San Diego CityBeat • Jan 15, 2014

Creativity begins on Page 18.

2 · San Diego CityBeat · January 15, 2014

January 15, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 3

San Diego’s pathological liars It’s odd to see leaders in San Diego’s business comincrease the supply by asking developers of certain munity thrashing about as they react to legislative kinds of new commercial buildings to chip in to a policies they don’t like. After all, this crew has gotfund—because those projects increase the demand. ten pretty much everything it’s wanted since the This is not a new idea. It’s no different from fees beginning of time. Lately, the Democratic-majority that developers pay in order to help finance schools, City Council has dealt these folks some setbacks, parks and road improvements: New growth creates and their response has been to lie to voters in ordemand for public amenities. In this case, that ameder to compel them to overturn the policies at the nity happens to be low-cost housing. The goal is to ballot box. prevent even more homelessness than already exThe first of the recent policies was an update to ists and to discourage low-wage workers from havthe Barrio Logan Community Plan, and several times ing to drive long distances—if they can even afford on this page, we’ve laid out the pattern of lies makcars—from far-flung affordable communities to ing up the attempt to overturn it. Now comes what their jobs in San Diego, increasing air pollution. used to be called the “linkage fee” and is now called And, actually, the housing-fee program itself has the “workforce housing offset.” The lying in the camexisted in San Diego since 1990. It was supposed to paign against the housing fee is not quite as brazen as be raised regularly in order to keep pace with the it has been in the campaign against the Barrio Logan cost of building, but it was reduced in 1996 back to plan, but the goal is deception nonetheless.

1990 levels and hasn’t been increased since. All the A group calling itself the Jobs Coalition is goCity Council did in November was raise the fee so ing around referring to the housing fee as a “jobs that it comports with today’s economy. tax.” As the City AttorThe increased fee is David Rolland ney’s office made clear still lower than developto the City Council in an ers’ proportional impact Oct. 25, 2013, memo, the on the housing market, fee is not a tax. It’s a fee. the memo from the City Now, we understand that Attorney’s office says. some people can argue And the revenue from that a fee is like a tax, in the fee alone doesn’t that it’s something that’s come close to solving the paid to the government. problem; it just helps a But we believe that what little bit. Much more revthe Jobs Coalition wants enue is still needed from you to think when you other sources. hear “tax” is that it might There’s plenty of be something that you’ll room for debate over A signature gatherer wearing a whether the workforcehave to pay, in addition deceptive slogan tries to avoid getting her housing offset is a good to all your other crushing picture taken at Albertson’s in North Park. bills. Generally speaking, way to chip away at the “tax” = “bad” these days, and they’re counting on problem, and that debate played out, in public and a Pavlovian response from a frothing public. They behind closed doors, before the City Council—the also want you to think that the City Council is representative body we elect to make these deciagainst job creation. sions—voted.

Why the deception? Because polls indicate that That debate will likely have to play out again, the public supports programs that help needy peounfortunately, and the Jobs Coalition, led by forple. And that’s what the workforce-housing offset is. mer Mayor Jerry Sanders, will do everything it can Here’s the gist: Commercial development creates to make sure voters don’t understand what’s really jobs, and some of those jobs require employees to going on. work for low or very low incomes. San Diego, offiWhy? Because it wants to maximize profits for cially, has an affordable-housing crisis, meaning the its member businesses and leave low-wage workers out in the cold. supply of housing that’s affordable to people with low and very low incomes doesn’t come close to What do you think? Write to editor@sdcitybeat.com. meeting the demand. So, the idea is that we can help If this issue of CityBeat told Justin Bieber once, it told him a thousand times: Stash the blow!

Volume 12 • Issue 23 Editor David Rolland Associate Editor Kelly Davis Music Editor Jeff Terich Arts Editor Kinsee Morlan Staff Writer Joshua Emerson Smith Web Editor Ryan Bradford Art director Lindsey Voltoline Columnists Aaryn Belfer, Edwin Decker, John R. Lamb, Alex Zaragoza

Cover design by Lindsey Voltoline

Contributors Ian Cheesman, David L. Coddon, Seth Combs, Michael A. Gardiner, Glenn Heath Jr., Nina Sachdev Hoffmann, Peter Holslin, Dave Maass, Scott McDonald, Jennifer McEntee, Jenny Montgomery, Susan Myrland, Mina Riazi, Jim Ruland, Jen Van Tieghem, Quan Vu

Circulation / Office Assistant Giovanna Tricoli

Production Manager Tristan Whitehouse

Vice President of Finance Michael Nagami

Production artist Rees Withrow

Vice President of Operations David Comden

MultiMedia Advertising Director Paulina Porter-Tapia

Publisher Kevin Hellman

Senior account executive Jason Noble Account Executive Beau Odom

Accounting Alysia Chavez, Linda Lam, Monica MacCree Human Resources Andrea Baker

Advertising inquiries Interested in advertising?

Call 619-281-7526 or e-mail advertising@sdcitybeat.com. The advertising deadline is 5 p.m. every Friday for the following week’s issue.

Editorial and Advertising Office 3047 University Ave., Suite 202 San Diego, CA 92104 Phone: 619-281-7526 Fax: 619-281-5273 www.sdcitybeat.com

San Diego CityBeat is published and distributed every Wednesday by Southland Publishing Inc., 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 2014.

4 · San Diego CityBeat · January 15, 2014

January 15, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 5

‘intriguing’ ED Decker I really loved Edwin Decker’s Dec. 24 “Sordid Tales” column, “Oh Satanism, how you disappoint me.” He’s a very intriguing, talented, entertaining and humorous writer. I look forward to reading more of his work and will check out his website, edwin decker.com. Wishing you fun and continued success in 2014!

Judy Calem, Downtown

Turds & Blossoms I almost totally disagree with your Dec. 31 “Turds & Blossoms” editorial! Here are mine: Bob Filner: blossoms for fixing parks, beaches, streets and shelter in six months. Donna Frye: turds for destroying Filner.

Nathan Fletcher: blossoms for changing parties. David Alvarez: turds for destroying Filner. Kevin Faulconer: turds for lying, cheating and stealing. Carl DeMaio: turds to you for not mentioning destroying pensions. Jerry Sanders: turds for taking the turnstile.

Todd Gloria: turds for reversing Filner’s policies on tax-grabbing.

Myrtle Cole (and Marti Emer-

6 · San Diego CityBeat · January 15, 2014

ald): blossoms for not destroying Filner for a misdemeanor. Mark Kersey: turds for voting Republican. Toni Atkins: turds for destroying Filner.

Add GOP/ law enforcement / media: turds for destroying Filner in an illegal coup.

Valerie Sanfilippo, Linda Vista

Lay off Robin Thicke As an African woman, I truly appreciate Ms. Belfer’s concern and outrage with the racial-discrimination cases of Tiana Parker and Vanessa VanDyke and especially with the racial murders of Renisha McBride and Jonathon Ferrell [“Backwards & in High Heels, Dec. 31]. But I disagree with her dressing down of Robin Thicke. He is nepotistic simply because his father is famous?

Mr. Thicke is an extremely talented singer, composer and dancer. He’s not misogynistic— his African-American wife, actress Paula Patton, is a no-nonsense, smart woman who would not put up with sexist crap; nor would his legion of black female fans, including me. Neither he

nor Pharell, his writing partner, stole music from the late, great Marvin Gaye, as rumored.

I’ve been a pianist since age 7, and my father was a great jazz musician. I do have an ear for music, and “Blurred Lines” is a bright, original and soulful piece of music. The man does not treat women like property. Where did Ms. Belfer get this venom against Mr. Thicke and his compositions?

If Miley Cyrus, who cannot sing, wants to make a fool of herself, that’s her business—no one forced her into that silly performance at the VMA Awards last fall.

Peggy M. Spates-Johnson, Southcrest

Correction In his Dec. 31 “No Life Offline” column, Dave Maass mocked Toronto Mayor Rob Ford for smoking crack (which he admitted) and for trying to hire a hacker to destroy video evidence of his substance abuse. Vice magazine initially reported the hacking story, but since publication, the Toronto Mayor’s office has denied the charges. We regret including the joke without that qualification.

Joshua Emerson Smith

Urban planner Stacey Lankford Pennington and artist Chris Konecki, at the event space SILO in East Village

Renderings by Joe Cordelle

A bird’s-eye rendering of Downtown (top) highlighting the Makers Quarter project (bottom) planned for East Village

Makers Quarter wants change Local family endeavors to create a legacy of urban sophistication

by Joshua Emerson Smith On a sunny January afternoon in East Village, Stacey Lankford Pennington looks south along 15th Street at a developing urban corridor visually punctuated by the Coronado Bridge. Behind her on C Street, construction workers fire nails into an expanding San Diego City College campus.

“This is the last remaining undeveloped quadrant of our Downtown in any kind of contiguous, tangible way, and so it’s our responsibility to get it right,” the urban planner says. “That said, it’s very complicated.”

Walking the area between 14th and 17th streets and Broadway and G Street, Pen-

nington points out properties where her father’s development company, Lankford & Associates Inc., plans to build a roughly 7-acre project called Makers Quarter.

“What our master plan does is prioritizes open space and public realm from the very beginning, and that’s a really unique thing,” Pennington says. “You don’t see development teams think about open space and quality-of-life issues, usually.”

With little room for additional sprawl, city planers and private developers have embraced vertical density and urban infill to accommodate growth. It’s no exception in East Village, where giant apartment complexes have cropped up in the city’s former warehouse district.

However, instead of leveling aging structures and throwing up cookie-cutter condos, Lankford & Associates has put Pennington to work on coordinating an outdoor event space called SILO, located at 753 15th St.

The space is much more than a publicrelations campaign, she says. “This is a community effort to ensure one of the last frontiers of our Downtown is done successfully.”

The open lot—decked out with graffitistyle murals—has been the scene of a number of happenings organized by Pennington, including beer tastings, movie screenings and arts-and-culture talks, as well as private events thrown by companies such as Car2Go and Yelp.

Eventually, SILO and an urban garden that nonprofit Humane Smarts was hired to put together across the street will be replaced by buildings. But the idea is that these projects will help developers and architects understand what’s attractive for a new generation of urban dwellers.

Lankford & Associates also contracted local artist Chris Konecki to oversee the artwork, which includes murals by hip names like Neko Burke, Persue, Kyle Boatwright

and Konecki himself.

The idea that the energy at SILO will find its way into the development of Makers Quarter is worth a shot, Konecki says.

“I think it’d be awesome to have a neighborhood in San Diego that mirrored some of the cooler, more funky neighborhoods around our country,” he says. “I think of San Francisco as a big example. Portland would be an amazing benchmark to strive for. To have the feel would be awesome.”

The developers of Makers Quarter claim they can capitalize on that sentiment to the benefit of the whole community.

Young working professionals with significant purchasing power, mostly concentrated in the tech industry, have made sophisticated, urban landscapes economically viable, says Rob Lankford, president and co-owner of Lankford and Associates.

“San Diego and many other urban environments are turning more and more to folks’ desire to have authentic and sustainable places, and the urban fabric geared to a public realm,” he says. “That’s different than we have seen.”

At the same time, what’s happening at Makers Quarter is not only about trying to lure six-figure-earning software engineers to San Diego with urban designs inspired

by San Francisco or Austin.

It’s also about legacy.

The well-known, local Navarra family, owners of Jerome’s Furniture, acquired all of the Makers Quarter property over several decades. Right before the recession of 2008, it entertained an offer to sell, but when the economy collapsed, so did the deal.

In 2011, the family decided to take a different approach, holding a competitivebidding process to find a developer to help create a project that would have a lasting impact on the city.

“What the family witnessed was typical development strategy being pursued in Downtown,” says Mark Navarra, vice president of the family business. “The family circled back and said there’s a better way to do this. There’s a better way to build a vibrant neighborhood.”

The project is about creating a “sustainable urban environment,” the forth-generation San Diegan adds. “It’s very important

Makers CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

January 15, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 7

Makers CONTINUED from PAGE 7 to the family that we leave more than we take. The upper East Village was good to the family. We would very much like to see that neighborhood, after so many decades in not living up to its potential, turn into something terrific.”

What exactly does that mean?

During the next 15 years, Makers Quarter—named for the idea of promoting the crafts and artistic trades—would transform into a dense, vibrant and walkable urban landscape, according to a preliminary master plan. With 2.5 million square feet of built space, accompanied by 157,090 square feet of open space, the plan envisions a large public plaza, a widened 14th Street sidewalk and ground-floor retail units inhabited by small, creative businesses.

The plan also calls for renovating and integrating existing historical structures, such as the Boxing Coliseum located at 15th and E streets.

“Somebody told me that the definition of what the young professional set want these days is somewhere you can take your dog and throw a football around at the same

time,” Lankford says. “Those are spaces that are unique, but we’re excited about creating them.”

The development team also includes national construction company Hensel Phelps and Atlantabased international developer Portman Holdings, whose architecture branch, John Portman Associates, created the master plan.

While John Portman Associates will likely design several of the buildings, the development team has discussed contracting with a variety of architects, Lankford says. “We all understand that differentiation is what makes projects very successful.”

Of course, many development projects have launched with lofty goals, only to trade community amenities for increased profits.

“There’s the potential for really creating just another highend neighborhood and driving out all those creative forces that are blending together here,” says former City Architect Mike Stepner, who now teaches at the NewSchool of Architecture in San Diego. “It’s an innovation cluster that could add to the economic vitality of the area. I think we could lose that if it just becomes just another high-end residential neighborhood.”

Perhaps with this in mind, the Navarra family said it would continue to shepherd the project, retaining ownership of the property into the immediate future.

“As a landowner, we only have so much control, but we chose our partner very carefully,” Navarra said. “There’s always a worry that the end result doesn’t meet expectations.”

For now, Pennington will continue to run the SILO event space and gather input from the community about what it wants to see developed in the neighborhood.

“I’m optimistic,” she says. “It’s just that I think that it’s complicated to go from something that’s so sincere and authentic like SILO. No designer would have drawn this.

So, it’s that whole conundrum.”

To a large extent, the community will determine the impact that Makers Quarter has on the character of San Diego, Pennington adds.

“Of course, I want all this to happen, but to make it happen, the spirit of what we have going at SILO has to amp up,” she says.

“Two thousand fourteen has to have even more community participation, and that community participation has to mature and evolve to help shape the longterm development.”

Write to joshuas@sdcitybeat.com and editor@sdcitybeat.com.

8 · San Diego CityBeat · January 15, 2014

January 15, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 9

aaryn

backwards & in high heels

belfer Ladies, protect your orchids OK. Here it is. I sat down to write this column and mysterious, multipurpose-functional and unique as as these things tend to do, it took on a life of its own. all get out. I examined more Internet V the other Hence this warning: You may want to sit down for this day than Michelle Duggar’s gynecologist, and I’ll one. Especially if you’re my editor. Dave, please sit. say right now that no two are alike. And that could Maybe even lie down for your first pass. I don’t want all change with this new look-what’s-wrong-withto be responsible if you faint and whack your head. women-now sales pitch. Before we know it, every I’d intended to offer 950 insightful words on the strung-out starlet will have the exact same perky NFL’s seething inhospitability to all things gay (exlittle ski-slope minora, and we’ll hardly be able to cept for the copious ass-slapping and sweaty midtell them apart as they exit their limos without unfield pile-ons, of course) and whether we should derwear. What with their faces all looking the same, watch the Olympics (Billie Jean King is a delegate, how will we know who’s who? after all) or boycott the Olympics (congrats on getSo, yeah, about the disgust: Exactly what, I ask, ting sprung, Pussy Riot). remains to be done to alter our bodies in our quest In the midst of this, though, I ended up on a Fafor eternal youth and beauty and gobs of never-endcebook detour, pounding out a few thoughts on a ing friction-improved sex? And please don’t bother friend’s feed, weighing in on the human incubator to say G-Spot Amplification® because that, apparin Texas known as Marlise Munoz. She’s the young ently, is already a thing, too. woman who died of a pulmonary embolism in NoChopping and slicing up a vagina to give it a vember and is now connected to machines because “more youthful appearance” is problematic in a she was 14 weeks’ pregnant at the time and the mentally delusional way. A vagina is supposed to Lone Star State has rules about the handling of such have a little tread on it. And unless we’re nuns who things. I think Texas needs to get a life, rather than are immune to gravity, we’re not supposed to be 40 mechanically ensure the gestation of one in the body or 50 or 70 or 95 and have sleek, taut paper cuts for of a brain-dead woman. But what pussies. (Sorry, Dave.) do Wendy Davis and I know?

Like the Brazilian-wax fad Anyway, from there I somethat—according to The Telegraph, I examined more how found myself tumbling into Gwyneth Paltrow and me—has Internet V the other the Lost Internet Forest, where come to an end, vaginoplasty day than Michelle I managed to come face-to-face and the inherent barbarism of it with the future of cosmetic encannot be a thing for the ages.

Duggar’s gynecologist, hancement known as vaginoJust peep the “before and after” and I’ll say right now plasty. And when I say face-topictures if you want to know the face, I mean Hello, labia! Turns whole story. that no two are alike. out, if you plunk v-a-g-i-n-o into One before / after pair I your search bar, “vaginoplasty” viewed was separated by a surpops up just after “vaginosis.” And if you accidentally geon holding the snipped away parts on a paper happen to be in Google Images rather than Google towel. There they were, bits and pieces, carefully Web when you do the plunking? Well then. Your eyedisplayed like expensive gemstones at the Tiffany balls will be situated squarely on all sorts of what a counter. I didn’t feel much like Holly Golightly good friend of mine referred to as “flank steak.” looking in that window.

Now, I’ve heard inklings in recent years about Another post-operative photo depicted stitches women going in for a nip and a tuck on their nether up and down and all over the damn place on a vagina regions, and certainly there are legitimate reasons that, in the pre-op picture, looked perfectly normal for down-there surgeries. Prolapsed uteruses are no to me, the professional auditor of Internet vagina. joke, and if you’re a trans woman, you’re gonna need In fact, most of the befores looked perfectly normal.

These were worst of all—they looked almost exactly some excavation and reconstruction. Work it, girl. the same before as they did after. Before surgery: But I’m talking about vanity surgery here. And Oyster. After surgery: Erster. Before surgery: ChanI’ve started to get the impression that this parterelle mushroom. After surgery: Slightly smaller ticular type of enhancement—also called “vaginal chanterelle mushroom. Honestly, if I were one of rejuvenation”—is the Massengil of the 2000s. It’s those ladies, I’d want my money back.

Vajazzle plus more cowbell. It’s Botox for your Look. Women are going back to the bush. Most other lips. of us have decided that we do not wish to look like As I perused the many incarnations of vagina pre-pubescent girls. I’m pretty sure even more of spread before me—and oh, it was spread before us have no interest in re-losing our virginity. And me—I was overwhelmed with a strange combinaa whole big huge bunch of us would like to never tion of wonder and disgust. think about this again, and instead witness the Wonder, because—Glory be!—if the female anatosporting world accept openly gay athletes with my isn’t the absolute shit. Don’t even try to send letcompassion and understanding. ters to argue the point. I don’t care if you’re (a) gay (closeted quarterback, ahem): The penis is a sock Write to aaryn@sdcitybeat.com puppet; the vagina is a symphony. End of debate. and editor@sdcitybeat.com.

The vagina is awesome, literally; it’s gorgeous,

10 · San Diego CityBeat · January 15, 2014

by michael a. gardiner Michael A. Gardiner

turned shields over a large fire. There is little—scratch that, no—evidence to support this “historical” proposition.

But isn’t it cool to think so?

A more reality-based name—and theory of the origin—is “Taiwanese teppanyaki.”

Mongolian-barbecue restaurants began popping up in Taipei in the 1970s and appeared to use ingredients (if not techniques) similar to a genuine Mongolian tradition: hot pot. While Japan’s teppanyaki style of cooking dates back to 1945, it really gained steam in the ’70s, too. Teppanyaki is characterized by propane-heated, flat-surface grills cooking food— particularly beef—in front of guests It’s comforting barbecue, Mongolian or not. with showy chefs entertaining with a display of elaborate knife and spatula skills. What we know as Mongolian barbecue would appear to be a confluence and combination of Mongolian hot pot with the Japanese teppanyaki style popular in Taiwan at the same time.

One of the best places to get Mongolian barbecue in San Diego is Great Khan’s Mongolian Stir-fry on steroids Festival (in Horton Plaza, Mission Valley Center and UTC, in addition to locations in Carlsbad and Mongolian barbecue is one part myth, one part tasty El Cajon, greatkhans.com). At its best, Mongolian and—for me at least—one part guilty pleasure. Aubarbecue is a terrific stir-fry, offering copious thentic in nearly no generally accepted meaning of options (high mall turnover assures freshness), the word, it’s nonetheless a very popular and tasty umami-rich sauces and good noodles all cooked experience that manages to ably straddle the lines to order on the monumental griddle, aided by a between Asian fare, fast food and comfort food. soy-ginger-water mixture. The resulting dish But first, what is it? Mongolian barbecue is a features the benefits of steaming but also carastir-fried dish developed in Taiwanese restaurants melization from the initial sear. in the 1970s. Meat and vegetables are cooked on On numerous trips to the Horton Plaza shop, an immense, round and ever-so-slightly convex that’s exactly what I enjoyed. But a morning visit iron griddle at temperatures of up to 570 degrees. to the Mission Valley location yielded underGenerally, the customer selects one or more meats cooked noodles, meat that was stale and bland (pork, beef, chicken, turkey or lamb), vegetables because it was refrozen at the end of the previous (onions, broccoli, peppers, mushrooms, cabbage, day and food that wasn’t caramelized before addspinach, etc.), sauces (soy, garlic, citrus, spicy, etc.) ing the steaming liquid. It was a disappointing and Chinese-style noodles. A cook stir-fries these meal at odds with my prior experiences. ingredients in front of the customer on those masOne bad dish notwithstanding, Great Khan’s sive griddles. The show is part of the fun. offers big Asian flavors, fresh ingredients and the Second, the myth: According to the nearly idenenjoyment of the game of trying to cram as many tical PR among most Mongolian barbecue joints, foodstuffs into one bowl as you can. Elegant? No. the Mongol Empire of the dim, dark past, under Subtle? Not so much. Immensely enjoyable, gluttonous guilty-pleasure? Absolutely! the leadership of Genghis Khan, ruled the plains of Asia at spear- and sword-point, with soldiers reWrite to michaelg@sdcitybeat.com turning to camp at day’s end carrying large quantiand editor@sdcitybeat.com. ties of meats they prepared and cooked on over-

the world

fare

January 15, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 11

By Jen Van Tieghem

bottle

Rocket A precocious 10-year-old

Several years ago, I visited L.A. Cetto winery in Ensenada, Mexico. As novice wine drinkers, my friends and I randomly picked some tastings to attend in the Guadalupe Valley and went on our way. I remember L.A. Cetto, the oldest winery in Mexico, standing out for its great wines and beautiful ambiance. And then I kind of forgot about it—maybe due to the rattlesnake whiskey I drank while on the same trip.

Recently, I’ve noticed L.A. Cetto wines at several markets around town, including Windmill Farms in Del Cerro, Bine and Vine in Normal Heights and Palm Springs Liquor in La Mesa. I decided it might be time to revisit a brand I hadn’t tasted in so long and found a 2004 Private Reserve Nebbiolo.

The flavors in this 10-year-old were richly layered with fruit and

12 · San Diego CityBeat · January 15, 2014

a hint of peppery spice. The nose had straightforward berries with just a bit of an herbal undertone. A touch of jammy plum at the end of a long, smooth finish was a pleasant and delicious surprise.

With a good amount of tannin and structure left in this one, it could be held on to a bit longer, as well.

Another great thing about a complex wine such as this is sharing it with others. My drinking partners and I all picked different elements we could taste—cocoa, tobacco and cherry were reported, depending on whom you asked. We drank this one on its own, but I could also see serving it with hearty meats and tasty red sauces.

L.A. Cetto also happens to be one of the largest producers in Mexico, so if you’re looking for an introduction to the wine region, it’s a good place to start. The Baja climate seems to be doing great things for grapes, especially Italian-style varietals such as this.

Plus, this Nebbiolo was reasonably priced at $15.99, and some of the bottles retail under $10. Salud!

Write to jenv@sdcitybeat.com and editor@sdcitybeat.com.

by Mina Riazi mina riazi

so delightful that you won’t care.

Thin and crisp, the matchstick fries surprisingly complement the meaty toppings. The dish can do without the pancetta’s pungent saltiness, but the duck is tender and flavorful.

A member of the Cohn Restaurant Group, 100 Wines struggles to find footing in other areas. With its dim lighting, bare bulbs and Mason-jar cocktail glasses, the place channels a sleek-but-crafty vibe. It’s an aesthetic that swirls together the low-key with the upscale, and it seems to be trending in the restaurant world right now.

The chorizo-and-clam paella The 100 Wines ambience might be packed with personality, but, at times, the menu falls short. The paella, though good, lacks the layers of texture that the dish usually flaunts: There’s no sign of socarrat, or toasted, bottom-of-the-pan rice, and crisped Arborio could have saved my paella from its uniform, nearly rice-pudding-like consistency. Even more Reinventing the classics confusing is the paella’s one-line menu description, which begins with the words “saffron riPoutine is one of Canada’s cheesiest exports—secsotto.” Although they’re both often prepared with ond only to Justin Bieber. Hot gravy gets ladled Arborio rice, paella and risotto are distinctively over thick-cut fries and cheese curds, softening different, so I don’t understand why their identithe fries and melting the cheese. Classic poutine ties are being fused as if they’re one and the same. relies on these three basic ingredients, but the On the other hand, a cast of harmonizing indish’s recent surge in popularity has birthed an gredients forms the fig-and-bacon pizza. Sweet ever-growing gang of imposters. You might come dried figs offset the salty bacon, and oven-roastacross a poutine wannabe while ordering a plateed tomatoes—an unexpected player—cut the ful of pork-belly sliders from your favorite food richness with their acidity. A mild smoked goutruck. Or maybe you’ll spy a phony as you’re leavda forms the base, and altogether it’s a sturdy ing your neighborhood gastropub. Caramelized choice for pizza. onions and grilled peppers and ribbons of beef The salads—specifically the kale Caesar and are all suddenly part of the “poutine” picture, autumn panzanella—are both toothsome options. too—among a slew of other ingredients.

Croutons are swapped out for a single Parmesan Although far from the Quebec original, the crostino in the Caesar while kale stands in for poutine served at 100 Wines (1027 Univerromaine. It’s like Caesar salad grew up and got sity Ave. in Hillcrest, cohnrestaurants.com/100 a mortgage. 100 Wines’ take on the Tuscan panwines) is delicious. Duck confit and salty cubes of zanella is equally delectable. pancetta meet on a heap of matchstick fries, and There’s no question about it—100 Wines likes a nutty Parmesan reduction replaces the gooey remixing classics. In the case of the poutine and clump of cheese curds. Then, the distance between the salads, it works. The paella-risotto hybrid, though, needs some rethinking. the 100 Wines appetizer and the three-piece classic grows even more—thanks to a dusting of fresh Write to minar@sdcitybeat.com herbs. But, really, it doesn’t matter whether there’s and editor@sdcitybeat.com. green in your poutine—the 100 Wines spin-off is

One Lucky

Spoon

January 15, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 13

the

SHORTlist

1

ALL IN THIS TOGETHER

In the 1990s, community activist Sheila Hardin organized the first multicultural festival in Downtown. “She wanted to bring people of different cultures together,” says current event organizer Cynthia James-Price, “to showcase the diversity of San Diego and also to highlight Downtown San Diego.”

The festival started small but eventually grew to accommodate thousands of attendees. But in 2010, Hardin died, having lost a battle against cancer at age 60, and the multicultural festival died with her.

However, then-City Councilmember Tony Young asked the Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the organization that holds the city’s Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, to help restart

2

STARS ON STAGE

Watching ballroom dance sounds a tad boring, right? Ballroom with a Twist is pretty much the opposite. The touring production includes all sorts of sexy, high-energy dance, including cha-cha, tango, foxtrot and jive, but that’s just the beginning. Conductor Matthew Garbutt and artists from the San Diego Symphony play their pretty music alongside a cast of realitytelevision stars, including swoon-worthy dancer Mark Ballas (Dancing with the Stars) and singers Gina Glocksen and Von Smith (American Idol). Choreographed by Dancing with the Stars veteran Louis van Amstel, the night of toe-tapping, live song-anddance will happen at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 17 and 18, at Copley Symphony Hall (750 B St., Downtown). $20-$85. sandiegosymphony.org

14 · San Diego CityBeat · January 15, 2014

ART

COORDINATED BY KINSEE MORLAN

it, and the group agreed. Last year’s fest was the first one after the short hiatus.

Now renamed to honor its driving force, the 16th Annual San Diego, Sheila Hardin Multi-Cultural Festival is back again this year to highlight the ethnic diversity of San Diego. It’ll happen from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, along the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade, on East Harbor Drive, between First and Fifth avenues, Downtown.

The festival’s highlights are Danza Azteca the music and dance performances aimed at expressing various traditional heritages. The lineup includes Zydeco and bluegrass by the Bayou Brothers, drumming from the dynamic Japanese group San Diego Taiko, Afro-Cuban music and dance by Omo Aché, a children’s African drum workshop, the Walter Gentry & Curtis V jazz ensemble and Native American dance by Danza Azteca.

James-Price says it’s important “to know that we are a melting pot in San Diego and to embrace our differences and to understand our differences and not look at the differences as something that is a negative, but something that’s a positive. I think we should learn from each other and broaden our perspectives of other cultures.”

There will also be food vendors, children’s activities, artists selling their work and community information booths offering health, educational and other services. Oh, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade will be held the next day, from 2 to 5 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 19, on Harbor Drive along the Embarcadero. sdmulticultural.com

3

WORD PLAY

For his “Origins” piece, San Diego artist Alex Dikowski used words cut from the pages of Charles Darwin’s Origin of Species. The words were carefully collaged on canvas, then surrounded by shapes and colors made with foil and marker. All of the work in Dikowski’s Abstractions of Thought series is inspired by philosophical, scientific or spiritual quandaries and constructed in similar ways.

Books that made the cut— pun intended—include iCon: Steve Jobs and The Man in the Iron Mask; other pieces were inspired by philosophical quotes. The resulting body of work is a collection of inter“Origins” by esting, textured, abstract imAlex Dikowski ages that ask viewers to pause and ponder their meaning. Dikowski’s show opens from 8 to 11 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, at Quality Social (789 Sixth Ave., Downtown). dikowski.com

4440, fusionglassco.com

SDCM Artshow Fundraiser at Vin De Syrah, 901 Fifth Ave., Downtown. San Diego Creative Media designers Giancarlo Loverde and Cris Bowles will be holding an art sale and raffle to benefit Vida Outreach, which helps impoverished children in Baja.

At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16. $10 donation. 619-234-4166, vidaoutreach.org

Treasures Art Sale at Mingei International Museum, Balboa Park. Shop among hundreds of objects donated to the museum but never accessioned into the collection: textiles and clothing, beads, Mexican pottery and more from $1 to $2,500. From noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. 619-239-0003, mingei.org

SUBTERRANEA at SME Performance Space Room, UCSD campus, La Jolla. An exhibition tackling the literal and figurative concepts of the underground and notions of the unknown through video, photography, sculpture and works on paper by Sam Durant, Christopher Kardambikis, Gordon Matta-Clark and others. Closing reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16. 858534-2230, visarts.ucsd.edu/events

Danielle Nelisse at Encinitas Civic Center Art Gallery, 505 S. Vulcan Ave., Encinitas. The local artist will exhibit 12 colorful, large-scale abstract oil paintings from her series, Urban Ecology: Climate Change. Opens Monday, Jan. 20. On view through Feb. 26 during gallery hours.

760-633-2600, daniellenelisse.com

HAbstractions of Thought at Quality Social, 789 Sixth Ave., Downtown. Local artist Alex Dikowski will be debuting new works on canvas and wood panels, all collaged from materials such as cut up books, tin foil, currency and colored film transparencies. Opening from 8 to 11 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16. dikowski.com Beats & Brushes at U31, 3112 University Ave., North Park. The monthly art show will showcase work from Andre Undertone Lupian, Herschel Arcelao, Ethos1 and others.

Sufficient Sounds, AbJo and Legacy Pack provide the sounds. Opening from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 16. $5.

HThe Xactobles 2 at TPG2, 1475 University Ave., Hillcrest. Dozens of artists will showcase work at this semi-annual show dedicated to stencil art. Some notable names include Alex Avila, Jason Gould and Paul Vargas. Opening from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17. 619-2036030, TPG2.net Eternal Spring at Low Gallery, 3778 30th St., North Park. Paintings, photography and projected film pieces by artists Colin Manning, Marcella Kroll and local illustrator Celeste Byers. Opening from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17. 619-348-5517, facebook.com/lowgallerysd HBlack Magic at Subtext, 2479 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy. New works of “unprecedented evil” by artists Michael Tussey, Dane Danner, Matt Stallings and others.

Opening from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17.

619-876-0664, subtextgallery.com HLa Bodega Grand Opening at La Bodega Studios and Gallery, 2196 Logan Ave., Barrio Logan. Some of San Diego’s most talented artists, including Ricardo Islas, Saratoga Sake, Junk & Po and Carly Ealey, will be participating in this showcase of art on vinyl records. There will be street tacos from San Diego Taco Co. and live music from Black Hondo and The Beautiful View. From 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. 619-721-7207, labodegastudios.com American Sportsman: Leather Crafts & Lures at Kensington Gallery, 4186 Adams Ave., Kensington. A hearty dose of functional Americana art: Mirrors made out of cowboy boots, alluring fishing lures and hand-made bows and arrows. Opening from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18.

619 534 8120, kensingtongallery.org HSongs of the Green Bird at The Hill Street Country Club Gallery, 212 N. Coast Hwy., Suite D, Oceanside. A collection of intimate, photojournalistic, street-style portraits taken by shutterbug Johnny Nguyen inside a marketplace in Vietnam. Opening from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. 760917-6666, thehillstreetcountryclub.org Big isn’t Better (Small Works for Your Sweetheart) at Fusionglass Co., 8872 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa. Small paintings, photography, painted silk items and fused-glass creations. Opening from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. 619-461-

HGPK ALL DAY at Basic, 410 10th Ave., Downtown. If you’re old enough to remember the ‘80s phenomenon Garbage Pail Kids, you’ll appreciate this art show featuring talents like Brian Hebets, Inkt and Juan Basurto paying tribute to the crass trading cards. Opening from 7 p.m. to midnight Tuesday, Jan. 21. 619-5318869, ThumbprintGallerySD.com

BOOKS Julie Kramer at Mysterious Galaxy Book Store, 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Clairemont. The thriller novelist signs and discusses her sixth Riley Spartz novel, Delivering Death. At 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15. 858-268-4747, mystgalaxy.com Christopher Reich at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The bestselling author discusses and signs his new thriller, The Prince of Risk, about a New York hedge-fund manager searching for the truth about his father’s murder. At 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15. 858-4540347, warwicks.indiebound.com Gregory Orfalea at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The award-winning author will sign and discuss his new biography, Journey to the Sun: Junipero Serra’s Dream and the Founding of California. At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16. 858454-0347, warwicks.com Peter Clines at Mysterious Galaxy Book Store, 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Clairemont. The sci-fi/fantasy author signs, ExPurgatory, the fourth installment in his ExHeroes genre-bending, super hero/zombie mash-up series. At 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16. 858-268-4747, mystgalaxy.com HShaun Tomson at California Surf Museum, 312 Pier View Way, Oceanside. The world-champion surfer and best-selling author discusses The Code, a simple guide for confronting everyday challenges and making positive, life-changing decisions. At 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17. $10. californiasurfmuseum.com HP.S. Meronek at Mysterious Galaxy Book Store, 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Clairemont. The Calgary author will discuss and sign his trio of new crime novels from local publisher Ponytale Press. At 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. 858-268-4747, mystgalaxy.com Kurt Koontz at Del Mar Library, 1309 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar. The author will discuss his new book, A Million Steps: A Journey on the Camino de Santiago. At 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. sdcl.org Allan Retzky at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. As part of Warwick’s “Weekend with Locals” program, the local author will sign and discuss his latest book, Vanished in the Dunes. At noon Sunday, Jan. 19. 858-454-0347, warwicks.indiebound.com M.A. Lawson at Mysterious Galaxy Book Store, 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Clairemont. Lawson will sign and dis-

cuss Rosarito Beach, the latest in his Joe DeMarco crime series and mostly in San Diego. At 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21. 858268-4747, mystgalaxy.com Ian Rankin at Mysterious Galaxy Book Store, 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Clairemont. The U.K.’s best-selling crime author signs his latest Inspector Rebus offering, Saints of the Shadow Bible. At 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 21. 858-268-4747, mystgalaxy.com

COMEDY HAri Shaffir at Comedy Store, 916 Pearl St., La Jolla. A special one-hour set from the comedian and actor who describes his comedy as a puppet show, but way filthier and without the puppets. At 8 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 16. $8. 858-454-9176, lajolla.thecomedystore.com

#116, Point Loma. San Diego’s food entrepreneurs, farmers, business leaders, investors and others gather for networking, great food and discussion about creating a stronger San Diego local food system. At 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15. $10-$15 suggested donation. 619-2692100, SlowMoneySoCal.org HAncient Ales Beer Tasting at San Diego Museum of Man, Balboa Park. Explore the museum’s BEERology exhibit, while sampling re-created classic recipes from local breweries. Join the museum and Dogfish Head Craft Brewery for this unique event with craft beer samples and food tastings. From 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16. $20-$30. 619-239-2001, museumofman.org/beer HSan Diego Restaurant Week Held

twice annually, this culinary tradition features discounted prix-fixe menus from more than 180 of San Diego County’s best restaurants. A portion of proceeds goes to charity. Sunday, Jan. 19 through Friday, Jan. 24. $10-$45. 619239-2001, sandiegorestaurantweek.com HLatte Art Competition at Caffe Calabria, 3933 30th St., North Park. Baristas will compete for bragging rights. There will also be a raffle and local tasting flights of handcrafted coffee, plus beer and a food truck. From 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21. caffecalabria.com

MUSIC ONOFF at ArtLab Studios, 3536 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Ska/punk music by

this Dublin four-piece band. From 7:30 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15. $5. 619283-1199. artlabca.com HRadnofsky Sax Quartet at Conrad Prebys Music Center, UCSD campus, La Jolla. The saxophone foursome concludes a UCSD residency with a performance featuring works by faculty members Rand Steiger and Lei Liang. At 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15. $15.50. musicweb.ucsd.edu/concerts HBerkley Hart Selis Twang at New Village Arts Theatre, 2787 B State St., Carlsbad. Eve Selis and Marc Twang join forces with folk-circuit mainstays Berkley Hart. At 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 17-18. $25-$35. newvillagearts.org Alisa Weilerstein & Inon Barnatan at

Sherwood Auditorium, 700 Prospect St, La Jolla. The piano and violin duo perform selections from Debussy, Schubert and Rachmaninoff. At 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17. $30-$80. 858-454-3541, ljms.org HRock in the Park at Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, Balboa Park. The Fleet live concert series begins with Common Sense and special guest Michael Tiernan. Each show features two performances, food by The French Gourmet, beer, wine and cocktails for purchase, plus access to the museum’s exhibitions. At 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17. $30. 619-238-1233, rhfleet.org HThe Harvard Glee Club at California Center for the Arts, 340 North Escondido Blvd., Escondido. The oldest continuing

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

John Caparulo at American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Ave., Downtown. After support from comedy greats like Jay Leno, Chelsea Handler and Vince Vaughn, the versatile comic’s getting a shot at becoming a household name. At 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, and 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 17-18. $20. 619-7953858, americancomedyco.com Michael Kosta at Comedy Store, 916 Pearl St., La Jolla. The former pro tennis player turned comedian is now a regular on The Tonight Show, Conan and Chelsea Lately. At 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 17-18. $20. 858-4549176, lajolla.thecomedystore.com HErik Rivera at Mad House Comedy Club, 502 Horton Plaza, Downtown. Rivera is a familiar face on several cable networks. At 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 17-18. $20. 619702-6666, madhousecomedyclub.com HZach Sherwin at Mad House Comedy Club, 502 Horton Plaza, Downtown. The writer and actor’s probably most wellknown for the popular YouTube music videos, Epic Rap Battles of History. At 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22. $15. 619702-6666, madhousecomedyclub.com HDoug Stanhope at American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Ave., Downtown. The former host of The Man Show started his career in Las Vegas doing jack-off jokes for free drinks. Not much has changed, save for the mullet. At 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22. $25. 619-795-3858, americancomedyco.com

DANCE HCompagnie Kafig at Mandeville Auditorium, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla.

Under the direction of French-Algerian choreographer Mourad Merzouki, this all-male ensemble has become an international sensation, performing full-throttle shows inspired by the stories of 11 young dancers from the favelas of Brazil. At 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15. $12-$46.

858-534-8497, artpwr.com HBallroom with a Twist: Singing, Dancing and Sizzle! at Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., Downtown. Choreographed by Dancing with the Stars’ Louis van Amstel, Ballroom with a Twist features tango, cha-cha, samba, rumba, waltz and more performed by a cast of international dancers accompanied by members of the San Diego Symphony. At 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 17-18. $20-$85. 619615-3942, sandiegosymphony.org

FOOD & DRINK HSlow Money SoCal Gathering at Stone Brewing World Bistro & GardensPoint Loma, 2816 Historic Decatur Road,

January 15, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 15

choral ensemble in the U.S. performs a memorable evening of delightful song. At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. $10-$25.

800-988-4253, artcenter.org San Diego Record Show at The Center, 3909 Centre St., Hillcrest. This quarterly event brings dozens of record vendors together in one place. From 9 to 2 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 18. $5. 619-692-2077, sandiegorecordshow.com HSchool of Rock Presents: Best of San Diego at The Irenic, 3090 Polk Ave., North Park. The youngsters at School of Rock pay tribute to 23 of the best current bands in San Diego with students playing songs by everyone from The Album Leaf and Pinback to Lord Howler and The Locust. At 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. $12. brownpapertickets.com/event/539255 HDaniel Jackson at Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive, Encinitas. The accomplished jazz saxophonist and pianist will play a solo piano concert with special guests MinderBinder with Boaz Roberts.

From 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. $10$13. 631-338-2747, ruthlesshippies.org International Music and Art Festival at Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway. The San Diego Chinese Art and Cultural Society presents this festival featuring the Greater San Diego Chamber Orchestra, opera singer Scott Gregory, harpist Tasha Smith Godinez and the Super Galactic Beat Manipulators. At 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. $20-$25. 858-748-0505, powayarts.org Collegiate A Cappella Quarterfinal at Mandeville Auditorium, UCSD campus, La Jolla. Hear the top two college groups compete for their chance at finals in New York City. At 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. $12-$20. 858-534-TIXS, ucsdtritones.com Nadir Khashimov at California Center for the Arts, 340 North Escondido Blvd., Escondido. The Center’s “Discovery Series” features this prodigal violinist playing classical selections on an 1828 violin.

At 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19. $20-$30. 800988-4253, artcenter.org HSan Diego Symphony Quartet at New Children’s Museum, 200 W. Island Ave., Downtown. This ensemble of members of the San Diego Symphony will present a lively, interactive concert that aims to introduce classical music to kids.

At 2 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19. Free with museum admission. 619-233-8792, thinkplaycreate.org Michael Bram, Raining Jane & Friends at Star Theatre, 402 N Coast Hwy., Oceanside. Feeding the Soul Presents a concert benefitting The Scleroderma Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to support, education and research of the chronic connective-tissue disease.

At 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19. $40. 760-7219983, feedingthesoulfoundation.org

PERFORMANCE HAnna’s Way at ArtLab Studios, 3536 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. The story of a female bass prodigy who rediscovers the joy of music after Tai Chi lessons.

Features a narrator, solo string bass, percussion, piano and background visuals.

From 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16. $15 suggested donation. 619283-1199, artlabca.com HBurlesque: Remixed at Queen Bee’s, 3925 Ohio St., North Park. A show featuring elements of classic burlesque infused with ballet, jazz, hip-hop and aerial arts performed to remixes, covers and mashups of the performer’s favorite songs. From 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. $15-$35.

619-715-3657, pixiestixxburlesque.com HIntimate Illusions at Versailles Room,

Westgate Hotel, 1055 Second Ave., Downtown. Illusionist Ivan Amodei performs an evening of music, magic and mystery. Live music by Celine Dion’s concert cellist. At 4, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. $75-$100. ivanamodei.com Disney On Ice: Rockin’ Ever After at Valley View Casino Center, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., Midway. A cast of world-class ice skaters brings your favorite moments from Disney and Pixar’s Brave, Tangled, The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast to life. At 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22. $17-$65. ticketmaster.com

POETRY & SPOKEN WORD HMel Freilicher at SME Performance Space Room, UCSD campus. UCSD’s New Writing Series is back with a reading from the author of The Unmaking of Americans: 7 Lives and The Encyclopedia of Rebels.

From 4:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15.

858-534-2230, literature.ucsd.edu HWrite Out Loud: Orpheus Speaks at Athenaeum the Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. Short stories read aloud by the talented actors of Write Out Loud.

Selections include Roald Dahl’s “Mr. Botibol,” “The No Talent Kid” by Kurt Vonnegut and “A Mother” by James Joyce. At 7:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 20-21. $17. 858-454-5872, ljathenaeum. org/lectures.html

SPECIAL EVENTS HBottled & Kegged Closing Party at San Diego History Center, Balboa Park.

The History Center’s beer-centric exhibition goes out with a bang. Enjoy live music, award-winning beers, food, meetand-greets with brewers and games with a chance to win beer-related prizes. From 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17. $25. 619232-6203, sandiegohistory.org Del Mar Antique Show at Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.

Antique show and sale. For $5 per item, attendees can have their relics appraised.

Restoration services also are available.

From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 17-18, and 11 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19. $8. 858-755-1161, delmarfairgrounds.com Crossroads Doll & Teddy Bear Show & Sale at Al Bahr Shrine Center, 5440 Kearny Mesa Road, Kearny Mesa. Shop for dolls, teddy bears, antiques, miniatures, clothes supplies and more at this sale for avid collectors. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19. $4-$8. 775-3487713, crossroadsshows.com Monster Jam at Qualcomm Stadium, 9449 Friars Road, Mission Valley. Watch gigantic trucks with names like Grave Digger and El Toro Loco race each other, do tricks and run over a bunch of smaller cars. At 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. $15$90. 619-540-1631, monsterjam.com HSan Diego Sheila Harding MultiCultural Festival at Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade, Harbor Drive, Downtown. The fest showcases San Diego’s rich cultural diversity and traditional heritage through live music, dance performances, storytelling, children’s activities and a wide range of food, educational and retail vendors.

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18.

5th Annual Blessing of the Animals at Old Town Historic Park, 2454 Heritage Park Row, Old Town. The annual Benediction of the Beasts celebrates St. Anthony of the Desert, the Patron Saint of Animals.

There will be a pet blessing by Msgr. Mark Campbell between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m.

16 · San Diego CityBeat · January 15, 2014

THEATER

Butterflies flutter through violent history

San Diego Repertory Theatre thrived during the the historical scope of Trujillo’s terror and the first half of its 38th season last year, staging In courage of those who dared to oppose him. the Heights, A Weekend With Pablo Picasso and A definite sublime touch is the accompanying Venus in Fur, all three outstanding. The Rep has violin from the rafters, played by Batya MacAdamlaunched its second half with the English-lan- Somer, which beautifully accompanies Michael guage world premiere of Caridad Svich’s In the Roth’s soundscape.

Time of the Butterflies, a play based on the 1994 In the Time of the Butterflies runs through Jan. novel by Julia Alvarez.

SAN DIEGO REPERTORY THEATRE 26 at the Lyceum Theatre at HorWhile faithful to the theater’s ton Plaza, Downtown. $31-$47. season of adventurous matesdrep.org rial, Butterflies—the story of Las —David L. Coddon Miraposas (the Butterflies), the Write to davidc@sdcitybeat.com four daughters of a farmer in the and editor@sdcitybeat.com.

Dominican Republic who defied the brutal Trujillo regime in the mid-20th century—is missing the OPENING seamlessness of its predecessors.

The 39 Steps: This is a return engageTodd Salovey, San Diego ment of a comedic, four-actor stage version of the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock film, as Rep associate artistic director, if performed by Monty Python, with lots and artist-in-residence Herbert of allusions to other Hitchcock classics.

Siguenza co-direct a dignified but Presented by Lamb’s Players Theatre, it slowly unfolding production that reopens Jan. 17 at the Horton Grand Theatre, Downtown. lambsplayers.org recounts the tale of the Mirabal sisters simultaneously in real time The Balcony: A staged reading of the French play that’s set in a brothel during and in retrospect through the reca popular uprising. Presented by Chronos ollections of surviving sister Dede Theatre Group, it happens on Jan. 20 at (the other three were assassinated Catalina Maynard (stand- the 10th Avenue Theatre in East Village.

by Trujillo’s soldiers). The show ing) and Sandra Ruiz chronostheatre.com might’ve been better served by Chicago: An oft-produced musical set in bookending the beginning and the end with the the 1920s about two murderous, fame-seeking women who older Dede’s storytelling to an American journal- wind up on death row. Opens Jan. 17 at Coronado Playhouse. ist. Catalina Maynard’s tense on-stage witnessing coronadoplayhouse.com of the sisters’ (and her younger self’s) transforma- Five Course Love: Whimsical love stories play out at tables in five different restaurants. Opens Jan. 18 at Scripps Ranch tion into revolutionaries is awkward.

Theatre. scrippsranchtheatre.org As Mirabal sisters Minerva, Patria, Maria Tereand Vine: The Southern California premiere of a play sa and young Dede, Jacqueline Grace Lopez, Elisa Maple about an unhappy 21st-century married couple who join a Gonzales, Maritxell Carrero and Sandra Ruiz act community that completely relives the 1950s. Presented by with genuine conviction; Lopez and Carrero, in Cygnet Theatre, it opens in previews on Jan. 18 at the Old particular, are touching as sisters bound as much Town Theatre. cygnettheatre.com Nunsense: Nuns stage a variety show to raise money for the by love as by righteousness.

The intermittent presence of a jaunty DJ burials of the convent dwellers who were poisoned to death by the cook. Presented by Moonlight Stage Productions, it opens (Siguenza, who plays multiple roles, including Jan. 16 at Avo Playhouse in Vista. moonlightstage.com that of Trujillo, in full military regalia) seems out of place, while screen projections behind the acFor full listings, please visit tion (something the Rep does so well) are too few here. More of them might have further dramatized “T heater ” at sdcit ybeat.com and activities for both animals and families.

From noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19.

619-297-3100, oldtownmexicanfood.com Utopian Umbrella Homeless Teen Clothing Drive & Art Show at Stage Bar & Grill, 762 Fifth Ave., Downtown. Musical acts like Junkyard Dance Crew and Money Mouth Ent and muralist Michael Richard Rosenblatt put their skills on display at this fundraiser for Father Joe’s Village Touissant Academy for homeless youth. From 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19. $5.

Martin Luther King Day Celebration at World Beat Cultural Center, 2100 Park Blvd., Balboa Park. The 25th annual day of unity and non-violence will feature live performances from reggae artists and cultural groups, as well as vendors and vegetarian cuisine. At noon Monday, Jan. 20. 619230-1190, worldbeatculturalcenter.org

TALKS & DISCUSSIONS A Taste of the Kasbah at New Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., East Village. Cu-

linary Historians of San Diego present Kitty Morse, noted Moroccan chef, author and teacher, speaking on North African cuisine and culture. From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. 858-3498211, chsandiego.com HThe History of Balboa Park, 18671909 at NewSchool of Architecture & Design, 1249 F St., Downtown. U-T architectural writer Roger Showley discusses the parks beginnings in the first of five lectures celebrating the upcoming Panama-Canal Exposition Centennial in 2015.

At 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. $5 suggested donation. 619-224-8584, friendsofsdarch.com Art and Architecture: France at Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside. Ann Hoehn offers insight into Western art history in France from the Renaissance to modern times.

The series will also include architecture from Italy, France, Northern Europe and the United States. From 10:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Jan. 22. $10. 760 435-3721, oma-online.org Ben

Franklin

and

the

American

Dream at Great Hall La Jolla, 4275 Campus Point Court, La Jolla. The first in a seven-part lecture, “The Making of the Modern World: The Good Life.” Poli-sci professor Alan Houston will discuss how Franklin’s “American dream” was not about money, but about pursuing knowledge, cultivating friendship, advancing freedom and addressing human needs.

At 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22. roosevelt.ucsd.edu/publicevents Laura Vitale: On Drawing and the Moving Image at Experimental Drawing Studio, Room 202, SME Building, UCSD campus, La Jolla. For the first Drawn into Film event of the winter quarter, L.A.-based artist Laura Vitale talks about the relationship between drawing practices and media art practices. At 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 22. visarts.ucsd.edu/ events/drawn-film

For full listings,

please visit “E vents” at sdcit yb eat.com

Seen Local

Kinsee Morlan

Barrio Logan on the rise (again) In 2009 and 2010, Barrio Logan saw a surge in art galleries and events. The neighborhood was pulsating with energy from groups and galleries like Voz Alta, The Roots Factory, The Glashaus, The Bakery, Woodbury School of Architecture and others.

Chris Zertuche (right) and Milo Lorenzana In the years that followed, the emerging arts district ebbed a bit but mostly flowed as more arts-related in time so I can hang the art. We’ll just spend the businesses relocated to the area. next couple days in here—all day and all night.”

These days, Barrio Logan and the bordering LoTenants already renting space at La Bodega ingan Heights are again experiencing a swell in arts clude a hip-hop events coordinator, a DJ, swimwear happenings. From 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. designers and a band. Also housed in the 18, the newest arts-related addition to same building are caterers The San Dithe neighborhood, La Bodega Stuego Taco Company and Border X dios & Gallery (2196 Logan Ave.), Brewing, which expects to open a will host an opening celebration tasting room there later this year. and exhibition featuring more Both businesses will offer their than 50 artists’ work on vinyl goods at the opening, as well. records. Artists include Libre La Bodega joins several Gutierrez, Maxx Moses, Jen other arts-related ventures Fong, Linda Halsey, Pixie Lothat have set up shop in Barpez Guzman, Chikle, Andre rio Logan during what could Power and Jimmy Ovadia. be called a second wave of miLa Bodega is the creative vigration, including Union, AGsion of Chris Zertuche and Milo ITPROP, Daphne Hill and Anna Lorenzana, names you might recStump’s shared studio and the soonognize from The Spot, a Barrio Loto-be-constructed Community @ gan space that’s since been renamed Customized vinyl record by The National, a project by LWP Stronghold and continues to host Pixie Lopez Guzman Group Inc. that’ll house the LWP ofevents (The Spot lives on as a defice, two other arts / culture-minded sign and screen-printing studio on the second floor businesses and an events space. The Bread & Salt of La Bodega). Zertuche and Lorenzana struck out arts venue is just a few streets away from La Bodega on their own when the landlord of their new space, in Logan Heights.

Lorenzana and Zertuche think the Barrio Logan which formerly housed a bank and then a restaurant named Porkyland, reached out to them because he Arts District has officially arrived.

“I think it’s here,” Lorenzana said. “Now we just liked what they’d done with The Spot.

The two got to work on La Bodega last year, trans- need to tighten it up as individual spaces and start taking it a little more seriously…. We have our shoes forming the rundown warehouse.

“We’re building this out right now to include six on, and now all we need to do is tie our laces.” new studios here,” Zertuche said during a quick tour —Kinsee Morlan of the still-raw work-in-progress. “We’ll have it done

Documentary delays explained Art Across America, a proposed documentary film from the filmmakers. spearheaded by San Diegans Blake Byers and An“Although I highly believe in the cause, I have drew Fisher, got a lot of attention last spring and lost all faith in this particular project and especially summer. Through features on local television news trust in those in charge,” Hudson said in a follow-up and magazines, plus an appearance on The Price is message to CityBeat, explaining that one of her forRight, the team touted the film’s snappy tagline: “One mer art teachers had donated $2,000 and had been feature-length documentary following three artists inquiring about the money. on one train through 12 cities; over 4,000 miles in six Byers responded to Hudson’s post by releasing a weeks.” The goal of the film was to travel to major citvideo on Facebook. In it and during ies and teach art to children in hopes of shedding a conversation with CityBeat, he exlight on the decline of arts education in plained that the project is evolving, public schools. more funding was being secured and Artists to be included on the tour the exact timeline for the project is were Byers and San Diego artists Caruncertain. What is certain, he said, rie Anne Hudson, Jason Feather is that the film will be finished. and Monty Montgomery. The “I want to reassure you that filmmakers raised close to this documentary will be made,” $3,000 in an Indiegogo crowdhe said. “And all the funds that funding campaign. have been raised will go toward Last week, though, Hudmaking it.”

—Kinsee Morlan son posted a note on Facebook saying she was leaving Write to kinseem@ the project due to long delays sdcitybeat.com and and a lack of communication Blake Byers (left) and Andrew Fisher editor@sdcitybeat.com.

January 15, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 17

Our exploration into local creativity

18 · San Diego CityBeat · January 15, 2014

P. 20

Kinsee Morlan peers into SDSU’s School of Art + Design

P. 22

Ryan Bradford profiles Modern Times Beer graphic designer Amy Krone

P. 24

Nina Sachdev Hoffmann, our Urban Scout, discovers three local product creators

P. 25

Kelly Davis introduces four local jewelry makers

P. 26

Joshua Emerson Smith checks out architect Hector Perez’s live-work complex in Barrio Logan

January 15, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 19

Look. Here.

Now.

SDSU’s School of Art + Design

SDSU’s School of Art + Design is ready to step into the limelight

by Kinsee Morlan

San Diego State University’s School of Art + Design treated to their corners and became silos during the is housed in nondescript buildings tucked away on economic crash and resulting budget cuts of 2008. the northwestern edge of campus. The somewhat- Nakamura’s research has taken him from San Diego’s hidden location is symbolic of the school’s greatest inner-city schools to disaster areas such as New Orweakness—extraordinarily cool things are happen- leans’ Ninth Ward and the earthquake- and tsunamiing there, but not enough people know it. ravaged Tohoku, Japan, and he’s learned Kotaro Nakamura, a longtime prothat giving people a common goal and fessor of interior design, recently purpose is the best way to rebuild stepped in as the School of Art and reinvigorate. It’s an ap+ Design’s interim director. proach he plans to use to build Nakamura is a well-known an enthusiastic and tightarchitect whose firm, knit community inside the Roesling Nakamura TeraSchool of Art + Design. da Architects, is behind Eight professors in the an exciting new building school are currently in at Balboa Park’s Japaearly retirement, includnese Friendship Garden ing some of its biggest that’s breaking ground names, like ceramics prothis month (in addition to fessor Joanne Hayakawa, other high-profile, awardgraphic-design professor winning projects). He says Susan Merritt and furniture his No. 1 priority is to focus and woodworking professor on the good work teachers Wendy Maruyama. and students are doing and get “It’s a brain drain, but, at the the public to pay attention. The same time, it’s an exciting time, School of Art + Design now has a because we can hire new teachKotaro Nakamura Facebook page, and Nakamura reers,” Nakamura says. cently put together a slick digital flipbook showcasThe new hires will augment an impressive staff. ing student work—two examples of how things have Under Nakamura’s leadership, the folks at the already changed for the better.

School of Art + Design are ready to head in a new diSoon, Nakamura says, all School of Art + Design rection—one that includes more willingness to seek programs will be as well-known and highly regarded some limelight and a concerted effort to produce as furniture and jewelry, two disciplines for which more conceptual and research-based work (a direct the school has gained international attention. challenge to similar arts-and-design programs ofAnother of Nakamura’s goals is to break down the fered by the University of California system). barriers between the departments in the School of Meet three of the SDSU professors on the design Art + Design, which, in acts of self-preservation, re- side who are ready to start showing off:

20 · San Diego CityBeat · January 15, 2014

Matthew Hebert, furniture and woodworking: Wendy Maruyama was instrumental in taking SDSU’s furniture-andwoodworking program from more of a craft-based, trade-school approach into one that embraces artistic expression. As she phases out, Hebert will take over and continue doing more of what he does best—heightening the digital literacy of the program by using new technology and growing the digital-fabrication lab. A rising star in the fine-art world, Hebert also brings deep knowledge and interest in conceptual art that will surely affect the program and influence the next gen- “String Bean Theory” eration of students.

Patricia Cué, graphic design: Cué is stoked. SDSU President Elliot Hirshman’s recently released strategic plan includes a commitment to enhancing the arts. The universitywide arts-visibility initiative is already taking shape in the form of 19 benches designed by Cué’s graphic-design students and placed in the heart of campus. Cué’s interested in the intersection of graphic design, public spaces and subcultures. A good example of her approach is found in Mexican Wall Painting Bardas de Baile, her recent book examining the hand-painted advertisements for music, dance and other celebrations found throughout Patricia Cué and her new book, Mexican Wall Mexico. Cué will take over as head of the graphic-design program in the next few Painting Bardas de Baile years. One of her goals is to create a more competitive and rigorous fine-arts bachelor’s degree in graphic design and continue community-based work like the comprehensive branding projects her students have done for nonprofits in National City.

Richard Burkett, ceramics: Together, Joanne Hayakawa and Richard Burkett have shaped SDSU’s ceramics program into one that bridges the old art-versus-design divide.

While Hayakawa is set to retire, Burkett plans to maintain the program’s diversity, offering a wide range of techniques and methods of glazing and firing while continuing to nudge students toward finding a unique aesthetic voice. A member of the Allied Craftsmen of San Diego, Burkett’s own work ranges from functional to quirky and beautifully abstract. And Burkett’s technical expertise is unparalleled in his field. One of the first to publish a website dedicated to ceramics, he also created and sells HyperGlaze, software that helps with storing clay and glaze pieces from recipes and glaze calculation. A champion of Burkett’s “Industrial the ceramics field overall, Burkett is also one Reliquaries” series of the founders of the annual San Diego Pottery Tour, which showcases some of the city’s most interesting designers working in the medium.

Write to kinseem@sdcitybeat.com and editor@sdcitybeat.com.

January 15, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 21

Graphic designer Amy Krone explains the look of Modern Times Beer’s stunning tasting room Story and photos by Ryan Bradford Comic-book pages cover the entire north ing room wall in Modern Times Beer’s tasting room. At first glance, it’s a clever and cost-effective way to decorate the spacious, two-story warehouse wall, but closer inspection reveals deeper significance. While there are the standards—X-Men, a little bit of Spider-Man—it’s mostly the loner, anti-heroes on display: Ghost Rider, Morbius, Spawn, The Maxx, to name a few. Outsiders, if you will.

This seems especially relevant when Amy Krone, Modern Times’ director of arts and crafts (amykrone.com), points out the tumbleweed chandelier hanging above us.

“That one’s covered in thorns, so I made one of the brewers [hang it],” she says.

“It’s just LED lights inside of some tumbleweeds we found on Morena Boulevard.”

Tumbleweeds? Could a brewery be more blatant about its outsider status?

Brewer trading “We just wanted to create a cards illustrated Amy Krone, in front of a mural made of Post-It notes

by Krone depicting Michael Jackson and his monkey, Bubbles super-weird, interesting tast-

She makes drinking look pretty, weird

22 · San Diego CityBeat · January 15, 2014

that has strange shit that you can look at,” Krone says. “You look at so many tasting rooms around the city, or even elsewhere around the country, and everything’s so sterile. There will be a couple pictures on the wall, or a TV, which we’re totally against.”

It’s rare to hear a business describe itself as “super-weird” and “strange,” but she’s right: Everything about the way Modern Times presents itself visually is unlike anything else in the craft-beer scene. Where most brands go for aggression— gargoyles smashing through the bottle, for instance—Modern Times’ logo is clean and feminine, like something you would order on Etsy. Additionally, the tasting room—at 3725 Greenwood St. in the industrial boonies of Midway—feels more like an artist’s retreat-slash-Neverland than a brewery, with projects like the comic-book wall or, say, a mural of Michael Jackson and his pet monkey made from 11,000 Post-It notes.

Yet, as strange as it sounds, everything is cohesive—the result of a unified, collaborative vision shared by Krone and Jacob McKean, Modern Times’ owner, who met while they worked at Stone Brewing Co., doing graphic design and social media, respectively.

“Part of the whole schtick of Modern Times is that [we] wanted to make it pretty,” Krone says. “And Jacob’s always a fan of typography and really great packaging. When we were working at Stone, I would be on thedieline.com, which is this really famous packaging blog, and he would be looking over my shoulder, and we’d be critiquing together.”

That shared passion eventually led them to Helms Workshop, the design firm that created Modern Times’ logo, and Simon Walker, the graphic designer who created its typography.

When asked about the opportunity to direct feedback to these designers whom she’s long admired, Krone says: “I was, like, ‘Oh my god.’ Just to have the chance to even see an email from Christian Helms is like total design—.” She stops short and waves an invisible fan on her face. “It was an awesome experience for me.”

We move from the comic wall to a bookshelf that houses Modern Times’ merchandise. Krone points out trading cards that she illustrated, which depict Modern Times’ brewers and other local beer dignitaries as if they were superheroes. For instance, the “Mike Tonsmeire”

Comic book pages wallpaper the tasting room’s north end (logo designed by Helms Workshop design firm). card lists “Title” (Flavor Developer), “Superpowers” (“Can sour a beer with a single glance”) and “Kryptonite” (“ethyl acetate”). Many of these brewer illustrations also made it onto T-shirts as incentives during the brewery’s successful Kickstarter campaign last year. It’s a genius idea that fosters familiarity with the crew and reinforces the notion that this is less a company than a roguish collective that’s earned the opportunity to do whatever the hell it wants.

“The Stone aesthetic was very gar-

goyle and aggressive,” Krone says of the differences between designing for Modern Times and Stone, which she insists was a positive, “life-changing” experience with some creative freedom. “With Jacob, because he’s totally different and has different ideas about his brand, I can do these wacky trading cards. Or I did a poster for the L.A. rollout in the same style. I have a lot more creative freedom and I don’t have to fight so hard for it.

He’s got a weird idea, I’ve got a weird idea. We mash weird ideas and come up

chandelier made from LED lights and tumbleweed with something weirder.”

She says this all while, over her shoulder, the giant multicolored Michael Jackson Post-It mural looms over everything with an omniscient eye.

“That is definitely the strangest thing I’ve definitely ever done in my life,” she laughs. “It’s fucking weird.”

Write to ryanb@sdcitybeat.com and editor@sdcitybeat.com.

January 15, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 23

urban

by Nina Sachdev Hoffmann

scout Where can I find…

Products designed by locals?

I bought two pieces of furniture recently, both carved, wooden kitchen tools you won’t refrom big-box stores. They were necessary, “If I ally find anywhere else. David Atchison (etsy. don’t get something to hang up my clothes, I’m com/shop/surfingwoodworker), whose roots in going to scream” kind of purwoodworking started 25 years chases. I hope you’ll forgive me, ago while building theater sets, my fellow Scouts; I’m a busy has now turned his attention to mom who sometimes doesn’t things like eucalyptus rolling have time to patronize the world pins ($42) and sycamore iceof San Diego’s local boutiques. cream scoopers ($46)—things, And that world is vast. he says, that “add warmth to So, to make up for my, um, our lives, especially in a time transgressions, I’d like to dediwhen so much is mass-procate this column to thinking duced or made of plastic.” outside the big-box. In the Sure, you could buy these spirit of buying, being and livthings anywhere, but wouldn’t ing local, and with this being you feel better knowing that the our Design Issue, here are a wood was responsibly sourced few locally made items you’ll Alpaca India duffel bag from, of all places, your neighnever, ever find at Target. We bors’ backyards? That’s right: should all be happy about that.

One man’s fallen branch is another’s one-of-aMake Good (2207 Fern St. in South Park, kind wine stopper. themakegood.com), the boutique that’s beloved “I often hear the sound of chain saws and see for all things local, has a lot of what you’d extree trimmers, and I’ll stop and politely ask for pect: jewelry, clothes, cute little a few pieces,” Atchison says. stuffed animals for kids. With “The tree would otherwise be 137 designers, where do you mulched or taken to the landeven start? Here: Hand-woven, fill. By using local, reclaimed hand-dyed home décor and acwood, I’m not only leaving cessories from Leigh Suarez the rain forests alone but I’m and Olivia Arreguin, a husbandalso making something that is and-wife team that runs a small unique to San Diego.” company called Alpaca India Speaking of saving trees, (alpacindia.com). sisters Julie O’Brien and TheTheir line includes duffel resa Anderson of Sweet Pabags, scarves, rugs and other David Atchison wooden bowl per (7660-A Fay Ave. in La accessories—all made from 100Jolla, sweet-paper.com) are percent wool (not alpaca, as the same suggests) lotrying to do just that, one wedding invitation at cal to Tijuana. A bright and cheery red rug ($110) a time. With cotton, bamboo (a sustainable, recalled to me while I was browsing the shop. If newable source) and recycled stock, you don’t the dye job alone doesn’t clue you in to the level have to go the traditional route (although that’s of mastery Suarez and Arreguin always an option). The ladies possess, then the edging will: It also try to keep it as local as was hand-crotched by Arreguin possible, using paper distribu(as are all of their products). tors in Southern California— “Luckily, most people noweven using paper that’s made adays not only appreciate the in San Diego. hand-made aspect of our prodOpen for just three years, ucts, but they can recognize it they recently started selling a at first sight,” Suarez says. “It lovely selection of quirky noteis thanks to the culture of buypads, coasters and greeting cards at VI Star (2355 India St. ing local, handmade goods and in Little Italy, facebook.com/ paying the right price for them sixstarsd). Pick up the Little that we are still in the market.”

And Make Good is the only Sweet Paper wedding invite Italy coasters; they’re made from 100-percent recycled pastore in the United States that per and designed by O’Brien and Anderson. sells their line, so I would go and check out that rug before someone else does.

Write to ninah@sdcitybeat.com Before you leave, though, there’s another and editor@sdcitybeat.com. designer selling some really interesting hand-

24 · San Diego CityBeat · January 15, 2014

Sondra Sherman (sondra-sherman.com): Sherman, an associate professor of art in jewelry and metalwork at SDSU, recently had one of her pieces, “Flowers and Still Life”—a brooch embedded in a carved-out book—acquired by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).

But, years ago, Sherman thought she’d be a painter, not a jewelry designer—“perhaps the naïve default idea of what being an artist meant to students from my socio-economic background,” she says. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Temple University in painting and metals, figuring jewelry design would pay the bills and support her painting

Jennifer Will / J.W. Metal Art (etsy.com/shop/JWMetalArts): As a kid, Jennifer Will spent rainy afternoons “ransacking” her mom’s jewelry chest and, in better weather, roaming the woods behind her house or combing the beach for rocks and shells that she’d shine up in a rock tumbler.

“As I got older, I developed an insatiable fascination with geology, science, art and design,” she says. After earning a degree in fine arts and photography, she shifted her focus to jewelry, completing the graduate jeweler program at the Gemological Institute of America

“habit.” But, jewelry won out, and Sherman went on to earn a graduate degree at the Munich Academy of Fine Arts in Germany.

“True Happiness” is from her FTDs series of brooches, “hybrid abstractions of traditional flower corsages and medicinal herbs,” as she describes it.

The series’ name plays on two meanings of FTD: Most recognizable is the flower-delivery company, but in the psychiatric world, FTD stands for formal thought disorder—disorganized thinking that manifests as disordered speech—“all the more apropos of the botanical inspirations of aphrodisiacs and psychotropic plants” in the series, she says.

As for her work becoming part of LACMA’s permanent collection: “I relocated to the West Coast seven years ago for my current teaching position at SDSU, and I am still acclimating!” Sherman says. “So having a piece acquired by LACMA actually made me feel more at home— some sense of being represented in a public collection as a San Diego resident and participating in the regional scene.”

Michell Galindo / Gala is Love

(galaislove.com): Galindo, a Tijuana native, says jewelry making started as a hobby, after her mom gave her a piece of pink quartz as a Valentine’s Day gift.

“I started playing with it with a metal hanger for clothes, and I made a big and bold ring that caught the attention of everybody every time I wore it,” she says. In 2003, she left her 9-to-5 corporate job in Tijuana to pursue jewelry design full-time.

Galindo (whose Instagram feed, instagram.com/galais loveis, is an eye-candy collection of her designs and inspiration) says this earcuff was inspired by a fern at the entrance to her mom’s house. “She always says, ‘Ferns welcome

good luck.’” She named the piece after her mom, Gloria.

Galindo has showrooms in Tijuana and Mexico City, and her designs have been featured in the Mexican editions of Vogue, Elle and Nylon. Given her place in the international scene, we asked her who she’s looking to these days for inspiration.

She’s digging the work of Parisian designer Gaia Repossi (repossi.com) and the refined whimsy of Haim Medine (khaikhaijewelry.com).

Adorning

art

Four local jewelry designers whose work we dig

by Kelly Davis There’s perhaps no other type of art that’s as interactive as jewelry. Not only do we physically interact with it—we put it on our own bodies, sometimes on other people’s—but it’s often the first thing we’ll notice about a person. Here are four designers whose work catches our eye. in Carlsbad.

The earrings shown here, from her Meet the Ancients line, were inspired by an exhibition of Ancient Egyptian jewelry at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. “I was fascinated with the precision, attention to detail and use of gold and beads on display,” Will says. “I specifically recall the gold was a glowing golden-yellow, and it just kind of stuck with me.”

When she returned to San Diego, she purchased some ancient stones but wasn’t initially sure what to do with them.

“I sat at my bench practically all day spacing out on these beads, and the ideas began to take form,” she says.

“Within a short time, I knew I wanted to draw upon and accentuate the beads and beautiful shapes of the ancient world and showcase the natural beauty of yellow gold with a modern-minimalist interpretation.”

Amanda Packer

(amandapacker.com): As an undergrad at Rhode Island College, Packer took a jewelry-design class and fell in love with the trade. In 2013, she earned her master’s degree in jewelry and metalwork at SDSU and was given a Lydon Emerging Artists Program award from the Society of Arts and Crafts in Pittsburgh and a Graduate Prize from Gallery Marzee in the Netherlands, where some of her pieces are currently on display.

Packer says her work’s inspired by autobiographical memory—“our relationship with our past and the people, places and moments that construct our identity.” This necklace was one of the first pieces she created for her thesis. “It’s a pendant that hangs low and can be clasped in your hands while worn,” she says. “The

entire piece—including the chain, was created by hand and the pendant, which is formed in metal—is finished with glass enamel fired over the surface.”

A lot of Packer’s work is unconventional, leaning more toward art than, as she puts it, “what people typically understand to be wearable jewelry.

“I enjoy making work in both respects,” she says—“making more conceptual oneoff work, as well as less-involved, smaller-production pieces.”

Write to kellyd@sdcitybeat.com and editor@sdcitybeat.com.

January 15, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 25

Building

Joshua Emerson Smith

community

Hector Perez, in front of his live-work apartment complex, La Esquina

26 · San Diego CityBeat · January 15, 2014

Architect Hector Perez prioritizes people over profit

by Joshua Emerson Smith Form fits function with local architect Hector Perez’s live-work apartment complex in Barrio Logan. The project—known as La Esquina (The Corner)—feels hip with clean, modern lines and practical, minimalist interiors. However, the striking thing about Perez’s design is only partly about its aesthetics and utilitarian construction.

Completed in November 2012, the building’s main function has been to promote community, says Perez, who’s also the owner-operator. With studios going for about $1,000 a month, he says, he intentionally keeps the rents affordable for creative types, especially those affiliated with the nearby Woodbury School of Architecture where he teaches.

“The whole project, the coolest thing for me is it’s like a little community of creative types,” the 53-year-old Guadalajara native says. “These are not your typical one-bedroom, two-bedroom arrangements that most people would care to rent. These are open spaces for people to inhabit and make their own.”

As a result, the 4,000-square-foot, twostory structure, built on a long-vacant lot at the corner of Logan Avenue and Sampson Street, teems with energy. Several families inhabit the three, larger upper units while

the four ground-floor, live-work units house architecture students, teachers and practicing designers.

The building’s community is “inspiring,” says apartment resident Patrick Shields, a 35-year-old professor of design communications at Woodbury. “It feels vibrant.”

At the same time, the units’ no-frills design is liberating, Shields adds. “It’s like a platform for you to come in. It has the essentials, and from there you can grow.”

The community could be about to get a lot bigger. Along Logan Avenue between Sampson and 26th streets, there are eight more similar projects planned by local architects.

Originally, the individuals involved purchased the land with the idea of designing the Woodbury School of Architecture’s San Diego campus, which now sits four blocks away on Main Street.

“The idea was that we would buy these nine lots, and on the ground floor of each one of those lots, we would design what would be the school, and then on the second floor, we would have student housing,” Perez says. “That possibility did not pan out. Financing did not pan out” However, everyone remained dedicated to “improving the neighborhood,” he adds. “So, at the end, we ended up, each

of us, taking our own lot and developing a project on it. So, I’m the first one to build the project.”

On the immediately adjacent parcels, Robin Brisbois and Joe Cordelle have plans for two projects that would share with La Esquina a parking lot, which is also being imagined as a potential event space.

At the south end of the block, Ted Smith, Lloyd Russell and Teddy Cruz have projects. Across the street where Logan Avenue dead ends into the freeway, parcels are owned by Catherine Herbst and Todd Rinehart, as well as the architect of the new San Diego Public Library in East Village, Rob Quigley.

Through slow growth, the wider project aims to integrate the college into the neighborhood, Perez says.

“There is a direct correlation between the school and here, and that’s by design,” he says. “There was always a vision to have this kind of community to be part of what we build here, and, I guess it’s coming true.”

The community has embraced the building, says Jesus Fernando Limon, 37, who graduated from Woodbury and now runs his company, Prismatica, out of one of the ground-floor live-work spaces.

“People ask me, ‘Are there spaces available? How much is the rent?’” he says. “If you haven’t noticed, there’s no graffiti on the side of the building. People respect it.

It’s kind of unique.

“It’s not like when a developer comes in and you get all these people that don’t

A drawing of the La Esquina apartment complex

A model of La Esquina

belong in the neighborhood or don’t adapt to the neighborhood,” he adds. “This blends in.”

The eight-unit building, which includes a ground-floor commercial space currently being used as an art studio, can be seen from Interstate 5 and is easily recognized by the 3-D mural of Cesar Chavez on the side of the building.

With the character of Barrio Logan potentially fast changing, San Diego’s architecture scene seems to be joining several high-profile artist studios in the neighborhood. However, Perez may have given the city a model for how to let that happen without displacing long-time residents or the area’s cultural heritage.

Write to joshuas@sdcitybeat.com and editor@sdcitybeat.com.

La Esquina complete

January 15, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 27

Rome, open city Paolo Sorrentino’s urban carnival of contradiction

by Glenn Heath Jr. Tears inspire laughter. Public Botox sessions are conducted in ornate parlors.

Orange groves rest comfortably on urban balconies. A child’s rage and artistic expression is commodified in front of an adoring crowd. Ceilings morph into oceans.

Paolo Sorrentino’s absurd and contradictory version of modern Rome, as enviToni Servillo, nearly suffocating in self-reflection sioned in his pristine new film, The Great Beauty, is truly a topsy-turvy carnival. When they searching for epiphany. Instead, he finds solace. aren’t dancing like wild animals to techno music or The Great Beauty’s sometimes disjointed narraspewing gossip, Italy’s wealthy denizens are often tive stems from its wildly surreal view of passing stuck in a statuesque freeze surrounded by stoic pos- time and resistance to traditional narrative forms. ing statues. It’s as if their own peacocking has done Jep’s trek through Rome’s streets, ruins and beyond history’s job, cementing them in outlandish shallow- are meant to be gap-riddled, split by sudden bursts ness for all to see. of joy and doubt. Sorrentino asks a lot of his viewer; Yet, The Great Beauty always relishes seamless like Jep, one must embrace the possibility and ridicmovement. You can see it in Sorrentino’s feath- ulousness of the moment, whether it’s understandery camera, often beckoned into the sky by a gust ing the decorum at a posh funeral or witnessing an of wind or a longing glance. It’s readily apparent incalculable magic trick involving a giraffe. in Lele Marchitelli’s swooning score, whose grand Critiques of Italy’s current political system notes help sway the film like a boat being cradled by and religious institutions can be found in the subgentle ocean waves. Style has always been essential plots of The Great Beauty. Jep’s upstairs neighbor to the Italian auteur’s filmmaking, but here it seems is a cross between an international terrorist and a at peace with the story, not at war. corrupt Italian politician, which For those willing to observe the is yet another odd paradox that The Great complexities of modern society in comes to a beautifully strange Beauty The Grand Beauty, life becomes a resolution. Even more important kind of reverse travelogue in which is the appearance of a self-serving Directed Paolo Sorrentino each gorgeous façade inspires not Cardinal (Aldo Ralli) and a worldStarring Toni Servillo, momentary awe but a journey back famous nun named Sister Maria Sabrini Ferilli Serena Grandi to one’s roots. Tenacious memories (Sonia Gessner). The former is an and Carlo Verdone are rekindled, and the past is given emblem of high society, while the Not Rated a second chance to breathe. Somelatter has dedicated her life to imtimes the pictures aren’t so pretty. poverished living.

Our guide is famed journalist and one-hit-wonder Still, the most lasting and resonant image of The novelist Jep Gambardella (Toni Servillo), who, after Great Beauty—which opens Friday, Jan. 17, at the celebrating a garish and traumatic 65th birthday, be- Ken Cinema—is of Jep overlooking the Costa Congins to see the cracks in his hollow worldview. Early cordia wreckage site. Earlier in the film, his editor on, Jep revels in the extreme indulgence of those has mentioned an assignment covering the disaster, surrounding him. But the news of a past love’s death but it’s not clear if Jep’s accepted it or if this is just prompts a philosophical crisis, sending him into a dream. Nevertheless, the massive cruise ship lies near-suffocating self-reflection. on its side, peeking out of the crystal blue MediterWe see the consequences of this shift during a ranean Sea as if it were a child’s toy momentarily love affair with an exotic dancer (Sabrina Ferilli) and adrift. Like Sorrentino’s protagonist, it’s an object lengthy dinner-party conversations with old friends. of modern capitalism partially submerged and parWhile they are resolved to a simple credo—just dance; tially revealed. it’ll be alright—Jep can no longer tolerate the social posturing that’s become his professional art form. Write to glennh@sdcitybeat.com So, he ventures out into the world, sometimes alone, and editor@sdcitybeat.com.

Beyond Oscar

This is Martin Bonner

28 · San Diego CityBeat · January 15, 2014

On Thursday, Jan. 16, the highfalutin Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences will announce the nominations for its 86th annual event. Oscar prognosticators have spent the last six months solidifying their predictions from gallons of studio hype and awards campaigning that, in the digital age, has made the en-

tire process anticlimactic.

Instead of feeding my time and energy into this meat grinder, especially so late in the game, let me shine a light on two great performances of 2013 that will most likely not be recognized by Hollywood’s official voting body. Take this as an opportunity to celebrate the subtly of their performances.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

January 15, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 29

First up is Aussie Paul Eenhoorn, who gives a reserved and humble performance in This is Martin Bonner as the titular nonprofit-group employee mentoring a recently released prisoner (the also superb Richmond Arquette).

Eenhoorn instills Martin with the kind of pragmatism and sincerity one rarely sees in movies these days. Melodramatic flare is nonexistent, replaced by a range of emotional and philosophical gradations leaked quietly to the world through something as simple as a smile.

Another brilliant example of an actor doing more with less is Andrea Riseborough’s defiant turn as an IRA operative caught between a British intelligence agent (Clive Owen) and her plotting compatriots in James Marsh’s Shadow Dancer. As the twisty narrative involving blackmail and murder tightens the vice, Riseborough’s Collette works tirelessly to hide the knot of tension that’s tearing her apart from the inside. Like Eenhoorn, Riseborough resists grandstanding but is much more keen on hiding her character’s emotions simply because her dangerous environment calls for it.

Both This is Martin Bonner and Shadow Dancer are available on DVD. Check them out and marvel at the power of a little nuance.

—Glenn Heath Jr.

Opening Devil’s Due: Newlyweds experience a lost night on their honeymoon thanks to good ol’ Lucifer, resulting in an unplanned pregnancy and a potential Antichrist scenario. Call in Father Merrin!

The Great Beauty: A disillusioned, wealthy novelist traverses modern Rome looking for epiphany in Paolo Sorrentino’s gorgeous and surreal art film, which is a testament to physical surfaces and emotional depth. Screens through Jan. 23 at the Ken Cinema. See our review on Page 28.

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit: Tom Clancy’s favorite CIA analyst turned action hero gets his very own origin story, which involves a Russian plot to take down the U.S. economy. Chris Pine assumes the role made famous by Harrison Ford and denigrated by Ben Affleck.

The Nut Job: No nuts, no glory. So goes the tagline for this animated film about an outcast park rodent who must survive the harsh realities of the city after being banished from the park. It was only a matter of time before the squirrel population was properly represented in Hollywood.

Ride Along: Has Kevin Hart fatigue set in yet? The pervasive comedian stars in this action comedy with Ice Cube playing an angry cop and his future brother-in-law out to test his masculinity.

Valentino’s Ghost: Documentary examining the ways American foreign policy in the Middle East solidifies the mainstream media’s portrayal of Arabs and Muslims. It focuses specifically on the power behind cultural images. Screens through Jan. 22 at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

30 · San Diego CityBeat · January 15, 2014

Wajma, an Afghan Love Story Wajma, an Afghan Love Story: A young couple’s relationship and cultural beliefs are tested when an unplanned pregnancy threatens their happiness. Screens through Jan. 23 at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

One Time Only John Adams: This HBO mini-series examines the life of the second president of the United States (Paul Giamatti). Episode 2 Screens at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, Episode 3 on Wednesday Jan. 22, at the Lemon Grove Library.

Take Me Home: This magical road romance is about a New York City cab driver who decides to take an attractive woman across the country in order to get her back to California. Screens at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, at the Scripps Ranch Public Library.

Old School: In an attempt to recapture the debauchery of their college days, three grown friends (Will Ferrell, Luke Wilson and Vince Vaughn) open up a new fraternity. Screens at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, at The Pearl Hotel in Point Loma.

Army of Darkness: Enjoy a delicious beer and revisit Sam Raimi’s final film in his Evil Dead trilogy with Bruce Campbell traveling back in time to battle medieval demons. Screens at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, at the Modern Times Beer tasting room in Midway.

Diego Star: ArtPower! presents this social drama about a mechanic from the Ivory Coast who’s accused of causing a nautical accident on the Canadian Saint Lawrence River. Screens at 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, at The Loft at UCSD. Come early for a delicious meal, to be served at 7 p.m.

Letts and stars Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts and Chris Cooper.

Beyond Outrage: Japanese director Takeshi Kitano returns to his genre of choice with this bloody Yakuza tale of hardboiled gangsters and corrupt cops battling for control of organized crime in Tokyo. Ends Jan. 16 at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

Her: A lonely man (Joaquin Phoenix) falls in love with his new operating system (voiced by Scarlet Johansson) in Spike Jonze’s tender and moving sci-fi romance.

The Legend of Hercules: Action director Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2: Die Harder) brings the origin story of Hercules (Kellan Lutz) to the big screen in not-so-glorious post-conversion 3-D. Lone Survivor: Four Navy SEALs are behind enemy lines in the mountains of Afghanistan, fighting an army of Taliban insurgents. It’s based on the failed Operation Red Wings of June 2005 and stars Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch and Ben Foster.

The Past: An Iranian man (Tahar Rahim) returns to Paris to finalize his divorce from his French wife (Bérénice Bejo), only to uncover a series of hidden secrets. Master dramatist Asghar Farhadi once again focuses on the devastating ramifications of past trauma.

Reaching for the Moon: Legendary American poet Elizabeth Bishop (Miranda Otto) travels to Rio de Janeiro in the 1950s, hoping to cure a case of writer’s block. There, she meets an architect (Glória Pires) and begins a volatile relationship that changes her life. Ends Jan. 16 at the Ken Cinema.

20 Feet from Stardom: Backup singers for some major stars finally get their due in this award-winning documentary.

Screens at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, at the Hervey Branch Library in Point Loma.

The Suspect: A Korean intelligence agent (Gong Yoo) is abandoned during a black-ops mission, then discovers his wife and daughter have been kidnapped, setting him on a mission of revenge. Screens at AMC Mission Valley Cinemas.

The Spectacular Now: Miles Teller plays a drunken high-school senior who romances a sweet classmate (Shailene Woodley) as he comes to grips with his uncertain future and tainted family history.

Screens at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, at the Mission Valley Public Library.

The Truth About Emanuel: Emanuel (Yaya Scodelario), a volatile young woman with a troubled past, becomes obsessed with her mysterious new neighbor (Jessica Biel), who bears an uncanny resemblance to her dead mother. Screens at Reading Gaslamp Cinemas.

Pretty Woman: Julia Roberts’ prostitute with a heart of gold gives Richard Gere’s snobby corporate viper more than he bargained for, and the rest is romantic-comedy history. Screens at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, at The Pearl Hotel in Point Loma.

Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones: A young man (Andrew Jacobs) begins experiencing strange phenomenon before realizing he’s been marked by an evil spirit. It’s the latest entry in the popular found-footage horror series.

Now Playing

For a complete listing

August: Osage County: A dysfunctional Texas family reunites when its troubled patriarch (Sam Shepard) goes missing, uncovering a barrage of dark secrets and regrets. It’s based on the play by Tracy

“F ilm S creenings” at

of movies, please see sdcit yb eat.com under the “E vents” tab.

alex

there she goz

zaragoza Women aren’t funny? Bitch, please!

“Women aren’t funny.” How many times have we the comedy club, I knew that women and minorities heard that? When I hear it now, it’s like seeing a lawould be underrepresented, but that only pushed serdisc player. I think, This still exists? me more. While I may not be able to challenge a Recently, it wasn’t some sexist dummy spewman in a having-a-penis contest, I’m positive I can ing such nonsense. It was Google. That’s right, the take on any dude in a having-balls contest. You have thing that tells you that the weird mole on your junk dick jokes? Oh, honey, your worst can’t beat the hiis probably herpes. larious, disgusting things my friends and I say while My friend Richie sent me a recent article about drinking wine in our stretch pants. an ad campaign created for U.N. Women, a United I worked on a three-minute set with the help of Nations organization dedicated to female empowermy insanely funny friend Michelle and practiced ment. Using Google’s autocomplete function (that’s repeatedly, recording myself each time to track my the thing that automatically fills in your search queimprovement. When open-mic night came, it was, ry), the ad campaign shows how gender inequality indeed, more lobster than clam, and I was probis still prevalent, despite Beyoncé’s efforts. ably one of five people of color there. I stood quietly For example, when you begin to type “Pizza in,” while the comedians one-upped each other with Google will automatically add “San Diego” based on their jokes while waiting in line to sign up. a variety of factors. The ads show women of differWe all wrote our names on tickets and placed ent racial and ethnic backgrounds with a search bar them in a bucket. Only 25 would be chosen to perdisplaying the most common Google results based form. I nervously sipped a beer surrounded by my on what people usually search for. amazingly supportive friends and boyfriend, anxHere are some of the results the ad shows, and iously waiting to hear my name. After an hour of that I got when testing it out: digging my nails into my boyfriend’s knee, the time • Women need to shut up. came. I clumsily trampled over his feet as I made • Women need to be put in their place. my way to the stage. Once I got there, I looked out to • Black women are easy. the crowd and felt a surge of electricity run through • Women aren’t funny. me, and I went for it.

Google’s autocomplete funcHere are a couple jokes from tion basically provides a snapWhile I may not be able my set, edited for space: shot of how backward the world On my unwillingness to be to challenge a man in a still is with regard to race, etha gold digger: For the most part, having-a-penis contest, nicity and women. These are the rich men are racist perverts who beepers of gender bias. Women want to do weird sex stuff. HonI’m positive I can take have come a long way, but there’s estly, there aren’t enough yachts on any dude in a still a lot of work to be done or chinchilla bikinis in the world to and a lot of assholes, both male make me feel OK with a leathery having-balls contest. and female, making the road to pervert sticking a Coke bottle up equality difficult. my butt while calling me a beaner.

So, what can I, a Mexican woman who won’t Cesar Chavez fought so I didn’t have to do that. shut up or be put in her place, do? I challenge the On compromising that stance for a guy with a archaic, sexist attitudes Google tells me are still job: With time, I realized money is an important thing common with actions. This time, I did it by attemptto consider when dating. I’m almost 30, and I want to ing stand-up comedy. be with someone who has their shit together. When I found someone who did, I was like, “Holy shit! You A huge comedy nerd, I’m often disappointed by have a job with health benefits and a 401k? Here’s 50 the lack of diversity in comedy. Just last week, Satphotos of my vagina filtered to fuck so it looks like the urday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels succumbed Virgin Mary’s pussy pre-Jesus. I am down for whatto media scrutiny and backlash from his black emever for a man that has a job. I will dress up this pussy ployees over the lack of diversity on the show and like Paul Walker and let you wreck it in your car. emergency-hired three black women to join the cast I spent that evening hearing mostly white dudes and writing team. It’s been five years since a black joke about sex, race and the like, and then I did the woman was on the show. If no one had protested, same, only I’m brown and have a uterus. Some peowho knows how much longer Michaels would have ple think “funny” shouldn’t have gender or color, gone before rectifying this gross imbalance. but I disagree. Comedy is an incredible opportuI won’t pretend that my delving into comedy nity to address issues of race, sexism and culture, was entirely an act of defiance, though (Women are especially when coming from someone directly afselfish). I’ve always wanted to do stand-up because fected by those issues. Women should not shut up; funny people, particularly women, are some of my women, black or otherwise, are not easy; women heroes, and I’m a natural-born bonehead. are definitely funny. We’ve got the dick jokes and Still, I was a nervous wreck the day before I was balls to prove it. set to take my first stab at stand-up at Downtown’s American Comedy Co. It’s no secret that comedy Write to alexz@sdcitybeat.com is a total sausage party and that, for the most part, and editor@sdcitybeat.com. those sausages are white. Even before walking up to

January 15, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 31

All you need is lava Justin Vernon shows his adventurous side in Volcano Choir

by Jeff Terich If you’ve listened to any indie music in the last five years, there’s a good chance you heard something made by Justin Vernon. The Eau Claire, Wisc., musician is best known as the singer / songwriter behind Bon Iver, a former solo project that achieved widespread acclaim on the back of a series of hushed ballads and an oft-repeated story about recording his 2008 debut, For Emma, Forever Ago, in a cabin in the woods.

Since then, he’s shown up just about everywhere, making vocal appearances on just about every release affiliated with Minnesota’s Doomtree collective, singing backup on The National’s High Violet, doing his best black-metal croak on Colin Stetson’s New History Warfare Vol. 3 and bleating through an Auto-Tune filter on the last two Kanye West albums.

Oh, and his 2011 album Bon Iver, Bon Iver earned Vernon two Grammys—one for Best New Artist and one for Best Alternative Album.

However, the precise moment when Vernon reached pop-culture critical mass was last Feb. 18. In a Saturday Night Live sketch, Justin Timberlake impersonated the singer, crooning a lullaby to Blue Ivy Carter that puts himself to sleep. Hilarity aside, I can’t help but agree with the kernel of truth behind the joke: Bon Iver’s music is pretty boring. It’s sometimes delicate, sometimes lush and often very pretty, but even at its most gorgeous, it feels inert.

And on Bon Iver, Bon Iver in particular, Vernon’s compositions sound like nothing so much as a contemporary, Urban Outfitters-outfitted equivalent of Bruce Hornsby-style soft-rock (see: “Beth / Rest”). I’ll admit that the one time I saw Bon Iver live in an opening slot before Phosphorescent in 2008, at The Che Café of all places, Vernon and his backing musicians put on a surprisingly powerful show— at one poignant moment literally leaving the room speechless with his unmic’d vocals. The problem is that I’ve yet to hear a studio recording that comes close to capturing the beauty and intimacy of that performance.

Vernon’s other band, Volcano Choir—who’ll play House of Blues on Sunday, Jan. 19—is an entirely different story. A collaboration between Vernon and members of post-rock band Collections of Colonies of Bees, Volcano Choir is less about gentle, stripped-down melodies and more about texture and momentum. Their music is hypnotic rather than sleepy, more disorienting than comfortable. And what they partly sacrifice in accessibility, they more than make

32 · San Diego CityBeat · January 15, 2014

up for with intricate songs and arrangements that reveal something new and more compelling with each listen. On their 2009 debut, Unmap, and standout track “Island, IS” in particular, there’s a lot going on: finger-tapped guitar riffs, numerous electronic loops and brushed drum beats, all of which provide a more interesting, slightly eerier context for Vernon’s own reverb-laden falsetto.

The band’s second album, Repave, released in September via Jagjaguwar, is an extension of the ideas explored on Unmap, but with some of the mathematical complexity of its predecessor swapped out for a more immediate approach.

In the first minute of opening power ballad “Tiderays,” there’s a sense that Vernon & Co. could easily backslide into the comfortable territory of Bon Iver. But out comes a thunderous boom of electric guitar, a strange backing texture of Auto-Tuned vocals and an eruption of pomp and drama that its hushed openings barely even hint at. Volcano Choir aren’t just pursuing subtly seductive grooves or nimble instrumentation; now, they kinda-sorta rock.

It’s a beautiful thing, really. While Volcano Choir achieve a kind of stadium-rock dazzle through subtle means, they still manage to stack up a long list of jawdropping moments of musical drama throughout Repave.

There’s the choral eruption that happens 85 seconds into “Comrade,” the ascending electric-guitar riffs that open “Byegone” and the group vocal chants during the chorus

of “Acetate.” It’s not as if anyone will mistake this record for Back in Black, or, for that matter, anything by Vernon’s other other band, the bluesy, schlocky Shouting Matches.

But it’s clear from the sound of Repave that this is more about a dynamic group of musicians creating music than, as Vernon put it in a Pitchfork interview last year, “a whining guy with a guitar.”

So, about that whining guy with a guitar: Given the amount of acclaim that Vernon has earned via his work as Bon Iver, clearly I’m an outlier for not being moved by his pastoral lullabies. And that’s fine. I certainly understand the appeal—it’s pretty music, sometimes made with luxurious arrangements, by a musician with an interesting backstory. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that Vernon comes across as a genuinely humble person without much pretense. (How often do you get to say that about somebody on Kanye West’s speed dial?)

To put it in more diplomatic terms, it’s not that I’m antiBon Iver; it’s that I’m pro-Volcano Choir. Bon Iver is the crowd-pleaser—the unlikely hit-maker. And if the success of that project is ultimately what leads to Vernon’s capacity to take more risks with his music, then that can’t be a bad thing. Because if Volcano Choir proves anything, it’s that Vernon is capable of something much more exciting.

Write to jefft@sdcitybeat.com or editor@sdcitybeat.com.

Cameron Wittig

notes from the smoking patio Jeff Terich

Locals Only The City Heights rock venue located 3519 El Cajon Blvd. is changing hands again. The Void held its last show—an alt-lit reading called Now That’s What I Call Poetry—on Dec. 16 and then quietly closed up shop, just shy of one year after changing from Eleven last January.

However, a few calendar items appeared in the last week on the websites of both The Casbah and Soda Bar for shows taking place at a bar called The Hideout, which has the same address as The Void.

And a private Facebook page is now up at facebook. com/thehideoutsd. Shows booked at The Hideout so far are Warm Soda on March 6, The Casket Girls on March 7 and Solids on March 9.

Details about The Hideout are still pretty thin.

The Void’s owner, Alex Kacha, confirmed via Facebook message that the club has been sold to “investors” who are planning to remodel the space.

However, under terms of the sale, Kacha wouldn’t disclose who purchased the club or any details about its future. CityBeat reached out to Hideout manager Allen Colaneri but wasn’t able to get in touch with him by press time. Casbah owner Tim Mays says that after the first few shows, The Hideout won’t regularly feature live music.

The club has turned over numerous times. Before it was Eleven, it was Radio Room. Before that, it was The Zombie Lounge.

The Void March. It’ll be the band’s first vinyl release.

Frontman Dan Faughnder says the label initially contacted him about releasing their 15-song Not The Beatles Yet compilation, but he countered their offer with a whole new set of music.

Not The Beatles Yet “isn’t even a real album,” Faughnder says. “So I told them I was done recording songs for our new album, and why not put that out instead?”

Faughnder also says the new album is “more fleshed-out, instrumentally” than the group’s previFolk-punks Sledding with Tigers have announced ously released EPs. that they’ll release their debut full-length album, A —Jeff Terich Necessary Bummer, via Boston’s Antique Records in

•••

Music review Sleep Lady Central Valley (Self-released) Everything Sleep Lady does is epic. The San Diego post-rock outfit specializes in big, sweeping sounds, providing dramatic crescendos à la Mogwai and erupting into colossal climaxes in the fashion of Isis. Whether building tension through quiet passages or exploding with heaps of distortion, Sleep Lady packs one hell of a punch.

Yet, the 18-minute running time of new EP Central Valley might give listeners the false impression that they’re scaling back. In fact, the opposite is true: “Central Valley” is one, uninterrupted, 18-minute track, showcasing all of Sleep Lady’s grandeur and musical theatrics in one king-size song.

And a damn fine song it is, if something of this scope can be reduced to that term. In true post-rock fashion, it follows a familiar quiet-loud-quiet-loud dynamic. But “Central Valley” is by no means predictable, and even when pursuing a signature postrock approach, it has its share of thrills to spare.

From the get-go, the tension begins to rise, with a momentum-building drum beat that seems ready to detonate at any moment.

The moment of action arrives at 3:06, when guitarists Michael Hayden and Mario Quintero swap booming, thunderous riffs. And were “Central Valley” to end immediately after this early cli-

Sleep Lady max, it would still be a triumph—the kind of music meant to soundtrack marathons or ascents to Valhalla. This is truly heroic music. But music this heroic often doesn’t stop short, and in its second act, it transitions to a more atmospheric, Godspeed You! Black Emperor-like ambience.

This is only a prelude to an even louder, sludgier crunch around the 11-minute mark, making a clean break from a gentle instrumental into a booming roar of metal and then closing out as a lullaby. “Central Valley” could have very well been split up into three separate tracks, yet if it were, it would lose much of its power and emotional weight. Sleep Lady didn’t hold back on this one.

—Jeff Terich Write to jefft@sdcitybeat.com and editor@sdcitybeat.com.

January 15, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 33

if i were u

BY Jeff Terich Ben Rayner

Wednesday, Jan. 15 PLAN A: Diamond Lakes, The Nformals, West Beast, Dead Satellites @ Soda Bar. Diamond Lakes describe themselves as “loud power pop” on their Facebook page, which is a pretty accurate description. They’re a noisy, grungy, hard-rocking group, but they don’t skimp on melody. I hear a little bit of Dinosaur Jr. and late-’90s Guided by Voices in their sound, both of which get a big thumbs up from this guy.

Thursday, Jan. 16 PLAN A: Crooks on Tape @ Soda Bar. Comprising members of Enon and Skeleton Key, Crooks on Tape is just as weird and twitchy as their personnel would suggest. That’s a good thing, of course—new album Fingerprint is full of synth-laden, oddball gems, as catchy as they are disorienting. This should be a fun one. PLAN B: Hounds of Hate, Sleep Walk, Bay of Pigs @ The Che Café. I never really got into the straight-edge thing. Even before I was of legal drinking age, and despite the fact that I can appreciate a good Minor Threat throwdown, it seemed unusually conservative and not very fun for punk rock. But there are exceptions: Hardcore group Hounds of Hate is, indeed, pretty fun—and heavy as fuck. You can’t drink at the Che anyway, so you might as well be intoxicated by riffs.

BACKUP PLAN: Grand Tarantula, Tiny Telephones, Wild Wild Wets @ Club 207, Hard Rock Hotel.

Parquet Courts San Diego’s School of Rock has been getting more ambitious with its rock-starsin-training showcases, recently putting on a full performance of Neutral Milk Hotel’s In the Aeroplane Over the Sea. But this time around, the kids are taking on some of the best of San Diego’s musical offerings. On the syllabus are songs by Mrs. Magician, Night Marchers, The Heavy Guilt, The Album Leaf and—in what I can only imagine will be something mind-blowing—The Locust. BACKUP PLAN: Maria Taylor, PJ Bond, Mariel @ Soda Bar.

Sunday, Jan. 19

PLAN A: Volcano Choir, The Cloak Ox @ House of Blues. If you read my article about Volcano Choir on Page 32, you’ll know why I think they’re vastly more interesting than Justin Vernon’s other project, Bon Iver. They’ve got complex mathematical arrangements and hypnotic grooves, but, most importantly, they know how to rock when it counts. PLAN B: Idols Plague, Nerve Control, Bridge Jumper, Groove of Death @ Tower Bar. On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for Friday, Jan. 17 something that grabs you by the throat and PLAN A: Wild Ones @ Whistle Stop Bar. doesn’t let go until you’re just about to colPortland’s Wild Ones have a dreamy, super- lapse, check out Idols Plague, a local duo catchy, synth-laden pop sound that’s likely that pounds out some wonderfully vicious to make them big in 2014. They’re radio- crossover thrash. friendly, but with plenty of charm to spare.

PLAN B: Gungor @ House of Blues. Gungor is married couple Michael and Lisa Monday, Jan. 20 Gungor, whose Christian background and PLAN A: Weedeater, Black Cobra, Argorgeous chamber-pop arrangements draw chons, Eukaryst @ Soda Bar. I’m not craan easy comparison to Sufjan Stevens. Their zy about Weedeater—I saw them at SXSW songs aren’t quite that good, but they’re once and, as heavy as their music is, there’s definitely worth hearing. BACKUP PLAN: not a whole lot happening. I am, however, Travesura, Fine Minds, Northern Tigers pretty enthusiastic about Black Cobra, who deliver some impressively dense sludge for @ Til-Two Club. just two guys. Get there a little early for Archons and Eukaryst to hear how San Diego Saturday, Jan. 18 does metal.

PLAN A: Parquet Courts, Destruction Unit, Grand Tarantula, Shiva Trash @ The Che Cafe. Parquet Courts made a big Tuesday, Jan. 21 impression last year with their album Light PLAN A: D.P.I., The Touchies, Sculpins Up Gold, which found the New York group @ The Casbah. D.P.I. stands for “Drunkin injecting taut, catchy, post-punk jangle Punkin Idiots,” and that gives you a pretty full of philosophical musings and stoned, good idea of what you’re in for at one of stream-of-consciousness lyrics. It’s not their shows: messy, chaotic and boozeoverly elaborate or fussy, but damn is it drenched punk rock. Get an early start on good. PLAN B: San Diego School of Rock countering your mid-week lull with this perform San Diego’s Hits @ The Irenic. sure-to-be-rowdy show.

34 · San Diego CityBeat · January 15, 2014

HOT! NEW! FRESH! Seasick Steve (BUT, 2/10), Pontiak (Tower Bar, 2/11), Yuna (Casbah, 2/19), Warm Soda (Hideout, 3/6), Solids (Hideout, 3/9), El Ten Eleven (BUT, 3/13), Perfect Pussy (Che Café, 3/18), The Toadies (BUT, 3/20), The Orwells (Casbah, 3/21), Kings of Leon (Sleep Train Amphitheatre, 3/22), Delta Rae (BUT, 3/25), The Men (Casbah, 4/23).

CANCELLED Slaughter and The Dogs (Soda Bar, 2/28 – rescheduled to 9/12).

GET YER TICKETS

Sunday, Jan. 26 Mutual Benefit at Soda Bar. Hot Tuna at Belly Up Tavern.

Wednesday, Jan. 29 OFF! at The Casbah. Reggie and The Full Effect at The Irenic.

Thursday, Jan. 30 The Blasters at Soda Bar. Mayer Hawthorne at House of Blues. Wild Cub at The Loft. The Menzingers at The Che Café.

February Saturday, Feb. 1 Cate LeBon at Soda Bar. Ash at The Casbah. Futurebirds at The Griffin. Guttermouth at Brick by Brick.

Sunday, Feb. 2 Yuck at The Casbah. Japanther at Soda Bar.

Monday, Feb. 3 Into It. Over It. at The Che Café.

Friday, Jan. 31 DJ Z-Trip at Belly Up Tavern. MXPX at The Irenic. Frankie Rose at Soda Bar. Rocket From the Crypt at The Casbah.

Ab-Soul at Porter’s Pub.

Thursday, Feb. 6 Delorean at The Casbah.

Friday, Feb. 7 A Minor Forest at The Casbah. Ramon Alaya at House of Blues.

Saturday, Feb. 8 Ras Kass at Porter’s Pub. Oneohtrix Point Never at The Irenic.

710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave, Pa-

rCLUBSr cific Beach. 710bc.com. Wed: Open mic, open jam. Thu: Eddie Blunt and High Tide, So-Cal Vibes. Fri: Casey Turner (5 p.m.); Morning Glory, Zoo2 (9 p.m.). Sat:

Reeform, True Press, White Glove Service.

Tue: ‘710 Bass Club’.

98 Bottles, 2400 Kettner Blvd. Ste. 110, Little Italy. 98bottlessd.com. Thu: Jaime Valle Latin Jazz Quartet. Fri: The BS Duo. Sat: Darryl F. Walker. Sun: Steph Johnson.

Air Conditioned Lounge, 4673 30th St, Normal Heights. airconditionedbar.com.

Wed: ‘Owe the Nightlife’ w/ DJs D.L.O.D., Swine, KC3PO, Lockjah. Thu: DJs Bala, Ledher 10, Impera. Fri: DJ Junior the DiscoPunk. Sat: ‘Juicy’ w/ Mike Czech.

American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Ave, Downtown. americancomedyco.com.

Wed: ‘Laugh Attack’. Thu-Sat: John Caparulo. Sun: ‘Full Throttle Comedy’. Tue:

CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

Skinny Puppy (HOB, 1/25), Ab-Soul (Porter’s Pub, 1/31), Oneohtrix Point Never (The Irenic, 2/8), Young The Giant (SOMA, 2/9), Brandon Boyd and Sons of the Sea (HOB, 2/11), Los Lobos (BUT, 2/13), Touche Amore (Epicentre, 2/13), New Politics (HOB, 2/17), Marissa Nadler (Soda Bar, 2/23), The Wailers (BUT, 3/2), Gary Numan (BUT, 3/5), The Ataris (HOB, 3/7), St. Vincent (HOB, 3/19), G. Love and Special Sauce (HOB, 3/21), Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings (HOB, 3/22), Xiu Xiu (Soda Bar, 3/25), Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks (Casbah, 3/29), Cut Copy (HOB, 4/2), Tiger Army (HOB, 4/16).

January Wednesday, Jan. 15 Martha Davis and The Motels at Belly Up Tavern. Switchfoot at The Casbah.

Thursday, Jan. 16 X at The Casbah. Crooks on Tape at Soda Bar.

Friday, Jan. 17 Johnette Napolitano at The Griffin. Gungor at House of Blues. The Penetrators at The Casbah.

Saturday, Jan. 18 Parquet Courts at Che Café. Buck O Nine at The Casbah.

Sunday, Jan. 19 Volcano Choir at House of Blues

Monday, Jan. 20 Weedeater at Soda Bar.

Tuesday, Jan. 21 3 Doors Down at House of Blues

Wednesday, Jan. 22 Mint Condition at Jacobs Center. Dent May at Soda Bar. Mr. Tube and the Flying Objects at The Casbah.

Thursday, Jan. 23 The White Buffalo at Belly Up Tavern.

Kisses at Soda Bar. Sound Tribe Sector 9 at House of Blues.

Friday, Jan. 24 Creedle at The Casbah. Pure Bathing Culture at Soda Bar.

Saturday, Jan. 25 Smile at The Casbah. Wooden Shjips at Soda Bar. Skinny Puppy at House of Blues. Islands at The Griffin. Bl’ast! at Brick by Brick.

January 15, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 35

Open mic.

Bang Bang, 526 Market St, Downtown. facebook.com/BangBangSanDiego. Fri: Amtrac, Burn Unit. Sat: Bixel Boys, Shae B. Bar Pink, 3829 30th St, North Park. barpink.com. Wed: Stevie and the HiStax. Thu: Kelly Schroeder. Fri: Maria Del Pilar. Sat: ‘Neon Beat’. Sun: City Mouse, Hunky Newcomers, Rebels and Traitors.

Mon: The Husky Boy All-Stars.

Bassmnt, 919 Fourth Ave, Downtown. bassmntsd.com. Thu: Cosmic Gate. Fri: Eric D Lux. Sat: Sultan and Ned Shepard.

Beaumont’s, 5662 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla. brocktonvilla.com/beaumonts.html.

Thu: Aquile. Fri: Scratch. Sat: BR Funk.

Sun: Kayla Hope.

Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave, Solana Beach. bellyup.com. Wed: Martha Davis and The Motels, Allison Iraheta, Halo Circus. Thu: Vonda Shepard, Dawn Mitschele. Fri: Giant Guerilla Dub Squad, The Simpkin Project, The Expanders. Sat: Wayward Sons, Way Cool Jr. Sun: Kelley James, Ed Roland.

Bluefoot Bar & Lounge, 3404 30th St, North Park. bluefootsd.com. Thu: DJ Peso. Fri: Mike Delgado. Sat: ‘Over Easy’ w/ Viruss. Sun: ‘Spinning Plates’ w/ Grassy Noll, Iggy. Tue: ‘Awesome’ w/ Sorry Shark, Bruin Jams.

Boar Cross’n, 390 Grand Ave, Carlsbad. boarcrossn.net. Thu: Ease Up, Lions Roar. Fri: ‘Club Musae’. Sat: Kelly Schroeder.

Bourbon Street, 4612 Park Blvd, University Heights. bourbonstreetsd.com. Wed: ‘Awe Snap! I Love the 90s’ w/ VJ K-Swift.

Fri: ‘Go-Go Fridays’ w/ VJ K-Swift. Sun: ‘Soiree’. Tue: Open mic karaoke.

36 · San Diego CityBeat · January 15, 2014

Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave, Bay Park. brickbybrick.com. Thu: Black Witch Pudding, Surf Farmer. Fri: Shaughnessy, Jason Lee. Sat: Back From Ashes, Malaki, Nothing Haunts Me, Circle 7. Sun: Callow, The Gift Machine, Karl Blue. Tue: The Aristocrats, Points North, The Travis Larson Band, Groobop.

Comedy Palace, 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Clairemont. thecomedypalace.com.

Fri-Sat: Mike Baldwin.

Comedy Store, 916 Pearl St, La Jolla. lajolla.thecomedystore.com. Thu: Ari Shaffir. Fri-Sat: Michael Kosta.

Dirk’s Nightclub, 7662 Broadway, Lemon Grove. dirksniteclub.com. Fri-Sat: FX5.

Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay. dizzyssandiego.com. Fri: Tim Lin. Sun: Charlie Chavez and Afrotruko.

El Dorado Bar, 1030 Broadway, Downtown. eldoradobar.com. Wed: ‘Tighten Up’. Thu: Marsellus Wallace. Fri: ‘Hickies and Dryhumps’. Sat: ‘Good and Plenty’.

Epicentre, 8450 Mira Mesa Blvd, Mira Mesa. epicentreconcerts.org. Fri: Falkon Klan, TAC XII, David Ringgold, Flatline, arokstar. Sat: Avalon Young, Waking In Sonata, Wind In Sails, Just My Luck, Jake Long, Trash Attorney, Ana. F6ix, 526 F St., Downtown, Downtown. f6ixsd.com. Fri: DJ Fingaz. Sat: DJ Kaos.

Sun: ‘RBS’.

Fluxx, 500 Fourth Ave, Downtown. fluxxsd.com. Thu: Craze. Fri: DJ Karma. Sat: DJ Ikon. Sun: Juicy J. Gallagher’s, 5040 Newport Ave, Ocean Beach. 619-222-5303. Wed: Smokey Hoof, Melty Brains, Lord Bishop. Thu: Roots Covenant, DJ Reefah, TRC Soundsystem. Fri: Whiskey Avengers, DJ R2.

Sat: The Wasten, DJ Chelu. Tue: Matt Owen, Eclectic Tuba.

Hard Rock Hotel, 207 Fifth Ave, Downtown. hardrockhotelsd.com. Thu: Grand Tarantula, Tiny Telephones, Wild Wild Wets. Fri: Mr. Brown, Soulman. Sat: Delachapelle and Lavelle. Sun: ‘Sunday School’ w/ Sid Vicious, DJ Kurch.

Henry’s Pub, 618 Fifth Ave, Downtown. henryspub.com. Wed: Johnny Tarr, DJ Christopher London. Thu: Mark Fisher, DJ Yodah. Fri: DJs Rev, Yodah. Sat: DJs E, Yodah. Mon: DJs Yodah, Joey Jimenez, Johnny Tarr.

House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave, Downtown. houseofblues.com/sandiego. Fri: Gungor. Sat: Led Zepagain, Bonfire.

Sun: Volcano Choir, The Cloak Ox. Tue: 3 Doors Down.

Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner Blvd, Midtown. kavalounge.com. Wed: ‘Future Wednesday’. Fri: ‘Junglist Friday’. Sat: ‘Dragon Lounge’ w/ Mikhal, DJ Arkon, Otter, Wolfgang Von Cope.

Kensington Club, 4079 Adams Ave, Kensington. 619-284-2848. Sat: Sculpins, Nuclear Tomorrow, Bat Lords, Scatter Bombs.

Mc P’s Irish Pub, 1107 Orange Ave, Coronado. mcpspub.com. Wed: Goodal Boys. Thu: Northstar. Fri: Upshots. Sat: Pat Ellis and Blue Frog Band. Tue: Glen Smith.

Numbers, 3811 Park Blvd, Hillcrest. numberssd.com. Thu: ‘Varsity’. Fri: ‘Viernes Calientes’. Sat: ‘Factory’. Sun: ‘Joe’s GameNite’.

Onyx Room / Thin, 852 Fifth Ave, Downtown. onyxroom.com. Fri: ‘Rumba Lounge’ w/ DJ Santarosa. Tue: ‘Neo Soul’.

Patricks Gaslamp, 428 F St, Downtown.

patricksii.com. Wed: Len Rainey’s Midnight Players. Thu: Bill Magee Blues Band. Fri: Trey Tosh. Sat: Mystique Element of Soul.

Sun: The TnT Band. Mon: The Groove Squad. Tue: Paddys Chicken Jam. Porter’s Pub, 9500 Gilman Dr., UCSD campus, La Jolla. porterspub.net. Fri: ‘Something Nasty’.

Rich’s, 1051 University Ave, Hillcrest. richssandiego.com. Wed: DJ Taj. Thu: ‘LEZ’. Fri: DJs Drew G, Will Z. Sat: DJ John LePage.

Riviera Supper Club, 7777 University Ave, La Mesa. rivierasupperclub.com.

Thu: Chickenbone Slim. Fri: The Midnight Pine. Sat: Bedbreakers.

Seven Grand, 3054 University Ave, North Park. sevengrandbars.com/sd.

Thu: ‘Acoustic Soul’. Fri: The Earful. Sat: Songs For People. Mon: ‘Motown Monday’ w/ DJ Artistic. Tue: DJ JoeMama.

Shakedown Bar, 3048 Midway Drive, Point Loma. theshakedownsd.com. Thu: Privatized Air, Deadend Paradox, Hocus, Raja Lyon. Fri: Nuns ‘n’ Moses. Sat: Squirrelly Arts, Ashen Earth, The Fucklordz, Ruines ov Abaddon.

Side Bar, 536 Market St, Downtown. sidebarsd.com. Fri: DJ Gabe Vega. Sat: Epic Twelve.

Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd, City Heights. sodabarmusic.com. Wed: Diamond Lakes, The Nformals, West Beast, Dead Satellites. Thu: Crooks on Tape. Fri: The Dread Crew of Oddwood, Wilderun, Unicorn Death. Sat: Maria Taylor, PJ Bond, Mariel. Sun: Austin Jenckes, Cody Beebe and the Crooks, Jesse LaMonaca.

Mon: Weedeater, Black Cobra, Archons, Eukaryst. Tue: The Lonely Wild, Nena Anderson and The Mules, Soda Pants.

SOMA, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd, Midway. somasandiego.com. Thu: Falling In Reverse, Escape The Fate, Chelsea Grin, Survive This. Fri: Stanley and The Search, Final Last Words, Fight the Future, It All Starts Here, Scarlett Avenue, Short Stories. Sat: Brave Coast, Days of Struggle, Shawshank Redeemed, Tommy Cornell and the Glass Daggers, Ramona’s Flowers.

Stage Bar & Grill, 762 Fifth Ave, Downtown. stagesaloon.com. Wed: Mark Fisher and Gaslamp Guitars. Thu: Van Roth. Fri: Disco Pimps, TEASER. Sat: Hott Mess, Setback City (7:30 p.m.); DJ Miss Dust (10:30 p.m.). Sun: Utopian Umbrella Homeless Teen Clothing Drive and Art Show. Sun: ‘Funhouse/Seismic’.

Mon: ‘Fettish Monday’. Tue: Jessica Hull, Fantino.

The Brass Rail, 3796 Fifth Ave, Hillcrest. thebrassrailsd.com. Thu: ‘Boyz Club’.

Sat: ‘Sabado en Fuego’ w/ DJs XP, KA. Mon: ‘Manic Monday’ w/ DJs Junior the DiscoPunk, XP. The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd, Midtown. casbahmusic.com. Wed: Switchfoot (sold out). Thu: X, Gary Heffern’s Blood on Fire (sold out). Fri: The Penetrators, The Loons, Sidewalk Scene, The Executives. Sat: Buck-O-Nine, Heavyweight Champions, Ottley Mercer, Secret Samurai. Sun: The Silent Comedy, The Heavy Guilt, Deadly Birds. Mon: The Silent Comedy, Family Wagon, Robert John and The Wreck. Tue: D.P.I., The Touchies, Sculpins.

The Che Cafe, UCSD campus, La Jolla. thechecafe.blogspot.com. Thu: Hounds of Hate, Sleep Walk, Bay of Pigs. Sat: Parquet Courts, Destruction Unit, Grand Tarantula. Sun: Jelly Boyz, Open Letters, Nimzo Indians. Mon: Stephen Steinbrink, Bear Creek, Sam Winslow.

The Griffin, 1310 Morena Blvd, Bay Park. thegriffinsd.com. Thu: Miner, King Washington, The Janks, The Lucky Lonely. Fri: Johnette Napolitano, Jesse LaMonaca.

Sat: Back 2 Back, Smack This, Rattz, San Diego All Star Jam Session.

The Irenic, 3090 Polk Ave, North Park.

Sat: School of Rock Presents Best of San Diego.

The Loft @ UCSD, Price Center East, La Jolla. theloft.ucsd.edu. Fri: Danny Green Quartet.

The Merrow, 1271 University Ave, Hillcrest. rubyroomsd.com. Wed: Schaffer the Darklord, Adam Warock, Tribe One, Dr. Awkward.

The Office, 3936 30th St, North Park. officebarinc.com. Wed: ‘Hump Day’ w/ DJ Ikah Love. Thu: ‘For Your Pleasure’ w/ DJ Uncle Junie. Fri: ‘After Hours’ w/ DJs Ed Roc, Ever Ed-E. Mon: ‘Dub Dynamite’ w/ DJs Rashi, Eddie Turbo.

Til-Two Club, 4746 El Cajon Blvd, City Heights. tiltwoclub.com. Fri: Travesura, Fine Minds, Northern Tigers. Sat: XL Middleton and Moniquea. Mon: The Flatliners, Sic Waiting, War Called Home, Loose Nutts.

Tin Can Ale House, 1863 Fifth Ave, Bankers Hill. thetincan1.wordpress.com.

Wed: Arms Away, The Silhouette Era, Stewardess. Thu: Roger!, Youngsville, Defero. Fri: Haymarket Squares, The Desolators. Sat: Blood Dancer, Bella Novella, Boy King. Mon: ‘Tin Can Country Club’ w/ Gary Hankins. Tue: Sinflood, Sensory Station.

Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St, Bay Park. tioleos.com. Wed: Kandu Karaoke Show.

Thu: The Fremonts. Fri: The Agents.

Sat: The Hollywood Stones. Tue: Bayou Brothers.

Tower Bar, 4757 University Ave, City Heights. thetowerbar.com. Fri: From Scars, Great Apes, Void Boys, Western Setting. Sat: The Rattle Rockin Boys, Roy Rapid and the Rhythm Rock Trio, Firecrackers, DJ Stack Aly. Sun: Idols Plague, Nerve Control, Bridge Jumper, Groove of Death.

Turquoise, 873 Turquoise St, Pacific Beach. theturquoise.com/wordpress.

Wed: Kevin and Eduardo (4 p.m.); Tomcat Courtney (7 p.m.). Thu: Talia (4 p.m.); The Jade Visions Jazz Trio (7 p.m.). Fri: Tomcat Courtney (5 p.m.); Fish Out of Water (9 p.m.). Sat: Tomcat Courtney (6:30 p.m.); Tony Lavoz and Cold Duck Trio (9 p.m.). Sun: Sounds Like Four (4 p.m.); Big Boss Bubale (7 p.m.). Mon: David Hermsen (4 p.m.); Jazz Jam with Amanda Portela (7 p.m.). Tue: Stefanie Schmitz (4 p.m.); Grupo Globo (7 p.m.).

U31, 3112 University Ave, North Park. u31bar.com. Wed: The Frights, Amerikan Bear, Grizzly Business. Thu: Beats & Brushes. Fri: Man Cat. Sat: DJ Qenoe.

West Coast Tavern, 2895 University Ave, North Park. westcoatstavern.com.

Wed: DJ Qenoe. Thu: DJ Clean Cut. Fri: DJ Fish Fonics. Sat: DJ Billy the Kid. Sun: DJ Slowhand. Tue: Mike Delgado.

Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern St, South Park. whistlestopbar.com. Thu: ‘AstroJump’ w/ Kill Quanti DJs. Fri: ‘F#ing In the Bushes’ w/ DJs Daniel Sant, Rob Moran. Sat: ‘80s vs 90s’ w/ DJs Gabe Vega, Saul. Tue: DJs Brandon Welchez, Mario Orduno.

Winstons, 1921 Bacon St, Ocean Beach. winstonsob.com. Wed: Simmer Down Riddim Section, DJ Carlos Culture. Thu: Atlantis Rizing, Sighphur One, Alowe, Unspoken. Fri: ‘Yoga Pants Dance Party’.

Sat: Turkuaz. Mon: Electric Waste Band.

Tue: Dishwalla.

January 15, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 37

Proud sponsor: Pacific Nature Tours

Ink Well Xwords by Ben Tausig

Across 1. Gives a red card, e.g.

7. Did 69 in a parking lot, say 11. Owner’s command 14. Melanite or andradite 15. Long, wet, and snakelike 16. “I am so over this ...”

17. Loose-fitting gown with a floral print, perhaps 19. Marriage announcement page word 20. Toy made out of clay, in a song 21. Initials in meaningless sex 22. Separate 26. Business card detail 28. Twelve-step program for friends and relatives 29. Bad kind of butterflies 31. Salaryman, pejoratively 32. Certain petroleum product 34. Church’s offering 39. ‘80s skate flick adjective 40. Station 42. She who shall remain nameless 45. Chinese liquor made from sorghum 47. The ___ Report 48. HVAC system device 50. Hgt. and wgt. calculation 51. Check on trade 54. Indoor gridiron org.

55. With inches to spare?

60. ___-Lo Green 61. Court order 62. “Twilight” guy Last week’s answers

63. She who shall remain nameless 64. Some male dolls 65. Sleeping sickness bug

Down 1. Monthly release 2. Shake 3. Detergent featuring 3x stain-fighting power 4. Sanjay Gupta’s channel 5. Care for 6. “Sophie’s Choice” novelist William 7. Script line 8. Went 9. Metallica’s “Nothing ___ Matters” 10. Like a poor judge of character?

11. Fudge-topped treat 12. “OK, yeah, that’s funny” 13. 1986 David Cronenberg adaptation 18. ___ Jam (label with which Justin Bieber is feuding) 22. Palindromic airline to Stockholm 23. Hype 24. Villain’s quarters 25. One or two 27. Wimp 29. Afflicted with dry skin 30. “___ will NOT be quiet” 32. Circular course 33. Season-ending knee tear site, often 35. “Party Hard” rocker 36. ___ Paulo 37. Caesar’s “And you?”

38. Linguist/leftist Chomsky 41. “Great Expectations” narrator 42. Composer of “The Well-Tempered Clavier” 43. Withdrawal toll 44. Art hanger, at times 45. Fridge decoration 46. In disagreement 48. Suspends 49. Afore 52. Piddling 53. Russian street snack 56. Be outstanding?

57. Thai temple 58. Triage areas, briefly 59. President who died two months after RMN was inaugurated

A pair of tickets for a 4.5 or 8 hour Pacific Nature Tour will be awarded weekly. Email a picture of your answers to crossword@sdcitybeat.com or fax it to 619-325-1393. Limit one win per person per 30 days.

38 · San Diego CityBeat · January 15, 2014

January 15, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 39

40 · San Diego CityBeat · January 15, 2014

January 15, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 41

42 · San Diego CityBeat · January 15, 2014

January 15, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 43