: No Cover Entertainment. Saturday: Pam Ann. Monday: Aubrey Logan. Tuesday: Lake and the Existence.

The Merrow, 1271 University Avenue, Hillcrest. Wednesday: Neo-Soul Night.

Thursday: Noche Latina.

Mother’s Saloon, 2228 Bacon Street, Ocean Beach. Tuesday: Trivia.

Mr. Peabody’s, 136 Encinitas Boulevard, Encinitas. Friday: Ultrasound. Saturday: Delusions of Grandeur. Sunday: Jazz Jam. Monday: Open Mic. Tuesday: Karaoke.

Music Box, 1337 India Street, Little Italy.

Thursday: The Slackers, Viernes 13, Soul Ska, Gabriela Penka. Friday: Lee Fields and the

Expressions, Brainstory, Rebecca Jade, The Cold Fact. Saturday: Louis Futon, Quickly, Quickly. Sunday: Pink Froyd.

The Office, 3936 30th Street, North Park.

Wednesday: Cutwater Christmas Party.

Thursday: Dig Deeper. Friday: All-Vinyl Happy Hour. Tuesday: Night Shift.

OMNIA Nightclub, 454 Sixth Avenue, Downtown. Friday: Steve Aoki.

Parq, 615 Broadway, Downtown. Friday: Trey Songz, Saweetie.

The Rail, 3796 Fifth Avenue, Hillcrest.

Thursday: Country Dance. Friday: Dance for Vets. Saturday: Naughty or Nice.

Rich›s, 1051 University Avenue, Hillcrest.

Wednesday: Mischief Wednesdays. Thursday: #LEZ + Techniche. Friday: Electro-Pop. Saturday: Voltage. Sunday: Discoteka.

Rosie O’Gradys, 3402 Adams Avenue, Normal Heights. Friday: Soul Ablaze. Monday: Jazz Jam. Tuesday: Adams Gone Funky.

Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Boulevard, City Heights. Wednesday: From Indian Lakes, Queen of Jeans, Yummm. Thursday: Reagan Youth, Revolt-Chix, Midnight Track. Friday: Griffin House. Saturday: Tow’rs, B.R. Lively.

Sunday: Valley Queen. Monday: Mega Bog. Tuesday: Eyedress, Kodalith, Sustivity.

SOMA, 3350 Sports Arena Boulevard, Midway.

Friday: Daughters, Health, Show Me the Body.

Saturday: Gryffin.

SPACE, 3519 El Cajon Boulevard, City Heights.

Wednesday: The Home Team, Crooked Teeth, New Language, Sleep it Off. Friday: Rituals.

Spin, 2028 Hancock Street, Midtown. Friday:

Nathan Barato. Saturday: Into the Polar Prism, Atis, Fort Romeau.

Sycamore Den, 3391 Adams Avenue, Normal Heights. Wednesday: Paul Gregg. Tuesday: Trivia.

Til-Two Club, 4746 El Cajon Boulevard, City Heights. Thursday: Nikki Hill, Jesse and the Rock ‘N’ Roll Three, DJ Stack Aly. Friday: Fox Medicine, Nebula Drag, Vedic, Infinite Shrug.

Saturday: Rockability Shakeout. Monday: Open Vinyl DJ Night.

Tio Leo›s, 5302 Napa Street, Bay Park.

Wednesday: The Jazz Pocket Swing.

Thursday: Rip Carson Band. Friday: Bump City Brass. Saturday: Full Strength Funk Band.

Tower Bar, 4757 University Avenue, City Heights. Thursday: Decent Criminal, Bad Animal, Allweather, Le Saboteur. Friday: Generation Suicida, Violencia, Lockheed, Membrane, M-80, All Beat Up, The Gay Agenda. Saturday: Trivia. Sunday: Endless Struggle, Dead on the Wire, COD, After Lashes. Monday: Nerve Exposure, Coldclaw, Casket Raider, Kusktaka.

U-31, 3112 University Avenue, North Park.

Thursday: BoomBox Thursday. Monday: #31 Flavors.

Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern Street, South Park.

Wednesday: Open Oscillator. Thursday: Body of Light, S. Product, Adios Mundo Cruel, DJ Vaugh Avakian. Saturday: ‘80s vs. ‘90s Dance Night.

Winstons, 1921 Bacon Street, Ocean Beach.

Wednesday: Club Kingston. Thursday: Jacob Jolliff, Travis Oliver. Friday: Ocean Beach Comedy. Saturday: Super Unloader, Strictly Skunk. Sunday: Karaoke. Monday: Electric Waste Band.

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IN THE BACK

CANNABITCH

Happy Holidaze Try these cannabis-inspired gifts for the holidays

By Jackie Bryant

M

y love language is gifts.

The only thing I love more than receiving presents is giving them—for me, it’s how I show people I love them.

And because telling people you love them is sometimes scary, it’s also a hell of a lot easier than verbalizing it. So, it follows that I have strong feelings about gifting. I think the perfect gift is something ultimately useful that might be a bit too indulgent or decadent for someone to purchase for themselves. When it comes to weed, which for many is an indulgence all on its own, accessories meant to enhance one’s experience with the plant

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are a dime a dozen. The trick is knowing which are worth the price tag—that’s where I come in.

Here are my picks for this year’s best holiday gifts for cannabis lovers.

which includes a wooden Pax vape and pod holder encased in leather. Convenient openings allow people to discretely vape in public without even needing to remove the Pax from its holder.

Coto

Lowell Farms’ Holiday Gift Sets

San Diego-based Coto is a company dedicated to improving cannabis storage from an aesthetic perspective as well as a practical one. Their Knox storage jar is a locked smell-proof glass container with a Black Walnut lid, wrapped in American full-hide leather and outfitted with a Boveda humidity pack and looks smart and discrete on any surface. For something more portable, Coto also makes what they call the Stowe carrier,

California-based cannabis company Lowell Farms are pros when it comes to packaging and marketing, so it should come as little surprise that their gift sets make wonderful gifts for anyone looking to enjoy some fancy weed this holiday season.

My favorite is their Home for the Holidays gift box, which is designed to look like a book that will offer instruction for how to survive the holiday season. What

the “book” actually contains is five individually packaged 1-gram joints dressed up in their holiday best and filled with premium California sun-grown cannabis. Forget the fictitious book—that sounds like the best kind of holiday survival plan ever invented.

indestructible zippers and magnetic leather carrying bags.

The leather carrying cases are made from high-quality glass, metal, leather, wood and other hard materials and look more like a small briefcase than anything having to do with weed.

Rob Rodney Bags

For those searching for as intimate of a gift as possible, look no further than Californiabased Quim’s Night Moves Oil. The entire bottle ($46) contains 350 milligrams THC and a recommended “dose” is 8 to 10 pumps. The oil, which contains cannabis and tea tree oils and damiana, is meant to enhance sensation during intercourse.

For the stylish cannabis consumer on the move, San Diego-based Rob Rodney Bags is the best bet for storing and transporting weed in style.

Inspired by owner Mark Frahm’s discovery that children can get into absolutely everything, Rob Rodney Bags ($109) include child-safe locks, bamboo topped air-tight containers,

Quim Night Moves Oil

DECEMBER 4, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 19

20 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 4, 2019

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