San Diego CityBeat • Dec 18, 2019 by Times Media Group

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EDITOR Christina Fuoco-Karasinski ART DIRECTOR Christy Byerly CONTRIBUTORS Jackie Bryant, David L. Coddon, Alex Distefano, Michael A. Gardiner, Glenn Heath Jr., Randy Montgomery, Taylor O’Connor PRODUCTION MANAGER Tristan Whitehouse 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.

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Volume 18 • Issue 10

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New Year’s Eve at OMNIA Nightclub San Diego - Photo Courtesy of Hakkasan Group

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DECEMBER 18, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 3

UP FRONT | FOOD & DRINK

Chinese Food with a Vietnamese Accent Excellent noodle soups highlight menu at Tim Ky Noodle By Michael A. Gardiner

’ve written in this space before that while “Vietnamese cuisine is more than the sum of its conquerors’ and colonial rulers’ foods…that’s definitely a good place to start.” And, of those, a millennium of Chinese dominance was certain to leave a mark. Tim Ky Noodle (9330 Mira Mesa Boulevard) is an excellent place to experience that impact. Tim Ky is essentially Vietnamese folk of Chinese descent doing a Chinese restaurant. Perhaps more specifically, what they’re doing is a Chinese noodle house. The menu reflects this, as do the flavors. One of the best dishes at Tim Ky is the wonton and dumpling egg noodle soup. The light and tasty chicken broth was perhaps most notable for what it didn’t feature front and center: MSG. The deliciousness was from bones, not a bottle. But the stars of the dish were the single fried shrimp dumpling and the pork and shrimp wontons. Instead of being hard little rocks inside, the latter were soft, supple, moist and tasty. Their chow fun is another Chinese-style classic available either dry (without sauce) or wet (with sauce). While the Tim Ky staff tends to push the combination (“something for everyone”), my favorite was the chicken version. The dry is excellent, straightforward and delicious: The

noodles are the star, the proteins performing the part of supporting players. The wet has more of an American-style Chinese comfort feel, with the corn starch-thickened sauce bringing those proteins to the front of the stage. One of the most elegant dishes at Tim Ky is the beef stir fry with asparagus and mushrooms. The freshness and balance of the dish suggest a Cantonese origin. While the beef may seem like it will be the focus of the dish, it isn’t: The asparagus and mushrooms are. It’s really all about the vegetables. Tim Ky’s chicken wings— both the fish sauce and the

Perhaps the most elegant dish at Tim Ky is the beef stir fry with asparagus and mushrooms. (Photos by Michael A. Gardiner)

Tim Ky Noodles’ pork kidneys were Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primary debates or your crazy uncle at Christmas dinner.

salt and pepper versions—are inconsistent. At times they’re amongst the best in town. On other trips, though, they’ve been overcooked to the point of the

4 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 18, 2019

inedible. The fish sauce version is the better bet. While Tim Ky does not have an extensive set of offal offerings, what they do have is both excellent and some of the best dishes at the restaurant. The hot sate

beef tripe with rice noodles, for example, is a profoundly fragrant dish bursting with a lemongrass-, garlic- and shallot-infused beef broth. The dish, as a whole, features the bits of tripe that provide a wonderful textural contrast to the noodles and the rest of the dish. Perhaps, though, my favorite dish at Tim Ky was the pork kidney and ground pork egg

noodle soup. It was, basically, the in-your-face version of the wonton and dumpling soup. Those pork kidneys were Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primary debates or your crazy uncle at Christmas dinner. But featuring them in this supremely comforting dish lent it a new, edgy meaning. There are a few more prototypically “Vietnamese” dishes on the menu— including a creditable banh xeo (Vietnamese crepe)—but that’s not what Tim Ky is really about. What it is about is that millennium of Chinese dominance and the ethnic, cultural and culinary legacy it left in its wake.

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UP FRONT | FOOD & DRINK

The Taste of a New Generation

Plant-based ‘meats’ step out at fast-food eateries and your kitchen By Michael A. Gardiner

early 85 million Americans eat fast food on any given day, and as of 2016 we averaged 55.6 pounds of beef a year. Given apprehensions about the environmental and health impacts of red meat, there’s plenty of reason to be interested in the new generations of plant-based “meats” like the Beyond Burger and Impossible Foods. While mock meats have been around for a while, Beyond and Impossible have gained unprecedented traction in no small part because Burger King is offering Impossible Burgers and Carl’s Jr. features Beyond. This new generation offers an uncanny capacity to mimic the taste and even texture of ground beef. Of course, while these products are vegan, they’re highly processed. From the standpoint of flavor, it was not immediately apparent Burger King’s Impossible Burger wasn’t beef. It looked the same, was packaged the same and was delicious in a fast-food sort of way. In terms of texture, it wasn’t identical, but neither was it disturbingly different. The story was somewhat similar with Carl’s Jr.’s Beyond Burger. Again, it looked and was packaged the same and was fast-food tasty. But this time the texture was noticeably softer. It was better than oldschool veggie burgers, but if you ordered a beef burger and got this, you’d know the difference. Perhaps more significantly, as good as it tasted going down, it didn’t take long for the familiar fastfood regret syndrome to hit: “Why in the hell did I do that?” There had to be a better way. And that’s when it struck me: I didn’t have to go to a fastfood joint to eat them. A trip to Gelson’s, the only local store that carries both products,

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and I had both Beyond and Impossible to use in cooking Isaan Thaistyle laab at home. The dish worked well with both products, though I slightly preferred it with the Beyond “meat.” The The texture of the Beyond Burger was a slight texture was a bit giveaway but the flavor was there. firmer, crumbled better and the slight coconut flavor of pieces, about the Beyond worked well in the 3-5 minutes Southeast Asian milieu. until it is Lamb just might be the just starting highest and best use of Beyond Burger meat. Beyond Isaan laab to cook (Photos by Michael A. Gardiner) Serves 2 through. Ingredients Add the lime 2 tablespoons jasmine rice juice and To the bowl, (uncooked) vegan fish sauce mixture and add the miso, 1 pound Beyond Meat cook for 2 more minutes, until soy sauce and 4 tablespoons lime juice, the meat is cooked through. pineapple juice divided (about 3-4 limes) Remove from heat. and mix well. 1 tablespoon vegan “fish” sauce Add remaining tablespoon Taste and adjust (recipe below) of lime juice, mint, tomatoes the seasoning 2 scallions, thinly sliced and sugar to the “meat” and to taste, adding 1 stalk lemongrass (white part mix to combine. Add the more salt, miso only), thinly sliced ground rice and mix well. or soy sauce as 4 kaffir lime leaves, julienned Spoon laab into lettuce cups desired. 2 teaspoons minced galangal and garnish with the sprigs of (or ginger) mint. It’s tough to spot the 6 whole mint leaves plus 2 difference sprigs of fresh mint Vegan “fish” sauce between the 2 cherry tomatoes, halved Impossible Ingredients Burger and a 2 Chinese long beans, cut in 1 1/4 cup water beef burger at 1-inch sections and blanched 1/4 cup dulse seaweed Burger King. 2 teaspoons light brown sugar 1/4 cup dried shiitake 2 lettuce (or cabbage) leaf cups mushrooms Toast rice in a dry skillet 2 tsp Kosher salt over medium-high heat, 1 1/4 teaspoons white miso shaking pan frequently until 2 tablespoons soy sauce rice turns golden, about 4 1 teaspoon pineapple juice minutes. Add water, dulse, While rice is toasting, mushrooms and salt to a small combine 3 tablespoons of the saucepan and bring to a boil, lime juice, vegan fish sauce, then cover, reduce heat and scallions, lemongrass, kaffir simmer for 15-20 minutes. lime and galangal in a bowl. Remove from heat and When the rice is golden, let cool slightly. Pour liquid transfer it into a clean spice (or through a fine mesh strainer. coffee) grinder and grind to a Add the miso and soy sauce sandy powder. In same skillet and into a bowl, pressing on over medium-high heat, add the mushrooms and dulse with the Beyond Meat and cook, a spoon to squeeze out any breaking the “meat” into small remaining liquid. DECEMBER 18, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 5

TOP15

OUR PICKS FOR COOL THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK By Taylor O’Connor

1 Elf Trivia

DECEMBER 18

Do you know the land of swirly twirly gumdrops, or the four main food groups of elves? If you love Buddy the Elf and can quote “Elf” forward and backward, this trivia night is for you. Teams can be up to six people, and tickets are required in advance. This event is 21 and older. Miss B’s Coconut Club, 3704 Mission Boulevard, Mission Beach, 858-381-0855, missbcoconutclub.com, 7 p.m., $16.

2 Gasolina Reggaeton Party DECEMBER 19 Head to the House of Blues for bachata and salsa night, as Perreo Vibes presents the Gasolina Reggaeton Party. Who knows, may be this night will be an immersion experience to expand your Spanish vocabulary. This is 18 and older. House of Blues San Diego, 1055 Fifth Avenue, Downtown, 619-299-2583, houseofblues. com/sandiego, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., free but registation required.

3 Jade Jackson DECEMBER 19 Having opened for Social Distortion, Jade Jackson has won the hearts of fans and

musicians alike with her soulbearing lyrics. Her debut album was 2017’s “Gilded,” which showed off her storytelling style. On her second full-length album, “Wilderness,” she focuses on a hiking accident that left her questioning if she could walk again. This album is her working her way through a depression and traumatic events. Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Boulevard, North Park, 619255-7224, sodabarmusic.com, 8:30 p.m., $12.

4 Christmas Extravaganza

DECEMBER 20

Play City is hosting its annual Christmas Extravaganza with free entry; the ticket this round is unwrapped toys that will be donated to Rady’s Children’s Hospital, South Bay Community Services and the Chula Vista Firefighters Foundation. With an unwrapped toy, children get two hours of free play; a meet-andgreet and picture opportunity with Santa, Mrs. Claus, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and Pluto. Coming without a toy? Tickets are $10; a maximum of four tickets per person. Play City, 871 Showroom Place, Suite 105, East Lake, 619-934-0482, playcityeastlake. com, various times, multiple time slots, $10.

5 Wine Tasting at Vin de Syrah

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DECEMBER 20 For an hour, swirl, sniff and sip some of the wines at Vin de Syrah. For $60, guests can enjoy three full glasses of wine and three hand-selected food pairings, plus an experience with two of the in-house sommeliers. Whether you are a wine rookie or a three-time wine champion, there is a space for everyone to learn more about wine and broaden their palates. Vin de Syrah, 901 Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp District, 619-2344166, syrahwineparlor.com, 8 to 9 p.m., $60.

6 Laugh Outside: Live Comedy

DECEMBER 20

The night is hosted by Matt Stanton, and joining him will be comedians Dustin Nickerson, Patrick Kean and Jordan Coburn. This is an all-ages event, so bring the whole family. Free entry if guests RSVP before 7 p.m. Afterward, it’s $5. Quartyard, 1301 Market Street, Downtown, 619-432-5303, quartyardsd.com, 6 to 9 p.m., free-$5.

7 Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience DECEMBER 20 Head over to the House of Blues for a night of moonwalking and toe rises. Who’s Bad, the oldest Michael Jackson tribute group, is coming to San Diego to relive the glory days of the Kind of Pop. It has thrilled audiences on every continent with its dance moves and covers of songs like “Man in the Mirror” and “Smooth Criminal.” House of Blues San Diego, 1055 Fifth Avenue, Downtown, 619-299-2583, houseofblues. com/sandiego, 8 p.m., $9.50.

8 Brendan Schaub

DECEMBER 21

Brendan Schaub is an American stand-up comic, podcast host, TV personality and retired mixed martial artist based out of Los Angeles. His podcast, “The Fighter and the Kid,” is co-hosted with fellow standup Bryan Callen. The Comedy Store, 916 Pearl Street, La Jolla, 858-4549176, thecomedystore.com, eventbrite.com, 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., $25-$50.

9 Ikon

DECEMBER 21 Ikon is one of the most soughtafter traveling DJs because of his creativity. He is highly recognized in the music and nightclub industry, receiving several industry awards including the Remix Club DJ of the Year and Las Vegas Top 30 Under 30, and is the two-time recipient of the Bar and Nightclub DJ of the Year. The event is 21 and older, and the dress code is enforced. Parq Restaurant and Nightclub, 615 Broadway, Gaslamp District, 619-727-6789, parqsd.com, 10 p.m., $10.

10 Gary Hoey

DECEMBER 21

The renowned guitarist takes his holiday show on the road. It’s become a tradition for the Boston-born axman. His popular “Ho Ho Hoey Complete Collection” combines the three volumes of his holiday albums. Come check out the songs live. Ramona Main Stage, 626 Main Street, Ramona, 760-789-7008, garyhoey.com, 7 p.m., $30.

11 Hornblower Ugly Christmas Sweater

Cocktail Cruise

DECEMBER 21

Come aboard the only floating holiday happy hour in San Diego. Join the group for drink specials and Hornblower cocktails. Of course, there will be a variety of light appetizers and a guest DJ. Bring out your ugliest sweater and rock it for the ugly sweater contest. Guests are asked to arrive a half-hour prior to departure. VIP guests can board early. The cruise begins at 7 p.m. Hornblower Cruises & Events, 970 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, 888-467-6256, hornblower.com, eventbrite. com, 7 to 9 p.m., $55.

12 Hanukkah X: Fire and Stars

DECEMBER 22

Hanukkah’s message is one of hope over despair: Trust over fear and light over darkness. This night is the winter solstice, the darkest night of the year. Join Soul X and Audrey’s Tent for a guided night and a celebration of Hanukkah. The night will be divided into two parts. First, there will be a rooftop welcome, fire show, Menorah lighting and observation of the galaxy with a cosmologist. The second part will have a guided sound meditation, movement show, Dreidel tournament and, finally, parting Hanukkah gifts. Trilogy Sanctuary, 7650 Girard Avenue, La Jolla, 858-6333893, triolgysanctuary.com, 7 to 10:30 p.m., $20.

13 Waves of Appreciation: Distribution DECEMBER 23 See

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Exciting changes coming to San Diego CityBeat By Connor Dziawura

eginning in January 2020, San Diego CityBeat will turn a more deliberate focus to entertainment and events coming to the greater San Diego area. In addition, a more robust website with up-to-date events information will become available to our thousands of loyal readers. The print edition of the publication will become a monthly format beginning January 8. CityBeat will also become available at hundreds of entertainmentbased locations throughout San Diego, including hotels, high-traffic areas, nightclubs and San Diego International Airport. San Diego enjoys one of the most

prosperous tourism economies in the world and beginning next month CityBeat will cover that part of our city even better. A new look. More events. More entertainment. More celebrity interviews. “Our staff is well-versed in celebrity interviews and events going on around town, in different neighborhoods like Little Italy, Gaslamp Quarter and Hillcrest,” says executive editor Christina Fuoco-Karasinski. “We plan to fully preview events ranging from concerts to sporting events to family-friendly activities.” Just what our readers have asked for! Be sure to pick up your next copy of San Diego CityBeat on January 8.

EVENTS FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Exclusive Private Screening of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” at the Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park. Forty-two years. Nine films of the Skywalker saga. One epic event. Be among the first to see the newest and final film of the “Star Wars” saga! Join the Fleet Science Center for an exclusive private screening of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.” Event and reception begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, December 19. $55-$125. 619-2381233. fleet.org. Gem Faire-San Diego, Scottish Rite Event Center, 1895 Camino del Rio South, Mission Valley. Regarded as one of the largest gems and jewelry shows anywhere. Visitors can attend various competitions and shows that feature gems and beads based on current trends from different parts of the world. This event shows products like jewelry designers, importers, manufacturers, beading instructors, gemstone miners and cutters, along with certified graduate gemologists, etc. Times vary. Friday, December 20, to Sunday, December 22. $7. 503-252-8300. gemfaire.com.

FOOD AND DRINK

Feast of the Seven Fishes at Crown Landing at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort, 4000 Coronado Bay Road, Coronado. Visit the resort’s signature restaurant Crown Landing on the Eve of Christmas and enjoy a “Feast of the Seven Fishes”-inspired, four-course, prix-fixe menu showcasing the best of seafood from our partners at Catalina Off Shore. 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, December 24. $59. 619-424-4000. crownlanding.com. Christmas Champagne Brunch at the Bahia Resort Hotel, Mission Bay Ballroom, 998 W. Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay. Indulge in festive fare on Christmas Day with the Bahia’s holiday buffet. Take in breathtaking views of Mission Bay from the Bahia’s ballroom while enjoying holidays flavors including scrumptious carving stations, main courses, sides, salads and desserts. A children’s buffet ensures little ones have plenty to feat on, while all will enjoy live piano entertainment throughout the afternoon. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, December 25. $25-$56. 858-5398666. bahiahotel.com. Holiday Buffet Celebrate “A White Christmas” at Hotel Del Coronado’s Ocean Front Ballroom, or iconic Crown Room, 1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado. Guests will enjoy an elegant holiday buffet decked with all the trimmings and a few gourmet surprises. You’ll make cherished holiday memories as you enjoy live music, colorful decorations and great company. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, December 25. $50-$140. 1-800-468-3533. The Grand Christmas Brunch Buffet at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, Del Mar. Savor every moment Christmas Day with exquisite seasonal cuisine at this brunch affair. The event features live music. 10 to

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12:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 2. $55-$129. 858-3142000. granddelmar.com.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Hanukkah and Menorah Lighting at Liberty Station, 2640 Historic Decatur Road, Liberty Station. The holiday festivities, in partnership with Chabad of Downtown San Diego and Chabad of Pacific Beach, will be from 5 to 9 p.m. and take place in between The Lot and Rady Children’s Ice Rink. Prepare for a magical night as guests are welcomed for a family-friendly evening filled with music and other holiday surprises. Sunday, December 22. Event is free. 619-756-7992. libertystation.com. Botanic Wonderland: Holiday Nights in the Garden at San Diego Botanical Gardens, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. Gather your family and friends and spend an evening this holiday season at the all-new Botanic Wonderland. Held in the new Dickinson Family Education Conservatory, this festival contains many of the holiday traditions you’ve come to know and love over the years at the Garden, as well as new ones. Also, for the first time, select areas of Hamilton Children’s Garden and Toni’s Treehouse will be lit and ready to play in during the December evening hours. 5 to 8:30 p.m. through December 30, except for December 24 and December 25. $5-$15. 760-436-3036. sdbgarden.org. Sea World Christmas Celebration at Sea World San Diego, 500 Sea World Drive, Mission Bay. As holiday music fills the air, a sea of more than 1 million lights sparkle, transforming the theme park into a marvelous holiday event. Enjoy live shows like the new Winter Wonderland on Ice and Cirque Christmas. Plus, meet festive friends at Rudolph’s Christmastown and the new “Sesame Street” Christmas Village. Savor holiday flavors of hot cocoa and warm desserts as you shop for unique gifts and decorations. Through January 5. Mission Bay. 619-2224SEA. seaworld.com.

PERFORMANCES

“The Nutcracker” at the Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Avenue @ B Street, Downtown. California Ballet presents Jared Nelson’s highly anticipated new “Nutcracker.” With visionary choreography, sparkling new costuming and sets, and the polish of the San Diego Symphony, this new production will light up the stage for the first time this year. The San Diego Symphony will be featured. Times vary. Through December 24. $20-$66.50. 619.570.1100 sdcivic. org. “Natale” is playing at the South Promenade, 2850 Roosevelt Road, Liberty Station. It’s Christmas Eve and Natale’s family and friends have come together for a

See

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EVENTS

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feast. The family prepares to distribute the gifts; however, they soon discover that not everyone has received their present. Natale, the youngest of the family, is empty handed and very sad. The young protagonist devises a plan. She will wait for everyone to fall asleep and then sneak out to embark upon a journey to the North Pole, home to the Greatest Toy Factory in the world. Times vary. Select days through December 27. $29-$85. 626-3209932. lafiestashows.com. “Lola Demure’s Burlesque & Variety Show” at the House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Avenue, Downtown. Lola Demure is a classically trained ballerina who made a jump into pasties in 2012. Her performances fuse ballet and striptease. This performance will be in the Voodoo Room. This is an 18-and-older show. 7 p.m. Saturday, December 21. $25-$45. 619-299-2583. houseofblues.com/sandiego/ events. Getter x Insomniac Events at Bassmnt, 919 Fourth Avenue, Suite 100, Downtown. The DJ/ producer known for his mind-blowing bass,

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Join the San Diego Pepperdine University group Waves to distribute 4,000 bags of nonperishable food to activeduty service members the days leading up to Christmas. They will also get the chance to thank service members in person for their service and give them something that brightens their day. USO Neil Ash Airport Center, 3705 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, wavesofappreciateion. org, multiple time slots, free.

14 California Ballet’s All New “The Nutcracker” DECEMBER 24

versatile style and collaborations with some of the biggest names in the EDM circuit makes his return to Bassmnt. This is an 18-andolder event. Fashion-forward nightclub attire required. 9:30 p.m. Saturday, December 21. $15-$40. bassmntsd.com. “Peace|Hope|Joy|Love: An Evening of Texts and Music for Humankind.” Presented by the San Diego Pro Arte Voices, with Patrick Walders as artistic director. The evening will feature music with professional vocal soloists, choir, harp, violins and organ. This is a new format of the annual tradition centered around universal themes and fostering community. 7:30 p.m. Friday, December 20, at First Unitarian Universalist Church, 4190 Front Street, Hillcrest, and 3 p.m. Saturday, December 21, at University City United Church, 2877 Governor Drive, University City. $10-$30. 703-732-9983. sdproartevoices.org. El Vez Christmas Show at The Casbah 2501 Kettner Boulevard, Little Italy. The El Vez Christmas Show is a Casbah holiday tradition. The evening will feature performances

1816 fairytale about a little girl who goes to the Land of Sweets on Christmas Eve, the Mouse King and, of course, the Nutcracker. This production will have all-new costumes and sets. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Avenue, San Diego, 619570-1100, sandiegotheatres. org, 1 p.m., $20.

15 San Diego Holiday Lights Tour 2019

by Alvino and the Dwells and Pony Death Ride. Doors 7:30 p.m. 21 and older. Sunday, December 22. $25. 619-232-4355. casbahmusic.com.

LECTURES AND WORKSHOPS

Get Crafty: Snow Globe Making at Harrah’s Resort Southern California, 777 S. Resort Drive, Valley Center. In between the slot play and casino drinks, take a break and learn how to make a snow globe. If the end result comes out looking good, give it away as a gift! Must be 18 or older to attend. Time TBA Friday, December 20. $27.25. 760-751-3100. harrahssocal.com. Signing Storytime at North Park Library, 3795 31st Street, North Park. This educational program is geared for babies, toddlers and prereaders (3-6). So, grab the little ones and head out for a storytime told in sign language. It will be fun and educational. Told by Jennifer Duncan. 11 a.m. Saturday, December 21. Free. 619-533-3972. sandiego.gov.

light displays at Christmas Circle in Chula Vista or Visit Jingle Bell Hill. The tour includes motor coach transportation throughout the neighborhood, cookies and candies, and music. Guests are invited to bring their cameras and everyone in the family for this spectacular day. Five Star Tours, 1050 Kettner Boulevard, San Diego, 619232-5040, firestartours.com, 6 to 9 p.m., $19.

DECEMBER 25

Five Star Tours will take tourists and locals through the city to enjoy all the lights that are up just for this time of year. Enjoy a two-and-a-half-hour tour visiting three neighborhoods that showcase the love of holidays as well as the animated

The holidays would not be the same without “The Nutcracker.” Follow Tchaikovsky’s timeless score about Clara and her journey through a winter wonderland. The story is an

8 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 18, 2019

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CULTURE | THEATER

Scrooge Settles in San Diego The ‘Big Show’ stars ‘reliable’ actor Steve Gunderson By David L. Coddon

t may sound incongruous to re-set Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” in San Diego in the early 20th century, but incongruity is all part of the freewheeling fun of the Old Globe’s “Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big San Diego Christmas Show.” While the kiddies are next door in the Globe’s main theater this holiday season enjoying “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!,” grown-ups have the alternative of Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen’s spoof inside the smaller Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre. Rife with anachronisms, inside jokes and clever San Diego-centric references, the one-act “Ebenezer” more or less follows the narrative of the well-trod Dickens story while departing from it in consistently entertaining ways. The joking-and-singing cast of five directed by Greenberg is terrific: Dan Rosales, Cathryn Wake, Orville Mendoza, Jacque Wilke and Robert Joy, who plays Scrooge. All the others occupy multiple roles during the show as well as manipulate the production’s many props and stage effects. The Globe may be hoping that “Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big San Diego Christmas Show” becomes another holiday tradition, like “The Grinch.” You know what? It should.

film, the one TBS marathons every year. This 2012 musical, with a book by John Robinette and music/lyrics by the team of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (“Dear Evan Hansen”), is utterly warmhearted and very faithful to the original film. SDMT’s production features lots of laughs (many from Jake Millgard as Ralphie’s beleaguered dad) and even more dancing, niftily choreographed by Jill Gorrie.

“Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big San Diego Christmas Show” runs through

December 29 at the Old Globe’s Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, Balboa Park. $30 and up; theoldglobe.org

“A Christmas Story” runs through

December 29 at the Horton Grand Theatre, downtown. $30-$70; sdmt.org

Cathryn Wake and Robert Joy in “Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big San Diego Christmas Show.” (Photo by Jim Cox)

‘A Christmas Story’ The tale’s narrated onstage by a grownup—reliable local actor Steve Gunderson—but make no mistake: San Diego Musical Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Story” is kid-centric and kid-dominated. Chief among them is young John Perry (JP) Wishchuck, who stars as the bespectacled boy Ralphie, whose Christmas dream is to receive a Red Ryder BB Gun. If all this sounds familiar, it’s because “A Christmas Story” is an adaptation of the cult favorite 1983 @SDCITYBEAT

DECEMBER 18, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 9

CULTURE | FILM

‘A Hidden Life’

Film captures the values of resistance in times of moral distress By Glenn Heath Jr.

n Terrence Malick’s harrowing new WWII drama, “A Hidden Life,” the majestic green valleys and epic mountain ranges of Radegund provide an epic natural backdrop for the internal struggle of conscientious objector Franz Jägerstätter (played by August Diehl). During the Nazi occupation of Austria, he famously refused to pledge loyalty to Hitler was promptly executed in 1943. Like many of the conflicted male protagonists dominating Malick’s surging output in the last decade, Franz spends much of the film silently coming to grips with the seismic consequences of his decisions. But what sets “A Hidden Life” apart from, say, “Knight of Cups” or

“To the Wonder” is how Malick incorporates the dueling perspective of Franz’s wife Franziska (Valerie Pachner) in ways that give both experiences equal importance. There are multiple tiers of personal responsibility (to one’s country, family, self) that are complicated because of Franz’s moral predicament. He wears these stresses stoically on his face, but eventually the pressure becomes insurmountable, mostly because the close-knit rural community where he lives eventually turns angry and resentful. This reveals how the slow, steeping sway of fascism can turn vulnerable people into desperate aggressors. Malick’s swooning aesthetic places Franz within poetic images and a densely layered sound design, which is then comple-

Franz Jägerstätter (August Diehl) embraces his wife Franziska (Valerie Pachner) before being arrested by the Nazis. (Photo courtesy Fox Searchlight)

mented by melancholic voiceover narration. Each character reads aloud letters they wrote during the most tumultuous and dangerous times. Interestingly, what begins as an almost instinctual decision by Franz to go against the grain and defy Nazism eventually becomes fundamental; his resistance ends up being an organic part of his relationship with Franziska. That’s not to say doubt isn’t a constant bedfellow. But “A Hidden Life” (opening Friday, December 20) dares to place these competing human emotions side by side. In doing so, Malick addresses the malleable nature of our value systems, especially when they are under attack by nefarious outside forces.

Opening

“A Hidden Life:” In his typically sweeping style, filmmaker Terrence Malick tells the story of Austrian conscientious objector Franz Jägerstätte, who defied Hitler by refusing to pledge loyalty to the Nazi party during WWII. Opens Friday, December 20, at Landmark Hillcrest Cinemas and Angelika Carmel Mountain Cinemas.

10 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 18, 2019

“Bombshell:” Amid a culture of sexual harassment and misogyny, three female reporters at Fox News decide to blow the whistle on a toxic atmosphere created by long-known creep executive Roger Ailes. Opens Friday, December 20, in wide release. “Cats:” Tom Hooper adapts the famous Broadway musical about a bunch of feisty felines who sing and dance in an urban sprawl. Opens Friday, December 20, in wide release. “Downtown 81:” Writer and Andy Warhol associate Glenn O’Brien, Swiss photographer Edo Bertoglio, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, a graffiti innovator and noise music artist who’d just begun to exhibit his paintings, hit the streets of lower Manhattan to make a movie about the bombed-out bohemia they knew. Opens Friday, December 20, at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park. “Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker:” The finale to this epic space opera that finds heroes Rey, Finn and Poe helping lead the resistance against Kylo Ren and his forces of dark-

ness. Opens Friday, December 20, in wide release. “Varda by Agnès:” The late, trailblazing French director Agnès Varda takes the viewer on a journey through her acclaimed six-decade career in this loving, melancholic documentary. Opens Friday, December 20, at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park. “When Lambs Become Lions:” In the Kenyan bush, a small-time ivory dealer fights to stay on top while forces mobilize to destroy his trade. Opens Friday, December 20, at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

One Time Only

“All About Me:” During the early 1970s in Ruhr Valley, Germany, a pudgy 9-year-old growing up in the security of his family and fun-loving relatives. However, dark shadows soon loom over the boy’s everyday life as his once cheerful mum becomes more and more depressed after an operation. Screens at 8 p.m. Friday, December 20, at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

@SDCITYBEAT

Comedy for the Brain

CULTURE | COMEDY

Shane Mauss blends science and stand-up for a unique show By Christina FuocoKarasinski

hane Mauss was tired of the usual stand-up routine. “I had gotten breaks early on my career,” he says. “I did the traditional route of doing late-night television, getting on Comedy Central, a lot of fun stuff for a young comedian. “It was really great. I had a lot of my stand-up dreams come true. I didn’t know what I actually wanted to do with the platform I had.” So, Mauss took his two loves— comedy and science—and blended them. “Science is something I’ve always been really interested in,” Mauss says. “I just got more and more fascinated by it. I read a lot of science books and asked scientists questions. They wrote me back. I got to be friends with all these academics and had the most interesting conversations of my life.” Each week, as the curator and host of the science podcast “Here We Are,” Mauss interviews academics about fascinating traits and behaviors while finding the funny in the innermost workings of life. The 5-year-old podcast has led to his latest tour, “Stand Up Science,” where he joins together comedians and scientists on the same stage for a night of learning and laughs. The show comes to American Comedy Club on Sunday, December 22. “In San Diego, you’ll be hearing a lot about mindfulness,” he says. “I open the show with a bunch of science jokes related to the topics, and then I have my guests present a quick overview of what they do, they give a science talk on their work and I riff on it a little bit.” That’s followed by a second comedian who does his/her most “cerebral material.” At the end, all four hit the stage for a Q&A period. “It’s really my favorite part of the show,” Mauss says. “It’s really @SDCITYBEAT

conservational. Riffing and improv are a lot of fun. “I used to do stand-up at comedy clubs three out of four weeks, and then I wanted to get out of doing that and do more specialized entertainment for people. I felt entertainment options for the most cerebral and intellectual were underserved. I wanted to provide something smarter, something that’s worth the entertainment value, where we could learn a little and have some laughs along the way. It’s a really cool environment.” Mauss knew he wanted to be a comedian as young as 9 years old. One of his friends told him about the stand-up comedian occupation. “I knew I wanted to be a standup comedian before I knew what stand-up comedy was,” he says with a laugh. “When they told me I could stand on stage and make people laugh, I thought that sounded like the best idea ever. I started as soon as I became an adult.” Mauss has appeared on Comedy Central, “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” Showtime, BBC, Epix and “Conan.” He has also guested on podcasts like Pete Holmes’ “You Made It Weird,” “This Past Weekend” with Theo Von, Marc Maron’s “WTF,” “The Joe Rogan Experience,” Duncan Trussell’s “Family Hour,” and “Bertcast.” “One of the big things about my show is this is a way to meet like-minded people in the area,” Mauss says. “I get complimented all the time because people have met new friends through my shows. It’s really flattering.”

“Stand-Up Science with Shane Mauss”

7 p.m. Sunday, December 22 American Comedy Club, 818 Sixth Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter $18 in advance; $25 day of show americancomedyco.com

Shane Mauss was turned on to comedy at age 9. (Photo courtesy Shane Mauss) DECEMBER 18, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 11

COVER STORY

A New Decade

Usher in 2020 with any of these San Diego parties By Randy Montgomery

his New Year’s Eve is special, marking the dawn of a new decade. To celebrate, San Diego is offering plenty of opportunities from family time at Legoland California, hanging with four-legged companions at area venues or downing craft beer at local breweries. Want to get dressed up in your finest cocktail attire? Prefer to wear a mask? Want to take a trip down the rabbit hole? Parties of all kinds are on the docket these final days of 2019. Here’s to good health, happiness and success in the coming year and always.

Food and libations Ring in the new decade at Bier Garden, 641 S. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas. Join other revelers as they watch the ball drop while hosting an East Coast Toast at 9 p.m. Bier Garden has a dogfriendly patio so your pup can enjoy the New Year, too. Doors close at 11:30 p.m. 760-632-2437. biergardenencinitas.com. The Corner Drafthouse at 495 Laurel Street, Bankers Hill,

Common Theory

is the spot for appetizing bites and brews, as well as to view the New York ball drop. Doors close at 11 p.m. 619-255-2631. thecornerdrafthouse.com. Slide into a seat at the Chef’s Counter at Fort Oak at 1011 Fort Stockton Drive for one of two New Year’s Eve seatings, which

OMNIA Nightclub

12 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 18, 2019

Bier Garden

are open to 10 people each, where guests will watch Executive Chef Brad Wise and his culinary team create perfect plates. The 6 p.m. event has a five-course tasting menu. The second seating is 8:30 p.m. and features a seven-course tasting menu. In the main dining room diners can enjoy a 45-day

house dry-aged Tomahawk, plus the regular menu of hearth-fired flare. Times vary. 619-722-3398. fortoak.com. Lionfish, at the Pendry Hotel, 435 Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter. Celebrating New Year’s Eve with a special prix-fixe menu curated by James Beard Smart Catch Leader and Executive Chef Jose “JoJo” Ruiz. An amusebouche with a savory bite of specialty crafted caviar sandwich will kick off the meal, followed by a variety of succulent appetizers, entrees and desserts. Starting at 5 p.m. $120.20. 619-738-7200. lionfishsd.com. NYE Beachfront Bash rings in 2020 with a multi-venue celebration. Start at South Draft Mission, 3105 Ocean Front Walk, Mission Beach. Feast, drink and dance from beach to rooftop at San Diego’s hottest New Year’s Eve celebration with rotating DJs, live music and a champagne toast. The boardwalk will come alive with unique atmospheres across multiple venues, including Beach House, Draft South Mission and Cannonball. Must be 21 or older. 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Tickets start at $49. nyebeachfrontbash.com. San Diego’s newest steakhouse,

Rare Society at 4130 Park Boulevard, University Heights, will ring in the New Year with retro steakhouse fare including champagne-friendly starters such as oysters Rockefeller with bechamel, spinach and arugula, fennel and bread crumbs, and wood-fired steaks like the 16-ounce prime bullseye ribeye with a choice of sauces, or the shareable executive and associate platters featuring selections of chef-determined cuts and accoutrements of the night. 619501-6404. raresocietysd.com. Stone Craft Beer New Year, 1999 Citracado Parkway, Escondido. Relive the music and vibes of one of the most colorful and unique decades, with the added bonus of all the excellent craft beer that wasn’t around back then. The Stone Craft Beer New Year will include its take on the ’80s comfort foods we all love—from meatloaf bites to a Pop-Tarts dessert station. Ticket includes three drink tokens good for draft beer and select wines, specialty commemorative glass and midnight toast, tasty bites and desserts. Live music from Rock of Ages, followed by DJ Earl Henry (DJ Early). 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. $79-$99. 760-294-7866. stonebrewing.com. Stone Craft Beer New Year, 2816 Historic Decatur Road, Liberty Station. Overboard will take you back to the late ’70s/early ’80s, when artists like Christopher Cross, See

NEW YEAR’S on page 13

@SDCITYBEAT

The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa

NEW YEAR’S

from page 12

Doobie Brothers, Hall & Oates and Toto dominated the airwaves. Celebrate New Year’s Eve and relive the music and vibes of one of the most colorful and unique decades. Complete the night with craft beer and unique ’80s comfort foods. 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. $79-$99. 619-269-2100. stonebrewing.com. Celebrate the New Year with dinner and dancing by the ocean at Tower23 and JRDN at 723 Felspar Street, Pacific Beach. Enjoy a prix-fix menu at JRDN before you dance 2019 away to DJ vibes at Tower23. JRDN will offer two dinner seatings at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. JRDN’s prix-fixe dinner includes entry to the Tower23’s party. Those who choose to opt out of dinner at can

Trust (Photo courtesy Haley Hill)

@SDCITYBEAT

The Westgate Hotel

join in on the party for a separate entry. Doors open at 10 p.m. $45$85. 858-270-2323. t23hotel.com. New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party at Common Theory, 4805 Convoy Street, Clairemont. Join Chef Jonathan Bautista for an enchanted evening inside the Realm, and ring in the New Year at this exclusive masquerade party. Live music, hosted punch bowls, tray-passed hors d’oeuvres, raffles and a midnight champagne toast. VIP tables with bottle service available. Masquerade masks encouraged. Cocktail attire required and strictly enforced. Hors d’oeuvres at 8:30 p.m. Prices start at $95. 858-384-7974. commontheorysd.com. The Mad Hatter’s Ball at The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa, 5480 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad. Toast to the New Year at The Mad Hatter’s Ball, a family-

Common Theory

friendly event that is sure to keep everyone entertained. Guests can enjoy a night filled with kidfriendly activities, a gourmet buffet and live DJ, and balloon

Fort Oak (Photo courtesy Jim Sullivan)

drop. Guests are encouraged to dress in “Alice and Wonderland” attire, and prizes will be given for the best-dressed family and bestdressed couple. Doors open 6:30

p.m. $65-$150. 760-827-2800. westincarlsbad.com. At The Westgate Hotel’s Versailles Ballroom at 1055 Second Avenue, Downtown, partiers can ring in 2020 in dazzling style. The party will feature pre-dinner cocktails, a celebratory Latin-influenced buffet dinner, a DJ and a memorable live music performance from Westgate Hotel favorite Julio De La Huerta. Fiesta vibes, chic cocktails, fabulous cuisine and a champagne toast at midnight are expected at San Diego’s most elegant New Year’s celebration. Cocktail attire is required. 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. $165. 619-238-1818. westgatehotel.com. Don your most festive holiday dresses and getups and head See

NEW YEAR’S on page 14

Rare Society

DECEMBER 18, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 13

JRDN

NEW YEARS

Zinqué (Photo courtesy Haley Hill)

from page 13

out for a night of New Year’s festivities in Little Italy at Zinqué, 2101 Kettner Boulevard, Little Italy. For a bite to eat before the ball drops, try Zinqué, the city’s newest French bistro, café and wine bar. Cozy up by the fire and pop a bottle and toast to the new decade. 619-915-6172. lezinque. com. OMNIA Nightclub San Diego at 454 Sixth Avenue, Gaslamp District, invites guests to usher in the new decade with a New

Year’s Eve lineup spanning Friday, December 27, to Tuesday, December 31. They will hear the acclaimed sounds of NGHTMRE and Savi, while New Year’s Eve partygoers will ring in 2020 in a confetti-filled atmosphere paired with a DJ set by Klingande. 619544-9500. omnianightclubs.com.

New Year’s Day food and libations Forget the hangover on New Year’s Day, get out and imbibe more—on food and breakfast drinks.

14 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 18, 2019

The annual New Year’s Day Pajama Party at the Corvette Diner, located at 2965 Historic Decatur Road, will keep the festivities going with free gaming credits for those who show up in PJs, plus a pajama contest at 1 p.m. Enjoy a brunch menu including a breakfast burrito and chicken and waffles, and specialty brunch drinks for only $2.20 for the grown-ups. 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 619-5421476. cohnrestaurants.com/ corvettediner. Fort Oak Dog-Friendly

Corner Drafthouse

Brunch, 1011 Fort Stockton Drive. On New Year’s Day, Fort Oak will host a dog-friendly New Year’s Day brunch in collaboration with Tito’s Vodka. Bring your pups to celebrate 2020 on the patio with brunch specials, celebratory cocktails, dog-friendly treats, and games. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Prices vary. fortoak.com. 619-7223398. Neighborhood favorite Trust, located at 3752 Park Boulevard, Hillcrest, will celebrate 2020 with a selection of new dishes including smoked carrot and baby beets,

Icelandic cod, and pork and beef dumplings. The signature special is a 45-day house dry-aged tomahawk. Keep the celebration going at a boozy brunch with Cutwater Spirits from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a hair-of-the-dog cocktail special and New Year’s brunch dishes. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 619-795-6901. trustrestaurantsd. com.

New Year’s Eve-themed family parties Families can get in on the New Year’s Eve revelry as well—just a little earlier. Kids’ New Year’s Eve at Legoland, 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad. “Midnight” comes early for families at Legoland California Resort who are celebrating the New Year together without missing their bedtimes. Legoland California re-creates the Times Square ball drop with a giant Lego brick that falls 22 feet. Join in the festivities with party hats and special glasses for viewing fireworks. The party concludes just in time for the countdown at 6 p.m. with a fireworks display illuminating the sky. 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Prices vary. legoland.com/ california. New Year’s Eve Soiree on the Bay at Loews Coronado Bay Hotel. Enjoy stunning bay views, culinary delights, and live music by the Redwoods Revue, along with a midnight countdown, balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight. This familyfriendly event also includes access to a kids’ zone featuring video games, movies, activities and a 9 p.m. bounce house with its own balloon drop. 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. $35$50. 619-424-4000. loewshotels. com @SDCITYBEAT

MUSIC

One-Man Musical Project Author & Punisher brings home its abrasive show By Alex Distefano

he music of Author & Punisher is heavy, dark, abrasive and full of dissonance and distortion. Call it electronic, industrial or metal, but one thing this music lacks is the use of traditional instruments like guitar, bass drums and even regular microphones. What sets Author & Punisher apart from anyone playing heavy music is that each instrument is custom made by electronic transducers and keyboard interfaces, tons of metal shaped with cranks knobs and levers that all produce sound effects, including several microphones attached together. This one-man musical project is fronted by San Diego-based artist, musician and engineer Tristan Shone, who has projected his mechanical sounds and iconoclastic vision to fans of underground industrial and metal music since 2004. “I would say it’s industrial music,” Shone says. “You could say it’s in the vein of groups like Godflesh, Throbbing Gristle, Ministry and others. But the funny thing is that I’m not about music that is just one genre. I don’t limit myself. I am into all kinds of metal—doom metal black metal—electronic, drum-and-bass and so much more. I’ve just always been into really heavy, aggressive music. It all comes out with Author & Punisher.” Shone was an engineer but left it to pursue a career in art and music. “I’m a musician, too, and played in doom metal bands and stuff,” he says. “And even in the early days of Author & Punisher, we had a band and I would just experiment with these other instruments and sounds, until it evolved to me just doing this by myself.” @SDCITYBEAT

Author & Punisher will open for Cattle Decapitation on December 22 and Tool in January. (Photo courtesy James Rexroad)

Shone says without his expertise and past work in engineering, he would not have developed Author & Punisher. “I definitely would not have gone in this direction with these instruments,” Shone says. “With Author & Punisher, writing music is quite easy. I still use harmonies, pitch and melodies, but to me it’s more about the movement with the music. Especially when I play live, it conveys the energy of the music in a proper format.” Author & Punisher is on the road opening for death metal veterans Atheist as well as Cattle Decapitation, also of San Diego. “I am used to playing extreme metal shows, but I never know with the crowd,” Shone says. “Of course, I have great shows, but while I am up there with all the kinetic energy and waves of sound and movement, I get to look

into the crowd. And every show, I see the faces of people who are dumbfounded. I don’t know if it’s because they are bored, confused or really into it. Sometimes the metal crowd can be a bit hasty, but other times they appreciate something different. But so far, overall, the shows on this tour have been great.” Shone is touring in support of his 2018 album, “Beastland,” and plans to continue that into 2020. Author & Punisher will open for Tool at shows including the January 10 and January 12 gigs at Viejas Arena. “This is such a great opportunity,” he says. “I am so excited. I am a huge fan of Tool. They always seem to take out bands that are not popular or mainstream or successful, but bands who do their own thing and have their own sound, and bands they like. I’m talking about bands like Isis, Intronaut, Yob,

3TEETH and so many others. I am honored to play with Tool. It’s going to be amazing.” After the Tool tour, Shone says he has more plans. “I do have a tour coming up in the spring with this experimental band Igorrr, from France, which will be cool,” Shone says. “There’s also another tour in the works of the U.S., then more European shows

later in the year. I suppose I could get back in the studio, but I’m not sure about the timing yet. I might have to stop saying no to all these great offers and opportunities that keep coming my way. One last thing: I can’t say too much now but I am in the works of making some of my instruments available for others. I will announce more later and in 2020.”

Cattle Decapitation w/Atheist, Author & Punisher and V.i.t.r.i.o.l.

6:30 p.m. Sunday, December 22 Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Avenue, Bay Park $25 in advance; $30 day of show ticketweb.com

Tool w/Author & Punisher

7:30 p.m. Friday, January 10, and Sunday, January 12 Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl, San Diego State University, 55000 Canyon Crest Drive, San Diego Tickets start at $99.50 ticketmaster.com, as.sdsu.edu DECEMBER 18, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 15

MUSIC

CONCERTS HOT! NEW! FRESH!

Le Chateau (Soda Bar, 1/3), Steve Nieve (Casbah, 1/5), Snack Pack (Soda Bar, 1/8), Neon Rodeo (HOB, 1/9), Randy Houser (HOB, 1/31), Rory Scovel (Casbah, 1/11), The Used (BUT, 1/21), Zack Villere (HOB, 2/7), Daring Greatly and Sister Speak (BUT, 2/5), Slapshot (SPACE, 2/8), The Drowns (Soda Bar, 2/10), Year of the Cobra (Soda Bar, 2/18), ZZ Ward (BUT, 2/28), Christian French (Casbah, 3/1), Christopher Paul Stelling (Soda Bar, 3/3), Robyn Hitchcock (Casbah, 3/5), Jamestown Revival (BUT, 3/6), Seratones (Casbah, 3/7), Good Morning (Soda Bar, 3/9), Great Grandpa (HOB, 3/14), Louis XIV (Music Box, 3/19), Le Cirque de Lux (BUT, 3/22), Juice (HOB, 3/28), The Warning (Soda Bar, 3/28), Vundabar (HOB, 4/3), Torres (HOB, 4/5), Swallow the Sun (Brick by Brick, 5/18), Samantha Fish (BUT, 5/20), NoMBe (Music Box, 6/5), Hillsong Worship (Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air, 6/23), Small Town Murder (Observatory, 9/25). Wednesday, December 18 Brokeback at Soda Bar. Amerikan Bear at The Casbah. Fuerza Regida at SOMA. 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. Strange Creature at SPACE.

Friday, December 27 The Major Minus at Soda Bar. San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium. Drug Hunt at The Casbah. Full Crate at Music Box. 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. Thread the Lariat at SOMA. Sunday, December 29 Donavon Frankenreiter at Belly Up Tavern. The Cavemen at Soda Bar. Jara at The Casbah. The Steely Damned 2 at Music Box. Monday, December 30 Donavon Frankenreiter at Belly Up Tavern. Ten Bulls at The Casbah. Shades McCool and the Bold Flavors at Soda Bar.

Saturday, January 11 Gary Gulman at Observatory North Park. Mrs. Henry at The Casbah. Red Handed Denial at Brick by Brick. Portrayal of Guilt at SPACE. Buck Meek at Ché Café Collective. War Fever at Soda Bar. Rory Scovel at The Casbah. Vokab Kompany at Music Box. Sunday, January 12 Soul Juice at Soda Bar. Tuesday, January 14 The Obsessed at Brick by Brick. Cowboy Diplomacy at Soda Bar. Wednesday, January 15 Coco Montoya at Belly Up Tavern. Run River North at The Casbah. Red Death at Ché Café Collective.

Thursday, January 2 Barnacles at Soda Bar. Willie Nelson at Balboa Theatre. T.S.O.L. at The Casbah. Friday, January 3 The Sure Fire Ensemble at The Casbah. Queen Nation at Belly Up Tavern. Red Not Chili Peppers at Music Box. Le Chateau at Soda Bar.

Saturday, December 21 Damage Inc. at Brick by Brick. Andrew McMahon at House Of Blues. The Heavy Guilt at Soda Bar. Andrew McMahon at Music Box. Mainsail at The Casbah. BETAMAXX at Belly up Tavern. Rosie Plaza at SOMA. Ignant Benches at Ché Café Collective.

Saturday, January 4 The Winehouse Experience at Music Box. Petty 2 at The Casbah. Godhammered at Brick by Brick. Tenth Annual Beat Farmers Hootenanny with The Farmers and Friends at Belly Up Tavern. World of Pain at Ché Café Collective. Elis Paprika at Soda Bar.

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. Groundation at Belly Up Tavern. Late Night Radio at Soda Bar.

Sunday, January 5 Just What I Needed: The Cars and Ric Ocasek at Belly Up Tavern. Chris Coté at Belly Up Tavern. Steve Nieve at The Casbah.

Tuesday, December 24 Exile on Kettner Blvd. at The Casbah.

Friday, January 10 Joyce Manor at Music Box. MOANS at Soda Bar. Tool at Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl. 96 Bitter Beings at Brick by Brick. TUSK at Belly Up Tavern. Cashmere Cat at SOMA. The King Khan at The Casbah. 96 Bitter Beings at Brick by Brick.

Tuesday, December 31 Steel Pulse at Belly Up Tavern. The Floozies at Music Box. Elektric Voodoo at Soda Bar. The Schizophonics at The Casbah. Bone Thugs-NHarmony 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. The Loons at The Casbah. Frontside at Ché Café Collective.

Monday, December 23 Glass Spells at The Casbah. Nite Lapse at Soda Bar. Abbey Road Christmas Show at Belly Up Tavern.

16 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 18, 2019

Thursday, December 26 El Vez Screamers Tribute at The Casbah. ‘80s vs. ‘90s Night at Belly Up Tavern. Classless Act at Soda Bar. Kayla Ray at House of Blues.

Wednesday, January 8 David Lindley at Belly Up Tavern. Beartooth, Motionless in White at SOMA. Snack Pack at Soda Bar. Thursday, January 9 Chadwick Stokes & the Pintos at Belly Up Tavern. KT Tunstall at Music Box. Good Riddance at Brick by Brick. Neon Rodeo at House Of Blues.

@SDCITYBEAT

MUSIC

CLUBS 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Avenue, Pacific Beach. Wednesday: Open Mic. Thursday: Soxy’s Birthday Electro Takeover. Friday: Shred is Dead, The Brewhahas. Saturday: Musician Appreciation Night. Sunday: 710 Idol. Tuesday: The 23s, Hocus.

Solana Beach. Wednesday: The Venice (sold out). Thursday: The Tubes. Friday: Cash’d Out Christmas. Saturday: BETAMAXX. Sunday: Groundation. Monday: Abbey Road Christmas Show. Blonde, 1808 W. Washington Street, Mission Hills. Wednesday: Dance Klassique. Thursday: Hanna Hais. Friday: ’00s Indie Rock Dance Party. Saturday: Alex Olson, Paul T.

Air Conditioned Lounge, 4673 30th Street, Normal Heights. Wednesday: Hip Hop Wednesday. Thursday: DJ Jon E. Thin. Friday: House Music Fridays. Saturday: DJ ParraDaX. Sunday: Sunday Feels. Monday: Organized Grime. Tuesday: Open House.

Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Avenue, Bay Park. Wednesday: Thursday, Chris Conley (sold out). Saturday: Damage Inc., Domination CFH, Woke Up Dead. Sunday: Cattle Decapitation, Atheist, Primitive Man, Author & Punisher, Vitriol.

American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Avenue, Downtown. Wednesday: Jessimae Peluso. Thursday: Jessimae Peluso. Friday: Jessimae Peluso. Saturday: Stand-Up Science. Sunday: Doug Benson.

The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Boulevard, Midtown. Wednesday: Amerikan Bear, Sycamore. Thursday: Ziggy Shuffledust and the Spiders from Mars, Electric Warrior, 13 Bats, DJ Camilla Robina. Friday: The Loons, Creepxotica, The Shanghais. Saturday: Mainsail, State to State, Machine Politik, Sweet Myths, Pinkeye. Sunday: El Vez, Alvino and the Dwells, Pony Death Ride. Monday: Glass Spells, MRCH, Famblood. Tuesday: Exile on Kettner Blvd.

The Bancroft, 9143 Campo Road, Spring Valley. Wednesday: Karaoke. Thursday: BEER_VANA, Steeltoe, The Collectors. Friday: James Peter Carroll, Olds, Methodrone. Monday: Trivia. Tuesday: Disney Karaoke. Bang Bang, 526 Market Street, Downtown. Friday: Qrion, Enamour. Saturday: EDX. Bar Pink, 3829 30th Street, North Park. Wednesday: Possession. Thursday: DJ Stoykavich. Friday: DJ Milky Wayne, DJ Chief Sweat. Saturday: Neon Beat. Sunday: Rat Sabbath. Monday: Holiday Caroloke. Beaumont’s, 5665 La Jolla Boulevard, La Jolla. Thursday: Kevin Childs. Saturday: Part Time Model. Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Avenue,

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Ché Café, 1000 Scholars Drive S, La Jolla. Thursday: The Trees, Leech, The Fazes, Rain on Fridays. Friday: Frontside, Barrio Slam, You Be You. Saturday: Ignant Benches, Buddha Trixie, Los Shadows, Foxtide, Kicked off the Streets, T. Rexico, Emily TV, Espresso, Deep Yogurt, Dudeo Perez, Joynoise, Fever Machine. Dizzy’s, Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Boulevard. Friday: Shunzo Ohno Quintet. F6ix, 526 F Street, Downtown. Friday: DJ Beatnick. Saturday: DJ Brees. Sunday:

Reggae Sunday. The Holding Company, 5046 Newport Avenue. Wednesday: Black Magic Flower Power, The Tale, Inure, Yabutifida. Thursday: Kaipora, Sam Ritchie, Dub Norris, Anzio. Friday: Martin & the Big Nativity Scene. Saturday: KickStomp Ensemble, CARLO. Sunday: Industry Game Night. Monday: Karaoke. House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Avenue, Downtown. Wednesday: Stoney B. Blues. Thursday: Jerry “Hot Rod” DeMink. Friday: Jerry “Hot Rod” DeMink. Sunday: Graham Gillot. Humphreys Backstage, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. Wednesday: Clapton Hook. Thursday: Barbwire. Friday: Viva Santana. Saturday: Full Strength Funk Band. Sunday: DJ John Phillips. Monday: Sue Palmer. Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner Boulevard, Midtown. Thursday: Sarah Strandberg, CHRLS X, Shatterer. Sunday: Roberta Busechian, Taré Lachs, Skrapez, Haydeé Jiménez. Drona Ra, Otherr. Kensington Club, 4079 Adams Avenue, Kensington. Thursday: Karaoke. Friday: Romantic Analog, Bae Window, ALX. Saturday: Reckless Disregard, Midnight Track, Strangely Strange, South Towne Sham. Lestat’s Coffee House, 3343 Adams Avenue, Normal Heights. Thursday: Kennady Tracy, My Name is Chapel, Raena Jade. Friday: The Go Heads, Sea Monks, Mad Hatters. Saturday: Sophie B. Hawkins. Sunday: Paige Koehler, Samer Bakri. Monday: Open Mic. Tuesday: Comedy Night. Mc P’s Irish Pub, 1107 Orange Avenue,

Coronado. Wednesday: Jerry Gontang. Thursday: JG and Fish. Friday: Misty and the Moby. Saturday: Ron’s Garage. Sunday: Ron’s Garage. Tuesday: Sophisticats. Martinis Above Fourth, 3940 Fourth Avenue, Hillcrest. Wednesday: Suzanne Westenhoefer. Thursday: The Skivvies. Friday: Janice Edwards Trio. Saturday: Danielle Forsgren, Joe Savant, Rayme Sciaroni. Sunday: Keep it on the DL. Monday: No Cover Entertainment. The Merrow, 1271 University Avenue, Hillcrest. Thursday: Winter Wonderland. Friday: Deth Crux, Frozen Charlottes. Saturday: Christmas Chaos XVIII. Sunday: Karaoke. Mother’s Saloon, 2228 Bacon Street, Ocean Beach. Tuesday: Trivia. Mr. Peabody’s, 136 Encinitas Boulevard, Encinitas. Thursday: Three Chord Justice. Friday: Blue Light. Saturday: The Resinators. Sunday: Jazz Jam. Monday: Open Mic. Tuesday: Karaoke. Music Box, 1337 India Street, Little Italy. Thursday: Berkley Hart Christmas. Friday: Infected Mushroom, Randy Seidman. Saturday: The Grouch, Murs. Sunday: Mud Slide Slim. The Office, 3936 30th Street, North Park. Wednesday: Brand New vs. Taking Back Sunday. Thursday: Dig Deeper. Friday: Factory. OMNIA Nightclub, 454 Sixth Avenue, Downtown. Friday: Modern Machines. Saturday: Cheyenne Giles. Panama 66, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. Wednesday: The Wednesday Jam Session.

Thursday: Robin Henkel with Horns. Friday: Ginger Cowgirl. Saturday: Mad Hat Hucksters. Sunday: Ambassadors of Soul. Parq, 615 Broadway, Downtown. Friday: Kyle Flesch. Saturday: Ikon. Pour House, 1903 South Coast Highway, Oceanside. Wednesday: Open Mic. Friday: Custard Pie. Saturday: Shane Hall. Sunday: Farnsworth. Monday: Trivia. Tuesday: DJ Lexicon Devil. Proud Mary’s, 5550 Kearny Mesa Road, Kearny Mesa. Wednesday: Blues Jam Night. Thursday: Tomcat Courtney. Friday: Lucky Losers. Saturday: Robin Henkel and Nathan James. The Rail, 3796 Fifth Avenue, Hillcrest. Thursday: Country Dance. Saturday: Sabados en Fuego. Rich’s, 1051 University Avenue, Hillcrest. Wednesday: DJ Kinky Loops. Thursday: #LEZ + House Music. Friday: Electro-POP. Saturday: Fuel. Sunday: Discoteka. Riviera Supper Club, 7777 University Avenue, La Mesa. Wednesday: Boss Jazz. Thursday: Will Fleming. Friday: Good Vibes. Saturday: Suspicious Grits. Tuesday: The Works Jam. Rosie O’Gradys, 3402 Adams Avenue, Normal Heights. Saturday: Lost Villains Holiday Bash. Monday: Jazz Jam. Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Boulevard, City Heights. Wednesday: Brokeback, Tara Jane O’Neil, L.A. Takedown. Thursday: Jade Jackson, Jason Hawk Harris. Friday: Matt

See

CLUBS on page 18

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CLUBS

from page 17

Embree, AJ Froman. Saturday: The Heavy Guilt. Sunday: Late Night Radio. Monday: Nite Lapse, The Havnauts, SIXES, Ripening. SOMA, 3350 Sports Arena Boulevard, Midway. Thursday: Fuerza Regida. Saturday: Rosie Plaza, The Rinds, BluNites, The Renters, Flower Animals, JINX. SPACE, 3519 El Cajon Boulevard, City Heights. Wednesday: Winter Bass. Thursday: Strange Creature, Romero, Ingemar and Snapghost, Dreamer. Friday: Whips ‘N’ Furs. Saturday: Western Settings. Spin, 2028 Hancock Street, Midtown. Saturday: Brett Henrichsen, Techniche. Sycamore Den, 3391 Adams Avenue, Normal

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Heights. Wednesday: Paul Gregg. Sunday: Rosa’s Cantina. Tuesday: Trivia.

Regardless, Broken Dead. Saturday: DJ Juliancito, Chango Rey.

Til-Two Club, 4746 El Cajon Boulevard, City Heights. Friday: Sea Base, Space Force. Monday: Festivus for the Rest of Us Showcase.

U-31, 3112 University Avenue, North Park. Wednesday: The Hump. Thursday: BoomBox Thursdays. Friday: DJ Kid Wonder. Monday: #31 Flavors.

Tin Roof, 401 G Street Downtown. Wednesday: Rewind Wednesday. Thursday: Keep Your Soul. Friday: Keep Your Soul. Saturday: Naughty or Nice Christmas Party. Monday: Uncovered Showcase.

Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern Street, South Park. Wednesday: Joykill, Strange Ages, Dead Perennials. Thursday: Vamp: Night of Storytelling. Saturday: ’80s vs. ’90s. Sunday: Slaughterhouse, Nice, Malinchitas. Monday: Death by Dancing. Tuesday: Mario Orduno’s Annual Christmas Eve Party.

Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa Street, Bay Park. Wednesday: Jazz Pocket Swing. Thursday: Mercedes Moore Band. Friday: Funks Most Wanted. Saturday: Adrianna Marie and her Groove Cutters. Monday: Sexy Salsa and Sensual Bachata. Tower Bar, 4757 University Avenue, City Heights. Friday: Skull Crack, Pissed

Winstons, 1921 Bacon Street, Ocean Beach. Wednesday: Club Kingston. Thursday: Martyrs for Mayhem, Jam Packed, Never Say Die. Friday: Kevin Kinsella, Man-Like-Devin. Saturday: High Tide Society. Sunday: Karaoke. Monday: Electric Waste Band. Tuesday: Karaoke.

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IN THE BACK

CANNABITCH

Bud and Breakfast

Cannabis travel in California made ‘Eaze’ By Jackie Bryant

ne of the biggest lifestyle topics being discussed in today’s legal cannabis industry is cannabis travel. It’s easy to see why. For starters, consuming cannabis is fun. So is traveling. It makes sense that people want to experience both things at the same time. Cannabis also isn’t legal everywhere, meaning enthusiasts who either want to stay on the right side of the law or who are simply just sick of smoking in the shadows have an imperative to travel specifically to seek out cannabis experiences. Over the last six or so months, I have been traveling all over California to get a sense of how the cannabis and travel industries

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are combining to produce, ahem, elevated experiences for their guests. This includes everything from testing out the Fairmont Miramar hotel’s new partnership with online delivery service Eaze, which provides in-room delivery of noncombustible cannabis products to the Santa Monica luxury hotel, to downhome “bud and breakfasts,” which are Airbnbs and small bed and breakfasts that cater to the cannabis lover. In September, my boyfriend and I happened to be the first guests at a brand new “Air-budn-b” in Los Alamos, a small, adorable, culinary-obsessed town just over the mountains from Santa Barbara. Run by a local couple, Adrienne Veillette and Seamus Ethridge, it’s called

Casa de Terpenos and is a large one-bedroom apartment with a full kitchen, two outdoor decks, a hot tub and, best of all, two different cannabis packages. Guests can choose between the bud package, which comes with premium flower and the use of a bong for the length of the stay, or the concentrates package, which comes with wax concentrate and the use of a Puffco Peak. Both the bong and the peak are available for purchase at a discount after the stay concludes. Also, as a bonus, the couple recently opened a smoking lounge called Puff Social Club that sits just below the apartment. The apartment can be booked on Airbnb and only subtly references cannabis through the property’s name alongside its not-so-subtle

listing pricing of $420/night. Opened in 2017 is Hicksville Pines, a cult favorite collection of A-frame house-turnedquirky-cabins in the mountains around Idyllwild that self-bills as a Bud and Breakfast. Each of the property’s nine rooms are specially themed—there’s a honeymoon suite, a Dolly Parton room, a Haunted Mansion room, for example—but the obvious one for cannabis enthusiasts is Room 420. It’s the only room on property where guests are free to smoke in the actual room and the digs come equipped with stoner movie DVDs, a vending machine with good munchies, a microwave and refrigerator, a sunken bed, stunning mountain views, blacklight art and a record

player outfitted with a collection of psychedelic rock. Breakfast is served every morning for a small extra fee and includes a green weed-shaped waffle and a gram of premium flower is given to the guests upon check-in. Rates start at $160 during the week in the off-season. As both industries mature and get used to one another, expect more cannabis use tolerated in public, semi-public and private spaces when it comes to hotels and other places for travelers to stay. There’s not much bad news to be found there, but the extra-special-good news for San Diegans is that these properties are not much farther than a few hour’s drive from home, making a quick weed-infused getaway easier than ever to achieve.

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