San Diego CityBeat • Mar 27, 2019

2 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MARCH 27, 2019

@SDCITYBEAT

UP FRONT | FROM THE EDITOR

Who’s really afraid of rent control?

R

ecently, one of my dear friends was contemplating whether she’d have to move back in with her parents. She’s lived in the same South Park apartment for nearly two decades, and has witnessed the neighborhood change into a popular destination for affluent families to settle down.

She has a job that requires her to work outdoors and makes good money, but the recent rains forced her to tap into her savings just to make ends meet. Then came the letter. Her rent was being raised by 10 percent after being increased by the same amount a little over a year before.

She had just turned 40 and was dreading the prospect of having to move back in with her parents.

I visited another friend of mine in South Park recently and found that her kitchen sink didn’t work. When I suggested she call her landlord, she became embarrassed, eventually admitting that she feared her landlord would use it as an excuse to raise rents on her apartment complex. At the end of the day, she’d just walk to the bathroom to get water rather than risk yet another rent increase.

This is the prospect many San Diegans face. For younger locals, the dream of finding their own place seems like a pipe dream at best. Most barely scrape by living with roommates and often have to borrow money from their parents or other relatives. Even for older San Diegans, renting is becoming an increasingly dubious situation.

And these aren’t destitute or impoverished people. Many have good jobs that put them just at the precipice of middle class. And the sad part is that they’re lucky. The system is screwed up when a person with a full-time job can’t afford a one-bedroom apartment or when they have to fear rent increases simply for reporting a faulty sink.

So I found it discouraging when, back in November, voters rejected Proposition 10, which would have repealed the outdated Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, a 1995 state law that essentially bans cities and counties from passing their own versions of rent control.

So why would voters in the state reject something that would seem like common sense? That is, to let cities and municipalities decide what works best for them when it comes to rent control? Well, as is often

the case, it comes down to money. Landlord groups outspent tenant’s rights groups by a margin of 3-to-1, spreading disinformation about how getting rid of the limited amount of rent control protections in Costa-Hawkins would actually serve to raise rents. The Blackstone Group, the world’s largest real estate management firm, spent almost $7 million to defeat Prop. 10. This is the same corporation whose holdings have quadrupled since the 2008 financial crisis.

The same corporation the United Nations recently accused of “wreaking havoc” and helping fuel the global housing crisis.

And it worked. Voters fell for the disinformation campaign. And it’s not like tenant’s rights groups have millions of dollars to throw around (I’d imagine most of them are just busy trying to pay their rent). The whole thing played out like the electoral equivalent of my friend and her sink problem: Don’t mess with the landlords, lest they raise our rents again.

The main argument from opponents of Prop. 10 was that passing it would do away with the limited amount of Costa-Hawkins’ rent control protections for buildings built before 1995. However, cities could have easily circumvented this by immediately restoring those protections on a local level while also being freed up to pass additional protections.

It was encouraging to see that Oregon recently passed a fine-tuned compromise when it comes to rent control. Governor Newsom has pledged that the housing crisis is his top priority, but he cannot stop at amending laws that would allow for new development and suing local burghs like Encinitas over affordable units. Rent control laws needs to be part of any solution.

It just so happens that the record percentage of people who elected Gov. Gavin Newsom was the same percentage (62 percent) that rejected Prop. 10. The governor is pragmatic and probably realizes that multinational corporations bamboozled voters when it comes to Prop. 10. He should use his mandate to include tenant protections in any new housing legislation. He promised it on the campaign trail and it’s time for him to sit down with the legislature to figure out a new system that works for all Californians.

—Seth Combs

Write to seth.combs@sdcitybeat.com

This issue of CityBeat thinks the Voice of San Diego is useless and gets by on its looks.

Volume 17 • Issue 32 VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS David Comden

WEB EDITOR Ryan Bradford

Sara Harmatz, Glenn Heath Jr., Peter Holslin, Alfred Howard, Lizz Huerta, Tigist Layne, Jonathan Mandel, Lara McCaffrey, Scott McDonald, Jim Ruland, Ben Salmon, Ian Ward

ART DIRECTOR Carolyn Ramos

EDITORIAL INTERNS Steven Buriek, Marlee Drake, Gabi Levitt

STAFF WRITER Andrea Lopez-Villafaña

PRODUCTION MANAGER Tristan Whitehouse

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Interested in advertising?

Call 619-281-7526 or e-mail advertising@sdcitybeat.com.

COLUMNISTS Aaryn Belfer, Ryan Bradford, Edwin Decker, John R. Lamb, Rhonda “Ro” Moore

MULTIMEDIA ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Paulina Porter-Tapia

CONTRIBUTORS Christin Bailey, Torrey Bailey, Jackie Bryant, David L. Coddon, Beth Demmon, Ombretta Di Dio, Julia Dixon Evans, Michael A. Gardiner,

ACCOUNTING Perla Castillo, Linda Lam

EDITOR Seth Combs

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jason Noble

HUMAN RESOURCES Andrea Baker

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Steven Persitza

The advertising deadline is 5 p.m. every Friday for the following week’s issue.

EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING OFFICE 3047 University Ave., Suite 202 San Diego, CA 92104 Phone: 619-281-7526 Fax: 619-281-5273 sdcitybeat.com

San Diego CityBeat is published and distributed every Wednesday by Southland Publishing Inc., free of charge but limited to one per reader.

Reproduction of any material in this or any other issue is prohibited without written permission from the publisher and the author. Contents copyright 2019.

@SDCITYBEAT

MARCH 27, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 3

UP FRONT | LETTERS LOSE THE NOOSE Hi Mr. Combs. I just want to thank you for your sensitivity concerning the band ‘Loosen The Noose’ insensitivity toward the many, many deceased African Americans who had nooses places around their necks and hanged simply because they had sun-kissed ebonycolored skin [“Great Local Music Review,” March 6; Letters, March 20]. With a name like that, I hope not one of its bands members is black. I personally find the band’s name to be highly offensive and somewhat problematic because of America’s most brutal and bitter racist past, when nooses were used to hang tens of thousands of black men, women, boys, and girls from trees and bridges.

Maybe the band’s name can be changed to: One Brotherhood; One Humanity; or One Love for All. But ‘Loosen The Noose’ feeds readily into the eager racist narratives of white nationalism, white superiority, white rule and white privilege as the noose continues to be used as a tool of intimidation by those who still long for a return to the days when black people were murdered with impunity and at-will throughout the United States. I strongly encourage the band members to Google: 60 Minutes: The Legacy of Lynching, and see why the word (noose) still haunts the memories of millions of African Americans even to this very day.

I was both born and reared in the Deep South of our nation and know that there are devout racists in every states of the Union

4 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MARCH 27, 2019

who use a noose whenever and wherever they can to remind blacks of America’s dark past of racial hate and savage brutality against God’s children of ebony. Thanks again, Mr. Combs for your humanity concerning the continual struggle of African Americans gaining racial justice and racial equality in a country that systematically denies their humanity, their worth, and their value as human beings in this 21st century.

Jacob Regal Downtown

PUZZLING CHOICES I enjoyed the piece on the inclusion of San Diego to the Michelin Guide [“Stars are Born,” Culture, March 20] and agree that most all of our local restaurants will be (rightly so) snubbed. Addison truly is a gem and an example of what most local “fine” restaurants should be working towards. It amazes me that everyone in town can rattle off the names of starred restaurants elsewhere however the mention of Addison to a local is usually met with a blank stare.

I did find your mention of El Jardin puzzling, as I’ve found them to be typical of “nice” San Diego restaurants, a vehicle to promote the chef as a celebrity. It’s pretty much just “OK” and mediocre. When I’ve gone, its never impressed; poor service, uninspired food, visually “nice” open space, etc.

Its nowhere near the level of a place like Taco Maria, which is doing way more with much

less. The wine list at El Jardin was a real sore spot as the markup was quite high and the list contained wines that are simply undrinkable. The bottles of Bichi come to mind. San Diego deserves a great Mexican Restaurant and El Jardin is far from that.

I would, however, like to get your take on Wine Vault as a Bib Gourmand candidate.

Personally I think it’s a great value and ticks all the boxes for that category.

Thanks and keep up the good work!

KC

Golden Hill

ELLIOTT’S GOTTA GO Esteemed Mr. Lamb, I read CityBeat weekly, particularly your column. The recent reportage concerning Ms. Elliott was on target [“The Dimming of Mara Elliott,” Spin Cycle, March 13]! My wife and I are also fans of Donna Frye, who to-date continues as one of the finest persons whoever served on the city council. We agree that next time out, Ms. Elliott needs to be replaced.

Government and our elected representatives must operate in a glass house. If they can’t stand the light, leave! Elliott’s pitiful explanation for the proposed Senate Bill 615 was preposterous!

Best wishes,

Richard and Ruberta Castro Clairemont

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

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

Spin Cycle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Backwards & In High Heels. . . . . . . . . . .

Well, That Was Awkward . . . . . . . . . . . .

3 4 6 8 9

FOOD & DRINK World Fare. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Anatomy of a Cocktail Scene . . . . . . . . . 12 Final Draught. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

THINGS TO DO The Short List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Calendar of Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15

ARTS & CULTURE Theater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Feature: Games Without Frontiers. . . . 17 Film . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-20

MUSIC Feature: J.S. Ondara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Black Gold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 The Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 If I Were U . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Concerts & Clubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-26

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

@SDCITYBEAT

@SDCITYBEAT

MARCH 27, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 5

JOHN R. LAMB

UP FRONT | OPINION

SPIN

CYCLE Give ‘em the boot When all else fails, there’s always delusion.

U

—Conan O’Brien

.S. Army Reserve Col. Elliot Schroeder recalled shouldering the blame for directing a convoy into a deadly 2003 ambush by Iraqi forces. That action resulted in the capture of Private First Class Jessica Lynch.

During the Battle of Nasiriyah, Schroeder was tasked with finding a safe route around the city for the convoy. Unbeknownst to him, the convoy took a wrong turn and found itself in the heart of the city, where it came under heavy enemy fire. Eleven soldiers were killed in the ambush, and six were captured, including an injured Lynch.

Lynch’s recovery by U.S. Special Forces a week later—the first POW rescue since World War II and first ever of a woman—drew widespread media coverage.

JOHN R. LAMB

“I was stressed out for six months because I thought I had made that mistake,” Schroeder told Spin. The West Point graduate goes on to explain that the “six months” in question refers to how long it took for an official report on the incident to emerge detailing what actually happened. “That really hit home to me that decisions at higher levels have implications down at the lowest level.”

So forgive Schroeder if he found what happened to him earlier this month at the hands of local Republican Party Chairman Tony Krvaric, but it’s not exactly life shattering.

After all, he’s faced much tougher foes and more trying times.

Elected to the Republic Party of San Diego County (RPSDC) Central Committee in 2016, Schroeder told Spin this week that his first foray into politics seemed a natural fit.

“I’ve always just wanted to serve,” he said. “It’s kind of my thing.”

He campaigned heavily for one of the six seats and in a district that

6 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MARCH 27, 2019

includes GOP players such as Krvaric, Poway school board member TJ Zane and former San Diego councilmember (and current radio gasbag) Carl DeMaio. First-time candidate Schroeder finished fifth out of 13 candidates and garnered more than 14,000 votes—just 3,000 votes shy of long-time party head Krvaric—to earn a Central Committee seat.

Schroeder said he shrugged off the door hanger left at his home that pushed six candidates of Krvaric’s liking. “Yeah, I was not included,” he said, but he added the chairman was congratulatory after he won.

After his victory, however, Schroeder said things got “kind of weird.” While he was getting reports that other party caucuses (basically subsets of the Central Committee determined by state Assembly districts) were meeting regularly and discussing issues, his own 77th Assembly District caucus rarely met.

“When we had our first meeting, [Krvaric’s] viewpoint was, the committee is just volunteers,” Schroeder said, adding that Krvaric had the attitude that “you won the election to make sure you knock on doors for the Republican Party.”

Schroeder saw it differently.

“We are the voice of the people, and we help shape the party,” he said. In reality, “you’re just the tapped manpower whenever Tony

Local Republican Party Chairman Tony Krvaric kicked an elected Iraq War veteran off the Central Committee.

Is the Trump enthusiast losing his grip? needs somebody to knock on doors.”

Schroeder said Zane, a Krvaric ally, was made caucus chairman without a vote, a position that includes a spot on the powerful Executive Committee. When he filled in for Zane once on that panel, Schroeder said Krvaric made it a point to make clear he had no voting rights. “Right from the get-go, he was hesitant about me,” Schroeder recalled.

Central Committee members also get to pick an alternate, and it’s likely Schoeder’s choice, Brian Brady, didn’t sit well with Krvaric.

Brady is a real estate broker and occasional thorn in Krvaric’s side at Central Committee meetings.

While he agrees with Krvaric on many things, the local party’s recent string of dismal election outcomes sends Brady into a tizzy.

“Scorecard,” Brady told Spin.

“When you go 4-12 three straight years in a row, it’s time to remove the coach.”

With active reserve duty and an impressive job at a top local tech firm that makes rugged computer equipment for battlefield use, Shroeder does have to travel quite a bit. He admits he’s missed a few meetings, but in all but one of those instances, Schroeder said Brady stepped in as the alternate.

Schroeder said he’d started to hear from other committee members earlier this year that he might be targeted for removal and was urged to make sure he attended meetings. Someone congratulated him for his promotion to colonel, but noted, “Oh, you’re too busy for Central Committee.”

“I was like, well, no, I’m still doing it. I was just traveling,” he said.

Earlier this month, he went to the party’s website to RSVP for a meeting, and then clicked on the Central Committee page. Instead of finding his name listed, all he saw

was the word “vacant.”

“Nobody called me. Nobody notified me,” he said. He asked his caucus chair, who said he had missed enough meetings to warrant being removed. He checked his calendar, and it aligned with a time he was serving as a battalion commander for a reserve “ready-force” unit that was prepping to be deployed to North Korea “if we invaded.”

“I was supposed to go in the first wave in North Korea,” he said.

Fortunately, that didn’t occur.

Party bylaws expressly exempt absences for illness or for “temporary absence from the county,” as Schroeder contends was the case for him. Bylaws do permit the removal of a Central Committee member for missing four meetings within a 12-month span, but they also spell out the process required for that removal, which Schroeder contends, never happened for him.

He confronted Krvaric at a recent meeting about his removal.

He said the chairman got “really hostile.”

Krvaric did not respond to a request for comment.

“He said you have four absences, you’re not carrying your weight, you’re not helping out. You’re off,” Schroeder recalled. He said he accused Krvaric of not following the rules. “We just did this stare-off for a little bit until he finally walked away,” Schroeder said.

He wrote about his removal last week for the right-leaning San Diego Rostra blog, concluding, “I was elected to this position by thousands of voters and now Tony has unilaterally removed me for doing Army Reserve duty… After this experience, I can’t look voters and my kids in the eye and say that the RPSDC isn’t a swamp.”

Spin Cycle appears every other week.

Write to johnl@sdcitybeat.com.

@SDCITYBEAT

@SDCITYBEAT

MARCH 27, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 7

UP FRONT | OPINION

AARYN BELFER

BACKWARDS & IN

HIGH HEELS

The ripples of white supremacy

T

he Al Noor Mosque, the Linwood Islamic Center, the Tree of Life synagogue, the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Lo, my heart. How’s yours?

It’s been almost two weeks since a man whose name I don’t know—will intentionally never know— added Christchurch to the growing list of cities where our fellow humans were slaughtered in their place of worship.

Every day, things are getting worse and only we can save us.

This white supremacist terrorist in New Zealand gunned down 50 Muslims where they should have been the safest. He wounded 50 others who will be recovering from their injuries long after we’ve all turned our gaze to the next horror that will come. And it will come.

The trauma of those Kiwis who were present, but not physically wounded, will have lifelong consequences. For example, one day after this horrific massacre and halfway around the world in Florida, 19-year-old Sydney Aiello died by suicide. Aiello escaped the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting (her best friend was killed), but was crippled by depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and survivor’s guilt. Aiello used a gun to take her own life. This past Saturday, another Parkland student died by suicide.

Like a rock dropped in water, the impact of white supremacist violence ripples wide. This is what hate does and only we can stop it.

According to a November 2018 New York Times article, “White supremacists and other far-right extremists have killed far more people since Sept. 11, 2001, than any other category of domestic extremist.” In late 2017, Newsweek ran a story detailing how “white nationalists” are a bigger threat to the U.S. than ISIS. One note here: We must, in the media and our personal lives, banish from our lexicon the terms “white nationalist” and “white nationalism.” These grammatical contortions allow us (and by “us,” I mean good white people) to indulge in magical thinking and to live lives of convenient apathy. “White nationalist” is a defanged descriptor whose purpose—like a slick haircut, a pressed button down and tan chinos—conspires to make the unpalatable palatable.

The only appropriate term for this evil is “white supremacy,” and if that feels like shards of glass on readers’ tongues, it should. It’s supposed to be jarring.

This is a most vile wickedness and we must call it for what it is. We must understand that white supremacy is the foundation of America and permeates every institution in our society.

It’s a virus that’s spreading and only we can kill it.

White supremacy is the root of every problem in the United States and as one of our most successful exports, it is now an urgent global problem. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), which monitors hate groups and tracks hate crimes, stated recently that the growing white supremacist movement is transnational and

presents “a clear and present danger around the world.”

The United Kingdom has seen a surge in hate crimes linked to Brexit and the 2017 attacks. The Independent reports that “racially and religiously aggravated offences” have increased 7 percent in one year. France has seen a 20 percent rise of anti-Semitic acts since 2016. And if Christchurch taught us anything, it’s that there is no place on earth safe from white supremacist terrorism: Between 2008 and 2017, a total of 69 people died from gun violence in the entire country of New Zealand; it took one white supremacist and his automatic weapon just six minutes to reach 72 percent of that number.

Here in America, the Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism identified that, of 274 hate-related killings during that same time period (2008 to 2017), 77 percent were perpetrated by white supremacists.

Of course, we have enough hate-based incidents to fill volumes. But a few come immediately to mind, like the tiki-torch-bearing lynch mob in Charlottesville that resulted in the murder of anti-racist activist Heather Heyer. Or there’s the SPLC-identified hate group, The Proud Boys, who violently beat three protestors on Fifth Avenue after leaving a meeting with the Metropolitan Republican Club in Manhattan (white supremacy is an open value of the GOP). Or the white man in Dallas caught on video last week brutally beating a Black woman with his fist over a parking spot. That, of course, wasn’t the real reason for his violence; that was the excuse reason. The real reason is that the man is a white supremacist.

We see state-sanctioned white supremacist violence in our police forces as they shoot Black men in the back (think Walter Scott. Think Stephon Clark. Think Antwon Rose), and abuse Black girls and women (think Dajerria Becton. Think Shakarra and her friend Niya Kenny. Think Brianna Bell).

We see white people calling the police on Black adults and children because they barbecued in the park, sold water on a street corner, slept in a common area of graduate housing, entered an apartment building where they reside, or because they accidentally bumped into them in a bodega.

We see white folks openly berate Hispanic people— a landscaper, a food worker, a restaurant manager—in Los Angeles, New York City, Parkersberg, W.V. And then there are the white kids: Young ‘uns in MAGA hats—the modern version of the white hood— openly antagonizing a Native American; kids gleefully posing for a prom photo with Hitler salutes and white power hand signs; teens at a keg party tagging each other in pics posted to social media of them smiling in full sieg heil above a giant swastika made out of red beer cups.

White supremacy is a threat of climate change magnitude and it is up to us to destroy it.

White supremacy is the root of every problem in the United States and as one of our most successful exports, it is now an urgent global problem.

8 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MARCH 27, 2019

Backwards & In High Heels appears every other week.

Write to aarynb@sdcitybeat.com.

@SDCITYBEAT

UP FRONT | VOICES

RYAN BRADFORD

WELL THAT WAS

AWKWARD

Big hair don’t scare

I

t’s human hair, I think.

I reach out and my brain screams the reminder again.

It’s human-fucking-hair!

It’s too late. I touch the hairball. It’s stiff, brittle— how I imagine the still-growing hair of a corpse feels.

I pull my hand away and shudder.

Then I remember a line from Pet Sematary: “The soil of a man’s heart is stonier.”

I don’t know why the hairball makes me think of this quote—made famous by the old Maine codger Jud Crandall in Stephen King’s novel. The line speaks to the darkness within us all, or perhaps the depravity of which all humans are capable.

Both of these interpretations seem apropos in regards to “The Ball” (as I now call it), for it is truly a monstrosity borne from humankind’s unconscious desire to dye their souls with the abyss.

I back away from The Ball.

There are other attractions at the Ripley’s Believe It or Not mini museum, which is within The Oddities and Curiosities Expo. But The Ball is the worst.

The sight of it stirs something deep in my gut, my heart and my soul. It’s about four feet tall and large enough for two people to wrap their arms around.

Metal legs protrude out of the bottom—a grotesque merging of body and industry. Yet, I can’t stop looking at it.

A representative from Ripley’s approaches me. For some reason, he’s smiling, as if we’re not both standing in the presence of this mass of dead human cells.

“Want me to take your picture with it?”

“What keeps it together?” I ask.

He reaches down and grabs a can of spray glue off the wooden platform where The Ball stands. There’s also a pair of scissors down there, and the implication is staggering and immediate.

“You mean people add to it?”

“Yep, we had our latest addition this morning.

Right here.” He points out a blond, serpentine streak that looks like a platinum vein. I suppress the urge to cringe. The idea that this thing is growing—given life by living, breathing passers-by is too much, man.

I press on, even though it’s only been a few minutes and I feel like I’ve already gotten my money’s worth of heebie-jeebies. But isn’t this why I came to this sort of thing in the first place? To get a little creeped out? Without a doubt, Del Mar Fairgrounds is a very appropriate setting for this kind of freaky expo.

I’m not usually a person who subscribes to woo-woo shit, but there’s an unmistakable energy that perme-

ates the place, and it borders on phantasmic. I can’t imagine how many dead horses haunt these grounds.

Curiosity seekers, horror fanatics and goths stumble through the stark bunker that is O’Brien Hall. All the vendors appear vampire-esque and look uncomfortable in the daylight. There’s so much taxidermy; so many skeletons. I consider how many animal spines one has to have in their house without looking like (or turning into) a full-fledged psycho (I say three, tops).

Donovan’s “Season of the Witch” peels eerily out from an unseen PA system. A man runs past me holding three jars of fake (I think) fetuses and I watch him decorate his booth with them. On the drive up, I had briefly toyed with the idea of buying something in a jar, but after seeing all the immaculate bones and skulls, the jar fetuses seem too gauche.

I see a line of dead bats under glass, splayed out and vulnerable-looking. I ask the guy selling them how long it takes to taxidermy a bat, and he says, “Oh, these are just freeze-dried,” and I wonder if this guy is doing the freezedrying, or if there’s a kit of freezedried bats I could just order. And then I think of Mr. Freeze saying “freeze” to Batman and spraying a freezing agent in an effort to sell a freeze-dried Batman to goths at a spooky expo.

All these thoughts of spraying lead me back to The Ball and the spray glue that holds it together.

If I crane my neck, I can still see it from all the way across the room.

Certainly, there are bigger balls of human hair that exist in the world (which I later confirm), but if people keep adding to this one, who knows how big it could get?

Left to my own devices, I could think about the growing hairball all day. Is it gross and dark attractions like this one that keep people like me coming back to things like the Oddities and Curiosities Expo? That keep us relegated to the outskirts of polite society? There are times when I worry about my predilection to morbidity, and whether it factors into—and maybe directly contributes to— my overarching feelings of anxiety and outsiderness.

But as I’ve written before in this space, it’s the extreme emotions of fear, revulsion and humor that often dwarf the normal anxieties of everyday living.

On the way out, I overhear a woman say, “I was actually expecting more grotesque things,” and I sort of want to stick her face in the hairball. Then again, as dark as I like it, there will always be someone who likes it darker, and that comforts the stony soil of my heart.

I consider how many animal spines one has to have in their house without looking like (or turning into) a full-fledged psycho (I say three, tops).

@SDCITYBEAT

Well, That Was Awkward appears every other week.

Write to ryanb@sdcitybeat.com

MARCH 27, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 9

UP FRONT | FOOD & DRINK

BY MICHAEL A. GARDINER

THE WORLD

FARE

Pot stickers in harmony

S

an Diego’s Chinese food scene is often disrespected and not entirely without reason. This town’s Chinese food lacks the depth of the Bay Area’s scene and the breadth of options in the San Gabriel Valley.

These days, it’s a lot better than it once was with much of that improvement coming in the form of regional variety. Not so long ago, the notion of finding a true Hunan restaurant or even a good Sichuan one was fantastical. Today, it isn’t that difficult to find a variety of places serving both.

Take, for example, Harmony Pot Sticker (7905 Engineer Road) in the Convoy District. It’s the first San Diego outpost of a Northeast China-based chain and the signature dishes are, as if the name didn’t give it away, pot stickers. However, these aren’t the pleated, sealed, panfried pork dumplings served at every dim sum place. Sure, Harmony’s pot stickers are, indeed, pan-fried on one side and most of them (but not all) include pork, but beyond that point, the stickers found at Harmony diverge from the familiar.

First off, instead of being fully sealed, the pot stickers are merely pinched closed at the top with the ends open. The point of this technique is to allow for more of the skin to get brown and delicious in the searing process. It is, in a sense, like lasagna or enchiladas: the best parts are always those crispy bits at the end, and such is the case with Harmony’s pot stickers.

The fillings at Harmony are different as well.

Whereas the dim sum pot stickers are simply filled with pork, Harmony offers six varieties. My favorite is the pork with pickled cabbage because the acidity and inherent sweetness of the cabbage perfectly balanced the rich, savory pork. The pork with green pepper version is also excellent and distinctly different from the ordinary because the pepper pro-

10 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MARCH 27, 2019

vides an intriguing freshness. The chive and shrimp pot sticker is quite good as well, and the garlicy, oniony flavor of the chives plays perfectly off the sweetness of the shrimp.

The stewed cabbage with pork belly soup was one dish I expected to be good at Harmony, but it was a bit less than that. It offered a pleasant acidity and a savory richness, but then the ginger took over. That effect was exacerbated by the texture of that ginger, which was minced past the point that it could be easily pushed to the side but not to the point that it disappeared in the soup. The result was an overdosing of that ingredient, which detracted from the real stars of the dish.

Harmony’s cold dishes, however, were far better.

The chicken in spicy sauce didn’t offer much in the way of the spicy-numbing style one might expect at a Sichuan spot, but this was more than made up for by the savory, umami flavors on offer. The same is true when it comes to the cucumber salad. Without the mala element in play, this cold version of cucumber reveals an aspect of the vegetable’s naMICHAEL A. GARDINER

Pork with pickled cabbage pot stickers ture—its savory qualities—that isn’t often evident in many Western cuisines.

San Diego’s Chinese dining isn’t the equal of the best scenes in the U.S. (or even California).

Still, it’s worth noting that some folks—as in restaurant chain-owning folks—believe San Diego is worth a look when it comes to opening an outpost.

That’s a good thing. Now it’s up to San Diego to support it.

The World Fare appears weekly.

Write to michaelg@sdcitybeat.com.

@SDCITYBEAT

@SDCITYBEAT

MARCH 27, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 11

UP FRONT | FOOD & DRINK

ANATOMY OF A COCKTAIL SCENE

BY IAN WARD

#54: Design-minded at Jeune et Jolie

I’m fairly certain that most of you have noticed a certain trend when it comes to new restaurants over the past couple of have something to admit, but first I years. Well, trend isn’t quit the right word— have to admit that what I have to admit let’s say flaw. There has been a huge shift away from the importance of the quality of isn’t all that interesting or shocking.

I have been living in San Diego for 12 the food and beverages (or even genuine years and only recently stepped foot in hospitality, for that matter) and toward the restaurant design. Everything has become Carlsbad Village. so design heavy. I’m not saying that Like I said, nothing shockdesign is unimportant, but ing. It’s just, well, I felt when it is the primary focus disappointed in myself. I and everything else is an afhave lived in O.B., Normal terthought, it is a glaringly Heights, Bankers Hill and obvious problem.

Point Loma. I have worked In many cases throughout as far north as Del Mar, but, San Diego, we have accepted for whatever reason I never this. It’s just what it is. Methought to travel to Carlsbad diocre food and service, but the Village. Perhaps it seemed too place sure is Instagram worthy. far away. Maybe I thought I’d be Fuck that. It’s bullshit. bored when I got there. In either Jeune et Jolie is not only a meticMartinique case, I was obviously wrong. ulously designed and alarmingly alGenerally, when I write these columns, I’ll focus on a particular ingredient, phi- luring restaurant, but just as beautiful are losophy or technique, and then build a the intricacies of the dishes, the thoughtstory out from there. Sometimes I focus on fulness of the beverage program and the personal hardships or accomplishments. warmth of the staff. Seeing as how I write Sometimes, it’s all about the history of a cocktail column, not a food or hospia certain spirit, cordial or fermentable. tality column, I will leave it to others to With this column, however, all I’m trying elaborate on those areas.

As for the beverages. The Martinique to do is convince readers to not only try cocktail embodies the spirit of the resJeune et Jolie (2659 State St., jeune-jolie. com) if they haven’t already, but to go to taurant. It was nuanced and lively, yet Carlsbad Village as well. In fact, the next subtle and full of sweet innuendos. The few columns I produce will be centered Gewürztraminer (a white wine) adds a sweet masking nose that is enhanced by there. Sort of a Carlsbad round-up. the rhum agricole, while still being a bit bold (this is due to the the heat of the rhum and the pommeau with its touch MARTINIQUE of vanilla oakiness). Just as much as any as prepared at Jeune et Jolie of the food items, the ambient music or the pastel color palate of the space, this 3/4 oz. 2 Towns 1 1/2 oz. Alsatian Gewürztraminer Ciderhouse Pommeau cocktail makes it clear that design didn’t 1/2 oz. Rhum agricole 1/4 oz. Simple syrup override the more important things. And blanc 3/4 oz. Lime juice yes, this young and beautiful spot is well worth a trip back to Carlsbad.

I

IA N W ARD

Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin with ice. Shake and strain over fresh ice. Garnish with dehydrated apple gummy and Colombo powder spice.

Anatomy of a Cocktail Scene appears every other week. Write to ianw@sdcitybeat.com.

12 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MARCH 27, 2019

BY BETH DEMMON

FINAL DRAUGHT Tapping potential in Imperial Beach

CORONADO BREWING CO.

I

n the 10-plus years I’ve lived in San Diego, I can only recall visiting Imperial Beach three times. Once was a visit to the (sadly) now-closed Susie’s Farm, once was to visit a friend, and once was a post-motorcycle ride pit stop at Coronado Brewing Company’s brewpub (875 Seacoast Drive, coronadobrewing.com).

But as I.B.’s cultural and culinary scenes continue to slowly but surely blossom, I can easily picture myself heading down there more in the future. “[Imperial Beach] is beautiful, funky, and one of the last old-school beach towns,” says Melody Crisp, marketing director at Coronado Brewing Company. “It’s a thriving community with a lot to offer.”

The Mayor of I.B., Serge Dedina, agrees, and characterizes his hometown as a “small, historically underserved city.”

“Imperial Beach is doing everything possible to attract all kinds of visitor and resident serving businesses… what makes Imperial Beach attractive for investment is the low cost of land and the city’s commitment to being business friendly through a streamlined permitting process,” Dedina explains via email.

With central neighborhoods like North Park and East Village heading toward craft beer market saturation, cities in the far reaches of the county (such as Escondido and parts of North and East County) are actively courting beer-centric businesses in order to satiate locals, as well as attract new residents fleeing skyrocketing housing prices in other parts of the county. Imperial Beach is no exception.

Coronado Brewing Company has enjoyed singular brewery status in I.B. since opening in 2014, but Mike Hess Brewing (mikehessbrewing.com) opened its fourth San Diego location at 805 Ocean Lane earlier this month. What’s more, the venture is a collaboration with City Tacos, and both will be mere steps away from Coronado’s taproom. And they’re not Coronado Brew-

Coronado Brewing Co. ing’s only competition on the craft beer front. Restaurants like SEA180 Coastal Tavern, which is owned by the Cohn Restaurant Group (800 Seacoast Drive, cohnrestaurants.com/sea180), have also helped inspire demand for elevated drinking and dining experiences. Crisp, for one, is happy to see the shifting attitude.

“There are lot of good things happening with craft beer in the area, and it’s not just breweries. Last year, The Brigantine opened with a great craft beer lineup, and more operators are coming to the area.

New businesses are realizing if they want to be competitive, they will need to offer good, local craft beer.”

Imperial Beach still has a long way to go before it becomes a major player in the San Diego beer community, but between the comparatively cheap real estate and ease of permitting, there are some major incentives for breweries to consider. An extra incentive is being conveniently located among the burgeoning beer scenes in both the South Bay and Tijuana.

In the meantime, Coronado Brewing is looking to expand its longtime brewpub on Seacoast after the proposed Bikeway Village project folded (taking Coronado’s plans for a second I.B. brewery and new distillery with it). On March 19, it debuted a sprawling new patio with the hope of enticing more locals to see what it’s all about.

Mike Hess’ taproom is also slated for a second-phase enlargement and beer garden. With these early adopters digging in, I wouldn’t be surprised to see many more local taps flowing in the underrated beachside burgh very soon.

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

@SDCITYBEAT

@SDCITYBEAT

MARCH 27, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 13

EVENTS

SHORTlist

ART

the

THREE YOU HAVE TO SEE

COORDINATED BY

SETH COMBS

GASLAMP

TOP OF HER LUNGS

When it comes to opera, notions of morality or what constitutes scandalous behavior often seem antiquated by today’s standards. But to say that Georges Bizet’s Carmen was shocking and scandalous when it was first staged in 1875 is something of an understatement. The notion of a self-actualized woman who seduces a man, only to grow tired of him and move onto another, was groundbreaking in terms of the opéra comique format.

“With Carmen, it’s just trying to really figure out her quest for freedom,” says Kyle Lang, who is directing the San Diego Opera’s production of Carmen. “The whole point of living for her is to be able to make her own choices. I think it’s very poignant in today’s society.”

For Lang, Carmen remains timeless precisely because the story resonates with opera experts, as well as newcomers. That story revolves around the titular character, a Spanish nomad who seduces a soldier and later a bullfighter. Needless to say, jealousies ignite and it all ends rather tragically, but for Lang—who previously directed a production of Carmen for Opera Omaha—it’s all about that beautiful music.

“It’s so recognizable to people. People don’t realize how many car commercials or insurance commercials they see that actually use the music from

DEL MAR

JULIETA CERVANTES

Carmen Carmen,” says Lang. “Believe it or not, people who never have seen an opera will see this and probably recognize at least four musical themes in the show.”

Lang is also particularly excited about Italian mezzo-soprano Ginger Costa-Jackson playing the title role.

“The thing about Ginger is she has this natural internal power. She is beautiful and she has an incredible voice, but she has such an intensity that it’s like she’s the character herself.”

San Diego Opera’s Carmen, the last production of the season, happens at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 30, Tuesday, April 2 and Friday, April 5 at the San Diego Civic Theatre (1100 Third Ave.). There’s also a matinee performance at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 7.

Tickets range from $25 to $251 at sdopera.org.

EAST VILLAGE

SUPER SOLEIL

FOR THE HOME TEAM

Sometimes a theatre simply isn’t big enough for some productions. Such is the case with Cirque du Soleil’s latest Big Top production, VOLTA, which is the first one at the Del Mar Fairgrounds (2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.) in seven years. As always, audiences should expect incredibly talented acrobats flawlessly executing mind boggling gymnastic feats. In the case of VOLTA, however, there’s the element of daring BMX tricks and hip-hop inspired “shape diving” and all set within an overall narrative about a young man on a futuristic game show. Throughout the performance, the contestants and its leading character, Waz, eventually find freedom from the constraints of society and learn to accept their differences. VOLTA will run from Wednesday, April 3 through Sunday, May 5, and tickets range from $65-$235. Check cirquedusoleil.com/ volta for all dates and times.

For the first time in years, the Padres look poised to be a serious competitor. This is cause for celebration, which is what the Opening Weekend Block Party is all about: getting hyped for what we all hope is a killer season.

This San Diego tradition stretches two days and features games, music from local bands, baseball themed cocktails, and tons of local food trucks.

Players will be on hand for autographs, and there will also be a pet fashion show. Of course, this all leads up to the opening series against the San Francisco Giants. The free block party outside Petco Park (on J Street between 6th and 10th Avenue) is appropriate for the whole family and runs from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 28 and noon to 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 29. eastvillagesandiego.com

MATT BEARD

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

14 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MARCH 27, 2019

Opening Weekend Block Party

DANCE

HTreatise On Violence at Bread & Salt, 1955 Julian Ave., Logan Heights. Local artist Francisco Eme will showcase some of his finished pieces from his newest project, which examines violence in our culture. Opening from 7 to 9 p.m.

Friday, March 29. Free. 619-851-4083, breadandsalsandiego.com

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.

Wednesday, March 27. $29-$99. 858459-3728, ljms.org

smART Festival at California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido.

An exhibit featuring work by students from each of the 23 Escondido Union Schools.

There will be visual arts, as well as dance, music and theater performances. Opening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 30. Free. 800-988-4253, artcenter.org

HThe Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody at Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp. The Australian burlesque show features all of the classic Star Wars characters along with song and dance, troupe routines and comedy. At 8 p.m. Saturday, March 30. $39.50. 619235-9500, sandiegotheatres.org

The Language of Art at Watercolor Society, 2825 Dewey Road, Liberty Station. Art exhibition juried by award-winning artist Kathleen Scoggin with 95 to 100 original ready-to-hang paintings for sale. Times vary each day. From noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 31 through Sunday, April 28. Free. 619-876-4550, sdws.org

San Diego Dances in Sherman Heights at Sherman Heights Community Center, 2258 Island Ave., Sherman Heights. The PGK DANCE Project will perform a dance that travels from the upstairs ballroom to the outside courtyard, with works from multiple artists. At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 30 and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 31. $15-$30. 619-886-7924, thepgkdanceproject.org

HWorks by Melissa Walter at Sepehri Gallery, 4410 Park Blvd., University Heights. The closing reception for the collection of stippled, hand embossed and cut paper works from the local artist. From noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 31. Free. 619-407-0704, facebook.com/ events/2242742346044413 HSanctuary Print Shop Activation at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 1100 Kettner Blvd., Downtown. Join others at this series of workshops from artists Sergio De La Torre and Chris Treggiari as they transform the museum into a space for collaboration, dialogue, and to create protest posters. From noon to 1:15 p.m. Sunday, March 31. Free. 858-454-3541, mcasd.org HJames Hubbell: The Space Between at Sparks Gallery, 530 Sixth Ave., Downtown. New works in a variety of mediums including sculpture, drawings, paintings, and mixed media expressing themes of nature and dreams. Opening from 6 to 9 p.m.

Sunday, March 31. RSVP recommended.

619-696-1416, sparksgallery.com

BOOKS 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 Gallery at White Box Live Arts, 2590 Truxtun Road, Liberty Station, Point Loma. Emerging choreographers from the San Diego Ballet present a one-of-a-kind mixed repertory production under the direction of Artistic Director Javier Velasco.

From 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 30. $18-$20. 619-294-7378, sandiegoballet. org

FILM 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 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

FOOD & DRINK

Liam Callanan at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The Edgar Award finalist and journalist will discuss and sign his new novel, Paris by the Book.

From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 28. Free. warwicks.com

Central San Diego Culinary Tour at Old Town Transit Center, 4005 Taylor St., Old Town. Enjoy and learn about the food and drinks from Cafe Virtuoso, Nate’s Garden Grill, City Farmers Nursery and Societe Brewing Co. From 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 30. $115. 619-2899802, march-central-san-diego.eventbrite. com

HAndrea Zuill at The Book Catapult, 3010-B Juniper St., South Park. The local writer will sign and discuss her new children’s book, Sweety, about a naked mole rat who just doesn’t fit in. At 11 a.m. Saturday, March 30. Free. 619-795-3780, thebookcatapult.com

Chef-Driven Bake Sale at Herb & Eatery, 2210 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy. A dozen of local pastry chefs and bakers will showcase signature baked goods including croissants, tarts, brioche and more. From 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, March 31.

Free-$10. bit.ly/chefdrivenbakesale

Alexa Kingaard at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. As part of Warwick’s ongoing “Weekends With Locals” series, the local writer will discuss and sign her new novel, My Name is Rose. At noon.

Sunday, March 31. Free. warwicks.com

Volta

store, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The activist, TED speaker and Influencer of the Year will discuss and sign her new book, This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism.

From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 2.

Free. warwicks.com

HAshton Applewhite at Warwick’s Book-

H = CityBeat picks

MUSIC Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain at Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp. The original troupe of all-singing, all-strumming, all-ukulele players will

EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 15 @SDCITYBEAT

EVENTS EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 perform a program that includes selections from Tchaikovsky, Otis Redding and more. At 8 p.m. Friday, March 29. $25.

619-235-9500, sandiegotheatres.org

Point Loma. The acclaimed solo violinist, praised by the New York Times as having “one of the gutsiest and most individual programs,” will perform as part of the Fresh Sound music series. From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, March 31. $10-$20.

619-987-6214, freshsoundmusic.com

HAeneas in the Underworld at Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. A Chamber oratorio by composer Christopher Adler, as part of the “Stories We Tell” music series. At 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 29. $10-$25. 858454-5872, ljathenaeum.org

HBach Birthday at Spreckles Organ Pavilion, 2125 Pan American Road E., Balboa Park. San Diego Civic Organist Raúl Prieto Ramírez will celebrate the birthday of Johann Sebastian Bach with a Sunday concert. At 2 p.m. Sunday, March 31.

Free. spreckelsorgan.org

HPortraits In Jazz at James S. Copley Auditorium, 1450 El Prado, San Diego.

Australian-born, Paris-based jazz pianist and singer Sarah McKenzie will perform a collection of jazz originals and popular pieces. McKenzie will be joined by various jazz musicians as well by local trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos. From 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. Saturday, March 30. $15$25. 619-696-1924, sdmart.org

Camera Lucida at UCSB Conrad Prebys Concert Hall, 9500 Gilman Drive, UC San Diego, La Jolla. Chamber music performance highlighting the work of late Mozart, late Haydn and early Beethoven.

At 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 1. Free-$37. boxoffice.ucsd.edu

Music Connects: San Diego Symphony at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 3502 Clairemont Drive, Clairemont. Dana Sadava will conduct a concert of classical music with works from Mozart, Grieg, Bartók and Haydn. From 11 a.m to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 30. Free. 619235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org Peter and the Wolf: The Prokofiev Classic at Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., Downtown. This symphonic fairy tale tells the story of a young boy who outsmarts a wolf where each character is portrayed by a different instrument. At 2 p.m. Sunday, March 31. $10-$25. 619235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org HJennifer Curtis at White Box Live Arts, 2590 Truxtun Ave. #205, Liberty Station,

@SDCITYBEAT

SD Baroque Celebrates Bach’s Birthday at St. James by-the-Sea, 743 Prospect St., La Jolla. Solo organ concert in celebration of one of the greatest composers and his would be 333rd birthday. From 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 3. Free. 760532-3990, facebook.com/pg/sdbaroque HBlack Lives Matter at UCSD Conrad Prebys Concert Hall, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. Program directed composer, pianist and improviser Anthony Davis—along with bassist Kevin Short, baritone Carl DuPont and pianist Alan Johnson—will perform a program of selections from his operas examining Black lives. From 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 3. Free-$15.50.

858-534-3448, musicweb.ucsd.edu

PERFORMANCE HCarmen at San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., Gaslamp. The San Diego

Opera production of Georges Bizet’s classic tale of a nomadic woman who seduces a naïve soldier and then a macho bullfighter.

At 7 p.m. Saturday, March 30, Tuesday, April 2 and Friday, April 5, and 2 p.m.

Sunday, April 7. $25-$251. sdopera.org HCirque du Soleil VOLTA at Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. Cirque du Soleil’s first local Big Top production in seven years includes daring gymnastic feats gymnastic feats, BMX tricks and hip-hop inspired “shape diving.” Various times. Wednesday, April 3 through Sunday, May 5. $65-$235. cirquedusoleil.com/volta

POETRY AND SPOKEN WORD HVAMP: You Had One Job at Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern St., South Park. So Say We All’s monthly curated storytelling showcase, featuring nonfiction stories celebrating the fails and pitfalls of life in general. From 8:30 to 10 p.m. Thursday, March 28. $5 suggested donation. sosayweallonline.com HPalabra at La Bodega Gallery, 2196 Logan Avenue, Barrio Logan. Featured reader Brit E. Dumas will read poetry and prose. After, there will be an open mic session for other poets, short stories writers and lyricists. At 7 p.m. Thursday, March 28. Suggested donation. 619255-7036, labodegagallery.com

SPECIAL EVENTS HEast Village Opening Day Block Party at Petco Park, J Street between 6th and 10th Avenue, East Village. Celebrate Padres opening day over a variety of icecold drinks, games, and live entertain-

ment as well as activities, rock climbing and more for kids. From 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 28 and noon to 7:30 p.m. Friday March 29. Free. 619233-5008, eastvillagesandiego.com HLatin American Women: Change Commences with One at Bread & Salt, 1955 Julian Ave., Barrio Logan. Special fundraising dinner for the Latin American Art Fair featuring art installations, exhibitions, live music by MALU, a catered dinner, wines from Valle de Guadalupe and a live auction.

From 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, March 28. $80-$150. 619-249-7584, ljathenaeum.org HChamorro Cultural Festival at Cal State San Marcos, 331 N. Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos. The annual festival features food, crafts and live entertainment from dancers, musicians, and comedians, all in celebration of the cultures of the Micronesia, Polynesia and Mariana Islands.

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 30. Free. 760-750-4000, chelusd.org The Mustache Bash at The Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, 1000 N. Harbor Drive, Downtown. The annual music festival celebrates everything ’70s with classic rock-themed bands, thematic cocktails and costume contests. From 2 to 11 p.m.

Saturday, March 30. $55-$75 mustachebash.com HBallast Point’s Made in San Diego Block Party at India Street and Ivy Street, Little Italy. Celebrate the San Diego brands with the local award-winning brewery and other breweries, food, live music, artists and more. Band include Wavves, The Donkeys and more. From 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 30. Free-$45. ballastpoint.com/misdblockparty Water Lantern Festival at Chollas Park, 6350 College Grove Drive, Oak Park. Family-friendly event where attendees release

over 1,000 lanterns collectively into the water with messages inscribed on each lantern. From 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 30. $25-$40. waterlanternfestival.com HRolando Street Fair at Rolando Blvd. and El Cajon Blvd., Rolando. This annual, family-friendly fest features food, vendors, rides and live music from Veronica May and The To Do List, Len Rainey and the Midnight Players, Psydecar, Sister Speak and more. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 31. Free. rolandocc.org HSounds and Swells at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, 2816 Historic Decatur Road, Liberty Station. Surf films and live classical music combine in a performance featuring music from the Haussmann Quartet and videography by William Zauscher. From 7 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 1. Free. artofelan.org

TALKS & DISCUSSIONS HLesbians In History at the San Diego History Center, 1649 El Prado, Ste. 3, Balboa Park. SDSU professor emerita Bonnie Zimmerman’s presentation on the ways women in western cultures convey love and lust for each other, as well as how new identities and communities are influenced by these images. From 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 28. $5-$10. sandiegohistory.org Shoving Each Other Towards Wholeness at Mission Hills-Hillcrest/Knox Library, 215 W. Washington St., Mission Hills. Local author and psychotherapist Michael Dale Kimmel will give an experiential talk and pose questions for the audience to consider and discuss. From 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 30. Free.

619-955-3311, lifebeyondtherapy.com

MARCH 27, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 15

THEATER DAREN SCOTT

Angels soars at Cygnet

F

or its annual presentation of two shows in rotating repertory, Cygnet Theatre is staging a 25th anniversary production of Tony Kushner’s epic Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes.

The two-part masterpiece which, according to the Cygnet program, Kushner pitched as being about “Mormons, Roy Cohn and AIDS,” gets an electrifying, all-out staging in Old Town that includes a strong cast directed by Sean Murray. That cast includes Alex Bodine in the harrowing role of Prior Walter and James Newcomb as the despicable Cohn, both of whom are afflicted with the inscrutable and terrible virus.

Part One: Millennium Approaches, which establishes the characters who interweave in Reagan’s 1985 America, showcases Kushner’s dexterity of language and razorsharp perception of the body politic of the time. (Parallels to the present day are eerily appropriate.) The coming millennium and the emerging horror of AIDS fill the air with fear and extreme anxiety. In addition to the visceral performances of Bodine and Newcomb, Connor Sullivan also stands out as the emotionally and sexually conflicted Joe Pitt, and Wil Bethmann brings manic ferocity to the role of Louis Ironson, Prior’s over-intellectualizing lover. The sound effects that sometimes accompany the narrative can be jarring, but they do not over-

16 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MARCH 27, 2019

OPENING: Monty Python’s Spamalot: A “Young@Part” production of the legendary comic troupe’s musical parody about the Knights of the Round Table. Presented by the Theatre School @ North Coast Rep, it opens March 28 for four performances at the North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach. northcoastreptheatreschool.org Mr. and Mrs. Fitch: Two gossip columnists, fearing their careers might be in jeopardy, make up a fictional celebrity that soon takes on a life of its own. Written

by Douglas Carter Beane and presented by Backyard Renaissance, it opens March 28 at the Moxie Theatre in Rolando. backyardrenaissance.com Godspell: Stephen Schwartz’s musical interpretation of the Gospel of Matthew is set in New York City.

Presented by Vanguard, it opens March 29 at the Westminster Theatre in Point Loma. vanguardsd.org

Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes whelm the urgency of the story.

Part Two: Perestroika is definitely the lesser of the two halves, though not by much. Fantasy sequences (or are they?) and a feverish scene between Prior and The Angel (Debra Wanger) contribute touches of surrealism. Elsewhere, Kushner injects notes of outright humor into the unfolding drama. Perestroika does provide key moments to shine for Rosina Reynolds, who beautifully plays multiple roles throughout both shows. Kevane La’Marr Coleman reprises the part of a nurse and friend to Prior that he played in ion theatre’s superb 2011 production of Angels in America.

The prolificacy of Kushner and the stamina of Cygnet’s ensemble (the two parts add up to between six and seven hours of live theater) combine for an emotionally exhausting, but stalwart 25th anniversary of this modern masterpiece.

Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes runs through April 20 at Cygnet Theatre in Old Town. (Part One: Millennium Approaches and Part Two: Perestroika run in rotating repertory.) $25$60; cygnettheatre.com

—David L. Coddon

Theater reviews run weekly.

Write to davidc@sdcitybeat.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 29 at the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park. theoldglobe.org Return Engagements: Bernard Slade’s comedy presents the story of three couples in a series of vignettes and then catches up with them 25 years later. Presented by Scripps Ranch Theatre, it opens March 29 at the Legler Benbough Theatre at Alliant International University in Scripps Ranch. scrippsranchtheatre.org Jane Doe in the Quiet Room: A staged reading of Jack Shea’s new play. Presented by Scripps Ranch Theatre, it happens April 1 at the Legler Benbough Theatre at Alliant International University in Scripps Ranch. scrippsranchtheatre.org For complete theater listings, visit sdcitybeat.com

@SDCITYBEAT

COURTESY OF LISSA CORONA

COURTESY OF MARINA GRIZE

COURTESY OF PERRY VASQUEZ

CULTURE | ART

“Why” by Lissa Corona, A section of “Small Fires” by Marina Grize and “Body Prints series” by Doris Boris Berman

issa Corona and Marina Grize are exhausted.

The two artists just finished curating an exhibition in Tijuana, which has been up for six weeks and they are now a few days away from showing their own work at the Southwestern College Art Gallery (900 Otay Lakes Road).

“We are constantly hungry and tired,” says Corona, letting out a big laugh.

“But also very fulfilled,” Grize quickly adds.

They’ve just spent the morning editing some of the work that will be on display for the three-woman exhibition, Spiele ohne Grezen/Juegos sin Fronteras/Games without Frontiers. Each artist is displaying work that combines ideas with conflicting words, text and physical action.

The exhibit opened last week and runs through Tuesday, April 23, with an artist reception on Saturday, April 6 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Corona and Marina have been long-time friends and colleagues since their time at the San Diego Art Institute (SDAI) where Corona was formerly the education director and interim executive director. Grize served as the creative director. They both point out that even before they became friends, they loved each other’s work. Corona adds that she admired Grize’s ability to create emotionally resonant work in addition to everything else she did professionally.

After their time at the contemporary art institution, they began to work together on installation work. These collaborations included the illuminated “Rest Easy” piece at Liberty Station, as well as a similar piece in Escondido entitled “Take me with you/Llévame Contigo.” In the process, they found that their creative pairing came organically

@SDCITYBEAT

since they shared similar influences and ideas.

“I think we kind of felt similarly about each other’s individual practices,” Corona says, referring to the use of text in both of their work.

Both artists are independent curators, have full-time jobs and constantly work on their individual artwork, so coming up with work that’s “worthy of an exhibition” is challenging, but Corona says it’s an exciting challenge.

“It’s been a lot of fun and it’s nice to have a space to experiment with,” says Corona. “To have our individual practice in conversation with each other, and then with another artist, is something different for us and it’s exciting.”

The Austria-born artist Doris Boris Berman is the third artist in the exhibition. The work in the exhibit spans 20 years and is the first time her work has been exhibited since her death in 2015. Exhibition Coordinator Perry Vasquez, who was a friend and admirer of Berman’s work, says her art focused on pushing boundaries and exploring political realities. Her work on display includes her most widely known “FotoAktion” series, which includes paintings and photo prints.

It was a project that allowed participants to be in full control of their self-representation by allowing them to take their own photo.

Vasquez says that some of Berman’s work, like the body paintings, were shocking because they accentuated nudity and genitalia.

But creating those kinds of reactions to her work was exactly what excited her the most.

“If she wasn’t pushing across those kinds of borders, it was boring for her. She had to be pushing those buttons all the time,” Vasquez says.

Despite the three-pronged, multi-language title, the idea behind the exhibition is not so much thematic as it was simply to

share Berman’s art with younger contemporary artists who compliment her work.

Both Corona and Grize find it touching that Vasquez approached them to be a part of this project considering just how personal it is to him. And while it was a challenge to not be able to collaborate with Berman, Corona says it was enjoyable to take a step back and really deconstruct the ideas she might have been attempting to address.

“I think that’s what we all do as viewers, so when it comes to making something in CARLITOS GALVAN

Lissa Corona and Marina Grize response, you have to be pretty focused on which aspect of the work that you’re going to address or respond to,” Corona says.

On the day we meet, the walls in the gallery are mostly empty with the exception of some of Berman’s work.

“There’s a playfulness to her work that is paired with this kind of wit,” Corona says.

“There’s this drawing attention to humanity and community and I think both of those things really resonate with us as subject matters in our work.”

Corona’s work consists of performative video that examines pop culture, society and media by drawing juxtapositions in videos with text or the actual performances.

She shows me two looped black-and-white videos of her children when they were about four years old. Corona explains that she wanted to choose phrases that would seem menacing or commanding coming from a small child so as to address the viewer directly.

“They are both kind of weird, mildly creepy, assertive and, yet, I think darkly funny short looping videos,” Corona says.

Grize, a published poet, created work specifically in response to Berman’s work for the exhibition. Her work focuses on languagebased conceptual art that explores the paradoxes of everyday life. She says she was particularly inspired by elements of Berman’s work, like the body prints and “FotoAktion,” because of the way participants were taking ownership of their own portraits.

Although they worked on their pieces individually Grize says, in a way, they “curated each other’s work” for Spiele ohne Grezen/ Juegos sin Fronteras/Games without Frontiers.

In the end, it’s representative of the collaborative experience they have with each other.

“What I find really valuable about our professional relationship is that we both really believe in constructive criticism and feedback and pushing each other to make better work and to be better with each presentation of the work,” Corona says.

Corona says she’s excited about how viewers will connect to various pieces in the exhibition because, at the end of the day, it’s about bringing awareness to the intricacies of things that people might not pay attention to in their everyday life.

“I think that’s what I enjoy about our work,” says Corona. “Individually and collaboratively, we’re taking a moment to appreciate the stuff that’s often overlooked.”

MARCH 27, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 17

18 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MARCH 27, 2019

@SDCITYBEAT

CULTURE | FILM

Paper tigers

Ash is Purest White

Jia Zhangke’s epic melodrama reflects on China’s false promises

by Glenn Heath Jr.

C

hina’s massive early 2000s economic growth fistfight that stylistically echoes the Hong Kong masters and development boom was, in many respects, the director grew up watching. Eventually, Qiao steps in a bet on the future. But whose future exact- to save Bin’s life by firing off shots from his own pistol. ly? Government investments in infrastructure, cou- Firearms are illegal in China, and despite many opporpled with the easing of market restrictions for west- tunities to tell the truth, Qiao takes the fall for her man.

Ash is Purest White consists of three distinct chapern investors, allowed the country’s elite to capitalize financially. Shrewd entrepreneurs and criminals ters. The second takes place five years later when Qiao working on the fringes of society also benefited, while gets released from prison into a China that has seemthe lives of working class citizens stagnated under the ingly transformed into an alien landscape of epic steel monoliths (echoing his 2006 film, Still Life, Jia throws stranglehold of disenfranchisement and poverty.

Jia Zhangke’s Ash is Purest White addresses these in a UFO for good measure).

Travelling by ferry up the Yangtze River and past complex socio-political forces by exploring the slow collapse of both national and personal collaborations, the doomed city of Fengjie, Qiao yearns of reconnectas well as the exhausting disappointment that follows. ing with Bin. Once it happens, their reunion is seeped The tumultuous central relationship of a powerful Da- in betrayal and is as empty as the dilapidated stadium tong gangster named Bin (Liao Fan) and his enterpris- that makes an appearance in the heartbreaking, present day third chapter. ing girlfriend Qiao (Zhao Tao) Zhao’s mesmerizing perreflects all of the failed promises formance reveals Qiao to be a and inequality associated with ASH IS PUREST woman of great internal frusChina’s rapid rise.

WHITE tration and empathy, as well as Jia immediately roots the film Directed by Jia Zhangke competing tensions that stem in a specific historical moment from her unquestioned loyalty by opening with hazy digital Starring Zhao Tao and Liao Fan to Bin, which he often downvideo shot two decades ago for Not Rated plays or underappreciates. She a separate project. Impoverished feels their partnership is one of travelers idly sit on a bus, waiting unbreakable strength, but that’s to arrive somewhere, anywhere.

The images stand in great contrast to the slick lifestyle too much responsibility for a man who has the gall to of Bin and his Jianghu brothers, who are at the height ask, “Am I that important?”

In a bit of ironic juxtaposition, Ash is Purest White of their power in 2001. Influential with key business leaders and local politicians, they brag of further ex- (opening Friday, March 29, at Arclight La Jolla Cinpanding their criminal operations as China’s Western emas and Landmark Hillcrest Cinemas) depicts the modern Chinese expansion as a collective partnership Development Strategy kicks into full gear.

Qiao has bought into the iconographic power of already in slow decline since it was founded on greed their gangster persona, and even sees herself as an and inequality. Qiao and Bin’s love affair began on an extension of it. But this is an illusion similar to the equally compromised foundation.

The debilitating cycles of hope and regret that Communist mantras justifying China’s creaking open door policy to capitalism. Bin and his lieutenants Qiao comes to experience will surely be familiar to don’t do very much other than party and watch John those who’ve had to deal with fragile male egos. Since Woo’s The Killer in a screening room that looks almost Jia and Zhao are not just collaborators, but life partchurchlike. At one point they all toast to “loyalty and ners as well, could Ash is Purest White be a sly plea righteousness,” but only Qiao seems to truly abide by for her forgiveness? If so, the film is a masterful, epic these traditionally masculine codes. portrait of humbling self-critique.

It’s proven true when Bin’s entourage comes under attack by a rival gang on motorcycles. Vastly outnum- Film reviews run weekly. bered, they nevertheless engage in a brutally uneven Write to glennh@sdcitybeat.com

@SDCITYBEAT

MARCH 27, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 19

CULTURE | FILM

Under siege

F

Hotel Mumbai

rom a technical standpoint, it’s hard to imagine a more brutal and unflinching orchestration of mass violence than the acts depicted in Hotel Mumbai. Anthony Maras’ docudrama— based on the multi-pronged attack perpetrated by Pakistani militants on the Indian metropolis in 2008— unfolds in an eerily tactical fashion that, for the most part, strips away any manipulating stylistic factors.

The terrorists arrive unheeded via speedboats before splitting up

into teams and dispersing throughout the city. After depicting the initial massacre at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station, Maras’ film takes place entirely at the embattled Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Ongoing attacks at other locations are represented through television coverage and archival footage.

Here, Hotel Mumbai focuses most intensely on the horrific details.

Guests are gunned down by machine gun fire as the attackers ex-

hibit ruthless disregard for human life. The initial mayhem subsides to create a cat-and-mouse game of survival for the remaining patrons and staff.

Maras centers his narrative on an American architect (Armie Hammer), who is recently married to an Indian woman (Nazanin Boniadi), as well as a working class hotel waiter (Dev Patel) whose young family helplessly await news of his survival at home. The film infuses their situational struggles with sacrifice, guilt and loss.

Hotel Mumbai (opening Friday, March 29, at Landmark Hillcrest Cinemas and Angelika Film Centers Carmel Mountain) is at its most sobering when it refuses to indulge in Hollywood theatrics. One sequence, in which a nanny nearly suffocates a newborn trying to keep their location secret, is incredibly difficult to watch, but is also indicative of the messy scenarios that arise under extreme duress.

Alas, Maras can’t sustain this level of nauseating suspense. To do so would turn off even the more hardened art filmgoer. Simplistic threads of heroism and humanization are invariably presented on a silver platter, because in a situation this awful there has to be something positive to embrace, even if it doesn’t ring true.

—Glenn Heath Jr.

OPENING Ash is the Purest White: Jia Zhangke’s epic, expansive and incisive critique of modern Chinese history and genre iconography. Opens Friday, March 29, at Landmark Hillcrest Cinemas and Arclight La Jolla Cinemas.

Dumbo: Tim Burton puts his particular artistic spin on the classic Disney animation about a circus elephant that can fly. Opens in wide release Friday, March 29.

Hotel Mumbai: Dev Patel and Armie Hammer star in this depiction of the 2008 terrorist attacks on Mumbai, India that spanned several locations and took days to conclude. Opens Friday, March 29, at Landmark Hillcrest Cinemas and Angelika Film Centers Carmel Mountain.

The Aftermath: In post-WWII Hamburg, a British colonel (Jason Clarke) and his wife (Keira Knightley) are relocated to a house whose previous German owner causes tensions to arise. Opens Friday, March 29, at Landmark Hillcrest Cinemas.

The Mustang: A violent convict is given the chance to participate in a rehabilitation program involving horses, which helps inspire hope where none otherwise existed.

Opens Friday, March 29, at Landmark Hillcrest Cinemas.

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

20 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MARCH 27, 2019

@SDCITYBEAT

JOSH CHEUSE

MUSIC

outh by Southwest (SXSW) is a rite of passage for any aspiring musician.

Every year, the famed music festival in Austin, Texas takes over most of the city with day parties, official showcases, promotional events and a Hieronymus Bosch-esque orgy of opportunity for upand-coming artists.

One of those artists, Kenyan songwriter J.S. Ondara, is experiencing SXSW for the first time. Joined by his management team, Ondara trudges across the city in his tailored suits, acoustic guitar in hand. He performs at showcases, does radio appearances and plays promo events. All in all, he plays a total of nine shows in one week in support of his new album, Tales of America.

When I get on the phone with Ondara on the last day of the festival, the 26-year-old musician finally has a peaceful place to rest at an Airbnb on the outskirts of town. At one point, I ask him about how he takes care of his voice, an angelic tenor that resembles David Gray or Tracy Chapman.

“I probably should. I feel like I’m a bit careless with my voice,” says Ondara, laughing, but with a hint of exhaustion in his voice.

“I drink tea every day, mostly because I love tea. It’s just a tradition for me… Now that you mention it, I should start thinking about it.”

Any moments of respite don’t last long. As we speak, Ondara’s manager is busy lining up other interviews. In a couple days, the singer will be hitting the road again for a monthlong U.S. tour. Ondara says he’s feeling lots of emotions about this crazy musical journey, saying at one point that he is “excited and nervous at the same time. Curious and anxious where things are going to go.”

But for Ondara, all of this is something of a dream realized. He grew up in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi obsessing over classic

@SDCITYBEAT

J.S. Ondara American and UK songwriters like Bob Dylan, Jeff Buckley and Thom Yorke. He arrived to the U.S. six years ago and on Tales of America, his debut, he brings his own perspective to the rootsy sounds of the American heartland.

The album’s 11 songs are bittersweet odes to missed connections, gnawing disappointments and spiritual epiphanies. Strippeddown, acoustic arrangements offer the perfect backdrop for Ondara’s stunning voice, his Kenyan accent showing through in small turns of phrase as he embraces Dylan-esque plaints and gospel song forms.

“I was a bit of a weirdo because I loved all this stuff that was different from what anyone around me liked,” Ondara says, referring to his growing up in Nairobi where he’d often lock himself in his room trying to imi-

tate his favorite folk singers. “That [music] was just like a spaceship for me that took me to another universe, where people were different and sounded different. I became really drawn to that music and this world, this Western world, from a young age.”

Tales of America has received lots of positive attention since coming out in February, and it’s easy to see why: Here’s an immigrant who actually has something good to say about America, at a time when the news cycle is perpetually inundated with bad news especially on the topic of immigration.

“The American dream is such a universal idea,” Ondara says, explaining that Kenyans back home think of the United States as a beacon for economic opportunity and personal freedom. “You can live in a society and

be absolutely free, do whatever you want, say whatever you want, make a living doing things you don’t actually detest.”

“We just have to be careful not to ruin this reputation,” he adds later.

Still, Tales of America isn’t a naive statement of pro-America positivity. Really it’s a portrait of a life in transit, where every win comes with a loss, even when he’s arrived at the place he wants to be. Within this, Ondara makes peace with his regrets over the glimmering guitars on songs like “Saying Goodbye.” Later, on the eulogistic, a cappella “Turkish Bandana,” he sends dreamy ideals crashing down in the face of a tough reality: “She said there was milk / Well she said there was honey / Instead there was bills / And not enough money.”

“All these confusing feelings, all these different perspectives of the idea of the ‘American dream’ from outside [the United States], and how that relates to the American experience once you’re a resident in America—all those complicated emotions are what I’m really trying to deal with on this record,” Ondara explains.

He was able to finally move to the States after receiving a U.S. green card in 2013 through a federal lottery program: He was one of millions of applicants from across the globe who enter their information onto a State Department website every year, and

then wait for what he calls the “absolute chance” their name is picked.

Some of his peers have thought it a bit strange that he’d use this opportunity to pursue his dreams of traveling the world as a folk singer and storyteller. He even chose to move to Bob Dylan’s home state of Minnesota. But Ondara is hardly in the mood to gloat now that those dreams are coming true. In Austin, with SXSW done and a new tour gearing up, he’s maintaining a humble mindset. The main thing he wants now is for people to hear his music. Everything else is just icing on the cake.

“As far as my metric for success is concerned, yeah, I made the record already. I already did it,” Ondara says. “I’ve wanted to make this record for the longest time, really.

It’s quite surreal to see it’s actually a thing that exists in the world outside of my brain.”

MARCH 27, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 21

BY RYAN BRADFORD

MUSIC

BLACK

ALFRED HOWARD

THE

SPOTLIGHT

GOLD

The dangers of the hunt

T

It’s not often that I put my life on the line to ameliorate he hunting knife sailed by my right ear on its way into my record collection, though once is likely more than most the drywall of the apartment.

The man who threw it offered me a hit from a plas- people. I’m not most people. I recently had this same feeling tic Graffix bong and a warm can of beer. The bong, with its while waiting at the border to enter Mexico in hopes of buying Toxic Avenger-green hue and skeletal jester, belonged in a a collection of 45s. I guess danger was on my mind because I ’90s museum next to a metal pipe, a bag of oregano and a went to get this collection despite a national emergency having been just declared there. I felt like one of those cavalier cassette copy of Spin Doctors’ Pocket Full of Kryptonite.

I had to decline the inebriating hospitality. After all, I storm chasers, marching toward the tornado’s edge with no was busy pulling records that you wouldn’t believe for 25 regard for their own safety. I’d get to stare into the eye of the storm at the border: the murderers, the drugs, the caravans of cents apiece.

How did I end up in a house in Clairemont grabbing bar- tired, poor, huddled masses yearning to breathe free, as well gain first pressings and having knives thrown by my head? as the rapists and some good people. I imagined more than Well, a week prior, I had met this lady piggybacking off of knives would sail by my head as I thumbed nervously through the records at the pace of caffeine and gunfire. someone else’s yard sale in Ocean Beach. She But there wasn’t any of the biblical viosaw me walking away with some vinyl and lence I had come to expect. Where Fox News said something resembling “you like records” paints the syncopation of gunshots and wailwith the tone that a kidnapper uses when ofing mothers, all I found at this supposed nafering candy to unsupervised children. tional emergency were suburbs, people walk“Hop in this car real quick,” she contining their dogs and the dull sound of crickets. ued.

I was seemingly walking along a border of “Alright,” I said, with neither a second fact and fiction. thought nor hesitation. The backseat of I did however find some worthwhile 45s. her vehicle was a discount record store. It In the midst of a bunch of Perry Como reworked out well and within a week, I was cords, there was a small collection of obscure back for more, this time heading to her residence to grab Husker Du, Fugazi and Zom“These Sayings Are Black gospel artists including one relatively bies LPs for a quarter apiece.

Faithful and True” unknown 45 by Katherine Baxter and the This time around, however, there was the

by Katherine Baxter Holy Ghost Fire Singers. The song, “These Sayings Are Faithful and True,” takes a step man with the bong. He was the woman’s boyfriend; he had just gotten out of prison, and the records I was divergent from most gospel I’ve heard. The intro is an acperusing were his cellmate’s collection. Then he threw the id-washed wail over entrancing flutes, slow moving piano knife. As it sailed by my head, I realized exactly what my life chords and some subtle psychedelic bursts of guitar. The inwas worth to me; that my existence could be measured in a tro hypnotizes for almost half the song but when the drums series of discounts. If the knife were sailing at an elderly lady, break, there’s a sense of soulful urgency; a dirty, driving funk would I have jumped in and stopped it? I’m not sure. I’d have that can only be found in the church and it’s opposite.

Every once in a while you find a new sonic gem that’s much more likely paused, looked at her and contemplated whether she looked like she had lived a full life, eventually re- worth risking your life. And every once in a while, words like acting too late for it to matter. “risk” seem to become as malleable as facts.

But would I sit adjacent to a drywall bullseye as an ex-con worked out his aggressions with the world in order to buy a Black Gold appears every other week. Alfred Howard is first pressing of Joy Division’s Closer for the price of a stale always looking for vinyl and stories, and can be contacted at gum ball? Absolutely. blackgoldsandiego@gmail.com.

22 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MARCH 27, 2019

I

Wavves

t’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since San Diego band Wavves broke huge. I remember sitting in my stark, Fight Club-esque apartment in Brooklyn, reading the Pitchfork review of their debut, Wavvves (which they had awarded a coveted “Best New Music”), and thinking, “What the fuck?”

Not that I thought it was bad music per se—I just didn’t see what the big deal was. Mind you, this was 2009 and hipster irony was at its peak. It was impossible to tell if anything was bad-good, good-good, so-bad-it’s-good or whatever. For music connoisseurs, Pitchfork loomed over everything with the power to make or break a band based on a little decimal-pointed score. We all hated it and yet we all subscribed to it.

So after reading their glowing review of Wavvves, and trying to reconcile that with the fact that I simply didn’t get the appeal, I felt there was something wrong with me.

Over the years, however, I’ve become a better music consumer—listening with more of my heart and less of my head. I’ve come to realize that Wavves are really fun. King of the Beach, the follow-up to Wavvves, is a steller album no matter how you look at it, and perfectly captures the warmed-over, bored vibes of living in Southern California. Plus, the band has ripped live every time I’ve seen them, so there’s no reason not to celebrate with them at, naturally, a SoCal beer festival.

Wavves plays Saturday, March 30 at Ballast Point Brewing Co.’s Made in San Diego Block Party with The Donkeys, Mrs. Magician and The Schizophonics.

@SDCITYBEAT

MUSIC

IF I WERE U

BY CITYBEAT STAFF

Our picks for the week’s top shows

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27

PLAN A: Jade Jackson, The Last Minutes @ Soda Bar. With a voice that conjures up memories of a young Lucinda Williams, Jade Jackson specializes in forlorn country that, even when it’s an uptempo song, still sounds like a ballad. Great for getting lost and thinking about the one that got away. PLAN B: Doe, Eureka California @ San Diego Content Partners. It’s suitable that the coed London trio Doe recently covered a Cars song. After all, they have a guitar-driven pop sound that Ric Ocasek would surely appreciate. BACKUP PLAN: Band Argument, Demasiado, WidowMade @ The Casbah.

THURSDAY, MARCH 28

PLAN A: WET, Kilo Kish, Helena Deland @ The Observatory North Park. Need a good cry? Throw on WET’s 2014 tearjerker “Don’t Wanna Be Your Girl” and catch all the feels. Afterward, check out the brilliant artpop of Kilo Kish and the synthy experimentalism of singer-songwriter Helena Deland.

Yeah, this is a great show top-to-bottom.

PLAN B: The Accused A.D., Forest Grove, Endless Nameless, Dark Visions of Terror @ The Merrow. If you needed an extra incentive to check out thrashcore legends The Accused (or, at least, frontman Blaine Cook’s new version of them), it’s worth pointing out that our own Ryan Bradford is opening the show with his band Forest Grove. Yay, nepotism! BACKUP PLAN: New Me, Nicely, DJ Dunekat @ Bar Pink.

FRIDAY, MARCH 29

PLAN A: Black Mountain, Drug Hunt, Desert Suns @ Brick by Brick. Canadian rockers Black Mountain often get lumped into the psych-rock genre, but the truth is that they’ve been putting out some of the most enjoyable and innovative hard-rock around for over 15 years. Their new album, Destroyer, isn’t out ‘til May, but we got an advance copy and it lives up to the title.

PLAN B: Three Mile Pilot, Systems Officer, Pall Jenkins, Murderbait @ The Casbah. Have you listened to 3MP’s Another Desert, Another Sea lately? You really should.

BACKUP PLAN: Nox Novacula, Seventeen At This Time, New Skeletal Faces @ Whistle Stop.

SATURDAY, MARCH 30

PLAN A: Be Forest, Runsdeep, Language of Flowers @ Tower Bar. Hopefully readers caught our feature on Italian shoegazers Be Forest in last week’s issue. Their new album, Knocturne, is filled with dark and complex ballads that translate beautifully in a live setting. Same goes for local openers Runsdeep. PLAN B: Donna Missal, Samia @ The Casbah. Two up-and-coming singers for the price of one. Donna Missal specializes in synthy pop with a hint of rock and jazz,

@SDCITYBEAT

while Samia is more guitar-driven. Check out the latter’s single, “Milk,” and try not to get sad. BACKUP PLAN: Slow Crush, Holy Fawn, Hug @ SPACE.

SUNDAY, MARCH 31

PLAN A: Jennifer Curtis @ White Box Live Arts. We don’t often recommend classical music in this section, but violinist Jennifer Curtis is otherworldly. The New York Times described her solo concert at Carnegie Hall as “one of the gutsiest and most individual recital programs.” PLAN B: Black Moth Super Rainbow, Steve Hauschildt, High Tides @ Belly Up Tavern. Speaking of otherworldly, electronic weirdo Tobacco has been putting out trippy, experimental jams under the name Black Moth Super Rainbow for over a decade and he’s always finding new ways to surprise us. BACKUP PLAN: Sheck Wes, DALES, James Spaite @ House of Blues.

Jennifer Curtis

MONDAY, APRIL 1

PLAN A: Whitney Rose, Teddy And The Rough Riders, Ginger Cowgirl @ Soda Bar. Canadian country singer Whitney Rose has a voice like Tammy Wynette, but with a dash of Grease nostalgia to her sound so this show should appeal to purists and hipsters alike. BACKUP PLAN: Ruby Boots, Cardinal Moon @ The Casbah.

TUESDAY, APRIL 2

PLAN A: Dilly Dally, Chastity @ The Casbah. This is going to be a killer show. Toronto band Dilly Dally mix grunge and stonermetal for a sound that’s both nostalgically appealing and unique to the times. Fellow Canadian Brandon Williams (aka Chastity) is just as obsessed with vintage sounds on his recently released debut, Death Lust.

Check out the single “Children” and tell us it doesn’t sound like the greatest song from 1997 released in 2018 ever. PLAN B: Vince Staples, Buddy @ The Observatory North Park. Did Vince Staples deliver the greatest hip-hop chorus of the past decade when he proclaimed, “I ain’t never ran from nuthin’ but the police” on 2015’s “Norf Norf”? Probably. BACKUP PLAN: SASAMI, Slut Island @ Soda Bar.

MARCH 27, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 23

MUSIC

CONCERTS HOT! NEW! FRESH!

Vinyl Junkies Record Swap (Casbah, 4/6), Young Wants (Soda Bar, 4/14), Emo Nite (Casbah, 4/19), Cattle Decapitation (Brick By Brick, 5/1), The Spazmatics (Music Box, 5/10), Phil X (Brick By Brick, 5/10), TUSK (BUT, 5/16), Z-Trip (BUT, 5/18), Impending Doom (Brick By Brick, 5/31), Esham (Brick By Brick, 6/1), Toad the Wet Sprocket (BUT, 6/4-5), Inner Wave (Observatory, 6/7), Jennifer Lopez (Pechanga Arena, 6/10), Operators (Casbah, 6/14), Antibals (BUT, 6/21), Rooney (Soda Bar, 6/27), 80’s Heat (BUT, 7/3), Anuel AA (Viejas Arena at SDSU, 7/5), Bob Schneider (BUT, 7/10), Ward Davis (Observatory, 7/12), Rock Goddess (Brick

By Brick, 7/13), Mystic Braves (Casbah, 8/2), A.A. Bondy (Casbah, 8/3), Andrew Bird (HOB, 10/24), Reckless Kelly (BUT, 11/17).

GET YER TICKETS The Accüsed A.D. (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), Julia Michaels (HOB, 4/20), Passion Pit (Observatory, 5/1), Seth Meyers (Balboa Theater, 5/3), Chromatics, Desire (Observatory, 5/4), Gone West, Colbie Caillat (BUT, 5/8), The Spazmatics (Music Box, 5/10), Dead Boys (Casbah, 5/22), Justin

Moore (Del Mar Fairgrounds, 5/31), Brad Paisley (North Island Credit Union Ampitheatre, 6/1), Jennifer Lopez (Pechanga Arena, 6/10), 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 27 Queensrÿche at Observatory North Park.

Jade Jackson at Soda Bar. Chelsea Cutler at House of Blues. Those Darn Gnomes at SPACE.

THURSDAY, MARCH 28 The Accüsed A.D. at The Merrow. Galactic at Belly Up Tavern. Electric Six at The Casbah. WET at Observatory North Park.

Angel Du$t at House Of Blues. The Dollyrots at SPACE.

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.

24 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MARCH 27, 2019

The Movielife at Soda Bar. Slow Crush at SPACE. Convent at Brick By Brick.

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 Dead Feather Moon at Belly Up Tavern.

Strangelove at Music Box. San Holo at Observatory North Park (sold out). Anthem at Brick By Brick.

SATURDAY, APRIL 6 Sweet Spirit at Soda Bar. This Wild Life at House Of Blues. Yonder Mountain String Band at Belly Up Tavern. DAB at Brick By Brick. Vinyl Junkies Record Swap at The Casbah.

SUNDAY, APRIL 7 Taking Back Sunday at Observatory North Park. Mt. Joy at Music Box. TEN FE at The Casbah. Ashes of Acres at Brick

By Brick.

MONDAY, APRIL 8 Max Frost at The Casbah. Combichrist at Brick By Brick. The 131ers at Soda Bar.

TUESDAY, APRIL 9 Jimmy Vaughan at Belly Up Tavern. The Mondegreens at Soda Bar.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10 J.S. Ondara at The Casbah. Turnover at Observatory North Park. Matisyahu at Belly Up Tavern. AJ Froman at Music Box.

THURSDAY, APRIL 11 Messthetics at The Casbah. Space Jesus at Music Box. Little People at Soda Bar.

FRIDAY, APRIL 12 Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band at Humphreys. Cafeteras at Music Box. The Highwayman Show at Belly Up Tavern.

Sacri Monti at The Casbah.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13 Baby Bushka - Kate Bush Dance Party at The Casbah. Common Sense at Belly Up Tavern. Dabin at Music Box.

SUNDAY, APRIL 14 AK at House Of Blues. Flipper with David Yow at The Casbah. Pink Froyd at Music Box. Young Wants at Soda Bar.

MONDAY, APRIL 15 Summer Cannibals at Soda Bar.

TUESDAY, APRIL 16 Iceage, Shame at The Casbah. Sebastian Maniscalco at Humphreys. The Hillbilly Moon Explosion at Soda Bar. The Primaveras, Loosen the Noose at Belly Up Tavern.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17 Sebastian Maniscalco at Humphreys.

David Archuleta at California Center for the Arts. Brawley at Belly Up Tavern.

THURSDAY, APRIL 18 Integrity at Brick By Brick. Smino, EarthGang, Phoelix Observatory North Park.

Bastard Sons Of Johnny Cash at Soda Bar. The Floozies, Band of Gringos at Belly Up Tavern.

FRIDAY, APRIL 19 The Interrupters, Culture Abuse, Skating Polly at Observatory North Park. Yob at Brick By Brick. Metalachi at Music Box. Kirin J Callinan at Soda Bar. Emo Nite at The Casbah.

SATURDAY, APRIL 20 Julia Michaels at House of Blues. Michael McDonald at Belly Up Tavern. Night Beats at The Casbah. Imagery Machine at Soda Bar. This Includes You! at Music Box.

MUSIC CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

@SDCITYBEAT

BY CHRISTIN BAILEY

MUSIC MUSIC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 SUNDAY, APRIL 21 Ufomommut at Brick By Brick. Brent Cowles at Soda Bar.

MONDAY, APRIL 22 Wayne “The Train” Hancock at Soda Bar.

TUESDAY, APRIL 23 Superorganism at Music Box. Epik High at Observatory North Park. Vandoliers, Cory Branan at Soda Bar. The Strawberry Moons at Belly Up Tavern.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24 Party Nails at The Casbah. Sully at Belly Up Tavern.

THURSDAY, APRIL 25 Los Straitjackets at The Casbah. The Reverend Horton Heat at Belly Up Tavern.

Epic Beard Men at Soda Bar. O-Town at Music Box. Los Amigos Invisibles atnObservatory North Park.

rCLUBSr

710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach. Wed: Open Mic. Thu: ‘Bringing Back Rock ‘N’ Roll’. Fri: ‘Paging the ‘90s’.

Sat: ‘SoulfulofNoise’. Sun: Karaoke. Tue: The Drëdnötz, The Roomies.

Air Conditioned Lounge, 4673 30th St., Normal Heights. Wed: ‘#HipHopWeds’.

Thu: ‘SUBdrip’. Fri: House Music Fridays.

Sat: ‘JUICY’. Sun: Brandon Turner. Mon: ‘Organized Grime’. Tue: ‘Below Ground’.

@SDCITYBEAT

American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Ave., Downtown. Wed: ‘Right Now Live!’. Thu: Brendon Walsh. Fri: Brendon Walsh. Sat: Brendon Walsh. Tue: Open Mic. The Bancroft, 9143 Campo Road, Spring Valley. Wed: Karaoke. Fri: These Idol Hands, They Are Them. Sat: Crunk Witch, Orchid X Mantis, Girlboy. Sun: Perrnnial.

Mon: Trivia. Tue: Karaoke.

ASTROLOGICALLY UNSOUND Weekly forecasts from the so-called universe

Bang Bang, 526 Market St., Downtown.

Fri: Cut Snake.

ARIES (March 21 - April 19): If things keep going the way they’re going for you, I would look into investing in some kind of high-powered flame retardant gel like the kind stunt doubles use.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): If someone is sitting in the seats you reserved at the movie theater, just get over it. It’s really not that serious. It’s not your burial plot for crying out loud.

Bar Pink, 3829 30th St., North Park. Wed: DJ Sorry Shark. Thu: New Me, Ingonoir, Snapghost. Fri: Loons, Reverberations, Allyrgic Reaction. Sat: Mark Sultan, Mittens, Blacks Beach Boys. Sun: ‘Rat Sabbath’.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Putting off your tasks to watch Netflix and unwind is like lighting a skunk-scented candle to make it feel like you’re adventuring into the great outdoors.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): There is nothing so certain in this life as the passage of time. And even with that, there are some pretty big disputes.

Beaumont’s, 5665 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla.

Fri: Born Fighters. Sat: Blonde Brothers.

Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. Wed: Blue Oyster Cult (sold out). Thu: Galactic, Erica Falls, Con Brio.

Fri: ‘Beatles vs. Stones’ (sold out).

Black Cat Bar, 4246 University Ave., City Heights. Sat: Hours, Secret Fun Club.

Blonde, 1808 W. Washington St., Mission Hills. Wed: ‘Dance Klassique’. Thu: Front Left Family. Fri: ‘WE ARE YR FRIENDS’.

Sat: Beppe Loda. Sun: Cellar Doors, Cheap Tissue, Osaba. Tue: ‘Nocturne’.

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

Sat: Big Dude.

Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave., Bay Park. Fri: Black Mountain. Sat: ‘Wacken Metal Battle’. Sun: Aborted.

The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., Midtown.

Wed: Band Argument, Demasiado, Widowmade. Thu: Electric Six, DaveTV, Scary Pierre. Fri: Three Mile Pilot, Systems Of-

MUSIC CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): This week you are going to become highly aware of your teeth. Not because of any pain or sensitivity, but because your skeleton is extruding from your head. Weird.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Don’t listen to anyone who tells you to take a long walk off a short pier. I know that you’re very impressionable but anyone saying that does not have your best interests in mind.

LEO (July 23 - August 22): You will have to pay this week for a mistake you made last week. And next week for a mistake you made this week. Things will continue in this same fashion for some time.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): You are more than just a physical creature trudging through your own existence. You’re also the data trail that you create which can be monetized and used to sell you Toyotas.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 December 21): This week is going to feel like one long cargo train chugging along through the railroad crossing while you sit there waiting in your car. It could be worse.

You could be on the tracks.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19): The world can be a friendly place, but it’s way nicer in the eight hours a night when you’re unconscious.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): The difference between a dream and a goal often boils down to nothing more than how much money you’ve inherited in a trust from your family.

PISCES (February 19 - March 20): The world is made up of the psychic tethers that connect everything on the planet.

Sometimes you can hear all the water bottles you used, in a landfill, whispering your name.

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

MARCH 27, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 25

MUSIC MUSIC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 ficer, Pall Jenkins, Murderbait. Sat: Donna Missal, Samia. Sun: ‘DJ Artistic’s Hip Hop Battle Bot’. Mon: Ruby Boots, Cardinal Moon. Tue: Dilly Dally, Chastity.

Che Cafe, 1000 Scholars Drive S, La Jolla.

Sat: Stereo Love, Pink Eye, Stone of the Sun, Gentrocide, Squeky Buddha, Art Disposal. Tue: Coolside, Wise, Construct, Apsara.

Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive, Bay Park. Fri: Blue Morpho, Jonathon Pinson. Sat: The Christopher Hollyday/Doug Webb Quintet. Sun: Noel Paul.

F6ix, 526 F St., Downtown. Fri: Craig Smoove. Sat: Bar1ne.

Fluxx, 500 Fourth Ave., Downtown. Fri: Beatnick. Sat: Romeo Reyes.

House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., Downtown. Wed: Chelsea Cutler. Thu: Angel Du$t, Pretty Buff. Fri: Emo Night Brooklyn.

Sat: A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie. Sun: Sheck Wes. Tue: Morgan James.

Humphreys Backstage, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. Wed: Clapton Hook. Thu: DJ Chuck. Fri: Beta Maxx.

Sat: Funk’s Most Wanted. Sun: R: Tyme.

Mon: Whitney Shay. Tue: January Berry Band.

The Irenic, 3090 Polk Ave., North Park.

Thu: Gorilla Biscuits, Fury, Dare, Soul Power (sold out). Fri: Against the Current, Chapel, Armors. Sat: The Driver Era (sold out). Sun: Grandson.

Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner Blvd., Midtown. Fri: ‘Techno Sabbath’. Sat: ‘Umbrella Nights’. Sun: Wizard Apprentice, Tyler Holmes, Tenshun, Angels Dust.

26 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MARCH 27, 2019

Kensington Club, 4079 Adams Ave., Kensington. Fri: If Only, Calmgrove, Dream Haze, Sadderday, Going Under.

Lestat’s Coffee House, 3343 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Thu: Will Dailey. Fri: Little Heroine, KleinaHexa, Pocket Hole, Neutral Shirt. Sat: Irish Eyes, Flaxtones.

Sun: The Robin Henkel Band. Mon: Open Mic. Tue: Comedy Night.

Mc P’s Irish Pub, 1107 Orange Ave., Coronado. Wed: Jackson & Billy. Thu: JG Duo. Fri: Mystique. Sat: Ron’s Garage.

Sun: Ron’s Garage.

Martinis Above Fourth, 3940 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest. Wed: Leslie Jordan. Thu: Leslie Jordan.

The Merrow, 1271 University Ave., Hillcrest. Thu: The Accused A.D., Dark Visions of Terror, Forest Grove, Endless Nameless. Fri: Condemned, Gravespell, Defixion, Corpsemaker. Sat: The Steady 45’s, Mochilero All-Stars, Matamoska.

Sun: Lalo Keyz, Ese DeLeon, Vic Uno. Mr. Peabody’s, 136 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas. Thu: Three Chord Justice. Fri: Bonneville7. Sat: The Good Pour. Sun: Tony Ortega Jazz Jam. Mon: Open Mic. Tue: Karaoke.

Music Box, 1337 India St., Little Italy. Thu: SWMRS, The Regrettes, Beach Goons (sold out). Fri: She Wants Revenge, Warbly Jets. Sat: Rubblebucket, Twain & Toth.

Sun: Terror Jr. The Office, 3936 30th St., North Park.

Wed: DJ Ikah Love. 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: Coast Club. Sat: Chantel Jeffries.

Panama 66, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park.

Wed: ‘The Wednesday Jam Session’.

Parq, 615 Broadway, Downtown. Fri: DJ Mustard. Sat: DJ Karma. Sun: Sheck Wes. Pour House, 1903 S. Coast Highway, Oceanside. Wed: Open Mic. Fri: Great Electric Quest. Sat: Owl. Sun: Kimmi Bitter. Mon: Trivia. Tue: DJ Lexicon Devil.

Proud Mary’s, 5550 Kearny Mesa Road, Kearny Mesa. Wed: Janice Edwards. Thu: Tomcat Courtney. Fri: Chris Fast Band.

Sat: Billy Watson.

The Rail, 3796 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest. Fri: ‘Soft Leather San Diego: BLOOD RAVE’.

Sat: Morning Fuzz, Flak Jacket.

Riviera Supper Club, 7777 University Ave., La Mesa. Wed: ‘Boss Jazz’. Thu: A Side of Beans. Fri: Three Chord Justice.

Sat: Blue Largo. Tue: ‘Everything & Anything Jam’.

Rosie O’Gradys, 3402 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Thu: DJ Dougie Frosh. Fri: Reverie Noise, Lunar Garden. Sat: Hell’er Highwaters, Hiroshima Mocking Birds.

Mon: ‘Jazz Jam’. Tue: Gabby Aparicio.

Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights.

Wed: Jade Jackson. Thu: Her’s, The Undercover Dream Lovers (sold out). Fri: Messer Chups, Action Andy & The Hi-Tones, Johnny Deadly Trio. Sat: The Movielife, Travis Shettel of Piebald. Sun: Sekta Core, Mad Cow Disease, Vile Humor. Mon: Whitney Rose, Teddy And The Rough Riders, Ginger Cowgirl. Tue: Sasami, Slut Island.

SPACE, 3519 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights.

Wed: Those Darn Gnomes, Ingonoir, Snapghost, SOLV. Thu: The Dollyrots, Go Betty Go, The Touchies. Fri: New Candys, Hawk Auburn, Wild Wild Wets, Los Pinche Pinches. Sat: Slow Crush, Holy Fawn, Hug. Sun: Trivia. Tue: Karaoke.

Spin, 2028 Hancock St., Midtown. Fri: Shaded, Evan Casey, Memo Rex. Sat: Lucent 23, Jordan Suckley.

Sycamore Den, 3391 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Wed: Paul Gregg. Sun: Rosa’s Cantina. Tue: Trivia.

Til-Two Club, 4746 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. Wed: Open Mic. Fri: Chauncey Maynor. Sun: ‘PANTS Karaoke’.

Tin Roof, 401 G St., Downtown. Wed: ‘The Corner’. Thu: Keep Your Soul Duo. Fri: Coriander. Sat: Coriander. Sun: Karaoke.

Mon: ‘Beats & Booze Industry Monday’.

Tue: ‘Keep Your Soul Duo’.

Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St., Bay Park. Wed: ‘Get Western Wednesday’. Thu: The Rockin’ Aces. Fri: ‘Fabulous Latin Friday’.

Sat: Lifetime Rocker. Mon: ‘Sexy Salsa & Sensual Bachata’. Tue: Sue Palmer Quartet.

Tower Bar, 4757 University Ave., City Heights. Wed: The Waste Aways, Ike Fonseca, William Surly, Sim Williams. Fri: Space Wax, Dream Burgar, Hip Priest.

Sat: Be Forest, Witness 9, Language of Flowers, DJ Jon Blaj. Sun: Zombie Eating Horse, Antagonist, Mortar.

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

Wed: DJ MoLyon. Thu: ‘BoomBox Thursdays’. Fri: FishFonics. Sat: DJ Senema.

Mon: ‘#31 Flavors’.

Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern St., South Park.

Wed: Riff City Comedy. Thu: ‘Vamp’. Fri: Nox Novacula, Seventeen At This Time.

Sat: ‘Booty Bassment’. Sun: ‘Snack Pack Playz Love Jamz’.

Winstons, 1921 Bacon St., Ocean Beach.

Wed: ‘Club Kingston’. Thu: Pink Talking Fish. Fri: Pink Talking Fish. Sat: Loosen The Noose, Aunt Cynthia’s Cabin. Sun: Karaoke. Mon: Electric Waste Band.

@SDCITYBEAT

BY LARA MCCAFFREY

IN THE BACK

CannaBeat Superbloom, superblaze

E

very time spring rolls around, it’s like we’re inundated with everything bloom-related. I can’t help of think of this scathingly sarcastic line from Meryl Streep’s character in The Devil Wears Prada: “Florals, for spring? Groundbreaking!”

But after San Diego’s rainy winter—not to mention the Polar Vortex that took over the rest of the country—I find myself clamoring for signs of life just as much as the next person. Floral cocktails? I gladly wrote an article about it for another publication.

Superbloom? I made sure to pass through Lake Elsinore on the way home from a desert trip last week.

And when I found myself wanting to spark a joint this past weekend, a friend passed me one laced with dried lavender.

He told me that while he was a teenager, he and his friends used to hike San Diego’s canyons and often threw lavender buds into the bowl. The habit stuck.

Adding substances and flavors to cannabis is one of the oldest tricks in the book.

Whether it’s to spice up the high (anyone who grew up during the ’90s or early ’00s knows the rumors about PCP-laced bud) or

@SDCITYBEAT

just to add a pleasing, aromatic or gustatory element. Still, it only makes sense to mix and match natural materials.

My boyfriend, who is Native American and a member of one of the local bands of Kumeyaay tribes, also reminded me that native ceremonial pipes contained far more than just tobacco. Local native pipes were commonly made with tar collected from present-day San Diego County beaches and shell beads arranged in detailed patterns.

Indigenous sage varieties and other herbs were often been added to the mix.

Modern-day smoking techniques continue to adapt. Some, like vaping, utilize essential oils to achieve the same pleasant goals. I’ve been using Select CBD’s disposable, teal-colored vape pens for over a year. The ingredients in Select’s pens are sourced from a variety of Oregon farms that are held to strict growing standards for both their hemp and other plants.

The oils come in flavors including lavender and cinnamon, which are intended to provide relaxation; lemon and grapefruit, which are supposed to revive; and spearmint and peppermint, which are meant to provide focus. Both the taste and the smell are heavily redolent of the chosen flavor,

COURTESY OF SELECT CBD

Select CBD disposable vape pen so folks should only indulge if a particular scent and taste appeal to them.

I was curious as to whether or not vaping essential oils are any better or worse for health than smoking or vaping cannabis.

The team at Select told me that everything

in their product is plant-based and heated to a temperature of around 300-345 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the length of the draw. The smoke point for fractionated coconut oil (the base oil for the pens) is considered to be 350 degrees Fahrenheit, so they aim to hit the sweet spot for perfect vaporization. Select also dilutes their oils quite a bit. Fractionated coconut oil, CBD oils and essential oils make up less than three-percent of the overall formulation.

The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (which, incredibly, is an organization that exists) says that essential oil blends should shoot for between one and five-percent of the overall oil cocktail and that vaporization doesn’t pose any significant known health risks that vaping or smoking don’t already provide.

As for the DIY variety, I know plenty of people who splash essential oils into their bowls and joints. However, I would caution that adding oils should be left to only those who know how to properly blend. So for those who won’t make it out to the Superbloom this year, just spark one in a joint instead.

CannaBeat appears every other week.

MARCH 27, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 27