San Diego CityBeat • July 12, 2017

2 · San Diego CityBeat · July 12, 2017

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july 12, 2017 · San Diego CityBeat · 3

UP FRONT | FROM THE EDITOR

The kids aren’t all right

I

n the viral posts that made the social media rounds collaborative, multi-agency initiative launched by the this past week, one of the one more heartwarming Department of Housing and Urban Development—rewas a 2011 video from a Kentucky boy named Mat- vealed that “youth were uncomfortable answering thew coming out to his mother. It’s hard not to choke some of the questions, especially about sex and gender up watching it, especially at the end when Matthew identity” and often “reacted negatively to use of the and his mother begin to cry in each other’s arms as word ‘homeless.’” And even with the passage of AB652, she reassures him that she would love him no matter which made it so that California state workers were no longer required to report homeless teens, many homewhat, and that she just wants him to be happy.

Not to discount the struggles that I’m sure Mat- less kids still won’t go to a shelter, school or even a docthew still deals with as gay man, but for many LGBTQ tor out of fear that they’ll be reported to social services.

However it slices, it’s a sad situation. And while a youth, many parents aren’t as accepting as Matthew’s mother. Many are ostracized, abused and even told to lot of attention deserves to be paid to the San Diego get out and never come back. Many have to drop out Housing Commission’s $80 million plan to house the homeless, much of the emphasis remains on adults of school. Many have no place to go.

Even as the LGBTQ community has made signifi- and families. That’s not to imply that youth homelesscant strides over the last few decades, the stats on ness and LGBTQ youth homelessness is being ignored. homeless LGBTQ youth continues to rise. A recent Some of the Commission’s new and expanded initiaWashington Post article called the statistics “alarm- tives, such as the “Additional Rapid Rehousing Assising,” while an UpWorthy article went further to de- tance” and “Project One for All” plans, could conceivscribe the numbers as being of “epidemic” propor- ably benefit homeless youth. However, there’s nothing that specifically addresses the tions. The stats cited by both pubTORREY BAILEY disproportionately large amount of lications were from a recent Wilhomeless LGBTQ kids. liams Institute study that found Some of that $80 million will that 40 percent of homeless young go toward the construction of people identify as LGBTQ. Forty 500 permanent supportive houspercent might not seem like a lot, ing units over the next three fiscal but think about this: Only seven years (2018-2020), but for homeless percent of the entire youth popukids, especially those who are LGlation identify as LGBTQ. BTQ, the choices are limited. Many While California has progressive child endangerment laws that Sunburst Apartments choose not to stay long in homeless facilities out of fear of harassment might prevent parents from abandoning their LGBTQ children, it’s still ostensibly legal or worse. LGBTQ homeless youth have little options, in a state like Utah for a parent to kick a kid out of especially those who are under 18. Urban Street Angels their home simply for being born a certain way. Ac- runs a youth homeless shelter in North Park, but it is cording to the same Williams Institute study, 46 per- only open on Tuesdays to people between the ages of cent of homeless youth ran away because their family 18 to 25. While the San Diego LGBT Community Cenrejected their sexual and/or gender identity, while 43 ter’s Sunburst Youth Housing Project has 23 units exclusively for LGBTQ homeless youth, they are still repercent were kicked out of their homes.

Locally, the total number of homeless youth in the quired by law that applicants are between the ages of recent Point-in-Time Count was 1,150, a 39 percent 18 and 24.

So what about the kids? One of the more admirable increase from the last count. Of the 1,150 youths, 68 of those were under 18 while the rest were between aspects of the Housing Commission and the mayor’s plan is how it emphasizes housing first, as well as the ages of 18 and 24.

Still, it can often be hard to assess not only just how homeless prevention via the “Homeless Prevention & many homeless minors and young people there are, but Diversion Services.” Still, we can only hope that some also how many are LGBTQ. A 2015 article in The Atlantic of that money (nearly $3 million) will be allocated for centering on a documentary about youth homelessness programs that directly address the rising number of revealed “the data is sparse in large part because home- homeless LGBTQ youth. They may be harder to find or less kids often become very adept at dealing with—and identify, but they are worth it. hiding—their situations.” When it comes to LGBTQ

—Seth Combs youth, a recent extensive study by Youth Count!—an Write to seth.combs@sdcitybeat.com This issue of CityBeat is still friends with Jayden K. Smith.

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4 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JULY 12, 2017

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UP FRONT | LETTERS

SPORTS TOWN? PLEASE.

RESPECT AND HUMANITY

Remember when the Chargers used to win [“San Diego is not a sports town,” June 21]? Me neither. But my friends all say I had a great time, the place rocked and tickets scalped at twice the face value.

Remember those magical Padre years in ‘84 and ‘98? The old stadium rocking with 63,000 screaming fans? Man, that was fun.

If my team is in a playoff run, I’d pay double to sit in 30 degrees on hard seats.

Sports town? Please. Just words that poor reporters, bless their hearts, occasionally have to use to maintain access to a team that ownership gave up on for the league income.

Mike Angello

Normal Heights

Minda Honey’s article [“Existing while black,” June 28] was moving and painful to read. It is sad and unjust that anyone would need to experience fear for one’s life during an apparently routine traffic stop even though the police officer in the article actually appeared to be trying reassure Minda that he had no malevolent intention. It would be great if Minda would do a follow-up article containing her suggestions for how the current level of fear and mistrust could be reduced and replaced with mutual respect and humanity.

Leonard Schneider University City

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

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

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OF THE WEEK

UP FRONT From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

News: Stepping Stone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

There She Goz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4 5 6 7 8 9

FOOD & DRINK This week’s pothole comes from our very own associate editor, Torrey Bailey. While driving through Golden Hill this week, she couldn’t help but notice this stunner on 22nd Street, between E Street and Broadway. The asphalt was ruptured, giving way to a ditch with the diameter of a basketball hoop. While drivers may be able to avoid the trench itself, surrounding cracks and loose gravel are inescapable without swerving into oncoming traffic. For reference, she tossed a rolled-up Union Tribune into the pothole and listened for its echo when hitting the depths below.

Have a pothole in your neighborhood or on your commute that has you fuming and your suspension screaming uncle? Tell us about it. Send location and pics (but really, only if it’s safe to do so) to seth.combs@sdcitybeat.com.

The World Fare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Anatomy of a Cocktail Scene . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Final Draught. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

THINGS TO DO The Short List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-16

ARTS & CULTURE Books: The Floating Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Wine: Bottle Rocket. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Feature: Andrew Rae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Thank You For Staring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Film. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23

MUSIC FEATURE: Tori Roze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Notes from the Smoking Patio. . . . . . . . . 26 If I Were U. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Concerts & Clubs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29-32

LAST WORDS Astrologically Unsound. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

JULY 12, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 5

UP FRONT | NEWS PHOTOS BY JAMIE BALLARD

Community care

Cheryl Houk at Stepping Stone of San Diego

LGBTQ community faces many hurdles in treating opioid addiction

By Jamie Ballard

C

heryl Houk faced several barriers when she sought treatment for her addiction. For one, she lived in a rural area of Northern California in the early 1980s, meaning there weren’t many treatment programs available. Tougher still, she is a lesbian and couldn’t comfortably be out while in treatment..

“It’s absolutely a requirement that when you’re in recovery, you have to be honest,” she said. “But I didn’t feel safe, so I wasn’t truthful.”

Houk has been in recovery for her alcohol addiction for 34 years and is now the executive director at Stepping Stone of San Diego, one of the country’s only alcohol and drug treatment facilities that focuses specifically on LGBTQ individuals. The facility offers treatment for various substance abuse disorders, including treatment for an issue that has become increasingly severe in the last several years: opioid addiction.

The Centers for Disease Control reported that opioid overdoses accounted for slightly more than 33,000 deaths in the United States in 2015, and that an estimated 2 million people had an opioid addiction associated with prescription drugs. The LGBTQ community frequently experiences a higher rate of opioid abuse than the general population. A recent study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration found that LGBTQ individuals were more than twice as likely as heterosexual

6 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JULY 12, 2017

people to misuse prescription pain relievers.

More than 10 percent of LGBTQ participants had misused opioids in the past year, compared to 4.5 percent of the heterosexual participants in the study.

Houk confirmed that substance abuse is higher in the LGBTQ community, often due to difficult upbringings or frequent experiences with discrimination.

“I’ve heard many, many stories of trauma from people at our facility,” she said. “People in this community often come from traumarelated backgrounds. There are frequent instances of childhood abuse, sexual or physical abuse, and a lot of instances where their relatives were the ones who turned them onto drugs at a young age.” Hillcrest, which is widely acknowledged as one of San Diego’s most LGBTQ-friendly neighborhoods, also has one of the highest rates of opioid overdoses. According to data from the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office, between 2007 and 2015, there were an average of 29.4 overdoses for every 10,000 people— the second-highest number in the county.

Rory Chrz is a local activist within the LGBTQ community in San Diego who focuses primarily on helping people affected

by HIV and AIDS. He called the opioid epidemic’s effects on members of the LGBTQ population “heartbreaking.”

“Within the gay and lesbian community, there are kids who come from various backgrounds and families, who are strug-

gling greatly for any number of reasons, and they end up thinking that the great escape is through opioids. It’s incredibly sad,” he said.

It can be particularly devastating for people living with HIV, the majority of whom are gay men, according to the Center for Disease Control. Chrz, who is HIV-positive, said opioid abuse is one of the only things known to certainly hasten the disease’s progression.

Rory Chrz “It feels like a hopeless situation at times,” he said.

One thing that can make the situation a little less hopeless is access to treatment options tailored to members of the LGBTQ community or those living with HIV, like the treatments offered by Stepping Stone. Houk

said that this specific focus has made a huge difference for many residents.

“It is so important for anyone struggling with addiction, but especially those who are gay, lesbian, transgender or dealing with HIV to know that they’re welcomed,” she said.

Residents work with drug and alcohol counselors, as well as a therapist, to address possible previous traumas, work through grief and anger, and learn healthier coping mechanisms. She said that of the 31 people in the facility, approximately four are there due to issues with opioids.

“It’s one of the harder addictions to treat,” she said.

Regardless of orientation and background, treating opioid addiction could soon become even more difficult under the Senate health care plan, titled the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017.

Gary Rotto is a lecturer in the school of public health at SDSU. He said that there are several substance use disorder programs, which have been significant in addressing the opioid epidemic, thanks to the federal and state funding they receive under the ACA. Under the Senate plan, which would cut critical funding for some of these programs, states will have to make some tough decisions.

“The state is going to have to grapple with the question of, do you cut a great number of people who were added to Medicaid, or do you cut services?” Rotto said. “It may not be displayed as a ‘cut,’ but it’s a de facto cut.”

The bill offers only $2 billion in 2018 for mental health and substance abuse treatments, far less than the $45 billion over 10 years requested by Republican Sens. Rob Portman (Ohio) and Shelley Moore Capito (West Virginia) as the bill was being drafted.

It would also slash Medicaid funding and phase out Medicaid expansion programs, both of which are significant in terms of treating opioid addiction. The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that about 30 percent of the 2 million people with opioid addiction disorders receive treatment through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

There’s one group that would be particularly devastated if opioid treatment programs are cut.

“There is no question that the hardesthit will be those in rural communities,” Rotto said. “That’s where people have the biggest issue getting access to treatment, and it’s also where we’re most seeing the emergent opioid epidemic occurring.”

Rural communities—such as the one Houk initially sought treatment in—can be particularly difficult for LGBTQ people seeking help.

“People need to feel welcomed and safe when they’re seeking treatment,” Houk said.

“You really can’t recover if you can’t feel safe and be honest.”

She also said that changes to health care policies would affect Stepping Stone in terms of the different insurers they work with, but overall the facility would continue to do what it has done since 1976.

“We’re sticking to our mission of serving people,” she said. “No matter their income or situation.”

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UP FRONT | OPINION

SPIN

CYCLE

JOHN R. LAMB

Requiem for a walkout DA I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.

—William Shakespeare

I

“

’m a hugger.”

Of all that gushed forth last week as local media cooed over the early departure of District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis into almost-certain new political waters, who knew that under her toughon-crime persona there lurked a touch-feely marshmallow filling?

Medical-marijuana activists, a thorn in the DA’s side for years, would argue otherwise. And last Friday, they were intent on souring the saccharine send-off afforded Dumanis.

If readers caught some of the TV coverage that day of Dumanis— framed by a phalanx of squarejawed, saluting law-enforcement types—being escorted out of the downtown Hall of Justice for the last time to hoots and hollers, it’s

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likely those same readers heard some awesome New Orleans jazz in the background.

The music, however, was offered not to praise the DA, but to bury her 14-plus-year tenure for good.

“We had a coffin on order,” said protest leader Marcus Boyd of Imperial Beach. “It just didn’t arrive.”

Dressed to the nines for a good-ol’-fashioned New Orleans jazz funeral procession that drew several dozen sign-toting participants, Boyd twirled an Ethiopianthemed parasol. He handed out metallic-green bead strands to sometimes puzzled but nonetheless appreciative passersby as the second line paraded in front of the Hall of Justice and then west to the waterfront County Administration Center.

It is there that political speculation about Dumanis’ future gurgles forth like the spouting

water fountains that now adorn it, and Boyd—who for years has gone to battle over the County’s reluctance to follow state law on the matter of medical cannabis— cringes at the thought of Dumanis on the Board of Supervisors.

“I think she would be the same in that she doesn’t follow law, she tries to carve it,” said Boyd, vice chairman of the local chapter of Americans for Safe Access, a medical marijuana nonprofit. “Regarding medical marijuana, it was on the patients’ backs. If she becomes a county supervisor, it’ll be on homeowners’ backs. With her habits, I mean eminent domain is probably on the table.”

Dumanis has not officially announced her plans beyond recovering from recent double-knee replacement surgery, which seems to be on schedule. On Friday, she walked gingerly down the Hall of Justice steps to an awaiting antique police car that whisked her, her mother and her wife to who knows where. A nice lunch, perhaps?

Spin Cycle reached out unsuccessfully to Dumanis to get her reaction to the funeral march that ASA organized, dubbed the Bonnie Bash. Boyd said she “tried to ignore us, but I think we made it obvious.”

This is disappointing, given that in a softball-strewn bon-voy-

JOHN R. LAMB

Medical-marijuana advocates celebrate the departure of District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis. age interview on KUSI Thursday, Dumanis said, “I’d like to be Bonnie unplugged.”

This would suggest that Dumanis, now unleashed from the legal confines as the county’s top law enforcer, will soon share her solutions for a host of regional woes.

Even though she’s been coy so far on a 2018 supervisorial run to replace the termed-out Ron Roberts, local political oddsmakers think her hat will wind up in the ring.

Dumanis better not wait too long, though. As we head to the presses, the second-worst-kept secret has officially burst to the surface: Nathan Fletcher, ladies and gentlemen, has entered the race.

Fletcher—the former Republican State Assemblyman who dabbled in independence before becoming a Democrat—sent out an email Tuesday morning announcing his intentions.

“I’m running to take on the status quo and put County Government to work for all of us,” he proclaimed.

“I’ve devoted decades to public service—as a Marine, an Assemblymember, and an advocate for veterans,” Fletcher continued. “I’ve listened, learned and grown. As your County Supervisor, I’ll put that experience to work and get things done to build a brighter future for all of San Diego. Because leadership isn’t just talk. It’s delivering real results for working people.”

Fletcher becomes the second official candidate for the coveted supervisorial seat, joining attorney/community activist Omar Passons, who announced his intentions in April.

Fletcher and Dumanis, of course, competed before on a ballot—back in the 2012 San Diego mayor’s race—and both fizzled miserably, Dumanis especially.

Dumanis wound up endorsing fellow Republican Carl DeMaio against eventual winner Bob Filner. And we all remember how that all turned out.

The flamethrowers flew during that war, and there’s no reason to

think they won’t be lighting up the political skies this time around either. There’s enough baggage for these two for a round-trip excursion to Mars.

And the medical-marijuana folks plan to be right in the thick of it. Participants in Friday’s funeral march all mentioned hopes of scuttling the outgoing DA’s future plans if they involve anything other than retirement.

As one told Spin after the rally, “We will have a lot of negative things for her if she campaigns for anything. It’s not just medicalmarijuana patients, where she’s been heinous the whole time.

There are other big cases, like Stephanie Crowe, she just plain botched. All that stuff is going to come out.”

In the KUSI interview, Dumanis vowed about her post-DA life.

“I’m not going to do nothing.”

She also said she was quitting early because she didn’t want speculation about a potential run for supervisor to “impact our office.”

The contortionist moves that recently resulted in her heir apparent, Summer Stephan, taking over the final year and a half of her term while also campaigning for the 2018 election, will allow voters to see Stephan in action.

Stephan’s first day on Monday found her in Sacramento bending the ear of Gov. Jerry Brown and other state officials.

But a supervisorial run will also open up Dumanis to questions about that transition.

Passons, meanwhile, seems ready to take on all comers.

“I’m running to fight for our region’s children because our region needs new leadership with diverse experiences and a professional background,” he wrote Spin Tuesday. “I’m not a career politician, and I think the authenticity of my message will resonate with people.”

Let the band play!

Spin Cycle appears every week.

Write to johnl@sdcitybeat.com.

JULY 12, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 7

UP FRONT | OPINION

EDWIN DECKER

SORDID

TALES

Enough-is-enoughedness

T

o commemorate LGBT Pride Month, and coincide with the theme of this issue of CityBeat, I wanted to explore the definition of pride—what it means to our society, what it means to the gay community and what it means to me.

According to Wikipedia, Gay pride is “the positive stance against discrimination toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people to promote their self-affirmation, dignity, equality rights...” etc.

Nothing against Wikipedia, but I’m not crazy about that definition. I know, I know—far be it for me to straight-splain the meaning of gay pride to people, but I’m fairly well versed with what’s going on in the community. I have written a multitude of articles promoting LGBTQ rights, have helped organize Pride festivals in various capacities over the years, and though I know it’s not cool to say, “Some of my closest friends are gay,” they actually are, so I will. I’m not just talking out of my ass when I say that this Wiki definition—while literally accurate—does not capture the blood and guts meaning of LGBT pride as it pertains to the blood and guts humans who embody it.

It is the core part of the definition that I find problematic.

It says that Pride is “a positive stance against discrimination…” which, I think, falls woefully short of the reality. To me, LGBT pride—and the parades and festivals that celebrate it—is less like a “stance” and more like an outburst, an explosive response to the straight up tyranny perpetrated by the mainstream against the queer community.

I see the pride revolution as the manifestation of a psychological state I call, “Enough-isEnoughedness.”

The state of Enough-is-Enoughedness occurs when the individuals of a repressed class stand up and collectively howl, “Enough!”

“Enough!—of the institutionalized bigotry that bushwhacks our Constitutional rights on a daily basis.

Enough!—having to fear for our lives simply because we choose to walk down the street hand-in-hand with our lovers! Enough!—of the snide jokes and condescension from a society that cares more about what the couple name for Jay-Z and Beyonce should be than the fact that we are being institutionally tormented (the answer is Jayzonce by the way). Enough shunning by fuckwad parents —et tu mom and dad?—who somehow missed the memo that they are supposed to unconditionally love their children.

I have to say, I love me some Pride festivals. Not because of the outrageous behavior and vibrant costumery though, even though I’ll admit to secretly engaging in some GSP (Gawking Straight People) behavior behind the camouflage of my sunglasses.

But the main reason I love Pride is the underlying message. Every bedazzled, shiny, skin-tight, jazz pant; every multi-colored parasol spinning over a bare-chested fireman in a rainbow hula skirt; every Rocky Horror fanatic grinning under a curly, black Frank-N-Furter wig with bloated, red, Rolling Stones lips; every gorgeous lumberjack butch in black boots and bolos marching down the path with her girlfriend (hands clasped and in the air like they just won a gold medal in logrolling); every man in a dress and woman in a tux; all the boy toys, bottom bears, Betty Boops, barbies, bulls and diesels, all the ink, and drink, and pink and twinks; every single, delicious expressive act there is to behold at LGBT Pride is just somebody blaring, “Enough already!” Enough is e-fucking-nuff!”

In October of 2011 I wrote a column in which I used some language that offended many in the gay community. People from around the country wrote vicious things about me on the various gay newsfeeds and message boards. They sent angry emails to the paper, and initiated a movement to get me fired. GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) even issued a letter scolding the magazine for publishing my transgression.

While many in and out of the gay community came to my defense, including Dan Savage—a fact I wear around my neck as a medal of honor (I just love that little cocksucker!)—it was a sad and scary time nonetheless.

I remember in the aftermath, being interviewed by a reporter who asked if I was angry at those who tried to get me fired despite that I had long ago proven myself to be a committed ally.

“Not at all,” I told him. “I am happy that they reacted the way they did. I’m happy that they’re not taking any more bullshit. I’m glad they’re getting in our faces when we rear our ugly, homophobic heads.”

Given the shit the queer community has endured for so long, their response actually gave me a feeling of—yes, I’m going to say it—pride. And no, not the condescending, “I-made-this-happen-for-you” kind of pride, but pride in the way you feel about a friend who accomplished something wonderful, a friend you are privileged to know and for whom you want great things. And that, my friends, is what gay pride means to me. I feel pride for my gay brothers and sisters and want you all to know, I have your back during the battles that are yet to be waged. Happy Pride month! Now go out there and rage.

It says that Pride is “a positive stance against discrimination…” which, I think, falls woefully short of the reality.

8 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JULY 12, 2017

Sordid Tales appears every other week.

Write to edwin@sdcitybeat.com. @SDCITYBEAT

UP FRONT | VOICES

THERE SHE

ALEX ZARAGOZA

GOZ

Don’t reign on their parade

S

an Diego Pride is back, and every year I get the same sensation in the pit of my stomach as I do when Cinco de Mayo rolls around—a mix of Yay! Fun! and Oh God, how many offensive assholes are gonna ruin it? People love taking cultural and historic celebrations and turning them into an excuse for drunk, dickish behavior. And let’s be real here: usually those people are of the white variety, but non-white people are often guilty of this offense also.

As a straight, cis woman, I often feel pena ajena at Pride. That deep, painful cringe you feel for others based on their own awkwardly embarrassing actions. There’s no term for this very specific subset of shame in the English language, maybe because historically white Americans are applauded for their audacious lack of self-awareness. That’s how society gets eight white girls on a bachelorette bar crawl attempting “Rapper’s Delight” at karaoke. That’s how we get Trump-loving conservatives on Twitter getting angry when NPR tweets out the Declaration of Independence on the Fourth of July.

It hurts to watch.

When in spaces created by and for the LGBTQI+ community, I try not be the Todd wearing a sombrero at a Cinco de Drinko rager or the Kylie Jenner anywhere black people are at. I also try not to be the shitfaced Bryan and Katie—rocking their Target rainbow booty shorts—screaming “Gay pride, sluts!” and sloppily face-sucking at Gossip Grill.

It’s not cute, it’s offensive.

As San Diego Pride approaches, I would like to challenge you straight cis men and women (both white and non-white) claiming to be allies to reexamine their behavior in queer spaces. If you’re an ally, you have to do the labor to teach yourself how to be respectful to other marginalized communities, particularly in their spaces, and be grateful to those who do take the time to school you on how to not be an asshole. Having a gay bestie or uncle does not grant you a pass. So here’s some things to remember this Pride: First off, this space isn’t yours, even if you do consider yourself an ally and have faced discrimination or struggled in some way. I know you’re used to everything being yours if you want it, but our society is built for straight people to belong everywhere, and everyone else gets the shaft to varying degrees.

If someone asks you to leave the bar kiddie pool they tirelessly filled with lube—possibly because you’re being disrespectful or possibly because the pool owners simply don’t want you there—get your shit and go quietly. You get the whole world to yourself. Be fucking cool and relinquish your entitlement.

Also, if you’re straight and grinding to Pitbull club remixes at Rich’s, guess what? A gay person might hit on you. Why are you surprised? You’re in a gay club.

Go back to the Buffalo Wild Wings bar area if it’s a problem or makes you uncomfortable.

Pride isn’t for you, so don’t be outraged when it isn’t. You can join in and show your support, of course.

Drink, dance, have fun, wave a rainbow flag. I don’t think anyone would turn away a respectful ally taking part in the festivities. Also: Remember to stay in your lane. This isn’t your time to talk about issues the LGBTQI+ community face or how you’re affected. Zip it unless asked to speak.

Secondly, understand that Pride is a necessary and important cultural institution for the queer community. Again, understand it isn’t for you. Understand why it isn’t. Understand why Pride is vital, especially when just a year ago someone opened fire in a gay nightclub because of their homophobia and hate; especially because many of the individuals you see around you have and still face horrific violence and discrimination because of their sexuality; and especially because they’re human beings celebrating their community.

You can understand much of this with a simple Google search.

Literally Google “importance of gay pride.” It’s right there. I already did half the work for you.

Thirdly, and this goes beyond Pride, gay men do not belong to you, ladies. They’re not “your gays,” Stephanie. People are not accessories. Gay men are not here to give you a makeover and put aside their own lives to listen to you recite your latest text thread with that jerk Aaron.

Maybe you have a gay friend that’s chill with makeovers and your boring problems, but that doesn’t mean they are all clamoring to hook you up with some balayage.

Straight dudes, I know you think it’s hilarious to “act gay” in order to mask your own homophobia. Spoiler: It’s not funny. It’s dumb.

You’re dumb. Grabbing your bro’s ass so they “get scared” that a gay man is touching them, and yelling “don’t pretend you didn’t like it” perpetuates hate, violence and harmful stereotypes. Also: rape culture.

Limp wristing and lisping while rocking your rainbow tank is not showing you’re an ally. It’s frat boy shit.

This is all garbage behavior. Don’t bring it to Pride. In fact, don’t bring it anywhere.

And everyone, I know many of you don’t fully get what it means to be trans or genderqueer. Again, fucking Google it. Learn what these individuals face and make the effort to understand and support them in their identity through inclusive language.

So straights, when it comes to Pride please remember: this isn’t your party, so don’t try to claim the cake or blow out the candles.

If someone asks you to leave the bar kiddie pool they tirelessly filled with lube, get your shit and go quietly.

@SDCITYBEAT

There She Goz appears every third week.

Write to alexz@sdcitybeat.com.

JULY 12, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 9

UP FRONT | FOOD

BY MICHAEL A. GARDINER

THE WORLD

FARE

I’ll have what she’s having, Italian style

S

anced by the warmth of the mortadella (that which every bologna aspires to be) and the sweetness of the ham. They combine with the Italian dressing that results in a broad, round flavor spectrum.

The Spicy Sandwich Special (#18)—more menu fixture than special—explores the (slightly) hotter end of Italian deli. The sandwich features pepperoni, hot sopresatta (think spicy salami) and capicola (think ham made from the shoulder). It’s not going to knock anyone’s socks off with the spice-level but our friend the capsaicin does make an appearance.

It may not be Mona Lisa’s most elegant sandwich but it might be its tastiest.

Mona Lisa’s deli case features a wide selection of olives and prepared items that are great accompani-

ay “deli” and minds often turn to the classic New York Jewish-style greats. Think Katz’s overstuffed sandwiches, When Harry Met Sally, Meg Ryan and “I’ll have what she’s having.”

But there are other types of classic deli. Italian for instance, and in Mona Lisa Italian MICHAEL GARDINER Foods (2061 India Street, Little Italy) we have a great example.

The origin of “delicatessen” lies in 1700s Europe. The term is derived from the German word “delikatesse,” which itself is derived from the French “délicatesse,” meaning “delicious things (to eat).” While the first delis in America appeared in the mid-19th Century the shortened form of the word— “deli”—didn’t show up until 1954. Italian deli sandwiches made their first appearance in Portland, Maine in 1903. As they spread across the Northeast from Maine to Boston to Connecticut to New York to Philadelphia the names morphed from “sub” to “grinder” to “hero” to “hoagy,” but they’re all Italianstyle deli sandwiches.

Italian delis tend to be combination grocery stores and restaurants. Mona Lisa takes that a step further with a sit-down “red sauce” style restaurant. Stick with the deli.

One of its best sandwiches is one of the sim- #5: Imported prosciutto with provolone and giardiniera plest: the Imported Prosciutto (#5). It may not be the prototypical Italian deli sandwich but it ments to the sandwiches. The stuffed cherry pepshines a spotlight on what makes Italian great: ex- pers are a bit disappointing, but the castlevetrano traordinary cold cuts and good Italian bread. Get it olives are a good choice as are the long-stem artiwith imported provolone cheese (somewhat sharper chokes. The mixed pickled vegetables are my go-to.

Sure, the Jewish deli is legendary, but the sad than domestic) and giardiniera (Italian pickled vegfact is we don’t have much to choose from in San etables) and the result is a wonderfully balanced Diego.

When it comes to the Italian deli, however, sandwich that perfectly frames the meat.

Mona Lisa’s Deluxe Sub (#8) is its take on the we do have choices, and Mona Lisa is one of the classic Italian sub sandwich: provolone, mortadella, best. It may not quite be Harry Met Sally orgasmic salami and ham along with the lettuce, tomato, on- (fake or otherwise), but it’s the deli to have in San ions, Italian dressing, mustard, mayonnaise and salt Diego. and pepper that comes on all Mona Lisa’s sandwich- es except the Caprese (#11). It is the mix of the meats The World Fare appears weekly. that makes it. The sharpness of the salami is bal- Write to michaelg@sdcitybeat.com.

10 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JULY 12, 2017

@SDCITYBEAT

UP FRONT | FOOD

BY JAMES VERNETTE

DISHING IT

OUT Sweet dreams

W

COURTESY OF SWEET BRICKS

hen Jena Perez was growing up, she loved watching her mother make toffee. She even recalls her mother using a special recipe that earned raves from all who tasted it. Entrepreneurial by nature, Perez says that when the time came to go into business for herself, toffee seemed like a natural choice. So she and partner Desiree Glade opened Sweet Bricks as a retail outlet in the East Village two years ago.

It sounds like a sweet story— especially after Perez and Glade placed second in the Artisan Toffee Awards by the International Chocolate Salon—but then another opportunity came out of the blue. An Oaklandbased maker of cannabis extracts came to them wanting to create toffee with THC. That meant adding ingredients to the family recipe that Perez’s mom never imagined.

“It was an interesting conversation,” Perez says shyly. “I had to educate her. It was a shock because I was a good girl in high school and never got in trouble, never did drugs.”

Now, Perez and Glade are selling cannabis-infused toffees under the Mind Tricks banner, but they continue to sell the non-cannabis toffee under the Sweet Bricks name.

“There is no difference in the quality of the product,” Perez says. “We are different from other edibles companies in that they usually start with the cannabis and we started with the toffee first.”

Perez does say that the cannabis oil they use has terpenes (the organic compounds that give cannabis its unique flavor and aroma) which pairs well with burnt sugar (basically what toffee is).

“The extract is like molasses,” she says, “But it’s concentrated to be 65 percent THC.” The partners closed their retail store and now make both styles of toffees at a commercial downtown kitchen.

@SDCITYBEAT

“We’re working midnight to 8 a.m. most nights,” Perez says.

When she and Glade made the move to start making pot-laced toffee, they felt obliged to break the news to regular clients.

“We had to change the mindsets of our customers,” she says. “Some dropped out, but the overall response has been great.”

As one might expect, there is a lot more profit in making THC toffee than the non-infused kind.

A quarter-pound of Sweet Bricks toffee goes for $6.95 while two ounces of the cannabis candy sells for $14.

“We love the original recipe and want to keep making something family-friendly,” Perez says.

Another big difference: The Sweet Bricks brand can be shipped anywhere in the world, while the Mind Tricks version is only available at around 100 dispensaries statewide.

Trying to find which ones is temporarily a challenge, as the company’s website is undergoing a revamp to reflect both cannabis and non-cannabis products. Perez also emphasizes this toffee is not medicinal, especially because high doses of sugar aren’t recommended for people who are ill.

“This is a good thing to have instead of a glass of wine for someone who Mind appreciates a quality Tricks gourmet product.” toffee Perez has, eh, high hopes for the future of both products, but admits there are currently challenges to building the cannabis version.

“There are constantly changes in laws and regulations,” she says. “We want to do things the right way, but things change by the week—or by county. Plus, advertising is a challenge.”

Still, Perez hopes to add a larger line-up of products. Medical dispensaries don’t allow on-sale consumption, but she thinks it’s time that happened.

“We’d like to add a larger lineup of products, such as medicinal and gluten-free toffees,” she says.

“We’d also like another retail space with both cannabis and regular products.”

Dishing It Out appears every other week.

JULY 12, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 11

UP FRONT | DRINK

THE

BY ANDREW DYER

BEERDIST Modern Times finds another way

M

odern Times Beer Founder and CEO Jacob McKean is not a traditional businessperson, and—as evidenced by its eclectic beer line-up—Modern Times is not a traditional brewery. In a market where buyouts have become common and breweries increasingly look toward private equity to fund expansion, it should come as no surprise that McKean and Modern Times took a different route. The brewery, through an employee stock ownership plan, is now employee-owned.

Modern Times is the first California craft brewery to offer its employees shares of ownership and joins New Belgium, Odell and Left Hand on the short list of American craft breweries that are at least partially employeeowned. McKean said the deal took more than a year to complete.

“There were a lot of moving parts and a great deal of decisions to make,” he said in an email. “It was an involved process.”

Modern Times is currently 30 percent employee-owned, but McKean said it is just the beginning when it comes to the employee stock ownership plan [ESOP].

“It’s impossible to say when we will get to 100 percent (employee-owned), but it will be as soon as it is financially feasible.”

The way ESOPs work is fairly straightforward.

They are overseen by an independent trustee and used to purchase company stock. Modern Times said in a press release that its ESOP’s 30 percent stake was accomplished via a repurchase of shares held by outside investors. These shares will be turned over to employees, ideally incentivizing and attracting top talent to the company. It also creates certain tax advantages, because the contributions of stock are tax-deductible.

“It wasn’t easy to pull off, especially after only

12 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JULY 12, 2017

four years in business,” he said. “But it’s already proven to be worth it.”

Modern Times’ announcement is less about the nuts and bolts of its financial structure, however, and more about the business philosophy of McKean. He has been a vocal critic of brewery buyouts, and—at a panel at last year’s Great American Beer Fest—said that independence allowed his company to “care about something other than money.” Modern Times pays all its employees at least $15 per hour—well ahead of state and local requirements.

Other benefits include unlimited paid time off, a paid sabbatical after five years and free beer and coffee to take home.

Another benefit McKean sees in transitioning to an employee-owned business is related to the market climate around craft ANDREW DYER beer as breweries look to raise capital without “selling out” to larger conglomerates or private equity. By selling to its own employees, Modern Times can not only remain independent, but also reward the people who helped it become so popular in the first place.

Last year, the company announced it was expanding into Los AngeModern Times les and Orange County with breweries in both downtown L.A. and Anaheim.

“Our employees have worked incredibly hard to build this company,” McKean said, “and they deserve to share in its success. It’s the right thing to do.”

McKean hopes to influence other breweries who might be looking for alternatives to selling.

“My goal is to influence other breweries in San Diego and beyond to take this step, too,” he said.

“This is one of the most concrete steps we can take to keep craft independent, and that’s worth fighting for.”

The Beerdist appears every other week.

Write to andrewd@sdcitybeat.com

@SDCITYBEAT

SHORTlist

EVENTS

ART

the

THREE YOU HAVE TO SEE

COORDINATED BY

SETH COMBS

HILLCREST AND BALBOA PARK

1 LOUD AND PROUD

San Diego LGBT Pride surely could speakers such as California State Assemblymember have taken a solemn turn in year’s past. Just a Todd Gloria, City Councilmembers Chris Ward and little over a year ago, the Pulse nightclub shoot- Georgette Gómez, and many more. Then, head over to the Normal St. and Univering could have easily cast a COURTESY OF SAN DIEGO PRIDE sity Ave. for the annual Pride storm cloud of tragedy over Block Party, a dance-friendly the proceedings. This year, festival in the streets that inmany in the community are cludes DJs, bars, gogo dancers understandably pensive about and more. It goes until 11 p.m. what’s happening in Washand tickets range from $20 to ington. And with Trump’s ap$25. pointments of anti-LGBTQ Don’t party too hard, as zealots to the Justice Departreaders will want to get up ment and Health and Human bright and early on Saturday, Services (and another possible July 15 for the Pride 5K and, Supreme Court appointment), naturally, to snatch a prime there are certainly plenty of viewing spot for the Pride Pareasons to be worried. rade. Happening from 11 a.m.

Pride is about a lot of things, to 1 p.m. all along University but from its humble beginSan Diego Pride Parade Avenue, the parade includes nings, one of its main functions has been about solidarity. Getting together with dozens of floats, marching bands and community others in the community, standing tall and collec- groups. Also on Saturday and into Sunday, July 16, tively shouting, “We still out here!” This is evident there’s the Pride Music Festival at Marston Point in this year’s theme of “Allied in Action: United for inside Balboa Park (6th Ave. & Laurel St.). Opening at 11 a.m. every day, the fest includes five stages Justice.”

The weekend starts with the free Spirit of of performances including headliners such as En Stonewall Rally at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 14 at Vogue, Tinashe, Estelle. There are dozens more the Hillcrest Pride Flag (1500 University Ave.). The musical artists to choose from, and tickets are $20 annual Pride weekend kickoff event will feature to $25 at sdpride.org.

POINT LOMA

2

ALL JUNKED UP

Etsy blew it. What was once an online hub for rare handmade crafts and antiques has now become just another retail hole hawking cheap merchandise from major retailers. Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market at Ingram Plaza in Liberty Station (2751 Dewey Road), on the other hand, will be an opportunity for old-timey aficionados to satisfy their need (or bloodlust, depending on how rabid of a collector they are) for everything dusty, rusty and unique. The market will bring over 100 vintage, antique and handmade vendors to San Diego on Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16. Additionally, there will be food, drinks and live music for those who aren’t into throwing down over those rare and one-of-a-kind items.

Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. junkinthetrunkvintagemarket.com

TIJUANA

3

ZINE SCENE

Tijuana’s art scene is not limited to one language or one country, and the Tijuana Zine Fest is a testament to that. Happening Saturday, July 15 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the event welcomes all who wish to express their craft and work in a multicultural, multi-language format. Just a quick drive down south to Pasaje Rodriguez (Ave. Revolucion, Calle 3ra. Y 4ta.) and Gómez (Ave. Revolucion, Calle 6ta. y 7ma.) (both venues are walking distance from each other), artists and collectors can network, collaborate and see what others have to offer. Inside, there will be comics, stories, fashion articles, photographers and art from over 75 exhibitors including JGV Illustrations and Caline Tanco. There will also be live music and Q&A sessions with self-publishing innovators.

Best of all, it’s free. tijuanazinefest.com COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

COURTESY OF JUNK IN THE TRUNK

HBuilding Bridges, Dismantling Borders at Centro Cultural de la Raza, 2004 Park Blvd, Balboa Park. A community art show hosted by SD-QTPOC Colectivo to encourage community building and provide a space for the LGTBQ community and people of color. A night of performance, dance, spoken word and music all in hopes to acknowledge multiple identities. Opening from 6 to 11 p.m.

Friday, July 14. Free. 619-235-6135, centroculturaldelaraza.com HTexture / Pattern at Quint Gallery, 5171 Santa Fe Street Ste. H, Bay Ho. A group exhibition of paintings, wall hangings and sculpture that use non-traditional materials or emphasize patterns. Includes work from Adam Belt, Kim MacConnel, Ed Moses and more. Opening from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 15. Free. 858-4543409, quintgallery.com Tijuana Zine Fest 2017 at Pasaje Rodriguez, Avenida Revolucion, Calle 3ra. and 4ta, 22000, Tijuana. The self-publishing festival and art celebration features more than 75 exhibitors from Mexico and the United States selling and exchanging art. Guests can also enjoy the works with live music and food. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 15. Free. tijuanazinefest.com Funny Bone at Visions Art Museum: Contemporary Quilts + Textiles, 2825 Dewey Road, Point Loma. A tongue-in-cheek group exhibit of silly and satirical quilts featuring dancing robots, raining cats and more. An exhibit under the theme of Masquerade opens the same day. Opening from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 15. $7. 619-546-4872, visionsartmuseum.org HFeel the Noise at SDAI Project Space, 141 Horton Plaza, Downtown. A collaborative exhibition between three artists and members of the Blind Community Center of San Diego. Works explore how those with visual impairments navigate the world around them. Opening from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 15. Free. 619-2360011, sandiego-art.org Fight Like a Girl at La Bohème, Calle Sexta, Flores Magón 8086, Zona Centro, Tijuana. More than 30 local artists’ works represent how they embody their style, strength and female power in this group exhibit. Meet and greet with the artists at the reception. Opening from 7 to 10 p.m.

Saturday, July 15. Free. facebook.com/ events/1306523659463307

BOOKS HSherman Alexie at Shiley Theater, 5998 Alcala Park, University of San Diego.

The native American novelist, poet and filmmaker presents his newest book and memoir, You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me, and will be available for signings after the event. From 7 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 14. $5-$31. 858-454-0347, warwicks.com HConrad Keating at D.G. Wills Books, 7461 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The author will discuss his new book Kenneth Warren and the Great Neglected Diseases of Mankind Programme: The Transformation of Geographical Medicine in the U.S. and Beyond. At 7 p.m. Saturday, July 15.

Free. 858-456-1800, dgwillsbooks.com HJean-Christian Jury at Chino Farm, 6123 Calzada Del Bosque, Rancho Santa Fe. The cookbook author will be signing his new book called Vegan: The Cookbook, which highlights simple traditional cooking techniques of 150 countries. From 10:30 a.m to noon. Sunday, July 16. Free. 858- 756-3184, goodearthgreatchefs.com Simone Butler at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. As part of Warwick’s ongoing Weekend With Lo-

Junk In The Trunk Vintage Market @SDCITYBEAT

Items and zines from JGV Illustrations

H = CityBeat picks

cals program, Butler will be signing and discussing her new book, Moon Power: Lunar Rituals for Connecting with Your Inner Goddess. At noon. Sunday, July 16.

Free. 858-454-0347, warwicks.com HKathryn Anthony at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The award-winning author and psychologist will discuss and sign her new book, Defined by Design: The Surprising Power of Hidden Gender, Age, and Body Bias in Everyday Products and Places. At 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 18. Free. 858-454-0347, warwicks.com

COMEDY HTabled: Jurassic Park at Whistle Stop Bar, 2236 Fern St, South Park. Riff City Comedy collaborates with Tabled to present a humorous live reading of the iconic ‘90s film about dinosaurs gone wild. From 8 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 12. Free.

619-284-6784, whistlestopbar.com

FOOD & DRINK HPop-Up Dinners with Eduardo Baeza at Tostadas, 3139 University Ave., North Park. A four-course, family style culinary experience led by the restaurant’s executive chef. At 6 and 8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 13. $35. 619-584-4448, artproduce.org Tacos and Tequila at Soul Care Barn, 1525 W Lewis St., Mission Hills. Chef Joan and her boutique-style catering company will cook four tacos with a pairing of tequila. The night will include tarot readings, pop-up shopping, craft cocktails and music. From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 13. $39-$49. 619-272-6485, chefjoann.com Taste of the Pacific at Bali Hai Restaurant, 2230 Shelter Island Drive, Point Loma. Pacific Islander Festival Associasion, in partnership with local restaurants and catering businesses, shares the flavors of the islands while Motu Nehenehe Polynesian Dancers entertain guests.

From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 13. $35. pifasandiego.com Bar Pink 10th Anniversary Party at Bar Pink, 3829 30th Street, North Park. The killer dive bar celebrates ten years of business with live music, dance and pink cocktails. From 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday, July 16. Free. 619-564-7194, barpink.com

MUSIC H#SorryNotSorry at The Irenic, 3090 Polk Ave., North Park. The San Diego Women’s Chorus honors Pride weekend with an uncensored concert full of songs by Kelly Clarkson, P!nk, Beyonce and more. The chorus will be joined by small ensembles and spoken word performances. At 7 p.m. Thursday, July 13. $20-$30. 619-291-3366, sdwc.org The Night Owls: All that Jazz at Athenaeum Music and Arts Library, 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. Take in the new exhibit with hundreds of photographs of jazz musicians by Grace Bell and enjoy a performance by jazz musician Nina Francis.

From 7:30 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 13. $10. 858- 454-5872, ljathenaeum.org HSteve Poltz at Birch Aquarium, 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla. As part of the Green Flash Summer Concert Series, the local singer-songwriter known for playing the guitar and performing sans setlist will take the stage. From 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 19. $30.95-$35.95. 858-5343474, aquarium.ucsd.edu

POETRY & SPOKEN WORD Verbatim Poets Society at Verbatim

EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 JULY 12, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 13

BOOKS: THE FLOATING LIBRARY

EVENTS EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 Books, 3793 30th Street, North Park. The used bookstore will host an open mic, welcoming epic poetry readings from those in the community who are passionate about the literary arts. From 7 to 9 p.m.

Wednesday, July 12. Free. 619-5017466, verbatim-books.com HPalabra at La Bodega Gallery, 2196 Logan Ave, Logan Heights. The evening of poetry will include readings by bilingual poet and musician, Francisco J. Bustos with beats by tribal music group Frontera Drum Fusion. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 13. Free. 619-255-7036, labodegagallery.com Long Story Short: Eat Me at San Diego Writers Ink, 2730 Historic Decatur Road, Suite 202, Point Loma. A night where anyone can take on the stage and improvise a story that keeps with the “Eat Me” theme.

From 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 15. $5.

619- 696-0363, www.sandiegowriters.org HNow That’s What I Call Poetry at Tiger! Tiger! 3015 El Cajon Blvd, El Cajon.

Founder Ana Carrete and poets like Kimmy Walters and Brad Flis do live readings, alongside illustrator and comic artist Laurie Piña. From 7:30 to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 16. Free. 619- 487-0401, tigertigertavern.blogspot.com HDana Gioia at San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., Downtown. The California Poet Laureate will hold a reading and lead a conversation on the literary scene. She is joined by poet Karen Anhwei Lee and San Diego Poetry Out Loud Champion Signe Laundrup. At 6 p.m.

Monday, July 17. Free. 619-236-5800, sandiego.librarymarket.com

Incidents of travel

F

or the 100th installment of The Floating Library, I want to tell you about a book that is very important to me: The Lost Cities of the Mayas: The Life, Art and Discoveries of Frederick Catherwood by Fabio Bourbon. It’s a book that I’ve owned for a decade and have perused many times but didn’t get around to actually reading until this summer.

When we were on our honeymoon, my wife Nuvia and I visited the ancient Mayan city of Uxmal in the heart of Yucatan. I felt as if I were walking through a dream, like I’d been there before, all thanks to an English artist named Frederick Catherwood.

Catherwood had accompanied the American writer and explorer John Lloyd Stephens on two voyages to Central America and the Yucatan peninsula in 1839 and 1841. The two shared an interest in studying ancient ruins and had explored Egypt and the Levant both separately and together. Stephens set down his adventures in his book Incidents of Travel in Egypt, Arabia Petraea, and the Holy Land, which made him one of the most well-known writers of the early 19th century.

Catherwood, however, shied away from the spotlight. He was an artist who’d studied art, architecture and draftsmanship in London, but was so reserved that very little is known about him even though he was liked and admired by the leading artists, architects and explorers of his day.

They were perfectly suited as travel companions for the difficult journeys they faced as they traveled to Yucatan. At the time, very little was known about the Mayans outside of Mexico, and the information that had trickled out—often coming in the form of breathless accounts detailing ruined cities in the jungle—were cloaked in fabrication and racist lies. These cities, it was commonly believed, had to be the work of Egyptians or Hindus or even one of the Lost Tribes of Israel. The

oppressive colonial mindset of European explorers would not allow them see the ruins for what they were.

But Catherwood and Stephens changed all that. Thanks to Catherwood’s training and experience, he recognized that what he was seeing was unique. He wrote that the structures displayed “a high degree of constructive skill, and attesting, in their ornaments and proportions, to the prevalence of an indigenous and well established system of design, varying from any known models in the old world.”

This sober description of Mayan architecture is quintessential Catherwood. He eschewed the sensational and brought his unique skillset to the task of rigorously documenting what he saw in hundreds, if not thousands, of illustrations. Many of his drawings are so detailed and rendered with such painstaking accuracy that today Mayan scholars can translate the glyphs depicted in his illustrations.

I read both of Stephens’ volumes of Incidents of Travel in Yucatan, illustrated by Catherwood, before, during and after our honeymoon, but bought Bourbon’s oversized folio upon returning home as a souvenir. While much of Catherwood’s story was already familiar to me, I was stunned to learn that a fire had destroyed most of the illustrations and daguerreotypes the artist had made on his second journey. This fact alone makes the images that did survive all the more precious.

By the time this column goes to print, Nuvia and I will be back in Yucatan, celebrating our 10-year wedding anniversary with our own incidents of travel.

—Jim Ruland

Write to jimr@sdcitybeat.com.

EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

14 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JULY 12, 2017

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@SDCityBeat

july 12, 2017 · San Diego CityBeat · 15

WINE: BOTTLE ROCKET Rosé all ways

A

s a thrifty wino, I’m always inter- ya made from Cabernet Sauvignon. The ested in a rosé with a palatable slightly darker and orange-toned wine price point. As a discerning wino, had the strong floral scent of dried hiI’m intriuged by one made from a hearty biscus and tea leaves. With its complex aromas and bold flavors of strawberry and red varietal.

So imagine my delight when I was in- cranberry, it made sense to enjoy this one troduced to the Day Owl Rosé JEN LOTHSPEICH without food.

As the day wore on, more of Barbera priced at $15; and rosé magically appeared. The imagine my unbridled joy Gerard Bertrand Cotes du Rosés when I was sent a sample box and the Louis Jadot Rosé are my of the wine. The Day Owl not grocery store go-tos. The former only arrived bearing a name is a pale peach blend with bright that invited midday enjoyment, citrus and herbaceous flavors and but also with two pairs of suncomes in a cute rose-shaped botglasses; one pair for me and one tle. The latter is a juicier selection for my “BFF.” made from Pinot Noir grapes and The gimmick worked and I tastes of apricot and melon. hauled my rosy riches—along Rosés have been all the rage with other pink selections—to the past few years and the varietals a friend’s place for, eh, some rerecent visibility notwithstanding, search. Donning our shades, my the bandwagon is worth jumping bestie and I embraced our new “Day Owl” status and started Day Owl Rosé on. These wines were all enjoywith the bottle well before noon. sample box able in unique ways and affordably priced from $10 to $15, with the La The crisp wine smelled of orange blossoms and berries; its refreshing dry Playa massaging my budget at $7.

My only caveat: Any wine encouraging style paired well with a variety of snacks— from a creamy Toscano cheese to some day-drinking should have to come with a pair of sunglasses for the next day. garlic parmesan pretzel crisps.

Next up was another unconventional

—Jen Lothspeich rosé—a Chilean version by Viña La PlaBottle Rocket appears monthly.

EVENTS EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

POLITICS & COMMUNITY SURJ SD Workshop: CA’s Racist Practice of Gang Documentation at Peace Resource Center of San Diego, 3850 Westgate Place, Fairmont Park. A discussion of the negative effects the CalGang Database and Gang Suppression Units are having on communities of color. Hosted by Standing Up for Racial Justice San Diego. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 12. Free. 619-263-9301, facebook.com/events/316088212154838

SPECIAL EVENTS HTRANS PRIDE 2017 at Casa de Balboa,1549 El Prado, Balboa Park. An afternoon of food, games and community as part of the kick-off for San Diego’s Pride Weekend. From 1 to 6 p.m. Friday, July 14.

Free. sdpix.com HSpirit of Stonewall Rally at Hillcrest Pride Flag, 1500 University Ave., Hillcrest. San Diego celebrates the 1975 Pride rally at Stonewall and honors leaders in the LGBT community with awards, speakers like Todd Gloria and music by America’s Got Talent finalist Brian Justin Crum. From 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 14. Free. 619-297-7683, sdpride.org HPride Block Party 2017 at Hillcrest, Fifth Avenue and University Avenue, Hillcrest. The official San Diego Pride weekend kick-off, following the Spirit of Stonewall Rally, will include music by special guest performer David Hernandez from American Idol, cocktails, dancing and the hoisting of the Pride Flag.

From 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, July 14. $20-$45. 619-2993330, sdpride.org H#CulturaFestSD at Border X Brewing, 2181 Logan Ave, Logan Heights. The showcase will include clothing lines from The Movement Brand and other vendors such as Loquita Bath & Body. Food and beers will be available along with music by alternative rock band Que Oso and many others. Free. From 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 15. 760-845-1960, them-

16 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JULY 12, 2017

vmtbrand.com Pride 5K at University Ave and Centre Street, Hillcrest. An annual fast pace course, to raise funds for LGBT Youth Housing Project and Pride Community Grants. At 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 15. $40. 619857-8719, sdpride.org/pride5k Imperial Beach Sun & Sea Festival at Portwood Pier Plaza, 10 Evergreen Ave., Imperial Beach. The two-day, family-friendly festival has a stacked schedule, including the 2nd annual mayor’s pier swim, sandcastle competition, parade and more. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, July 14 and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, July 15. Free. sunandseafestival.com HPAWmicon at Hazard Center, 7610 Hazard Center Drive, Mission Valley. The Helen Woodward Animal Center hosts its fifth annual Comic-Con inspired dog adoption event. Play carnival games, see the PAWsplay costume contest and go home with a furry friend. From 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 15.

Free. 858-756-4117, animalcenter.org HJunk in the Trunk Vintage Market at Ingram Plaza, 2640 Cushing Road, Liberty Station. More than 100 vintage, antique and handmade vendors gather to sell all things antique, vintage and handmade.

Plus, live music, food, drinks and more. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16. $10-$25. junkinthetrunkvintagemarket.com Del Mar Racetrack Opening Day at Del Mar Racetrack, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. Fast horses, big hats and even bigger bets means it’s once again time for race track’s inaugural day. Watch the races, participate in the Opening Day Hats Contest and more. At 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 19. $15-$30.

858-755-1141, dmtc.com

TALKS & DISCUSSIONS HTwo Scientists Walk Into a Bar at various locations. As part of Fleet After Dark, 50 scientists will disperse throughout 25 bars and make themselves available to anyone who wants to ask them anything.

The scientists can be spotted with a sign that reads, “We are scientists. Ask us anything!” From 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 13. Free. 619-238-1233 rhfleet.org

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july 12, 2017 · San Diego CityBeat · 17

SKETCHES COURTESY OF ANDREW RAE

CULTURE | ART

o hear Andrew Rae tell it, he always felt like there was a secret in the family. When it came to his Uncle Richard, who died when Rae was still a child, his father and mother rarely spoke of him. For years, Rae just assumed that it was a painful topic. After all, his uncle was still relatively young when he died of pneumonia in 1984.

Or was it just pneumonia? Rae, the middle child of three boys raised in small town Texas, would sometimes hear from one of his cousins that Uncle Dick had actually died in a construction accident.

“There would be these portraits at the house,” recalls Rae over tea in North Park. “There would be pics of my dad and my uncles Dick and Don as children, but not many of them from when they were older.”

Then in 2006, Rae was at the airport with his mom getting ready to board a plane when he asked a question that he thought was innocent enough.

“Something else came up at the airport, and I asked my mom ‘why is dad such a homophobe?’” Rae says. “She told me, ‘well, your father was the only person that was at your uncle’s bedside.’ Come to find out, when he died, he was ostracized from the family and had been kicked out of hospitals. My dad was the only one who was there for him and took the brunt of it, but he’s never said a word about it to anyone.”

The conversation was eye-opening to say the least. His mother went on to reveal that while the official cause of death was pneumonia, Uncle Dick had actually been a gay man and died from complications related to AIDS. In the early ‘80s, the disease was still relatively new, misunderstood and feared. Rae says many hospitals refused to even admit his uncle. His own family cut him off after it was revealed that he was, in fact,

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a gay man with a disease that many referred to at the time as the “gay plague.”

This revelation about his uncle led to Rae inquiring further, but it would still be another three years before his father began to open up. Rae and his brothers visited their family’s ranch in Round Top, Texas and, one day (and despite what Rae describes as a “palpable tension”), his father brought out a box of his brother’s stuff that he’d had in storage for over 20 years.

SETH COMBS

Andrew Rae In rifling through his uncle’s old things, Rae made the discovery that his uncle worked as an artist. In the boxes were art supplies, many of them unused.

“Both my little brother and I are artists and there was always this sense of ‘where did this come from,’” says Rae, pointing out that neither his father or mother were artistically inclined.

While Rae still isn’t sure what kind of art his uncle practiced, he now felt a deep connection to him and felt compelled to somehow pay tribute to him. Rae took home many of his uncle’s supplies, including an unused sketchbook, which he used to create illustrations that

dealt in themes of masculinity and childhood. Rae became fairly obsessed with the project, working on it nonstop for over a month.

“Art has always been my process and my therapeutic medium,” Rae says. “When I found his art supplies, I was shocked.

I felt this story emerging that I had no idea was there before, but in a lot of ways I’d been looking for my entire life.”

A tertiary glance at the images could give the viewer the sense that the illustrations, while nonlinear, are based on pictures of his uncle, but they’re actually sketched from found images that Rae would pull from ‘60s and ‘70s-era magazines.

He would often spend hours and tons of money in a Hillcrest store, now closed, that sold vintage copies of magazines. He says he appropriated the pictures and would tweak them to give the illustration the mood he desired. The results are often contemplative and understated, and while they aren’t highly detailed, the resulting images—combined with the fact that they’re drawn on brittle, yellowing and translucent paper—often have a despondent but nonetheless magical feel to them.

“It really was an exercise in free association, but one of the themes that persisted in all of the photos was this sense of sinking melancholy and the struggle of not being accepted,” Rae says. “I’m imagining him at different points in his life as well. From a child on.”

In fact, boyhood plays a large role in the sketches. Rae says that he was interested in exploring the challenges a young child might face as they slowly realize they may not be like other boys. Within that struggle, male relationships are reassessed, redressed and ultimately redefined.

He says that at the end and when the sketchbook was filled, that he wanted to continue with it, but that it just didn’t feel right if the story wasn’t part of the original sketchbook. He’s been sitting on the works for a few years now and while he says he could never sell them, he is open to somehow displaying them. For the most part, he feels as if he’s done with the project, which he has lovingly dubbed Drawings of Richard.

“It was only recently, despite the fact that I finished a while ago, that I began to think that this could be the beginning of talking about it and creating something with it,” Rae says. “Something that could create some kind of legacy for him when it seems like something that was stolen from him.”

Rae is hopeful that getting the story out there may help his family come to terms with what has been a secret for far too long. Rae and his father still haven’t talked much about Uncle Dick, nor does his father know what Rae did with his uncle’s old sketchbook.

When asked if he’s worried about his father finding out from this article, Rae smiles.

“It’s time.”

JULY 12, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 19

THEATER JIM COX

Veronica J. Kuehn (left) and Audrey Cardwell in Guys and Dolls

Guys and Dolls still delights

T

he dolls steal the show in the Old Globe Theatre’s gaily, boisterous production of Guys and Dolls, staged in association with Sarasota, Florida’s Asolo Repertory Theatre.

As the principled missionary Sarah Brown, Audrey Cardwell (the most talented singer in the enormous cast) demonstrates a stirring operatic voice. She also proves she has comic chops in Sarah’s one unbuttoned scene—the dancing that becomes brawling on her and gangster Sky Masterson’s (Terrence Archie) quickie trip to Havana.

Then there’s Veronica J. Kuehn as Miss Adelaide, the long-suffering fiancée to crap-game organizer Nathan Detroit (J. Bernard Calloway). With the character’s squeaky vocal mannerisms and the beneficiary of the script’s choicest one-liners, Adelaide is a can’t-miss role, and the endearing Kuehn doesn’t miss the mark. Not only that, her second-act-opening “Take Back Your Mink,” which finds Kuehn clad in a barely-there costume (one of the many perfect inspirations of designer Brian C. Hemesath), truly puts the hot in the Hot Box—the club at which Adelaide performs.

Though it dates back to 1950 and has seen countless productions since, Guys and Dolls is to this day a lovable show. Frank Loesser’s tunes— “Luck Be a Lady,” “The Oldest Established” (Nathan’s theme) and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” among them—are perennial audience pleasers. So are the show’s overdrawn but delightful characters inspired by the short stories of Damon Runyon. At the Globe, Calloway (the Globe’s Grinch the last two holiday seasons) comes up a winner as the hapless, good-hearted Nathan Detroit, as does Todd Buonopane in the plum supporting role of Nicely-Nicely Johnson.

Josh Rhodes, who previously directed Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery and choreographed Bright Star at the Globe, does double duty here, and though this is a long show with a couple of throwaway numbers, it never loses its big, Broadway fun.

Lee Savage’s scenic design, too, is versatile and evocative of an old New York of neon, crayon colors and the nattily attired.

18 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JULY 12, 2017

A point of full disclosure: Guys and Dolls is a personal favorite������������������������������������ of mine. I even liked the ’55 movie with Brando as Sky Masterson.

Guys and Dolls runs through Aug. 13 at the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park. $40 and up; theoldglobe.org

—David L. Coddon

Theater reviews run weekly.

Write to davidc@sdcitybeat.com.

OPENING: Out on a Limb—New Plays from America’s Finest City: As if the title didn’t give it away, a collection of world-premiere productions from local playwrights. It happens July 14 through July 23 at Scripps Ranch Theatre. scrippsranchtheatre.org The Little Mermaid: The musical based on the Disney film about a young mermaid who, for whatever reason, just wants to be part of our world. Directed by Steven Glaudini, it opens July 19 at the Moonlight Stage Amphitheatre in Vista. moonlightstage.com

NOW PLAYING: King Richard II: Robert Sean Leonard returns to the local stage as the title character of this Shakespeare play about a reckless king. The first play in the Summer Shakespeare Festival, it runs through July 15 at the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park. theoldglobe.org Big Fish: A musical about a southern salesman who spins tall tales to his son throughout his life. Based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the motion picture by Tim Burton, it runs through July 30 at the Lamb’s Players Theatre in Coronado. lambsplayers.org At the Old Place: Rachel Bonds’ world premiere play about a middle-aged woman who returns to her childhood home only to find some unexpected guests waiting for her. Directed

by Jaime Castañeda, it runs through July 30 at the La Jolla Playhouse. lajollaplayhouse.org

For full listings, visit “Theater” under Culture at sdcitybeat.com

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20 · San Diego CityBeat · July 12, 2017

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CULTURE | VOICES

RACHEL MICHELLE FERNANDES

THANK YOU FOR

STARING

You can go home again

I

Don’t Shut Up! by the Feminist Image Group, while Bread and Salt in Logan Heights was debuting its latest group exhibition, AnthroMorphoCene (about the “irreversible human-fabricated impact on the Earth’s climate”). SDAI had a noise show featuring experimental artists from Mexico and San Diego, and Hill Street Country Club was hosting an opening in Oceanside for artist Shirin Towfiq’s solo show titled Soft and Sensitive. I chose to visit City Gallery and Bread and Salt, since they were in close proximity, and pop over to SDAI if there was time.

Don’t Shut Up! is primarily focused on promoting female voices and political resistance. The show features collaborative activist quilts, colorful mixed media work and an intimate installation by Hannah Johansen, which employs anonymous stories about discrimination and abuse. Johansen’s piece is especially interesting because it’s ongoing and visitors are encouraged to contribute stories on the spot or take a pamphlet with instructions on how to submit online. The show is up for a few weeks and RACHEL MICHELLE FERNANDES includes a panel discussion on Thursday evening that brings together artists and activists to talk about ending gender oppression. It’s heartening to witness these collaborative efforts, something that seemed to be lacking from my early days in the scene.

I shot over to Bread and Salt where I got to meet Thomas DeMello, who curates the space, and Lee Lavy, one of the artists and the curator of AnthroMorphoScene. DeMello graciously showed me around, gave me a rad booklet about the show and introduced me to Jim Brown, the owner of the gallery who couldn’t be nicer. Since I’ve been back in town I’ve attended a few events there but never realized what an intense labor of love it is.

Installation at Bread and Salt by Sofie Ramos This latest exhibit is fun and haunting to flee to San Francisco and eventually New York City, at the same time. Sofie Ramos’ corner installation is a manic child’s bedroom version of German silent where I remained for 11 years.

Two years ago, a series of unfortunate events oc- film Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. Lavey’s series of colorcurred, including my father’s sudden passing, my ful prints call to mind Troma films like The Toxic Brooklyn apartment catching fire, and being let go Avenger. And local painter Morgan Mandalay’s piece from my TV production job. It was about to be win- is a ghostly layering of cigarettes, cell phones and a ter again in New York and the sunny embrace of my scarcely noticeable gorilla with the saddest eyes I’ve ever seen. hometown was calling.

I felt guilty about missing the other shows but c’est Much to my surprise, San Diego’s cultural landscape had experienced quite a metamorphosis. Just la vie. Josh Pavlick of Helmuth Projects called the evelike me, the city had done a lot of growing up. Maybe ning’s offerings “an embarrassment of riches,” and I it’s because the art scenes in L.A. and Tijuana are have to say that the San Diego scene feels very rich inspilling over or enough cultural producers finally de- deed. I glanced down at my Facebook calendar at what cided to stick around. Whatever it is, there seems to was going down next Saturday. Once again, there are a be a changing of the guard in progress. I decided to plethora of events including the Tijuana Zine Fest and start this column to support what I view as an excit- an opening at SDAI’s Horton Plaza space. ing time to be an artist in this town.

While there’s still a lot of work to be done (e.g. a To start, I consulted with my new bestie, fellow severely sad and disorganized cinema scene), it feels Valley Girl intellectual Lissa Corona of the San Diego good to be back, and I’m looking forward to staring at Art Institute [SDAI]. She brought to my attention the some walls and screens and unleashing some of that sheer volume of happenings on Saturday alone so I old unbridled enthusiasm. decided to make the rounds. City Gallery at City College was having an opening for the group show titled Thank You For Staring appears every other week. left San Diego 15 years ago with flaming tire tracks behind me. OK, I’m being dramatic, but there certainly was a sense of urgency at play. The city had been decent to me. After all, I had learned to ride waves in its ocean and received a fantastic visual arts education at UCSD. I had also attempted, with limited success, to become a cultural producer. While in college, I organized an all women’s art show/experimental film screening at the Che Cafe called Hey, That’s My Art! I also helped curate a few short film exhibitions around town and was one of the organizers of the Army of S/ he Art Festival in North Park. I was young and eager for the art revolution!

But San Diego was not.

My unbridled enthusiasm and go-getter attitude was most often met with resistance and instructions to “chill.” The folded-arms-clique-ishness of the local scene intimidated me and most of my ambitious visual artist friends left the city. I jumped at the chance

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JULY 12, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 21

CULTURE | FILM

Demme god

Stop Making Sense

Repertory screening of classic Talking Heads film honors great director

by Glenn Heath Jr.

P

Initially, Byrne and his bandmates stand in front of rofessional actors are taught early on to avoid looking directly into the camera. Throughout his an unfinished backdrop where scaffolding and stage storied career, Jonathan Demme would ask his lights are noticeable. Yet as more musicians and inperformers to do just that, breaking the fourth wall in struments are folded in, complex color schemes and order to intensify the emotions of joy, hate or shock rear projections grow increasingly prolific. While loud that were emanating from those two soul-searching applause can be heard from the audience, the crowd eyes peering back at the audience. It’s impossible to remains shrouded in black negative space. Demme’s forget the initial flirtations between Mathew Modine’s focus is solely on the performers, their movements wacko FBI agent and Michelle Pfeiffer’s sweet mafia and their expressions, shuffling various camera shots wife in 1988’s Married to the Mob, or Oprah Winfrey’s to convey the momentum created from sound and imharrowing glances into the past during 1998’s Beloved, age colliding.

Stop Making Sense sees Byrne’s bellowing voice an underrated near-masterpiece. Countless other great examples are strewn throughout Demme’s filmography. as the North Star, but it’s an ensemble performance This aesthetic decision became a stylistic calling in the truest sense. Like Demme’s JT + The Tennessee card in a career that constantly oscillated between Kids from 2016, it illuminates the contributions of subversive fiction films, activist documentaries and everyone from stagehands to camera operators. Both films challenge the auteur theory musical performance portraits. But in this regard, showing just how diversity in genre and tone never many talented people it takes to swayed Demme from consistently STOP MAKING make a superstar. exploring the act of living fearlessly Perception and reality clash in the moment. Films ranging from SENSE throughout Demme’s work, but the classic 1986 dark comedy SomeDirected by Jonathan Demme they seem to crystalize in particuthing Wild to his prescient 2004 Starring The Talking Heads larly beautiful fashion during Stop remake of The Manchurian CandiNot Rated Making Sense. The rendition of date contain a crackling immediacy “Once In a Lifetime” finds Byrne that’s connected to the ongoing slapping himself repeatedly after battle between internal and exterbeing caught up in a seizure of nal conflict.

On April 26, 2017, Mr. Demme died at the age of 73 possibility. During an epic cover of Al Green’s “Take of complications from cancer, prompting many writers Me to the River,” all of The Talking Heads appear to and cinephiles to look back fondly on a fascinating life experience a collective cleansing, their bodies moving defined by creative risk-taking and decades-long col- and shaking in ways that defy convention. Fittingly, laborations with brilliant accomplices such as cinema- this is when Byrne introduces them all by name to the tographer Tak Fujimoto, title designer Pablo Ferro and audience.

Stop Making Sense ends with the spirited and incostume designer Colleen Atwood. In honor of Demme’s passing, Digital Gym Cinema will be screening his ex- fectious song “Crosseyed and Painless,” the lyrics of hilarating 1984 concert film Stop Making Sense, possibly which (“Changing my shape”) speak to endless malleability of Demme’s oeuvre. It is here the camera fithe director’s greatest cinematic achievement.

Shot over the course of three performances by The nally spills out into the raucous crowd, who are dancTalking Heads during a December 1983 run at the ing feverishly and grinning from ear to ear. This feels Pantages Theater, Stop Making Sense brilliantly rep- like heaven, and to quote The Talking Heads song of resents Demme’s endless love of musical performance the same name, hopefully for Mr. Demme “it will start and gleeful urgency. Beginning in close-up on lead again” wherever he may find himself.

Stop Making Sense screens at 7 p.m., Wednesday, singer David Byrne’s shoes as he walks on stage (an ode to Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train), the camera is July 19 at Digital Gym Cinema. swept up by a bare-bones rendition of “Psycho Killer” in which beats from a cassette tape meld with dynam- Film reviews run weekly.

Write to glennh@sdcitybeat.com ic acoustic guitar riffs.

22 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JULY 12, 2017

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CULTURE | FILM

Monkey see

S

ummer blockbusters prefer to deal in loud chaotic imagery with the hopes of captivating their target audience: fidgety teenage boys. War for the Planet of the Apes, the third installment in this prequel trilogy to the hammy 1960s series featuring Charlton Heston, skillfully deviates from that strategy. Director Matt Reeves shows an appreciation for silence by implementing purposeful long takes dedicated to exploring the nuances of character. This is especially true whenever the camera closes in on Caesar (Andy Serkis), whose intense motion-captured

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War For The Planet Of The Apes stare evokes more meaning than any rousing monologue ever could.

Fifteen years after the Simian Flu ravaged Earth, pockets of human resistance have organized to combat what has become a growing community of intelligent apes now sequestered deep in the forest. Opening with a symphony of chirping crickets, rhythmic raindrops and squawking birds, War For the Planet of the Apes recollects the natural splendor of James Gray’s The Lost City of Z. That serenity is quickly dashed during a fierce firefight between Special Forces soldiers and Caesar’s spear throwing apes.

The battle ends in stalemate, but opens up a seam for a rogue military officer simply named The Colonel (Woody Harrelson) to stage an assassination attempt on Caesar. From here the dominos of revenge begin to fall, putting in motion an eerily symbolic narrative that fuses multiple genres (prison film, melodrama) with deeply political subtext about hate and isolation.

Shades of Marlon Brando and Apocalypse Now are felt in Harrelson’s unhinged performance as America’s finest zealot, and Reeves’ use of Jimi Hendrix song cues further equates this woodland war of attrition with the Vietnam era. Yet War of the Planet of the Apes, which opens Friday, July 14, stays dutifully connected to Caesar’s ongoing moral dilemmas, and how his decisions ripple outward to his flock. Their story is what matters. The time for man’s plight has come and gone.

—Glenn Heath Jr.

OPENING 2017 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour: This 95-minute theatrical program includes seven short films selected from this year’s Festival, widely considered the premier showcase for short films

and the launching pad for many nowprominent independent filmmakers for more than 30 years. Opens Friday, July 14, at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

Ken Classics Week: This occasional repertory event screens a collection of classic movies from the United States and beyond. This week’s titles include new 4K digital restorations of Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest, Andrei Tarkovsky’s Stalker, and The Spy Who Loved Me starring the late Roger Moore, among others. Screens from Friday, July 14 through Thursday, July 20, at the Ken Cinema.

Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan: This beautiful documentary captures the exquisite grace and beauty of prima ballerina Wendy Whelan as she nears the end of her tenure at the New York City Ballet.

Opens Friday, July 14, at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

War For the Planet of the Apes: 15 years removed from the Simian Flu epidemic that nearly wiped humans from the face of the Earth, Caesar (Andy Serkis) attempts to move his community of apes from the forest to a safer environment due to the maniacal blood lust of a rogue military officer (Woody Harrelson). Matt Reeves directs this third installment of the blockbuster triology.

Wish Upon: A teenage girl discovers a box that carries magic powers only to realize too late that her actions have deadly consequences.

For a complete movie listings, visit F ilm at sdcitybeat.com.

JULY 12, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 23

CARLO RICCI

MUSIC

Tori Roze n her 15-plus years of playing music, Tori Roze has had to make some difficult decisions. After enrolling at the prestigious Boston Conservatory to study musical theater, she transferred out after only one year when she realized the school was both too expensive and too narrow a path for her eclectic tastes. And like any artist, she’s had to take her share of gigs that offered little creative fulfillment for the sake of paying the bills.

One of the most difficult moments in her career happened early on, however, after she joined a band that was founded by one of her childhood friends. The group was offered an opportunity to perform at the San Diego Pride Festival, but turned it down. Roze, who is a lesbian, says that the band members never stated explicitly that they didn’t want to play because it was a gay event, but they couldn’t give her a convincing reason otherwise.

“It was one of the saddest things I had to do, because I really cared about these people,” she says. “So I was like, ‘does that mean you don’t approve of me?’ I don’t think everybody felt that way. But I was in tears, calling up everyone in the band, saying ‘I’m sorry to do this, but I can’t play with you guys anymore.’

“Quitting that band was the best thing I ever did, and the scariest thing I ever did,” she adds. “I found my voice, and where I wanted to go. You don’t realize it—hindsight is 20/20—but when that door closed, 30 others opened.”

A decade later, Roze has made a name for herself in San Diego music as the soulful frontwoman of long-running

24 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JULY 12, 2017

band The Hot Mess, which she formed after parting ways with her old band. Roze, who also plays trumpet, has a unique voice in the local scene, literally, with some powerful pipes reminiscent of R&B divas like Amy Winehouse, whom she counts as one of her biggest inspirations. She’ll also be the first to admit that every setback she’s had since then has helped her to realize who she is as an artist while also helping to build her confidence.

The Hot Mess started in 2008 after Roze started up various shortlived live projects. Not long before that, she agreed to play three-hour live sets at The Brass Rail (now The Rail) in Hillcrest despite not actually having a band, and managed to cobble together setlists in just a couple weeks. Though early incarnations of the band had different lineups, the recent lineup of The Hot Mess has had the same solid set of players for about a half-decade: flautist Lee Clark, guitarist Johnny Alexander, bassist Harley Magsino, drummer Charles Weller and trombonist/keyboardist Jordan Morita.

The longest running member of the band, Clark, is also the one person in Roze’s life who’s had an outsized influence on her life and career: She’s her mother.

“My mom majored in music and theater...I got the musical side from her. And my dad is an actor, director and

playwright, so I got the theatrical side from him,” she says.

“There are four kids in my family, I’m number three, but I’m the only one who grabbed on to what they were doing and ran with it.”

Clark and Roze can be seen performing with The Hot Mess every fourth Monday at Bar Pink, turning out bold, funky grooves. That’s just one night on their monthly calendar, however, which typically features a long list of shows. And the band’s individual members keep pretty hectic schedules on their own as well, many of them playing on tour with other bands or doing session work in the studio.

Not to mention Roze herself, who is certainly a top contender for hardest working musician in San Diego.

At the end of 2017, the band plans to release their third album, which they’re now in the process of recording. After working with other producers in studios around town for past recordings, they’re self-producing and self-recording it, following the truism that if you want something done right, you do it yourself.

“We worked with this person here, and did it this type of way. And then we did it with this person and this type of way,” Roze says. “Now we’re like, fuck everybody, we’re gonna do it ourselves. Nine years deep we’re all doing it for the love of it.”

Roze makes her living playing music, with supplemental income from a variety of other jobs: private music lessons, substitute teaching and even being a nude art model, which she says “helped me get over any body issues I had.” But Roze can most often be found on a stage of some kind, which she admits can sometimes be draining. Following a lifelong dream, it turns out, can require making some compromises.

“Last year my guitarist and I did 149 gigs, most of which I’d call wallpaper moneymaker restaurant gigs: Two hours parked in a corner playing and trying to blend in with the atmosphere,” she says. “And it’s like, wow, this is what it feels like to be a workaday musician. You have to know that if you do certain things it’ll remove that heart and that passion, and it’ll make you hate it. And eventually you’ll need a break, or you might end up taking a permanent break.”

Roze hasn’t taken many breaks in the past decade, if any. And while her old band infamously turned down that Pride performance, she’s since performed at five separate Pride festivals, including in South Bay and in Palm Springs. In fact, she says she’s ready to take it easy this year and just go to San Diego Pride and enjoy it instead of having it be a job. As she sees it, she doesn’t have to be onstage to be making a statement.

“I realized that just being me and doing what I do is a form of protest,” she says. “I’m marrying a woman. Fuck you dude: There’s my protest.”

Write to jefft@sdcitybeat.com and follow him on Twitter @1000TimesJeff.

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july 12, 2017 · San Diego CityBeat · 25

MUSIC

NOTES FROM THE SMOKING PATIO LOCALS ONLY

T

he last album by The Jade Sharer is finally being released. Sea Stacks and Sleestaks is coming out on vinyl through Joyful Noise’s subscription series, and it’s also available digitally on Bandcamp. The band began work on the album more than a decade ago, but they were unable to finish it before vocalist and bassist Terrin Durfey died in 2008 after a battle with cancer.

The band’s guitarist Chris Prescott says that he’d been working on it on and off since then, because he thought it was important to have Durfey’s final works finally see the light of day.

“We had been working on it for a couple years,” he says. “When you’re working in a home studio, you have a tendency to spend way too long on something.

It was almost done, but I felt like it was Terrin’s legacy. It felt heartbreaking not to release it.”

Sea Stacks and Sleestaks features Prescott, Durfey, guitarist Gabriel Feenburg and drummer Matt Lynott, as well as guest appearances by Pinback’s Rob Crow, Allen Epley (The Life and Times) and Brian Desjean (No Knife). The album also includes some recordings of Durfey that Prescott had never actually heard in his lifetime.

“His family had me go through his files to see what he had,” he says. “He had a bunch of stuff he hadn’t given to me. I found a bunch of great vocal takes, and I was able to use some of it. Some of it was really strong.”

The Jade Shearer All proceeds from the sale of the album are going toward a college fund for Durfey’s son Dakota.

Prescott said that when it came time to release it, he didn’t want to do so for profit.

“I’m completely separating myself from the financial stuff,” he says. “And I know these days it’s not free to do music. But it just doesn’t seem right to take any money from this. So why not make it a fundraiser.

People might be more inclined to help out.”

—Jeff Terich

TAG IT AND BAG IT

I

f you search for albums tagged “San Diego” on Bandcamp, you’ll find some interesting stuff. In this semi-regular report, we sift through recent postings and relay the findings.

Collapsing Structures, Stephanie Merchak: If I’ve learned anything from surveying Bandcamp for three years, it’s that San Diego has an impressive amount of experimental bedroom producers.

This release is proof of that, a dark ambient collection of pieces that range from spacious and haunting to downright eerie. This is unsettling, but it’s also quite gorgeous.

That’s not easy to pull off. silentmethodrecords.bandcamp.com

its own but has some interesting moments. The wobbly melody of “S.L.P.” is one of them, particularly when the slap bass kicks in. But by and large this feels like something meant to fade into the background. systmhck.bandcamp.com With the Homies, JR Jarris: The title of JR Jarris’ new five-track set feels pretty casual, almost like it was recorded during a laid-back session with a group of friends.

But the sound of it is less homey and more club-ready than that title might suggest. The beats are a little wonky, a bit dancey, and they sound far more future-funk than old-school. It’s hip-hop beatmaking for late night drives through brightly lit landscapes. jrjarris. bandcamp.com

They Are Sleeping, Dude Is Walk: I have no idea what the fuck “Dude Is Walk” means. I have Doubleplus, Sights and Sages: less of an idea what this music is.

“Aghori,” the first song on Sights It’s a bizarre, obscenely long coland Sages’ new EP, has a simple, lection of experimental sounds, Doubleplus , Sights and Sages minimal sound that’s familiar but post-rock and exotica that makes not necessarily easy to place. The little to no sense together but is a post-punk sexiness of it has a hell of an interesting listen. At 32 tracks, many of them surpassing 10 minutes apiece, touch of Interpol, but the sputtering drums and polyit’s a commitment, but there’s interesting things to be rhythmic layers—not to mention the singer’s vocals— found between the tape experiments and noise tracks. sound a lot more like Radiohead. None of these reference points are a problem, however; the group’s arty, dudeiswalk.bandcamp.com atmospheric alt-rock has all the right influences withSemantic Expression, systmhck: Are we still reout being a carbon copy of any of them. And they’re moving vowels from artist names? (Though it breaks pretty catchy at that. sightsandsages.bandcamp.com the “sometimes y” rule.) In any case, this is ethereal, chillwavy synth music that’s nothing remarkable on

26 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JULY 12, 2017

—Jeff Terich

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@SDCityBeat

july 12, 2017 · San Diego CityBeat · 27

MUSIC

JEFF TERICH

IF I WERE U A music insider’s weekly agenda WEDNESDAY, JULY 12

PLAN A: Mutoid Man, Helms Alee, Painted Wives @ The Casbah. If you missed it, go back and read Ben Salmon’s music feature from last week on Massachusetts hard rock/metal trio Mutoid Man, who shred like badasses but still know how to make catchy songs. PLAN B: Joan Shelley @ SPACE. Joan Shelley’s music is simply beautiful. She writes laid-back, folky songs that are made all the more intoxicating as a result of her incredible voice. Not to mention her guitar playing, which is intricate and gorgeous.

THURSDAY, JULY 13

PLAN A: Cheetah Chrome’s Dead Boys, Cruz Radical, Spitfire Torpedo @ The Casbah. Punk has reached its 40th birthday and so have Ohio punk legends The Dead Boys. Even though the band broke up before singer Stiv Bators died, original guitarist Cheetah Chrome is touring their

28 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JULY 12, 2017

music, which still rips four decades later.

PLAN B: Fartbarf, The Manx, AIDS Cop, Tenshun & Henshaw @ SPACE. It’s always hard for me to get past the name Fartbarf, but the masked synth freaks do make some cool, danceable electropunk. Make sure to get here early for Tenshun, who specializes in some of the noisiest hip-hop beats in San Diego.

Creepy Creeps, Hollywood Sinners @ The Casbah.

SATURDAY, JULY 15

PLAN A: Wanda Jackson, Johnny Deadly Trio @ The Casbah. Wanda Jackson is a badass. She’s a rockabilly legend with more than 50 years of performances under her belt. And you don’t turn down an opportunity to see a legend in a small venue, now do you? PLAN B: Tori Roze and the Hot Mess @ Martinis Above 4th. Read my feature this week on local singer/songwriter Tori Roze, who is one of the hardest working musicians in San Diego, along with the team of ringers in her soulful band The Hot Mess.

BACKUP PLAN: Grizzly Business, The Mondegreens, Lead Pony @ Soda Bar.

PLAN A: Cymbals Eat Guitars, Palo Duro @ The Casbah. Every time I get exhausted with boring indie rock bands, I remember that there are also groups like Cymbals Eat Guitars, who excel at both complex songwriting and loud guitars. They reaffirm my faith in a genre that isn’t getting any fresher. PLAN B: En Vogue, Tinashe, Kodie Shane @ San Diego Pride Festival. This year’s Pride Festival is heavy on R&B divas, which I’m all about. Everybody should already be well versed in En Vogue’s early ‘90s canon, but make sure to catch Tinashe, who has her share of jams as well. BACKUP PLAN: Palm, Palberta, Media Jeweler @ Soda Bar.

MONDAY, JULY 17

PLAN A: The Fresh Brunettes, Cool Schmool, Fictitious Dishes @ Soda Bar. It’s always hard to keep yourself out late on a Monday night, but it’s worth it for excellent, fuzzy local groups such as The Fresh Brunettes and Fictitious Dishes. It makes up for missing out on some extra sleep.

FRIDAY, JULY 14

PLAN A: Dead Heavens, Warsaw, Calcutta Kid @ Soda Bar. I’m a big fan of anything that Walter Schreifels does (especially Quicksand), and his new band Dead Heavens doesn’t disappoint. They’re more of a psychedelic stoner rock band, and the riffs certainly slay. PLAN B: A Night of Nick Cave Songs, Pall Jenkins @ SPACE. I typically reserve covers shows for something special, and because Nick Cave is the greatest, this is that something. Full disclosure: I am participating, but won’t tell you which song. BACKUP PLAN: Schizophonics, The

SUNDAY, JULY 16

TUESDAY, JULY 18

Joan Shelley

PLAN A: The Sword, Big Jesus @ Belly Up Tavern. I’m well aware that some metalheads consider The Sword false metal (i.e. poseurs).

Well, that’s nonsense. They make awesome Sabbath-style stoner metal tracks don’t they?

Then I don’t see the problem.

@SDCITYBEAT

MUSIC

CONCERTS

HOT! NEW! FRESH! Curren$y (Observatory, 8/2), Inquisition (Brick by Brick, 9/2), Spotlights (Soda Bar, 9/3), Grieves (Casbah, 9/3), The Night Game (Casbah, 9/12), MC Lars (Soda Bar, 9/13), The Wailers (BUT, 9/21), WAND (Soda Bar, 9/24), Lauren Ruth Ward (Casbah, 9/28), J Roddy Walston and the Business (BUT, 9/30), Corey Henry and the Funk Apostles (Casbah, 9/30), Irma Thomas, Blind Boys of Alabama (BUT, 10/5), Pinegrove (Irenic, 10/6), Cattle Decapitation (Brick by Brick, 10/11), Alison Wonderland (Observatory, 10/11), John Maus (Soda Bar, 10/12), Echosmith (Music Box, 10/21), Real Estate (Music Box, 10/24), The Drums (Observatory, 11/1), Yelawolf (Observatory, 11/2), Cults (Irenic, 11/5), METZ (Casbah, 12/13), Jay-Z (Viejas Arena, 12/19).

GET YER TICKETS BadBadNotGood (Observatory, 7/20), Rodrigo y Gabriela (Humphreys, 7/31), Metallica (Petco Park, 8/6), Steve Earle and the Dukes (BUT, 8/10), Incubus, Jimmy Eat World (Mattress Firm Amphitheatre, 8/11), Neon Indian (BUT, 8/14), Royal Blood (Observatory, 8/15), YOB, SubRosa (Brick

by Brick, 8/16), Matthew Sweet (Casbah, 8/16), Dead Cross (Observatory, 8/19), 311 (Open Air Theatre, 8/20), Atmosphere (Observatory, 8/20), Mew (Observatory, 8/24), B-Side Players (Music Box, 8/26), Pelican, Inter Arma (Brick by Brick, 8/26), Ira Glass (Balboa Theatre, 8/27), Stiff Little Fingers (BUT, 9/6), Quicksand (BUT, 9/11), Goo Goo Dolls (Open Air Theatre, 9/12), Green Day (Mattress Firm Amphitheatre, 9/13), Kaaboo Festival w/ Tom Petty, Muse, Red Hot Chili Peppers (Del Mar Fairgrounds, 9/15-17), Against Me! (Observatory, 9/16), Future Islands (Open Air Theatre, 9/17), Zola Jesus (Casbah, 9/21), U2 (Qualcomm Stadium, 9/22), Swervedriver (Casbah, 9/22), The Beach Boys (Humphreys, 9/23), Ben Folds (HOB, 9/23), Sublime With Rome, The Offspring (Mattress Firm Amphitheatre, 9/26), Bleachers (Observatory, 9/27), Benjamin Booker (BUT, 9/29), Jay Som (Soda Bar, 9/30), The Pains of Being Pure at Heart (Loft, 9/30), The Shins, Spoon (Open Air Theatre, 10/1), Algiers (Soda Bar, 10/1), Chelsea Wolfe (BUT, 10/2), Sheer Mag, Tony Molina (Soda Bar, 10/2), Ms. Lauryn Hill, Nas (OAT, 10/3), Depeche Mode (Mattress Firm Amphitheatre, 10/6), Coldplay (Qualcomm Stadium, 10/8), Obituary, Exodus (Observatory, 10/8), Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile (HOB, 10/11), The Afghan Whigs (BUT, 10/12), The National (Open Air Theatre, 10/12), The Black Angels (HOB, 10/17), Torres (Casbah, 10/17), Café Tacuba (Observatory, 10/17-18), Arcade Fire (Viejas Arena, 10/18), Mastodon (HOB, 10/19), City of Caterpillar, Thou (Soda Bar, 10/19), Linkin Park (Mattress Firm Amphitheatre, 10/20), The Kooks (Observatory, 10/20), KMFDM (HOB, 10/20), Tegan and Sara (Balboa Theatre, 10/20), Jimmy Buffett (Mattress Firm Amphitheatre, 10/21), Carla Morrison (Humphreys, 10/22), Turnover (Irenic, 10/27), Roky Erickson (Casbah, 10/27), Iron and Wine (Balboa Theatre, 10/28), Black Heart Procession (Casbah, 11/4), Halsey (Viejas Arena, 11/5), Hamilton Leithauser (BUT, 11/9), D.R.I. (Brick by Brick, 11/10), Fall Out Boy (Viejas Arena, 11/15), Gary Numan (Observatory, 11/15), Ariel Pink (BUT, 11/16), Boris, Torche (Casbah, 11/17), Blues Traveler (HOB, 11/19), Mogwai (Observatory, 11/20), New Found Glory (HOB, 11/25).

JULY WEDNESDAY, JULY 12 Mutoid Man at The Casbah. Phora at Observatory North Park. Joan Shelley at SPACE.

THURSDAY, JULY 13 The Temptations, Four Tops at Humphreys by the Bay. Cheetah Chrome’s Dead Boys at The Casbah.

AmirSaysNothing at Soda Bar.

FRIDAY, JULY 14 Dead Heavens at Soda Bar. Lynyrd Skynyrd at

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Harrah’s SoCal. Schizophonics at The Casbah. Los Caidos at Whistle Stop.

SATURDAY, JULY 15 Super Diamond at Belly Up Tavern. Derv Gordon of the Equals at SPACE. Joshua Radin and Rachel Yamagata at Observatory North Park. Wanda Jackson at The Casbah. Grizzly Business at Soda Bar.

SUNDAY, JULY 16 Cymbals Eat Guitars at The Casbah. Palm at Soda Bar.

MONDAY, JULY 17 Moon Honey at The Casbah. The Fresh Brunettes at Soda Bar. Jim Breuer at Observatory North Park.

TUESDAY, JULY 18 2Cellos at Open Air Theatre. The Sword at Belly Up Tavern. Playboi Carti at Observatory North Park. Natalie Merchant at Copley Symphony Hall. Belladon at The Casbah. Uncle Lucius at Soda Bar.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19 Khalid at Observatory North Park. Hall & Oates, Tears for Fears at Valley View Casino Center. Colin Hay at Belly Up Tavern. Birdtalker at Soda Bar.

THURSDAY, JULY 20 Colin Hay at Belly Up Tavern (sold out). Beach Fossils at The Casbah (sold out). BadBadNotGood at Observatory North Park. The Delta Riggs at Soda Bar.

FRIDAY, JULY 21 Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 at Belly Up Tavern. Third Eye Blind at Open Air Theatre. Ministry at House of Blues. Dead Kennedys at Brick by Brick. Tribal Seeds at Del Mar Racetrack. Rozwell Kid at Soda Bar. Fleetmac Wood at The Casbah.

SATURDAY, JULY 22 La Luz at Soda Bar. Creature and the Woods at The Casbah. Reggie Watts at The Irenic.

SUNDAY, JULY 23 Maggie Koerner at Soda Bar. Buddy Guy at Belly Up Tavern (sold out). Phenomenauts at SPACE. Digital Lizards of Doom at The Casbah.

MONDAY, JULY 24 Yowie at SPACE. Post Animal at Soda Bar. Blackberry Smoke at Belly Up Tavern.

TUESDAY, JULY 25 Delta Rae at Belly Up Tavern. Josh Harmony at Soda Bar.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 26 The Dabbers at The Casbah. The Upper Strata at Soda Bar.

THURSDAY, JULY 27 David J at The Casbah. Bush at Open Air Theatre.

Imagery Machine at Soda Bar.

FRIDAY, JULY 28 Schizophonics Soul Revue at The Casbah. Violent Femmes at Del Mar Racetrack. Taking Back Sunday at Observatory North Park. Lower Class Brats at Soda Bar.

SATURDAY, JULY 29 Robert Cray at Belly Up Tavern. The Gloomies at Soda Bar.

SUNDAY, JULY 30 Steve Gunn at SPACE. Maxi Priest at Belly Up Tavern. Death Eyes at Whistle Stop. All Get Out at House of Blues Voodoo Room. Hollis Brown at Soda Bar.

MUSIC CONTINUED ON PAGE 30 JULY 12, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 29

MUSIC MUSIC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29 MONDAY, JULY 31 Rodrigo y Gabriela at Humphreys by the Bay. Que Oso at Soda Bar.

AUGUST TUESDAY, AUG. 1 Unsane at The Casbah. AFI, Circa Survive at Open Air Theatre. Huey Lewis and the News at Humphreys by the Bay. The Rocketboys at Soda Bar.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 2 The Buttertones at The Casbah. Alex Napping at Soda Bar. Curren$y at Observatory North Park.

THURSDAY, AUG. 3 Swirlies at SPACE. Chevelle at House of Blues. Rooney at The Irenic. Mobina Galore at Soda Bar.

FRIDAY, AUG. 4 Wheeler Walker Jr. at House of Blues.

Chastity Belt at SPACE. Eagles of Death Metal at Del Mar Racetrack.

SATURDAY, AUG. 5 Turnpike Troubadours at Belly Up Tavern.

Amigo the Devil at Soda Bar.

SUNDAY, AUG. 6 Ed Sheeran at Valley View Casino Center. Metallica at Petco Park. Nails at Brick by Brick. 10,000 Maniacs at Belly Up Tavern. Parker Gispert at Soda Bar.

30 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JULY 12, 2017

KRS One, Slick Rick at Observatory North Park.

MONDAY, AUG. 7 Bent Knee at Soda Bar.

TUESDAY, AUG. 8 Diana Krall at Humphreys by the Bay. James Vincent McMorrow at Belly Up Tavern. Stage Kids at Soda Bar.

rCLUBSr

Bang Bang, 526 Market St., Downtown.

Thu: Dusky. Fri: Poolside, Goldroom.

Sat: Grum. Sun: Hotel Garuda.

Beaumont’s, 5665 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla. Thu: Sam Bybee. Fri: Moonage Daydreamers. Sat: Sofa King Bueno.

Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. Wed: Featherstone, Monarch, Mrs. Henry. Thu: Wish & the Well, Secret Lynx, Sophia Alone. Fri: Mike Pinto, ITAL VIBES, Casey Turner. Sat: Super Diamond, Fleetwood Max. Sun: Kathryn Cloward, Ezekiel Jay, Steve Denyes, Heather Nation. Tue: The Sword, Big Jesus.

710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach. Fri: MAIZ, Mono Verde Collective, Jahkobeats. Tue: Thirty House Premiere.

Black Cat Bar, 4246 University Ave., City Heights. Thu: Uptown Rhythm Makers. Fri: Bababing, Parade of Horribles.

Sat: Hot Mustard, TV Icon.

Air Conditioned Lounge, 4673 30th St., Normal Heights. Wed: ‘SubDrip’ w/ DJ Damon Lillard. Thu: ‘Centerpiece’ w/ DJ Eliasar Gordillo. Sat: ‘Juicy’ w/ Mike Czech. Sun: ‘Chvrch’ w/ DJs Karma, Alice.

Blonde, 1808 W. Washington St., Mission Hills. Wed: ‘Dance Klassique’. Sat: ‘Lady Lush’ w/ DJs Red Sonya, Arielle Z & Casmalia. Mon: So Many Wizards, Los Shadows, Low Points. Tue: La Luz (DJ Set), Las Pinas, Oak Palace, Los Sweepers.

American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Ave., Downtown. Thu: John Heffron. Fri: John Heffron. Sat: John Heffron.

The Bancroft, 9143 Campo Road, Spring Valley. Thu: Hawkeye, Settlers, Pueblo, Moonsong. Fri: Monkeysoop.

Sat: Girlfry, Sculpins, Trap Girl. Sun: One Master, Maledict, Xantam, Greenskull, Ethereous.

Bar Pink, 3829 30th St., North Park.

Wed: ‘Shock! 80s New Wave’. Thu: Brawley. Fri: The Baja Bugs. Sat: ‘Neon Beat’. Sun: ‘10th Anniversary Party’ w/ Adrian Demain. Mon: ‘Motown on Monday’. Tue: Alvino and the Dwells.

Boar Cross’n, 390 Grand Ave., Carlsbad. Thu: LIVN, Seedheads. Fri: ‘Club Musae’.

Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave., Bay Park. Fri: Bullets and Octane, BOSSFIGHT, The Infidelz, Stökka. Sat: Last In Line, Symbolic, Taz Taylor, Alchemy.

Sun: Arsonists Get All the Girls, I Set My Friends On Fire, Kingdom Of Giants, West Cliffs, Abused, Mandala. Mon: Terror Universal, Incite, Steeltoe.

MUSIC CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

@SDCITYBEAT

MUSIC

SPOTLIGHT The winner for sexiest song ever written will always boil down to a battle between Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” and Seal’s “Kiss From a Rose.” Determining the winner between those two is like declaring a winner between an unstoppable force and an unmoveable object, but, for now, you can experience Chris Isaak’s super-sexy hit live. He may also play other songs, too. Chris Isaak plays Monday, July 17 at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay. [Editor’s note: “Kiss From a Rose”?! GTFO]

—Ryan Bradford

@SDCITYBEAT

JULY 12, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 31

MUSIC MUSIC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31 The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., Midtown. Wed: Mutoid Man, Painted Wives, Helms Alee. Thu: Cheetah Chrome’s Dead Boys, Cruz Radical, Spitfire Torpedo. Fri: Schizophonics, Creepy Creeps, Hollywood Sinners. Sat: Wanda Jackson, Johnny Deadly Trio. Sun: Cymbals Eat Guitars, Palo Duro. Mon: Moon Honey. Tue: Belladon, Retra, Nowhereland.

Dirk’s Nightclub, 7662 Broadway, Lemon Grove. Fri: Final Days. Sat: Teaser.

Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay. Fri: Robert Dove Quartet. Sat: Lori Bell and Ron Satterfield.

The Field Irish Pub, 544 Fifth Ave., Downtown. Wed: Fiore. Thu: King Taylor Band. Fri: Clint Westwood. Sat: Midnight Ride. Sun: BJ Jezbera. Mon: Wes Maharas. Tue: Chris Del Priore.

F6ix, 526 F St., Downtown. Fri: DJ Kaos. Sat: Bootlegkev.

Fluxx, 500 Fourth Ave., Downtown. Fri: DJ Amen. Sat: Miles Medina.

The Holding Company, 5046 Newport Ave., Ocean Beach. Wed: Tiger & Teller, KOH. Thu: Kung Fu Vampire, Locksmith, DJ Green T, Van Brando, IFL, Sylint. Fri: The Shakes, DJ Mancat.

Sat: War Fever, DPI, Strangely Strange, Se Vende, DJ Chelu. Sun: Skandar, Jae Cush, MDMK, JSplat, Cole/Matt Ladd, Nastytryx, FFT, Diligence, Jason Chase Trio, D. Monkey Slap, Hugapuppy, Nasty Neil. Tue: Animo Cruz.

House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., Downtown. Wed: DJ Mike White. Fri: Como La Flor – A Tribute to Selena. Tue: Khalid.

Humphreys Backstage, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. Wed: Cadillac Wreckers. Thu: Ray Bell and the Feel Good Band. Fri: Party Quake. Sat: The Fabulous Ultratones. Sun: Wildside. Mon: Taryn Donath.

Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner Blvd., Midtown. Thu: ‘Odyssey’. Fri: ‘Progress’.

Sat: ‘Pure Imagination’. Sun: ‘Club Ascension’. Tue: Yunis, DJ Pound.

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

Lestat’s Coffee House, 3343 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Fri: Little Heroine, Low Points, Kevin Nichols. Sat: Home, Samer Bakri. Sun: Geena Fontanella, Lizzie Waters.

Mc P’s Irish Pub, 1107 Orange Ave., Coronado. Wed: Goodall Boys. Thu: Jackson and Billy. Fri: Pat Ellis and Blue Frog Band. Sat: Manic Bros. Sun: Ron’s Garage. Mon: JG Solo. Tue: 3 Guys Will Move U. Martinis Above Fourth, 3940 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest. Wed: The Winehouse Experience. Thu: The Winehouse Experience. Fri: Janice and the Band. Sat: Tori Roze and the Hot Mess. Sun: Ria Carey and Don L. The Merrow, 1271 University Ave., Hillcrest. Wed: Alive & Well, Marujah, Bristol to Memory, Cuarto Menguante. Thu: ‘Pride Pre-Party’. Fri: ‘SubWOOFer’ w/ DJ Barry Harris. Sat: ‘FREEK Party’ w/ DJ Hanz, Bob Dazzla, Bruno de Mata, FILOSO. Sun: ‘Back Alley’.

Encinitas. Wed: Kevin Krohn. Thu: Jim Allen Band. Fri: Fellow Travelers. Sat: Modern Public.

Music Box, 1337 India St., Little Italy.

Wed: Victimas del Dr. Cerebro. Fri: Nightmares on Wax (DJ Set), DNYKAY, Jon Wesley. Sat: Split Finger, Psydecar, Hazmat.

Numbers, 3811 Park Blvd., Hillcrest.

Fri: ‘Uncut’. Sun: R&B Divas. Tue: Karaoke Latino.

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

Wed: ‘Kick Out the Jams’ w/ DJ EdRoc. Thu: ‘No Limits’ w/ DJ Myson King. Fri: ‘After Hours’. Sat: ‘Strictly Business’ w/ DJs EdRoc, Kanye Asada. Sun: ‘Uptown Top Ranking’. Tue: ‘Trapped’.

OMNIA Nightclub, 454 Sixth Ave., Downtown. Thu: Wearetreo. Fri: Audien. Sat: Walshy Fire.

Panama 66, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. Wed: Gilbert Castellanos. Fri: Mochilero Allstars. Sat: Whitney Shay.

Sun: G Burns Jug Band.

Parq, 615 Broadway, Downtown. Fri: Bamboozle. Sat: Scene.

Rich’s, 1051 University Ave., Hillcrest.

Wed: DJs John Joseph, Kinky Loops.

Thu: DJs Kiki, Kinky Loops. Fri: DJs Drew G, Will Z. Sat: DJ Kinky Loops.

Riviera Supper Club, 7777 University Ave., La Mesa. Wed: ‘Boss Jazz’ w/ Jason Hanna. Thu: Coastal Eddies. Fri: Three Chord Justice. Sat: Alvino and the Dwells.

Mother’s Saloon, 2228 Bacon St., Ocean Beach. Fri: Blonde Bombers.

Rosie O’Gradys, 3402 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Fri: Breadbox. Sat: Pushin Rope. Mon: Monday Night jazz jam.

Mr. Peabody’s, 136 Encinitas Blvd.,

Seven Grand, 3054 University Ave.,

32 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JULY 12, 2017

North Park. Wed: Ed Kornhauser Trio.

Thu: Jimmy Ruelas. Fri: Lyrical Groove.

Sat: Mrs. Henry. Mon: ‘Makossa Monday’ w/ DJ Tah Rei. Tue: Trio Gadjo.

Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. Wed: AmirSaysNothing, Code Green, Al Lover. Thu: The Velveteins, T-Rextasy, Half Eaten. Fri: Dead Heavens, Warsaw, Calcutta Kid. Sat: Grizzly Business, The Mondegreens, Lead Pony. Sun: Palm, Palberta, Media Jeweler. Mon: The Fresh Brunettes, Cool Schmool, Fictitious Dishes. Tue: Uncle Lucius, Levi Dean and the Americats, Three Chamber Heart.

SOMA, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd., Midway. Thu: Til Skies Fall, Hungry Hearts, WOLFWAKER, Our Second Home, Candid Dreamer, Sea of Trees. Fri: Seconds Ago, Victimized, Refuse, Legions, Sentiment, FREDISDEAD. Sat: R5, Hailey Knox, New Beat Fund.

SPACE, 3519 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. Wed: Joan Shelley. Thu: Fartbarf, The Manx, Aids Cop, Tenshun & Henshaw. Fri: ‘A Night of Nick Cave Songs’. Sat: Derv Gordon, So What, The Loons, DJs Mike, Anja, Tony the Tyger. Mon: ‘Left Hand Path’ w/ DJ Handsome Skeleton.

Til-Two Club, 4746 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. Fri: Mad Alchemy Liquid Lightshow. Sat: The Mochilero Allstars. Sun: Pants Karaoke.

Tin Roof, 401 G St., Downtown. Wed: The Void Nation. Thu: ‘Paging the 90s’.

Sat: Kenny and Deez, Coriander. Sun: Allegra Duchaine. Mon: Lauren Leigh and Sam. Tue: Kyle Castellani.

Brothers. Sat: Bless Your Heart Burlesque. Tue: Sue Palmer.

Tower Bar, 4757 University Ave., City Heights. Fri: Heavy Chills. Sat: Call the Cops, Pissed Regardless, Dead 77, Stokka. Sun: Fixed Idea, Strangely Strange, Privileged.

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

Wed: ‘Yes Lawd’. Thu: ‘Boom Boxx Thursday’. Fri: DJ Junior the Disco Punk. Sat: DJ Qenoe. Sun: SYNRGY. Tue: ’31 Flavors’.

Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern St., South Park. Wed: ‘Tabled: Jurassic Park’.

Fri: Los Caidos, Rats in the Wall, Dissidence, DJs Boogieman, Andres. Sat: ‘80s vs. 90s’ w/ DJs Gabe Vega, Saul.

Mon: ‘Electric Relaxation’.

Winstons, 1921 Bacon St., Ocean Beach. Wed: Jallanzo, DJ Carlos Culture. Thu: Naughty Professor. Sat: Mango Habanero. Sun: Earl Thomas, The Queens. Mon: Electric Waste Band.

Tue: Meeting of the Meyends.

For more music, visit “Concerts” or “Clubs Listings” under Music at sdcitybeat.com

Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St., Bay Park.

Thu: The Fremonts. Fri: The Siers

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july 12, 2017 · San Diego CityBeat · 33

LAST WORDS

CHRISTIN BAILEY

ASTROLOGICALLY

UNSOUND

Semi-weekly forecasts from the so-called universe ARIES (March 21 - April 19): Screaming constantly this week will only help you figure things out if you are, indeed, a bat using echolocation. Otherwise, you may want to try a different method of solving your problems.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Now is a great time to try something new, like following the California drought water usage recommendations for once in your greedy life.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): A long, meditative walk will bring you clarity after you absentmindedly amble into traffic as a driver screams, “you’ve got problems!” and you realize they’ve got a point.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22): This week, it is important to leave the safety of your comfort zone, take risks and eat that forgotten loose mint that you found in the bottom of your bag.

LEO (July 23 - August 22): Sometimes relationships must end and perhaps it is time to part ways with an old friend and accept that said friend was, in fact, only your own upside-down image reflected on the inside surface of a spoon.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Conflict can be useful.

After all, it is the tension between the counterweight and the projectile that animates the trebuchet.

And you would have never even had the opportunity to learn that if all the villagers in your town didn’t want you dead.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Your lucky number this week is 17 (the number of lottery tickets you will buy) and your unlucky number is 17 (the number of your lottery tickets that will lose).

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): You know when you see or hear a word or phrase too many times and it becomes nothing more than symbols or a sound divorced from a concept, and you’re like, what does “you’re under arrest” even mean anyway?

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21): This week you will find that you are uniquely dedicated and singleminded in your unwavering pursuit of your goals.

Indeed, the passion you feel might even scare you— although not as much as water will. That’s just how it is with rabies.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19): You are like the bumblebee: productive, oddly aerodynamic and willing to die to cause some minor discomfort to someone who bothered you.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): A happy octopus often camouflages itself to match its environment, while an angry octopus will turn itself bright red.

Literally nothing is going to happen to you this week, but isn’t that neat about the octopus?

PISCES (February 19 - March 20): The stars have aligned in such a way that this week you must either learn how to be a rodeo bullrider or forget all about it and leave that life behind.

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

34 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · JULY 12, 2017

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july 12, 2017 · San Diego CityBeat · 35