San Diego CityBeat • May 2, 2018

2 · San Diego CityBeat · may 2, 2018

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may 2, 2018 · San Diego CityBeat · 3

UP FRONT | FROM THE EDITOR

Making progress but losing the debate “

W

who have no need for it. And after Ingraham insulted hatever it looks like, it’s ten times worse.”

This was the message I was texted on Morones for not knowing his “facts,” Morones insultTuesday from a Border Angels volunteer ed her back by justifiably asking when Fox news began who was gathering supplies for the (mostly) Central caring about facts. Rather than reel the conversation American migrants camped at the San Ysidro/Tijuana back in like any professional journalist would do, Inborder seeking asylum in the U.S. Before I could get graham instead called Morones a “rabid, pro-illegal immigration activist” and cut his feed so that she any more details, I received the next text. could speak with Cox for the rest of the segment.

“This is a humanitarian crisis.”

I’m not arguing that we need more of these kinds A lot of attention is paid to the legalities of asylum seekers and for good reason. There are legitimate con- of digressive and insulting debates. On the contrary, the way to change cerns when it comes to nathe debate on this issue tional security, and no one is through compassion is proclaiming that we just and facts. However, there let anyone and everyone needs to be more people, cross over. However, when whether they’re politicians it comes to the debate on or activists, who are agwhether or not to let refugressive when confronted gees across the border, the by opinions and policies left seems to be losing or that are not based in facts uninterested in the debate. or logic, but in jingoism For example, on the Monday and racism. We need peoevening cable news broadple who will point out that casts, much of the shows the vast majority of immiwere entirely devoted to the grants and refugees in this Russia investigation. Meancountry are not criminals, while, over at Fox News, but law-abiding neighbors talking heads were practiand friends. That the vast cally foaming at the mouth to discuss the “dangerous” Refugees camped out at the Tijuana border majority will never take advantage of government and “illegal” migrants who were attempting to cross over so that they could steal services (in fact, most these days are afraid to, lest they be deported) and that the majority of those “tax jobs and our tax dollars.

And while local outlets such as KPBS, Voice of San dollars” are more likely going to a white person (40 Diego and the U-T have done a fine job covering the percent to be exact, compared to 10 percent for Hiscrisis at the border, the national news media doesn’t panics). That these refugees are dying in pursuit of seem to be grasping the newsworthiness of the issue. the same kinds of freedoms we take for granted. They Those who do cover it either don’t know how to frame deserve sanctuary even if it’s temporary.

Facts and logic only work when there are more it fairly or, in the case of Fox News, use it to rile up their conservative base. Even when it is covered, the people who are willing to call out the racism and naissues of why these refugees are fleeing their coun- tionalism of the other side. When I asked Morales if he tries in the first place are rarely covered. Reporters felt that many people agreed with him, but were too will often ask basic questions like “why do you want afraid to speak up, he was direct and forthright.

“There are not enough voices or people taking acto come to the U.S.?” instead of “why are you afraid to tion to shut out the racist words and actions of Donald go back to your country?”

Take for example the recent appearance by Border Trump and Fox News,” he said. “We need to resist in Angels founder Enrique Morones on Fox News to dis- words and actions. We need to rise up and show some cuss sanctuary laws. In a back-and-forth with Laura backbone. Our children’s lives depend on us standing Ingraham and California candidate for governor (and up against the hate.”

Rancho Santa Fe millionaire) John Cox, Morones had —Seth Combs the gall to not play the part of the timid liberal attempting to reasonably explain logic to two people Write to seth.combs@sdcitybeat.com This issue of CityBeat hasn’t been able to get Duran Duran’s “Hungry Like the Wolf” out of its head since the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

Volume 16 • Issue 37 EDITOR Seth Combs MUSIC EDITOR Jeff Terich WEB EDITOR Ryan Bradford ART DIRECTOR Carolyn Ramos ASSOCIATE EDITOR Torrey Bailey COLUMNISTS Aaryn Belfer Edwin Decker John R. Lamb Rhonda “Ro” Moore Alex Zaragoza

CONTRIBUTORS Christin Bailey, David L. Coddon, Beth Demmon, Andrew Dyer, Rachel Michelle Fernandes, Tiffany Fox, Michael A. Gardiner, Glenn Heath Jr., Lizz Huerta, Lara McCaffrey, Scott McDonald, Kinsee Morlan, Jim Ruland, Ben Salmon, Jen Van Tieghem, Amy Wallen, Ian Ward EDITORIAL INTERNS Alex Noble

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jason Noble ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES RIchard Diaz, Beau Odom CONTROLLER Kacie Cobian ACCOUNTING Perla Castillo, David Garcia Linda Lam, Yiyang Wang HUMAN RESOURCES Andrea Baker

PRODUCTION MANAGER Tristan Whitehouse

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS David Comden

MULTIMEDIA ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Paulina Porter-Tapia

PUBLISHER Kevin Hellman

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Interested in advertising?

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

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

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

San Diego CityBeat is published and distributed every Wednesday by Southland Publishing Inc., free of charge but limited to one per reader. Reproduction of any material in this or any other issue is prohibited without written permission from the publisher and the author. Contents copyright 2018.

4 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MAY 2, 2018

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UP FRONT | LETTERS

YELLS AT POT CLOUDS UP FRONT From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Letters to the Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 CityWeek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Sordid Tales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 A Side-Eye of Sanity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

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

THINGS TO DO The Short List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Calendar of Events. . . . . . . . . . . . 11-13 TORREY BAILEY

Greetings! Enjoyed your latest about illegals & pot! You liberal “pot heads” may want to consider writing about why states like California are spending billions on such things as health care, medicaid, Social Security and prison for illegals using our taxes and draining legitimate businesses assets!

While you’re at it make sure you enlighten us on the significant dangers of “pot” to people’s health including danger to the public when driving loaded and overdose cases when combined with other drugs!

Perhaps you have some solutions in mind but I doubt it!

Commander Gene Kemp, USN Coronado

A MUST-HAVE CONVERSATION Just read the editor’s note responding to the letter from Robbie Ellington about Jeff Terich’s “Genre Tourism” article [April 18].

Wow, Seth, great, great job in responding to the folks upset by Jeff’s article. Way to go.

Thanks for articulating the race issues so well, and for promoting these discussions that we, as a country must start to have if we are ever to make progress on this monumental issue of race. You are providing a vital and valuable service to San Diego (and to our country as a whole) by being a vehicle that allows this work to happen. Thank you.

Suzy Perkins La Mesa

Bill Canales of Full Circle Tattoo

ARTS & CULTURE Books: The Floating Library . . . . . . 13 Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Thank You For Staring. . . . . . . . . . . 21 Film. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23 FEATURE: Tattoo Invitational. . . . . 24 MARY KANG

Khruangbin

MUSIC FEATURE: Khruangbin. . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Notes From The Smoking Patio . . . 26 The Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 If I Were U. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Concerts & Clubs. . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-30

IN THE BACK Astrologically Unsound. . . . . . . . . . 30 CannaBeat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 @SDCITYBEAT

WE WANT FEEDBACK Did you read a story in San Diego CityBeat that made your blood boil, or caused you to laugh so hard you pulled a stomach muscle? If something inspires you to send us your two cents we welcome all letters that respond to news stories, opinion pieces or reviews that have run in these pages. We don’t accept unsolicited op-ed letters.

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

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

MAY 2, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 5

NEWS | OPINION

By Torrey Bailey and Seth Combs

THE ISSUE: A caravan of people emigrating from Central America arrived at the San Ysidro border Sunday. As this issue went to press, Customs and Border Protection had reportedly allowed 14 women and children from the caravan to apply for asylum. The Department of Justice had also filed criminal charges against 11 others who had attempted to cross illegally. The “caravaners,” led by immigrant rights group Pueblo Sin Fronteras, began their journey across Mexico about a month ago, citing violence and political unrest among their reasons for fleeing. Trump has vehemently spoken out against the caravan, saying that it highlights the U.S.’s weak immigration policies.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING: “We will stay here until we get an answer. We aren’t demanding the U.S. grant us asylum. The law says we can ask for asylum and we just want an opportunity.”

HAM OF THE WEEK

Who else? Always dependable for ham-like behavior, Rep. Duncan “Smokin’ Dunc” Hunter filed paperwork last week to establish a legal defense fund in order to pay for the increasing costs related to the investigation into his misuse of campaign cash. He has already spent over $600,000 on legal costs.

—Jose Eduardo Faro, a member of the caravan who traveled to Tijuana with his wife and two children from El Salvador, via Union-Tribune “When respect for the rule of law diminishes, so too does our ability to protect our great nation, its borders, and its citizens.”

—Attorney General Jeff Sessions “The Trump administration is using asylum-seekers to fabricate a crisis to justify the further militarization of our southern border, separation of families, and an unpopular anti-immigrant agenda. It’s a disgrace that people are being vilified while seeking refuge from violence.”

—ACLU, via Twitter OUR TAKE: This caravan directly pits the United States’ core values against the current admin-

istration’s nationalism. These women, children and men have trekked thousands of miles, and many migrants have decided to stay in Mexico, but many feel that’s not enough to protect their lives. Statistics, overgeneralizations and political rhetoric often rob migrants of deserved empathy. Even with representation, the odds of Central Americans being granted asylum are low. Worse yet, records recently obtained by Human Rights Watch show that border officials have previously unlawfully turned away applicants and failed to follow due process. This is yet another display of ethnocentrism that restricts the U.S. from keeping the promises of its founders. Despite Trump’s wishes, U.S. and international law requires asylum be granted to someone facing a “credible fear” and given the circumstances that may face them in their home country, there is little doubt that these people do, in fact, have a real fear of returning home.

NEWSY BITS 4/25

4/26

4/27

U.S. Senate candidate and SB 54 author Kevin de Leon condemns S.D. Board of Supervisors and Escondido’s vote to back Trump administration lawsuit over California’s sanctuary policies.

BEST DAY EVER!

Citing access laws, local disabled man files lawsuit targeting nine illegal cannabis shops for discrimination. (source: Voice of San Diego)

FML

All the seriousness, silliness and stupidity of the past week

Administrators from local school districts, law enforcement officers and county agencies gather for School Safety Summit to review protocols for school shootings and threats.

San Diego Police Department has been sharing massive surveillance database with Border Patrol and 600 other agencies. (source: Voice of San Diego)

6 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MAY 2, 2018

4/28

4/29

4/30

Bill strengthening concealed carry gun permits penned by Assemblymember Todd Gloria passes State Assembly, heads to Senate.

Metropolitan Transit System expected to invest in more zero-emission buses after receiving $40.9 million grant from SB 1 gas tax.

Local strippers and club owners plan to lobby City Council over increased permitting fees, claiming high price encourages women to shift to unregulated work. (source: U-T)

California State University system rejects appeal

by SDSU lecturer Ozzie Monge after investigation found that he discriminated and harassed a student on the basis of color.

Science magazine article reveals that cancer biologist Inder Verma allegedly sexually harassed and assaulted female colleagues for decades.

5/1

New York Times story focuses on San Diego’s struggles when it comes to the power companies like Sempra fighting against community choice energy.

Union-Tribune story reveals that National City officials have hired a law firm to investigate whether Councilmember Jerry Cano used his position to avoid city fines and inappropriately touched Councilmember Mona Rios.

San Diego Republican businessman Rocky De La Fuente files to run for U.S. Senate… in Florida?

Vice President visits El Centro Border Patrol station, promises to build wall and blames activists for encouraging migrant caravan.

Chargers reveal they do not plan to bring back future Hall of Fame tight end Antonio Gates.

@SDCITYBEAT

@SDCityBeat

may 2, 2018 · San Diego CityBeat · 7

UP FRONT | OPINION

EDWIN DECKER

SORDID

TALES

Bully Hunters: The online gaming fail of the century

F

or several months an organization called Bully Hunters had been marketing the release of their global tool to “end” bullying in online, multiplayer, shooter games such as Call of Duty and Counter Strike.

The live, streaming launch of the Bully Hunters anti-harassment tool, scheduled for April 12, intrigued millions of gamers, including myself. We were skeptical of their alarmist portrayal of the bullying problem in multiplayer games, and their claim that it could be eradicated.

Finally, April 12 arrived, and the launch—which was hosted by Bully Hunters’ host, Natalie “ZombiUnicorn” Casanova—was so preposterous, so asinine, so bizarre, the viewers guffawed en masse in the live comments stream. The mouths of the gaming press went collectively agape, and every last sponsor ran for the hills as if saying, “We didn’t know! We didn’t know.” The entire BH operation was aborted within 48 hours—leaving behind a one-sentence epitaph that read, “This page can’t be reached” where their website used to be.

Alas, there is not enough space on this page to pore over the many ways in which Bully Hunters failed. There was their sourcing of bogus statistics to embellish the in-game harassment problem, and their misrepresentation of live, spontaneous events that proved to be staged. There was their exploitation of bullying to sell flimsy, overpriced headsets. There was the conspicuous exclusion of male gamers even though they are statistically as likely to be cyber-bullied as females. There was their assertion that sexual epithets such as “cunts,” “faggots” and “bitches” constitute harassment (more on this later), and the bombshell revelation that Casanova is a raging hypocrite, having been busted hurling those exact epithets at people on her video channel and Twitter account.

And as much as these offenses deserve a blisteringly sarcastic unpacking, my focus will be on how utterly, completely and astonishingly asinine the idea was in the first place.

As explained by Casanova’s co-host, Tien Tran, trash talk is OK, but when a female gamer “feels she is being harassed,” she can log in to bullyhunters.org and submit a complaint. At that point BH will summon a virtual vigilante from their “elite squad of female game experts” who will login to the “victim’s” gaming match and kill the bully in question.

But what is harassment? How is it distinguished from standard trash-talk? Who decides? Well, according to Bully Hunters, trash-talk (such as, “You got owned, newb”) isn’t harassment unless it becomes sexual in nature, or gender-oriented, such as, you know, calling people faggots, cunts and bitches.

Only problem? That is not the difference between harassment and trash talk. Sex and gender has nothing to do with it. It is about the level of threat. See, harassment is personalized abuse, sexual or otherwise, that reasonably causes the victim to feel unsafe in their en-

vironment. Sure, harassment in gaming exists, but it is much rarer than IRL because most in-game trash-talk comes from strangers, in a different state or country, who will likely never be encountered again.

Online trash-talk really only becomes harassment, or bullying, when it is committed by people who can hurt us in the real world—classmates or coworkers for instance. These people can affect our offline environment by issuing threats, sharing personal information, releasing unauthorized images, defaming and/or spreading ugly rumors, and all the other things that can destroy a person’s actual, analog life. This is online harassment, and to conflate that type of harassment with some pre-teen calling people “cunts” because he’s in a rage about his abysmal kill/death ratio is an insult to real victims of real bullies.

Back at the Bully Hunters launch, Tien Tran explained the utterly impotent bully eradication system. “[Our] bully hunter will jump into the game and take on the harasser head on. She will hunt down and take out the perpetrator and get these harassers where it hurts the most.”

For realsies? “Where it hurts the most”? Forget that it is extremely difficult to get into online multiplayer matches that are already in progress. Forget that once logged in, the bully hunter must locate the bully in a map full of gamers killing each other at breakneck, “ShootFirst-Ask-Later” speeds. And forget that if/when she finds the bully, there is something of a 50-50 likelihood he will— oh snap!—kill the bully hunter first. Forgetting all of those problems that render the entire concept pointless, there is this most glaring problem of all: They’re not killing a real person! It’s an avatar! In a game! A game, I might add, in which the so-called bully has already died 10 times.

In the game before that, he died 20 times. He probably died 100 times before breakfast. Online multiplayer war games are a never-ending stream of kills and deaths that would leave behind a pile of dead avatars so high it could reach the moon were they stackable like that. The point is, “Where it hurts the most,” my ass! He won’t even remember it in three minutes much less let it affect his future behavior.

I wish Bully Hunters would have contacted me about this problem. I would have provided a much cheaper, faster, foolproof solution to in-game harassment. It’s called a mute button. Every multiplayer game has the option to mute, or permanently block, anyone they want. Or better yet, do what I do and laugh. Laugh at the “bully” in a condescending manner. Laugh and say something snide. Laugh and let them know their words are powerless. That they aren’t even worth the effort to mute. Laugh and let laugh, because that is where it hurts bullies the most: their relevance.

But what is harassment? How is it distinguished from standard trash-talk?

Who decides?

8 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MAY 2, 2018

Sordid Tales appears every other week.

Write to edwin@sdcitybeat.com.

@SDCITYBEAT

CULTURE | VOICES

RHONDA “RO” MOORE

A SIDE-EYE OF

SANITY

Don’t leave the gate open

I

don’t know a single woman who doesn’t have a “work face.” No, I don’t mean makeup beat by the gods (although kudos to the readers who have that kind of time in the morning). I mean the shield we raise when we work with people who assume they know “where you’re coming from” rather than actually ask you.

Now, some folk consider it all just part of codeswitching (for the record, my “work voice” is amazing), but my moms just calls it keeping the rent paid. Then again, the first time I complained about a female coworker painting me as an “angry black woman” to our manager (she was trying to prove I wasn’t qualified for my position), moms looked at me and said, “You’re a black woman in Corporate America. You’re expected to be fat and happy. You want to step out with confidence? Expect to be called a bitch. You want that job? Put on your game face and dig in. Decide which you shows up in the workplace. Pick now or they’ll most certainly do it for you.”

I never forgot those words and have tried to put my best (read: professional) foot forward while still being authentically me ever since. Of course, I’ve occasionally failed to hit the right note and faced the consequences. Stereotypes are a hell of a thing and some biases (about the capabilities of Black folks in the workforce) are so deeply ingrained that post-Easter Jesus couldn’t buff them out. Every industry has its gatekeepers and one misstep (or bad impression) can see you barred. You can lose out even if the person holding the gate looks like you; hell, especially if they do. I learned the hard way: If you’re a Black woman out here working, that shield better be made of titanium.

I don’t have the luxury of hoping people will exert the effort to overcome their prejudices. I can never be underprepared, I can never be late and I can never, ever be viewed as making excuses. I’m great at what I do. I have no choice but to be. Because if I do fall short, any gains I’ve made will disappear as swiftly as swiping a dry erase board clean.

For example, I’ve recently watched a bloodletting happening in the black nerd community on social media as a prominent figure faced a reckoning with the very people she leveraged to build her business in the first place. This situation reminded me that no matter how bad it can be combating negative perceptions of people of color, it’s nothing compared to being called to account by your own community.

Jamie Broadnax, creator and (former) managing editor of the website Black Girl Nerds, used her clout and position as an influencer to garner support for the now failed Universal Fan Con [FanCon, moving forward]. As a co-founder, she heavily promoted the initial Kickstarter and acted as one of the convention’s

ambassadors on social media. She put her entire brand on the line to get behind this convention.

For those who don’t live that convention life, FanCon was to be a new convention held in Baltimore, Maryland in April. Organizers touted it as the “first multi-fandom Con dedicated to inclusion, highlighting Women, LGBTQ, the Disabled, and Persons of Color.” People were excited. So excited the Kickstarter raised $56,498, more than double its original campaign goal. I, too, put my money behind it. But, two years, and copious amounts of special guest announcements later, FanCon was postponed (indefinitely) one week out. By email.

It gets worse, but I need to stay focused. As the convention crumbled so too did Broadnax’s work face.

First, there was the email that publicly disclosed recipient addresses because the BCC function wasn’t used. Then there was the email that preceded the official announcement about the status of FanCon (only Kickstarter backers received the correspondence).

Finally, Broadnax swiftly moved to distance herself from the convention even going so far as to remove “co-founder” from her bio and referring to herself as merely a volunteer. Then, she issued a statement that triggered more questions than it answered.

All the while, those more familiar with her began to speak out and she quickly faced detractors. All were willing to speak frankly about a lack of professionalism and questionable work practices by Broadnax. Other influencers stepped forward to point out the inconsistencies in her behavior and demand transparency and called for accountability.

If there was a misstep to make in navigating this debacle, then it sure seems Broadnax made it.

As a Black woman, this is definitely in the top five of my professional nightmares. However, I never leave my integrity open to question. People may not always like me, but no one will ever have a leg to stand on if they come for my credibility. If I give you my word you can be damn sure I’m going to break my back to keep it. And if that enterprise fails, you’ll know exactly where to find me and can expect me to be ready, receipts in hand, to be held accountable.

It’s apparent from the strength of the backlash that, along the way, Broadnax may have engaged in what could be described as questionable behavior. It’s also highly apparent that the greater blerd community is not here for fast-talk or short term appeasement measures.

Because if you set yourself up as a gatekeeper, you best be ready to competently man that gate.

This situation reminded me that no matter how bad it can be combating negative perceptions of people of color, folks ain’t seen nothing until you’re called to account by your own community.

@SDCITYBEAT

A Side-Eye of Sanity appears every four weeks.

Follow Ro Moore on Twitter at @BookBlerd.

MAY 2, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 9

UP FRONT | BEER

BY BETH DEMMON

BY MICHAEL A. GARDINER

THE WORLD

FARE T

The anti-taco salad here is no such thing as a taco without a tortilla. With all due apologies to Donald J. Trump, a taco salad may be a salad, but it definitely isn’t a taco. A taco made with American supermarket tortillas isn’t much better.

The tacos at Taqueria El Trailero (Carretera Transpeninsular EnsenadaTijuana No. 353), on the other hand, are made with the sort of soft, supple and tasty tortillas that show why Mexico has no need to Make Tacos Great Again, because they’re pretty damned great already.

Taqueria El Trailero—seemingly named for the trucks that pass the restaurant on the main route between Ensenada and Tijuana to the north—is located in El Sauzal just north of Ensenada. It doesn’t quite have the look and feel of a truck stop, though it has some of the grit and nononsense efficiency. The menu, short and posted on the wall, is dominated by tacos and similar antojitos.

Each of El Trailero’s stations is visible from the roadway: the shrimp taco and adobado (the Northern Mexican version of al pastor) stations on the left, a meat griddle in the middle and a birria station on the right side of the open kitchen with the

Shrimp taco at Taqueria El Trailero

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A CH

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10 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MAY 2, 2018

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dining area further right. A classic “trompo”—the vaguely top-shaped vertical spit from which a taquero carves strips of adobado—is one of the first things visible, and it’s no mistake to hit that up first. It may not be the best adobado in town (that’s across the street at El Flamazo), but it’s very good indeed.

It’s hard to imagine a better shrimp taco. The batter is crisp but light and just salty enough to bring out the inherent sweetness of the shrimp inside. Pickled red onions with habanero is a perfect accoutrement. A great non-taco selection is the torta combinada, which features both carne asada and adobada. The star, though, may be the bread: savory with a hint of salt and the perfect texture to allow the meat juices to sink in. It ends up being a messy dish but for all the right reasons.

El Trailero’s carne asada tacos are good (northern Mexican beef tends to be), but those brave enough should ask to add in some tripas, as it improves the dish. The tripas (intestine, not stomach) are little tubes the taquero cooks crisp on the outside with a soft texture and slightly liverlike interior flavor. When they share space in the taco with that carne asada the result is a symphony of textures and flavors. It may be my favorite taco on the rock. Donald J. Trump would probably hate it. Apparently, he likes his steak well-done and “no garbage with it,” even as he douses the poor, helpless steak in ketchup. That ketchup-on-steak thing is, no doubt, a culinary crime. But to me his real impeachable offense was impugning the good name of the taco by passing a tortilla-less salad off as anything related thereto. Exhibit A would be that horror depicted in his tweet.

Exhibit B would be Taqueria El Trailero and the picture that accompanies this article.

R NE

DI

The World Fare appears weekly.

Write to michaelg@sdcitybeat.com.

FINAL DRAUGHT On point in Point Loma

S

an Diego needs more craft breweries like America needs a racist megalomaniac as our president. Yet I find myself irresistibly drawn to new tasting rooms like a moth to flame. And like many hardcore independent beer fans, my magpie-like attention span thrives on the freshest beer news.

My FOMO hits hyperdrive when any of my regularlyvisited breweries opens a new location. So when I heard that North Park’s Eppig Brewing was opening a second tasting room overlooking America’s Cup Harbor, it was an easy sell to pop over to Point Loma.

Although Eppig’s Waterfront Biergarten (2718 Dickens St.) has been operating for two months, its official grand opening on a recent Saturday signaled the completion of its pièce de résistance: a 2,000 square foot wraparound outdoor patio directly adjacent to the harbor. The 1,200-square-foot tasting room and surrounding patio were packed to the gills with a hodgepodge of beer fans from all walks of life. My 14-month old son wasn’t out of place, but neither were solo drinkers, families or dogs. I’m not generally a huge fan of crowds, but it was easy to avoid claustrophobia with such a glut of space.

The tasting room’s open-air design means every seat in the house has a view, and it’s a whale of one. It’s spacious, breezy and the beer selection stays true to Eppig’s riffs on traditional styles. There are ales, there are lagers—there’s even a Berliner Weisse for those who fancy a bit of funk.

It would hardly be a grand opening without a special Grand Opening IPA which, despite being gluten-reduced, did

not suffer from lack of flavor. Eppig’s beer boards tend to be on the smaller side, offering fewer options and no guest beers.

But its attention to craftsmanship is noteworthy in every beer it releases. Plus, it’s always refreshing to see a wide variety of unique styles offered—like zwickelbier, Japanese-style dry lager and schwarzbier—instead of an endless parade of BETH DEMMON IPAs. (Hopheads still have plenty to choose from.

I recommend The Wolf Double IPA.) Based on the spiffy trappings and pricey seaside locale, Eppig’s betting big on being the new kid in the neighborhood.

Despite plenty of nearby watering holes like Restaurant at The Pearl or Bali Hai, there’s a surprising void of craft beer-centric venues in the immeEppig Brewing diate area. Only Fathom Bistro, Bait & Tackle will really give it a run for the money. And with its limited seating, I’d wager Fathom is happy to have Eppig as neighbors Outside food is welcome, and Point Loma Seafoods is practically spitting distance away from the Biergarten’s patio for anyone who hungers for more than the snack menu available in-house. (A word of warning: Parking can be a hassle, so allot some time to park a few blocks south or take a chance with very limited street parking).

Overall, of course San Diego doesn’t need a new brewery. But a bayside biergarten is an invigorating change from blah tasting rooms tucked into industrial parks. And I’m betting there isn’t a more picturesque front-row venue in San Diego for catching summer sunsets, pints clasped in hand.

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

@SDCITYBEAT

EVENTS

SHORTlist

ART

the

THREE YOU HAVE TO SEE

COORDINATED BY

SETH COMBS

SAN DIEGO

MAY DAY

There’s certainly no shortage of Cinco pens Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. See exde Mayo-related events, but there’s definitely some plorenorthpark.com for more info. For readers in that are better than others. That is, some are cul- the South Bay, we’d recommend the annual Chula turally respectful, while others are just an excuse to Vista Cinco Fest (facebook.com/CVCINCOFEST) on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Chula Vista get hammered on tequila.

First, there’s arguably the most prominent cele- Marina View Park (between Bay Blvd. and Marina bration: the Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo. Now Pkwy.). There will be beers from Chula Vista Brewin its 35th year, the weekend-long, family-friendly ery, dance and mariachi performances and plenty of food. block party includes live COURTESY OF FIESTA OLD TOWN CINCO DE MAYO For those looking for music, a craft mercado, some artsy-type events, lowrider cars and lucha liChicano Art Gallery (2117 bre matches. It takes place Logan Ave., facebook. from 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, com/ChicanoArtGallery) May 4, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. is hosting A-Cross the Saturday, May 5 and 11 Border from 5 to 10 p.m. a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, on Saturday. The crossMay 6. More info at cinborder art show includes codemayooldtown.com. an amazing collection While you’re there, be sure of rustic and decorative to check out the majestic crosses from David Castadance performances at the Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo ñeda. Finally, there is the Fiesta de Reyes Folklórico Tijuana Art Market on Saturday from noon to 8 Competition at the Old Town State Historic Park.

Another family-friendly party is the Viva North p.m. inside the Pasaje Rodriguez cultural center Park event in the alleyway next to City Tacos (be- (look for it in between Avenida Revolución and Caltween 30th and Ohio Streets). There will be food le 3ra). There will be dozens of local artists in evfrom local eateries, as well as craft michelada and ery conceivable medium showing off one-of-a-kind cocktail bars. Music will be provided by Bulevar items that will be treasured long after the holiday Descarga and S.D. legends B-Side Players. It hap- is over.

EAST VILLAGE

BIKE NIGHT For those who aren’t in the know, May is bike month. And the San Diego Bike Coalition is leading the charge with a Bike Month Kick Off Party. Councilmembers David Alvarez and Chris Ward will guide participants on a leisurely ride from Quartyard (1301 Market St.) to Barrio Logan and back for the party. Following the ride, there will be craft beer on tap and also live music from local Latin-fusion band, Elrio. It’s also an opportunity to learn about how cycling helps combat climate change and how else to get involved during bike month. The kick off party is a free event happening Thursday, May 3 with the ride taking place from 6 to 6:45 p.m. and the after-party running until 9 p.m. sdbikecoalition.org COURTESY OF SAN DIEGO BIKE COALITION

BALBOA PARK

KEEPING IT REAL San Diego has plenty of options when it comes to theatrical screenings of classic films, but the Reel Science Film Series offers something unique. From Friday, May 4 through Friday, May 25, the San Diego Natural History Museum (1788 El Prado) is teaming up with Digital Gym Cinema and Film Geeks SD to screen four Sci-fi classics. After the film, a local scientist will be on hand to provide commentary and criticisms of what exactly is based in science and what exactly is based in fiction. The May 4 screening will feature the ‘80s classic Back to the Future and UC San Diego physicist Brian Shotwell will be on hand to discuss the film after. Future screenings include Phase IV, Memento and The Matrix. All screenings happen at 7 p.m. and admission is $12. sdnhm.org

HMesa College Spring 2018 Student Art Exhibition and Sale at Mesa College Art Gallery, 7250 Mesa College Drive, Room D101, Clairemont. Artwork in various media including drawing, design, digital media and more as produced by students at Mesa College will be on view and available for sale. Opening from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 3. Free. 619-3882829, sdmesa.edu Friday Night Liberty at NTC at Liberty Station, 2640 Historic Decatur Road, Point Loma. This monthly gallery and studio walk features open artist studios, galleries, live performances, shopping and entertainment throughout Liberty Station’s Arts and Culture District. From 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, May. 4. Free. 619-573-9300, ntclibertystation.com The Big White Dress: Evolving Traditions of the American Wedding at Women’s Museum of California, 2730 Historic Decatur Road #103, Point Loma.

Showcases the evolving styles of American wedding gowns from the 1860s to today by displaying 14 wedding dresses from various decades. Opening from 5 to ����������������� 619-233-7963, wo8 p.m. Friday, May 4.������������������ mensmuseumca.org HMoment in Time: A Collection of Photographs at Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park. Selections from the storied collection of Beaumont and Nancy Newhall, with pictures from Julia Margaret Cameron, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Frank and more. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 5. Suggested donation. 619-238-7559, mopa.org HA-Cross the Border at Chicano Art Gallery, 2117 Logan Ave., Barrio Logan.

A collection of rustic, decorative, controversial and religious themed crosses made by David Castañeda will be on display. These crosses are inspired by the U.S.-Mexico border and the people who cross it daily. Opening from 5 to 10 p.m.

Saturday, May 5. Free. facebook.com/ events/155141071847580 HDuality at Kensington Club, 4079 Adams Ave., Kensington. Art Unites presents this interdisciplinary art exhibition that accentuates the concept of duality in life and how personal realities affect perspective.

Plus live music, live black light art and more. Opening from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Saturday, May 5. $10. 619-540-0310, facebook.com/SanDiegoArtUnites HAn Artist and Art Historian: Vabianna Santos and Viona Deconinck at Helmuth Projects, 1827 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill. Hosted by the Rising Arts Leaders of San Diego, artist Vabianna Santos and art historian Viona Deconinck will have a candid conversation about the craft.

The event will also include opportunities to view Santos’ art. From 5 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, May 5. Free. facebook.com/ events/172105796822527/

BOOKS HDerek Hess at Eden Tattoo Gallery, 3001 Madison Ave., University Heights.

The acclaimed artist will be promoting his new book, 31 Days in May: A Visual Journal of Mental Illness and Addiction. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. From 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 2. Free. derekhess.com Dr. Ben Lynch at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The founder of Seeking Health will sign and discuss his new book, Dirty Genes. At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 3. Free. 858-454-0347, warwicks.com HIsabel Cruz at Warwick’s Bookstore,

National Bike Month @SDCITYBEAT

Back to the Future

H = CityBeat picks

7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The chef and pioneer of Latin fusion cuisine will sign and discuss her new cookbook, The Latin Table. At 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 4. Free.

858-454-0347, warwicks.com HChristopher Moore at Mysterious Galaxy Book Store, 5943 Balboa Ave., Ste. 100, Clairemont. The bestselling mystery writer will be back in San Diego to sign and discuss his new hard-boiled detective novel, Noir. At 2 p.m. Saturday, May 5.

Free. 858-268-4747, mystgalaxy.com HJeremy B.C. Jackson and Steve Chapple at D.G.Wills Books, 7461 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The eminent ecologist and the award-winning journalist will discuss their timely new book, Breakpoint: Reckoning with America’s Environmental Crises. At 2 p.m. Sunday, May 6. Free.

858-456-1800, dgwillsbooks.com HJim Miller at Tiger!Tiger!, 3025 El Cajon Blvd., North Park. The local author will release his latest book, Last Days in Ocean Beach, in which a scientist who tries to raise the alarm about climate change runs into some OB characters along the way.

From 4:30 to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 6. 619501-7466, verbatim-books.com HJulia Dixon Evans at Starlite, 3175 India St., Mission Hills. The book release party for local author Julia Dixon Evans’ debut novel, How to Set Yourself on Fire, in which a woman uncovers a family mystery through lost love letters. There will be signings and readings at the event. From 8 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, May 8. facebook.com/ events/180019905950541 Clifford V. Johnson at UC San Diego Roth Auditorium, 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla. The revered physicist will sign and discuss his new book, The Dialogues: Conversations About the Nature of the Universe. At 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 8.

Free. 858-268-4747, mystgalaxy.com

DANCE HTetralume at Pixite, 3919 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest. A new performance from Luminul that combines choreographed LED lighting, live music and modern dance within a sacred geometric structure. At 7 p.m. Saturday, May 5. $5. instagram.com/luminul_creative Maks, Val & Peta: Confidential at Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., Downtown.

Maks Chmerkovskiy, Val Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd are taking their talents from Dancing with the Stars to this national tour. “Confidential” tells the trio’s stories of love and family through dance.

At 8 p.m. Saturday, May 5. $47-$82. 619570-1100, sandiegotheatres.org

FILM HReel Science Film Series at San Diego Natural History Museum, 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park. The first in a series of Scifi film screenings, audiences will watch the ’80s classic Back to the Future and then participate in a scientific discussion with UC San Diego physicist Brian Shotwell.

At 7 p.m. Friday, May 4. $12. sdnhm.org HSan Diego Surf Film Festival at Misfit Gallery, 565 Pearl Street, Ste. 100, La Jolla.

This annual festival features dozens of international surf films, workshops, surfboard demos and a showcase of featured artist Wade Koniakowsky. Various times from Wednesday, May 9 through Sunday, May 12. $10-$125. sdsurffilmfestival.com

FOOD & DRINK HCityBeat Burger Week at various locations. $6 burgers from San Diego’s best burger joints. From gourmet blends to

EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 MAY 2, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 11

EVENTS EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 HTacos & Tequila Festival at Ingram Plaza, NTC Liberty Station, 2751 Dewey Road, Point Loma. An event celebrating beer, tequila and tacos with 34 local breweries, 15 restaurants and a tequila area, plus live music. From 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 5. $37.74-$53.49. tacostequilafestival.com JLSD Food and Wine Festival at La Jolla Cove, 1100 Coast Blvd., La Jolla. Enjoy raffles, silent auctions, live music and food and drinks from more than 50 local spots while watching the 144th Kentucky Derby.

Benefits the Junior League of San Diego.

From noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, May. 7. $85-$110. jlsd.org

MUSIC Lisa Sanders and Brown Sugar at California Center for the Arts Escondido, 340 N Escondido Blvd., Escondido. The countrybluesy duo will perform together for two performances as part of First Wednesdays at the California Center for the Arts. They have opened for artists such as BB King, Al Green and more. At 4 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 2. Free. 760-839-4138, artcenter.org HDanny Green at Panama 66, Copley Auditorium, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. The local jazz pianist will play an album release show in support of his fifth album One Day It Will. The concert will feature his longstanding trio as well as string players. At 8 p.m. Friday, May 4. $15-$25.

619-696-1966, panama66.com HDances, Suites and Serenades at Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., Downtown. To kick off a month-long celebration of Leonard Bernstein, violinist Simone Lamsma will be performing selections

BOOKS: THE FLOATING LIBRARY from the legendary composer’s early career. The concert will also include pieces

by Richard Strauss and Jacques Offenbach. At 8 p.m. Friday, May 4 and 2 p.m.

Sunday, May 6. $20-$76. 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org HRanky Tanky at The Loft at UCSD, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. Inspired by the music of their home state of South Carolina, this quartet blends classic jazz with West African beats to create a sound that’s all their own. At 8 p.m. Friday, May 4. $23$35. 858-246-1199, artpower.ucsd.edu HGyan Riley at Bread & Salt, 1955 Julian Ave., Logan Heights. The acclaimed guitarist’s diverse work focuses on his own compositions, improvisation and contemporary classical repertoire. The last concert in the Fresh Sound Spring concert series. At 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 6. $10-$20. 619-9876214, freshsoundmusic.com Bernstein and Beethoven with Orli Shaham at Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., Downtown. Pianist Orli Shaham will be joining the symphony orchestra in their ongoing tribute to famed composer Leonard Bernstein. The program will be comprised of selections from Bernstein’s classical scores and some Beethoven. At 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 8. $35. 619-2350804, sandiegosymphony.org Deva Premal & Miten with Manose at Center for the Arts, 340 N Escondido Blvd., Escondido. For the next leg of their Soul of Mantra Tour, this contemporary chant duo will be performing with Nepalese flutist Manose. At 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 9. $35-$108. 760-839-4138, artcenter.org GoGo Penguin at The Loft, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. A self-proclaimed fusion

Wildfires everywhere

H

ow to Set Yourself on Fire by San Diego writer Julia Dixon Evans begins in a crowded apartment complex in an unnamed city in Southern California where the messy lives of its inhabitants spill onto each other.

Sheila is a young woman in the grip of unhealthy habits. She can’t hold a job, her mother is worried about her, and her romantic interests descend into obsession. Her last “relationship” was a one-sided affair in which she stalked a UPS driver. Her neighbor Vinnie is a divorced chain-smoking taxidermist struggling to parent his tween-age daughter long distance via Skype.

Then a pair of deaths disrupts their already disrupted lives. Sheila’s grandmother passes away, leaving behind a trove of lost letters from a lover who is not her grandfather and Sheila never knew about.

Did her grandmother have an affair or are the letters a chimera, a distant echo of Sheila’s unhealthy infatuations?

Sheila finds an unlikely ally in the pursuit of these mysteries in Torrey, Vinnie’s daughter who has come to live with him after her mother’s sudden death. With some misgivings, Sheila accepts Torrey’s help in solving the mystery of her grandmother’s secret romance.

“I feel a fire inside, a spark. I’m almost certain

this is a terrible idea,” Sheila narrates.

The novel takes place during fire season and opens on “the third morning of a wildfire to the east.” Fire imagery abounds in Evans’ prose and Sheila is something of an emotional fire starter.

Her restlessness propels her into all kinds of awkward situations.

“The only things we have going for us are our skin and bones. Our ancestors, the shit we live in, the world—none of that is ours.”

In spite of Sheila’s quirks, How to Set Yourself on Fire is a novel full of humor and heart. Here she is reflecting on her neighbors’ propensity toward sitting outside in the small courtyard their tiny apartments share: “I wonder if they sit outside all afternoon and evening because there’s a deconstructed mountain lion or something hogging the living room floor.”

Though she has a knack for making a mess of things, by unraveling the mysteries of her family’s past, Sheila begins to make strides toward a more promising future.

Julia Dixon Evans will be celebrating the release of How to Set Yourself on Fire at Starlite on Tuesday, May 8 at 8 p.m.

—Jim Ruland

The Floating Library appears every other week.

EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

12 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MAY 2, 2018

@SDCITYBEAT

EVENTS EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 of jazz, hip hop, rock, dance and soul, this acousticelectronica trio will be performing songs from their recently released album, A Humdrum Star. At 8 p.m.

Wednesday, May 9. $23-$35. 858-246-1199, artpower.ucsd.edu

SPECIAL EVENTS HSan Diego Bike Month Kick Off Party at Quartyard, 1301 Market St., East Village. The San Diego Bike Coalition kicks off Bike Month with a leisurely ride to Barrio Logan and back. Following the ride, there will be craft beer on tap and live music from local Latin-fusion band Elrio. From 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 3. Free. sdbikecoalition.org HFiesta Old Town Cinco De Mayo at Old Town San Diego, 2474 San Diego Ave., Old Town. The 35th annual fest features a Ballet Folklorico competition, 20plus bands, live entertainment, children’s area, retail and food booths, beer gardens and much more. From 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 4, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 5 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 6.

Free. cincodemayooldtown.com HViva North Park at City Tacos alleyway, between 30th and Ohio Streets, North Park. The family-friendly Cinco de Mayo party will feature food from local eateries as well as craft michelada and cocktail bars. Music will be provided by Bulevar Descarga and B-Side Players. From 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, May 5. Free. explorenorthpark.com HMingei Turns 40! at Mingei International Museum, 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park. Stop by the Mingei to check out its latest exhibitions and enjoy a piece of cake to mark the institution’s 40th anniversary. From noon to 5 p.m.

Saturday, May 5. Free. 619-239-0003, mingei.org HCity Royals Drag Showcase at The Rail, 3796 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest. A Cinco de Mayo-themed drag show with drink specials and apprearances from Sammy Evil, Queen Sugar, Strawberry Corncakes and more. At 8 p.m. Saturday, May 5. $5. thebrassrailsd.com

@SDCITYBEAT

HNeighbourhood Pop Up Market at Normal Heights Masonic Center, 3366 Adams Ave., Normal Heights.

An outdoor pop-up market with local vendors selling handmade goods and vintage finds. Plus food from local chefs, live art installations and more. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 5. Free. ourhoodmarket.com Cinco by the Bay at Embarcadero Marina Park South, 111 W Harbor Drive, Downtown. iHeart Media hosts this event on the waterfront to celebrate Mexican heritage and culture with cuisine, agave spirits, music, entertainment and more. From noon to 5 p.m.

Saturday, May 5. $18-$75. kogo.iheart.com HChula Vista Cinco Fest at Chula Vista Marina View Park, Bay Blvd. and Marina Pkwy., Chula Vista. The annual fest includes beers from Chula Vista Brewery, dance and mariachi performances and plenty of food.

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 6. Free. facebook.com/CVCINCOFEST HRaise Your Glasses at The Lafayette Hotel & Swim Club, 2223 El Cajon Blvd., North Park. Urban Optiks Optometry celebrates its 10th anniversary with a vendor trunk show. Patrons can peruse glasses frames with a portion of proceeds benefitting the Vision of Children Foundation, a local non-profit based in Del Mar. From 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 9. $10. uoosd.com/raise

TALKS AND DISCUSSIONS HPhilosophy Talk: What Is Afrofuturism? at Central Library, Mary Hollis Clark Conference Center, 330 Park Blvd., East Village. Join Dr. LaWana Firyali Richmond for an illuminating discussion of Afrofuturism and its placement of Blackness at the center of the universe. At 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 2. Registration encouraged. sandiego.librarymarket.com HA Conversation with Erica Deeman at Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park.

Photographer Erica Deeman uses her lens to examine the lack of representation in fine art. Join her for a discussion of her series Silhouettes and Brown and its role in breaking stereotypes. From 11 a.m. to noon.

Saturday, May 5. Free. 619-238-7559, mopa.org

MAY 2, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 13

THEATER The importance of South Pacific

COURTESY OF SAN DIEGO MUSICAL THEATRE

U

nderlying the boisterous good time that is the World War II musical South Pacific is the anti-racism subtext that ensures the relevance of this Broadway warhorse written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. It’s still jarring when, near the end of Act One, Ensign Nellie Forbush, who has been daring up until this moment, refers with extreme prejudice to her lover’s first wife as having been “colored.” It remains sad that Marine Lieutenant Cable decides he can’t wed the Tonkinese woman he loves because of what his family would think.

And with all the iconic songs of South Pacific’s score, including “Some Enchanted Evening,” “Younger Than Springtime” and “Bali Hai,” there’s still the brief one indicting racial prejudice (“You’ve Got To Be Carefully Taught”).

All this being said, South Pacific is not a preachy show. Audiences like those found at the Horton Grand Theatre downtown continue to be moved by its two love stories and roused by its islandhappy dancing and hi jinks. San Diego Musical Theatre’s production directed

by Kristen Chandler is true to both the thoughtful and the diverting sides of this work, which is based on James Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific. The orchestration of Don LeMaster fully embodies every swelling melody of South Pacific’s ballads while setting just the right pace for its jauntier moments.

Among the cast of more than 20, Carolyn Agan shines brightest when her “little hick” from Little Rock is proclaiming herself “A Cockeyed Optimist” or trying to “Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair.”

Her expression of Nellie’s ambiguity of conscience is less credible. Robert J. Townsend has the pipes for the romantic Frenchman Emile de Becque, whom Nellie loves. Still, whether it’s fair to mention or not, Townsend will make no one forget Ezio Pinza (the original Emile on Broadway) or Brian Stokes Mitchell, who was stunning in a 2006 Carnegie Hall concert version of South Pacific.

The featured comic players, Agus����� tine Welles as Seabee Luther Billis and Gigi Coddington as island maven Bloody Mary, entertain mightily, especially Welles in drag during the strutting “Honey Bun.” South Pacific may seem old-fashioned today, but those who see it, whether for the first time or for the fifth, should heed its still crucial lessons.

South Pacific runs through May 27 at the Horton Grand Theatre, downtown. $30-$70; sdmt.org

—David L. Coddon

Theater reviews run weekly.

Write to davidc@sdcitybeat.com.

14 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MAY 2, 2018

South Pacific

OPENING: The Kitchen Witches: Two archenemies begin hosting a cable-access cooking show and quickly find their insulting banter is a hit with audiences.

Written by Caroline Smith, it opens May 3 at the Broadway Theatre in Vista. broadwayvista.biz Passage Into Fear: This thriller is set during World War I and is based on the Hitchcock classic The Lady Vanishes. Presented by the North County Players, it opens May 3 at the Veterans Museum in Balboa Park. northcountyplayers.org Hairspray: The hit musical about a social outcast who becomes an overnight sensation after going on a ’60s dance show. Presented by JCompany Youth Theatre, it opens for six performances on May 5 at the David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre in La Jolla. sdcjc.org Red: John Logan’s drama about abstract expressionist Mark Rothko as he prepares a new piece commissioned for the Four Seasons Restaurant in New York City. Presented by Oceanside Theatre Company, it opens May 4 at the Brooks Theatre in Oceanside. oceansidetheatre.com The Sisters Rosenweig: An American woman living in London is all set to throw herself a 54th birthday, but things begin to get complicated when her sisters and other sordid characters start showing up. Written by Wendy Wasserstein, it opens May 4 at the Patio Playhouse Theatre in Escondido. patioplayhouse.com Smokey Joe’s Café: The hit Broadway musical features the songs of the iconic songwriters Leiber and Stoller, the duo behind hits such as “Charlie Brown,” “Jailhouse Rock” and “Stand By Me.” Directed by Michelle Gray, it opens May 4 at the OnStage Playhouse in Chula Vista. onstageplayhouse.org 5 Minute Short Play Festival: The annual fest includes nearly a dozen short plays ranging from comedy to drama. It happens May 7 at the David & Dorothea Garfield Theater at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center. sdcjc.org Wagner New Play Festival: Four world premiere plays and a series of one-acts from UC San Diego MFA playwrights. It opens May 8 at the Theodore and Adele Shank Theatre in La Jolla. theatre.ucsd.edu

NOW PLAYING: Buried Child: In Sam Shepard’s macabre drama, Vince brings his girlfriend back to his parents’ Illinois farm to meet his parents, but things quickly get weird. Presetned by the Mesa College Theatre Company, it runs through May 6 at the Apolliad Theatre at Mesa College in Clairemont. sdmesa.edu Pinkalicious: A family-friendly musical about a girl named Pinkalicious who turns pink after eating too many pink cupcakes. Sensing a theme?

Presented by Kelrick Productions, it runs through May 6 at the Lyceum Theatre in the Gaslamp. kelrikproductions.org

For complete

theater listings, visit sdcitybeat.com

@SDCITYBEAT

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CULTURE | VOICES

RACHEL MICHELLE FERNANDES

THANK YOU FOR

STARING

Single white feminism

R

acial bias—whether it’s subconscious or conscious, institutional or personal—is alive and thriving in all its incarnations. There can be no doubt of this. We see it absolutely everywhere, from police brutality and deportations, to the Black Lives Matter activists on government watch lists and the criminality of adolescence in Black and Brown communities. And from being hassled at stores for making returns or sitting too long without buying a cup of overpriced coffee, there are countless examples of macro and microaggressions.

As I’ve discussed in this column, on many occasions, racial, gender and class bias is deeply embedded in the way in which we fund, display, appreciate, educate, grant access to and talk about art.

I’ve tried my best to use this column to highlight the many ways in which all sorts of individuals are using art to try to better society. I’ve tried to gather and present stories of folks who inspire me to be a better person and are creating models for how we can all do better, be better, and be our more authentic selves. The artists and leaders I have met throughout San Diego County have shown me how much can be accomplished when we truly see each other and listen to all the voices, not just the loudest ones in the room.

But there is a problem, an elephant in the room I haven’t addressed.

How can we get at the roots of inequality without calling into question the status quo? And how can we truly question the status quo when there are so many easily offended white women standing in the way?

In case someone is reading this online and not underneath my printed picture in the physical paper, I am a white woman. Regrettably, I’m also a pretty easily offended one. While I chalk this up more to sensitivity and a mood disorder than to white fragility, I bruise easily nonetheless and it is a problem. As much as I wish the color of my skin didn’t matter, it does. It just really, really does.

Sadly, the majority of others with my gender/race combo also have a problem. We play the gender card when it’s convenient and ignore race as often as possible. I know this because I am a white woman, and I have done it. This is often referred to as white feminism.

White women, especially self-proclaimed feminists, really need to move over and make room at the table so it can be the glorious rainbow unicorn party it’s meant to be. It’s not a zero sum game. And it’s not just straight white men who are man-spreading all over the place and hogging all the proverbial gua-

camole. When we fail to advocate for one another as humans and stop looking out for the more vulnerable among us, the most oppressive dominant forces remain intact or, worse, they get stronger. Complicity is everything.

It can’t all be put on the people of color and women of color to do the heavy lifting.

I’ve been speaking a lot lately with my Latinx/ WOC friends and colleagues working in the arts and have found a common thread among all of them: exhaustion. Having to code-switch and prove themselves with greater intensity than is required of their white counterparts is exhausting. Being passed up for opportunities they are more than qualified for, or undervalued to the point of having to flee a toxic work environment… Yep, it’s exhausting.

These womxn are also exhausted by being made to feel guilty for a lack of compliance to a broken system. When they put up and shut up, they are exhausted. When they make waves, they are—wait, what was that word again—oh yeah, exhausted.

There are several institutions here in San Diego that robbed my friends of their abilities to lead and be the model citizens they were meant to be, causing them emotional and even physical damage that they may never fully recover from. Have they moved on and remained total badasses? Yes. Are they furious warrior survivors? Hells yes. Are they exhausted unnecessarily? Also, yes. I can’t even get anyone to go on the record about their pain, frustration and exhaustion because they fear retaliation.

And therein lies the rub. How can we make any progress in a culture of fear and retaliation? I don’t have a full answer, but I have a one-word semi-solution: grassroots. We’ve got to flip the paradigm and lead as groups, stand up for one another, lend resources and help each other figure out when and where to show up.

In the next several columns I plan on further examining ways in which we, as an arts community, can meet at the intersection of our issues and be the most mutually supportive. I know now that if I’m not part of the solution, I’m part of the problem.

In the meantime, anyone remotely interested in fighting for equity in the arts can show up on May 8 at 9 a.m. for the budget hearing for Arts and Culture (202 C St. on the 12th floor) and speak about why funding grassroots, smaller arts organizations is vital for all of us. Let the rainbow unicorn party begin and rage into the break of a new dawn.

Sadly, the majority of others with my gender/race combo also have a problem. We play the gender card when it’s convenient and ignore race as often as possible.

@SDCITYBEAT

Thank You For Staring appears every other week.

MAY 2, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 21

CULTURE | FILM

Claire’s Camera

Doldrums no more Our Summer Movie Preview highlights the upcoming releases with plenty of potential

by Glenn Heath Jr.

T

he summer movie season has been threatening to breach April for years. That prophecy finally became unequivocally fulfilled with the opening of Avengers: Infinity War last week. But does such a shift in distribution protocol really matter anymore?

Massive-budget blockbusters are now released yearround, and more than ever the traditional rules of exhibition have been turned upside down (thank you, Netflix and Amazon).

Conversely, worthy indie and documentary films now regularly find their way into art house and micro cinemas between May and August, a time period once dominated by studio fare. While Hollywood isn’t completely immune to producing the occasional summer gem (last year audiences were treated to both Dunkirk and Girls Trip on the same weekend no less!), the following list of upcoming summer releases represents the esoteric and risky fare scheduled to hit theaters in the coming months.

Claire’s Camera (May 4) and Zama (May 11): The Digital Gym Cinema in North Park will give Hong Sang-soo’s dream-like comedy and Lucretia Martel’s hypnotic doozy their San Diego premieres. The prolific South Korean auteur (Hong) made three films last year, but this fleet-footed strange duck starring Isabelle Huppert and Kim Minhee is a uniquely breezy effort. On the other hand, Martel’s masterful period piece (previewed here back in March) is as rigorous as they come.

Disobedience (May 11): Not that long ago Sebastián Lelio was collecting an Oscar for A Fantastic Woman, named this year’s Best Foreign Language film.

Now the Chilean director returns with his Englishlanguage debut: a sexually charged drama about two women (Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams) whose mutual attraction challenges the beliefs of their orthodox religion. This has all the makings of a powerful showcase for two immensely talented performers.

First Reformed (June 1): Paul Schrader, the Taxi Driver scribe and director of such bruising morality tales as Blue Collar and Hardcore, returns to his lifelong obsession with conflicted faith. In this timely new drama, Ethan Hawke stars as a former military chaplain turned priest who is wracked with guilt over

22 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MAY 2, 2018

a dead child. Pristinely shot in the 4:3 aspect ratio, it has an icy formalism reminiscent of a bygone era.

Hereditary (June 8): Having thoroughly scared the bejesus out of attendees at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival, Ari Aster’s diabolical horror debut will get a local release thanks to A24. Gabriel Byrne and Toni Collette star as parents of a family tormented by ancestral secrets and cryptic messages from the grave. If early word holds true, this could be the scariest film of the summer, and possibly the entire year.

Under the Silver Lake (June 22): David Robert Mitchell is one of the most exciting young voices in filmmaking today—both The Myth of the American Sleepover and It Follows are skillful reimaginings of classic genres. Up next for Mitchell is an ambitious neo noir set in modern Los Angeles starring Andrew Garfield as a fluky sleuth who becomes obsessed with the strange circumstances involving his next door neighbor’s disappearance. Robert Altman’s The Long Goodbye and Paul Thomas Anderson’s Inherent Vice seem to be key reference points.

Sicario: Day of the Soldado (June 29): Denis Villeneuve’s Sicario double-tapped the traditional drug cartel narrative by stripping it of any political closure or redeeming humanity. This action-oriented sequel looks even more brutal and cynical, focusing entirely on Benicio Del Toro’s lethal assassin who comes under fire after starting a war south of the border.

Sorry to Bother You (July 6): Ever since his breakout turn in 2013’s Short Term 12, Lakeith Stanfield has been quietly amassing an impressive resume of supporting performances in films such as Selma and Get Out, not to mention FX’s Atlanta. Boots Riley’s breakout hit from Sundance gives Stanfield a much-deserved leading role as a telemarketer who unlocks the key to success in an alternative reality version of Oakland.

Ingmar Bergman Retrospective (July 13-19): San Diego’s beloved Ken Cinema will host a portion of the massive traveling retrospective highlighting the work of Swedish master Ingmar Bergman. The program will include screenings of Persona, Wild Straw-

FILM CONTINUED ON PAGE 23 @SDCITYBEAT

CULTURE | FILM hee). Opens Friday, May 4, at the Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

Gemini: A heinous crime tests the complex relationship between a tenacious personal assistant and her Hollywood starlet boss. Opens Friday, May 4, at the Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

Little Pink House: Catherine Keener plays a small town nurse who leads a group of local citizens against corrupt developers looking to buy out local neighborhoods. Opens Friday, May 4, at the Ken Cinema.

Sorry To Bother You

Tully: An overly stressed mother (Charlize Theron) of three children is gifted a night nanny (Mackenzie Davis) by her brother only to develop a unique bond with the new caregiver. Directed by Jason Reitman (Juno).

Wildling: A teenage girl’s coming of age comes with a terrifying twist in this spellbinding take on the werewolf legend. Starring Liv Tyler, Bel Powley, and horror genre legend Brad Dourif. Opens Friday. May 4, at the Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

ONE TIME ONLY Labyrinth: After an evil force steals her baby brother, a teenage girl is given a limited amount of time to navigate a dangerous fantasyland. Screens at 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, at The Pearl Hotel in Point Loma.

Strangers on a Train: Alfred Hitchcock’s brilliant thriller follows two men who decide to swap murders in order to secure each others anonymity. Screens at

8 p.m. Thursday, May 3 through Saturday, May 5, at Cinema Under the Stars in Mission Hills.

Back to the Future: In this ‘80s sci-fi classic, small-town California teen Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is thrown back into the ‘50s when an experiment by his eccentric scientist friend Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) goes awry. Screens at 7 p.m. Friday, May 4, at the Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

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

FILM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 berries, The Seventh Seal, The Virgin Spring, Cries and Whispers, Smiles of a Summer Night, and Hour of the Wolf.

BlacKkKlansman (Aug. 10): Sure to be one of the most controversial films of the summer, Spike Lee’s newest is based on the true story of Ron Stallworth (played by John David Washington), an African-American police officer working in Colorado who successfully infiltrates a local chapter of the Klu Klux Klan, even rising to a position of leadership. Topher Grace and Adam Driver head up the hefty supporting cast.

The Meg (Aug. 10): Jason Statham vs. a 70-foot shark? Count us in. Of all the upcoming big-budget summer releases, this ridiculous monster movie set off the coast of China looks like the most bonkers. Taking its trailer’s comedic tone at face value, audiences will get a fair share of half-baked gore.

Somewhere schlock auteur Ewe Boll is kicking himself for missing the boat.

Crazy Rich Asians (Aug. 17): Constance Wu (ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat) and Henry Golding star in this opulent adaption of Kevin Kwan’s best selling novel set in upper crust Singapore. Not only is this one of the first major Hollywood romantic comedies to feature an all-Asian cast, it’s the latest film by Jon M. Chu, director of the truly great dance film Step Up 3D. While most summer fare will suffer from either being deathly serious or downright stupid, this one looks to be an effortless breath of fresh air.

Film reviews run weekly.

Write to glennh@sdcitybeat.com

OPENING Claire’s Camera: Isabelle Huppert (Elle) stars in Hong Sang-soo’s playful film about a school teacher visiting Cannes for the first time and whose potentially magical polaroid camera connects her with a recently fired film sales assistant (Kim Min-

@SDCITYBEAT

MAY 2, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 23

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF FULL CIRCLE

CULTURE

Bill Canales (left) works on a client.

He left with a job and the platform to o hear Bill Canales tell it, he was first inspired at a 7-11 in El build a relationship with his first mentor, Paso, Texas. In the early ’90s, who showed him the rowdy inlets of El Paso.

“It was more of a lifestyle that I was tryhis friend worked the graveyard shift at the convenience ing to live, going out every night, just doing the bad stuff that you’re store, so Canales would hang not supposed to do at that around eating the hotdogs age with a lot of money in El and reading the magazines— Paso,” Canales says. “He was particularly Tattoo Flash, a wild man to be with bewhich launched in 1993 to cause at that age, I was just a exhibit tattoos as artwork. young kid... I needed that to “It had all these things really understand who I was, that I’d never seen before,” and I knew I wasn’t that, so it says Canales. “Growing up was an awakening. I needed in El Paso, the tattoos that I to be more focused, more did see were really crude, rebusiness-oriented, more ally just horrible things that family-oriented; I don’t want were not very artistic. I didn’t Chong Tramontana that wild life anymore. It’s know what was possible at all. Then, when I saw this magazine, the not productive at all. It’s fun, but it’s not stuff that they had inside of it totally blew necessary.”

Through that job, Canales attended his my mind so I thought, ‘I’ve got to look into this. This is artistic, I could see something first tattoo convention, which was held by his mentor. There he learned the power of in there.’”

Canales went on to enter Tattoo Flash’s networking and took up an invite to Holland drawing contest, and he won. With the $100 to pursue his interest in Japanese-inspired tattoos. After a whirlwind prize, he bought a tattoo kit of moves across the U.S., he and gave himself his first settled in San Diego to work tattoo, admittedly having at Avalon Tattoo in Pacific no idea what he was doBeach, arguably the best ing. He practiced using the tattoo shop of the era. Later machine on his friends, but he began working at Flying couldn’t get the hang of it.

Panther and in 2008, he fiInstead, he dedicated himnally opened his own shop, self to designing and drawFull Circle, in Ocean Beach ing until working up the before moving to its current courage to go to a shop. home in South Park.

“I knew of a street in “We’ve been here ever El Paso called Dyer Street since, and that’s it,” Canales and that’s where all the bad says. “I don’t want to be any stuff happened, so of course Clemens Hahn place else.” the tattoo shops are there,” Ten years later, he’s following in his Canales says. “I didn’t know what questions to ask, I was just hoping I’d be able to get mentor’s footsteps by launching his own convention, the San Diego Tattoo Invitasome type of enlightenment there.”

24 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MAY 2, 2018

tional (sandiegotattooinvitational.com), “All of these artists are just the top of which takes place downtown at Golden the food chain in the industry,” Canales Hall May 4 through May 6. However, Ca- says. “I had to start inviting them about nales has a vision that deviates from how a year ago or so just because they’re so others have produced tattoo conventions. booked out. They were all super grateful “There was a convention here years ago, and wanted to come, so now the pressure’s I won’t say their name, but it was just like, on to make it great.” ‘this is what we’ve got? In San Diego?,’” reHis goal is to consistently have people members Canales. “It was just getting tattooed, ensuring a free-for-all, embarrassing. the artists are busy at their There’s amazing talent here, craft for attendees to obthere’s amazing talent that serve or partake in. There wants to come here. I mean, will also be competitions in this is San Diego, who doesn’t which people can enter their want to come here for at least tattoos to win categories a weekend? So I thought about such as “best sleeve,” “best it for a long time like someone ornamental or tribal” and has to do it. So I realized one “best overall.” The convenday that I could do it.” tion has also teamed up with He says the key is for the the Susan G. Komen Founconvention to be hosted by dation for another contest: artists, for artists.

Five breast cancer survivors “Conventions are usually who have undergone maslike a circus act. They’ve got tectomies will be gifted a Florian Santus free chest piece or 3D nipple suspensions over here, firebreathing over here, a petting zoo there. tattooing by local specialist Shane Wallin We’re not a circus, this is a legitimate art of Garnet Tattoo. Plus three-day pass buyform. Why does it have to be treated like ers are entered into a contest to win sleeve some kind of sideshow? We’re not a side- work by Canales himself. For artists only, there will be workshops deshow. Artists are raising the voted to dragon design and bar and people need to see composition, and another that.” on oil painting, which CaAlso, few conventions host nales says more tattoo artinternational artists, he says. ists are experimenting with.

“It happened once here “Artists see a lack of good and it was in ‘92 at the Bashows that are happening hia, and that was an amazing and that’s all that they want convention that everybody is a good show,” Canales talks about even to this day.” says. “They don’t want to go For the San Diego Tattoo Invitational, Canales handAdam Hathorn to sideshows and hear this horrible MC all day. They selected more than 250 artists, including about 10 from San Diego and the just want to be in this environment that is rest from around the world. Each of them he just art-based. This show is trying to be that either knows personally or is connected with. way, and I think it will be.”

@SDCITYBEAT

MARY KANG

MUSIC

From left: Mark Speer, Laura Lee and Donald Johnson hruangbin isn’t a band that lends itself to any kind of easy characterization. Over the course of an EP and two full-length albums, bassist Laura Lee, guitarist Mark Speer and drummer Donald “DJ” Johnson have distilled their mostly instrumental, low-key jams into a constantly changing catalog of eclectic tracks.

The Houston-born, now L.A.-based psych-funk trio’s non-traditional formula has landed them an appearance on Bonobo’s 2013-released Late Night Tales DJ mix and, more recently, the chance to open 20 dates of Leon Bridges’ upcoming world tour. Their music draws inspiration from styles such as Thai funk, Iranian pop and French Antillean zouk, which isn’t an easy mix to distill into one, easy-to-identify genre.

Lee admits sometimes even the band can’t come up with any snappy, go-to descriptions when put on the spot.

“It’s definitely hard for us,” Lee says. “We got pulled over at the Swiss border recently

by this really stern security officer. When we told him we were a band, he asked us what kind of music we made. Mark told him, ‘We make melancholy songs.’ And he was like, ‘Um, that’s not a thing.’”

A handful of cuts on the band’s Januaryreleased Con Todo El Mundo LP are melancholy indeed, but Khruangbin works hard to orchestrate a kaleidoscope of sounds— something that comes from the equally varied backgrounds of its three members. Speer and Johnson first met while playing at St. John’s United Methodist (Beyoncé’s church) in downtown Houston. Lee, then a math teacher who had never played music, started joining the pair’s regular after-gig hangs. Once together, the group was bolstered by a shared love of rare grooves from all over the globe—particularly ’60s-

era South Asian psych and funk.

Speer encouraged Lee to take up the bass and after they toured together with electronic musician Yppah for a short time, they decided to start a project of their own. Johnson joined shortly thereafter, and it didn’t take long before they were all in Texas hill country recording their debut, 2015’s The Universe Smiles Upon You, in Speer’s family barn.

The trio returned there again last year to make Con Todo El Mundo, tackling an even wider array of sonic influences and inspirations the second time around. “Maria También,” one of the album’s two liveliest tracks, marries Middle Eastern guitar technique with a crunchy breakbeat, while the other, “Evan Finds the Third Room,” pairs a Carribean zouk bounce with short vocal harmonies and some rhythmic chanting.

The only kind of traditional vocal structure found on the album comes by way of the closing track “Friday Morning.” However, Lee’s falsetto is muddled enough that, unless the listener makes an effort to decipher the words, it becomes just another melody.

And for the time being, that’s exactly how they want it.

“In the writing process, I think the best thing you can do is just let it happen as it happens,” Lee says. “And most of what happens for us is instrumental. The vocals usually come as flourishes after listening to the music. We don’t sit with a pen and paper, full of ideas that we want to put out into the world. We really want to create a feeling.”

That quest for a distinct and palpable ambiance runs deep. Khruangbin has somehow taken all of the music that inspires them—much of it from thousands of miles away and performed in languages they don’t speak—and successfully synthesized it in their own coherent and unique way.

Regardless of its origin, they’ve taken inspiration from the sounds that have given them the biggest emotional responses. In turn, Khruangbin translates it into music that they hope maintains that emotional connection. And even though the band has made it quite clear that they are always open to any musical style, era or part of the world, Lee insists they are also determined not to overthink things or let them get too convoluted.

“I think for right now, we like the limitations on what we create using just bass, drums, and guitar,” she says. “We play a Yellow Magic Orchestra song in the live show that has electronic elements to it, but we like interpreting it through the instruments we have.”

The trio has tentative plans to unearth some ideas during a few pockets of time between live dates, though the real work will come when their schedule is cleared and can once again head back to the barn.

“There is so much music that Mark’s found,” Lee says. “There are so many pockets of music we haven’t explored. So we really have a lot of places to go.”

Lee knows they won’t get to them all, but she’s more concerned with making sure that no matter what continues to inspire and galvanize the band, it adds up to more than the sum of its parts.

“Hopefully, you get to a point where you define yourself,” she says. “At the end of the day, we just want to sound like Khruangbin.”

MAY 2, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 25

MUSIC

NOTES FROM THE SMOKING PATIO WILLIAM CASTRO

LOCALS ONLY

W

hen La Escalera Records hit its first anniversary, it threw a party. The local DIY punk label, founded by William Castro, put on a showcase of a handful of bands on its roster. Within a couple years, however, that show grew into a full-blown festival, and La Escalera Fest 7, taking place May 16 through May 20, is its largest yet. This year’s lineup features 40 bands including Pears, Pity Party, Western Settings (Castro’s own band) and Gentlemen Prefer Blood at six different venues. For Castro, the growth of the festival been less about making a profit than to build a network.

“Our goal has always been about community,” he says. “We strive on creating lifelong friendships with bands from around the country and making our network of friends bigger and stronger by hosting touring bands in San Diego and in turn these bands take care of our bands when they come through their towns.”

IN EARS WE TRUST A recurring feature in which we ask local musicians, promoters and others about the music they’ve been digging lately.

Jason Myers, Bad Vibes: The Sciences by Sleep. “Growing up I was always a Zeppelin kid. As my love of indicas, sativas and heavy riffs has grown, I’ve found myself obsessing over the Sabbath-influenced genre of stoner doom more and more. Sleep is the ultimate JASON ROEDER

Western Settings La Escalera Fest events take place in both San Diego and Tijuana, and include bands from Tijuana as well as touring bands from other parts of North America. The cross-border connection has been a key part of the festival for several years, as Castro sees Tijuana as part of the local scene, even if it is technically in a different country.

“Tijuana is our sister city, and the music scene there is vibrant,” he says. “We’ve been playing shows and booking bands down there for years, and it’s really important for us to continue to bring these com-

munities together. This is why we end the festival with a free show to show our appreciation to the kids down there.”

Though La Escalera Fest keeps on growing, it’s unlikely that it’ll feature big national headliners anytime soon. That would more or less go against the idea of its DIY spirit.

“I think the festivals have grown a little bit every year. More people know about our community and bands on the label. It’s great to book shows and look around and see unfamiliar faces,” Castro says. “Now we bring in about 15 bands from the label down from different parts of the country and then fill the rest of the lineup with locals, mostly unknown. We root for the underdog.”

—Jeff Terich

Sleep culmination of this slowed down, riff laden, stoner rock. The Sciences is the most recent release from this medicated power trio and its 4/20/18 surprise release hits harder than those banana bread edibles that everyone warned you about.”

Jenny Merullo, The Havnauts: Ooh La La by Faces. “When you hear the names Rod Stewart and Ron Wood you don’t think Faces!

THE

But you fuckin’ should! It’s rock n’ roll perfection before those guys became those guys. And ‘Glad and Sorry’ is one of those songs that makes everything OK for three minutes, no matter what Trump tweeted.”

Zachary Oakley, JOY: Tabiat

by Mooner. “Mooner is an amazing current-day Indonesian band.

Their debut record is a radical display of Eastern guitar licks and psychedelically layered and fuzzed-out vocals sung in their native tongue, complemented by a rhythm section heavy and groovy enough to be vaguely reminiscent of Thin Lizzy. I’ve been listening to it non-stop since I met their singer and bassist, Rekti Yoewono at Roadburn last weekend. He is the sweetest and most humble human I’ve ever met and plays and sings like a goddamn maniac.

Incredible stuff!”

Normandie Wilson: 29 Demos

by Margo Guryan. “I dove right into a Margo Guryan hole and haven’t been out since. I’m loving almost everything on 29 Demos (most of the songs could have been released as-is, they’re pretty incredible).

‘The Hum’ is a sunshine pop song about the Nixon era. A sharp musical commentary that eased my mind and made me laugh; everything old is new again.”

—Jeff Terich

BY RYAN BRADFORD

SPOTLIGHT

A

t first glance, pairing The Afghan Whigs with Built To Spill seems strange. Yes, both bands were stalwarts of ‘90s college/alternative radio, but Built To Spill’s brand of indie rock is bright and earnest, whereas Afghan Whigs dwell in darkness and sleaze. Putting them together as headliners is a little like mixing orange juice with Jäger.

However, despite their musical differences, both acts are lovers at heart. In fact, Built To Spill’s classic album There’s Nothing Wrong With Love could be the title of the thesis on both bands.

And that’s why Afghan Whigs have been one of my favorite bands since I started listening to music. I’m a sucker for frontman Greg Dulli’s signature sad ‘n’ sexy songs (“sad ‘n’ sexy” is my brand) and have followed him through every musical incarnation, including The Twilight Singers and Gutter Twins—the project he did with Mark Lanegan. But I’ve been happy as a sad ‘n’ sexy hog in mud since Afghan Whigs got back together six years ago, and their output has been as strong as anything they’ve ever done. 2017’s In Spades quickly made it to my second favorite Whigs album right after Black Love (sorry, Gentlemen purists).

Built to Spill could’ve stopped making music after the aforementioned stone-cold classic, There’s

26 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MAY 2, 2018

CHRIS CUFFARO

The Afghan Whigs Nothing Wrong With Love, but luckily they didn’t. Keep It Like a Secret is another touchstone of earnest, indie rock.

So go ahead and indulge in the light and dark sides of love. Drink that orange juice and Jäger.

Afghan Whigs and Built To Spill play Wednesday, May 9 at Observatory North Park.

@SDCITYBEAT

MUSIC

JEFF TERICH

IF I WERE U A music insider’s weekly agenda WEDNESDAY, MAY 2

PLAN A: Lo Moon, Kraus @ The Casbah.

Lo Moon’s synth-pop sound is moody but full of big hooks, not unlike Peter Gabriel in his ‘80s prime. Make it to this show early for Kraus’ dreamy noise rock, which is a whole lot of sound from just one dude. PLAN B: Winter, Franky Flowers, Soft Lions @ SPACE. Winter’s latest album is called Ethereality, which is perhaps a little on the nose. But yes, this is wonderful dream pop that feels like it could float away with a swift breeze.

THURSDAY, MAY 3

PLAN A: Baths, No Joy, Rebecca Schiffman @ Belly Up Tavern. Will Wiesenfeld has been making emotional, sonically innovative electronic pop for nearly a decade as Baths. It’s never predictable, often affecting, and pretty much always great. PLAN B: Joey Bada$$, Boogie, Buddy @ SOMA. Joey Bada$$ has been making solid rap records since he was a teenager, starting with 2012’s 1999. He’s also a pretty good actor, as evidenced in his supporting role in the last season of Mr. Robot. BACKUP PLAN: King Tuff, Cut Worms, Sasami @ The Casbah.

MARIO LUNA

ous. BACKUP PLAN: Danny Green Trio @ Panama 66.

SATURDAY, MAY 5

PLAN A: Will Haven, Fake Figures, Open Hand, Weight of the Sun, Condor @ Brick by Brick. Will Haven have just released their first album in seven years, Muerte, and it’s pretty badass. Lots of supremely heavy, sludgy riffs and unrelenting intensity. Earplugs might not be a bad idea. PLAN B: Of Montreal, Locate S 1 @ SOMA. Full disclosure: I haven’t kept up with Of Montreal’s recent releases— they have a lot of albums, and it’s not the kind of thing I put on casually. That being said, they always put on a ridiculously entertaining show with giant puppets and outlandish sets. So that’s fun. BACKUP PLAN: Se Vende, The Dodges, Blind Mountain Holler @ Tower Bar.

SUNDAY, MAY 6

PLAN A: Dwarves, Widows, The Loons, Keepers @ The Casbah. Before the weekend is over, head to this show full of loud, gnarly punk bands (and some garage rock).

It might be a little harder to get out of bed on Monday morning, but it’ll be worth the inconvenience. PLAN B: Pink Mexico, Nowhereland @ The Merrow. Alternately, there’s Pink Mexico, who are just as loud and powerful, but with a trippier, acid-fried psych-rock sensibility.

MONDAY, MAY 7

PLAN A: Acid Mothers Temple, Yoo Doo Right, The Color Forty-Nine @ The Casbah. Japanese psychedelic troupe Acid Mothers Temple have been around a long time and have played a lot of shows, including in San Diego. So they’ve honed their truly weird, freaky presence into an experience that can turn any Monday around.

Baths

FRIDAY, MAY 4

PLAN A: Cullen Omori, The Gloomies, Minor Gems @ Soda Bar. Cullen Omori was previously the vocalist in Smith Westerns, but his solo material is just as catchy and full of jangly guitars. His new single “Four Years” suggests that his upcoming solo album is going to be a gorgeous one.

PLAN B: TesseracT, Astronoid, Plini @ House of Blues. TesseracT’s prog rock sounds are a little outside my own personal tastes, but I absolutely love Astronoid, whose shoegazing metal is glori-

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TUESDAY, MAY 8

PLAN A: Meshell Ndegeocello @ Music Box. It’d been a little while since I’ve heard Meshell Ndegeocello’s music, but her new album Ventriloquism is full of solid grooves and richly produced R&B jams. Make this Tuesday night a lot funkier. PLAN B: Dessa, MONAKR @ Soda Bar. Dessa’s an interesting artist, balancing pop music with hip-hop and bits and pieces of other genres.

As it turns out, she’s as strong of a singer as she is an emcee, and not many artists can make that boast. BACKUP PLAN: Rogue Wave, Business of Dreams @ Belly Up Tavern.

MAY 2, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 27

MUSIC

CONCERTS HOT! NEW! FRESH!

Flatbush Zombies (SOMA, 6/13), Janelle Monae (Open Air Theater, 6/20), Chuck Ragan (Casbah, 6/29), Weedeater (Soda Bar, 7/13), Brian McKnight (Harrah’s SoCal, 7/28), Supersuckers (Casbah, 8/2), American Football, Phoebe Bridgers (Observatory, 8/3), The Alarm (BUT, 8/23), Midge Ure, Paul Young (BUT, 9/1), Rostam (BUT, 9/13), Natalie Prass (Casbah, 9/30), Borns (Observatory, 10/27), Fleetwood Mac (Viejas Arena, 12/8).

GET YER TICKETS Built to Spill, Afghan Whigs (Observatory, 5/9), Poptone (BUT, 5/10), Hot Snakes (Observatory, 5/11), Kendrick Lamar, SZA (Mattress Firm, 5/13), Nada Surf (BUT, 5/14), Trash Can Sinatras (Casbah, 5/16), Godspeed You! Black Emperor (Observatory, 5/22), The Wonder Years (HOB, 5/22), Rufus Wainwright (BUT, 5/24), Madeleine Peyroux (BUT, 5/28), Xavier Rudd (BUT, 5/29-30), Lord Huron (HOB, 5/31), Ray Lamontagne, Neko Case (Open Air Theatre, 6/2), Iceage (Casbah, 6/5), Sunflower Bean (Che Café, 6/13), Get Up Kids (Casbah, 6/19), Donavon Frankenreiter (BUT, 6/20), Warped Tour (SDCCU Stadium, 6/22), Belle and Sebastian (Observatory, 6/22), Seu Jorge (BUT, 6/24), Fear (Observatory, 6/28), Quiet Slang (Soda Bar, 6/29), Cold Cave (Music Box,

6/29), The Go-Go’s (Humphreys, 6/29), Counting Crows (Mattress Firm, 7/10), Neurosis, Converge (Observatory, 7/14), Chris Isaak (Humphreys, 7/17), Toad the Wet Sprocket (BUT, 7/17-18), Paramore (Mattress Firm Amphitheatre, 7/19), Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks (Casbah, 7/20), Wye Oak (Soda Bar, 7/20), Logic (Mattress Firm Amphitheatre, 7/24), Joe Bonamassa (Humphreys, 7/26-27), The Decemberists (Humphreys, 7/30), Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Dwight Yoakam (Open Air Theatre, 8/3), Hop Along (Irenic, 8/5), Willie Nelson (Humphreys, 8/10), Chris Stapleton (Mattress Firm, 8/16), Deafheaven (Brick by Brick, 8/17), Red Fang, Elder (Brick by Brick, 8/20), Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson (Mattress Firm Amphitheatre, 8/24), Smashing Pumpkins (Viejas Arena, 9/1), Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit (Copley Symphony Hall, 9/1), Leon Bridges (Open Air Theatre, 9/5), The Original Wailers (BUT, 9/6), Ms. Lauryn Hill (Open Air Theatre, 9/9), Jason Aldean (Mattress Firm, 9/20), The Eagles (Petco Park, 9/22), Deep Purple, Judas Priest (Mattress Firm, 9/26), Loudon Wainwright III (BUT, 9/27), Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band (Humphreys, 9/27), Courtney Barnett, Waxahatchee (Observatory, 10/3), The B-52’s (Humphreys, 10/6), Ozzy Osbourne (Mattress Firm, 10/9), Mew (Observatory, 10/9), D.R.I. (Brick by Brick, 10/20).

MAY WEDNESDAY, MAY 2 Ekolu at Music Box. LAYNE at Soda Bar. John Doe and Exene at Belly Up Tavern. Lo Moon at The Casbah. Winter at SPACE. Arctic Monkeys at Observatory North Park (sold out).

28 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MAY 2, 2018

THURSDAY, MAY 3 Joey Bada$$ at SOMA. Baths at Belly Up Tavern. King Tuff at The Casbah.

Kinky at House of Blues. Epic Beard Men at Soda Bar. Arctic Monkeys at Observatory North Park.

FRIDAY, MAY 4 Khruangbin at Belly Up Tavern (sold out). The Fratellis at Observatory North Park. Lawrence Arms at The Casbah (sold out). Cullen Omori, The Gloomies at Soda Bar. Sammy Johnson at Music Box.

SATURDAY, MAY 5 Wild Child at The Casbah (sold out).

Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers at Belly Up Tavern. Will Haven at Brick by Brick. Charlotte Cardin at Soda Bar. Of Montreal at SOMA. Bishop Briggs at Observatory North Park (sold out).

SUNDAY, MAY 6 Boombox Cartel at Observatory North Park. Los Kung Fu Monkeys at Soda Bar. Keb’ Mo’ at Belly Up Tavern (sold out). Pink Mexico at The Merrow.

Dwarves at The Casbah. Enjambre at Music Box.

MONDAY, MAY 7 Keb’ Mo’ at Belly Up Tavern (sold out).

Acid Mothers Temple at The Casbah.

Sunny Sweeney, Ward Davis at Soda Bar.

TUESDAY, MAY 8 K.Flay at Observatory North Park (sold out). Rogue Wave at Belly Up Tavern.

Erika Wennerstrom at The Casbah.

Meshell Ndegeocello at Music Box. Dessa at Soda Bar.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9 Built to Spill, The Afghan Whigs at Observatory North Park. Katelyn Tarver at Soda Bar. Brent Cobb and Them at The Casbah.

THURSDAY, MAY 10 Vagabon at The Casbah. Poptone at Belly Up Tavern. TV Girl at Soda Bar.

FRIDAY, MAY 11 Current Swell at The Casbah. Hot Snakes at Observatory North Park. Sparta at Soda Bar (sold out). The Chainsmokers at Mattress Firm Amphitheatre.

American Pleasure Club at Soda Bar.

SATURDAY, MAY 12 Weird Al Yankovic at Humphreys by the Bay (sold out). Dirty Projectors at Music Box. Rainbow Kitten Surprise at Observatory North Park (sold out). Aghori at Brick by Brick. Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite at Belly Up Tavern (sold out). Frenship at The Casbah.

SUNDAY, MAY 13 Kendrick Lamar, SZA at Mattress Firm Amphitheatre. Franz Ferdinand at Observatory North Park (sold out). Andrew McMahon and the Wilderness at Humphreys by the Bay. Steven Wilson at House of Blues. Cat Pierce at Soda Bar. Born Ruffians at The Casbah.

MONDAY, MAY 14 Nada Surf at Belly Up Tavern. Cough at Soda Bar.

TUESDAY, MAY 15 Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite at Belly Up Tavern (sold out). Stuyedeyed at Soda Bar. Ezra Furman at The Casbah.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16 Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite at Belly Up Tavern (sold out). Mushroomhead at Brick by Brick. Trash Can Sinatras at The Casbah.

THURSDAY, MAY 17 Con Brio at The Casbah. Tricky at Music Box. Pedro the Lion at Belly Up Tavern.

Danko Jones at Brick by Brick. ‘La Escalera Fest’ at various venues.

FRIDAY, MAY 18 Dirty Heads at Mattress Firm Amphitheatre. Horse Feathers at The Casbah.

Celtic Woman at Civic Theatre. Midnight at Brick by Brick. Tim Allen at Copley Symphony Hall. Vaud and the Villains at Belly Up Tavern. Cults at Soda Bar. Earth, Wind and Fire at Harrah’s SoCal. A Perfect Tool at Music Box.

SATURDAY, MAY 19 Peter Hook and the Light at House of Blues. The Brothers Comatose at Belly Up Tavern. Mating Ritual at Soda Bar. Smokepurrp at SOMA. Bar1ne at Music Box.

SUNDAY, MAY 20 Pond at The Casbah (sold out). The Lighthouse and the Wailer at Soda Bar.

MUSIC CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

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MUSIC MUSIC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28 MONDAY, MAY 21 Death Eyes at The Casbah. The Slashes at Soda Bar.

TUESDAY, MAY 22 Godspeed You! Black Emperor at Observatory North Park. The Head and the Heart at Open Air Theatre. Life of Agony at Brick by Brick. The Wonder Years at House of Blues. Geographer at The Casbah. Here Lies Man at Soda Bar.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23 Angelic Upstarts at The Casbah. Ocean Alley at Soda Bar. The James Hunter Six at Belly Up Tavern.

THURSDAY, MAY 24 Phantogram at Open Air Theatre. Rufus Wainwright at Belly Up Tavern. GBH at Observatory North Park. Colouring at Soda Bar.

FRIDAY, MAY 25 Primitive Man at Soda Bar. Cash’d Out at Belly Up Tavern. Jesse Dayton at The Casbah. George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic at Music Box.

SATURDAY, MAY 26 The Posies at Soda Bar. Palberta at SPACE. The Glitch Mob at Observatory North Park. Kimbra, Son Lux at Belly Up Tavern. The Winehouse Experience at Music Box.

SUNDAY, MAY 27 J Boog at Belly Up Tavern. Sofi Tukker at

@SDCITYBEAT

Observatory North Park. MC Chris at Soda Bar. Through the Roots at Harrah’s SoCal.

MONDAY, MAY 28 Subhumans at The Casbah. Tory Lanez at Observatory North Park. Madeleine Peyroux at Belly Up Tavern. Todd Albright at Soda Bar.

TUESDAY, MAY 29 Lauren Ruth Ward at Soda Bar. Xavier Rudd at Belly Up Tavern. SUR at The Casbah.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30 Xavier Rudd at Belly Up Tavern. Cloud Catcher at Brick by Brick. John Mayall at Music Box.

THURSDAY, MAY 31 Lord Huron at House of Blues. D.O.A. at Brick by Brick. Dead Milkmen at Belly Up Tavern. WAND at The Casbah. Lead Pony at Soda Bar. Eli Young Band at Harrah’s SoCal.

JUNE FRIDAY, JUNE 1 Anvil at Brick by Brick. King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard at Observatory North Park (sold out). Mark Farina at Music Box. Greg Laswell at Belly Up Tavern.

The Paladins at The Casbah.

SATURDAY, JUNE 2 Ray Lamontagne, Neko Case at Open Air Theatre. Curtis Harding at The Casbah. Dr. Dog at Observatory North Park.

Betamaxx at Music Box. Alex Lahey at Soda Bar.

SUNDAY, JUNE 3 Calexico at Belly Up Tavern (sold out).

U.S. Bombs at Soda Bar. Josh Rouse at The Casbah. Power Trip, Sheer Mag at SOMA. Tomorrows Bad Seeds at Music Box. Authority Zero at Brick by Brick.

TUESDAY, JUNE 5 Rodrigo Amarante at Soda Bar. Iceage at The Casbah. Nicki Bluhm at Belly Up Tavern.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6 Speedy Ortiz at Soda Bar. The Kooks at Observatory North Park (sold out).

The Yardbirds at Belly Up Tavern. Emery at Brick by Brick. Howlin Rain at The Casbah.

THURSDAY, JUNE 7 Insomnium at Brick by Brick. Sick of It All at Soda Bar. Blackbird Blackbird at SPACE.

FRIDAY, JUNE 8 B-Side Players at Belly Up Tavern. She Wants Revenge at Music Box. Minus the Bear at House of Blues. Uli John Roth at Belly Up Tavern. Maps & Atlases at The Casbah.

SATURDAY, JUNE 9 The Sword at Belly Up Tavern. Aterciopelados at Music Box. Behold the Arctopus at Brick by Brick. ‘Kate Bush Dance Party’ w/ Baby Bushka at The Casbah. The Hillbilly Moon Explosion at Soda Bar.

rCLUBSr

710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach. Wed: Open mic. Thu: Karaoke.

Fri: Slower, Johnny Tarr Quartet. Sat: Copy Cat Killers. Sun: Karaoke.

Air Conditioned Lounge, 4673 30th St., Normal Heights. Wed: ‘Hip Hop Wednesday’ w/ DJs Norm Rocwell, Freddie Joachim. Thu: ‘Centerpiece’ w/ DJ Eliasar Gordillo. Fri: ‘Organized Grime’.

Sat: ‘Juicy’ w/ Mike Czech. Sun: ‘Chvrch’ w/ DJs Karma, Alice. Mon: ‘Organized Grime’. Tue: ‘Taste House’ w/ DJ Swaygo.

American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Ave., Downtown. Thu: Frankie Quinones. Fri: Frankie Quinones. Sat: Frankie Quinones.

The Bancroft, 9143 Campo Road, Spring Valley. Wed: Karaoke. Thu: Martian Cult, Casa Wagner, Electric Healing Sound, From Parts Unknown. Fri: Cranial Vacancy, Chicken Farm(ish), Powerballs, Surf Farmer. Sat: DAB, The In-Itself, Fountain of Youth. Tue: Karaoke.

Bang Bang, 526 Market St., Downtown.

Thu: Ryan Hemsworth. Fri: Wax Motif, Erick Diaz. Sat: Andrea Oliva. Sun: Claptone.

Bar Pink, 3829 30th St., North Park. Thu: No Small Children, The Tighten Ups. Sat: Lion Cut, Shades McCool. Tue: ‘Vixen’.

Beaumont’s, 5665 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla. Thu: Sam Bybee. Fri: Scratch. Sat: Sully and the Blue-Eyed Soul Band. Sun: Kenny Eng. Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. Wed: John Doe and Exene, Dead Rock West. Thu: Baths, No Joy, Rebecca Schiffman. Fri: Khruangbin, The Mattson 2 (sold out). Sat: Roger Clyne & the Peace-

makers, Andrew McKeag Band. Sun: Keb’ Mo’ (sold out). Mon: Keb’ Mo’ (sold out).

Tue: Rogue Wave, Business of Dreams.

Blonde, 1808 W. Washington St., Mission Hills. Wed: ‘Dance Klassique’. Thu: ‘Rock En Espanol Tribute’. Fri: ‘Dance Punk!’.

Sun: Alive & Well, Mainsail, Dream Haze, Wild Wild Monsters.

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

Fri: ‘Club Musae’.

Brass Rail, 3796 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest. Fri: ‘Hip Hop Fridayz’. Sat: ‘Sabado En Fuego’ w/ DJs XP, KA, K-Swift. Mon: ‘Manic Monday’ w/ DJ Junior the Disco Punk.

Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave., Bay Park. Sat: Will Haven, Fake Figures, Open Hand, Weight of the Sun, Condor.

The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., Middletown. Wed: Lo Moon, Kraus. Thu: King Tuff, Cut Worms, Sasami. Fri: The Lawrence Arms, Red City Radio, Sincere Engineer (sold out). Sat: Wild Child, Stelth Ulvang, The Deer (sold out). Sun: Dwarves, Widows, Keepers, Loons. Mon: Acid Mothers Temple, Yoo Doo Right, The Color Forty Nine. Tue: Erika Wennerstrom, Jamie Wyatt.

Dirk’s Nightclub, 7662 Broadway, Lemon Grove. Fri: Nemesis. Sat: Pleasure Band.

Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive, Bay Park. Thu: Brad Steinwehe Jazz Orchestra. Fri: Jamie Shadowlight.

F6ix, 526 F St., Downtown. Fri: DJ Birdie Bird. Sat: DJ Bar1ne.

Fluxx, 500 Fourth Ave., Downtown. Fri: DJ Dynamiq. Sat: Bamboozle. Sun: DJ Drama.

Henry’s Pub, 618 Fifth Ave., Downtown.

MUSIC CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

MAY 2, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 29

BY CHRISTIN BAILEY

ASTROLOGICALLY UNSOUND Weekly forecasts from the so-called universe ARIES (March 21 - April 19): Don’t you just hate it when you breathe in an ancient spore and rapidly deteriorate from a primordial and supernatural disease that is turning you into a mummy? Well, you will soon.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): The

utilization of tools was a watershed for mankind… what does that mean? No idea.

But I think it probably has to do with using a long stick to scratch your back.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): It is

important to develop a strong sense of selfconfidence. Why? Because without it how are you ever going to scam your way into a $200,000 bank loan before skipping town?

CANCER (June 21 - July 22): It’s cute

to see a baby or an animal work through a problem, so you constantly pressing the wrong buttons at the self-checkout should really be charming to everyone who’s waiting.

LEO (July 23 - August 22): Let me put

it this way: It’s never too early to start learning about the laws of buoyancy. You never know when it’s going to come in handy. (Sunday).

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Critical thinking doesn’t mean judging

someone for trying to count out exact change at checkout. Besides, I’m already under enough pressure as it is!

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): In our dreams we work through conflicts that we cannot resolve in our waking life. However, that could change for you if you really commit to dream practicing martial arts.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): The diverging paths of life mean choosing one thing is a rejection of the other. You don’t know it but you just said no to becoming an English Monarch. Good call.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 December 21): I’m tempted to start this horoscope with “Merriam-Webster defines ‘horoscope’ as…” because that’s just how little I have to say to you this week.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19): If you are scared for the future let me just give you one solid assurance: There are more pressing things to be scared of in the present. In this very room.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): You have a powerful voice that can affect real change, like screaming on a mountain and causing an avalanche. No wait, don’t literally do that.

PISCES (February 19 - March 20): What I am employing here is a classic technique called the bait and switch, wherein I say something good is going to happen, but then—guess what?—it’s actually bad.

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

MUSIC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

Stoneshaker. Sun: Tony Ortega jazz jam.

Thu: DJ Yodah. Fri: ‘Good Times’. Sat: ‘Rock Star Saturday’. Sun: Karaoke. Tue: The Stilettos.

Music Box, 1337 India St., Little Italy. Thu: Miguel Matos, Said Aguilar. Fri: Sammy Johnson, Bo Napoleon, Lea Love. Sun: Enjambre, Danger, Elektric Lucie, Tesuque Revolt. Tue: Meshell Ndegeocello.

House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., Downtown. Wed: Sure Sure, Fashion Jackson.

Thu: Kinky, Viernes 13. Fri: TesseracT, Plini, Astronoid. Sat: Skizzy Mars, Oliver Tree. Sun: Ariel Pink, Diiv, Spooky Cigarette, Los Shadows.

Humphreys Backstage, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. Wed: Tradewinds. Thu: Luv A Lot. Fri: Pop Vinyl, Backwater Blues Band. Sat: Funk’s Most Wanted. Sun: Major Interval. Mon: Sue Palmer. Tue: Shelle Blue.

Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner Blvd., Middletown. Wed: Subwreck. Thu: Litty de Mayo. Fri: ‘Acid Varsity’.

Kensington Club, 4079 Adams Ave., Kensington. Fri: Lord Howler, Anestesia.

The Loft @ UCSD, Price Center East, La Jolla. Wed: La Luz. Mc P’s Irish Pub, 1107 Orange Ave., Coronado. Wed: Gene Warren. Thu: Mystique. Fri: Stilettos. Sat: Misty and the Moby. Sun: Ron’s Garage.

Martinis Above Fourth, 3940 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest. Wed: ‘Happily Ever Laughter’. Thu: David Burnham. Fri: Sophia Alone. Sat: Tori Roze and the Hot Mess.

Sun: Ria Carey and Don L. Mon: Andy Anderson and Nathan Fry. The Merrow, 1271 University Ave., Hillcrest. Thu: 5nSlime, Watashi Wa Dance Party, Look Up Here. Sun: Pink Mexico, Nowhereland. Tue: The In-itself, Name The Band, New Candys, Bedlam Rebels.

Mother’s Saloon, 2228 Bacon St., Ocean Beach. Thu: DJ Dub B. Sat: DJ Girth.

Mr. Peabody’s, 136 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas. Thu: The Sickstring Outlaws. Fri:

30 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · MAY 2, 2018

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

Wed: ‘1,2,3’ w/ DJ EdRoc. Thu: ‘No Limits’ w/ DJ Myson King. Sat: ‘Strictly Business’ w/ DJs EdRoc, Kanye Asada. Mon: Veronica May Band, Ariel Levine. Tue: ‘Trapped’ w/ DJ Ramsey.

OMNIA Nightclub, 454 Sixth Ave., Downtown. Thu: Craig Smoove. Fri: Tritonal.

Sat: Vice.

Panama 66, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park.

Wed: Gilbert Castellanos. Fri: Danny Green Trio. Sat: Besos Trio. Sun: Agents of Soul.

Parq, 615 Broadway, Downtown. Fri: Lil Dicky. Sat: Ikon.

Rich’s, 1051 University Ave., Hillcrest.

Wed: DJs John Joseph, Kinky Loops.

Thu: ‘Techniche’. Fri: ‘Electro-POP’. Sat: ‘WTF Fiesta’.

Riviera Supper Club, 7777 University Ave., La Mesa. Wed: ‘Boss Jazz’ w/ Jason Hanna. Thu: Swing Thing. Fri: Dirty Pennies. Sat: Baja Bugs.

Seven Grand, 3054 University Ave., North Park. Thu: Jimmy Ruelas. Mon: ‘Makossa Monday’ w/ DJ Tah Rei. Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. Wed: LAYNE, Selfish Things, LoveGlow, JARA. Thu: Epic Beard Men, The Parker Meridien, DJ Profile. Fri: Cullen Omori, The Gloomies, Minor Gems. Sat: Charlotte Cardin, Niia, Aliocha. Sun: Los Kung Fu Monkeys, Marujah, Unsteady.

Mon: Sunny Sweeney, Ward Davis, Tennessee Jet. Tue: Dessa, Monakr.

SOMA, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd., Midway.

Thu: Joey Bada$$, Boogie, Buddy. Fri: The Warmth, Melvus, Kahlil Nash, Polux,

The Utility Players. Sat: Of Montreal, Locate S1.

SPACE, 3519 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights.

Wed: Winter, Frankie Flowers, Soft Lions.

Thu: ‘Drift’. Fri: ‘Rituals’ w/ DJs Deadmatter, Israel, Fn1. Sat: Noface Shadowmen, DJ Boogieman. Sun: ‘Pocari Sweat’.

Mon: ‘Is This It’. Tue: Karaoke.

Spin, 2028 Hancock St., Middletown. Fri: ‘Late Night Jackin’. Sat: Sandra Collins. vTil-Two Club, 4746 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. Wed: ‘Death Cab for Karaoke’.

Fri: Beginners. Sun: Pants Karaoke.

Tin Roof, 401 G St., Downtown. Wed: Riley Biederer, The Likes of Us. Fri: Keep Your Soul, Chad and Rosie. Sat: Cassie B Project, Jake and Corey, Acreation Duo. Sun: Jen Hecht Duo. Mon: Jake and Corey. Tue: Pat Hilton.

Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St., Bay Park. Wed: Sue Palmer. Thu: Gino and the Lone Gunmen. Fri: Santana Ways. Sat: Full Strength Funk Band.

Tower Bar, 4757 University Ave., City Heights. Thu: On The Cinder, Making Incredible Time, PunchCard. Fri: ‘Hip Hop vs Punk Rock’ w/ Midnight Block, The Magic, Nubiastylez, A.II.Z. Sat: Se Vende, The Dodges, Blind Mountain Holler.

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

Thu: ‘Boom Boxx Thursday’. Fri: Von Kiss. Sat: DJ Freeman. Sun: Vinyl Frontier record show. Mon: ’31 Flavors’.

Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern St., South Park.

Wed: ‘Soul Time’ w/ DJs Gabriel Roth, Cochemea Gastelum. Sat: ‘80s vs. 90s’; Grampadrew’s Flim Flam Revue.

Winstons, 1921 Bacon St., Ocean Beach.

Wed: CitySide, DJ Carlos Culture. Thu: Oceans, Rolling Thunder, SoundSlave.

Fri: Grant Farm, Trevor Green. Sat: Boostive, Mestizo Beat, DJ Carlos Culture. Sun: Karaoke. Mon: Electric Waste Band. Tue: Nick Gray.

@SDCITYBEAT

IN THE BACK

CannaBeat Canine cannabis coming soon?

O

ne California congressman is determined to give veterinarians the ability to prescribe medical cannabis to dogs having, eh, a ruff time with pain and arthritis. Assembly Bill 2215, which was introduced by Democrat Ash Kalra of San Jose in February, would require the California Veterinary Medical Board to establish guidelines for veterinarians so they can discuss the use of cannabis for their animal patients.

“Right now, there is no guidance for veterinarians as for what they are able to do, so basically they are at risk of losing their license if they discuss cannabis with their patients’ owners,” Kalra told KABCTV in Los Angeles. The bill has passed the Business and Professions Committee and is being reviewed by the Appropriations Committee. Retailers have already been trying CBD oil along with other cannabis products to help consumers with their aging or ailing pets.

“So there’s no high to it.

It’s purely medicinal,” said Dr. Tim Shu, a Cerritos-

based veterinarian and founder of VETCBD that makes tinctures for pets. “The traditional medications—while they can be very effective—it doesn’t work for all pets, and so a lot of the time we need to look at other sources of potential medical benefit.”

In February, Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine released the findings of the first pharmacokinetic study and clinical trial on the use of cannabinoids for dogs. Specifically ElleVet’s oil blend is used to treat dogs with osteoarthritis and multijoint pain. Over 80 percent of dogs that ate the chews were seen with improvement. A similar study is underway with cats.

However, without medical guidance, owners are at risk of harming their pets by dosing cannabis to their pets without being under a professional’s care. Cannabis that can be high in THC is dangerous for animals, causing low blood pressure, seizures and more.

“I have had people carry their dogs in because they were so stoned they could not walk,” said veterinarian Gary Richter. “If cannabis is going to be available to pet owners to use for their pets it is critically important that

we be involved in the discussion, not only to make sure that the medicine is effective, but also to keep these animals safe.”

—John McLain

More local newsy nuggets

T

he San Diego Cannabis Delivery Alliance [SDCDA] has named Sam Humeid as its new president. He was already a board member and founded Flame & Leaf Cannabis Concierge, a medical cannabis delivery service, in 2017. Upon his appointment, Humeid reiterated the alliance’s commitment to restoring safe access to cannabis-based therapeutics throughout San Diego County. Currently, San Diego, Chula Vista, Oceanside and Vista are the only cities in the county that have enacted regulations in regards to medical cannabis delivery services. The SDCDA claims cities without these regulations run the risk of having illegal delivery services pop up, which can put a strain on local law enforcement.

“Outside of the San Diego city limits, the rest of the County is largely a safe access desert, with no legal dispensary or delivery outlets to speak of,” Humeid said.

“The need for medical cannabis does not go away just because regulations are restrictive; in fact, the demand for delivery of medical-grade cannabis goods is constantly growing. It’s our mission to change local policy to accommodate the ever increasing

consumer demand and eliminate the illicit market.”

••• The Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research [CMCR] at UC San Diego School of Medicine has received a $4.7 million grant to study cannabidiol (CBD) as a treatment for severe autism and whether the non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis holds any “clues for developing effective therapies” according to a press release. The grant from the Ray and Tye Noorda Foundation will be the largest private gift ever for medicinal cannabis research in the United States.

“The more severe manifestations of autism are difficult to treat, causing parents to look for non-traditional remedies,” said Igor Grant, MD, professor of psychiatry and CMCR director, via email. “There are unconfirmed reports that cannabidiol could be helpful, but there are no careful studies to document either its benefits or its safety.

This gift will enable our researchers to develop and implement a translational program of research that pairs a clinical trial with detailed neurobehavioral observation, as well as basic science studies to determine if cannabidiol holds therapeutic promise, and if so, via what mechanisms.”

—Seth Combs For the latest cannabis news and lifestyle trends, please pick up our sister magazine CULTURE every month or visit culturemagazine.com.

MAY 2, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 31