San Diego CityBeat • Mar 20, 2019

2 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MARCH 20, 2019

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UP FRONT | FROM THE EDITOR

Call out white supremacy

“Couldn’t find the words”

or many readers, it’s likely a situation that has become more and more commonplace in our daily lives. A relative, an acquaintance, even a friend says something that’s highly problematic. Rather than call them out, afraid to cause a scene, we ignore it and try to change the subject.

Some of these instances are more extreme than others. As progressives, we hang our hats on the fact that we’re more tolerant, more open to ideas even if we disagree with them.

I, for one, remember sitting around my grandmother’s dinner table and listening to my uncle rail against Muslims and people of color as every derogatory name in the book.

Rather than start a fight, I said nothing. It’s one of those memories that still keep me up at night.

For those who are reading this and don’t think white supremacist terrorism is a problem or isn’t being emboldened by the dismissive, violent and hateful words of our president, it’s time to wake up. It’s no longer acceptable to simply dismiss hateful words even if they’re masked or phrased as caveats. Here are a few examples: “I’m not racist, but _______” “I’m not saying all _____ are bad, but _______” “I don’t hate _____! I have a friend who is ____” For anyone reading this and who knows someone who is uttering phrases like this to justify their racist, homophonic and Islamaphobic ideas, it’s time to calmly and lovingly tell them that this kind of talk is unacceptable. Why calmingly and lovingly? Because as much as we hate to admit it, the ones we love today may be headed down a dangerous path tomorrow. This isn’t a fight against a foreign enemy. These are our friends, neighbors and even our family members. If we do not hold them accountable, this hateful rhetoric will only continue to manifest into more violence.

So let them know how much their words hurt. How painful it is to hear them speak from such a hateful place. Do it for the immigrant, the Muslim, the woman, the person of color, the gay, the lesbian and the transgender. Do it before the words turn into unspeakable and horrendous actions.

“

F

—Seth Combs

I

went to sleep crying and woke up without an alarm—really just startled because I knew I was going to send my girls to a school that is housed in a Mosque.”

Marwa Abdalla took breaks in between packing her girls’ lunches and combing their hair to cry. The mother of three had to put her fears aside Friday morning and dress her three daughters for school.

Last week, 50 people were killed and more than 40 were wounded at two Mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, after a gunman entered the places of worship and began shooting. The terrorist, who had expressed being motivated by President Trump and white extremist ideas, livestreamed his attack on Facebook.

This massacre has become the worst in New Zealand’s modern history, pushing the country’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, to proclaim that it had “exposed a range of weaknesses in New Zealand’s gun laws.”

For Muslim community members in San Diego, the massacre was disheartening and yet another tragedy to explain to their children.

Abdalla, a graduate student at San Diego State University, studies how parents speak to their children about their identities, racism, xenophobia and Islamophobia. But even she was left at a loss for words.

“I’ve been doing research in this area for two years and this morning I couldn’t find the words to talk to my girls,” she said.

“Sometimes we are so overcome with emotion ourselves that we can’t process events well enough to talk to our children.”

On Friday afternoon, interfaith and community advocacy group leaders gathered at the Islamic Center of San Diego to stand in solidarity with the victims and their families.

Various speakers expressed that now is the time for world leaders, politicians and the media to understand that words matter and it’s important to call out acts of white supremacy when they hurt communities.

Hundreds of people also attended a prayer vigil on Sunday with a unified message against hate and gun violence.

—Andrea Lopez-Villafaña

Write to seth.combs@sdcitybeat.com

This issue of CityBeat has March Sadness.

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MARCH 20, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 3

UP FRONT | LETTERS GET RID OF THE DOCKS Near the end of this Spin Cycle [“The dimming of Mara Elliott,” March 13] there is reference to Discover Bike (née DecoBike) and its contract with the city. As a frequent walker along the main streets of Hillcrest, Mission Hills and Bankers Hill, I have noticed, in recent weeks, one or two such bikes placed in each docking station. Day after day they remain in the same dock, apparently placed there to maintain the illusion that this is a continuing business—thus preventing the forced removal of the docking stations. I suspect the operators hope increased regulation will reduce the attractiveness of the dockless alternatives that have overtaken the docked business model. It won’t, and the failed docking stations should be removed from public rights of way.

David Cohen Hillcrest

SHORT COMMUTE IS NOT THE END-ALL, BE-ALL If you are fortunate enough to live within a reasonable walking distance from where you work, then by all means, please do avail yourself of the option, and more power to you [“Get Out of the Car,” From the Editor, March 13].

Sadly, there are many who do not have that option. Years ago, when I was still living in L.A., I had a job where I had to drive 80 miles round-trip per day to work and back, and on a

4 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MARCH 20, 2019

freeway that was always congested, crowded and moved slowly. It took a toll both on my car and on my nerves. On the upside, the pay was more than I had made at any other job and most of the people I worked with were actually kind and decent human beings (a rarity in the modern workplace in my experience).

Eventually, my spouse talked me into leaving that job to find something else that was closer to home. I did find one, and the commute was significantly shorter. That was the only good thing about that job. The owner of the business was a complete psycho, and shortly after I started working there, I learned that she had gone through six other people in the position I had in less than a year. I lasted a year there, and I can categorically say it was the worst working experience of my entire adult life! Not long after my departure, I heard that she had fired all of her other employees and went to an online-only business model.

What then is the object lesson of this?

The length of one’s commute is a consideration, but do not make that the only consideration. Consider other factors (do you like the job, do you get along well with your coworkers, etc.).

A.F. Kaplan, via sdcitybeat.com

SHIFTING OFF MEDIOCRITY? YES, PLEASE I agree completely that many restaurants in San Diego, even many of them that get

a lot of buzz, are “okay” at best [“Having Nice Things at Small Bar,” Anatomy of a Cocktail Scene, March 13]. The food scene in other comparably sized and even smaller cities is often much better. (When I lived in Wichita, KS, I was a regular at several restaurants that are better than anything I’ve had in SD.) I do see a recent trend for better and more sophisticated venues and food programs, and I hope that trend continues. But if a restaurant isn’t already quality-focused, and customers keep coming anyway, why would the possibility of a Michelin star motivate them at all? I mean, I wish it would, but I’m not hopeful.

Bill, via sdcitybeat.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS UP FRONT From the Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Letters to the Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A Side-Eye of Sanity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sordid Tales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3 4 6 8 9

FOOD & DRINK World Fare. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Final Draught. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

THINGS TO DO The Short List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Calendar of Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-15

ARTS & CULTURE

WE WANT FEEDBACK Email letters to editor Seth Combs at seth.combs@sdcitybeat.com, or mail to 3047 University Ave., Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92104. For letters to be considered for publication, you must include your first and last name and the part of town where you reside.

Note: All comments left on stories at sdcitybeat.com will also be considered for publication.

Theater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Feature: Michelin is Coming . . . . . . . . . . 17 Seen Local . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Film . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-20

MUSIC Feature: Be Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Notes From The Smoking Patio . . . . . . 22 The Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 If I Were U . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Concerts & Clubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-26

IN THE BACK Astrologically Unsound . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 CannaBitch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

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MARCH 20, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 5

ANDREA LOPEZ-VILLAFAÑA

UP FRONT | NEWS

Storage Wars, Episode 2: Broken promises After initial promises, city fails to open additional storage facilities for homeless

By Andrea Lopez-Villafaña

I

t’s been a year since Pita Verdin stood before the City Council pleading with them to vote against opening a homeless storage facility in her neighborhood.

Yet, here she was again.

“I’m glad I took the day off,” the Sherman Heights resident said while sitting in the front row of the council session last Tuesday. Like dozens of community members, Verdin opposed the storage facility because of its proximity to a school, church and homes. These days, they have become increasingly frustrated that city officials never followed through with opening more storage facilities throughout the city, despite councilmembers offering locations in their districts.

Last week the council, acting as the Housing Authority, approved the contract renewal of the Sherman Heights facility, known as the Storage Connect Center, through June 2020. This extension was

granted with the expectation that,

by June, city staff will have a plan to open another storage facility in a different district.

As opposed to last year’s tense and emotional meeting, community members were left with a sense that for once, the rest of the city might be getting it’s “fair share” of homeless services. Still, many expressed that it’s disappointing it’s taking so long.

“When you keep asking and then you come a year later and you find out, perhaps, there’s one [location] when every council said they [were] going to work on it,” Verdin said. “It’s very disappointing.”

Councilmember Vivian Moreno and Monica Montgomery were the only ones to vote no on the extension. Moreno, who represents Sherman Heights, reiterated that the location of the facility was not suitable when it was proposed a year ago. Her predecessor, David

6 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MARCH 20, 2019

Alvarez, voted no on the measure to open the facility, and Moreno says the facility remains unsuitable and could not support extending the contract another year.

“We talk about equity in this new council. The future facilities, if they ever come forward, will not be by homes and they will not be by schools, yet this facility is,” Moreno said during the meeting.

Moreno added that if the city was serious about offering services to homeless citizens, then the city needed to provide homeless storage access across the city and not just in low-to-moderate income communities.

Following the approval of the facility back in 2018, Councilmember Chris Ward issued a memorandum asking councilmembers to recommend locations in their districts for possible storage facilities.

On July 10, the Office of the Independent Budget Analyst presented proposed locations made by six councilmembers.

The proposed 10 locations included places like Golden Hall, a Mid-City Gymnasium parking lot and other city owned spaces. However, in those eight months, none of those locations had been approved.

What’s more, not all councilmembers were given feedback on the locations they proposed.

Councilmember Ward said

Storage Connect Center in Sherman Heights he saw this problem brewing as months went by and there continued to be inaction and unresponsiveness.

“It’s not easy for councilmembers to offer up our own proposed sites but when we do and there’s no response, that’s a problem,” Ward said.

Keely Halsey, chief of Homelessness Strategies and Housing Liaison, said during the council meeting that city staff had “systematically” gone through each proposal and run into various issues such as “archaeologically protected lands.” But because that information wasn’t communicated back to members of the council, they remained under the impression that the sites had not been checked at all.

In an email to CityBeat, Greg Block, Senior Press Secretary for Mayor Kevin Faulconer, wrote that city staff has been evaluating locations throughout the city for the next storage facility.

“When we are looking for a site for a storage facility we look at a number of things, including proximity to a known homeless population, proximity to transit and Cityowned versus privately-owned,” Block wrote.

To date, the Storage Connect Center has serviced more than 650 homeless citizens, and 50 individuals have found permanent housing according to Block. The cost of operating the facility through June 30, 2020, is estimated to cost $1.3 million. However, that does not include the estimated police overtime.

Verdin said that the Homeless Storage Neighborhood Advisory Committee, which meets once a month to keep open dialogue among the parties, was not notified which of those locations were under consideration.

“That was something we always asked,” Verdin said. “They always came back and said, ‘yes they are being looked at, [councilmembers] have made suggestions, and we are working on it—working on it.’”

But for Verdin, it’s disappointing that the council, from the beginning, didn’t set deadlines after

proposing their sites.

Every councilmember recognized that the city failed to bring forward a plan to open storage facilities in other districts. Councilmember Scott Sherman acknowledged that he’d previously been too “harsh” with residents a year ago, adding that the city now “owes Sherman Heights an apology.”

But it was Council President Georgette Gomez’s amendment to the motion that reassured that new facilities will happen sooner rather than later. City staff now have until June of this year to produce a plan that has been vetted by the community. If that does not happen, the contract will end on June 30, 2019 and will not be extended.

“I feel the fire lit,” said Halsey at the meeting and reassured council that staff can meet the deadline.

Gomez announced that there is a location in City Heights under consideration as a possible storage facility. Details on the building or space were not provided to CityBeat by the time this story went to print.

Some of the lessons learned through the experience of Sherman residents, property and business owners, however, will help establish how city staff moves forward with planning locations.

“Accepting comments from the process of last time, we’re being thoughtful of the placement to attempt to avoid some of the concerns that were raised in the past,” Halsey said during the meeting.

For residents though, the extension still demonstrates that the city continues to place the burden of concentrated homeless services on the community.

“Each councilmember [acknowledged] that they didn’t keep their promises, that they failed us,” said Verdin.

Verdin is hopeful that as other locations open up, the council will consider eventually closing the one in Sherman or placing it in a different location within the district.

“We have never been against homeless. We all understand this is a city issue, so we’ll do our part,” Verdin said. “But again, we keep saying fair share.”

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MARCH 20, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 7

CULTURE | VOICES

RHONDA “RO” MOORE

A SIDE-EYE OF The right dose “

I

SANITY

’m pretty sure the most effective treatment for her migraines is going to have THC in it.”

And with that comment to my mother from my neurologist, my dreams of working for the Justice Department died a swift death. I was 12 years old.

No, my mom didn’t rush out to get her kid something to put in a pipe and smoke. She sat me down and explained that I was being put on a new medication, but my doctor was concerned it wouldn’t work for very long. Turns out, my body isn’t a big fan of pharmaceuticals. If a drug has a side effect, I’m likely to make that side effect’s acquaintance before all is said and done.

On the flipside, my body processes these drugs very efficiently. Discovering that led to an eye-opening conversation about drug addiction and why I should never, ever get too comfortable with narcotic pain medication even if the doctor gave it to me.

All this shit makes treating chronic conditions tricky. Let’s just say, making sure I didn’t lose my prescriptions in high school felt like a full-time job.

My doctor brought up marijuana more often once I was in college. He wasn’t fixated, but my migraines are wicked nasty. I get prolonged blind spots across my field of vision, as well as nose bleeds and the kind of nausea that makes you want to check my chest for the birth of a queen xenomorph. My neurologist was freaked out (yes, that’s a medical term) at the thought of me more than 800 miles away with drugs that were increasingly ineffective and no back-up plan. Plus, my meds were fucking with my ability to stay mentally present in class.

But my parents lived in North Carolina. I went to school in Indiana. Medical marijuana cards weren’t even close to a thing. Plus, I didn’t need to add reasons for cops to mess with me.

This time around, when we got home, my mom pulled me to the side and said, “I don’t care if you grow it in your dorm room. Find some good quality Mary Jane when you’re at school.” After I stopped being weirded out that my mom was calling it Mary Jane and looking around to make sure my extremely up-tight father hadn’t overheard us, I told her not to worry and that it wouldn’t be an issue.

I still count this as top-10 weird-as-hell conversations I’ve had with my mom. It doesn’t crack top five because this is the woman who once called me out of nowhere to tell me she was pretty sure my Patronus (an animal guardian spell from the Harry Potter universe) was a honey badger. She hung up abruptly after telling me this.

And just in case any administrators from my un-

dergrad college happen to see this, I didn’t grow marijuana in any of your hallowed dorms. Trust me, I thought about it. A lot. But it’s freaking cold as a witch’s tit in Indiana and way too cold to be out walking around trying to find a marijuana hook-up.

The first question my mom asked me when I told her I was staying in California was, “Are you getting a medical marijuana card?” I told her no. My current medication worked well enough and it meant I didn’t need to jump though any annoying regulatory hoops when it came to getting drug tested at work. But I’m born of a stubborn wench and she asked me at least once a month for the first three years I lived here.

Truth be told, my mom never cared if I took what big pharma had to offer or went looking for alternative treatments. She also wouldn’t bat an eye if I tried to tough it out with no drugs. Still, she wanted me to know I wasn’t going to catch any shit from my family if I did decide to try something out of the norm. From the second a doctor raised the possibility of traditional treatments failing, my mom knew I would reach a point where I would eventually end up fighting with my doctor. That’s why she tried to mentally prepare me when I’d have to move on from pharmaceuticals because I had no other good options. She knew that if I thought it would be an issue with her, I’d never step one foot inside a dispensary.

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve talked about Indica and Sativa and hybrids with that insane woman. She always throws in a comment about “running it by my brother,” which is indicative of the level of cool that exists between my seriously Catholic mom and her adult children. She’s made friends with Google. No one’s safe.

Funny enough, doctors in California get real techy when you tell them you don’t want to become any more med-dependent. But I mastered bitchy before my 25th birthday so pushing back when I’d reached my limit wasn’t too difficult.

The second my pain specialist recommended a medicinal card, I laughingly agreed. I was well past putting my job first if for no other reason than the fact that I was over being on opioids for everything. Trust me, feeling numb is not a good thing. I am not someone who should be roaming free in the work place without a functional internal monologue.

These days, I’m extremely partial to CBD-based products. If you try to come between me and my gummies, or my vape pen, I’ll be in need of bail money.

But no worries, my mom’s got five on it.

The first question my mom asked me when I told her I was staying in California was, ‘are you getting a medical marijuana card?’ I told her no.

8 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MARCH 20, 2019

A Side-Eye of Sanity appears every other week.

Follow Ro Moore on Twitter at @BookBlerd.

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UP FRONT | OPINION

EDWIN DECKER

SORDID

TALES

Happy Women’s History Month, mom!

M

y mother, Suela Filomena LaGreca (“The Mother,” moving forward), was born in 1937 to Lucretia Mary Spanos and Vito Luigi LaGreca Sr., an Italian immigrant. They were devout Roman Catholics who came to the Bronx to raise hell and a couple of kids.

There was also my mom’s black sheep brother, Vito Luigi Jr., who didn’t really go off the rails until his 30s—after the first time he smoked a joint. It was then, Vito claimed, that he literally met Jesus Christ who told him to sell all his worldly possessions, buy a 60-foot schooner and deliver a crazy, drug-addled, free-love hippie cult called the Sea Hippies to the promised land. Being that the schooner was not seaworthy, they instead sold grass and played country music in a band called King Vito and the Sea Hippies to make it so. And the funniest part about King Vito is that he actually is the least interesting member of The Mother’s immediate family.

As The Mother puts it, her parents were “stern disciplinarians involved in questionable activities.”

This is her way of downplaying the fact that they were associates of the Gambino and Lucchese crime families of New York’s Italian-American Mafia. Vito Sr., for instance, was running a numbers shakedown for the Lucchese crime family out of East Harlem, while my grandmother managed a small fleet of garbage trucks under the tutelage of Jimmy “The Garbage Don” Squillante. Squillante was the undisputed king of the trash collection racket and also served as a part-time assassin for Gambino boss Albert “The Mad Hatter” Anastasia.

Jimmy Squillante, his wife, Ollie, and a smattering of other wiseguys, were frequent visitors to the LaGreca household. So much so that when Squillante was whacked on Sept. 23, 1960, Vito Jr. married the Garbage Don’s widow.

And this, dear friends, is the environment in which The Mother was raised. Of course, she is no gangster, nor does she have a gangster lean. Still, she never shed her emotional connection to those old-timey mobsters. There were countless nights where The Mother, dad and us kids would be watching any one of a thousand Cosa Nostra documentaries on TV when some underboss would pop up. This would cause The Mother to point and shout, “Oh-oh-oh, look everyone!

That’s ‘Frankie Pearl’ Federico. You shoulda seen him dance,” or something like, “That’s Carmine Avellino.

He’s a Lucchese capo. I used to babysit him!” The one that made my father snicker was when The Mother said, “That’s Annunzio Squillante. He had such a crush on me,” at which point a series of photos appeared on the screen showing the bodies Annunzio allegedly left lying around the city. My father was no doubt thinking, Well, I guess you settled then, huh?

Speaking of The Father (don’t worry dad, your

column is coming), the LaGrecas took their summers in Monroe, a small suburban town about 50 miles northwest of The Bronx. It was in Monroe, at age 15, where The Mother met The Father. And that was that!

They dated exclusively for nine years before getting married, having kids and moving to The Bronx permanently. He worked as the groundskeeper for the New York School for the Deaf in White Plains and she taught for 35 years at Cornwall Central School District—19 of which she presided over the Cornwall Central Teacher’s Association—an amazing feat considering it was an elected position.

The Mother is many things, but the word that first comes to mind is muckraker. That’s why she made such a good union president. It’s also why all her children are emotionally scarred. This is a woman who, on early Saturday mornings—while we were fast asleep with no reason to get up— would slap cold wet rags on our faces and sing, “Rise and shine and give god your glory, glory,” at the top of her lungs.

This is a woman who, after my friends and I were three hours into a game of Risk, would burst into the room, flip the board into the air and cackle like a woodland witch.

But enough of the back story and one liners. The truth is, they are only included in this column to justify its existence till I could get to the part that matters—the part where I address The Mother directly. This part here…

Mom, I just want to say I am grateful to have been raised by you (and dad). You taught me so many things.

You taught me that life isn’t fair; to take responsibility for my actions and always lock the door when playing board games. I can honestly say there is not a woman throughout all of history I would have chosen as mother over you. Not Elizabeth Cady Stanton who raised seven children while languishing to help pass the 19th amendment. Not Lou Xiaoying, an impoverished dumpster diver who adopted 30 babies she found in the trash during China’s onechild-only era of their cultural revolution. Not Hoelun (Khan)—the courageous and relentless mother of Genghis—who was widowed and subsequently banished from her clan, leaving her to forage for seven small children in the harsh, winter steppes of Mongolia. Against all odds, Mama Khan not only kept her children alive, but also helped one of them establish, and maintain, the largest contiguous land empire in history.

OK, so maybe I would have chosen Hoelun. I mean, she was pretty badass! But of all the other mothers in the world besides Hoelun, for sure I would choose you.

Happy Women’s History Month, mom—the female population is all the better because you are of it.

The Mother is many things, but the word that first comes to mind is muckraker.

That’s why she made such a good union president. It’s also why all her children are emotionally scarred.

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Sordid Tales appears every other week.

Write to edwin@sdcitybeat.com.

MARCH 20, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 9

UP FRONT | FOOD & DRINK

BY MICHAEL A. GARDINER

THE WORLD

FARE

Of astral projecting nuns, sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll

I

t’s a legend that sounds like the basis for a religion or, at the very least, a very cool rock song: an astral projecting nun, who spent her entire life in a Spanish convent, was the first to record the recipe for chili. According to the legend, native women in America’s southwest gave her the recipe.

This nun, the spiritual mother of chili, is depicted on Sister Ray’s (549 25th St., Sherman Heights) logo in bearded form, a mashup with the sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll of The Velvet Underground’s seminal song of the same name.

The place to start at Sister Ray’s is, of course, the chili. More specifically, it’s the chilidog. At one level, a chilidog’s just a wiener in a bun, topped with spicy chili. It’s not necessarily the healthiest thing in the world, but do keep in mind one dude didn’t make it out of that Velvet’s song alive. Sister Ray’s chili dog is a glorious thing in its simplicity, what with the underlying hot dog, the spicy chili and the rich, creamy explosion of dayglo yellow cheese on top. Oh, and by the way, if the meat chili is good, the vegetarian soyrizo version may be even better (after all, Velvet frontman Lou Reed was a vegetarian).

Sister Ray’s is, essentially, the result of a bromance between Tom Lodgson of The Balboa in Bankers Hill and Luigi Agostini of Pizzeria Luigi in Golden Hill and North Park. As Lodgson explained it to me, both of them had their eye on the same space for some time and when it came available, they went back and forth for a while before finally settling on grabbing the place together.

With Lodgson involved, it means the burgers are just as important to Sister Ray’s as that chilidog.

The Standard Burger is a must. It’s basically The Balboa Burger—lettuce, tomato, onion, American cheese and an aioli—with a Thousand Island dress-

10 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MARCH 20, 2019

ing-like concoction (creatively called “The Sauce”) swapped in for that aioli. I’ve previously described the Balboa Burger as “everything a hamburger should be and nothing it really doesn’t need to be” and that description is equally applicable to the Standard Burger. There’s no better burger in town.

Burgers and fries are famous friends but at Sister Ray’s, the perfect accompaniment to the Standard Burger (or The Sister’s Flat Top Burger, essentially an answer to The Friendly’s excellent flat top grill burger) is the fried pickles. The crispy richness of the exterior is marvelously balanced by the acidity of the pickles themselves. There’s something sinfully delicious about these pickles, and they’re nearly good enough to risk hellfire and damnation.

MICHAEL A. GARDINER

Standard burger at Sister Ray’s It’s been said of The Velvet Underground that they may have only sold 50 albums when they were around, but everyone who bought one went out and formed a punk band. At their core was a sense of authenticity. It’s a word I hate in connection with food but it is, perhaps, better understood as genuine passion. And it’s just that kind of passion—astral or otherwise—that’s projected in every dish at Sister Ray’s.

The World Fare appears weekly.

Write to michaelg@sdcitybeat.com.

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MARCH 20, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 11

UP FRONT | FOOD & DRINK

BY BETH DEMMON

FINAL DRAUGHT Far too Reckless

O

n March 5, Reckless Brewing Company wrote a rambling Facebook post promoting the renaming of their “Sultry Black” lager to “Black Lagers Matter,” a parody of Black Lives Matter.

The post, which also mimicked language from Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech, did not go over well. Reactions were quick and overwhelmingly negative, ranging from utter disbelief to sheer outrage.

As owner of Reckless and man behind the social media posts, Dave Hyndman is the sole person responsible for igniting the fury. Now comes the “but.”

But I’ve taken a hard look at the local beer community. We are partially at fault due to our silence and passivity through the years that allows people to think this type of behavior is permissible. We are guilty of keeping “open secrets”—whispers of harassment, stories of sexism and tales of assault simmer just below the polished surface we call “the capital of craft.” Occasionally the mob mentality outs particularly nefarious offenders. But for the most part, these normalized offenses remain unspoken and under-the-radar for a variety of reasons.

First, there’s the industry’s habitual silence on racial inequality even though many remain eager to comment on issues perceived as less sensitive (like the gender imbalance vs. actual racism). Beer Kulture addresses the concept of selective outrage in their recent (brilliant) essay about the Founders Brewing Company lawsuit.

Secondly, there are also individuals who are happy to swap stories off-the-record, but shy away from backing up their accusations publicly. For some victims, they have a desire to avoid airing personal trauma, which is completely understandable and valid.

Then there’s the selfish urge to want to be “one of the gang” within the beer community. It’s not always “cool” to call people

12 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MARCH 20, 2019

out. People don’t want to risk alienation, and thus avoid taking a stand on politically-tinged issues. I admit I’m guilty of many of these. It’s inexcusable, for myself and the rest of us.

This type of tone-deaf attempt at humor is nothing new for Reckless. After all, these are the guys behind beers with names such as “Genocide” and “Nice and Wet Oral Pleasure.” For many, it’s easier to simply roll their eyes and say things like “any publicity is good publicity” or “just ignore them.” This is exactly what’s led to people like Hyndman to wallow in avoidable ig-

One of Reckless Brewing Company’s “Black Lagers Matter” Twitter posts norance—left to believe they are honestly doing nothing wrong. In his emailed apology to newsletter subscribers, he even asks “Does being clueless make me racist?”

Yes, sometimes it does.

When I reached out to him for comment via email, Hyndman has this to say: “I made a post that I wish I never had.

Because of my lack of awareness and difficulty in understanding the way that people

feel about things I truly did not expect it to harm or offend anyone but it did in a big way. I can only apologize and admit that I made a terrible mistake but I never intended to hurt anyone’s feelings or offend them. The uproar on Facebook has been catastrophic. I have no idea how severely this will impact Reckless Brewing but I fear the worst. This is the worst day of my life.”

Brushing off years of bad taste allowed Hyndman to escalate his childish marketing ploys without consequences, leading him to spout some very real and potentially harmful thoughts. Black Lives Matter was created in response to generations of cultivated and systemic inequality that resulted in the world we live in today—one where black men, women and children are stifled, silenced and shot for simply existing. When a white man trivializes that movement’s importance under the guise of humor, it’s disgusting. Without repercussions, silence means complicity. We should all refuse to remain silent.

It’s time for the “ignore it and it’ll go away” fallacy to die once and for all. Ignoring bad behavior doesn’t lead to bad behavior fading away over time. The only thing that does go away over time is the outrage over these incidents, which is unfortunate because calling out this type of behavior seems to be the only way to make any sort of difference toward positive change.

As a beer journalist, I talk to lots of people. Nearly everyone I speak with touts San Diego as an especially woke segment of the craft beer industry. Perhaps that’s true to a point. But our collective delusions of grandeur is a façade. It allows us to believe that we’re the exception and not reflective of the community as a whole. That’s not the case.

Within days, Hyndman returned to Facebook to announce Reckless’ imminent closure. But at no point did Hyndman apologize directly to those who were offended, only that he was sorry people felt offended.

He goes on to claim: “I just cannot deal

Comments on Reckless Brewing Company’s Facebook page with this… I really just need to remove myself from the situation.”

It must be nice to have the option to remove oneself from a tense situation. People like Philando Castile, Eric Garner and Trayvon Martin didn’t have such a luxury.

It’s a shame that instead of using this fiasco as an opportunity to learn, Hyndman is instead playing the victim. Closing Reckless is a cowardly move and one that does nothing to reduce his self-described cluelessness. It’s a huge missed opportunity and a disappointing end to his part of the conversation.

Write to bethd@sdcitybeat.com or check her out on Instagram at @thedelightedbite.

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EVENTS

SHORTlist

ART

the

THREE YOU HAVE TO SEE

COORDINATED BY

SETH COMBS

CHULA VISTA

BE THE CHANGE

The Living Coast Discovery Center (1000 That personal connection is key to inspiring meanGunpowder Point Drive) has long been ingful positive change for future generations.”

In addition to the Center unveiling new animal one of San Diego County’s most underrated gems.

Located on the Sweetwater Marsh within the San ambassadors (such as a green tree boa, dart frogs, Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, the educa- panther chameleons and more), there will also be tional aquarium and zoo has always had a hands- interactive displays and nature-influenced art. In the end, the aim is to educate on approach when it comes COURTESY OF LIVING COAST DISCOVERY CENTER visitors on the small changes to helping locals become fathey can make to help a posimiliarized with local species, tive impact on the planet. as well as the dangers those “There is something for species face. everyone, from all the new That last part is what animals to the artwork from makes Living Coast’s new exlocal artists that we have inhibit, SEA the Change, all the corporated into the exhibit,” more pressing. It helps shine says Elizabeth Argyle, Direca light on critical environmentor of Education and Guest tal issues affecting the region Experience. “It all comes such as habitat destruction, ocean pollution, coral bleachSEA the Change together to tell a powerful and important story. We ing, climate change and more.

“SEA the Change really embodies the mission hope everyone will leave inspired to be the change of the Living Coast—to inspire care and exploration they wish to see in their homes, neighborhood of the living earth by connecting people with coastal and the world at large.”

The public opening of SEA the Change happens animals, plants and habitats,” says Living Coast Executive Director Ben Vallejos. “The exhibit is visual, Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24 from tactile, and touches both your heart and head. You 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the exhibit runs through Sept. look at these incredible animals and see the chal- 2. Price of admission ranges from free to $16 and lenges they face and think ‘I want to protect them.’ tickets can be bought at thelivingcoast.org.

LOGAN HEIGHTS

LA JOLLA

SWEET MEET

SPEAK UP

Barrio Logan and Logan Heights have their fair share of unique shopping destinations and markets, but the El Callejón Swap Meet is definitely one of those cool, seasonal events where folks can get a nice view of some of the great local artisans creating in the neighborhood. This month’s meet celebrates Women’s History Month with dozens of local sellers specializing in everything from furniture and apparel, to art and vinyl records. What’s more, there will be a food garden from CityBeat fave Chef Priscilla Edith Curiel of Tuétano Taqueria, as well as female-fronted bands and DJs throughout the day including Scary Pierre, The Colour Monday, Betty Bangs and more.

It happens from 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 23 at Bread & Salt (1955 Julian Ave.).

Encapsulating an emotion and giving it life through prose is no easy feat. Featured in Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, The New Yorker, Nylon and praised by Lady Gaga herself, New York City-based performer and spoken word artist Caroline Rothstein empowers and energizes audiences, encapsulating topics such as body empowerment, feminism and mental health.

Her confident presence, humorous approach and poignant oral wordplay commands attention and cultivates connectivity in the audience, pushing individuals to feel as if they are truly enough.

Rothstein performs at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 21 at the Garfield Theatre (4126 Executive Drive) at the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture. Tickets range from $15 to $18 at lfjcc.org.

RISING LIGHTHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY

HSpiele ohne Grezen/Juegos sin Fronteras/Games without Frontiers at Southwestern College Art Gallery, 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista. Works in a variety of mediums from Doris Boris Berman, Lissa Corona, and Marina Grize. The three artists’ work showcases balance between play and aggression, seriousness and satire. Opening from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 21. Free. swccd.edu HDowntown at Sundown at MCASD - Downtown, 1001 Kettner Blvd., Downtown. MCASD’s after-hours event offers free admission and guided tours of exhibitions at MCASD and the SDSU Downtown Gallery. Also includes specials at local businesses and live music. From 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 21. Free. 858454-3541, mcasd.org Sultry at Alexander Salazar Fine Art, 225 West Market St., Downtown. This exhibit features new paintings by Cassandra Schramm and Chris Smith. Opening from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 21 and Friday, March 22. Free. facebook.com/ events/421056162037225 HIntersection: A Mash-up of Urban Contemporary Art at Grossmont College, 8800 Grossmont College Drive, La Mesa. Group exhibition showcasing the local innovative urban art scene alongside live performances and video projections. Opening from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 21. Free. grossmont.edu M.C. Escher: The Art of the Woodcut at Meyer Fine Art, Inc., 2400 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy. Exhibition featuring a collection of original works including rare, original woodcuts, as well as lithographs and wood engravings. From 11 to 5 p.m. Friday, March 22 through Saturday, May 18.

Free. 619-702-7210, meyerfineartinc.com HChicana: Liberated and Empowered at La Bodega Gallery, 2196 Logan Ave., Barrio Logan. Inspired by the Chicana mujerista spirit, this gallery will showcase several artists including Ghia Dulcia Larkins, Karina Velasco, Marina Valverde and dozens more.

It will also feature music from four different DJs. Opening from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 23. Free. labodegagallery.com HVanitas at Art Produce, 3139 University Ave., North Park. Using discarded plastic as their medium, artists Siobhán Arnold and Meagan Shein will showcase their new project, which references Memento Mori and Dutch still life painting. Opening from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday March 23.

Free. artproduce.org ’80s vs. ’90s Cartoon Art Show at Subterranean Coffee Boutique, 3764 30th St., North Park. Group art exhibit that pits ’80s cartoons against ’90s cartoons in an animation battle royal presented by guest curator Jennifer Cooksey. Free. Opening from 6 to 9 p.m.

Saturday, March 23. facebook.com/ events/2468695679870839 Murals of La Jolla Walking Tour at Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. The Athenaeum will host this walking tour led by project curator Lynda Forsha. View murals by Kim MacConnel, Ryan McGinness, Kelsey Brookes and more. At 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 27. Free. 858-454-5872, ljathenaeum.org

BOOKS HScott Warren at The Book Catapult, 3010-B Juniper St., South Park. The cofounder and chief executive officer of Generation Citizen will discuss and sign his new book, Generation Citizen: The Power of Youth in Our Politics. From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 20. Free. 619795-3780, thebookcatapult.com

Scary Pierre @SDCITYBEAT

Caroline Rothstein

H = CityBeat picks

Abby Maslin at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The school teacher, speaker, and blogger on traumatic brain injury and caretaking will discuss and sign her new book, Love You Hard.

From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21. Free. warwicks.com HEric Topol at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The founder and director of Scripps Research Translational Institute will discuss and sign his new book, Deep Medicine. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 26. Free. warwicks.com Ryan Berman at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The awardwinning creative and one of San Diego’s “Top 40 Under 40” will discuss and sign his new book, Return on Courage. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 27.

Free. warwicks.com James Rollins at Mysterious Galaxy Book Store, 5943 Balboa Ave., Ste. 100, Clairemont. The bestselling author will sign and discuss his latest thriller in the Sigma Series, Crucible. At 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 27. 858-268-4747, mystgalaxy.com

DANCE University Dance Company at SDSU Dance Studio Theatre, 5500 Campanile Drive, College Area. Dance concert showcasing dynamic movement that connects performers and audiences through shared experiences and emotions. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21 through Saturday, March 23. Free. music.sdsu.edu HAlvin Ailey American Dance Theater at Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., Downtown. This performance from one of the world’s premiere dance companies will feature a different collection of repertory, and conclude with the company’s iconic masterpiece, Revelations. At 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 26 and Wednesday, March 27. $29-$99. 858-459-3728, ljms.org

FILM HSan Diego Latino Film Festival at AMC Fashion Valley, 7037 Friars Road, Mission Valley, and Digital Gym Cinema, 2921 El Cajon Blvd., North Park. The 26th annual fest will showcase Latinx documentaries, feature films, shorts and animated films from around the world. Also includes parties, food events and more. Various times. Through Sunday, March 24. $12$300. sdlatinofilm.com HSuperpower Dogs at Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park. A new IMAX movie featuring life-saving pooches from all over the world. Various times.

Through Monday, April 1. $18.85-$21.95.

619-238-1233, rhfleet.org HStuck in Tijuana at Theatre Box, 701 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp. Local filmmaker Charlie Minn will screen his timely documentary that explores the migrant crisis in Tijauna.

Various times. Friday, March 22 through Thursday, March 28. Prices vary. stuckintijuana.com Women of the Weeping River at The Lot, 2620 Truxtun Road, Liberty Station, Point Loma. A screening of the awardwinning film by Sheron Dayoc. Part of the San Diego Filipino Cinema’s Perspective Series. From 7 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 27. $10-$12. tickettailor.com/ events/sandiegofilipinocinema/239852

FOOD & DRINK HBankers Hill Art & Craft Beer Festival at The Abbey, 2825 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill. Annual festival featuring unlimited two-ounce pours from over a dozen local craft breweries, savory and sweet bites,

EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

MARCH 20, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 13

14 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MARCH 20, 2019

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EVENTS EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 pop-up art exhibits and live music. From 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 22. $25-$35. bankershillbusinessgroup.com

cert features performances from Danny Green Trio, Allison Adams Tucker’s Bossa Nova Explosion, Rebecca Kleinmann’s Intuição Verdadeira and more. From 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, March 24. $20-$25. 858270-7467, brasiljazzfesta2019.bpt.me

MUSIC

PERFORMANCE

Hot Club of Cowtown and Dustbowl Revival at California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. In celebration of the 50 year anniversary of The Band, as well as their first two albums (Music from Big Pink and The Band), folksoul band Dustbowl Revival and western jazz trio Hot Club of Cowtown join together for an evening of original music and tributes. From 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, March 21. $25-$50. artcenter.org Fourth Friday Jazz Series at La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla. Local alto saxophonist Charlie Arbelaez and his trio will pay homage to jazz icons and perform beloved classics from the Great American Songbook. At 7 p.m. Friday, March 22. $18-$25. 858459-0831 Puccini’s Glorious Mass at Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., Downtown.

Conductor Courtney Lewis makes his San Diego Symphony debut in performances of works from Haydn and Puccini. At 8 p.m. Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23. $20-$100. 619235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org HSan Diego Sings! Festival at Spreckels Organ Pavilion, 1549 El Prado, Balboa Park. Performances by 22 local choral groups, as well as a finale featuring a massed choir of 1,000 voices conducted

by Dr. Arlie Langager and accompanied by Civic Organist Raul Prieto Ramirez. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 23.

Free. choralconsortiumofsandiego.org Gustavo Romero: Two Pianos and Percussion from the 20th Century at Athenaeum Music and Arts Library, 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. The acclaimed concert pianist will be joined by fellow pianist Massimo Somenzi, as well as percussionists Gregory Cohen and Andrew Watkins, for a concert that includes selections from Béla Bartók and Igor Stravinsky. At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23. $40-$45. ljathenaeum.org HLadies Rock San Diego Annual Camper Showcase at House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., Downtown. Performance of all-female bands, which formed and participated in a three-day intensive program to learn an instrument and write an original song. From 3:30 to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 24. $10. houseofblues.com/ sandiego Brasil Jazz Festa at Dizzy’s, 1717 Morena Blvd., Morena. The 11th annual con-

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The Official Blues Brothers Revue at Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., Downtown. The duo, comprised of Kieron (Elwood Blues) Lafferty and Wayne (Jake Blues) Catania perform iconic Blues Brothers routines as made famous on the SNL skit and the hit movie. At 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 24. $26.50-$56.50. 619570-1100, sandiegotheatres.org

POETRY AND SPOKEN WORD HCaroline Rothstein at Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla. The New York City-based performer and spoken word artist will perform her poetry, which tackles topics such as body empowerment, feminism and mental health. From 8 to 10 p.m. Thursday, March 21. $15-$18. my.lfjcc.org

SPECIAL EVENTS HCherry Blossom Week at Japanese Friendship Garden, 2215 Pan American Road E., Balboa Park. Festival combining cultural education with activities including arts and crafts, a tea and dessert garden and more. On the weekend, there will be 40 different food and merchant vendors and more. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Through Sunday, March 24. $10-$120.

619-232-2721, niwa.org Mission Bay Preservationists: Japan Fundraiser Featuring Sue Palmer at Pacific Beach Woman’s Club, 1721 Hornblend St., Pacific Beach. Chef Carlos Delgado will be serving his famous paella and Sue Palmer will perform a concert to raise money to send the high school jazz band to Japan for performances. From 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 20. $10-$20. ticketstripe.com/japanfundraiserconcert March for Meals 5K Charity Walk at NTC Park, 2455 Cushing Road, Liberty Station, Point Loma. Help support the local homebound and isolated senior population by raising funds to provide nutritious meals and a daily wellness checks. Benefits Meals on Wheels San Diego County. From 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, March 23.

Free-$35. 619-278-4041, classy.org/event/ march-for-meals-5k-charity-walk HSan Diego Rescue Mission Vigil at San Diego Rescue Mission, 120 Elm St., Downtown. Join other concerned citizens

BOOKS: THE FLOATING LIBRARY Re-Joyce

F

or most people, March means the arrival of spring, the blooming of desert flowers, or the madness of the NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament. For me, however, I always like to make a gesture toward St. Patrick’s Day and make a point of reading or re-reading Irish literature from the 20th and 21st centuries. This year, I listened to the Irish actor Colin Farrell read James Joyce’s A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, produced by Audible earlier this year.

I was introduced to James Joyce by Dr. Timothy Poland, my English composition instructor at Radford University. He had a very large poster of Joyce hanging in his very small office.

I would sit with Dr. Poland during office hours and drink coffee and discuss literature and Joyce would preside over these conversations.

The photo was taken of Joyce when he was in his early 20s. He’s wearing a tweed cap, his hands thrust in his pockets. Joyce was asked what he was thinking when the photo was taken and he replied that he was wondering if he might hit the photographer up for a loan. I, too, was in my early 20s and, just like Joyce, was full of ambition and nearly as broke. at the 18th annual vigil for the 11 people who dies homeless on San Diego streets this past year. The vigil will proceed to the San Diego County Administration Center where there will be a performance from the City of Hope International Choir. At 9 a.m.

Saturday, March 23. Free. sdrescue.org STEMFEST: Opportunity Knocks at Copley-Price YMCA, 4300 El Cajon Blvd., Normal Heights. Join the San Diego Futures Foundation and up to 45 exhibitors to learn about all things STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 23. Free. 619-269-1684, sdfutures.org HOH! San Diego at various locations.

The annual event features tours at 100 locations citywide offering the public a rare, behind-the-scenes look at some of San Diego’s most iconic buildings. Check website for starting locations and schedule. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24. Free. sdarchitecture.org

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man is an autobiographical novel about a young man named Stephen Dedalus, an allusion to the figure in Greek mythology who built the infamous labyrinth. Naturally, Dedalus’ life closely follows that of Joyce, from the time when he was a young boy through his education at University College, Dublin.

The novel served as Joyce’s warm-up for Ulysses, regarded as one of the great modernist novels of the 20th century. Ulysses opens with Dedalus a few years after the conclusion of A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. Joyce began to experiment with his stream of consciousness prose style in the early parts of the novel to describe the thoughts, sounds and smells of his dear, dirty Dublin and surrounding environs.

Farrell’s reading captures the yearning of a young man eager to find his place in the world.

The Dubliner has an ear for the dialect and is well versed in the sights and sounds recounted in the novel, making his performance a timely take on a timeless classic.

—Jim Ruland

The Floating Library appears every other week.

HSEA the Change at Living Coast Discovery Center, 1000 Gunpowder Point Drive, Chula Vista. This new exhibit helps shine a light on critical environmental issues affecting the region using hands-on activities, animal ambassadors, interactive displays and nature-influenced art. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. . Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24. Free$16. thelivingcoast.org HEl Callejon Swap Meet at Bread & Salt, 1955 Julian Ave., Logan Heights.

Indoor swap meet filled with vintage collectors, handmade crafts, over 50 vendors, food garden curated by Chef Pricilla Curiel and an all-female line up with local bands. From 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 23. Free. 619-586-7066, elcallejonproject.com HOLI: Festival of Colors at The Flower Fields, 5704 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad.

Celebrate the Hindi spring festival, which is known as a celebration of good defeating evil that includes bright colors. The day will include live entertainment, mu-

sic and dance performances, as well as a variety of Indian food. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 24. $9-$18. theflowerfields.com

TALKS & DISCUSSIONS Ekphrasis and Practice: Writing About and With Art at La Jolla Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave., La Jolla. Writer and former curator Patrick Coleman will talk about how to use art to fuel creative work, as well as ways to approach writing practice and more. From noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 21. Free. lajollalibrary.org The Everyday Guide to California Wines at La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla. Lecture series teaching general guidelines for opening a wine bottle, tasting in a winery and preparing participants for the world of California wines. From 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21. Free. 858-459-0831

MARCH 20, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 15

THEATER KEN JACQUES

By its bootheels

F

or a show with a limited premise—harried Brits forced to stand in for some Yankees singing cowboy ditties— Chaps! packs plenty into just under two hours. The 1995 musical comedy by Jahnna Beecham and Malcolm Hillgartner melds Monty Python-like physical comedy and one-liners with “A Prairie Home Companion” folksiness, while also paying tribute to singing cowpokes like Gene Autry. As if that weren’t enough, the story, set at a BBC radio studio in 1944, unfolds with the threat of German bombs bursting in the air above.

Somehow, it all comes together at Lamb’s Players Theatre under the direction of Robert Smyth. It does so not because the production relies on what Lamb’s does so very well. That is, building shows around in intimate live-musical performance. (Its production of Once was a highlight of San Diego-area theater in 2018, and even its year-end Festival of Christmas was a musical delight.) The songs of Chaps!, composed by everyone from Roy Rogers to Johnny Mercer, may not be everyone’s cup of tea, and include “Ragtime Cowboy Joe,” “I’m An Old Cowhand,” “Jingle, Jangle, Jingle,” and “Tumblin’ Tumbleweeds,” among others. But the actor-musicians in the cast—Steve Gouveia, Manny Fernandes, Caitie Grady and Charles Evans, Jr.—make the tunes so that even the city slickers in

16 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MARCH 20, 2019

OPENING: Hedwig and the Angry Inch: John Cameron Mitchell’s queer-rock musical film tells the tale of a transgender East German rockstar who is just looking for her other half. Directed by Matt M. Morrow, it opens March 21 at the Diversionary Theatre in University Heights. diversionary.org Angels in America—Perestroika: Part two of Tony Kushner’s modern classic about a group of New Yorkers dealing with life and death decisions in the midst of the ’80s AIDS crisis. Presented by Cygnet Theatre, it opens in previews March 22 at the Old Town Theatre. cygnettheatre.com Bullshot Crummond: In this pulp fiction parody, British hero Hugh “Bullshot” Crummond must rescue a kidnapped scientist from an evil Count. Directed

by Paul Morgavo, it opens March 22 at the OnStage Playhouse in Chula Vista. onstageplayhouse.org

Chaps! the house will be singing along.

While the setup of Chaps! would have been sufficient for a 10-minute skit, there are enough comic antics to divert in between the musical numbers. The funniest sight gag finds Fernandes pretending to perform ventriloquism with Evans dressed up as his dummy. Evans is a scene-stealer throughout the production, whether it’s during his dummy shtick or as Miles Shadwell, the BBC studio’s anxious, asthmatic producer.

It’s perhaps inevitable that in a comedy like this one, somebody would dress up in drag. Ross Hellwig, mustache be damned, dons the frippery of a saloon girl in Act 2.

From the sidelines throughout, Arusi Santi provides cartoonish sound effects to create the impression that the Tex Riley’s Singing Cowboys show is happening on the radio, and Jeanne Reith’s western costumes are bright, bodacious and authentic.

In the end, Chaps! is slightly frantic, yet sweet sounding and family friendly. Not even World War II intrudes.

Chaps! runs through April 20 at Lamb’s Players Theatre in Coronado. $28-$82; lambsplayers.org

—David L. Coddon

Theater reviews run weekly.

Write to davidc@sdcitybeat.com.

Cabaret: The classic musical about an American writer swinging it up in a 1930s Berlin nightclub.

Directed by Julia Cuppy, it opens March 22 at the Coronado Playhouse. coronadoplayhouse.com Life After: Britta Johnson’s new musical about a teenager searching for answers after her father mysteriously dies. Directed by Barry Edelstein, it opens March 22 at the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park. theoldglobe.org Our Town: Thorton Wilder’s Pulitzer-winning drama follows two families in a small town in New Hampshire as they navigate love, marriage and death.

Presented by Patio Playhouse Youth Theatre, it opens March 22 at the Patio Playhouse in Escondido. patioplayhouse.com

For complete theater listings, visit

sdcitybeat.com

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PHOTOS BY MICHAEL A. GARDINER

CULTURE | FOOD

Dishes from Sushi Tadokoro, Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub and Tuétano Taqueria t began with a few conversations, almost hushed, amongst industry types.

“Michelin inspectors have been spotted in L.A.” I first heard it from a local chef. Then again from a fellow food writer. Before long the rumors were everywhere.

It made no sense: The Michelin Guide had been in L.A. from 2006 to 2008, before closing as a “result” of the recession. Yet now they’re back? What’s changed? Well, for one thing, it’s not just L.A., but all of California because the state’s Tourism Board is paying $600,000 “to underwrite the hard costs” of expanding Michelin’s coverage to the entire state.

But one thing almost all of those hushed conversations had in common: excitement. Then came other questions: Why do Michelin stars matter and who’ll inevitably get those stars?

Why does a tire company care about food enough to rate it? Well, to sell tires, of course. Back when there were about 3,000 cars in all of France, Andre and Edouard Michelin started the Guide Michelin to encourage people to drive more (and thus buy more tires) by telling them where to drive for supreme food at excellent hotels in all corners of the country.

That origin story retains relevance today in how Michelin defines its star system. One star means a “very good restaurant in its category” whereas two denotes a restaurant with “excellent cooking… worth a detour.” Three stars go to restaurants offering “exceptional cuisine… worth a special journey.”

Getting a Michelin star can be (but isn’t always) a godsend for restaurants. Three Michelin stars make a career and results in perennially full restaurants. As April Bloomfeld of New York’s Michelin-starred Spotted Pig once told The Eater: “It affects business in a positive way. When [it] came out in 2005, we got an influx of tourists with guides in hand, so we could see the effects instantly.”

What it means for a region is less clear. As I write these words, I’m in Järpen, Sweden. While the overwhelming majority of people may have never heard of Järpen, the overwhelming majority who do have learned of it because of Magnus Nilsson’s two-Michelin-starred Fäviken restaurant.

As Baltimore chef Bill Buszinski puts it, “the Michelin Guide immediately lends credibility to the dining scene of the areas represented.”

This is why I travelled to the north of Sweden in winter.

It’s also likely why the California Tourism Board’s paying $600,000.

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Not all agree about the Michelin effect. A fascinating Northwestern University study concluded a concentration of starred restaurants “had no detectable effect on the amount of crimes or new businesses in the [community].” However, this fact may correlate with increases in “housing prices and economic prosperity.” In a word: gentrification. Whether that’s a good thing is up for debate.

Local chefs point to a clearer, if less tangible, effect of the Guide coming to San Diego.

“It’s fantastic…a great boost,” says Chef Saransh Oberoi of La Jolla’s Masala Street.

James Montejano, Chef at the soon-to-debut Huntress, says, “It’s great for San Diego.”

Most local chefs I talked to think it will bring talent to town and help keep it here. This isn’t a minor issue. San Diego has a history of losing chefs who go on to do big things elsewhere (e.g., Christopher Kostow and Gavin Kaysen). As local culinary legend, Andrew Spurgin, says: “It stamps our community as a viable player in the industry.”

Addison Nearly the entire local industry agrees that if anyone in San Diego’s getting stars, it’s William Bradley. The level of culinary perfection, innovation and style at Addison are Michelin catnip. My prediction: one star.

From there, it gets more iffy. Other fine dining candidates include George’s California Modern, A.R. Valentien, NineTen Restaurant, Jeune et Jolie and Market Restaurant + Bar. George’s Chef Trey Foshee has the pedigree and the restaurant has the style and innovation that Michelin loves.

Much the same might be said of former Top Chef winner Richard Blais’ Juniper & Ivy. But will they get stars? Likely not. While great food’s required for a star, that alone is traditionally not enough. The Guide’s editor, Rebecca Burr, has said that Michelin focuses on a quality of “refinement,

something that sets them apart,” as well as a restaurant’s ability to consistently provide the “ultimate culinary experience.” This includes service as well as food. And that’s where San Diego restaurants—even when we’re talking about some of the best—may not quite make Michelin grade.

Local Chefs Danilo Tangalin and William Eick believe if San Diego gets snubbed, this will be why.

The simple fact is that no one knows what actually is Michelin’s criterion. It’s all informed speculation. But in recent years, perhaps in response to growing competition, the Guide seems to have evolved its standards to include non-Western based, fine-dining establishments. They’ve even awarded stars to street food vendors. It’s not for nothing that the highest concentration of Michelin stars is in Japan, not France.

TRUST (and its new sister restaurant, Fort Oak) may benefit from this revised approach. Two other establishments that might benefit are Sushi Tadokoro with its pristine edomae sushi, as well as Top Chef star and James Beard Award semifinalist Claudette Zepeda-Wilkins’ El Jardín for its refined takes on intensely regional Mexican cuisine.

A longshot for a star is the incomparable Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub in Oceanside. It’s the only place in San Diego County making food that’s unlike anywhere else in the world. Under Michelin’s old rules, the punk rock atmosphere would never win stars (and still may not). But the food’s worthy.

If Wrench doesn’t get a star it will get a Bib Gourmand, Michelin’s distinction for a “good quality, good value restaurant” (think “Honorable Mention” on steroids). Indeed, Wrench is as much a shoe-in for a Bib as Addison is for a star.

There are, frankly, many restaurants in San Diego that could be in line for Bibs. This is our local dining scene’s real gem zone: good value restaurants, often offering nonWestern European-based food. Four of these Bib Gourmand candidates are Thai Papaya, Bane Phonkeo’s, Bánh Mì Hội An and Tuétano Taqueria.

As much as I love fine dining, it’s these Bib Gourmand candidates that are the places I want to go to every day.

That’s one of the reasons why Chef Tangalin observes that, while we’ll certainly be ecstatic if local restaurants get stars, we’ll still be just fine if they don’t. We’ll have plenty of Bib Gourmand-level places to frequent and fine dining establishments will redouble their efforts with a “get ‘em next year” attitude.

All the same, if it weren’t bad luck to say so, I’d imagine Chef Bradley’s scoping out Addison’s wall space for a starencrusted plaque.

MARCH 20, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 17

CULTURE | ART

SEEN LOCAL ALL LINED UP

M

ichael James Armstrong (michaeljamesarmstrong.com) is one of the greatest working artists in San Diego. His latest exhibition, Line & Fuzz, which runs through April 13 at Quint Gallery in Bay Ho (5171 H Santa Fe St., quintgallery.com), can be seen in many ways, both literally and figuratively. It combines the multiple mediums he’s worked in over the years (installation pieces, drawings and spray paint works) and does so in a seamless fashion that doesn’t feel forced or compromised. And while he says he doesn’t like to “dictate the way someone views my work,” Line & Fuzz can be looked at in one of three ways.

1

2

BEING ABLE TO ADAPT A LONG-UNREQUITED LOVE OF A SPRAY PAINT. TO THE SAN DIEGO The particular color of spray MARKET.

paint (Krylon “Ultra-Flat Black”) used in many of the pieces is no accident. Armstrong’s early work consisted of graffiti-inspired spray-

Armstrong’s more recent works, such as his installation pieces “4:2” and “Three Thousand Four Hundred Fifty Threads,” weren’t designed to be sold to collectors. The majority of the pieces in Line & Fuzz, however, are not only for sale, but are for sale at reasonable prices. The series of intricate geomet-

“Fuzz:6” painted pieces and while he’s focused more on light and installation works over the years, he still lamented the fact that “Ultra-Flat Black” had been discontinued.

Thing was, it hadn’t. “I just started looking it up again and found it on some sites and I was like ‘what the fuck? You can still order this?’” says Armstrong. What he calls the “blackest paint you can get” was eventually used to create the “Fuzz” series of works that line the walls within the gallery. The results are seemingly fuzzy (hence the name), geometrically sound pieces that appear to have patterns within patterns, beautifully hypnotic in the dark, random chaos of the spray.

18 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MARCH 20, 2019

“Red Over Black–4:6:8” ric ink drawings in the exhibition (all titled “Red Over Black”), for example, are priced between $150 and $350. “It feels better to have them priced at a little more, but then you sell half as much,” says Armstrong, acknowledging that he’s had to come to an understanding with the fact that San Diegans want to buy art, but that the market is different from places like L.A.

3 NEVER COMPROMISING HIS VISION. Armstrong has made it as an artist in San Diego precisely because he lives and breathes the scene. He built the two walls just inside the Quint entrance so that he could have his installation piece. He’s worked as an art installer as well as a curator for his own gallery space. And while the nearly two-decade trajectory of his career may have moved faster in another city, he’s proof that, with time and energy, an artist can make it in San Diego. The beautiful Line & Fuzz is the culmination of many things, and should literally be seen in multiple ways and from varying angles, but it should also be seen as the result of a lot of hard work.

And it shows.

—Seth Combs

Line & Fuzz

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CULTURE | FILM

Scraping by

Dragged Across Concrete

S. Craig Zahler stretches the cops-and-robbers showdown into an epic poem

by Glenn Heath Jr.

M

el Gibson and Don Johnson made their solute breaking point. Clocking in at 161 minutes, careers playing slick, dangerous young Dragged Across Concrete is his longest film to date, yet policemen who were always willing to bend it never feels long; every inch of the story belongs at the rules to make criminals pay. Lethal Weapon and the service of deepening conflicts between characters Miami Vice transformed both actors into genre icons that may not even come into contact until the last of the 1980s. Early in Dragged Across Concrete, writer/ reel.

Ridgeman and Lurasetti spend a good portion of director S. Craig Zahler subverts the nostalgic memory of those personas by pitting the actors opposite one the film staking out a mysterious drug dealer they another. The result is an eerily melancholic dialogue intend to rob. This is unglamorous work, but Zahler hunkers down listening to them debate the ramifiexchange ripe with exhaustion and defeat.

After using excessive force to coerce information cations of their criminal descent. Meanwhile, an excon named Henry Johns (Tory from a suspect, aged lawman Kittles) gets released from Brett Ridgmeman (Gibson) gets prison only to get right back suspended without pay, a repriDRAGGED ACROSS into the game helping out a mand that comes straight from CONCRETE Euro-gangster pull off a darhis superior officer and former Directed by S. Craig Zahler ing bank heist. Just like styles partner, Lt. Calvert (Johnson). in genre filmmaking, the charThese men have taken very Starring Mel Gibson, Vince Vaughn, acters seem to be caught in a different professional trajectoTory Kittles and Don Johnson perpetual cycle of reinvention. ries; one was willing to politic Rated R These kinds of dualities and change with the times and give Dragged Across Concrete the other wasn’t. While most (opening Friday, March 22, at crime dramas would play this scene up as an argument, Dragged Against Concrete Arclight La Jolla Cinemas) a nuanced, long form texture. The patience with which it peels back themes of frames it like a eulogy for dead men walking.

Extreme and relentless stubbornness is what betrayal, revenge and greed is more indicative of litZahler admires most in each of his macho protago- erature than cinema.

Then there’s the violence, which is just as shocknists, a list that includes Kurt Russell’s grouchy sheriff in Bone Tomahawk and Vince Vaughn as an imprisoned ing and forceful as in Zahler’s previous efforts. Here, boxer fighting his way through Brawl in Cell Block 99. it feels stripped of emotion except when involving inBut that exact trait is also what exposes them to the nocent civilians who get caught up in the brutal meat unimaginably evil forces at play in the world. If the grinder of the criminal world. As it turns out, every filmmaker has one glaringly problematic trait, it’s his action has dire consequences in this bleak sandbox of corrupt cops, masked assassins, ex-cons and ruthless insistence that many of those forces are non-white.

Ridgeman and his younger partner Anthony Lu- bank robbers, even for the everyday bank teller who rasetti (Vaughn) bemoan the current state of the just wants to stay home and be with her newborn.

Dragged Against Concrete is a film of flawed partworld throughout the film’s first act. Everything from gay marriage to civil rights gets them certifiably riled. nerships that nevertheless gives people a sense of The filmmaker’s cryptic, rhythmic prose often links solidarity in a time when they feel none otherwise this Conservative ideology with aggressive male pos- exists. When economic success and emotional happituring that simmers but never reaches full boil. To be ness seem so far out of reach, these wounded men will clear, the anxiety over progressive policies and so- play the violent percentages game over disappearing cial norms is not necessarily the filmmaker’s, but the into obscurity. characters’ he has created.

Three films in, Zahler has already proven himself Film reviews run weekly. adept at stretching genre conventions to their ab- Write to glennh@sdcitybeat.com

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MARCH 20, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 19

CULTURE | FILM

The Hummingbird Project

Toothless satire

A

lexander Skarsgård approaches every role, no matter the size, with an unmatched intensity. In Kim Nguyen’s The Hummingbird Project, a satire in desperate need of some fangs, he plays a balding computer genius named Anton who works for a high frequency trading firm in New York City. As the sulking introverted misanthrope, Skarsgård erases his hunky physical stature by angling forward with every movement, hunching over as if gravity were too much for his lanky body.

Anton seems happiest when shrinking from the spotlight, but his fast-talking cousin Vincent (Jesse Eisenberg) is exactly the opposite. The two hatch an ambitious plan to lay fiber optic cable from the Kansas Electronic Exchange to New Jersey in an exact straight line to obtain a fractional time advantage over competing Wall Street traders. In setting off on their own, Anton and Vincent make enemies of their former employer, a powerful financial mogul named Eva Torres (Salma Hayek).

Undertaking this massively elaborate construction project leaves Anton emotionally and physically separated from his family and fast tracks Vincent’s already crumbling health. Their tragic descent becomes an age-old American story of enterprising vision mired by hubris, greed and selfishness.

Twitchy and confrontational, Eisenberg often feels like he’s playing a foul-mouthed version of hisrole as Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network. The manic shtick gets tiresome fast. Conversely, Skarsgård embraces Anton’s contradictory traits; his disdain for “imbeciles,” as he calls most people, comes in conflict with a hidden moral compass.

The Hummingbird Project (opening Friday, March 22, at AMC Fashion Valley and Angelika Film Centers Carmel Mountain) tries for high-energy farce a la The Wolf of Wall Street, exposing the dark side of post-recession entrepreneur-

20 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MARCH 20, 2019

ship. But it doesn’t have that film’s guts or gusto. Nguyen resorts to cliché stylizations feigning liveliness with slow motion and uptempo montages. None of the risk associated with Anton and Vincent’s venture ever translates beyond the narrative itself.

—Glenn Heath Jr.

OPENING Dragged Across Concrete: Mel Gibson and Vince Vaughn star in this bruising crime drama about a pair of corrupt cops caught in a downward spiral after they are suspended from the force. Opens Friday, March 22, at the Arclight La Jolla.

Gloria Bell: In the English language remake of his own film Gloria, Sebastián Lelio casts Julianne Moore as the free-spirited central character who tries to find love in the Los Angeles dance scene. Opens Friday, March 22, at Angelika Film Centers Carmel Mountain and Landmark Hillcrest Cinemas.

The Hummingbird Project: Two cousins from New York City leave their high profile Wall Street jobs for an ambitious project that will lay fiber optic cable from Kansas to the East Coast. Opens Friday, March 22, at AMC Fashion Valley and Angelika Film Centers Carmel Mountain.

US: A beach vacation turns into a horrifying fight for survival for a family who find themselves stalked by their menacing doppelgängers in director Jordan Peele’s new horror thriller. Opens in wide release Friday, March 22.

ONE TIME ONLY Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald: In this second prequel to the Harry Potter franchise, Eddie Redmayne plays a wizard battling his arch nemesis (Johnny Depp). Screens at 8 p.m. Friday, March 22 and Saturday March 23, at Cinema Under the Stars in Mission Hills.

Say Anything…: John Cusack delivered his breakout performance as an average high school student who falls in love with the class valedictorian. Screens at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, at Arclight La Jolla Cinemas.

For complete movie listings, visit Film at sdcitybeat.com.

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MARCO CAPPANNINI

MUSIC

Erica Terenzi, Nicola Lampredi and Costanza Delle Rose ive years went by between Be Forest’s last album and their most recent, Knocturne. To hear lead singer Costanza Delle Rose tell it, a lot happened in that span of time.

The band formed in a Renaissance gem of a seaside city called Pesaro, off the Adriatic coast of Italy. Delle Rose explains that the long intervals between one album and the next (three years between the first and the second, she points out) are essential for herself, Erica Terenzi (vocals, drums) and Nicola Lampredi (guitars) to reflect and regroup.

Delle Rose immediately emphasizes how, despite all the changes she and her bandmates went through, one certainty remains: Music is and will always be there for them to create.

“As a band, we do things at our own pace.

There was time between the first and the second album because we need time to rediscover ourselves and understand in which direction we want to go,” Delle Rose says (full disclosure: The interview was conducted in Italian). “In the past four years, we all went through so much change. Some of us went

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through break-ups, others moved… and started a new life. I have been working at bars and restaurants to make ends meet. But that’s OK because I know it’s all temporary and, in the end, I will always be creating music.”

So when the time came, the band knew it was ready to head into the studio again. But that wasn’t the smoothest task. The rules they had followed for their previous works didn’t apply to Knocturne. What worked then, didn’t work this time and the three longtime friends soon saw that putting this album together would require them to redefine their creative process.

“It was especially difficult for this album because we didn’t start from a common concept,” Delle Rose explains. “Generally, we already have a well-defined idea when we start working together. For the first record, it was the image of an enchanted forest, for the second... it was the idea of sitting around a fire alongside Native Americans.”

“But for this one, we found it a bit hard to find a mental location,” Delle Rose continues. “At first, we thought about space; then, we moved to the deepest abyss. It was always

about endless darkness, and I think you can sense that from listening to the album.”

Delle Rose is right. Darkness pervades the nine tracks of this record. The sound recalls The Cure’s dark trilogy, My Bloody Valentine, Cocteau Twins and even, at times, Nick Cave—whom Delle Rose adores. But categorizing Be Forest, restraining them and

tying them to a genre, is rather useless. According to the singer, her influences come from unexpected places.

“When I am not playing, I love to read and be inspired by everything around me,” Delle Rose says. “I get inspired by multiple sources. Philosophy, things I read, conversa-

tions with friends that maybe I don’t even realize inspired me while I write, but they did. I have never even listened to shoegaze or goth. Sure, I like Slowdive and My Bloody Valentine, but that is simply the genre that arises when the three of us play together.

What we create is close to that sound, but we all have different taste in music.”

“And when I write lyrics, I try to get a vibe of what I am playing, the general attitude of the song, and I try to understand what I want to express,” she continues. “I go through my old journals, since I write a lot, and I use some of that as well, but not overtly. I like to be subtle, and I like personal interpretation. So, my life is in the songs… whether I am doing well or not. It’s all about looking back to the moment when I wasn’t playing music, but simply living life.”

The intimist side of the album, marvelously expressed through hermetic verses that sometimes resemble poems by Italian authors like Salvatore Quasimodo or Giuseppe Ungaretti, is perhaps best found in the single “Bengala.”

“I’m waiting for thunders to see the dust of my old life / I’m taking a breath to see where the shadows slip behind blue light,” whispers Delle Rose. “All of us are lost in this hell / But I sit in the hum of a new sun.”

This song is closer to Delle Rose’s heart maybe more than others, representing what she left behind and what she may find looking forward. Yet, it doesn’t serve the mere purpose of bringing hidden emotions to the surface. It’s also a cathartic way to express frustrations that, while coming from the outside, shake what’s on the inside. “‘Bengala’ was a personal success. It’s the one song that I truly feel I am singing for myself,” Delle Rose says. “It’s a personal realization, understanding where I am in life…

And this also ties into society and the historical context in which we are living. This album is dark because, at this point in time, things are dark everywhere in the world.

There’s something weighing on us, and we can’t get rid of it, and we need to shout it out somehow.”

Underneath it all, however, Delle Rose remains optimistic. She explains this has been her reality, but she knows that music can truly help her shake those hovering, dark feelings and instill the hope that what is broken can be mended.

“I am very proud of this album. I can’t wait to play it as much as possible,” she says.

“I really think I found the proper way to express myself.”

MARCH 20, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 21

BY SETH COMBS

MUSIC

NOTES FROM THE SMOKING PATIO

THE

SPOTLIGHT ALEC STANLEY

LOCALS ONLY

T

he ghost of controversial rapper XXXTentacion has come to haunt a local band. According to Rory Morison, guitarist for rockers Bad Vibes, the band has decided to change its name to Drug Hunt because of the possibility of legal action from XXXTentacion’s estate.

The issues began not long after the five-piece finished recording their debut album a little over a year ago. In preparations for its release on San Diego label Blind Owl, they decided to trademark their name.

Alas, after searching to see if any other artists had previously taken it, they discovered that Jahseh Onfroy (aka XXXTentacion), the Florida rapper who was killed in a shooting in June 2018, had his own imprint called Bad Vibes Forever.

“They had put in their trademark before us and it was going to go through at the end of the year,” Morison tells CityBeat. “We reached out to the estate about whether or not it’d be cool if we kept the name. We’d been running with that name for over three years and had built a reputation in San Diego under that name.”

Changing a band’s name can be a risky move as it may end up confusing listeners, annoying promoters and causing the band to

lose momentum. Morison says a lawyer from XXXTentacion’s estate told them it’d be fine if they kept the name if they wanted to just play live and that’s it. However, they would be given a legal order to stop what they were doing if they tried to sell any merchandise, such as records and T-shirts, with Bad Vibes printed on ERICA JOAN it. [Edit note: CityBeat attempted to contact the law firm in charge of the estate, but we did not receive a response by the time this issue went to press.]

After weeks of debate, they finally settled on a new moniker.

“We knew we wanted a hunt or some sort of quest involved in the name,” Morison says. “The [word] drug takes on a lot of different connotations. It’s got very powerful symbolism to it, but it can also be something that, as a rock band, people can quickly associate with sex drugs and rock ’n’ roll.”

Drug Hunt Drug Hunt will commemorate their official name change in a show at The Casbah on Friday, April 12 with Sacri Monti, Warish and SIXES. Their self-titled debut album comes out on vinyl on July 5 via Blind Owl.

ALBUM REVIEW

That band includes a who’s who of notable local names. Together, they create a beautiful pastiche of funk, soul and even hiphop (“Keeping Up”) that harkens back to the golden age of all three genres without sounding dated or derivative. And while guest appearances from a wide variety of vocalists only add to the collaborative spirit, it’s the instrumental tracks that are the real gems here. Jams such as “Police Chase,” “Cruise Control” and “Gettin’ It” are so suitably named, it’s as if Najor created them to be used to be used in a film where the protagonist is experiencing just those things.

My only criticism of the record is that the songs don’t go on for longer. There was room for expansive, extended jamming on these tracks, and while many will surely appreciate the brevity, I can’t help but feel like Najor could have recorded these songs in the same fiery way the band performs live. Or maybe that was the whole idea. To give listeners a taste of the music so that seeing the band perform would be all the more impressive. Yeah, maybe something like that.

Jake Najor and the Moment of Truth In the Cut (Redwoods Music)

A

t the very end of “High Costa Living,” the blistering blast of funk that opens drummer Jake Najor’s debut long-player, singer Mixmaster Wolf mutters what could be a bit of a mantra for the rest of the album saying simply, “something like that.” It’s not exactly a question, nor is it a statement. Still, it’s representative of the overall attitude of the musicians playing with Najor on this excellent record. These are restless, insatiable musicians, collectively striving for perfectionism.

While it’s easy to get lost in the groove of the 10 songs that make up In the Cut, paying closer attention reveals a workmanship that is not only rare in funk and soul music these days, but rare in music in general. While Najor is known for being prolific (he’s played in countless local and national bands), he’s also known for being one of the nicest guys in the music scene. And so there is a distinct sense that the musicians that are accompanying him on this particular journey don’t want to let him down.

22 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MARCH 20, 2019

—Peter Holslin

Jake Najor and the Moment of Truth perform an album release show at 3 p.m. March 30 at Vinyl Junkies Record Shack in South Park.

—Seth Combs

T. Hardy Morris

R

ock is a tricky business. For every act that breaks through, there are hundreds of thousands of bands and artists that fade away into obscurity. Athens, Georgia band Dead Confederate garnered quite a lot of buzz back in the mid-’00s off the strength of their debut LP, Wrecking Ball, which featured the blistering single “The Rat.” Sounding like a countryfried version of Nirvana in their prime, the song got some radio play and garnered the group a solid fanbase, but the band just didn’t seem to take off the way a lot of people expected.

Looking back, there’s hardly any doubt that Dead Confederate’s mix of grungy Southern rock was made all the more visceral thanks to frontman T. Hardy Morris’ explosive wails. It’s a beautiful thing that Morris didn’t quit the biz and has since released three solo albums that show off his true artistic range. More recently, Morris released the masterful Dude, the Obscure (a clever nod to the Thomas Hardy novel, Jude, the Obscure), a hauntingly tender reflection on life, regret and moving forward. Musically, the heavy guitars of Dead Confederate are gone and replaced with a neo-psychedelic folk sound that doesn’t overwhelm Morris’ plaintive lyrics.

It’s unfair to call this a second chance for T. Hardy Morris at making it big. Judging by his new songs, one gets the sense he’s already over such notions of rock stardom. And his music is all the better for it.

T. Hardy Morris plays Wednesday, March 20 at Music Box.

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MUSIC

IF I WERE U

BY CITYBEAT STAFF

Our picks for the week’s top shows

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20

PLAN A: Rayland Baxter, T. Hardy Morris, Cardinal Moon @ Music Box. Since 2012, Rayland Baxter has been releasing pleasant folk-country with a pop sensibility. It’s almost impossible to get songs like “Yellow Eyes” and “Olivia” out of your head. Locals Cardinal Moon and T. Hardy Morris (more on him in this week’s Spotlight section) round out a great lineup. PLAN B: Elephant Gym, Positioner @ Soda Bar. The bass guitar is front-and-center in Elephant Gym, a Taiwanese math-rock trio fronted by two classically trained musicians. Sure, it’s technical and rhythmically dense, but it’s also beautifully hypnotizing. BACKUP PLAN: Mat Kerekes, Jetty Bones, Jacob Sigman @ House of Blues.

SHARISSE COULTER

Awakened, are vulnerable journeys through heartbreak and mental illness. Singer-songwriter Ariel Levine and pop-punkers The Havnauts are both worth showing up early.

PLAN B: Codex Confiteor, The Sorcerer Family, Gunther’s Grass @ Black Cat Bar. Music collective Stay Strange presents “A Night of Strange Music” that includes a “doom organum tuba and shriek-soprano duo” and “occult electric ukulele.” Come with an open mind. BACKUP PLAN: Profligate, Sigsaly, O/X @ The Whistle Stop.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23

PLAN A: And The Kids, Cardioid @ Che Café Collective. We are utterly charmed by the indie-pop of Massachusetts trio And the Kids. When guitarist and banshee singer Hannah Mohan belts out “Life is a bastard / It wants to kill you / Don’t let go,” we really feel it. BACKUP PLAN: Actors, Twin Tribes, Creux Lies, Bootblacks @ SPACE.

SUNDAY, MARCH 24

PLAN A: White Ring, ∆AIMON @ Whistle Stop. Anyone still bummed out over the demise of Crystal Castles or still geeks out over late ’00s genres like witch-house should already be familiar with the spooky ambiance of White Ring and ∆AIMON. The former blends dark beats with frontwoman Kendra Malia’s guttural bellows. BACUP PLAN: Ayla Nereo, Elijah Ray, Amber Lily @ Soda Bar.

MONDAY, MARCH 25

Veronica May

THURSDAY, MARCH 21

PLAN A: Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, Frankie and the Witch Fingers @ The Casbah. Yes, they may have the stupidest name in the history of band names, but Psychedelic Porn Crumpets play some truly mind-blowing psych-rock that’s much more orchestral and expansive than fellow Perth, Australia rockers Tame Impala. PLAN B: Downers, Splavender, Brushed @ Soda Bar. Downers are easily one of the best, most melodic local bands on the scene, mixing shoegaze, slowcore and dream-pop in extraordinary ways. BACKUP PLAN: Ladysmith Black Mambazo @ Belly Up Tavern.

FRIDAY, MARCH 22

PLAN A: Veronica May Band, Ariel Levine, The Havnauts @ The Casbah. A great lineup of local bands and artists. Veronica May recently scored a San Diego Music Award for her 2018 EP, Teaser, which, along with 2017’s

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PLAN A: Acid Mothers Temple, Yamantaka // Sonic Titan @ The Casbah. For nearly 25 years, Japanese band Acid Mothers Temple have been in the business of creating what guitarist/founder Kawabata Makoto calls “extreme trip music.” The lineup has changed over the years, but their shows are still mind-blowing and any fan of psychedelic rock should be at this show. PLAN B: Amyl and the Sniffers, Richard Rose @ Soda Bar. Amyl and the Sniffers play fast-paced, sing-along punk n the spirit of old-school acts such as Delta 5 and X-Ray Spex. It’s fun, emboldening and filled with piss and vinegar. BACKUP PLAN: Nocturnal Habits, Drug Apts, BR3AM BR05 @ Whistle Stop.

TUESDAY, MARCH 26

PLAN A: Aunt Cynthia’s Cabin, S. Mathias, Weasel Dust @ The Merrow. Another nice lineup of local acts, but Aunt Cynthia’s Cabin are the headliners for a reason. They specialize in fuzzy, dark psych-rock that has almost a Sabbath-like feel to it on tracks like “Western Nirvana” and “Killer on the Run.” BACKUP PLAN: TWRP, Planet Booty, JP Inc. @ The Casbah.

MARCH 20, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 23

MUSIC

CONCERTS

CANCELLED William Ryan Key (HOB, 3/23).

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AJ Froman (Music Box, 4/10), Kirin J Callinan (Soda Bar, 4/19), Sully (BUT, 4/24), The Great Love Debate w/ Brian Howie (Music Box, 5/1), Leggy (Soda Bar, 5/8), Gone West, Colbie Caillat (BUT, 5/8), Ozzmania (Brick By Brick, 5/11), Mad Dogs & the Englishman (BUT, 5/12), The Moondoggies (Soda Bar, 5/15), Swingrowers (Music Box, 5/15), One More Time: A Tribute to Daft Punk (Music Box, 5/18), Dread Mar l (Music Box, 5/19), Spirit Adrift (Brick By Brick, 5/19), Geographer (Casbah, 5/21), Crime In Stereo (SPACE, 5/23), Minnesota (Music Box, 5/24), The White Buffalo (BUT, 5/24), The White Buffalo (BUT, 5/25), Cloud Rat (Brick By Brick, 5/28), Freddie McGregor, The Big Ship Band (BUT, 5/29), Royal Thunder (Brick By Brick, 5/31), Author & Punisher (Casbah, 5/31), BETAMAXX (Music Box, 5/31), Young Dubliners (BUT, 6/2), Mac Sabbath (Soda Bar, 6/7), Taken by Canadians (Casbah, 6/8), Dirty Dozen Brass Band (Music Box, 6/8), CJ Ramone (Soda Bar, 6/9), No Vacation (The Irenic, 6/14), The Holdup (Soda Bar, 6/16), Remo Drive (The Irenic, 6/23), Mini Mansions (Casbah, 6/26), Death Cab For Cutie (Observatory, 8/9-10), Enforcer (Brick By Brick, 9/5), Lost Frequencies (Music Box, 10/17), Built To Spill (Casbah, 11/12), Built To Spill (Casbah, 11/13), Built To Spill (Casbah, 11/14).

Queensrÿche (Observatory, 3/27), The Accüsed A.D., Forest Grove (The Merrow, 3/28) Black Moth Super Rainbow (BUT, 3/31), Michael Bublé (Pechanga Arena, 3/31), Vince Staples (Observatory, 4/2), Anvil (Brick By Brick, 4/4), Taking Back Sunday (Observatory, 4/7), David Archuleta (California Center for the Arts, 4/17), Passion Pit (Observatory, 5/1), Seth Meyers (Balboa Theater, 5/3), Chromatics, Desire (Observatory, 5/4), Gone West, Colbie Caillat (BUT, 5/8), Dead Boys (Casbah, 5/22), Justin Moore (Del Mar Fairgrounds, 5/31), Brad Paisley (North Island Credit Union Ampitheatre, 6/1), Local Natives (Observatory, 6/19), Aly & AJ (Observatory, 6/25), Priests (Soda Bar, 6/26), Billie Eilish (Cal Coast Credit Union, 7/13), Carrie Underwood (Pechanga Arena, 10/10), The Who (Viejas Arena, 10/16), Judah & The Lion (Observatory, 10/17), Hozier (Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, 10/26).

MARCH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 Boy Harsher at The Casbah (sold out).

Green Leaf Rustlers at Belly Up Tavern.

Mat Kerekes at House of Blues. Dream Theater at Balboa Theatre. Rayland Baxter at Music Box. Elephant Gym at Soda Bar.

THURSDAY, MARCH 21 Downers at Soda Bar. Ladysmith Black Mambazo at Belly Up Tavern. Travis

24 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MARCH 20, 2019

Greene at House of Blues. Psychedelic Porn Crumpets at The Casbah. Bailo at Music Box.

FRIDAY, MARCH 22 Journeymen at Music Box. The Spazmatics at Belly Up Tavern. Steve’n’Seagulls at Soda Bar. Veronica May Band at The Casbah. Sabrina Carpenter at House of Blues. Fashion Jackson at The Irenic.

Rain on Fridays at SOMA. Cryptic at Ché Café Collective.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23 Damage, Inc. at Brick By Brick. Mike Doughty at Soda Bar (sold out). Tyler Hilton at Lestat’s West. Hot Flash Heat Wave at The Irenic. Durand Jones and the Indications at The Casbah. The Browning at SOMA. And The Kids at Ché Café Collective. The Actors at SPACE. Ryan Bingham at Belly Up Tavern (sold out). Boogaloo Assassins at Music Box. Foals at Observatory North Park (sold out).

SUNDAY, MARCH 24 Matt Nathanson at Music Box (sold out).

Ayla Nereo at Soda Bar. Infinite Floyd at Belly Up Tavern. Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness at House of Blues. J Boog at SOMA. Arkells at The Casbah.

Roberto Carlos at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU. Ulthar at SPACE.

MONDAY, MARCH 25 Acid Mothers Temple at The Casbah.

Amyl and The Sniffers at Soda Bar. The Six Sevens at SPACE. Ryan Bingham at Music Box (sold out).

TUESDAY, MARCH 26 Plini at SOMA. The Cat Empire at House Of Blues. Ella Vos at Belly Up Tavern. The National Parks at Soda Bar. TWRP at The Casbah.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27 Queensrÿche at Observatory North Park.

Blue Oyster Cult at Belly Up Tavern (sold out). Jade Jackson at Soda Bar. Chelsea Cutler at House of Blues. Those Darn Gnomes at SPACE.

THURSDAY, MARCH 28 The Accüsed A.D., Forest Grove at The Merrow. Galactic at Belly Up Tavern.

Electric Six at The Casbah. Helena Deland at Observatory North Park. Gorilla Biscuits at The Irenic (sold out). SWMRS at Music Box (sold out). Angel Du$t at House Of Blues. The Dollyrots at SPACE. Her’s at Soda Bar.

FRIDAY, MARCH 29 BROODS at Observatory North Park. Warbly Jets at Music Box. Messer Chups at Soda Bar. Reyno at House Of Blues.

Three Mile Pilot at The Casbah. Black Mountain at Brick By Brick. Against the Current at The Irenic. Reyno at House of Blues. New Candys at SPACE. Emo Night Brooklyn at House of Blues.

SATURDAY, MARCH 30 Donna Missal at The Casbah. Rubblebucket at Music Box. Citizen Cope at Observatory North Park. The Happy Fits, Deal Casino at House of Blues. R5 at The Irenic.

The Movielife at Soda Bar. Slow Crush at SPACE. Convent at Brick By Brick. The Driver Era at The Irenic (sold out).

SUNDAY, MARCH 31 Black Moth Super Rainbow at Belly Up Tavern. Aborted at Brick By Brick.

Sekta Core at Soda Bar. DJ Artistic’s Hip Hop Battle Bot at The Casbah. Terror Jr at Music Box. Michael Bublé at Pechanga Arena. Sheck Wes at House of Blues. Grandson at The Irenic. Peter And The Wolf at Copley Symphony Hall.

APRIL MONDAY, APRIL 1 Whitney Rose at Soda Bar. Ruby Boots at The Casbah.

TUESDAY, APRIL 2 Dilly Dally at The Casbah. Vince Staples at Observatory North Park.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3 Al Stewart at Belly Up Tavern (sold out).

Missio at Music Box. Bad Suns at Observatory North Park. Cassie B at Soda Bar.

THURSDAY, APRIL 4 The Havana Cuba All-Stars at Music Box. Anvil at Brick By Brick. Easy Wind at Belly Up Tavern. Trevor Hall at Observatory North Park. Reaction Phase at Brick

By Brick. Classless Act at Soda Bar.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5 Girlpool, The Dip at Soda Bar. Dead Feather Moon at Belly Up Tavern. Strangelove at Music Box. San Holo at Observatory North Park (sold out). Anthem at Brick By Brick.

MUSIC CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

@SDCITYBEAT

BY CHRISTIN BAILEY

MUSIC MUSIC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

rCLUBSr

710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach. Wed: Open Mic. Thu: ‘Bringing Back Rock ‘N’ Roll’. Fri: Bo Napoleon, KL Noise Makerz. Sat: The Frets, Lefties, WidowMade. Sun: Karaoke. Tue: Modern Day Moonshine, Might Be Taken.

Air Conditioned Lounge, 4673 30th St., Normal Heights. Wed: ‘Hip Hop House SD’. Thu: Josh Taylor. Fri: ‘House Music Fridays’. Sat: ‘Hands & Knees’. Mon: ‘Organized Grime’. Tue: ‘Kizomba Night’.

American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Ave., Downtown. Thu: Dry Bar Comedy.

Fri: Paul Rodriguez. Sat: Paul Rodriguez.

Sun: Paul Rodriguez. Tue: Open Mic. The Bancroft, 9143 Campo Road, Spring Valley. Wed: Karaoke. Thu: Bedlam’s Edge, Kook, Red Wizard, CONDOR. Fri: Cathedral Hills, Mandala, Osmium, DiVad, Zero South. Sat: Painting Fences, Magic Eight Ball, Wicked Echos, Oak Palace, Stanze.

Sun: Blush, Tragedy, Mood of a Sinner, Beverage. Mon: Trivia. Tue: Karaoke.

Bang Bang, 526 Market St., Downtown.

Fri: Andhim, Nox Vahn. Sat: Spencer Brown.

Bar Pink, 3829 30th St., North Park. Wed: Shane Hall, Heather Nation, Blake Dean.

Thu: Latifahtron, Swiss Rolls. Fri: DJs Grimm, Buddha, Switch. Sat: Thieves Like Us, Ill Will. Sun: Lord Howler, Low and be Told. Mon: Dan Dimonte Trio. Tue: ‘Tiki Tuesday’.

Beaumont’s, 5665 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla. Thu: Dude Cervantes. Fri: dB Jukebox.

@SDCITYBEAT

Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. Wed: Green Leaf Rustlers.

Thu: Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Fri: The Spazmatics. Sat: Ryan Bingham (sold out). Sun: Infinite Floyd: A Pink Floyd Experience. Mon: Ryan Bingham (sold out).

Tue: Ella Vos. Black Cat Bar, 4246 University Ave., City Heights. Fri: The Sorcerer Family.

Blonde, 1808 W. Washington St., Mission Hills. Wed: ‘Dance Klassique’. Thu: ‘Chocolate: Afro House & Forward Thinking Music’. Sat: ‘Through Being Cool’.

Sun: Jimbo James. Mon: ‘The Smiths & Morrissey Nite’. Tue: ‘Techit EASY’.

Boar Cross’n, 390 Grand Ave., Carlsbad.

Sat: Big Dude.

Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave., Bay Park. Sat: Damage, Inc, Blackout, In The End, Soldiers of Death.

The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., Midtown. Wed: Boy Harsher, Boan. Thu: Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, Frankie and the Witch Fingers. Fri: Veronica May Band, Ariel Levine, The Havnauts. Sat: Durand Jones & The Indications, Ginger Root (sold out). Sun: Arkells, Dear Rouge.

Mon: Acid Mothers Temple. Tue: TWRP. Che Cafe, 1000 Scholars Drive S, La Jolla. Fri: Cryptic, Manic, Perennial. Sat: And The Kids, Cardioid, Jack Geary. Sun: Mountain Movers, Mrs. Henry, Vaginals.

Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive, Bay Park. Wed: Mikan Zlatkovich 4tet, Brian Levy. Sun: ‘Brasil Jazz Festa Celebration’.

F6ix, 526 F St., Downtown. Fri: Isaac B. Sat: Beatnick.

Fluxx, 500 Fourth Ave., Downtown. Fri: Dynamiq. Sat: DJ Playboi.

MUSIC CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

ASTROLOGICALLY UNSOUND Weekly forecasts from the so-called universe ARIES (March 21 - April 19): People stream in and out of our lives and no one is here to stay forever. In fact, the only constant you have is your gut flora, and those microorganisms can be your greatest ally or your worst enemy.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): This week, practice giving others the benefit of the doubt, just like a starving grizzly bear that stops batting a camper around after they go limp and play possum.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Everyone thinks they could kill a murderous doll that was possessed by a supernatural spirit just because it is small. This week, you will be similarly underestimated.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): This week, you are positively magnetic and every pollen spore that is caught in your orbit is sure to be positively captivated by the moist environment of your eyeballs.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): It can still feel like a shortcut even if it ends up taking longer than just doing it the normal way, because you have to explain it to other people. It’s all about the vision.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 December 21): The least important thing you can do in life is spending time developing your taste in literature, music, film or art. Seriously, go volunteer or something.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Imagine yourself in a tranquil environment, nothing above you and nothing below you, just floating there… in the void. But when you scream, no sound comes out. Is this normal?

CAPRICORN (December 22 January 19): Everything is cyclical, less like a twister and more like a little dog turning around again and again in a pile of blankets trying to find a way to get cozy.

LEO (July 23 - August 22): You can achieve anything you set your mind to though you will need a team of 15-20 personal assistants, interns and business managers.

Wait, you’re talking about doing it on your own? OK, well, good luck.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Some thoughts are not worth lingering over, like whether or not the airplane you are on is going to crash or if the hair on your plate is yours or from the kitchen.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Just because you follow all the posted signs and placards doesn’t mean that nothing will go wrong. After all, they could be fake-out road signs posted by secluded psycho killers.

PISCES (February 19 - March 20): The meaning of life will slip out of your grasp like a little greased pig and as it goes squealing away you will think, this is not a metaphor—I really need that pig!

Astrologically Unsound appears every week. Follow Christin Bailey on Twitter at @hexprax.

MARCH 20, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 25

MUSIC MUSIC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., Downtown. Wed: Mat Kerekes. Thu: Travis Greene. Fri: Sabrina Carpenter. Sat: William Ryan Key. Sun: Carter Winter. Tue: The Cat Empire.

Humphreys Backstage, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. Wed: Roni Lee Group. Thu: DJ Chuck. Fri: Republic of Music. Sat: The Groove Mercenaries.

Sun: Platinum Vibe. Mon: Casey Hensley.

Tue: Billy Watson.

The Irenic, 3090 Polk Ave., North Park.

Fri: Fashion Jackson, Buddha Trixie, Carpool Tunnel, Psychic Barber, Ignant Benches. Sat: Hot Flash Heat Wave, Diners, Temporex.

Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner Blvd., Midtown. Thu: ‘Acid Varsity’. Fri: Astronomar, Fraud, Matt Egbert. Sat: ‘Bhangraton: Reggeaton & Bhangra Party’. Sun: Wall Out Tour.

Lestat’s Coffee House, 3343 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Fri: Raena Jade, Kennady Tracy. Sat: Tyler Hilton, Savannah Philyaw. Sun: Vinny Dee, Shannan Patino, Samer Bakri. Mon: Open Mic. Tue: Comedy Night.

Mc P’s Irish Pub, 1107 Orange Ave., Coronado. Wed: Harmony Road. Thu: Fish & JG. Fri: Josie Day Band. Sat: Miss Demeanor. Sun: Manic Bros. Tue: Sophisticats.

Martinis Above Fourth, 3940 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest. Wed: Jackbenny in ‘It’s National See-A-Show Day!’. Thu: Raja in ‘Masque’. Sat: Sutton Lee Seymour in ‘DRAGFLIX’. Mon: ‘Mischief!’ Starring Molly Mahoney & G. Scott Lacy.

The Merrow, 1271 University Ave., Hill-

26 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MARCH 20, 2019

crest. Wed: The Ballad of James Lawless, Jehlad, John Lowery. Thu: ‘Animal Kingdom’. Fri: Koffin Kats, The Strikers, Busted Coffins. Sat: The Innocent Bystanders, Ventralis, Erick Tyler & The Vibe. Sun: ‘Showstoppers Talent Contest’. Mon: ‘Playground Monday Night Dance Party’.

Tue: Aunt Cynthia’s Cabin, S. Mathias, Weasel Dust.

Mr. Peabody’s, 136 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas. Thu: Steelehorse Country. Fri: The Resinators. Sat: Celeste Barbier.

Sun: ‘Tony Ortega Jazz Jam’. Mon: Open Mic. Tue: Karaoke.

Music Box, 1337 India St., Little Italy.

Wed: Rayland Baxter, T. Hardy Morris, Cardinal Moon. Thu: Bailo. Fri: Journeymen, Radio Thieves, One Hit Wonders.

Sat: Boogaloo Assassins. Sun: Matt Nathanson (sold out).

The Office, 3936 30th St., North Park.

Wed: Karaoke. Thu: ‘No Limits’. Fri: ‘After Hours’. Sat: ‘Strictly Business’. Sun: Tribe of Kings. Mon: ‘Motown on Mondays’.

Tue: ‘Night Shift’.

OMNIA Nightclub, 454 Sixth Ave., Downtown. Thu: ‘Undone on Thursday’. Fri: Klingande. Sat: DJ Politik.

Panama 66, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park.

Wed: ‘The Wednesday Jam Session’. Fri: Dave Gleason. Sat: Cardinal Moon.

Parq, 615 Broadway, Downtown. Fri: Kid Conrad. Sat: Pauly D. Pour House, 1903 S. Coast Highway, Oceanside. Wed: Open Mic. Fri: Volcano.

Sat: Trouble in the Wind. Sun: Kimmi Bitter. Mon: Trivia. Tue: DJ Lexicon Devil.

Proud Mary’s, 5550 Kearny Mesa Road, Kearny Mesa. Wed: Lady Star. Thu: Tomcat Courtney. Fri: Fish & The Seaweeds.

Sat: Cadillac Wreckers.

The Rail, 3796 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest. Thu: ‘Country Dance’. Mon: Trivia.

mal Heights. Wed: Paul Gregg. Sun: Jimbo Trout. Tue: Trivia.

Rich’s, 1051 University Ave., Hillcrest.

Wed: ‘Mischief with Bianca’. Thu: ‘#LEZ + House Music’. Fri: ‘Electro-POP!’. Sat: ‘Voltage’. Sun: ‘Discoteka’.

Til-Two Club, 4746 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. Wed: Open Mic. Thu: ‘Sound in Color’. Fri: ‘Original Stylin’. Sat: Devotional the Depeche MODE Experience. Sun: ‘PANTS Karaoke!’.

Riviera Supper Club, 7777 University Ave., La Mesa. Wed: ‘Boss Jazz’. Thu: Rosa’s Cantina Duo. Fri: Imagery Machine. Sat: Dave Gleason Trio. Tue: ‘Everything & Anything Jam’.

Rosie O’Gradys, 3402 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Thu: DJ Ratty. Fri: Never Come Down, Gold Crush. Sat: Thump Juice. Mon: ‘Jazz Jam’.

Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. Wed: Elephant Gym, Positioner.

Thu: Downers, Splavender, Brushed. Fri: Steve‘n’Seagulls, ClusterPluck. Sat: Mike Doughty (sold out). Sun: Ayla Nereo, Elijah Ray, Amber Lily. Mon: Amyl and the Sniffers. Tue: The National Parks, Wild.

SOMA, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd., Midway.

Fri: Rain on Fridays, Saving the State, Suburban Park, Species Unknown, Creature Culture, Subspecies. Sat: The Browning, Betraying the Martyrs, Extortionist, Blackcast, A Hero Within. Sun: J Bogg.

Tue: Plini, Mestis, Dave Mackay.

SPACE, 3519 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights.

Wed: Astrological New Year, Otherr, Piskicker. Thu: Other Ways, Bosswitch, All Beat Up, Lord Drucifer. Fri: ‘Whips ‘N’ Furs’. Sat: Actors, Twin Tribes, Creux Lies, Bootblacks. Sun: Ulthar. Mon: The Six Sevens, Small Culture, Backseat Vinyl.

Tue: Karaoke.

Spin, 2028 Hancock St., Midtown. Fri: Soul Button, Nick Devon. Sat: Pig & Dan, Cristoph, Harvard Bass.

Sycamore Den, 3391 Adams Ave., Nor-

Tin Roof, 401 G St., Downtown. Wed: ‘The Corner’. Thu: Keep Your Soul Duo. Fri: Scott Mac Band. Sat: Cassie B. Band.

Sun: Tony P. Mon: Sky Zada. Tue: Keep Your Soul Duo. Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St., Bay Park. Wed: ‘Get Western Wednesday’. Thu: Gino & the Lone Gunmen. Fri: High Tide Society, Mercedes Moore. Sat: The Rhythmatics.

Sun: ‘A Benefit for the Spring Harp Fest’.

Mon: ‘Sexy Salsa & Sensual Bachata’.

Tue: The Jazz Pockets.

Tower Bar, 4757 University Ave., City Heights. Thu: Pkew Pkew Pkew, The Raptors. Fri: Call of the Wild, War Cloud, Supra Summus, Void Vator. Sat: The Blackjackits, Squarecrow, Le Saboteur. Sun: New Skeletal Face, Bonestripper, Christ Killer.

U-31, 3112 University Ave., North Park.

Wed: DJ Ukeim. Thu: ‘BoomBox Thursdays’. Fri: Kid Wonder. Sat: JuniorTheDiscoPunk. Mon: ‘#31 Flavors’.

Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern St., South Park.

Fri: Profligate, Sigsaly, O/X. Sat: ‘Booty Bassment’. Mon: Nocturnal Habits, Drug Apts, Dreambros.

Winstons, 1921 Bacon St., Ocean Beach.

Wed: ‘Club Kingston’. Thu: Eldorado Slim. Fri: Nick Bone & The Big Scene, Desert Suns, Space Force. Sat: Electric Waste Band, The Alligators. Sun: Karaoke. Mon: Electric Waste Band. Tue: DJ Williams.

@SDCITYBEAT

BY LARA MCCAFFREY

IN THE BACK

CannaBeat Job hunting

T

he cannabis industry publication Leafly recently released an annual jobs report. The “Special Report: Cannabis Jobs Count” indicated over 10,261 cannabis jobs would be added in California this year. Some industry experts believe California’s market will continue to grow, at least for now, with diverse job choices. However, it also indicated that these jobs would require more professionalism from candidates.

Bruce Barcott, lead author of the report and deputy editor at Leafly, says that as California implemented its new cannabis state regulations in 2018, a lot of businesses shut down and a lot of people lost their jobs. It also means a lot of people found new jobs.

“So we saw 2018 as a rare instance in the cannabis industry where, in California, job growth is relatively flat because of all that disruption,” says Barcott. “But we also now estimate that there will probably be a gain of about 10,000 new jobs in California in 2019 as the state licensing scheme comes up to its full potential and retail stores continue to open.”

Released March 5, 2019, and written by Barcott and Beau Whitney of Whitney Economics, this is the third edition of Leafly’s jobs report. Barcott says Leafly began putting together its own report on cannabis jobs because the Bureau of Labor Statistics wasn’t (and still isn’t) tracking them. The agency follows federal law, meaning it observes cannabis as being federally illegal.

States with legal cannabis markets are prevented from

@SDCITYBEAT

FATCAMERA / ISTOCKPHOTO

collecting job information because cannabis jobs don’t have a code within the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). The U.S., Canada and Mexico use NAICS, which is comprised of nearly 20,000 codes that indicate job categories.

“If a job or industry does not have its own NAICS code number, that job doesn’t exist within the statistical universe of labor economists,” reads Leafly’s “Cannabis Jobs Count” report.

Barcott says there are now a greater variety of jobs in cannabis as opposed to when the market first started, including positions in ancillary roles such as consulting, journalism, accounting or even human resources.

“It’s not just there are a lot of budtender jobs or there are a lot of jobs for people who have experience growing cannabis,” says Barcott.

Kara Bradford, CEO and co-founder of the Seattle-based cannabis recruiting agency Viridian Staffing (viridianstaffing.com), says she was working with companies in California before Prop 64 even passed. Now that recreational use is legal in California, Bradford saw new companies that weren’t in the medical market looking to fill positions in extraction and processing. Like Barcott, she sees a wide variety of jobs available but has seen fewer need for positions such as naturopaths and medical doctors in the postrecreational era. For California in particular, Bradford also sees fewer opportunities for cultivators at the moment.

“I would say of all the states, California [has] the fewest cultivation positions because there’s just already so much

amazing cultivation in the state at this point,” says Bradford.

Beyond demand for jobs, Bradford also says what’s expected of job candidates has changed, but there’s a lot of opportunity for growth. She says these companies still want to have fun in the industry but expect employees to be much more professional. If they do well, there’s more upward mobility than in other industries.

“I’ve seen someone go from being a trimmer to a general manager in two years’ time, which in any other industry is unheard of,” says Bradford. “There’s definitely the opportunity to grow quickly as long as they come in and take the role seriously.”

CannaBeat appears every other week.

MARCH 20, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 27