2 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JUNE 13, 2018
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JUNE 13, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 3
UP FRONT | FROM THE EDITOR
A post-primary airing of grievances
I
n one of my favorite Seinfeld episodes “The Strike” (pretty much the only good episode from season nine. Yeah, I said it. Fight me.), the character of Frank Costanza details some of the traditions that are part of his made-up, anti-corporate, Christmasesque holiday, Festivus. One of those traditions, “The Airing of Grievances,” essentially entails that Festivus participants go around the room and tell others all the ways they’ve disappointed them over the past year. I mean, what a brilliant concept. Instead of gathering with family and friends and feigning politeness, we get to air out our personal beefs and, perhaps, make someone think about how their behavior might affect others. Think of it as a holiday-themed intervention and just in time for New Year’s where, hopefully, Aunt Becky will begin to finally realize just how disgusting her racist Facebook posts are to others. After all, behaviors will not change unless those closest to us have the courage to say something and we are open and vulnerable enough to listen. As I watched the results of the California primary trickle in last Tuesday night, the Festivus words of Frank Costanza echoed through my head, “I got a lot of problems with you people! And now you’re gonna hear about it!” Most of that initial rage and disappointment was channeled on Twitter, but I honestly still can’t believe some of the results from June 6. So yeah, strap in, ‘cause I’ve got some issues with you people. 37 percent? 37 PERCENT?! That’s the percentage of the electorate that actually showed up on Tuesday. In San Diego, the turnout was even more abysmal. So much for that blue wave, eh? But the real disappointment didn’t come with the fact that so few progressives showed up to vote. It’s that so many voters didn’t care enough to educate themselves about some of the down-the-ballot races
for important state and local offices. In this post-2016 world we live in, where Trump has all but proven that educating oneself on the issues is crucial in order to fight back, why did so many Trump-esque candidates move on to the November runoff or win outright. Glad you asked… Time to forget the 50th? How does Rep. Duncan Hunter—a guy with multiple ethics violations and who is basically a pawn for the Trump administration—get 48 percent of the vote? Meanwhile progressive dreamboat Ammar Campa-Najjar only gets 16 percent? Simple: money and low voter turnout. Fox News consumers and hardline immigration zealots love Hunter
Frank Costanza and will flock to the polls to vote for the guy that, despite being investigated by the FBI, they see as Making San Diego Great Again. They don’t care how many plane tickets he buys for his kid’s bunny using their campaign contributions, nor do they give a shit about his real passion in life (vaping and smoking cigars at posh D.C. nightclubs). All they care about is his photo ops at the border promising to build the wall. Meanwhile, Campa-Najjar’s poor showing in the district all but guarantees that the national Democratic party will consider a pickup there to be a lost cause. Voters in the district should not let them forget it and insist that they pour money into running ads against Hunter. Considering Hunter’s she-
GRIEVANCES CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
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4 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JUNE 13, 2018
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UP FRONT | LETTERS
A LITTLE HELP UP FRONT
From the Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Letters to the Editor. . . . . . 5-6 CityWeek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 There She Goz. . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Sordid Tales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
FOOD & DRINK
World Fare. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Final Draught. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
THINGS TO DO
The Short List . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Calendar of Events. . . . . . 14-15
ARTS & CULTURE
Theater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Feature: Drink Issue. . . . 17-30 Film. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-32
MUSIC
Feature: Shabazz Palaces. . 33 Notes From The Smoking Patio. . . . . . . . . . . . 34 The Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 If I Were U . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Concerts & Clubs. . . . . . 38-40
IN THE BACK
Astrologically Unsound . . . 40 CannaBeat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
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In response to Billy Hicks Jr.’s letter questioning the value of registering County inmates to vote [“Hidden Agendas,” June 6]: If we are to, as you suggest, prioritize the responsibilities of the Sheriff’s department, putting public safety services over providing people awaiting trial with voter registration materials, this is a good argument in favor of welcoming Pillars of the Community and their highly trained volunteers to take on that task for Sheriff’s staff. In partnering with a community organization like Pillars of the Community (whose vision includes a healthy and thriving Southeast San Diego), the Sheriff’s department would move closer to their own stated vision of earning the respect and confidence of the public.
Teagen McClain North Park
THE TRUE PROGRESSIVE
I appreciate how you listed the choice for voters [“CityBeat’s Election Endorsements,” May 23]. It was helpful indeed. I was really sorry that you did not endorse Alison Hartson for Senator because she is definitely the most progressive candidate. You mention, sort of, that Dianne Feinstein is a progressive? Huh? She is of
the billionaire class that pretty much works for the rich and famous while throwing crumbs to the people. Alison Hartson wants healthcare for all, free education, sustainable living etc. I felt that by not endorsing Alison Hartson, you missed helping a candidate who truly is for the people. Perhaps you could look into what she believes in and do a super article on her if she makes it to the November ballot. Nick Rubin La Mesa [Editor’s note: Hartson did not advance to the November elections.]
CONSULT CITYBEAT
I consider myself fairly politically savvy—I belong to a local Democrat club, walk voter precincts to get out the vote, help with candidates’ campaigns. Despite that, the political insight I get from your publication, and your voter guides in particular [“CityBeat’s Election Endorsements,” May 23], is exceptional. I learn things from you guys that I can’t find anywhere else. Sadly, I’d already sent in my ballot by the time I read your May 23 issue. I have now marked my calendar, in bold letters, to “CONSULT CITYBEAT” before all future elections. The two races
LETTERS CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
JUNE 13, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 5
UP FRONT | LETTERS LETTERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 I would have voted differently were State Board of Equalization (Dodson instead of Lopez-Maddox) and the U.S. Senate (de León instead of Feinstein.) I think the county party does voters a disservice by not endorsing in all races. So thank you to CityBeat for doing the in-depth research and helping voters to make informed choices. Suzy Perkins La Mesa
CRY LIKE AN EAGLE
I like your paper, though I don’t know why; I see that you have committed the crime of the century and told your readers who to vote for in the coming election. I disapprove of a paper being partisan, which I thought you should know. Why not stand beyond partisanship and just inform your readers of, what I call, “values profiles” of each candidate, and let us make our own decisions. As a member of The Bald Eagle Political Party, the party of balance, I represent those who move among the liberal, progressive, conservative values to arrive at balanced decisions, based on all considerations in selecting political repre-
6 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JUNE 13, 2018
sentatives, I am moved to ask you and your publisher to consider becoming The Bald Eagle Chronicle, a balanced, non-judgmental publication, and just report the facts. Bernie Sanders? Really? Saul Harmon Gritz Hillcrest
*CHEF’S KISS*
I just wanted to express my appreciation and gratitude for the excellent Voters Guide [“CityBeat’s Election Endorsements,” May 23]. You covered many of the offices that other organizations overlooked in their recommendations and your explanations were perfect. Vivian LaPaglia Clairemont
LET’S VOTE!
Thanks to CityBeat for featuring various candidates and issues on the California Gubernatorial Primary Election this June 5. Some of the categories are daunting with quite a list of candidates wanting to “join the fray” locally, in Sacramento and in DC. Here are some facts regarding voting in this primary: The 2017 San Diego County Workforce Snapshot (from SD Business Journal, 4/9/2018) reports that
the working white population is in the minority in San Diego County, with non-white workers out-numbering them by 10 percent (868,457 to 782,898). For this reason it would seem appropriate to have our City Council as well as our Board of Supervisors, courts, school boards, etc., reflect this reality. Also, as of 4/6/2018, the Voter Registration Report from Sacramento shows the current voter registration in San Diego County as: • Total County Registered Eligible Voters: 74.91% • DEMS: 36.61% • REP: 29.36% • NO PARTY AFFILIATION: 28.53% • Various other parties: 5.5% If you are not registered to vote by mail, California state law does allow you to take two paid hours off work to vote. I know, I know, with the horrific commutes these days and the polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.—and on a Tuesday (when we’re working)—it’s not easy, but let’s give it our best shot! For clarity on candidates and issues, KPBS has a non-partisan voters’ guide at kpbs.org. Let’s vote to get San Diego upto-speed with our changing world!
Donna Shanske Bankers Hill
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JUNE 13, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 7
UP FRONT | FROM THE EDITOR GRIEVANCES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
fundraiser and we are officially back on his bandwagon.
nanigans, there should be no one with such a large political target on their back as him, but the seat won’t flip without progressives insisting Campa-Najjar get some of the financial pie when it comes to campaign dollars.
Law & Order: Business-as-Usual Unit On June 5, the San Diego Free Press published an op-ed by R. Zamora titled “A Vote for Summer Stephan and Sheriff Bill Gore is an Endorsement of Police Brutality.” In it, the writer details a horrific incident where a cousin was shot 16 times by a Sheriff’s deputy, despite the fact that he was already laying on the ground and had surrendered. Eight months later, District Attorney Summer Stephan ruled the shooting justified. Zamora’s story is not an isolated incident, and most progressive voters agree that county and city law enforcement could use some reforming, especially when it comes to racial profiling and de-escalation. Instead, voters either didn’t care or didn’t know what they were voting for when they bubbled in the incumbent boxes next to Gore and Stephan. Not only did they win, but they won so handily, they will undoubtedly consider it to be a mandate to continue their troubling policies. Seriously folks, with all the excellent reporting that’s been done on the troubles with the Sheriff’s Department (including the many deaths that continue to happen while people are in custody at county jails), and Stephan’s reiteration that she isn’t going to change much of her prosecutorial policies, y’all voted them in anyway. As Stephan deftly pointed out on KUSI after she already knew she was going to win: “San Diegans want experience, not experiments.” They sure do.
Ammar Campa-Najjar Here come the 49ers Nowhere was it more evident that money still trumps passion than in this race. While we at CityBeat speculated early that Diane Harkey stood a very good chance of winning Darrell Issa’s old seat, the momentum seemed to be with center-right Republican Rocky Chavez heading into the primary. But Chavez only raised a little over $200,000 for his campaign to the $1.8 million combined from outside groups opposing him. This resulted in uber-right winger Harkey getting first place and 25 percent of the vote. The silver lining? Second place Democrat Mike Levin will have a clear path to victory and can flip the seat, as the numbers show that more people voted for the Democratic candidates than the GOP ones. We were the first San Diego publication to champion Levin’s candidacy, and while we have some issues with where some of his campaign contributions are coming from (one of the reasons we endorsed Doug Applegate in the primary), Levin has proven himself to be an excellent
transvestites. I couldn’t be more afraid that he’ll actually win in November, especially if rabid right-wingers have things like gax tax repeals to vote for in November. Speaking of which… For real tho, why is Carl DeMaio still a thing? And why is he taking credit for Diane Harkey and John Cox winning? Seriously dude, go away. How did this guy win?! I think the biggest disappointment for me personally was watching the results come in for the County Assessor/Recorder/ Clerk race. CityBeat beat the drum for political newcomer Matt Strabone, only to watch him get beat by incumbent Ernie Dronenburg by almost 25 points. An incumbent, it should be pointed out, who seems to like to give huge tax breaks to his corporate campaign contributors and once denied marriage licenses to LGBTQ citizens. Given the margin of victory, I have no doubt that many Democratic voters just simply bubbled in the incumbent box and went on with their day. I get it, it’s not a sexy race and many people probably just thought, “Well, he’s the incumbent and he hasn’t been kicked out of office. He must be OK.” TORREY BAILEY
John Cox… like, really? Do San Diegans even know what this guy’s about, or do they just know he’s from San Diego and has the same last name as the cable company that provides their Fox News? This carpet-bagging opportunist is like the alt-right version of Jack Kemp, but with a dash of Alex Jones-ish paranoia about
Matt Strabone A word of advice, my friends: DON’T JUST FILL IN THE INCUMBENT BUBBLE! LEAVE IT BLANK IF YOU AREN’T FAMILIAR WITH THE RACE! THIS ISN’T A STANDARDIZED TEST! YOU WILL NOT LOSE POINTS IF YOU DON’T FILL IN ALL THE BUBBLES! ALL YOUR OTHER VOTES WILL STILL COUNT! And, also, how did this freakin’ guy win? Judge Gary Kreep, a censured Obama birther who barely shows up for work and who is known to call women lawyers appearing in his courtroom “Bun Head” and “Ms. Dimples” beat deputy DA Matt Brower by four points in the race for Superior Court Judge. And while Brower certainly has a shot at beating Kreep in November, I’d really like to know how Kreep got over 150,000 votes in the first place. Are there still Obama
8 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JUNE 13, 2018
Judge Gary Kreep birthers? Fringe anti-fems who like the fact that he’s a sexist. Nope, once again, it came down to voter indifference. When a Facebook friend of mine admitted to accidentally voting for him, I posted some news stories from over the years about Kreep on her thread. Her response? “Where was all this information before we voted?” Really? Really?! A quick Google search provides plenty of articles and information about every single respective candidate. Sure, some of it more reliable than others, but each major news outlet has info and endorsements of those races that people are wondering about. We have no excuses anymore for being so utterly lazy and indifferent. There really is a point to all of this airing of grievances: I wanted to let readers know how I feel and they, in return, would let me know their own grievances. A week before the election, I challenged readers to engage with their friends about some of the important down-the-ballot races that their friends might not be informed about. Who’s to say that ever happened, but if it didn’t, then perhaps I could have done more to get the word out on important candidates that didn’t get as much media attention as they deserved. While we wrote some profiles over the past year on some of our favorite progressives running, it was sporadic at best. We at CityBeat also need to be better about engaging readers. Social media outlets like Facebook have made it increasingly more difficult to get our stories in front of people without paying the site and, let’s face it, we don’t want to give Facebook money. As the editor of San Diego’s only alt-weekly, this isn’t a wide-eyed moment of clarity for me. We do the best we can with the limited resources (read: money) and staff that we have, and we’re almost always stretched thin, but we can always do more. I will do more from now until November in hopes that voters truly do feel informed and ready to make decisions when they vote in the midterms. From now and until then, I invite every CityBeat reader, new and established, to write me at the email below and let me know how they felt about the primaries, what races they feel are important to cover and, most of all, how we can do better in the future. Serenity now.
—Seth Combs
Write to seth.combs@sdcitybeat.com
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NEWS | OPINION By Torrey Bailey and Seth Combs
THE ISSUE: Since caravans of immigrants arrived at the San Diego-Tijuana border early last month, conditions have worsened both on the ground and in policy. On Monday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions limited immigration judges’ ability to grant asylum to people fleeing domestic and gang violence, which could affect tens of thousands emigrating from Central America in particular. Sessions’ new interpretation of immigration law takes effect immediately and is binding, unless overturned by a federal appellate court which could take years. This update to immigration law is in addition to the administration’s recent decision to implement policy that WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING: “That’s further confirmation that the administration’s official policy toward legal immigration is restriction by any means necessary. They’re looking across all programs for ways that they can reduce the number of new legal permanent residents, and other foreign workers in the U.S. economy.” —David Bier, an immigration policy analyst at the Cato Institute, in reference to Sessions’ restrictions on asylum qualifications via USA Today
“[The administration has] just condemned countless vulnerable, innocent women to a lifetime of violence and even death, just to score political points with their base. This act of staggering cruelty insults our nation’s values.” —House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco via Los Angeles Times
—Jeremy Warren, criminal defense attorney, in reference to Operation Streamline via KPBS
grants are facing while in custody is atrocious: a lack of sanitation, respect, medical care, water and more, in addition to being separated from their children. There is (and should be) plenty of ink devoted to these nightmarish situations, but the implementation of the aforementioned policies are long-lasting horrors. These headlines cannot be lost among others. The policies are a hard turn in America’s position on immigration. In the past 20 years, first-time illegal entry hasn’t often been enforced as a federal misdemeanor, reported USA Today. Previously, precedent-setting court cases allowed domestic
NEWSY BITS
and gang violence as reasons to seek asylum in the U.S. Now, these common values of past administrations are being turned on their heads, and tens of thousands of lives are being directly torn apart by this shift. These horrors aren’t limited to San Diego either. There are mothers in custody at Federal Detention Center, SeaTac in Seattle who were separated from their children without warning, and have reported to be able to hear them screaming. It’s time for the public to put on their blinders in relations to Trump’s visit to Korea and other distraction tactics by the administration, and instead focus on shining the light on the evils that are happening mere miles away.
6/8
6/9
6/10
Appellate Court rules closing of Children’s Pool in La Jolla during pupping season is legal.
Details surface in Port of San Diego deal to pay $33.2 million for bayfront site that is needed to expand the convention center. (source: San Diego U-T)
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Paul Jacobs and other ex-Qualcomm execs announce formation of 5G-focused technology company called (*cue eyeroll*) XCOM.
Longtime local political columnist Charles Krauthammer reveals he has only a few weeks to live.
6/11
6/12
San Diego Community College District expanding free tuition program after increased donations and state money.
SeaWorld announces plans to ban plastic straws and bags from its parks.
Hundreds gather outside Otay Mesa detention center to protest the continued holding of Central American immigrants seeking political asylum. City Council unanimously approves city budget, with increases in homeless funding, infrastructure and police recruitment. Mayor plans to sign with no lineitem vetoes on Wednesday.
United Soccer League denies 1904 FC expansion team in San Diego.
Oh, wait, no that didn’t happen cause almost no one bothered to vote. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Without a doubt, the Sweetwater Union High School District in Chula Vista may be in the running for Ham of the Year after an explosive new story from Ashly McGlone at Voice of San Diego details years and multiple incidents of sexual harassment by a male teacher. If the allegations are true, the teacher in question deserves any repercussions coming his way, but it’s the district itself that truly deserves to be scorned after allowing him to continue to teach even after allegations surfaced and, once he was put on paid leave, agreeing not to discuss the allegations with the teacher’s potential new employers.
All the seriousness, silliness and stupidity of the past week
6/7
San Diego progressives wake up to the knowledge that all that super-woke stuff they posted on their Facebook and IG really made a difference in the Primary election.
separates children from parents who are crossing the border illegally. As if these two policy changes weren’t devastating enough, there’s also talk of enforcing Operation Streamline in San Diego’s district courts. Operation Streamline is a system meant to enforce Trump’s zero tolerance policy for illegal border crossing. It prosecutes people in groups, rather than on a case by case basis, and calls for all illegal entrants to be criminally prosecuted, including firsttime offenders and asylum seekers. Operation Streamline is used elsewhere along the United States’ southern border, but has yet to be put into effect here.
“Many of these people under the administration’s new policy will have been separated from their children. So imagine trying to talk about a misdemeanor case with someone who just lost his or her five-yearold kid. Do you really think they’re going to be in a position to talk about going back to Mexico when all they want to do is find out what happened to their child?”
OUR TAKE: The inhumane treatment that thousands of immi-
6/6
HAM OF THE WEEK
New story in Voice of San Diego reveals city-owned Liberty Station arts district slowly becoming only for affluent gallery owners due to high rents.
Salk Institute researcher Inder Verma officially resigns after being suspended in April and an investigation into multiple instances of sexual harassment.
Brushfire shuts down Interstate 5 near San Ysidro previewing what could be epic fire season.
JUNE 13, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 9
UP FRONT | VOICES
THERE SHE
ALEX ZARAGOZA
GOZ
To ride or die, or walk away
A
few weeks back, pop star Ariana Grande responded to a random social media post about her ex-boyfriend, rapper Mac Miller. Miller had inspired sympathy from a fan after the rapper totaled his car and got a DUI following his break up with Grande. The fan called it “the most heartbreaking thing happening in Hollywood.” It’s sad, for sure, but obviously left out some important context. Grande responded to the fan with a thoughtful and honest post, “How absurd that you minimize female self-respect and self-worth by saying someone should stay in a toxic relationship.” She goes on to say she continues to care for Miller and support him, but shaming and blaming women for the behavior of toxic men is not the way to go. All of this resonated very deeply with me. Women aren’t just applauded for being “ride or dies,” it’s expected of them. Songs honoring the ride or die chick/bitch exalt them for putting up with infidelity, abuse, lies, drug and alcohol addiction and other factors that create an unsafe and toxic environment. It’s basically an updated way of saying, “Stand by your man.” Be a punching bag because they’re hurting. Don’t complain. Women have often been conned into buying into the ride or die mentality, excusing men for their bad behavior because, in the end, we will be rewarded with... what? More bad behavior? The vague possibility of them getting their act together and showing real respect for our humanity? Listen, I’m not a gambler, I only go to casinos for the buffets and there are no rides I’m not willing to die on. It’s all a symptom of a misogynistic culture that upholds the needs and wants of men over the lives of women, and Black and non-Black women of color suffer the most from this. However, this becomes a deeper issue when the toxicity stems from serious addiction and mental health. Grande coming forward to defend herself and speak openly about what she endured at the hands of someone dealing with addiction brought back some tough memories. It’s not something I talk about much because, in all honesty, it doesn’t feel like it happened to me. It’s as though it happened to some other girl I watched in a movie, who kind of looked like me and talked like me. My ex-husband struggled with alcohol and drug abuse. There had been signs while we were dating, though I only recognized them in hindsight. Years later, I’d be picking him up off the floor of his work because he got wrecked and passed out. There had been a lot of things I had imagined for my life, but having to carry my drunk husband to my car while he
insulted me was not one of them. Locking myself in a bathroom mid-panic attack while he was on a drunk tirade was not one of them. The list is long. Most of that I carried with me quietly, too afraid to admit to friends and especially family that something was wrong. It would mean admitting defeat. That everyone who said I was too young to get married had been right. And also, it was deeply embarrassing. I never thought I’d be in a position where someone would overpower my confidence, health and happiness to such a degree. It felt like I had been reduced to rubble. The hardest part was feeling completely alone in it. Friends would berate me for his actions or for putting up with it. My family didn’t know how bad it had gotten, so they didn’t fully support me. After all, how could they when they didn’t know? Leaving him was the first step in laying a single brick into rebuilding myself. When I did, however, he and others often criticized me for “abandoning” him when he needed me. That was hard. My needs, safety and health weren’t considered. His needs were more important because he wasn’t well. I understand the logic behind that, though it didn’t feel right or fair. And really, it’s not. For years the immense guilt clung to my ribs, which led to me staying in other toxic relationships fueled by alcoholism or other addictions longer than I should have. I got pummeled throughout the relationship and during the break up, and after when they moved on to women considered better and kinder than me. And when I see family and friends in relationships where alcoholism and addiction were a major issue and have stuck it out and come out on top, I’m so happy and proud of them. At the same time, it’s another reminder that I couldn’t or wouldn’t. That I’m a bad person. I don’t blame or think less of others who stay in these relationships. I’ve made sure to be there in any way I can for the friends and family that have needed me during their process to sobriety, and I hope I’ve done right by them. However, for me, love wasn’t enough to stick it out when it came to these issues. With my husband, I made a decision that left me financially destitute and traumatized. But I was free. Each situation is different, and those who seek help deserve support. However, how about we throw some of that support in the direction of those who’ve been affected by the addictions of their loved ones? And we should do this whether they choose to ride or die, or leave.
Women have often been conned into buying into the ride or die mentality, excusing men for their bad behavior because, in the end, we will be rewarded with... what? More bad behavior?
10 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JUNE 13, 2018
There She Goz appears every third week. Write to alexz@sdcitybeat.com.
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JUNE 13, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 11
UP FRONT | OPINION
EDWIN DECKER
SORDID
TALES
Real rules for real drinking in real bars
T
he internet is filled with articles listing rules for drinking in bars. The problem is these articles rarely seem to apply to real drinkers. Mostly, they either pander to the watchful eyes of the abstinence overlords (by advising the reader to consume in moderation, for example), or teach people how to partake in some posh, uptown snifter lounge into which real soakers would never drag their serrated livers. Take for instance Rule #2 from the Men’s Health article, “12 Rules for Drinking.” “Listen to Your Liquor: The colors—ambers and browns, deep burgundies and blushing pinks—invite the eye. The fragrances of wheat and corn and grape can widen our nostrils… Even the sounds of drinking—the elegant chatter of ice in a rocks glass, the promising…” Oh my Christ, seriously? The sounds and colors? The fragrances? What is this, Liberace’s greenhouse? Drunkards are trying to escape the incessant stimuli of our lives—the stenches, the relentless yapping, the ruthless neon. These are rules for tipplers, not topers! Which is why I composed a list of my own. It’s called, “Real Rules for Real Drinking in Real Bars.” It’s a work in progress. Location, Location, Location: 1.) Take the corner stool. It halves the chance a yapper will sit beside you. 2.) Avoid stools with a clear view of yourself in the back-bar mirror. What you see after midnight will be terrifying. 3) Never sit beside a man chugging pitchers alone. He will blubber about his shitty day or life. 4.) No, you did not get lucky and find the last open space at the bar. It’s called a waitress station. Bar Etiquette & Server Relations: 1.) Never tip coins unless they came to you as change and only when accompanied by paper. 2.) Never tip extravagantly and expect some kind of heroic, tall-building-leaping, speeding-train-stopping superman-type service. 3.) When ordering for a large group, gather their requests before the bartender arrives. 4.) The customer is not always right. Where did you read that, Entitlement Weekly? 5.) Your beer was not stolen. Your drunk-ass misplaced it. 6.) Never invite the bartender to your after party unless you want 50 more people rolling in at 4 a.m. Bathroom: 1.) Mind your splatter. 2.) Everybody knows the two of you are doing blow in the stall. 3.) Avoid eye contact at urinal row. 4.) I know swilling makes you aggressive, but could you at least try not to rip the towel dispenser off the wall this time? 5.) Grasping the door knob is not advised. It’s the same as sticking an arm into the unflushed toilet of a hospital’s hepatitis wing. Find another way to exit.
Jukebox: 1.) Two words: No Adele. 2.) Mind the crowd. Do not play Slayer in an uptown snifter lounge. 3.) Actually, go ahead and play Slayer in an uptown snifter lounge. 4.) Just because jukeboxes can pull anything from the internet doesn’t mean you should play The Mars Volta. 5.) The Mars Volta is great by the way, just not in bars. People: 1.) Buying cocktails for attractive strangers makes you look desperate and should be avoided. (Exception: during last call when you are desperate.) 2.) When meeting new people, do not ask their name. Then you won’t forget it. 3.) Never hijack a toast. The buyer always has first right of toast refusal. 4.) When toasting, consider your audience. If drinking with the Mongols, don’t say, “Here’s to hemorrhoids and tattoos—every asshole gets them.” Bar Fights: 1.) Never throw the first punch. 2.) Pool cues are a last resort. 3.) Prefer the neck-punch to the face-punch—faces break fists. 4.) The answer to, “What are you looking at?” is always, “Your mother’s sex tape.” 5.) When performing the “hold me back” ruse, use the moonwalk to disguise the fact that you are retreating instead of advancing. Miscellaneous: 1.) Never patronize a bar with words like “craft” or “fine” or “closes at 11 p.m.” in their reviews. 2.) Prefer words like “neighborhood” and “dive” and “occasional gunshots.” 3.) No ideas that come after midnight should be acted upon. 4.) Under no circumstances should you order the mozzarella sticks. 5.) When shooting tequila, forego salt and lime. The belief that you need to mask tequila is just propaganda from Big Citrus and The Industrial Sodium Complex. 6.) Lean in to your blackout. There’s nothing left to lose. 7.) Never slam a shot and say, “May I borrow your bus tub, bartender?” 8.) Lastly, when drinking in a bar, drink! As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Moderation in all things, especially moderation.” I mean, who the hell wants to moderate on their night off? Keep in mind, you should moderate your excesses. Then you live to excess another day.
The customer is not always right. Where did you read that, Entitlement Weekly?
12 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JUNE 13, 2018
Sordid Tales appears every other week. Write to edwin@sdcitybeat.com.
@SDCITYBEAT
UP FRONT | FOOD & DRINK
BY BETH DEMMON
BY MICHAEL A. GARDINER
THE WORLD
FARE
Beyond the gateway drug
L
et us consider the possibility that phở is just the “gateway drug” to Vietnamese cuisine. While that gateway theory (“go to bed with marijuana or beer and risk waking up with cocaine or heroin”) was discredited long ago, it appears to be on something of a reunion tour these days. Personally, though, I think it has more relevance to delicious Southeast Asian food than it does to illicit substances. Phuong Nga 2 (4016 54th St.), in the northeast reaches of City Heights, is betting on just that. MICHAEL A. GARDINER
Bún riêu It’s not difficult to see why phở might fit the bill as a foodie gateway drug. Starting with the deep, rich broth—full of umami and soft spices—and filled with beef and linguine-sized rice noodles; everything about it says “comfort food,” and nothing is terribly threatening. Phở went from nearly non-existent to ubiquitous in a shockingly short period of time. But as I’ve observed in this space before, “somehow, somewhere along the way [phở] overshot the runway [and became] nearly synonymous with Vietnamese food. Few Americans could name another Vietnamese dish.” But maybe it’s time to go beyond the phở and say hello to the hard stuff. Take,
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for example, bún riêu, a Vietnamese pork and crab paste noodle soup featuring a savory broth, round, medium sized rice vermicelli noodles, and an assortment of accompaniments. The flavor profile of bún riêu, like phở, is rich and meaty with tons of umami but also has a pleasant sourness (usually from tamarind) and a hint of seafood. Phuong Nga’s features a meaty, braised pork bone, crab and pork cake (light on the former and long on the latter), fried tofu and a pork blood cake. It comes accompanied by a wonderful plate of vegetables and herbs including shredded lettuce, morning glory and banana blossom, mint, perilla and more. The entire dish feels both familiar and exotic at the same time, something like how phở used to feel. The only other item on Phuong Nga’s menu is bánh cuốn: steamed rice flour crêpe rolls stuffed with pork and mushrooms and nước chấm dipping sauce. The bánh cuốn is served with three versions of Vietnamese pork sausage—chả lụa (steamed), chả chiên (fried) and cách làm nem chu (a fermented version)—and bean sprouts, cucumber, mint and cilantro. Bánh cuốn fills a space somewhere between fresh spring rolls and dim sum rice rolls stuffed with char siu pork, shrimp or beef. The flavor profile, though, is more complex with the slight fermentation of the wrapper and the combination of pork and the wood ear mushrooms creating layers of flavor. Most of all, though, bánh cuốn is a fun dish to eat. That’s kind of how I used to think of a bowl of phở. With only those two items on the menu—bún riêu and bánh cuốn—Phuong Nga clearly has the courage of its convictions. It does those two things and does them well. It doesn’t need to be everything to everybody. Rather, it does what it does—just those two dishes—and does it well. Now if they can just see their way clear to a higher addiction rate—like the cigarette companies do—they’ll do great. The World Fare appears weekly. Write to michaelg@sdcitybeat.com.
FINAL DRAUGHT Et tu, Brut IPA?
hopped version with Simcoe, because that sounds weird AF. he best India Pale Ales come out Duck Foot Brewing Company of San Diego, period. Sure, there (8920 Kenamar Drive, #210) in Miramar are some contenders (I’m look- hopped on the trend as well, releasing ing at you, Fieldwork Brewing Company), “a sparkling version of a session IPA… but even many of those are brewed by [with] a San Diego stamp on this brand San Diego beer alumni. So I feel a little new style,” according to marketing and threatened when a new style comes from events coordinator Lexxi BETH DEMMON Sullivan. Duck beyond our borders and Foot’s captures the attention of Dwight Brut is a lighter the craft beer world. Entake at 3.5 percent ABV ter the Brut IPA from San with Mosaic, Galaxy, CiFrancisco. tra and Amarillo hops. Brut IPAs are exactly It stands to lean more what they sound like: heavily on the hops than dry, effervescent pale ales Burning Beard’s with a low on sweetness that 60-minute bittering hop rely on hop aromatics to addition, as well as dry complement a mild malt hopping. profile. The style is cred“It’s… interesting. Alited to Kim Sturdavant, most a hoppy La Croix,” brewmaster at Social explains head brewer Kitchen & Brewery in San Austin Copeland. Francisco’s Inner Sunset I’m no fan of La Croix Burning Beard Brewing (I know, I’m a terrible neighborhood. Since their introduction late last year, Brut IPAs have white girl), but throw hops into the mix overtaken even hazy IPAs as the next big and I’m 1,000 percent more on board than thing. Its crushability and refreshing na- I was before. ture could make it one of the trendier beers Those who already enjoy hoppy beers this summer (even more than glitter beer!). are more likely to appreciate Brut IPAs “Ours is so dry that we are going to than fans of champagne. It’s still primarserve it with a shot of water to rehydrate ily a hop-forward beer (albeit more subtly our patrons,” boasts Jeff Wiederkehr, co- hopped than many other styles of IPA). owner/director of brewery operations at Yes, they’re dry and yes, they’re highly El Cajon’s Burning Beard Brewing (785 carbonated, but there’s no mistaking Vernon Way). them for actual champagne or sparkling I got a sneak peek of its version— wine. Locally, Brut IPAs are only available dubbed Brutality—that comes in at 6.5 at Burning Beard and Duck Foot, but more percent ABV and an admirably restrained are coming from South Park Brewing 20 IBUs (International Bittering Units, the Company, Amplified Ale Works (who scale to measure the approximate bitter- plans to release both an IPA and double ness of beer). It had a much fruitier aroma IPA) and several others around town. As than I expected, with hints of kiwi and a bit this style continues to coalesce, I look forof peach. The high hop aromatics balanced ward to trying all of the spins brewers put out beautifully on the palate, although I on their own versions. wouldn’t call it bone-dry. There’s still some luscious hop chew to keep it lively. I defi- Write to bethd@sdcitybeat.com or check her nitely plan to try their casked double dry- out on Instagram at @thedelightedbite.
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JUNE 13, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 13
EVENTS
SHORTlist
ART
the
THREE YOU HAVE TO SEE
COORDINATED BY
SETH COMBS
ESCONDIDO
SHIPS AHOY!
San Diego has long deserved a music and arts festival that equally balances out both the music and the art. That’s what makes A Ship in the Woods Music and Art Festival so appealing. Over the years, Ship has become a go-to arts organization, throwing art openings in its Escondido space that were the talk of the town the next day. When it came to their first foray into a large-scale festival, Ship organizers took a highly curatorial approach, choosing to emphasize both the music and the arts. The result is a well-rounded, grassroots festival that features highly respected names in both fields. “We’ve invested fully into creating a creative hub for artists, and the festival was a way for us to help draw more national and international attention to the talent here in San Diego,” says RJ Brooks, Ship in the Woods’ co-founder and executive director. “People come to our events for an immersive experience that is in a nontraditional art and music space. Hosting a festival in Felicita County Park is similar to our past events at the our home headquarters bordering the park, but just on a bigger scale.” A much larger scale, indeed. The two-day festival—happening from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 16 and Sunday, June 17 at the aforementioned Felicita County Park (742 Clarence
HILLCREST
RAISE THE BAR As San Diego Pride nears, there’s no better time to explore just how far the LGBTQ community has come and the hurdles it’s weathered. Cue the new KPBS documentary San Diego’s Gay Bar History. The film takes a look at the early days of San Diego’s LGBTQ nightlife scene, the community’s growth and how it has influenced the city’s overall culture. The documentary includes dozens of interviews with local gay activists, bar owners and bar patrons, plus footage of what’s considered San Diego’s first gay bar: The Rail (formerly The Brass Rail), which has been in the Hillcrest neighborhood since the ’60s. In celebration of the documentary release, The Rail (3796 Fifth Ave.) will be hosting a free viewing party on Thursday, June 14 at 9 p.m. facebook.com/ events/214517139335815 NORTHSIDE PICTURES/PANOPTICON PICTURE/KPBS
San Diego’s Gay Bar History 14 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JUNE 13, 2018
COURTESY OF A SHIP IN THE WOODS
HEchoing Light at R.B. Stevenson Gallery, 7661 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Los Angeles artist Astrid Preston will showcase new paintings, which will be accompanied by an essay by Robert L. Pincus. Opening from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 16. Free. 858459-3917, rbstevensongallery.com HMariana Magdaleno: Respira (Breathe) at The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. This exhibit, held in conjunction with inSite and Casa Gallina in Mexico City, celebrates the garden through Magdaleno’s drawings, artist’s books and paintings of plants and flowers native to La Jolla and North County. Opening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 15. Free. 858-454-5872, ljathenaeum.org Sue Whitman: Visions of Discovery at The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. A solo exhibition featuring a series of new collages, along with sculpture and wall works by the local artist. Opening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 15. Free. 858-454-5872, ljathenaeum.org
A Ship in the Woods Music and Art Festival Lane) in Escondido—will include dozens of local and national bands such as No Age, Built to Spill, Bill Callahan, HEXA, Spooky Cigarette and Shabazz Palaces (see this week’s music feature for more on them). Between bands, festivalgoers can check out immersive, experiential and performance-based art from dozens of names such as Josh Pavlick and the League of Imaginary Scientists, as well as CityBeat faves Marine Grize, Art Unites and Chris Warren. Tickets for A Ship in the Woods Music and Art Festival range from $60 for one day passes ($100 for both days) to $180 for VIP weekend passes. A full lineup list can be found at shipfest.org.
EAST VILLAGE
BLOODY BRILLIANT A picture is worth a thousand words, especially one reminiscent of a crime scene. Arlene Ibarra is known for her amazing nightlife photography, but her passion project lately has been Art is a Crime, a collection of photographs resembling crime scenes and featuring a group COURTESY OF THE ARTIST of elite craft cocktail bartenders in San Diego. She will debut the photos at Studio 710 (710 13th St., Ste. 300) on Monday, June 18 from 7 to 10 p.m. In addition to the pics, there will be food and cocktails by Chef DJ Tangalin that are inspired by the photos, along with an all-vinyl “Ryan Andrews” set of funk, disco by Arlene Ibarra and ’80s music by DJs Ikah Love and Heminguey. There will also be tattoos provided on a donation basis for those feeling especially courageous. arleneibarra.com.
HArt is a Crime at Studio 710, 710 13th St. Ste. 300, East Village. Photographer Arlene Ibarra will debut a new collection of photographs resembling crime scenes and featuring local bartenders. Opening from 7 to 10 p.m. Monday, June 18. Free. arleneibarra.com
BOOKS HJason Heller at Mysterious Galaxy Book Store, 5943 Balboa Ave., Ste. 100, Clairemont. The pop culture writer will sign and discuss his new book, Strange Stars: David Bowie, Pop Music, and the Decade Sci-Fi Exploded. At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 14. Free. 858-268-4747, mystgalaxy.com HSpencer Wise at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The poet and writer will be reading from and signing his debut novel, The Emperor of Shoes. At 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 18. Free. 858454-0347, warwicks.com A Year in Ink Anthology Vol. 11 Launch Party & Reading at White Box Theater, 2590 Truxtun Road Studio 205, Point Loma. San Diego Writers, Ink celebrates the release of its 11th anthology of creative work by local writers. The book will be available for sale, and some writers will read from their selected pieces. From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 19. $5 suggested donation. sandiegowriters.org HLauren Groff at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The bestselling author of Fates and Furies will be promoting her latest novel, Florida. At 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 20. Free. 858-4540347, warwicks.com
COMEDY Elon Gold at Lyceum Stage, 79 Horton Plaza, Downtown. The world renowned Jewish comedian will be performing his one-man show “Elon Gold: Pro-Semite.” At 8 p.m. Thursday, June 14. $25-$35. 619-5441000, sdrep.org
DANCE A Story and a Song: Navarasa Dance Theater at San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. The Los Angelesbased aerial dance group presents a theatrical performance of classical Indian dance forms, yoga, martial arts, poetry and folklore. At 7 p.m. Thursday, June 14. $25$45. 619-232-7931, sdmart.org
FILM HSan Diego’s Gay Bar History at The Rail, 3796 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest. A screening of the new KPBS documentary that focuses on the early days of the local LGBTQ nightlife
H = CityBeat picks
scene. At 9 p.m. Thursday, June 14. Free. facebook.com/events/214517139335815 HInternational Documentary Film Series at Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park. The opening night screening of the International Rescue Committee’s film series will showcase New Neighbors Project, a documentary about refugees resettling in Montana. At 6:30 p.m. Sunday, June 17. $10-$15. rescue.org
FOOD & DRINK HSan Diego International Beer Festival at Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. The San Diego County Fair hosts more than 200 breweries from around the world for this beer festival that includes samples, educational demonstrations and more. At various times Friday, June 15, Saturday, June 16 and Sunday, June 17. $60-$110. 858-7551161, sandiegobeerfestival.com HNorth Park Beer Co. 2nd Anniversary Party at North Park Beer Co., 3038 University Ave., North Park. The brewery celebrates its second year of business by welcoming various local and California breweries to participate in an IPA contest, which attendees and a panel of judges will vote on. From 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, June 16. $10$30. 619-255-2946, northparkbeerco.com HCarne Asada Fries Fest at Bayside Park, 999 Bayside Parkway, Chula Vista. Celebrate San Diego’s favorite dish with fries and beer from 15 different restaurants and breweries. Plus live music by Nortec Collective, Los Master Plus and more. From noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 16. $10$45. Asadafries.eventbrite.com Taste of Our Towne at Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway. The seventh annual fundraiser features more than 25 North County restaurants, breweries and wineries offering samples of their signature dishes. Plus live music, dancing, live auctions and more. Benefits Poway OnStage. From 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 16. $100. 858-668-4798, powaycenter.com HTerra American Bistro 20th Anniversary Relive at Terra American Bistro, 7091 El Cajon Blvd., College Area. Chef-owner Jeff Rossman will celebrate his restaurant’s 20th anniversary with a three-course menu inspired by pop culture songs and moments from 1998. Various times from Tuesday, June 19 through Sunday, June 24. $32.95. 619-293-7088, terrasd.com
MUSIC HMainly Mozart Festival Orchestra featuring Nathan Hughes at Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., Downtown. The program includes works by Ibert, Mozart and Haydn, as performed by the Mainly Mozart Festival Orchestra with special guest oboist Hughes. At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 14. $15-$65. 619-570-1100, mainlymozart.org HBeat Street III at Quartyard, 1301 Market St., East Village. Cash Money Records and Big Tymers co-founder Mannie Fresh will be live in concert at this event, which highlights the four elements of hip-hop: emcee, turntablists, art and dance. From 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 15. $10. 619-4325303, quartyardsd.com HMainly Mozart Festival Orchestra featuring Johannes Moser at Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., Downtown. The program features works by Mozart, Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky, as performed by the Mainly Mozart Festival Orchestra with special guest cellist Moser. At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 16. $15-$88. 619-5701100, sandiegotheatres.org HVincent Herring Quartet at Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. The summer jazz program welcomes the New York City-based ensemble
EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 @SDCITYBEAT
EVENTS featuring Herring on alto saxophone, plus supporting members on piano, bass and drums. At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 16. $21-$96. 858-454-5872, ljathenaeum.org HA Ship in the Woods Music & Arts Festival at Felicita County Park, 742 Clarence Lane, Escondido. The inaugural festival features musical performances by Shabazz Palaces, No Age, Built to Spill and more. Plus art by Chris Warren, Armando de la Torre and plenty others. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 16 and Sunday, June 17. $40-$180. shipfest.org HChris Thile at California Center for the Arts, 340 N Escondido Blvd., Escondido. The multiple Grammy Award-winning artist, MacArthur Fellow, mandolinist, composer and host of “Prairie Home Companion” will perform a show that combines classical, rock, jazz and bluegrass. At 7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 17. $25.50-$49.50. 800-988-4253, artcenter.org HGrupo Intocable at Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. The Tejano act rose to fame in the late ’90s with their distinct norteño style, polka rhythms and accordion accents. The Latin band will be performing as part of the entertainment offered at the San Diego County Fair. At 7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 17. $18-$36. 858-755-1161, sdfair.com
SPECIAL EVENTS HInterGalactiCon at Town and Country Hotel, 500 Hotel Circle North, Mission Valley. This smaller, fan-run comic convention will host panels with actress Claudia Christian, concept artist Colin Cantwell and other industry insiders. Plus an array of exhibits featuring anime, comic book art and more. At various times Friday, June 15 and Saturday, June 16. $10-$90. intergalacticonsd.com
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BOOKS: THE FLOATING LIBRARY HThe Secret Society of Adultologists: Summer Camp at San Diego Natural History Museum, 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park. This edition of the adults-only event at The Nat will allow patrons to relive their favorite memories of summer camp. Includes activities such as Nerf archery, color war and friendship bracelet making, as well as drinks and food. From 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 16. $15-$25. 619-255-0189, sdnhm.org HDia Del Padre behind the Observatory North Park, 2891 University Ave., North Park. The North Park Lions Club presents a special Father’s Day celebration featuring food trucks, a craft beer garden, a salsa tasting contest, kids fun area and more. From noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 16. Free. facebook.com/nplionsclub HCraft & Draft at Bay City Brewing Co. 3760 Hancock St. Ste. A, Midway. Bay City Brewing and San Diego Made team up for this brew-filled, pop-up shop that will feature local art and handmade goods from more than 15 local artists and craftsmen. From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 20. Free. facebook.com/ events/1545883142187838
TALKS & DISCUSSIONS HOff the Wall: Works on Canvas by Prominent Muralists at San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. This guest lecture and tour series will feature MiraCosta College Art History Professor Leah Cluff as she discusses the lives and careers of muralists Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Jose Clemente Orozco and Thomas Hart Benton. From 10 a.m. to noon. Friday, June 15. $5-$16. 619-2327931, sdmart.org
Memories of Juchitán
I
suspect that most Anglo-Americans come to know the Mexican city of Juchitán, if they know it at all, through the photography of Graciela Iturbide. The photographer spent many years visiting the city in the southeastern part of the state of Oaxaca known for being one of the world’s foremost matriarchal societies. Indeed, a signed copy of Iturbide’s Juchitán, published by Getty Publications in 2007, is a prized possession in my household. A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to explore Juchitán in person. I was traveling with the artist Nuvia Crisol Guerra and, unbeknownst to her, I was planning to propose to her further south on the beaches of Huatulco. While in Juchitán, we attended a vela, an all-night festival where the women were required to wear traditional Oaxacan dress with flowers in their hair. The men also had a strict dress code: white guayabera with black shoes and trousers. I joked that the women all resembled Frida Kahlo and the men all looked like busboys, which is perhaps the way it should be. I was so swept away by the music, dancing and tiny Coronitas that I nearly proposed to Nuvia on the dusty dance floor, but I suspected that the majordomo who organized the affair would not have approved.
So it was with great delight that I read the graphic novel Photographic: The Life of Graciela Iturbide written by Isabel Quintero and illustrated by Zeke Peña. It’s a fascinating book that blends the story of Iturbide’s life with poetic interpretations of pivotal moments in her career. (I especially loved Quintero’s imagining of the interior lives of iguanas.) Mixed in with the hauntingly spare black-and-white illustrations are reproductions of Iturbide’s photos. Though it’s fewer than 100 pages and can be read in an afternoon, Photographic is a fabulous introduction to Iturbide’s work because it considers the breadth of her career, not just her work in Juchitán. Even if you’re not already a fan of Iturbide, Quintero’s story of the photographer’s journey as an artist is incredibly inspiring. Like Frida Kahlo, Iturbide was born into a life a privilege, which came with the burden of overwhelming expectations. Her decision to reject that life in order to pursue her art is nothing short of courageous. Proposing to Nuvia required far less courage, but was nerve-wracking nonetheless. Accompanied by crashing waves and fireflies blinking in the mangroves, she said, “Yes.” If only I had a photo.
—Jim Ruland
The Floating Library appears every other week.
JUNE 13, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 15
THEATER COURTESY OF DIVERSIONARY THEATRE
Girl gone bad
T
he life of Anita Bryant was both destructive and self-destructive. It is one of the two narratives that entwine in Diversionary Theatre’s promising world-premiere musical, The Loneliest Girl in the World. The other is that of a young gay man named Tommy: bullied, closeted and, at the outset of the story, a loving fan of Bryant, a beauty pageant runner-up from Oklahoma turned wholesome singer. Bryant’s eventual transformation into a righteous hatemonger leads Tommy through difficult, yet affirming life changes of his own. The impetus for Bryant’s devolution could benefit from some contextual heft, but most everything else works in this alternately witty and impassioned show written by Gordon Leary (book and lyrics) and Julia Meinwald (music), and directed by Diversionary’s Matt Morrow. The melodic score is moving without becoming rhapsodic, and its clever turns spoof the pop and political landscapes of the ’50s and ’70s especially. As Bryant, the gifted Allison Spratt Pearce humanizes her without creating sympathy for a figure justifiably demonized by the gay community. Sam Heldt, meanwhile, is deeply vulnerable as Tony and, in multiple roles, Steve Gouveia, Shaun Tuazon, Lauren King Thompson and Marci Anne Wuebben effect the illusion of a much bigger show on a much larger stage.
16 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JUNE 13, 2018
Salazar-Thompson and Cohen, who experiences every grown child’s most painful nightmare. The Father runs through June 24 at North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach. $42-$53; ncrep.org
—David L. Coddon
Theater reviews run weekly. Write to davidc@sdcitybeat.com.
The Loneliest Girl In The World The Loneliest Girl in the World runs through July 1 at the Diversionary Theatre in University Heights. $15-$55; diversionary. org ••• lorian Zeller’s quietly intense drama The Father, playing at the North Coast Repertory Theatre, takes the audience into the “reality” of the mind of a person with deteriorating and heartbreaking dementia. Eighty-year-old Andre’s (James Sutorius) perceptions and recognitions change from scene to scene, and sometimes even faster in this unsettling but relevant play. Helpless and frustrated is his daughter Anne (Robyn Cohen), who aches to do “the right thing” for her father and for herself. Sutorius’ performance is courageous and unshowy in this numbing one-act production directed by NCR’s David Ellenstein. The supporting cast includes Richard Baird, Shana Wride, Jacque Wilke, Matthew
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OPENING: Mamma Mia!: A young woman searches for her real father in the days leading up to her wedding, all set to the pop anthems of ABBA. Presented by Moonlight Stage Productions, it opens June 13 at the Moonlight Amphitheatre in Vista. moonlightstage.com Romeo, Romeo & Juliet: In this world premiere comedy, a group of actors find themselves especially moved by Shakespeare’s words when an extra Romeo is added to the cast. Presented by Roustabouts Theatre Co., it opens in previews June 14 at the MOXIE Theatre in El Cajon. Spark New Play Festival: Three nights of readings of four new contemporary plays dealing in LGBTQ themes, many of them never before seen in San Diego. It happens June 14-16 at the Diversionary Theatre in University Heights. Jesus Christ Superstar: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera about the life of Jesus as seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Presented by Patio Playhouse, it opens June 15 at the Kit Carson Amphitheater in Escondido. patioplayhouse.com Arsenic and Old Lace: Joseph Kesselring’s morbid comedy about a young man whose life is upended when his brother returns home. Presented by Trinity Theatre Company, it opens June 15 at
the Tenth Avenue Arts Center in the East Village. trinityttc.org The Mudanza, An Unapologetic Bilingual Play: A staged reading of Salomon Maya’s new play about a modern couple who move to a new town only to realize they feel a little out of place. Presented by Teatro Punto y Coma, it happens June 16 at the San Diego Rep Lyceum Space in the Gaslamp. sdrep.org The Tempest: In Shakespeare’s dark comedy, a king and his crew shipwreck on what they think is a deserted island, but it’s actually populated by a magical cast of characters led by a former duchess. Kicking off the 2018 Shakespeare Festival, it opens June 17 at the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre at the Old Globe in Balboa Park. theoldglobe.org Fences: A staged reading of the Pulitzer-winning drama about a former Negro League baseball player whose bitterness about his life begins to affect his relationship with his wife and son. Presented by the Carlsbad Playreaders, it happens June 18 at the Schulman Auditorium at the Carlsbad City Library. carlsbadplayreaders.org Heridas Graves: A full Spanish language reading of a translation of Rajiv Joseph’s Gruesome Playground Injuries, about two childhood friends whose lives keep intersecting in bizarre ways. Presented by Amigos del Rep, it happens June 18 at the San Diego Rep Lyceum Space in the Gaslamp. sdrep.org In Every Generation: A staged reading of Ali Viterbi’s play about a Jewish family trying to enjoy Passover dinner in the shadow of the father suffering from ALS. Part of the Lipinsky Family Jewish Arts Festival, it happens June 18 at the North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach. northcoastrep.org
For complete theater listings, visit
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FROM COFFEE AND CHARCOAL, TO BEER AND BITTERS, HERE’S SOME FLAVOR PROFILES OF OUR FAVORITE PALATE-PLEASING INGREDIENTS Writers love booze. This should not come as a surprise to anyone with even a passing interest in writing or literature. For us, alcohol can serve as both muse and distraction, something that can cure a bad case of writer’s block, but also make it worse. Spirits can lift our spirits, but also serve to gouge our bank accounts (it also shouldn’t come as a surprise, but writers don’t make that much money). Yeah, we call this issue “The Drink Issue,” but that just looks nice and diplomatic on a cover. Let’s call this issue what it is: “The Booze Issue.” The “Let’s Get Faded and Do some Magical and/or Dumb Shit Issue.” When the CityBeat staff sat down to plan this issue, the excitement at the prospect of
getting to try a bunch of new cocktails was palpable, but, as always, we wanted to put our own little spin on the theme. What we ended up with—after multiple meetings, naysaying from the editor and one not-so-brilliant suggestion that we make “animals” the theme—was the idea to focus on the ingredients in some of our fave cocktails that don’t get a lot of love. Yes, the brand of booze in the drink is the crucial element, but what about the ingredients, accoutrements and additions that make these cocktails so enjoyable to imbibe. Sure, there’s something to said for a bourbon neat or a mezcal on the rocks, but add some coffee or lime juice and you have something else altogether. Something even more inspired and inspiring.
THE DRINK ISSUE CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
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JUNE 13, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 19
Coke parties THE JOYFUL DELIGHT OF COLA-FLAVORED COCKTAILS
By Ryan Bradford Most sodas are garbage. Take your Sprites and your root beers and your Mountain Dews and shove ‘em. All they do is give me a stomach ache and coat my mouth with uncomfortable stickiness. Soda? Nah. GTFO! Except cola. I just can’t quit the taste of cola. It’s effervescent and sweet, and somehow feels both grown-up and youthful. It’s not surprising that it plays a role in so many bar staples. But everyone and their mother has tried a Long Island Iced Tea or a Jack and Coke; I wanted to find drinks that were a little more complex. Good news, fellow Cokeheads, because I found some. Soda & Swine (2750 Dewey Road #104, sodaandswine.com) at Liberty Station was the first stop in my search for the cola-y grail (sorry, not sorry). With a name as obvious as Soda & Swine, I believe I would’ve had to report it to the Better Business Bureau if they didn’t have at least one killer cocktail containing cola. Luckily, it has two. Its take on the Old Fashioned features bourbon, bitters and a cola syrup in place of standard sugar. The difference was subtle, but it gave
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Sangria the stiff-collared drink a dash of playfulness. My drinking companion asked to taste the cola syrup straight, and the bartender gladly poured us a shot. It tasted like a mix of cola concentrate and vanilla extract. Sounds weird, but it was yummy. The other drink was called the Rusty Roy, a citrusy bourbon drink that had lemon, cherry,
cinnamon and coke. It reminded me of those rare times you mix every flavor at the soda fountain, and somehow you end up with something delicious. Next up, I moseyed on down to Cowboy Star (640 Tenth Ave., cowboystarsd.com) to try the sangria. Our cocktail writer Ian Ward wrote about it recently, but only offered a passing mention of the sangria’s most striking ingredient: Dr. Pepper. Dr. Pepper! In sangria! After collecting my blown mind off the floor, I knew had to try it. Now, before you purists argue that Dr. Pepper is not a cola, let me just say 1.) it’s close enough and; 2.) shut up. “There’s also bourbon in it,” said Cowboy Star’s manager Will Fernandez as he handed me a heaping glass of deep-red sangria. Which is to say: This drink does not fuck around. I was instantly happy to see that it didn’t contain floating fruit (sorry, I have a low tolerance for floating things in my drinks) and even happier after the first sip. The drink was refreshing yet muscular, and the Dr. Pepper gave it a delightful burn. It’s a shame that so many sangrias end up tasting the same, because Cowboy Star’s version is proof that it can become a completely new and impressive drink with a little creativity. One of the beauties of cola is that it tastes great in both fancy cocktails and drinks that I affectionately refer to as “trash cocktails”— cheap, strong drinks—and I recently discov-
PHOTOS BY RYAN BRADFORD
The Black Monday ered my new favorite trash cocktail at The Office (3936 30th St., theofficebarsd.com). The Black Monday contains black cherry vodka, pomegranate syrup and cola. Yeah, I know: Vodka is kind of blech, but trust me on this one. The Black Monday tasted exactly like a Cherry Coke, and I had to practice extreme self-control not to chug the thing on the spot. I’m definitely gonna serve this at my next Coke party... I mean, cola party.
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JUNE 13, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 21
Burning up
JOSHUA LAURANCE
THREE COCKTAILS THAT SHOW THE HEAT AND VERSATILITY OF CHILES
By Jeff Terich The appeal of savory cocktails has never made a lot of sense to me. The sight of horseradish particles swimming in a thick, tomato-y Bloody Mary makes me a little queasy. And look, as much as I enjoy bacon, it has no business being anywhere near my Old Fashioned. Some flavors just aren’t meant to be consumed in liquid form. Don’t even get me started on the time I tried a mushroom and whiskey cocktail. Spicy cocktails are a different story. As far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing that can’t be improved by adding some heat, whether it’s adding a few slices of jalapeño to a burger or dumping a whole bunch of Sriracha (or ghost pepper paste) into ramen. And that extends to cocktails as well. It might seem like a contradiction of my opinion about savory or umami drinks, but when done right, a cocktail mixed with some kind of pepper—jalapeño, serrano, etc.—offers a flavor profile that’s a lot more complex and interesting than, say, a Bloody Mary. And as an ingredient, it’s surprisingly versatile, sometimes as a slight complement to a drink’s flavor and sometimes with the subtlety of a punch to the face. A good drink to test the waters of heatcentric cocktails is the Trust Cocktail #2 at Trust in Hillcrest (3752 Park Blvd., trustrestaurantsd.com). Made with grapefruit, agave, Firewater bitters and a house-made fresh jalapeño-infused tequila, the Trust #2 on paper seems a lot more intense than it actually is, especially considering there are two heat sources on the ingredient list. Yet it’s a lot subtler than it appears, more refreshing than a total assault on the senses. The flavor of the jalapeño and the bitters is present but not overwhelmCOURTESY OF THE BLIND BURRO
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Fresa en Fuego ing, which makes it an easy drink to suck down with the pancakes and fried chicken at brunch. For a more advanced take on the chileforward cocktail, adventurous drinkers would do well to seek out the Spicy Blood Orange at The Blind Burro in the Gaslamp (639 J St., theblindburro.com). Contrary to Trust’s use of heat in bitters and infused tequila, The Blind Burro’s creation features actual chunks of jalapeño muddled with tequila, triple sec and blood orange purée. There’s an ample amount of those little green specks in there, and they’ve got a kick. Still, the blood orange is an excellent complement that keeps it from tasting too much like you’re drinking your veggies. Nobody wants that. Yet one of the best balances of heat with a sweeter flavor was the Fresa en Fuego at Galaxy Taco in La Jolla (2259 Avenida de la Playa, galaxytaco.com). “Fresa” is Spanish for strawberry, and while the idea of strawberries mixed with jalapeños might come across a bit strange in the abstract, together they make for a surprisingly pleasing swirl of flavors (along with hibiscus, lime and tequila). It’s more sweet than spicy, though the burn does arrive eventually—just give it a second. And lest there be any confusion about what kind of experience is in store, the cocktail comes garnished with a slice of strawberry and jalapeno skewered together. I don’t necessarily suggest biting them together, but if it works in the drink, why not? Those with a low tolerance for spicy foods might want to tread carefully and stick to the subtler approach of the Trust Cocktail #2, though all three drinks are well worth a taste. I drank them all pretty quickly, myself. But then again, they were a hell of a lot more appetizing than a spiked V-8.
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JUNE 13, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 23
Bitter sweet
JUSTIN MCCHESNEY-WACHS
AROMATICS MAKE EVERYTHING MORE COMPLEX
By Torrey Bailey There are two plant-based flavor agents that court the craft cocktail scene: bitters and shrubs. Most drinkers are familiar with bitters, a long-time staple of traditional cocktails such as Old Fashioneds, Moscow Mules, Manhattans and Sazeracs. Bitters are concocted by infusing a neutral spirit with aromatic herbs, bark, roots or fruits, and have popularized in conjunction with the mixology movement. As a result, bitters have expanded past the well-known Angostura and Peychaud’s varieties to include local producers and approximately a zillion flavors. “Sometimes you just need bitters. It’s like seasoning for food if it comes off a little bland, and just needs a little added complexity,” says Jeff Josenhans, beverage director at the Grant Grill Lounge (326 Broadway, grantgrill.com). The Grant’s Voodoo Priestess mixes Appleton 12-year-old rum, Golden Moon Dry Curacao, citrus and Marie Laveau Bitters, which are tobacco flavored and named after the illustrious New Orleans voodoo master. These bitters produce a strong clove aroma, like the sweetness of my grandpa’s pipe smoke. It’s a nostalgic and distinguished
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Ultra Violet cocktail that complements the U.S. Grant Hotel’s timeless charm. Bonus goth points: There’s an actual voodoo doll frozen into the cocktail’s ice cube, which bartenders will melt down so customers can take the doll home. “Bitters should be used in drinks with fewer ingredients so they shine through,” says Sycamore Den (3391 Adams Ave., sycamoreden.com) bartender Josue Gonzalez. Sycamore Den’s Willy Maize uses just three ingredients: bourbon, whiskey barrel bitters and a house-made popcorn cordial. The bourbon and bitters tame the saltysweetness of the popcorn cordial, which comes through as the main flavor profile.
TORREY BAILEY
It goes down easy and is one of Sycamore Den’s most popular cocktails since the cordial is made from the bar’s leftover Tajindashed popcorn, a favorite of regulars. Unlike bitters’ knack for turning herbs and fruits, well, bitter, shrub syrups bring out their innate sweetness. According to Angel Rodriguez of The Nolen (453 Sixth Ave., thenolenrooftop.com), shrubs have been creeping into the craft scene more and more. At The Nolen, the shrubs are made in-house from blended fruits that are boiled down in sugar and vinegar (typically apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar). The result is a fruity and acidic concentrate. “I think the best way to be creative is to think, ‘What are you throwing away?’” says Rodriguez, who uses leftover blackberries, kiwi, strawberry and bell peppers. My favorite cocktail there, the Ultra Violet, mixed the kiwi shrub with blanco tequila, orange, ginger syrup and blueberry blonde ale. Rodriguez’s Touched by Angel, implementing the blackberry shrub along with mezcal, mirto, lime, grapefruit and agave, was a close second. Still, I learned the most shrub knowledge from Kearny Mesa hidden gem and industry favorite SOHO Gastropub (4633 Convoy St. Ste 103, sohogastropubsd.com). One of the lead bartenders there, Lucas Ryden, created Nostrum, a local shrub company now used
Nostrum cocktails by Campfire, Polite Provisions and other prominent craft cocktail bars. At SOHO, the How The West Was Juan was the pinnacle of my shrub and bitters research, since both ingredients appear in the recipe: Buffalo Trace bourbon, angostura bitters, Nostrum grapefruit chipotle piloncillo shrub, tamarind and lemon. Spirit-forward, fruity and slightly spicy, I would buy growlers of it. It’s that good. “Most people think cocktails are one dimensional and spirit-driven,” said SOHO bar lead Jonny Nguyen. “And even though these are spirit-driven cocktails with bourbon, we don’t think about masking those spirits. We think about combining other flavors to promote that one spirit.” If I were to predict, shrubs will infiltrate menus by the end of summer since they’re an appropriate tool for day drinking, but bitters will always be the classic cocktail ingredient.
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JUNE 13, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 25
COURTESY OF ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES
Lime time
THE GREEN FRUIT IS SAN DIEGO’S GO-TO CITRUS FOR A REASON
By Seth Combs It has recently come to be that my once ubiquitous use of hot sauce has now been replaced with putting lime juice on just about everything. The same goes for cocktails. I’ve been increasingly attracted to micheladas, mojitos, margaritas and just about any other cocktail that features lime juice. But for this feature, I really wanted to seek out some creative alternatives to the usual lime-based suspects. I started at Cloak & Petal (1953 India St., cloakandpetal.com), the newish Japanese social dining joint in Little Italy. I had heard that the sake and cocktail list was particularly creative, emphasizing artisanal Japanese ingredients and spirits. I tried a High Kick, a genmaicha-infused reposado tequila cocktail that includes lime, spiced ginger, cucumber and a pinch of salt. The lime, however, was barely there. But the green citrus shines in the Devil’s Advocate, a tropical concoction that is made with rum, cashew milk, lime juice, bitters and more rum. Sweet and tart at the same time, the lime’s slight sourness is a supporting player (I mean, there’s a lot of rum), albeit one whose part packs a punch. The cashew milk gives it a smooth, almost White Russian-like consistency, which could be off-putting to those who don’t like dairy, but it’s worth noting that I can’t stand milky drinks and I loved the Devil’s Advocate. A perfect summertime order, it’s worth pairing with some sashimi or the jalapeño-topped Ceviche Roll. After Cloak & Petal, I headed to the Gaslamp to try the Hot Chilaka at The Smoking Gun (555 Market St., thesmokinggunsd.com). While The Smoking Gun is essentially an upscale sports bar (not usually my scene), the craftiness when COURTESY OF THE SMOKING GUN
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Devil’s Advocate it comes to drinks is evident. The Hot Chilaka was an exceptional blend of Los Javis mezcal, St. George green chile vodka, lime, fresh pineapple, firewater bitters and soda. It managed to be both sweet and spicy, bold and refreshing, and the pineapple accents from the juice (complete with foam) were a nice touch. But the Hot Chilaka was a warmup act to the Sal Tí Punch, an addictive recent addition to the menu. It’s an innovative take on a Tí Punch (lime juice, sugar syrup and rhum agricole), the national cocktail of Martinique. Where has this drink been all my life? Mixologist Alex Greg also adds the tips of limes (he calls them “lime nipples”) that have have been cured in kosher salt. The original version is light and almost earthy, but the updated take’s citrusy, salty tones make it more than an update. It’s an upgrade. Light, refreshing and almost grassy. The rum itself (Rhum Clement Rum Premiere Canne) was pleasant enough, but once combined with those limes, it became something like a summer cocktail times a thousand. It’s the national cocktail of the island of me. Ok, that last line makes me think I should probably stop drinking, but I headed to Café Sevilla (353 Fifth Ave., cafesevilla.com/san-diego), because a colleague of mine couldn’t stop raving about some of the new drinks on the menu. Of the newer cocktails on the menu, I was tempted to order the Chilean Midnight Mojito or the Margarita La Mancha, but instead tried the Oaxacan Flower and the GinGin Mule. The former was nice enough, but that GinGin Mule was truly something special. A mix of Uncle Val’s botanical gin, absinthe, ginger syrup, lime juice and topped with soda, it will certainly appeal to licorice fans (thanks to the absinthe). However, the overwhelming nature of the absinthe is balanced out by the rest of the ingredients, with the gin giving it a fresh mouth feel and the lime adding just the right amount of tartness.
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Cool as a cucumber
GOURDS ARE GOOD WHEN IT COMES TO CRISP, REFRESHING COCKTAILS
by Lara McCaffrey Usually added to gin cocktails, the cool, crisp cucumber makes any drink more refreshing. Many San Diego bars with robust craft cocktail programs have cucumber drinks, but I found particularly memorable ones in Downtown, South Park and Pacific Beach. Known for its modern twists on Southern-inspired cuisine, House of Blues Restaurant & Bar (1055 Fifth Ave., houseofblues.com) also boasts a substantial cocktail menu. The Keep on Smilin’ is a summery cucumber gin drink prepared with muddled cucumber, basil and lemon. Like cucumber, the basil in Keep on Smilin’ also boasts a fresh flavor. The citrus added brightness to the drink, making it easy to pour down the hatch. It also has the perfect amount of sweetness, which masks the gin flavor—perfect for anyone that finds the strong tast-
LARA MCCAFFREY
ing than the classic version. This cucumber-forward beverage has been a mainstay on the menu since Lion’s Share opened, according to my bartender. Cucumber’s crisp taste is a great addition to fruity cocktails like the So Fresh & So Green at Backyard Kitchen & Tap (832 Garnet Ave., backyardpb.com). Gin is paired with muddled
Cucumber Gimlet
cucumber and green apple, lime and simple syrup, and served in a frosted coupe cocktail glass with a thin green apple slice. Developed by bartender David Cleland and bar manager Phil Mainini, So Fresh & So Green was a harmony of sweet and fresh flavors. The floating apple slice made me think I’d taste only apple, but the cucumber was just as apparent. Along with simple syrup, the cu-
cumber mellowed out the tartness of green apple and sourness of the lime juice. It had the qualities of what I consider a great cocktail: balance and interesting ingredients. I’m getting myself a cucumber cocktail next time there’s a San Diego heatwave. I found that no matter how it’s prepared—muddled or infused—it left me feeling as cool as a cucumber.
COURTESY OF BACKYARD KITCHEN & TAP
So Fresh & So Green ing liquor to be overwhelming (there’s a lot—trust!) Cucumber freshens up classic cocktails. Case in point: The Cucumber Gimlet at Lion’s Share (629 Kettner Blvd., lionssharesd. com). Gimlets usually contain gin, lime juice, simple syrup and a cucumber slice for garnish. In this version, the Lion’s Share puts the garnish in the starring role with an infused cucumber, rosewater and citrus gin. Topped off with lime juice and a cucumber slice, the Cucumber Gimlet wasn’t too sweet or too sour and vastly more refresh-
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PHOTOS BY JULIA DIXON EVANS
Joe and tell FINDING THE PERFECT BALANCE OF COFFEE AND BOOZE
By Julia Dixon Evans I’m a sucker for coffee and I’m a sucker for a good cocktail. We all know that two good things don’t always make a doubly good thing, because sometimes there are complications (see: fruit + pizza, or friends + benefits). For the most part though, coffee + booze has always been a perfect combo for me. I started with the River Styx at Kindred (1503 30th Ave., barkindred.com). I am an evangelist for this cocktail. I will look strangers in the eye and tell them this is the best cocktail in all of San Diego. Containing bourbon, coffee liqueur, crème de cacao and bitters, the ingredient list is misleading and strangers often look afraid when I insist they try it after they tell me they gave up White Russians after college. It’s a fully translucent, direct drink, perfectly subtle with the barely-there sweetness of an Old Fashioned. It doesn’t even really taste like coffee, and all those strangers are now my best friends. Urban Solace’s (3823 30th St., urbansolace.net) coffee offering is The Dude Abides, a nod to The Big Lebowski and its significant cinematic use of White Russians. I went to Urban Solace on a Wednesday at noon, which, unlike the drink, I don’t know if I should recommend. The cocktail, served in a rocks glass and naturally vegan (with vodka, coffee liqueur, coconut milk, organic chilled coffee and ice), was sweet and creamy, but I also wrote down the generous phrase “liquor-first” in my notebook about the drink’s flavor-profile. Or maybe it was just my Wednesday to-do list. Liquor first.
The Dude Abides
River Styx
caffecalabria.com)—with its longstanding reputation as a coffee roaster and an inhouse bar—seems like a no-brainer. Its cocktail list even has a “Caffe Calabria” section, with three different coffee-infused drinks. I tried two, Gin Caffe (gin, cold brew, cream/ almond milk, honey, cracked coffee beans, orange bitters) and the Hard Coffee (bourbon, chilled coffee, orange curacao, angostura bitters). I requested the Gin Caffe with almond milk for a non-dairy option, which the bartender said made the drink sweeter than usual, but otherwise the same. Both drinks were unsettling at first. (I take it all back! This is like pineapple on pizza! Get yer coffee out of my sleek, sharp booze!) In particular, the first sips of the Hard Coffee really did taste like someone had just spiked my coffee with a splash of whiskey. But it wasn’t long before it settled into its flavor profile and morphed into a glass of bourbon with a good splash of coffee: very acceptable to me. The Gin Caffe was more subtle, a complex, floral cocktail with (eventually) just an edge of cold brew. I would’ve tried more but I was far too wired and drunk. Ah yes, the perfect pair.
Trying to write about cocktails as a mother is equal parts natural and troubling. I’d often say out loud “I wish these bars were open during the school day!” which made me feel deep shame. Madison on Park (4622 Park Blvd., madisononpark.com) doesn’t have school hours, but is thankfully a restaurant. I brought my second grader and her Little House on the Prairie book along while I tried the “Build Your Own Old Fashioned” on the menu. It’s kind of like a BuildA-Bear workshop, but for day-drinking mothers, and with a list of spirits, sweeteners and bitters from which to choose. I selected rye, Autocrat coffee syrup as the sweetener, and the bartender recommended cherry bark vanilla bitters. The drink was delicious: sweeter than a traditional Old Fashioned, incredibly smooth, with the coffee subtle, almost more of a texture than an actual flavor. Finally, Caffe Calabria (3933 University Ave.,
Gin Caffe
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JUNE 13, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 29
PHOTOS BY DAVEY LANDEROS
Don’t be afraid of beer cocktails WHAT HAPPENS WHEN TWO CRAFT WORLDS COLLIDE? GOLD
By Davey Landeros Maybe I’m biased, but I’ve found that most bartenders overlook beer as an ingredient because it is extremely volatile. When used correctly, beer can add textures and flavors that even the most gifted bartenders can’t replicate with spirits and syrups. Thankfully, there are a few bars around town that aren’t afraid to employ beer in their cocktails. The downtown barcade Coin-Op Gaslamp (789 Sixth Ave., coinopgaslamp. com) features the Original Sin. Created by Cassandra Randazzo, this particular beer cocktail is made with coconut- and coffeeinfused Monkey Shoulder scotch, along with Sailor Jerry spiced rum, brown sugar/cinnamon syrup, chocolate bitters, Mother Earth Brew Co.’s Cali Creamin’ On Nitro and garnished with toasted coconut. This cocktail uses the silkiness of the nitrogen to create a sweet, creamy matrix for the other ingredients to harmonize. Randazzo revealed that the Original Sin came about when she tried to make an
Smoke detector
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL CAN EMBOLDEN ANY DRINK
By Beth Demmon I’m a part-time goth at best. But every so often I get the urge to dust off my Bauhaus records and apply black eyeliner à la Siouxsie Sioux. After seeing an endless stream of jetblack charcoal cocktails splashed all over my Instagram feed for the past few months, the bats within me simply had to be released and I had to go try some of these smoky drinks for myself. It only takes a pinch of activated charcoal to transform a mixed drink into a spooky delight. Any more than that and it runs the risk of ruining the delicate flavors cultivated with the other ingredients. Charcoal cocktails are fragile but should not be feared— much like goths themselves. Despite the tropically influenced summer beverage menus across San Diego, there are a few dark-hearted mixologists eschewing cocktail umbrellas and pineapple slices in favor of shadowy spirits with (supposed) antioxidant properties. Some embrace both the light and dark, like South Park’s Kindred (1503 30th St., barkindred. com). Its lauded cocktail menu is littered with drinks in every hue, from pale peach to the coal-black Malevolent Grain. The latter includes gin, tequila, ancho chile liqueur,
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Original Sin Old Fashioned with Xocoveza, a mole stout by Stone Brewing. Xocoveza overwhelmed the rest of the drink, but she found success with Cali Creamin.’ My personal opinion is that the drink had aspects of a tiki-style cocktail so I reordered the drink with a hefeweizen to see how the banana-clove properties would work. While the spiced rum came forward, it lacked the mocha tones and texture of Randazzo’s superior recipe. George’s at the Cove’s Level2 (1250 Prospect St., georgesatthecove.com) in La
Jolla recently debuted a number of San Diego neighborhood-themed cocktails, and the Ocean Beach features Alpine Duet IPA and a hop butter that’s fat-washed in Calwise Big Sur gin, along with Mandarine Napoleon, lemon juice, oleo saccharum and orange blossom oolong tea syrup. Head bartender Stephen Kurpinsky utilizes a lot of advanced techniques, and I feared that the numerous ingredients would mask the beer. From the aroma to the finish, the IPA makes its presence known. Each ingredient is expressed but also accentuates the beer. The plethora of sugars pushes back the bitterness of the IPA to aid the delivery of hop tones. My only hang-up about this cocktail is the missed opportunity to use a beer from Pizza Port, but Duet worked very well. Neighborhood (777 G St., neighborhoodsd.com) in the East Village has a notoriously awesome beer selection, so I was eager to try its simply named IPA Cocktail. The menu only listed Aperol, fresh-squeezed lemon and housemade orgeat (which indludes almond milk, almond extract, simple syrup and touch of rosewater). The bartender recommended a fruity, hazy IPA so I chose Half Door’s Hype Machine Hazy IPA. The cocktail was a bright pink color and smelled like pink, cherry lemonade. The IPA bitterness relaxed the sweet orgeat, while pineycitrus hops played well with the lemon and Aperol. The beer added body to the texture without making it cloyingly sweet. I reordered the drink with Karl Strauss
etary recipes (which seems like a much more common approach). Still, they’re not totes basic; the Mimosa adds celery, lemon, apple, alkaline water and blood orange agave nectar to the obvious champagne and charcoal for a sweet walk on the dark side. Madison’s Black Bloody Mary is closer to its archetype, with the standard house Bloody Mary mix, vodka and accoutrements like cracked pepper and olives. The twist here is activated coconut charcoal which, to be honest, is a little weird in a savory drink, but it’s definitely worth trying. Strangely enough, straightlaced La Jolla is home to The Southerner, an ebony-hued drink created by Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa’s food CRYSTAL TURK and beverage director, Danny Fancher, and served at the hotel’s signature restaurant Mustangs & Burros (9700 North Torrey Pines Road, meritagecollection.com/ estancia-la-jolla). This charcoal cocktail contains blackberry lavender barrel-aged Jack Daniels, housemade cherry bitters and a splash of ginger beer atop Coconut Charcoal SuperAde by Sol-ti (a local coldpressed juice company). There’s a lot going on with this one, but honestly the side-eyes from other patrons confused by the elixir are totally worth it. Finally, Campfire (2725 State St., thisiscampfire.com) has been sizzling since it opened in Carlsbad in 2016. Bar manager Malevolent Grain Leigh Lacap is known for infusing cocktails
rice nectar, lime, singed rosemary and— of course—charcoal. Its place on the “Refreshing” section of the menu is appropriate (despite its deceptively inky appearance), and it’s only one of the several charcoal cocktails on its ever-rotating menu. There’s even a non-alcoholic charcoal drink dubbed The Miracle Cure. I’m not sure about that claim, but it’s tasty all the same. Madison on Park (4622 Park Blvd., madisononpark.com) in University Heights offers two black drinks on its menu: a Black Magic Mimosa and Black Bloody Mary. These iterations are unique in that they riff off of classic cocktails as opposed to propri-
Ocean Beach 29th Anniversary, a pinot noir barrel-aged saison with brettanomyces yeast and pink peppercorns. The saison and wine barrel amplified the almond-cherry tones of the orgeat and added a crisp, dry mouth feel, which I preferred. Typically, I follow the adage of “trust your bartender,” but the fun part of cocktails is switching up ingredients on the fly until everything is just right; a luxury brewers don’t have. I say order two and have some fun with different beers.
LYUDMILA ZOTOVA
Charred Cactus with smoke and other fiery elements, but the Charred Cactus relies more on flavor than looks for its smoky appeal. To be frank, it’s not the best looking cocktail of the bunch; it’s more gray than black, which can be a little jarring. But Lacap’s expertise makes it a worthwhile enterprise. The ashy appearance actually comes from the charred nopales syrup rather than activated charcoal, due to the fact that the charcoal is actually infused with the tequila beforehand. Add a splash of lime juice and peach purée and voilà: a smoky delight.
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CULTURE | FILM
All in the family
Incredibles 2
Brad Bird returns to the land of Pixar with a superhero sequel by Glenn Heath Jr.
I
n one form or fashion, parents spend most waking ist named The Screenslaver who uses every type of moments trying to shield their children from the monitor to control minds. This leaves Bob begrudgimpending realities of adulthood. This is not un- ingly in charge of all things parental, including but like the one-way relationship superheroes forge with not limited to teaching Dash “new math,” providing helpless citizens during multiple city-killing disasters emotional support for Violet’s first date, and solving in The Incredibles, Pixar’s mid-century modern gem the nuclear bomb of competing powers that is their from 2004. Responsibility lies at the heart of both infant Jack-Jack. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it’s the domestic angst— interconnections, and writer/director Brad Bird purposefully (and blissfully) aligns private sacrifices with ripe with comedic banter and slapstick—that resonates more than Bird’s kinetic fight scenes or gravity defying those made on the world’s grandest stage. The film’s central conflict upends both dynamics: chases through the sky. An incredibly funny set piece Faced with mounting negative press from expensive depicting Bob’s first night alone with the kids taps into acts of destruction, American politicians make the rash a parental anxiety that hits very close to home. Batdecision to criminalize “Supers” like Mr. Incredible tling nefarious villains intent on global domination (Craig T. Nelson) and Elastigirl (Holly Hunter), forcing is peanuts compared to controlling Jack-Jack’s shapethese paladins to accept an unexceptional life of con- shifting mood swings or Dash’s hyper hyperactivity. Eventually, the A and B narraformity as Bob and Helen Parr. tives collide with mixed results. The married couple’s outlaw INCREDIBLES 2 But Bird injects enough sincerity status affects their two young and affection to forgive his clumchildren even more profoundly. Directed by Brad Bird sier attempts at making stateDenied an opportunity to deStarring Craig T. Nelson, ments about governmental overvelop their powers and identiHolly Hunter, Sarah Vowell sight, rampant consumerism and ties, speedy tween Dash (Spenand Spencer Fox technological obsession, all obcer Fox) and moody teen Violet Rated PG vious parallels with reality that (Sarah Vowell) act out in order to don’t easily cohere. Incredibles 2 break free of repression. With so works best when it keeps things many themes and ideas at play in the original, it seemed natural that Pixar and Bird simple, focusing on how characters process everyday would eventually develop a sequel. Ironically, despite frustrations requiring supreme patience. Many of Bird’s best feature films pay special attentaking 14 years to arrive in theaters, Incredibles 2 picks up immediately where its predecessor left off, a cre- tion to the theme of sacrifice in relation to parents ative decision that solidifies the film’s sense of time and parental figures (The Iron Giant remaining to this day his ultimate achievement). Incredibles 2 bafflingly and space while blurring our own. Dash and Violet’s increased self-awareness has veers away from this motif, celebrating worthy topical permanently altered the Parr family dynamic. A elements in simplistic ways while striving to right the breakneck opening action sequence showcases less political wrongs established in the first film. It’s an ina team effort than individual pursuits of a burrow- herently less personal experience as a result. On the whole, though, Incredibles 2 (opening wide ing bank robber called The Underminer, whose havoc-wreaking chaos ends up landing both Bob and Friday, June 15) celebrates parental flexibility—comHelen’s alter super egos back in the unwanted spot- promises made and pride swallowed—as an art form light. Further social exile seems definite until media perfected over a life’s work. To paraphrase the Parr’s moguls Winston (Bob Odenkirk) and Evelyn Deavor great superhero costume designer Edna Mode (voiced (Catherine Keener) recruit the Parr matriarch for an by Bird himself), parenting is a worthy vocation when elaborate crime-fighting publicity campaign, hoping done right. The same could be said of saving the world, but that can always wait until after bedtime. to change the public’s perception of superheroes. Unlike the original, Incredibles 2 dedicates a lot of energy to advancing a more conventional plot. Film reviews run weekly. Elastigirl must track down an anti-capitalist terror- Write to glennh@sdcitybeat.com
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JUNE 13, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 31
CULTURE | FILM How to Talk to Girls at Parties: John Cameron Mitchell adapts a Neil Gaiman short story in this wild spectacle about a shy London teenager who becomes infatuated with a girl while out partying for the night. Incredibles 2: Brad Bird’s Pixar sequel picks up where the 2004 original left off, with the incredible Parr family trying to figure out how to assimilate into a society that has outlawed superheroes. Ken Classics: A weeklong program of classic films that includes screenings of Full Metal Jacket, The Last Emperor and Throne of Blood, among others. Opens Friday, June 15, at the Ken Cinema.
Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
The good place
G
oodness might have been a brand for cultural icon Fred Rogers, but it was also a way of life. His pivotal children’s television show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, which ran on PBS and other affiliates for over three decades, confronted injustices and traumas of the day through allegory, kindness and sincerity. Morgan Neville’s lovely new documentary, Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, surveys Rogers’ career and personal life hoping to capture the singularity of his spellbinding integrity which made such an impact on generations of young viewers. The film progresses in linear fashion, beginning with Rogers’ background as an ordained minister and his early forays with artistic creation, which leads into his development of his becoming a seminal voice in securing government funding for public television. Initially, it feels all too familiar structurally. But as behind-thescenes segments seamlessly merge together with measured grace, giving archival interviews and talking heads room to breath and reminisce, Won’t You Be My Neighbor? achieves a level of simple harmony between form and subject. At one point Rogers gives a beautiful monologue on how to grapple with the modula-
32 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JUNE 13, 2018
tions of life through patience and virtue, and Neville applies the same tactics to the film’s style. Won’t You Be My Neighbor? is less inclined to tackle the darker implications of Rogers’ professional pragmatism and ideological rigidity. François Clemmons, who played the fictional neighborhood’s friendly police officer, talks frankly about how his co-star responded negatively to news that he was gay, citing fears that advertisers would pull funding. While this subplot never gets fleshed out like so many others, credit Neville for at least considering the possibility that Rogers was not a saint. Most important of all, Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (opening Friday, June 15) offers viewers respite from the Trumpian culture that’s taken root in this country, reminding that kindness can be an effective marketing tool when given the chance.
—Glenn Heath Jr.
OPENING A Kid Like Jake: The parents of a four-year-old boy who prefers Disney princesses over toy cars must navigate an unforgiving school admittance program in New York City. Opens Friday, June 15, at the Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.
SuperFly: This reimagining of the 1972 blaxploitation classic follows the criminal exploits of a charismatic gangster. Opens wide Wednesday, June 13. Tag: Former classmates organize an elaborate, year-spanning game of tag that gets more serious with each challenge. Stars Jeremy Renner, Jon Hamm and Annabelle Wallis. The Gospel According to André: Looks at the life and career of André Leon Talley, former Vogue magazine editor-atlarge and one of the fashion industry’s most influential icons. Opens Friday, June 15, at AMC Mission Valley Cinemas. Won’t You Be My Neighbor?: Morgan Neville’s moving documentary of television icon Fred Rogers doubles as a historical survey of how American values have changed. Opens Friday, June 15, at Angelika Film Centers—Carmel Mountain and Landmark Hillcrest Cinemas.
ONE TIME ONLY Scarface: Brian De Palma’s epic gangster film stars Al Pacino as a Cuban born immigrant who rises to rank of kingpin during the cocaine craze of the ’80s. Screens at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 13, at Arclight Cinemas La Jolla. Grease: John Travolta stars as a bad boy who fawns after Olivia NewtonJohn’s good girl in this 1950s-set musical. Screens at 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 13, at The Pearl Hotel in Point Loma. Friends by Chance: A 22-year-old slacker is forced to get a job as a companion to an elderly poet in need of a friend. Screens at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 14, at La Paloma Theatre in Encinitas.
For complete movie listings, visit Film at sdcitybeat.com.
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VICTORIA KOVIOS
MUSIC
Ishmael Butler and Tendai Maraire habazz Palaces have been making music for nearly a decade, and yet that music still sounds as if it’s coming to us from some distant future. The Seattle-based hip-hop duo of Tendai Maraire and Ishmael Butler don’t make rap music that feels connected to any trends or regional scenes. They evade the classic boom-bap sound of ’90s-era rap and the contemporary bounce of trap alike. Instead, the group takes on a more progressive approach that employs complex rhythmic structures and time signatures. Four albums and two EPs deep into their discography
thus far, Shabazz Palaces are continuously evolving and reinventing themselves. As conceptual and intricate as Shabazz Palaces’ music is—and their surrealist thematic elements for that matter—there are reflections of something real and relatable underneath. On a pair of albums released last year, the complementary Quazarz vs. the Jealous Machines and Quazarz: Born on a Gangster Star, Butler uses the perspective of the fictional title character to examine a technologically-obsessed dystopia, one that seems all too familiar. On “Self Made Follownaire,” Butler describes armageddon as
an orgy of indulgence: “These are the times/ Wrecking the world was the best days of our lives.” And on “Welcome to Quazarz,” there’s little to no metaphor involved when he announces, “I’m from the United States of Amurderca, myself... we post-language, baby, we talk with guns.” Much of the group’s music is born out of improvisation, and lines tend to just come to Butler without him overthinking it. But that means he’s often tapping into something that’s been weighing on him, and music gives him the opportunity to channel that constructively. “It’s important to have an outlet and a release,” he says. “And something like the presidential race or the way police behave, those things affect you when you see them and feel them and they touch your life. So it’s good to have a place where you can do something with those feelings. “At this point in my life I probably use music as therapy without even noticing it as such,” he adds. “It’s like going to talk to a friend. It’s there, and it doesn’t always have to be about catharsis, it can be silly or about being in love. It doesn’t require anything specific, but that aspect is real.” One of the highlights of the Quazarz series, as well as a track that takes an unusual approach for Shabazz Palaces, is “Shine A Light.” Instead of the more atmospheric sound that defines the two records, the single—along with its strange video depicting Butler as some kind of animal baby—is more soulful and catchy, and features a sample of Dee Dee Sharp’s “I Really Love You.” It’s a unique piece of music in their catalog, but it’s also a slight callback to Digable Planets, the hip-hop group that Butler co-founded in the ’90s, and who often used jazz or funk samples in their tracks. He’s since moved away from samplebased music for the most part, but got such a strong response when experimenting with the track that it ended up being the first single released from the two albums. “I come from a sampling background in music,” he says. “I started out playing alto saxophone, but then when I first made music in the ’90s, I was a sampler. So I always kind of had it in my DNA. Coming of age in the hip-hop era when sampling was just how you did it. That song was an experiment where, when I let people I work with hear it,
they encouraged me to move forward with it. I already don’t use much sampling because it’s just a hassle to deal with. When you’re putting a record out and you need to clear samples, it takes a long time to wait for that shit to happen. I stopped being interested in sampling for myself when I started getting more into instruments and that kinda thing, so I kind of left it behind. But this time, it was sort of a remnant from that era.” “Shine A Light” is an anomaly in another way, in that it’s one of the few Shabazz Palaces songs that actually sounds like a single. Not many of their songs are even structured with clear-cut verses or choruses. It isn’t mainstream music, and for that matter, it isn’t even their aim. Butler, who once had a hit with Digable Planets’ gold-selling “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat),” doesn’t have much interest in following the conventions of pop music, and for that matter, finds it odd that so many artists would put much effort into making music that sounds like someone else. “I just believe that the likelihood of creative people all pursuing the same form isn’t really genuine unless it’s meant for a marketplace or where it’s going to be evaluated,” he says. “I just don’t believe in that, so I don’t do it. It’s not about sitting around and saying ‘Alright, we got to be different.’ It think it’s stranger that so many people do it the same way, because I know people have different ways of being creative. I think it’s odd that people do things so similarly, but it is what it is.” Whatever record Shabazz Palaces release next will most likely be much different than the two Quazarz LPs, which were themselves considerably different than the first two records the group released. Their old songs are still a part of their performances, but creatively speaking, Shabazz Palaces are only concerned with one thing: the future. “My relationship with music I’ve already recorded is kind of like an old girlfriend that you aren’t with anymore, but there are no bad feelings,” he says. “When you revisit, it’s cool. It’s happy. You think about good times and have fond memories of it, but you’ve moved on. It’s not a good thing or bad thing, it’s just the way it is.” Write to jefft@sdcitybeat.com. Follow him on Twitter @1000TimesJeff
JUNE 13, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 33
MUSIC
NOTES FROM THE SMOKING PATIO
BY RYAN BRADFORD THE
SPOTLIGHT
LOCALS ONLY
M
embers of Wild Wild Wets and Sleeping Ghost have announced a new project called COMMANDc. The duo, comprising Mike Turi and Rory Truesdale, will make their debut at the San Diego Freak Out on June 22 at Helmuth Projects. The concert will also feature performances by local bands New Me and Well Well Well, along with French band Juniore. The new collaboration comes as a result of an extended period of collecting some vintage hardware, as well as an urge to move away from the more sample-based material of Turi’s solo project, Dream Joints. “I wanted to do something hands-on with all the keyboards I’ve been collecting,” says Turi. “I wanted to make some larger, more spacious tracks.” Truesdale and Turi previously worked together as members of the band The Old In Out, and last year they played a Halloween set as Nico & The Bunnymen, in which they played Echo & the Bunnymen songs in the style of Nico
(and the Velvet Undergound) and vice-versa. But in the process of making that project happen, they transitioned over into some new material, which leans heavy on synth-based drones influenced by the likes of krautrock pioneers Neu! and synth-punks Suicide. “We were doing a project last summer called Nico and the Bunnymen, and we released a six-track album,” he says. “Everything just kind of worked itself out. The songs are BRANDY BELL / STRANGERS IN A FIRE each seven to 10 minutes apiece, but they’re pretty minimal. They carry their own weight though.” Turi says that preparing for the band’s debut COMMANDc show has been a little bit of a challenge, since they’re trying to fit 35 minutes of material into a 30-minute live set. But regardless of figuring out the logistics of it, actually writing the songs came pretty easy to Turi. “It feels very organic,” he says. “It’s like I had written these songs already.”
—Jeff Terich
(PLEASE) DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK
sis owned up to his crimes in a long apology on the band’s Facebook page after his release. But a social media apology f all the bands I never expected to see reunite in is pretty thin as far as atonement is concerned. It’s likewise 2018, As I Lay Dying sits somewhere near the top disappointing that anyone would book the band so quickly. What’s even more baffling is that his former of the list. There’s a very good reason MATTHIAS BAUER bandmates apparently have no problem getting for that: In May of 2014, the band’s singer, Tim back to working with him so quickly, especially Lambesis, was sentenced to six years in prison considering their statements at the time. for hiring a hitman to kill his wife in 2013. “Your jaw drops to the floor,” said the band’s Lambesis is now out of prison on parole, and Phil Sgrosso in a 2014 Noisey article written by this past week, the band announced that they’d Peter Holslin, my predecessor as music editor be performing their first show with Lambesis at CityBeat. “But you’re so thankful that he got in five years at SOMA on June 16, as well as recaught, Meggan’s OK. And you think about the leasing a new single. It’s all pretty routine stuff kids, and you’re just, like, ‘Is everyone OK?’ At for a big-selling band that ends up getting back this point, I don’t care about Tim.” together with the intent of reviving something So much for that. Lambesis, like anyone that proved successful in the past. Except for the who’s been through our prison system, depart where he tried to have his wife murdered. serves a second chance of course, but this is a That’s a hard thing to get past. I’m not goTim Lambesis really shitty way to get it started. If he’s sincere ing to claim every artist I listen to is a saint, but the least I can say is that they’ve never pleaded guilty to so- about being a better person, he shouldn’t be trying to immelicitation of murder. That’s the absolute least one can ask. diately cash a check from a reunion tour, and the same goes Yet, five years later, he’s back to capitalizing on a legacy that for his bandmates. If he looks to get on the road to redemption, he’s headed in the wrong direction. should have been finished.
O
Lambesis’ wife wasn’t murdered, thankfully, and Lambe-
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AIJA LEHTONEN / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Janelle Monáe
A
frofuturism is fascinating and, unfortunately, far too complex of a concept to fully explore here. The term basically applies to how the African/ Black experience intersects with technology (which, in this day and age, is pretty much synonymous with society). And although the term was coined in 1993, artists, musicians and writers have been producing work that aligns with Afrofuturism since the '50s. Early practitioners like Octavia Butler, George Clinton and Sun Ra laid the groundwork for Colson Whitehead, OutKast and Black Panther. But there are few artists whose works incorporate Afrofuturism as explicitly as Janelle Monáe. The woman is practically a walking Sci-fi novel, and as cliché as it sounds, her music is not of this world. That is, it’s unclassifiable in the same way that Prince or Bowie were. She dabbles in soul, funk, hip-hop, dance and rock, but filters it all through an intergalactic lens. Her new album, Dirty Computer, is one of the year’s best because it’s not only filled with bangers (I dare you to try and stand still during “Make Me Feel”) but—like all great works of the Sci-fi genre—it makes a poignant commentary on the present. “If you try to grab my pussy cat, this pussy grab you back,” she sings on “I Got the Juice”—a direct response to the Trumpian entitlement to women’s bodies. Please, Janelle Monáe, lead us into the future. Janelle Monáe plays Wednesday, June 20 at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre.
—Jeff Terich
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JUNE 13, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 35
36 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JUNE 13, 2018
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MUSIC SHERVIN LAINEZ
JEFF TERICH SATURDAY, JUNE 16
danceable sensibility, while locals Mannequin offer some catchy gloom and Sashcloth & Axes make ferocious synthpunk. PLAN B: Poor, Low and Be Told, Los Pinche Pinches @ Whistle Stop. Three different bands with three different takes on punk, with Poor’s being the most rhythmically complex and intense. BACKUP PLAN: Sundrop Electric, The Lover The Liar @ The Merrow.
PLAN A: ‘A Ship in the Woods Festival’ w/ Shabazz Palaces, No Age, Ice Balloons, etc. @ Felicita Park. Read my feature this week on Shabazz Palaces, the Seattle hiphop group that’s headlining this night of A Ship in the Woods Festival. For more on the festival, check out this week’s Short List. PLAN B: The Bassics, Gilbert Castellanos, Pequeno Asteroide, Parker Meridien, INUS @ Boys and Girls Club of South County. South County mod rockers The Bassics are having a release show that features an impressively eclectic set of bands, from local jazz icon Gilbert Castellanos to hip-hop trio The Parker Meridien and noise prog weirdos INUS. It’ll be like a mini-festival unto itself. BACKUP PLAN: Veronica May, Golden Hour, The Havnauts @ The Casbah.
FRIDAY, JUNE 15
SUNDAY, JUNE 17
IF I WERE U A music insider’s weekly agenda WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13
PLAN A: Black Milk with Nat Turner, Zee Will, Sunny Levine @ Soda Bar. Black Milk has been helping to keep Detroit’s name among some of America’s best hip-hop cities for more than a decade. And with Nat Turner, his backing band, Black Milk has also turned that into an even funkier live experience. PLAN B: The Cult @ Del Mar Fairgrounds. After beginning their career as the uber-goth Southern Death Cult, the UK’s The Cult evolved into an ’80s stadium rock band with some AC/DC sized ambitions. This show will be fun regardless, but if they work in some classics like “Rain,” that’s all the better. BACKUP PLAN: Flatbush Zombies @ SOMA.
THURSDAY, JUNE 14
PLAN A: Zanias, Mannequin, Sashcloth & Axes, DJs Fn1, Disorder @ SPACE. There’s never a bad time to indulge in a night of synthheavy goth, and this show has some bands worth adding to anyone’s darkwave playlist. Zanias is a Berlin-based artist with a dark,
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PLAN A: Brownout, Money Chicha @ The Casbah. Brownout is a “hardcore Latin funk” group that’s gone through some different phases of interpreting other artists’ music. Their latest release is called Fear of a Brown Planet, and sounds essentially like Public Enemy being performed by The J.B.’s, but without lyrics. It’s odd, but very cool. PLAN B: The Skull, Earthride, Hyborian @ Soda Bar. Stoner rock bands are a dime a dozen, but when it’s done right, it can be pretty badass. The Skull have a particularly heavy style, with some stellar melodies at that.
PLAN A: ‘A Ship in the Woods Festival’ w/ Built to Spill, Bill Callahan, EMA, etc. @ Felicita Park. Night two of Ship Fest brings another batch of great bands, including the amazing singer/songwriter Bill Callahan, who rarely makes his way around these parts. PLAN B: Post Animal, Slow Pulp, Los Shadows @ Soda Bar. Post Animal’s music is catchy, fun and fuzzy, but more than anything it’s big on really great sounding guitar riffs. People have been making guitar rock for decades, so it’s good to hear a band that can make it sound novel.
Stars
MONDAY, JUNE 18
PLAN A: This Will Destroy You @ Belly Up Tavern. I’ve never been sure if This Will Destroy You’s name was meant in terms of their sonic power or their emotional weight. Or both, since the post-rock outfit’s instrumental compositions are both loud and capable of evoking lots of feelings. Bring earplugs and, if necessary, some tissues.
TUESDAY, JUNE 19
PLAN A: Stars, Shamir @ Belly Up Tavern. Canadian indie pop outfit Stars first caught my attention with their excellent 2003 single “Elevator Love Letter,” and though I admit to having some gaps in their catalog, the classics hold up. Make it to this show early for Shamir, whose 2015 album Ratchet was one of that year’s best.
JUNE 13, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 37
MUSIC
CONCERTS HOT! NEW! FRESH!
Dentists (SPACE, 8/1), Shawn Colvin (BUT, 8/12), Boris (Casbah, 8/15), Otep (Brick by Brick, 8/19), Flynt Flossy and Turquoise Jeep (Soda Bar, 8/23), Six Organs of Admittance (Brick by Brick, 8/24), Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever (Soda Bar, 8/25), The Exploited (Observatory, 8/29), B-Side Players (Music Box, 9/1), Jeremih (Observatory, 9/4), Nothing (Soda Bar, 9/22), U-God (Soda Bar, 9/25), Houndmouth (Observatory, 9/26), Chelsea Wolfe, Russian Circles (Music Box, 10/3), Hozier (Observatory, 10/15), Alkaline Trio (HOB, 10/15), Ghost (Spreckels Theatre, 11/12).
GET YER TICKETS Janelle Monae (Open Air Theater, 6/20), Seu Jorge (BUT, 6/24), Kina Grannis (Music Box, 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), Car Seat Headrest (SOMA, 7/21), Logic (Mattress Firm Amphitheatre, 7/24), The Decemberists (Humphreys, 7/30), American Football, Phoebe Bridgers (Observatory, 8/3), Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Dwight Yoakam (Open Air Theatre, 8/3), Hop Along (Irenic, 8/5), Shooter Jennings (BUT, 8/8), SOB x RBE (SOMA,
8/9), Willie Nelson (Humphreys, 8/10), ‘X-Fest’ w/ Beck, Death Cab for Cutie (SDCCU Stadium, 8/11), Buddy Guy, Johnny Lang (Humphreys, 8/14), Chris Stapleton (Mattress Firm, 8/16), Deafheaven (Brick by Brick, 8/17), Red Fang, Elder (Brick by Brick, 8/20), J. Cole (Viejas Arena, 8/22), Phillip Phillips (Humphreys, 8/22), The Alarm (BUT, 8/23), Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson (Mattress Firm Amphitheatre, 8/24), Napalm Death (Brick by Brick, 8/27), Peter Frampton (Harrahs SoCal, 8/29), 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), Murder by Death (BUT, 9/11), YOB (Brick by Brick, 9/14), Jason Aldean (Mattress Firm, 9/20), Thrice (HOB, 9/20-9/21), The Eagles (Petco Park, 9/22), Grizzly Bear (Observatory, 9/24), First Aid Kit (Observatory, 9/25), Deep Purple, Judas Priest (Mattress Firm, 9/26), Loudon Wainwright III (BUT, 9/27), Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band (Humphreys, 9/27), Natalie Prass (Casbah, 9/30), Courtney Barnett, Waxahatchee (Observatory, 10/3), Roky Erickson (Casbah, 10/5), The B-52’s (Humphreys, 10/6), Ozzy Osbourne (Mattress Firm, 10/9), Mew (Observatory, 10/9), Shannon and the Clams (BUT, 10/10), The Joy Formidable (Casbah, 10/17), D.R.I. (Brick by Brick, 10/20), Simple Minds (Humphreys, 10/22), Dawes (Observatory, 10/29), The Selecter, The English Beat (Casbah, 11/2), Clan of Xymox (Casbah, 11/3), Khruangbin (Observatory, 11/10), Neko Case, Destroyer (Observatory, 12/8), Fleetwood Mac (Viejas Arena, 12/8), Ministry (HOB, 12/18).
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JUNE WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13 Black Milk at Soda Bar. Sunflower Bean at Ché Café. Flatbush Zombies at SOMA. Reptaliens at The Casbah. The Calling at Belly Up Tavern. The Cult at Del Mar Fairgrounds.
THURSDAY, JUNE 14 Har Mar Superstar at The Casbah. Chad Valley at Soda Bar. Barenaked Ladies at Del Mar Fairgrounds.
FRIDAY, JUNE 15 Brownout at The Casbah. The Highwayman at Belly Up Tavern. The Skull at Soda Bar. Eric Burdon and the Animals at Humphreys by the Bay.
SATURDAY, JUNE 16 Veronica May at The Casbah. The Viceroys at Music Box. The Wild Fires at Soda Bar. ‘A Ship In the Woods Fest’ w/ Built to Spill, Shabazz Palaces, Bill Callahan, No Age at Felicita Park. John Butler Trio at House of Blues. As I Lay Dying at SOMA.
SUNDAY, JUNE 17 Post Animal at Soda Bar. Burna Boy at The Casbah. Day26 at Music Box. ‘A Ship In the Woods Fest’ w/ Built to Spill, Shabazz Palaces, Bill Callahan, No Age at Felicita Park. The Slackers at Harrah’s SoCal.
MONDAY, JUNE 18 This Will Destroy You at Belly Up Tavern. Demerit at Soda Bar.
TUESDAY, JUNE 19 Get Up Kids at The Casbah (sold out). Stars at Belly Up Tavern.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20 Janelle Monáe at Open Air Theater. Men I Trust at The Casbah. Shelter at Soda Bar. Donavon Frankenreiter at Belly Up Tavern. Eric Paslay at Observatory North Park.
THURSDAY, JUNE 21 Bent Knee at Soda Bar. Kenny Chesney at Mattress Firm Amphitheatre.
FRIDAY, JUNE 22 Belle and Sebastian at Observatory North Park (sold out). Dirty Sweet at The Casbah. Dark Star Orchestra at Humphreys by the Bay. Slenderbodies at Soda Bar. Los Beautiful Beast at Belly Up Tavern. Super Diamond at Music Box.
SATURDAY, JUNE 23 Trampled by Turtles at Humphreys by the Bay. Jungle Fire at Soda Bar. Gary Hoey at Brick by Brick. Long Beach Dub All Stars at Observatory North Park. The Creepy Creeps at The Casbah. Armors at SPACE.
SUNDAY, JUNE 24 Shakey Graves at Observatory North Park (sold out). Seu Jorge at Belly Up Tavern. The Bridge City Sinners at The Casbah. Quel Bordel at The Casbah.
MONDAY, JUNE 25 Featherstone at The Casbah. Violent Femmes at Humphreys by the Bay. Silent at Blonde. Ninja Sex Party at SOMA.
TUESDAY, JUNE 26 Flotsam and Jetsam at Brick by Brick. Beres Hammond at Belly Up Tavern.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27 Aaron Neville Duo at Belly Up Tavern. Slum Village at Music Box. Willie Nile at The Casbah. The Fray at Del Mar Fairgrounds.
THURSDAY, JUNE 28 Dave Hillyard and the Rock Steady 7 at The Casbah. Fear at Observatory North Park. Shwayze & Cisco Adler at Music Box. Quintron and Miss Pussycat at Soda Bar. Exmortus at Brick by Brick. Noah Cyrus at Del Mar Fairgrounds.
FRIDAY, JUNE 29 Quiet Slang at Soda Bar. The Go-Go’s at Humphreys by the Bay (sold out). Milk Carton Kids at Belly Up Tavern. Cold Cave at Music Box. Farruko at Observatory North Park. Chuck Ragan at The Casbah. Combichrist at Brick by Brick. Dua Lipa at Open Air Theatre.
SATURDAY, JUNE 30 Magic Giant at Belly Up Tavern. The Regrettes at Ché Café (sold out). SIR at Observatory North Park. Dread Mar I at Music Box. Schizophonics at The Casbah. Negative Gemini at Soda Bar. Mighty Mighty Bosstones at House of Blues. Famous Dex at SOMA.
JULY SUNDAY, JULY 1 The Young Dubliners at Belly Up
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@SDCITYBEAT
JUNE 13, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 39
BY CHRISTIN BAILEY
ASTROLOGICALLY UNSOUND Weekly forecasts from the so-called universe ARIES (March 21 - April 19): Your better judgment speaks to you like a muffled announcement over an airport speaker. It is easy to ignore, but do so at your own risk.
in your home who understands the benefits of wearing expensive matching pajama sets to bed every night.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): People will surprise you this week, but only since your expectations of the world and the people in it are so astonishingly narrow.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): This week, you are the middle figure in an Animorphs book cover transformation. You’re looking pretty weird and ugly, but you’ll get there eventually.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Your favorite song from a musical says a lot about you this week. Of course, the thing that speaks the most damning volumes is that you like musicals at all to begin with.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 December 21): People are going to respond to you this week like they’ve just washed their face and are standing up and looking into the mirror only to reveal you’re suddenly standing behind them.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22): In a
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): It is a lonely joy to be the only person
horror movie, a shut door is the sign of a hidden monster. But how will you know which one you are? A shut door looks and feels about the same whichever side of it you’re on.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January
LEO (July 23 - August 22): They say
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Want a great way to check if you’re a ghost or not? Breathe into a mirror and see whether or not your breath fogs up the glass. Just thought I’d mention it.
that “all is fair in love and war,” but who are they, and can you call pest control to move their nest out of your attic?
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Live by the great white shark ethos: You can make it alone, and you must always move forward. If not, go to Australia and bite a few surfboards because they confuse you.
19): Playing in the suds pouring out of your over-soaped washing machine can truly be great fun when it happens by accident, but not when you do it on purpose.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20): Adulthood begins when you move on from asking, “What if the Matrix is real?” to accepting once and for all that you are lactose intolerant.
Astrologically Unsound appears every week. Follow Christin Bailey on Twitter at @hexprax.
MUSIC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38 Tavern. Transviolet at The Casbah. Katchafire at Music Box. Passafire at Harrah’s SoCal. Sin Bandera at Del Mar Fairgrounds.
MONDAY, JULY 2 Reyno at Soda Bar. Jon Snodgrass and Buddies at The Casbah. The O’Jays at Del Mar Fairgrounds. Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy at Belly Up Tavern.
TUESDAY, JULY 3 New Madrid at Soda Bar. WAR at Del Mar Fairgrounds.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 4 Fleshgod Apocalypse at Brick by Brick. Moe. at Belly Up Tavern.
THURSDAY, JULY 5 Celso Pina at Observatory North Park. Uada at Brick by Brick. Moe. at Belly Up Tavern (sold out). Dead Meadow at The Casbah. Launder at Soda Bar. Kaminanda at Music Box.
FRIDAY, JULY 6 Dead & Company at Mattress Firm Amphitheatre. Forth Wanderers at House of Blues Voodoo Room. The Donkeys at The Casbah. Kottonmouth Kings at Brick by Brick. Metalachi at Belly Up Tavern. Still Woozy at Soda Bar. Primus, Mastodon at Open Air Theatre.
SATURDAY, JULY 7 Vance Joy at Harrah’s SoCal. The Donkeys at The Casbah. Daedelus at Soda Bar.
40 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JUNE 13, 2018
SUNDAY, JULY 8 Petal, Camp Cope at Ché Café. Sully and the Blue-Eyed Soul Band at Belly Up Tavern. Toots and the Maytals at Harrah’s SoCal.
MONDAY, JULY 9 TWRP at Soda Bar.
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710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach. Wed: Sam Pace and the Gilded Grit. Thu: Karaoke. Fri: The Brewhahas, The Brian Jones Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival, The Naked I. Sat: Chugboat, Funk Manifesto. Sun: Karaoke. Air Conditioned Lounge, 4673 30th St., Normal Heights. Wed: ‘Hip Hop Wednesday’ w/ DJs Tramlife, Root, Dauche. Thu: ‘Retrobox’ w/ DJ 1979. Fri: ‘House Music’ w/ DJ Matthew Bryan. Sat: ‘Juicy’ w/ Mike Czech. Sun: ‘Chvrch’ w/ DJs Alice, 2Bit, Will Lavin.
Beaumont’s, 5665 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla. Fri: Potatoes and the Voices. Sat: Moonage Daydreamers. Sun: Kenny Eng. Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. Wed: The Calling, Tearaways. Fri: The Highwayman Show, Shane Shipley Band. Sat: ‘Beatles vs. Stones’ w/ Abbey Road, Jumping Jack Flash. Sun: Greg Douglass Band. Mon: This Will Destroy You. Tue: Stars, Shamir. Black Cat Bar, 4246 University Ave., City Heights. Thu: Uptown Rhythm Makers. Fri: Dirty Pennies, The Loons, Evan Diamond and the Library. Sat: Amigo, Mezzoa, Void Vator. Blonde, 1808 W. Washington St., Mission Hills. Wed: ‘Dance Klassique’ w/ Miguel Rios. Thu: Rock En Espanol Night. Fri: ‘Dance Punk!’. Tue: ‘T is 4 Techno’. Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave., Bay Park. Fri: Metal X, Animal King, Fire Train, The Rookies. Sat: Up the Irons, Priest Unleashed, Hardwired.
American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Ave., Downtown. Fri: Whitney Cummings. Sat: Whitney Cummings.
The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., Middletown. Wed: Reptaliens, Okey Dokey. Thu: Har Mar Superstar, Mission Delerium. Fri: Brownout, Money Chicha. Sat: Veronica May, Golden Hour, Havnauts. Sun: Burna Boy. Tue: Get Up Kids (sold out).
The Bancroft, 9143 Campo Road, Spring Valley. Wed: Karaoke. Thu: Celena Santa Cruz. Fri: DAB, Avenue Army, Robin the Hood, Violent Dreams. Sat: Zeistencroix, Zombie Barbie, Vigil of War. Mon: Without Hope, Breave Hart.
Ché Café, UCSD campus, La Jolla. Wed: Sunflower Bean, Jesse Jo Stark. Fri: Battery Point, Sway, [Con•Tact] Kan Kan, Violent Dreams. Sat: Clear Focus, Drug Control, Dying For It, Frontside. Sun: Crucial Measures, Now What, Throwed Off.
Bang Bang, 526 Market St., Downtown. Fri: Amtrac, Durante. Sat: Sebastien V, Pezzner.
Dirk’s Nightclub, 7662 Broadway, Lemon Grove. Fri: FX5. Sat: DJs Jersan, Calvin.
Bar Pink, 3829 30th St., North Park. Wed: ‘Shock’ w/ DJ Old Man Johnson. Fri: The Anomaly, Husky Boys. Sat: Alvino and the Dwells, Lysergic Reaction. Sun: Clinton Davis, The Attaboys.
Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive, Downtown. Wed: East Meets West vibe summit.
MUSIC CONTINUED ON PAGE 41 @SDCITYBEAT
MUSIC MUSIC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40
Allen. Sun: ‘Stripper Circus’ w/ DJs Cros, Paulo Ramirez.
Fri: Dave Marr Trio. Sat: Matt Hall/Charlie Arbelaez Quartet.
Riviera Supper Club, 7777 University Ave., La Mesa. Wed: ‘Boss Jazz’ w/ Jason Hanna. Thu: Chloe Lou and Davies. Fri: Chickenbone Slim and the Biscuits. Sat: Rosa’s Cantina.
F6ix, 526 F St., Downtown. Thu: DJ Six Foota. Fri: DJ AWALL. Sat: DJ Moe Beatz. Fluxx, 500 Fourth Ave., Downtown. Fri: Romeo Reyes. Sat: DJ Bad. Hoffer’s Cigar Bar, 8282 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa. Sat: Mercedes Moore. Hooley’s, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa. Fri: Amy and the Unknown. Sat: Safety Orange. House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., Downtown. Fri: Randy Houser. Sat: John Butler Trio, Mama Kin Spender. Mon: Trixie Mattel. Humphreys Backstage, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. Wed: Len Rainey. Thu: Rosy Dawn. Fri: Rising Star. Sun: Groove Squad, Missy Andersen. Mon: Missy Andersen. Tue: Whitney Shay.
Wed: Flatbush Zombies. Galactic Backing Track, The Rinds, Dinorah Zamora, 4th N Cedar, Natural Disaster. Sat: As I Lay Dying.
Evan Diamond Goldberg. Thu: Keep Your Soul. Fri: Kenny and Deez, Keep Your Soul. Sat: Keep Your Soul. Sun: Tehila Duo. Tue: Keep Your Soul.
SPACE, 3519 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. Fri: ‘Make Yourself At Home’. Sat: ‘The Stomp’. Tue: Karaoke.
Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St., Bay Park. Thu: Gino and the Lone Gunmen. Fri: Funk’s Most Wanted. Sat: Sleepwalkers, Bonneville 7, Hot Shot Drifters. Sun: Simon Kinny Lewis. Tue: Jukebox Kings.
Rosie O’Gradys, 3402 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Thu: Band of Goodmen. Fri: OrchidMantis. Sat: Jason Hanna and the Bullfighters. Mon: Monday night jazz jam.
Spin, 2028 Hancock St., Middletown. Fri: Anna Lunoe. Sat: Oscar Velasquez, Autumn Leila, Paul Cowling, Techniche. Sun: Golf Clap, Codes.
Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. Wed: Black Milk with Nat Turner, Zee Will, Sunny Levine. Thu: Chad Valley, Brett. Fri: The Skull, Earthride, Hyborian. Sat: The Wild Fires, Emael, TGRDN. Sun: Post Animal, Slow Pulp, Los Shadows.
Sycamore Den, 3391 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Thu: Julia Sage and the Bad Hombres, Grampadrew.
SOMA, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd., Midway.
Til-Two Club, 4746 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. Sat: Le Saboteur, Sun Valley Gun Club, Quo Oso. Sun: Pants Karaoke.
Tower Bar, 4757 University Ave., City Heights. Wed: Se Vende, Midnight Track, Ninja Night Race. Thu: La Beat Cantina. Fri: Bosswitch, Dethsurf, Poor. Sat: Riva Rebels, Fallen Monuments, Hardly Human, Heavy Cessna, Failing Up. Sun: Skatastrophics, Lexicons, Ease Up. Mon: Flaunt, Stress Position, Born A Lot, Homeless Sexuals.
Tin Roof, 401 G St., Downtown. Wed:
U-31, 3112 University Ave., North Park.
Wed: ‘Yes Lawd’. Thu: ‘Boom Boxx Thursday’. Fri: David Francisco, DJ Kid Wonder. Sat: DJ Qenoe. Sun: KL Noise Makerz. Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern St., South Park. Wed: Olden Yolk, Mega Bog, Bit Maps. Thu: Poor, Low and Be Told, Los Pinche Pinches. Fri: ‘F-ing in the Bushes’. Sat: ‘80s vs. 90s’. Mon: ‘Electric Relaxation’. Winstons, 1921 Bacon St., Ocean Beach. Wed: White Glove Service, Dubbest. Thu: C-Money and the Players Inc., Space Bus, Nick Gray, Teddy Benson, Allen Heartbreak, DJ Product and MC Micah. Fri: TV Broken 3rd Eye Open, Boostive. Sat: Easy Wind. Sun: Karaoke. Mon: Electric Waste Band. Tue: Jahnathan Nehrette, Alexis Johansing, Doah Lee.
Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner Blvd., Middletown. Wed: ‘Scratch’. Thu: ‘Juke Bounce Werk’. Fri: ‘Techno Sabbath’. Sat: Bollywood Disco costume party. Lestat’s Coffee House, 3343 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Fri: Zane Carney, R Finn. Sat: Ben Allen, Spiritual Motels, Thea! The Band. Mon: Open mic. Mc P’s Irish Pub, 1107 Orange Ave., Coronado. Wed: Harmony Road. Thu: Ron’s Trio. Fri: Misty and the Moby. Sat: Manic Bros. Sun: Gonzology. Martinis Above Fourth, 3940 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest. Wed: Well Strung. Thu: Lake Davis. Fri: Janice & Nathan. 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. Wed: Eclectic Agenda. Thu: Daytrip, Sundrop Electric, The Lover The Liar. Fri: Dum Cumpsters, The Pictographs, Good Time Girl. Sat: The Night Howls, Sun Drenched, The Shakes. Sun: ‘The Playground’ w/ DJ Heather Hardcore. Tue: Golden Hour, Sarah Rogo, Brave Spirits. Mother’s Saloon, 2228 Bacon St., Ocean Beach. Thu: DJ Dub B. Mr. Peabody’s, 136 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas. Thu: James Allen. Fri: P.R.I. Sat: Chrome Domes, Adrienne Nims. Sun: Tony Ortega jazz jam. Music Box, 1337 India St., Little Italy. Sat: The Viceroys, Wayne Wade. Sun: Day26, Dauché, Dawty Music & Preston Harris, Kace. The Office, 3936 30th St., North Park. Wed: ‘Instant Crush’ w/ Nastea, Miss Lady D. Thu: ‘No Limits’ w/ DJ Myson King. Fri: ‘After Hours’ w/ DJs EdRoc, Ramsey. Sat: ‘Strictly Business’ w/ DJs EdRoc, Kanye Asada. Mon: Death Cab for Karaoke. Tue: ‘Trapped’ w/ DJ Freeman. OMNIA Nightclub, 454 Sixth Ave., Downtown. Fri: Borgeous. Sat: Zen Freeman. Panama 66, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. Wed: Gilbert Castellanos. Thu: Lorraine Castellanos. Parq, 615 Broadway, Downtown. Fri: IKON. Sat: Pusha T. Proud Mary’s, 5550 Kearny Mesa Road, Kearny Mesa. Wed: Fuzzy Rankins. Thu: Tomcat Courtney. Fri: Billy Watson. Sat: Stoney B Blues. The Rail, 3796 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest. Fri: ‘Hip Hop Fridayz’. Sat: ‘Sabado en Fuego’. Mon: ‘Manic Monday’ w/ DJ Junior the Disco Punk. Rich’s, 1051 University Ave., Hillcrest. Wed: DJs Kiki, Kinky Loops. Thu: ‘Lez’ w/ DJ K-Swift. Fri: ‘Dirty Pop’ w/ DJs Drew G, Will Z. Sat: ‘Fuel’ w/ DJs Hektik, Luke
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JUNE 13, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 41
IN THE BACK
CannaBeat Grant awarded to UC San Diego for cannabis/autism research
A
$4.7 million grant provided by The Ray and Tye Noorda Foundation, in partnership with the Wholistic Research and Education Foundation, will allow researchers at the UC San Diego (UCSD) Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research to conduct a multidisciplinary study of the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on autism. Researchers believe that CBD may affect the central nervous system in a way that could be relevant to autism, including correcting imbalances in certain neurotransmitters, enhancing activity of endocannabinoids (neurotransmitters that modulate mood, memory and a variety of cognitive processes), modifying neural network signaling and protecting against neuro-inflammation. The three goals of the study are to determine if CBD is safe and tolerable and whether it helps with the symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), whether and how CBD alters neurotransmitters and/or improves brain connectivity, and whether biomarkers of neuroinflammation, also associated with ASD, are altered by CBD. The clinical trial, slated to begin in late 2018, will be led by Doris Trauner, M.D., a professor in the departments of Pediatrics and Neurosciences at the UCSD School of Medicine. Basic and translational research will be headed by Gabriel A. Silva, Ph.D., professor of bioengineering in the UCSD Jacobs School of Engineering and professor of neuroscience, and Alysson Muotri, Ph.D., professor in the
42 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JUNE 13, 2018
UCSD School of Medicine departments of Pediatrics and Cellular & Molecular Medicine. The multidisciplinary study will include 30 children, ranging in age from eight to 12 years old, who have all already received a confirmed diagnosis of moderate to severe KAPI NG / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
UC San Diego ASD. All participants must be in good general health and free of any other neurological conditions, such as epilepsy. During the first phase of the study, half of the children will receive an oral dose of CBD, and the other half will receive a placebo. In the second phase of the study, the two groups will be switched. The half who initially received a placebo will receive the oral dose of CBD, while the group who first
were given CBD will receive a placebo. Researchers will be “blinded” as to which participants are receiving which treatment until all testing is completed. The generous grant that will fund the study is one of the largest private grants ever awarded in the United States for medical cannabis research. The announcement has caused a great amount of excitement and hope, in both the cannabis community and the autism community. Both communities are adamant and vocal about anecdotal evidence that CBD improves function in those on the autism spectrum. Amy Munera, president of Autism Society San Diego and mother of three boys with autism, said she and the group are very pleased to see this research happening, especially here locally. “The more options that are available, the more people can be helped, and that is always a good thing. Since so many people [with autism] are already on psychiatric medications, many of which can have significant side effects, this research may help to provide options that are safer and work for those for whom other treatments have not.” She further explained, “There are many people in the autism community using a variety of treatments, and quality research to determine their efficacy is so important.” Autism Society San Diego is the oldest affiliate of the Autism Society of America, having been in existence for more than 50 years. The organization has an all-volunteer board of directors dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by autism, especially in San Diego County. —Pamela Jayne For the latest cannabis news and lifestyle trends, please pick up our sister magazine CULTURE every month or visit culturemagazine.com.
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JUNE 13, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 43