San Diego CityBeat • Aug 12, 2015

NEWS

Following the money at a local pot shop

MUSIC

Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon still on the beat

2 · San Diego CityBeat · August 12, 2015

#SDCityBeat

#SDCityBeat

August 12, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 3

Up Front | From the editor

Pro football = crack

P

rofessional football is legalized crack. The Yes, the floated financial construct might actuNFL peddles it and fans smoke it. Those ally pass on an imagined ballot that would happen in San Diego who still think the Chargers if the Chargers signed on in September for a special should be allowed to rifle through city’s election to be held in January. purse to find money to build a new stadium have an Why? Because the citizenry is huddled in three addiction problem. Get help, Boltman. camps: “Hell No’s,” “Bleed Bolt Powder Blues” and No city should subsidize a team owner who just the middle group that likes to watch football but cashed a $226-million annual-revenue-sharing has a collective conscience that rightly insists fundcheck from league headquarters. ing for public services goes before handouts to bilFor sure, though, pro football games are an awelionaires. A slight majority of the middlers, accordsome ride. Anyone with a football habit can wake up ing to the response to one local poll question, would for the 10 a.m. round of games, gobble chicken wings go for the city/county coughing up 33 percent of a during the 1 p.m. matchups and squeeze into a sports new stadium cost, with the Chargers on the hook bar booth for cold beers and the rush of a Sunday for cost overruns and annual maintenance. night game. Then you sleep it off the next morning For now, though, the proposal seems dead in so you can party during Monday Night Football. the moat surrounding the Carson castle where In San Diego—bumteam owner Dean Spanos Populous architecture group mer—there’s been an is signaling he intends to intervention. Yeah, you hunker down. can love the players and “As our statement indihate the owners, but fans cated, at this point all conare crashing hard. The ceivable financing plans thrill is gone, except for rest on the foundation of the hardcore junkies. It’s the environmental impact mind-blowing to scroll report—and in our view down a Twitter feed and that foundation is made read up-to-the-minute inout of legal sponge cake,” sights from training camp writes Chargers point man sandwiched around acriChargers fans’ pipe dream Mark Fabiani. “The promonious news links: cess that the city has established will lead to years of court challenges and @BoltBoi7 • 1m: eventual defeat. Remember, these are the very same New offensive line? D.J. Fluker still at right guard. politicians who told you that the convention cenWhere is Johnnie Troutman? ter expansion could be financed through a tax that @NewsDude • 2m: was voted on not by the people, but by the hoteliers.

Chargers slam San Diego’s Latest Stadium Proposal.

Many people and groups, including the Chargers, @RiversRules • 3m: said at the time that this was all illegal—yet the city Super Bowl talent, just sayin. Cowboys look out!! insisted otherwise and forged ahead. And we all Ironically, the financial draft proposal dispensed know what happened, four years and ten million tax from Mayor Kevin Faulconer’s office on Monday dollars later. We do not want to become ensnared probably could pass in a public vote. Granted, the in the city’s similarly half-baked legal schemes this opinion here is that not one dime of public money time around.” ought to be spent on a new stadium. But the city/ Bummer, man. San Diego’s suppliers say they are county’s latest offering is to pay for no more than set to take the operation north. one third of a $1.1 billion stadium at Mission ValMaybe they mean it. Maybe it’s a smoke screen. ley (roughly $350 million from the public, $750 Meanwhile, it’s sad to watch the junkies who can’t million from the Chargers and the NFL). That’s stop twitching for what could be their last few probably digestible to slightly more than half the bumps at the Qualcomm crack den. public, when you consider the pitch that taxpayers —Ron Donoho are already on the hook for $280 million from the Write to rond@sdcitybeat.com city’s general fund over the next two decades for maintenance of Qualcomm Stadium.

This issue of CityBeat isn’t sure whether to Google Alphabet or Alphabet Google.

Volume 14 • Issue 1 Editor Ron Donoho Music Editor Jeff Terich Arts Editor Kinsee Morlan Staff Writer Joshua Emerson Smith Web Editor Ryan Bradford Art director Carolyn Ramos Columnists Aaryn Belfer, Edwin Decker, John R. Lamb, Alex Zaragoza

Contributors David L. Coddon, Seth Combs, Beth Demmon, Andrew Dyer, Tiffany Fox, Michael A. Gardiner, Glenn Heath Jr., Peter Holslin, Jessica Johnson, Scott McDonald, Jenny Montgomery, Susan Myrland, Chad Peace Jim Ruland, Ben Salmon, Tom Siebert, Jen Van Tieghem, Amy Wallen Production Manager Tristan Whitehouse Production artist Rees Withrow MultiMedia Advertising Director Paulina Porter-Tapia

Senior account executive Jason Noble Account Executives Beau Odom, Kimberly Wallace Marketing Intern Drake Rinks Accounting Kacie Cobian, Sharon Huie, Linda Lam Human Resources Andrea Baker

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San Diego CityBeat is published and distributed every Wednesday by Southland Publishing Inc., free of charge but limited to one per reader. Reproduction of any material in this or any other issue is prohibited without written permission from the publisher and the author. Contents copyright 2015.

4 · San Diego CityBeat · August 12, 2015

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Up Front | Letters

HER FIRST SORDID TALE First, I must say that this is very first time I have written to an author—ever. I know [Sordid Tales] is in the “opinion” section [Ed Decker, “Rihanna’s oversexed take on American history, July 29] but I wanted to say that I don’t think the video was “oversexed” at all.

I don’t always read CityBeat, and I don’t know your other writings or who you are.

I read the article under Sordid Tales while having a pint at my local pub (Shakespeare’s). I hadn’t seen the Rihanna video yet and your article piqued my interest.

I’m only writing to say that had you not mentioned the nipples I honestly wouldn’t have noticed much. If you consider the length of the video, she is actually only featured on camera a fraction of the time.

When she is on camera...yes you can see her nipples...but she is wearing jeans, a tee, and a jacket. She could have been singing in a bikini or something MUCH sexier.

Lastly, even if oversexualized as you say, isn’t it better that these topics are being included at all versus a video or song about superficial stuff?

I just had to say something—based on your article and not having seen the video yet, I had a totally different perspective.

Lisa Marie,

Mission Hills

BREAST ASSURED Edwin Decker’s piece in your July 29 issue was a poignant commentary delivered with his usual hilarity. That came to a screeching halt when he drew the connection from nudity to sexuality to breastfeeding.

While I appreciate his acceptance of mothers feeding their babies in public, there is nothing sexual about it. I understand the tendency, particularly for the stereotypical male brain, to think boobies equal sex, but this is precisely why some people are uncomfortable and even horrified by mothers nursing in public. To truly normalize breastfeeding, the distinction must be made that there is nothing sexual about it.

#SDCityBeat

Elyssa Mercado, Ocean Beach

WARY ON LOGAN AVENUE

After having read the piece in CityBeat [“People Power,” July 22], I felt the need to write a response and hopefully stir people to think more critically about what is really happening on Logan Avenue. I’m a native San Diegan, born and raised, and I’ve been around long enough to know gentrification when I see it.

I think what confuses people about what is happening is that you have brown folks involved in the process, some are calling this “gente-fication.” But color is just one thing that informs our judgments; we have to consider how class intersects with this as well. Don’t get me wrong, I’m in favor of the arts and brown people moving forward, but we have to consider the cost of so-called progress and who ultimately benefits. We must reflect how our actions are contributing to a larger situation that is beyond our control unless we have a highly organized, militant and complex response to what is happening. It may seem cool now, but capital isn’t interested in community empowerment, it’s interested in dollars and how to maximize profit.

You may be reading this and thinking what a *#!?!* hater. But before you dismiss, read on.

A source for the article, Juan Martinez, a broker for a real estate firm located in Bonita, argues several properties were just sold, but not to worry about gentrification, “at least not for now, because the developers seem to be a good fit for the neighborhood.” What the hell? Who are these developers and why does Juan Martinez get to decide what is a good fit for the neighborhood? Were community members at the table when he was meeting developers that were interested in buying? I doubt it.

I’m glad to see someone in the article made sense, probably because he’s already seen it happen. David White was pushed out of his artist studio in North Park. He predicts rents will increase dramatically in the next few years. I think White is correct in his prediction. One space is already struggling to keep up and is looking for artists to help cover the cost by leasing space at $300 a month and has even resorted to gofundme to raise additional money.

Writer Kinsee Morlan tries to end the article on an upbeat note and includes the voice of architect Hector Perez. Along with

other architects, Perez bought nine lots in the area, not including a design school that is located down the street. They designed a creative building with an image of Cesar Chavez on the side. He admits that the “development sharks” are circling but thinks that the community can salvage its cultural identity and isn’t too worried. Well, if I owned property on the block I wouldn’t be too worried either, because any property I owned would only increase in value as the area becomes more gentrified.

Culture is controlled by those who own the wealth, and as property values continue to rise, poor and working class Raza will get pushed out. According to the census, the white population in 92113 has jumped from 11.7 percent to 32.8 percent from 2000 to 2010.

When a wealthier population moves into an area they will want to see and experience things that make them feel comfortable based not just on income, but also race and social background. So it’s only a matter of time before brown working class folks and their artists get pushed out.

Abel Macias, City Heights

RACE GAINS I just wanted to personally thank Aaryn Belfer for “getting it.” [A white person’s guide to activism,” July 22]. I could go on forever on this topic, but suffice to say I thought the article was insightful and most certainly could help give people a path if they sincerely want to see a more just America.

I went your Facebook page and was even more encouraged by the things I saw there in reference to race and how to engage.

As a 52-year-old black man, I admit to having shed a tear or two of joy that there are more people like you in our great country than ever and despite the hardships we will win the struggle to remove the stain of bigotry and racism in our country.

Thank you.

Marcus Harris,

Inglewood, CA

A FELLOW INTERRUPTER Please add #12 to your list [Aaryn Belfer, “A white person’s guide to activism,” July 22]:

On the

Cover Photographer Michael Herana—who goes by the pseudonym Mikesumoto— is known for going to great heights to get shots. Literally. He once climbed a huge crane in Golden Hill to capture a stunning view of the city. Follow him on Instagram at @mikesumoto and he’ll fill your feed with jaw-dropping imagery of urban San Diego, shot from angles only found by secretly scaling buildings, fire escapes and other places most shutterbugs won’t go. “It’s knucklehead-ish for me being almost 40 and I’m still climbing these things,” he says, “but it’s what separates me from every other photographer in San Diego.” For this week’s cover story on San Diego’s emerging van subculture, Mikesumoto didn’t have to climb anything, but he did show up early and stay late to capture the scene’s unique vibe. mikesumoto.com When called to jury duty and the judge asks you if you have any reason that you cannot serve on this jury, if the only evidence they have is the testimony of the police officers and nothing else, don’t be afraid to say, as I did recently, “Your honor, if all you have is the testimony of the police officers and no other evidence, I am going to have a very difficult time charging these two gentlemen with this crime.” I was immediately dismissed from serving on the jury, but I made this statement loud enough for all in the jury room to hear and I am sure I caused others to think about their responsibilities in this matter.

Dorothy L. Kwiat,

Talmadge

August 12, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 5

Up Front | News joshua emerson smith

For the last six years, Blair, who holds a doctorate in leadership studies, has taught business ethics at San Diego State University.

Prior to opening A Green Alternative in Otay Mesa, Blair and his partner Cristofo operated a cannabis delivery service called Blossom San Diego. The 60-year-old previously told CityBeat that he’s used medical cannabis for about two decades to treat symptoms resulting from AIDS. In 2002, Blair and Cristofo opened a home furnishings business in Hillcrest called Blair House that eventually went under. In connection with the business, the couple faced roughly a dozen lawsuits claiming they failed to pay on debts.

Several judgments were issued against Blair and Cristofo in small claims court for amounts ranging from about $1,200 to roughly $5,300. At the same time, a construction company sued Blair for more than $150,000 over remodeling and repairs to his home, which was settled out of court.

Eventually, the couple filed for bankruptcy, dodging a property rental company seeking $60,000 stemming from back rent.

Today, Blair and Cristofo live in a large house in Chula Vista. Over the last few years, they bought multiple cars from Lazarus, a former general sales manager at the Perry Ford car dealership.

The three became friends, and Lazarus, now in his late 30s, suggested the idea of Zachary Lazarus (left) and David Blair are business partners in A Green Alternative, which is being sued for mismanagement and fraud. opening a medical cannabis dispensary to go along with the delivery service. Previously, Lazarus told CityBeat that he also successfully traded cannabis-related stocks, such as Terra Tech, a company that produces indoor-grow equipment.

Fraud alleged at San Diego’s first permitted medical cannabis dispensary Blair’s lawyer, Rogers, is a high-profile

by Joshua Emerson Smith medical-cannabis attorney who shifted away from criminal defense last year to n the middle of April, a bank teller Walder said the business failed to bring Walder said Lazarus and Blair took join a practice focused solely on the busiphoned Robert Walder to say that sev- in anticipated revenue and was behind on him to lunch and courted him to be an in- ness side of the industry. Rogers and his eral corporate accounts he controlled several payments. He said he insisted ven- vestor in the dispensary. In exchange for partner now have more than 40 clients in had been cleaned out. Stunned, Walder dors, including a general contractor and his investment, he said, he negotiated a multiple states. said he immediately called his business the cannabis growers supplying the busi- 25-percent stake in the Walder’s lawsuit partner Zachary Lazarus at A Green Alter- ness, be paid for their services before he or company and a lucraseeks damages in the native, San Diego’s first permitted cannabis his partners pocketed any money. amount of $168,712, as tive repayment and indispensary.

“The big fight we had was they wanted terest plan. well as indemnification “It caught me off guard,” said Walder, to take their cut before they gave anything against fees associated Walder said Blair who initially invested in the venture last fall to any of the vendors,” he said. “They want- had shown him a list of with the $67,000 loan. and then, as its chief financial officer, helped ed to take home $4,000 every two weeks. other investors repreIf Walder can’t be paid launch the business in March. “I ended up That was going to sink us.” out for his stake, the senting about $100,000 driving down to the dispensary because The remaining partners have filed a in start-up capital. lawsuit seeks to take [Lazarus] wouldn’t answer the phone.” cross-complaint, alleging Walder “misrep- However, when Walder control of the business.

When Walder arrived, he said, Lazarus, resented” A Green Alternative’s corporate came on board, he said, “We have to do A Green Alternative’s COO, refused to talk books and records. The cross-complaint the money was nosomething sooner about the money, roughly $30,000. Instead, states that Lazarus emptied the bank ac- where to be found. rather than later before they argued over how to make payroll. About count because he was “concerned” that everything is lost,” said Starting from a week later, the other businesses partners, Walder failed to deposit funds.

Thomas Gallagher, Walscratch, Walder said der������������������� ’������������������ s attorney.������� “BankDavid Blair and Douglas Cristofo, called “We had a parting of the ways,” La- he took out a loan for ruptcy, those types of from a cruise ship traveling through the zarus told CityBeat, declining to comment $67,000 to get the busithings, start becoming a Panama Canal to tell Walder he was fired. further. Blair and Cristofo could not be ness started, which “My guess is they took that money and reached. eventually cost more Robert Walder, former CFO concern, which is why lived a pretty good lifestyle, and part of my Attorney Lance Rogers, who’s repre- than $200,000, includat A Green Alternative we’re going to move relatively quickly.” argument is that they have the nice house, senting the three defendants, filed the ing construction and Walder told CityBeat that he simply the cars, all that type of stuff,” he said. cross-complaint on Tuesday and advised security upgrades.

Last month, Walder filed a lawsuit in his clients not to talk to the media. He also “I set up banking,” he said. “I set up wants reimbursement for his principal instate court against his former business declined to comment. loans. I set up contracts. I was the guy who vestment and to be released from the loan obligation. partners alleging mismanagement, negliOn the verge of retirement after seven got them through the building permit.

“I just want my $75,000 and I’ll walk gence and fraud. According to the lawsuit, years as the vice president of operations “David [Blair] didn’t have a clue,” he Walder invested $75,000 in the business for a medical supply company called Tear- added. “He didn’t have any idea of what away,” he said. and took out a loan for the company— Lab, Walder, 63, met Lazarus after hiring was necessary to be the CEO of a California which now has an outstanding balance of Lazarus’ mother to work in the company’s corporation, although he claimed he knew Write to joshua@sdcitybeat.com or everything there was.” follow him on Twitter @jemersmith. more than $93,000—but was never repaid. billing department.

Pot entrepreneurs fight over missing green

I

6 · San Diego CityBeat · August 12, 2015

#SDCityBeat

Up Front | opinion

divided state of

chad peace

america Inherent conflicts in the Ethics Commission

T

here’s been a lot of controversy surrounding the nominees to San Diego’s Ethics Commission. The controversy started with the nomination of lawyer Bob Ottilie, in part, because he had previously defended City Councilmember Marti Emerald before the commission itself.

The controversy continues as additional nominations roll in, including Republican Party general counsel William “Bill” Baber and Democratic campaign treasurer Xavier Martinez—for obvious reasons.

The nominations, now eight and counting plus three re-nominations, will soon go before Mayor Kevin Faulconer, who will make the appointments. The City Council will then have the authority to confirm or deny those appointments.

What’s important to consider

#SDCityBeat

is the purpose of the Ethics Commission itself.

According to its website, the San Diego Ethics Commission is, “an independent department that does not report to the mayor or city council. It is a body of appointed volunteer city officials, formed in 2001 for the purpose of monitoring, administering, and enforcing the city’s governmental ethics laws.”

In short, all the people monitored by the Ethics Commission, and subject to its enforcement, are the same people who nominate, appoint and confirm those who serve on the commission And we wonder why we are concerned about potential conflicts?

Let me preface by emphasizing a reality: Controversy over the impartiality of those who serve on the Ethics Commission is nothing new.

Nor is the irony.

We have created an Ethics

Commission that is established by a process that is inherently in conflict with the purpose of the commission itself. The hens have to get together to choose the foxes!

What are we doing to ourselves?

Ethics, more than almost any other area of regulation, is a matter governed by perspective.

So, in an era when every representative who holds a seat in our supposedly nonpartisan local offices so clearly identifies with one of the two major political parties, why are we surprised that the commission in charge of “monitoring, administering and enforcing the city’s governmental ethics laws and proposing new governmental ethics law reforms,” has become so politicized by a partisan debate?

For example, if I’m a Republican, from my honest perspective, I might argue that political parties should have high contribution limits. Even in nonpartisan races.

Why? Because from this perspective, Democrats have an unfair advantage when it comes to having the reliable unions to turn to for campaign support—in the form of “independent” expenditure committees and campaign volunteers, for example.

If I’m a Democrat, from my honest perspective, I might argue that political parties should have low contribution limits. Especially in nonpartisan races.

Why? Because corporations and businesses have too much power, and because big business donates more money to the Republican Party. Therefore, high contribution limits give Republicans an unfair advantage in the election process.

The reality is that they are both right. And they are both wrong.

It depends upon the perspective from which you view the world.

And there are more than two perspectives in the political world we live in.

An independent, for example, might conclude that our nonpartisan elections should be truly nonpartisan. So why, for example, should political parties get any special exemption from campaign finance limits at all? Why shouldn’t they be subject to the same limits as every other individual, organization or corporate “person/entity?”

More importantly, when we pull back the blinders a bit, shouldn’t we all be asking more fundamental questions; like: Shouldn’t a commission whose job is to oversee politicians be as independent from those politicians as possible?

The Republicans are rightfully worried about the partisan influence of nominees to the Ethics Commission. So are Democrats.

I don’t know how anyone could, for example, blame the mayor for rejecting an oversight commissioner who is a card-carrying member of the opposition party.

And I don’t know why anyone could, for example, blame a Democratic councilmember for being

suspect of a commissioner who has been nominated by someone who is a card-carrying member of the opposing party.

And we shouldn’t blame the nominees either.

When the political process we created becomes a competition between two teams, members of the teams should not be in charge of selecting the referees.

Donna Frye was absolutely right last week when she told CityBeat, “Get rid of the mayor and city council participating in the appointment of people who are going to provide enforcement actions on you.”

That the city council and the mayor have anything to do with selecting the commissioners makes no more sense that having suspects hire investigators.

And asking them to appoint their investigators is not fair to the politicians either. When we asked them to appoint their watchmen and watchwomen, we ask them to cast aside their perspective, and to withhold their suspicions.

But they, like all of us, are people. Bound by perspective and full of suspicion.

The fact is that most elected officials on both sides of the aisle are really trying to do an honest job.

Even the ones who inadvertently break the rules.

We should have a commission that is selected by people as far removed from the political process as possible.

Select them from a random pool of retired volunteer judges?

Create a public jury system to oversee the commission’s staff instead of having commissioners at all?

Who knows?

But whatever the right solution is, it should let the commission focus on the few people breaking the rules, and not on defending its own legitimacy.

Write to chadp@sdcitybeat.com.

He is the managing editor of San Diego-based website Independent Voter Network (IVN.ius).

August 12, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 7

Up Front | Opinion

Sordid

Edwin Decker

Tales

The Kokī Beach vortex of volcanic rock and despair “

W

hat does Aloha mean?” I ask Positive B., a friend and Hawaii resident, as we watch the sun sink into the Pacific from our east-Maui campsite.

“It means different things,” he says and rattles off a list Aloha’s myriad definitions, including “hello” and “goodbye” and “good luck.” But mostly, as I understand my companion, Aloha is the spiritual aura of Hawaii—a pupu platter of geniality that includes kindness, grace, empathy and respect for the islands and the people.

“Like when that woman helped save your life today,” says B. “That was Aloha.”

Oh wait, did I just bury the lead? Sorry about that. Yeah, turns out, I came pretty close to dying a few hours earlier, in Hana, off Kokī Beach, caught in a tidal vortex over a bed of volcanic rock.

Now, I would like to pause a moment to say that you will not be reading about my near-death experience today. Because this is one of those, “to be continued” type columns. Yeah, I know, it’s an assholish thing to do, but there’s more to the story of my almost drowning than the fact that I almost drowned.

“Hawaii will chew you up and spit you out if you don’t respect her,” warns The Poz, as a greyblack tempest collects over the ocean and advances on our poor excuse of a campsite. “There’s just too many ways to die here.”

And, oh yes, there is no doubt in my mind that Maui tried to murder me to death today. And the reason is because I had not yet fully exhibited the Aloha spirit about which B. is preaching.

Etymologically, “Alo” means “to share.” “Oha” means “to show affection or friendship.” And “Hā” means “life and or breath.” When you blurt “Aloha” to, say, the barrister of a local coffee shop, you’re not just saying “Hello.” You’re saying “Braddah! How about we take a moment to ponder the magic and the mystery of Hawaii—consider all that islands give and all they take and never forget that it is Papa Volcano who furnaces the universe and we are but drops of lava in a collective flow which trickles down the crevasses of our existe... um, uh—can I get a mocha latte please? Mahalo.”

The point is, Aloha is patient and it is humble.

A frat boy haole visiting Maui for spring break to get with the surfer babes would never understand Aloha. And while I have never been a member of a college fraternity, I will cop to a level of frat boyliness—an occasional drunken lout with a fat mouth and a tendency toward impatience. However there is another side of me—an introspective, world traveler-type—who respects the people and culture of wherever I visit and who very much wanted to be one with Aloha. Unfortunately, the feeling was not mutual, because right off the bat, Maui started

fucking with me.

Like this one time at Baby Beach—thus named because the water is calm enough for infants—I was struck by an impossible 4-footer that came out of nowhere. I turned to look at the shore then turned back and bam! Baby Beach bitch slapped the sunglasses right off my face, pulled them out to sea, and are now no doubt being worn by a tourist in Okinawa.

There was the second degree burns and blisters that Maui gave my feet because I had the audacity to walk barefoot on black pavement (Hawaii is hot in July!) for a mere 10 seconds.

There was the kamikaze mango, which came swooping down from the tree beneath which I was walking and landed at my feet. When it hit the pavement it sounded like an inebriated frat boy diving from a roof into an empty swimming pool.

There was also The Branch—and by “branch” I mean 400 pound log—that fell onto the curvy and dangerous Road to Hana mere seconds before B. and I arrived, blocking our passage.

I mean, if Maui wasn’t trying to manslaughter me, it was certainly sending a message. And that message was, “Get out, brah!!” But see, I never heard her message, which is why—I guess—Aloha tried to assassinate me to death.

Kokī Beach is situated on the east side of Maui, near Hana. The east side is what you think of when you think of a tropical island. It’s plush, gorgeous and deadly. Especially the beaches. And, oof, did Kokī Beach have its killing field!

Indeed, an Albuquerque tourist drowned in May. And before that the Hana Fire Department rescued a woman clinging to a rock. I didn’t know any of this at the time. All I knew was that it was freaking hot and I needed to get into that water ASAP! And this must have been when Maui had had enough of my horseshit. Because the minute B. and I got onto that sand—as wantonly as I shucked my socks, shoes and shirt—I shucked what little Aloha I had and sprinted toward the water. See, the beach tends to bring out my inner, impatient frat boy. And Frat Boy Ed doesn’t stop to observe the break before diving in. Frat Boy Ed doesn’t study where the other swimmers are avoiding. Frat Boy Ed doesn’t notice any of the multi-colored wooden signs that say, “ALOHA VISITOR. THIS BEACH IS DANGEROUS. COUNTLESS DROWNINGS AND NEAR DROWNINGS OCCUR. PLEASE BE SAFE . . .”

Frat Boy Ed just jumps into the waves with a big, frat boy splash, not even remotely aware that a vast quarry of igneous, volcanic rock is waiting below…

“

There’s just

too many ways

“

to die here.

8 · San Diego CityBeat · August 12, 2015

Sordid Tales appears every other week.

Write to edwin@sdcitybeat.com.

#SDCityBeat

#SDCityBeat

August 12, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 9

Up Front | Food

by michael a. gardiner Michael A. Gardiner

Limp fried shrimp

the world

fare

Premature evacuation

M

ichael “Bao” Huynh was Iron Chef Vietnam; he was a vaunted James Beard award winner. The San Diego food scene was atwitter with excitement when it was announced that Huynh had been tapped to run Sovereign Vietnamese Kitchen + Bar (467 Fifth Ave.) in the Gaslamp, the latest in local restaurateur Alex Thao’s mini-empire of Asian restaurants.

However, before the establishment opened, Huynh had mysteriously become Sovereign’s former chef. By the time Sovereign unlocked its doors in early July, word had crept out that the celebrated chef had left the establishment.

While Huynh’s promising menu, which included creative takes on Vietnamese classics, could be found on the eatery’s website, Thao eventually announced he’d promoted Daniel Nguyen, supposedly Huynh’s long-time souschef, to executive chef.

Unfortunately, along with the change, the anticipated creative flourishes had been significantly dialed back, yielding a “classic” menu.

Hyunh told CityBeat that Nguyen was never his sous chef in Vietnam, as first rumored. Hyunh says he only worked with the young chef for two weeks at Sovereign. Nguyen’s social media posts seem to confirm this.

10 · San Diego CityBeat · August 12, 2015

Either way, the new menu may be the least of Sovereign’s problems. The restaurant has so far shown a lack of quality and consistency, with some flavors that simply fall flat. Ill-trimmed chicken and beef have resulted in fat globules on the plate. The fried shrimp was limp, the onions undercooked and the meat in the BBQ beef rice seemed steamed more than “BBQed.” Not all Sovereign’s offerings were bad. The shaken beef was extraordinary, better than San Francisco’s much-lauded Slanted Door, where it’s a signature dish. The beef was meltingly tender and well seared with exterior caramelization echoing the sauce’s sweet notes and underlining its umami warmth. The classic banh mi was excellent with its combination of savory rich, sweet-and-sour flavors.

The front of the house at Sovereign was a mess. Main courses were served before appetizers were cleared. The wait staff asked the same questions numerous times. Hostesses served as bussers and vice versa. The overall impression was of ill-trained chaos.

Why did Chef Huynh leave?

According to Huynh, he had only been paid $500 on a $36,000 contract. Thao said Huynh had a one-year contract, “which also included a set of parameters and expectations.” The contract reviewed by CityBeat did not appear to mention such expectations. When asked whether he’d paid Huynh, Thao said he wished the chef “all the best in his future endeavors.”

The Sovereign story is reminiscent of Thao’s short-lived restaurant, French Concession.

There, Thao also hired a high-profile chef from Asia and did a light remodel, only to close in a matter of months. When asked about the parallel, Thao said the business venture was a “play” that simply didn’t work.

Two other projects of his seem to be going the same way. Lucky Liu was sold in November 2014, and Thao said his “Saja Korean Kitchen also is not performing up to expectations.” He said he’s considered “a new concept for the space.”

Sovereign was one of the hottest and mostanticipated San Diego restaurant openings of the year. However, much like Chef Huyhn’s time at the restaurant, the buzz is quickly fading into the past.

The World Fare appears weekly.

Write to michaelg@sdcitybeat.com.

#SDCityBeat

Up Front | Food

By Jen Van Tieghem

bottle

Rocket Palate-pleasing pink wine

I

#SDCityBeat

Jen Van Tieghem

’ve recently come to terms with being a true blue (or should that be pink?) fan of Rosé. The quintessential backyard wine often gets a bad rap—either due to the long, sordid history of white Zinfandel or because of its blushing feminine tone. Regardless, tasty, refreshing and flavorful Rosés exist, many of which have recently passed through my lips due to the unrelenting summer heat.

I’ve come to agree whole-heartedly with a colleague’s sentiment: It’s always rosé season in San Diego.

The salmon-hued wine currently filling my glass is Matthiasson’s 2014 Rosé made from Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Counoise. I first enjoyed a glass at Village Vino in Kensington and the winemakers were kind enough to send me a bottle so I could get even more familiar with it.

Right away the scent of orange blossoms intoxicates; minerality and a touch of pink grapefruit are found on the palate. That citrusy acidity is exactly what I love about this, and other, dry Rosés— it’s thirst quenching without too much pucker.

There is also a slightly floral essence, which matches the fragrance beautifully.

While I enjoyed several glasses of this wine on its own, it has enough complexity to pair with food, though I’d keep it to lighter fare.

Being that only a crazy person would turn on the oven in August, I’d pair it with a salad full of herbs, maybe a little goat cheese, and splash it with a light citrus-based vinaigrette.

I must mention another favorite by Matthiasson: Its white blend, made predominantly with Sauvignon Blanc, was my first introduction to the producer and is slightly heavier than the Rosé with delightful creaminess balanced by acid. And if the temperature ever drops I plan to seek out its reds, with a Napa Cab, a Bourdeauxlike blend and more in its lineup.

While the 2014 Rosé is sold out via Matthiasson’s own website, Village Vino had it by the bottle and glass last I checked, and I found it via Kogodwine. com, a North County wine merchant.

Fingers crossed I’ll be picking up more very soon.

Write to jenv@sdcitybeat.com

August 12, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 11

Up Front | Drink

final

draughT San Diego can can

by beth demmon

Beth demmon

D

espite what local ordinances say, it’s practically unthinkable to pitch a tent or hit the waves without packing a few beers to complement the outing.

Even in places where public drinking is permitted, most of the time glass bottles are not. So you have two choices: red cups or cans. Luckily, the logical evolution that satisfies both beer aficionados and rule-makers is canned craft beer, and more and more local breweries have picked up the trend.

If you’re looking to get sloshed in San Diego’s great outdoors, you can’t do better than these local craft cans: Best Beers For The Beach When the surf calls, it’s gotta be Pizza Port Solana Beach’s Kook Double India Pale Ale (8.5 percent ABV). The sheer power and balance of this hoptacular brew is a delicate dance attempted by few (and mastered by fewer).

Local store out of this popular six-pack? You’ll do just as well with Hess Brewing’s aromatic “Habitus” rye Double India Pale Ale (8 percent ABV).

Through many scientific trials, yes, I have concluded that double IPAs are the perfect beach beer.

Sipping Under The Stars If there’s a campfire, s’mores and sleeping bags, your best bet is to crack a Modern Times Beer’s Black House oatmeal coffee stout (5.8 percent ABV) and sing Kumbaya. It’s easy to be bowled over by its coffee-packed punch that’s presented with absolute precision, but a perfectly copacetic runner up is Benchmark Brewing’s Brown Ale (4.5 percent ABV). This surprisingly refreshing, wonderfully full-bodied beer with notes of roasted caramel will accent an evening in the woods marvelously.

Drinking In The Desert If you’re planning on staying hydrated via some of San Diego’s finest liquid refreshments during your next desert outing, be sure to pack

12 · San Diego CityBeat · August 12, 2015

Don’t leave home without these summer essentials a few Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin IPAs (7 percent ABV). This ambrosial alternative to classic Sculpin won’t leave you puckering with citrusy sourness, but the twinge of tang left on your tongue will leave your lips smacking for more.

If you simply can’t decide on one style to carry along, you can’t go wrong with Belching Beaver’s 12-pack of variety ales to satiate everyone in the group.

These are simply the start of what’s shaping up to be a craft-canning coup within the industry.

I previously predicted that Alpine cans are next, but growing whispers suggest Coronado Brewing Company may beat them to the punch. Either way, with San Diego’s knockout combination of craft cans and an emphasis on the outdoors, you can’t go wrong with bringing along a six-pack (or two) when planning your next adventure.

Write to bethd@sdcitybeat.com or follow her on Instagram @thedelightedbite.

#SDCityBeat

Up Front | places

by jessica johnson

hidden

san diego You’ll lava this preserve

jessica johnson

O

utside the geologist community or among trail junkies, few know that San Diego was once home to an active volcano. These days it’s a volcanic “plug,” but 20 million years ago (before the Internet) lava flowed from Mt. Calavera in the northeastern part of Carlsbad.

A volcanic plug is created when lava hardens within an active volcano, and over time, completely blocks off the flow of lava. Once the volcano was extinct and the surrounding softer rock wore away, the erosion resistant lava was left behind in a distinctive upstanding formation.

There are just three such formations in all of Southern California. The process that created the Mt. Calavera volcanic plug was part of larger geologic changes in California that resulted in formation of the San Andreas Fault.

Our ancient volcano is part of the Lake Calavera Preserve. As if an extinct volcano isn’t cool enough, the preserve also includes more than four miles of hiking and bike trails, a lake created by a dam (which dates from the World War II era), multiple stone labyrinths and a cave.

The cave is actually an old exploratory mine, known as an “adit.” It was mainly used as a rock quarry for valuable minerals. There are at least three labyrinths in the preserve, and I advise a look on Google Maps to get coordinates. And, if you visit and plan to hike, be sure to bring an adjessica johnson

Cave entrance

#SDCityBeat

Mt. Calavera volcanic plug equate supply of water, as it gets hot in the summer and fall.

The preserve is home to nearly 200 plant, bird, mammal and amphibian/reptile species, including several identified as endangered. Notable among them are the Thread-leaved Brodiaea, the Orange-throated Whiptail and the California Gnatcatcher. The gnatcatcher is perhaps the most threatened of these species because 85 percent of its natural habitat, Diegan coastal sage scrub, has been destroyed by development.

Lake Calavera covers 400 acres and is managed by the Carlsbad Municipal Water District. Fishing is allowed in selected parts of the lake, but be advised you need a permit. Rumor has it that there are bass, bluegills and crappie in the lake.

To see more off-the-beaten-path places in San Diego, go to hiddensandiego.net.

August 12, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 13

ART

EVENTS

SHORTlist

the

THREE YOU HAVE TO SEE

TIKI TIME

As far as interesting subcultures go, tikiphiles are some of the most fun folks around. Of course, that’s partly because they wear loud shirts and rum essentially runs through their veins.

“Yeah, rum is the underlining factor that ties it all together,” jokes Otto von Stroheim, one of the producers of Tiki Oasis, the annual four-day Polynesian-pop lifestyle convention and party.

“Seriously, though, there are a lot of cocktail opportunities, but that’s certainly not the only thing going on,” he says. “The tiki genre covers all elements of culture—food, music, visual art and so on—and they’re all represented at the event.”

Happening from Thursday, Aug. 13, through Sunday, Aug. 16, at Bali Hai restaurant in Shelter Island and Crowne Plaza in Mission Valley, Tiki Oasis is packed with exotic things to do and see.

As usual, three-day tickets are already sold out but you can still tap into the event, which has a futuristic theme this year, by stopping by the hotel during the day to see the art exhibition, shop the marketplace or see the vintage car show. You can also still buy tickets to the Sunday night musical showcase for $25 online ($30 at the door) or purchase the $10-$40 tickets to the workshops, presentations and panel discussions happening throughout the weekend at this year’s symposium.

Tiki-mug artist Danielle Mann from Black Lagoon Designs Penny Starr Jr., for example, will be leading a talk and fashion show on “Sci-Fashion: A History of Sci-Fi Costume Design.” Kelly Patterson will be doling out tips on how to host the mid-century space-age party of your dreams. Don Preston will teach aspiring musicians how to play the Moog synthesizer. Sven Kirsten will show off his archive in his presentation, “Treasures of Tiki Archeology.”

“And we have a seminar with Jonathan Knowles who’s a forward-thinker,” von Stroheim says. “He has a software company and his title is something like, ‘Creator of the Future.’ He’s one of those Google or Facezbooky-type people who have to think about what will happen in 50 years.

I don’t know what he’s going to talk about but I know it’ll be interesting.” tikioasis.com

POINT LOMA

TODAY’S TOM SAWYER

Shania? No, that Twain sang insipid country-pop songs. Twainfest is a celebration of one of the greatest writers of all-time.

Mark Twain’s genius will be read aloud by San Diego actors from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at Old Town State Historic Park. Other great writers from the 19th century—including Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson and Edgar Allan Poe—will also be honored during the fest. There’ll be sack races, ring toss and games of marbles (don’t lose yours). Prof. Pudd’nhead & Co. will do “Punch and Judy” puppet shows. Study up to play literary games like Fish For Words, Chortle This and Telegraph Crunch. Once you’ve passed the Literary Test, you’re eligible to vote in the Election of 1872.

Then, good luck in the Liar’s Contest (No, it’s not the next GOP debate). writeoutloudsd.com

North Park Alleys at Counterpoint, 830 25th St., Golden Hill. R.T. Lonsdale showcases new photographic works of evocative local alleyways. Opening from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13. facebook.com/ events/1674129286135238/ HCake & Whiskey Hobnob at Tradesmen, 21 16th St., Barrio Logan. Support the next Veteran Mural Project mural at this exhibition of art created by four post911 combat veterans. Includes live music, Laphroaig Scotch Whisky samples and sweets from Sugar and Scribe Bakery and Sweet Bricks. From 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 13. $10 suggested donation. 619-940-7318

OLD TOWN

2

KINSEE MORLAN

SCOTT SAW / VIXEN PHOTOGRAPHY

MISSION VALLEY & SHELTER ISLAND

1

COORDINATED BY

Art with a View at Broadstone Balboa Park, 3288 5th Ave., Hillcrest. This ArtWalk NTC preview event will feature craft cocktails, small bites from Forage & Fir and Local Habit and art from several featured ArtWalk NTC artists. From 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13. 619-308-6896

3

ART EVERYWHERE

ArtWalk seems so synonymous with Little Italy, it’s hard to believe the event’s also been taking place at NTC in Point Loma for a decade now. ArtWalk NTC happens from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, and Sunday, Aug. 16, at Ingram Plaza (2645 Historic Decatur Road) and the festival will have its usual attractions—street food, booze and vendors galore. This year, local artist and Academy Awardwinning-documentary star Inocente, whom we featured on our cover a few weeks ago, will debut her latest pieces, and Kevin Eastman of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fame will pop by each afternoon to meet fans. Other artists include printmaker Gregory Bada, ceramicist Paula Collins, oil painter McKenzie Fisk and dozens more. artwalksandiego.org

RICHARD SCHULTE

HArt Without Borders: The Da Dun Fine Arts Exhibition of Taichung City at San Diego Chinese Historical Museum, 404 Third Ave., Downtown. For this exhibit, jurors have selected examples of modern and traditional arts from 1,347 entries across 27 different countries. Opening from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15.

Free-$4. 619-338-9888, sdchm.org HInner Space at Teeter, 5032 Niagara Ave., Ocean Beach. Curated by Sean Brannan, a group art show featuring local artists Aaron Glasson, Brigette Bloom, Celeste Byers, David Pena, Spenser Little and more. Opening from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. 619-221-5929, shopteetersd.com Makin’ Waves at Digital Gym Cinema, 2921 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, North Park.

RJ Yozamp will display surfboard, oils, acrylics, pop art and screenprint works in the indoor and outdoor gallery spaces. Opening from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15.

HHere | Hear at Space 4 Art, 325 15th St., East Village. A fundraiser for arts collective A Ship in the Woods featuring music from PRGRM and Hexa, as well as art from Adam Belt, Lana Z Caplan, Andrew Hunter and more. From 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. $8 suggested donation. shipinthewoods.com Carried Away at Border X Brewing Tasting Room, 2196 Logan Ave., Barrio Logan.

A back-to-school-themed exhibition featuring over 20 artists showcasing works where backpacks are the canvas. Opening from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. 619787-6176, facebook.com/borderlessbeers HFlora-Dora Babylon at Planet Rooth Design Haus, 3334 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest.

Local abstract painter Peter Geise showcases work created from 1990 to the present. Opening from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. 619-297-9663 HBody/Space/Time at San Diego Art Institute, Balboa Park. Performance art and music combine for live performances that use the body, space and time as points of commonality. Participating artists include Amy Alexander, Jibz Cameron and Gary Wilson. From 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. $10. sandiego-art.org HIn the Abstract: Midcentury San Diego Painting and Sculpture at Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way. A retrospective exhibition of prominent San Diego abstract artists who came to regional prominence during the late 1950s.

Artists include Jack Boyd, Don Dudley, Karen Kozlow, Richard Allen Morris and nearly a dozen more. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. Free-$8. 760435-3720, oma-online.org

BOOKS “Caffeinated” by Richard Curtner (left) and “Humming” by Linzi Lynn

14 · San Diego CityBeat · August 12, 2015

HLocal Author Meet & Greet at Mysterious Galaxy Book Store, 5943 Balboa

H = CityBeat picks

Ave., Ste. 100, Clairemont. Over a dozen local authors will be selling and signing their books including Abigail Borders, Ben Johnson, Diane Lynn and more. At noon Saturday, Aug. 15. 858-268-4747, mystgalaxy.com Shawnee Thorton Hardy at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla.

The local author stops by to promote her book, Asanas for Autism and Special Needs: Yoga to Help Children with Their Emotions, Self-Regulation and Body Awareness. At noon Sunday, Aug. 16.

858-454-0347, warwicks.indiebound.com Allan Karl at Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., East Village. The global traveler, professional speaker and author will speak about his three-year, 62,000-mile motorcycle journey that inspired his book Forks: A Quest for Culture, Cuisine, and Connection. At 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16.

619-236-5800, sandiegolibrary.org Holly Madison at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The star of E!’s hit show The Girls Next Door will sign her new memoir, Down the Rabbit Hole: Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy Bunny. Ticket price admits two and includes copy of book. At 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16. $28.07. 858454-0347, warwicks.indiebound.com Lisa Brackmann and Steph Cha at Mysterious Galaxy Book Store, 5943 Balboa Ave., Ste. 100, Clairemont. Brackmann will be promoting the third and final installment of the critically-acclaimed Ellie Cooper series, Dragon Day. Cha will be promoting the third Juniper Song mystery, Dead Soon Enough. At 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16. 858-268-4747, mystgalaxy.com Vanessa Diffenbaugh at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla.

The bestselling author will talk about and sign her newest novel, We Never Asked for Wings, about young love, hard choices and hope against all odds. At 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 18. 858-454-0347, warwicks.indiebound.com Jason Hough at Mysterious Galaxy Book Store, 5943 Balboa Ave., Ste. 100, Clairemont. The former local author will sign and discuss his first hardcover release, the futuristic thriller, Zero World. At 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18. 858-2684747, mystgalaxy.com HMeg Waite Clayton at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The bestselling author will sign and discuss her new novel, The Race for Paris, the story of two female war correspondents racing to cover the liberation of Paris during WWII. At 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19. 858454-0347, warwicks.indiebound.com

DANCE City Ballet Showcase at Spreckels Theater, 121 Broadway, Downtown. The local ballet company presents a free program that includes selections from Tchaikovsky, a jazz and contemporary performance choreographed by Geoff Gonzalez and more. At 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14. 619235-9500, cityballet.org Fairy Tales in the Park at Casa Del Prado, Balboa Park. The San Diego City Youth Ballet tell fairytales like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Sleeping Beauty and The Firebird through dance in these interactive performances. At 1 and 4 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 15, and Sunday, Aug. 16. $12. 619-233-3060, sdcyb.org The Scarlet Stone at La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive. A multidisciplinary and collaborative work by Shahrokh Yadegari that merges modern aesthetics with Persian traditions. At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. $10-$50. 858-550-1010

FASHION Above Time Fashion Show and Charity Event at Hotel Palomar, 1047 Fifth

EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 #SDCityBeat

EVENTS

THEATER MATTHEW MURPHY

Matt Bittner and Betsy Wolfe in Up Here

Head trip in La Jolla

Y

his demons “up there.” For all its spicy language and implied, under-the-blankets humping, Up Here is practically a Disney-fied affair. Now if the ensemble billed as “Dan’s Consciousness” got a show of its own, you’d have something truly audacious, and you wouldn’t need Dan or the rock.

Up Here runs through Sept. 6 at La Jolla Playhouse. $25 and up. lajollaplayhouse.org

ou’ve just begun a new relationship. Things are going swell when, inevitably, those negative voices in your head, the ones waging war with the “Attaboy!” or “Attagirl!” start causing trouble. Hello, doubts. Now turn those voices, both defeatist and supportive, into real, live figures with big personalities. They’ll drive you crazy and turn your budding hook-up into a carnival ride.

—David L. Coddon This is the premise of Up Here, a world-premiere musical by husbandTheater reviews run weekly. and-wife composers Robert Lopez and Write to davidc@sdcitybeat.com.

Kristen Anderson-Lopez, the duo who created the Disney smash Frozen. (RobOPENING: ert Lopez also has the irreverent stage The Birthday Party: Nobel Prize winner Harold hits Avenue Q and The Book of Mormon Pinter’s comedic tale of a group of strangers at on his resume.) But Broadway and Hola birthday party originally premiered at the Old Globe Theatre in 1967. Presented by New Fortune lywood credentials and a clever premTheatre Company, it opens in previews Aug. 13 at ise aren’t enough to elevate Up Here, the MOXIE Theatre in Rolando. newfortunetheatre. directed at La Jolla Playhouse by Alex com Timbers, who has some credentials of Into the Woods: Various fairy tales get a new spin his own, like Peter and the Starcatcher. in this musical by Stephen Sondheim. Presented Up Here (the title refers to the thoughts- by Star Repertory Theatre, it opens Aug. 14 at the AVO Playhouse in Vista. starrepertorytheatre.com filled head of the story’s protagonist, a computer fix-it nerd named Dan), like so The Supporting Cast: George Furth’s lighthearted comedy about an author who invites her many relationships, has issues. friends to her beach house only to reveal to them The tale of Dan (Matt Bittner) and that they’re characters in her new novel. It opens T-shirt designer Lindsay (Betsy Wolfe) Aug. 14 at Lamplighters Community Theatre in La is pleasant enough, but the lovers are Mesa. lamplighterslamesa.com thoroughly upstaged by the wondrously The Comedy of Errors: Shakespeare’s mischiecostumed (by Ann Closs-Farley) ensem- vous comedy about mistaken identity and longble acting out the conflicting thoughts in lost twins. It opens in previews Aug. 16 at the Old Lowell Davies Festival Theatre in Balboa Dan’s geeky noggin. The secondary story Globe’s Park. theoldglobe.org about Lindsay’s odd-duck brother (Eric 1940-1945 (Berkeley—Oak Peterson) and his own troubled romance Hemispheres: Ridge): A staged reading of a new play about a feels thrown in. But no more so than a machinist driving cross-country during WWII to find the small town where fuel is being made for recurring “significant” bit about a rock, the first atomic bombs. Written by Lance Arthur continental tectonics and (clear throat it opens for two performances on Aug. 16 here) oneness with the universe and self, Smith, at the New Village Arts Theatre in Carlsbad. newvilnarrated by a beaming child actor. Yeah, lagearts.org it crystallizes at the end of the show, but The Art of Being Alone: A new play by Matt it only contributes to the muddle.

Thompson about a middle-aged married couple tryThe humor of the first act dissipates ing to reconnect. It opens for one performance on in Act 2, which includes a shuddering Aug. 18 at the MOXIE Theatre in Rolando. newfortunetheatre.com disco sequence with “Danny Dog” and some costumed canines, a batty number at a Best Buy service counter, a couple For full listings, of cloying power ballads, and a resoluplease visit “T heater ” tion featuring that aforementioned rock at sdcitybeat.com that conveniently liberates Dan from

#SDCityBeat

August 12, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 15

EVENTS EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 Ave., Downtown. Above Time will host a fashion show for its Fall 2015 collection with special guest Matthew McKelligon and a cocktail party after the show. Benefits Interactions for Peace. From 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. $30-$95. 619515-3000, above-time.com Haute with Heart Fashion Show at Hilton Bayfront, One Park Blvd., Downtown. This event benefiting St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center includes boutique shopping, auctions, live entertainment and a fashion show featuring professional models and students from Saint Madeleine Sophie’s Center. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. $100-$1900. stmsc.org

FOOD AND DRINK HThrowback Thursday: Vintage Coronado at San Diego History Center, Balboa Park. This evening of hosted food and cocktails will include educational activities involving music and games. 21 and up.

From 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13. $20$25. 619-232-6203, sandiegohistory.org Blind Tasting and Wine Dinner at 100 Wines, 1027 University Ave., Hillcrest.

Patrons can practice their blind tasting skills with an hour-long class featuring six wines. After the tasting, wines will be paired with a four-course family-style meal. At 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13. $60. 619-491-0100, cohnrestaurants. com/100wines Stone Brewing Friday Night Brewers Reception at Cal State San Marcos, 333

S. Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos.

Sample more than 40 beers and complimentary fare. One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit four local charities.

From 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14. $35$80. 760-294-7899, anniv.stonebrewing. com HTaco Mania Over 30 restaurants and bars from all over the county will offer up $2 tacos and specials. See website for full list of participants and specials. Various times. Friday, Aug. 14, through Sunday, Aug. 23. 858-577-0350, sdcitybeat. com/sandiego/tacomania HLatin Food Fest Grande Tasting at Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, 1000 North Harbor Dr., Downtown. The third annual Grande Tasting benefiting YMCA San Diego will showcase 100 restaurants, chefs, artisanal foods makers and

renowned wine and spirit purveyors. 21 and up. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. $50-$150. latinfoodfest.com Gourmet Food Truck Festival at Del Mar Racetrack, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. Fifty Southern California food trucks will provide popular food at competitive prices. From noon to 6 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 15. $6. 858-755-1141, delmarscene.com HFried Chicken Challenge at Local Habit, 3827 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest. Local chefs compete to prove they can make the best fried chicken in San Diego. Each ticket includes six courses of chicken with unlimited corn, kale, potatoes, beer pairings and one cocktail hour drink ticket.

From 6 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. $45. 619-795-4770, mylocalhabit.com HStone Brewing Beer Festival at Cal State San Marcos, 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos. Stone Brewing will celebrate its 19th anniversary with an expansive three-level festival area and more than 100 beers from 60-plus breweries. Two sessions are available and benefits four local charities. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. $15-$85.

760-294-7899, anniv.stonebrewing.com Wine Luncheon at Circa, 2121 Adams Ave., University Heights. A three-course wine luncheon hosted by Chef Mike Almos and featuring a seasonal summer menu and wines from Montinore Estates in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. $38. 619-269-9152, circasd.com HLatin Food Fest Family Fiesta at Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, 1000 North Harbor Dr., Downtown. Enjoy Latin food and beverage, a wine garden, live music and workshops with celeb chefs at this family-friendly day of the annual food festival. From 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16. $2-$10. latinfoodfest.com/family Taste of MainStreet in Downtown Encinitas, South Coast Highway 101 and Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas. Patrons can sample food from over 40 local restaurants, wine and beer from 20 Sip Stops and listen to live music at six local venues.

From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18. $35. 760-943-1950, encinitas101.com

MUSIC HSummerFest at Sherwood Auditorium, 700 Prospect St, La Jolla. The nationallyrecognized chamber music festival celebrates its 15th year with a series of concerts at MCASD’s Sherwood Auditorium. From Wednesday, Aug. 5 to Friday, Aug. 28.

See website for full list of concerts and times. Free-$75. 858-454-3541, ljms.org HSummergrass San Diego at Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, 2030 N. Santa Fe Ave., Vista. The annual music festival features dozens of acts specializing in bluegrass, folk and everything in between. Includes games, workshops and camping with fellow enthusiasts.

From 3 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16. $20-$70. 760941-1791, summergrass.net Jazz Jam Sessions at California Center for the Arts, 340 North Escondido Blvd., Escondido. Herb Martin and Friends and the Society Boys will each play an hourlong set of jazz, after which community musicians will be invited to join them onstage. From 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14.

Free-$10. 800-988-4253, artcenter.org Sinatra at 100: A Salute to the Chairman of the Board at Embarcadero Marina Park South, 206 Marina Park Way, Downtown. This Summer Pops concert will feature performances of songs by Frank Sinatra. At 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, and Saturday, Aug. 15. $20-$79.

619-686-6200, sandiegosymphony.org

16 · San Diego CityBeat · August 12, 2015

After Hours Session: Anna Stasia Roberts at Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Dr., Encinitas. An evening of Irish, Scottish and Americana music from violinist Anna Stasia Roberts and guitarist/vocalist Justin Helland. At 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14. $10$12. leucadia101.com/library-concerts HJazz at the Creek at Market Creek Plaza Amphitheater, 310 Euclid Ave., Lincoln Park. The jazz series concludes with performances from guitarist and vocalist Nick Colionne, vocalist Daneen Wilburn and saxophonist Reggie Codrington. A portion of the proceeds benefits the San Diego Food Bank. From 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. $35. 619-527-6161, jazzatthecreeksd.com Braxton Brothers at 98 Bottles, 2400 Kettner Blvd. Ste. 110, Little Italy. Saxophonist Wayne Braxton and bassist Nelson Braxton will perform rhythm and blues, hip hop and their own version of jazzy acoustic soul music. Vocalist Daneen Wilburn will also appear as a special guest. From 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16. $15-$20. 619255-7885, 98bottlessd.com HBurt Bacharach at Embarcadero Marina Park South, 206 Marina Park Way, Downtown. The six-time Grammy winner will sing several fan favorites, including “I Say A Little Prayer,” “Walk On By” and “The Look of Love.” Part of the San Diego Symphony’s Summer Pops series. At 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16. $20-$75. 619686-6200, sandiegosymphony.org Robert Parker Trio and Wine Tasting at Artbeat on Mainstreet, 330 Main St., Vista. The local jazz threesome will play while patrons taste and vote for their favorite wine. Appetizers included. From 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16. Free-$12.

760-295-3118, artbeatonmainstreet.com HPaul Jacobs at Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park. The Grammy Awardwinning organist and faculty member of The Juilliard School plays a special concert as part of the Centennial International Summer Organ Festival. At 7:30 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 17. spreckelsorgan.org Back to The Garden and Ryan Corn at Birch Aquarium, 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla. The two local acts perform a concert at Birch’s outdoor Tide-Pool Plaza as part of the aquarium’s Green Flash concerts series. Ticket includes aquarium admission. From 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19. $29.95-$38.95. 858-534-FISH, aquarium.ucsd.edu

PERFORMANCE HRinaldo at Palisades Presbyterian Church, 6301 Birchwood St., Allied Gardens. The Opera NEO Baroque Ensemble, conducted by Nicholas Kraemer, will perform Handel’s opera about the conflict of war and love. At 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, and Saturday, Aug. 15. $12-$45.

619-582-0852, operaneo.com Craig100 at Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park. In celebration of his 100th birthday, The Old Globe honors founding director Craig Noel. Performers will bring to life scenes from some of the milestone productions and programs from Noel’s life. At 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17. $50-$100. 619-231-1941, theoldglobe.org

POETRY AND SPOKEN WORD HLong Story Short: Told Ya So at Evolution Fast Food, 2965 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest.

So Say We All’s monthly improv storytelling show where anyone can tell a fiveminute story about the times someone said, “I told ya so.” From 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. $5 suggested donation.

619-550-1818, sosayweallonline.com

EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 #SDCityBeat

#SDCityBeat

August 12, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 17

EVENTS tas. Enjoy live music, food trucks and a produce sale at this picnic-style event at a farm. At 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13. 760-929-1090, leichtag.org HTiki Oasis at Crowne Plaza Hotel, 2270 Hotel Circle North, Mission Valley.

Four days of tiki culture events including live music, burlesque, an art show, car show, mixology workshops, food, dance, symposiums, a beauty pageant, marketplace, book signings and more. From 6 p.m. to midnight Thursday, Aug. 13, 8:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14, 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16. $20$115. tikioasis.com

“Touch Poem for a Group of People” by Lana Z Caplan will be showing at Here/Hear, a multimedia fundraising event for A Ship in the Woods happening from 5 to 10 p.m.

Saturday, Aug.15, at Space 4 Art (325 15th St.) in East Village.

EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 HTwain and the West at Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town. Speakers will read several of Mark Twain’s most popular stories aloud in this unique concert-styled book performance. From 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17. $5-$20. writeoutloudsd.com

SPECIAL EVENTS Explore North Park Release Party at Art Produce Gallery, 3139 University Ave., North Park. Celebrate the release of the new magazine devoted to all things North Park. Includes refreshments and sneak peek into the Explore North Park website.

From 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13.

619-584-4448, explorenorthpark.com HFarm & Hangout at Leichtag Foundation, 441 Saxony Road, Barn 2, Encini-

18 · San Diego CityBeat · August 12, 2015

Back to School Night at Mountain Health Community Center, 976 Sheridan Road, Campo. This event will feature a complimentary barbecue dinner and games for the kids for the purpose of collecting backpacks and other school supplies for children in need. School supply donations are encouraged. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14. 858-4539600, mtnhealth.org HArtWalk San Diego at NTC at Liberty Station, 2640 Historic Decatur Road, Point Loma. The 10th annual art festival will feature hundreds of local and national artists, a dozen live musicians and a variety of food and family-friendly, interactive activities. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, and Sunday, Aug. 16.

619-573-9300, artwalksandiego.org/ntc HTwainFest at Old Town Historic Park, 2454 Heritage Park Row, Old Town. This family festival will celebrate the literature and culture of America in the 19th century with live music, puppet shows, games and readings of stories written by Mark Twain, Robert Louis Stevenson, Emily Dickinson and more. From 11 a.m. to 5

p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. 619-491-0099, writeoutloudsd.com Summer Saturday at the Dubois Library at Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park. Peruse one of the largest photography libraries in the country featuring everything from monographs to magazines and encyclopedias to exhibition catalogs. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. Free-$8. 619238-8777, mopa.org HThink, Drink, Science at The Homebrewer, 2911 El Cajon Blvd., North Park.

The organizers of the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering Festival hold a special adults class for anyone looking to learn more science behind the brewing process. Includes eight, four-oz. tastings and appetizers. From noon to 2 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. $27. 619450-6165, lovestemsd.org HReagan Market at Mira Mesa High School, 10510 Reagan Road, Mira Mesa.

This curated community art market will feature vendors that specialize in handmade, vintage and one-of-a-kind products, as well as furniture, clothing and art pieces. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16. $1-$3. scyaa.org LGBT Wedding & Honeymoon Expo at Marriott Hotel and Marina, 333 W. Harbor Drive, Downtown. Peruse over 50 LGBT friendly wedding service providers in everything from photography and cakes to planning and catering. From 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16. $5-$10. gogaycalifornia.com/san-diego/wedding-expo San Diego Antique & Collectible Show at Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 E. Douglas Ave., El Cajon.

See a wide selection of antiques from jewelry to art. From noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19. cityofelcajon.us

SPORTS Renegade Skate Party at Skate San Diego, 700 East 24th St., National City.

Roller derby fans can watch San Diego’s Renegade Rollergirls mix up their teams for a full-contact and no-penalty skate party mashup. At 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. Free-$13. 619-562-0323

TALKS AND DISCUSSIONS HSeven Billion Conversations at Museum of Photographic Arts, Balboa Park. A panel of community leaders will discuss issues related to the 7 Billion Others exhibition. The third and final installment, “Preserving the Planet for Future Generations,” is inspired by the film Climate Voices. At 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13. Pay What You Wish admission.

619-238-7559, mopa.org HPrison Arts in San Diego Panel at Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside. Go behind the scenes of the visual-arts program at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility at this panel discussion about OMA’s new exhibition, Art Transports Us Out of Bounds: Prison Arts in San Diego. From 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13. $10. 760-4353720, oma-online.org HThe Life and Death of Bees at Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, Balboa Park. Beekeeper Mari Jarvis and UCSD’s Heather Bell will discuss the life and death of bees, plus ways to support a healthy bee population. Each ticket includes two beers from Mother Earth Brewing Company. From 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14. $10. 619-238-1233, rhfleet.org

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PHOTOS BY MIKESUMOTO (EXCEPT WHERE NOTED)

CULTURE

KIN SEE MO RLA N

ling Heavy van zine

Rol Matt Grayson with his

r Box sports van

Andreas Stevens’ ‘74 Brubake

KINS EE MOR LAN

Don Konieczny and his ‘65 Che

vy

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#SDCityBeat

August 12, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 25

Culture | Art morgan mandalay

Seen Local No walls necessary

A

t first, the white pop-up tent looks completely ordinary—just another bunch of beachgoers crowding around some sought-after shade on a hot Sunday afternoon in August. Once I scale down the cliffs and sink my feet into the sand of Ocean Beach, however, the difference is immediately clear.

“I like to think that I’m one of the only gallerists in San Diego who owns their own gallery,” says Morgan Mandalay, the artist behind SPF15 (spf15.info), a transient contemporary art space that’s popped up under a white canopy five times at five different waterfront locations over the past several months.

“I don’t pay rent so there’s very little overhead,” he adds with a laugh. kinsee morlan

Morgan Mandalay (far left with camera) at the Aug. 2 SPF15 opening Carefully formed salt crystals by artist Angie Jennings dangle from blue yarn inside the canopy. More crystals are scattered across the beach alongside large and small sculptures depicting heads of men, which artist Chris Warr carves from wood, upholstery foam, salvaged plywood and other found materials. Jennings also has several mixed-media flaglike pieces staked in the ground and the performance artist herself is buried up to her neck in the sand.

The juxtaposition of the feminine versus masculine works is purposeful, and something Mandalay hopes will read as an important conversation between a white male and a black female. He also wants people to notice both of the artists’ attempts to colonize or lay claim to the beach.

The art crowd who came specifically to see the show is easily discernable from the growing number of typical beachgoers who stumble upon the installation.

“This is so totally awesome,” says a shirtless man with a football tucked under his arm. He grabs a few snacks from the food table and says he’s stoked so see art at his favorite beach.

“The people who just wonder by,” Mandalay says, “they’re the best.”

Mandalay is an MFA candidate at UC San Diego whose own practice often dives into the classist divisions of the art world. He grew up in San Diego then went to art school in Chicago, where he started Sunday Project, a makeshift gallery in his living room.

An extension of Sunday Project, SPF15 was launched when he returned to San Diego for his master’s degree. He says the alternative-exhibition space is partly an attempt to combat the age-old issue of artist-led gentrification.

“I recognize this dilemma of running an artistrun space,” he says. “You always have this hope that it’s going to be a community space, but the reality of it is that you become a part of that gentrification process. Generally, the people who are coming into a contemporary-art exhibition space aren’t the people

26 · San Diego CityBeat · August 12, 2015

Angie Jennings’ three-hour “Structure Building” performance within the local community—they are people from outside the local community who will eventually move in and displace those people. To me, opening up a space that functions already within a community space of the beach becomes inviting to a different segment of the population, but also becomes a way to enjoy art and not have it be this thing that displaces people and contributes to that problem.”

SPF15 was originally proposed as a series of just 15 art exhibitions under the 10-by-10-foot canopy at beaches throughout San Diego County (Mandalay says he may end up doing more than 15 shows). The handful of exhibitions so far have featured both local and national artists including Allison Wiese, Audrey Hope, Chelsea Culp and Tim Mann doing mostly site-specific installations at places like Fiesta Island and Black’s Beach. The next SPF15 show will feature Chicago-based artist Alex Wolfe’s artsy teapot company, Dogshoppe, alongside hand-painted cookies by Sogi’s Honey Bakeshop, which is run by San Diego native Sogoal Zolghadri. The show opens Sunday, Sept. 20, tentatively at Coronado Dog Beach.

SPF15 has no budget and none of the work is for sale. Mandalay looks at the project as part of his thesis and says the artists who show with him do it for the experience and exposure. Ultimately, he says people who participate understand that SPF15 is about getting contemporary art in front of a more diverse set of people simply by changing the typical white-walled, hoity-toity context. morgan mandalay

Works by Angie Jennings (hanging crystals) and Chris Warr (head sculptures) “Because I grew up here in San Diego, one of the things I do think about is that it’s really hard to get people to go to art exhibitions who aren’t already part of the arts community here,” he says. “And who can blame them? I mean, we’re standing here—there are waves crashing against the rocks and a sailboat and the sun glistening—so who can really blame people for not making the time to break from that and go inside of an art space? But I don’t think it’s from lack of caring about art. I think a lot of people care about art in San Diego and this gives them the opportunity to have it brought to them.”

—Kinsee Morlan #SDCityBeat

Culture | Voices

ryan bradford

well that was

awkward

Diary of a first-time, two-bit actor

I

“

wrote a play,” Scott Ehrig-Burgess writes in a Facebook message. “It’s going to be in Fringe this summer. It’s called Scenes From Mars One: Now With 68% Less Gravity! A One-Act Play With Thirteen Intermissions.”

I rack my brain trying to remember how I know Ehrig-Burgess. I almost close the message, dismissing it as a shameless attempt to get coverage for a two-bit arts event, but the next part makes me hesitate: “I’ve also read a lot of your ‘Well That Was Awkward’ series. The concept for which is just brilliant…

Would you be interested in taking a VERY SMALL role in my play[?]”

Giving me compliments is like feeding a shark: my eyes roll back, and I’ll become subservient to a primal desire for further approval. I charge forward until we’re either best friends or one of us is dead. However, it still feels journalistically shady to participate in a play for the explicit prerogative that I’ll cover it. Plus, I have my own reservations about the Fringe Festival’s payto-play, artist-exploiting structure.

I read on: “I even secretly hope you take the role and then trash my play.”

I take the role.

July 2: All performances of Mars One will take place at the 10th Avenue Arts Center stage. It’s a chilly, Brechtian room shrouded and painted in black—standard for theaters, but oppressive nonetheless.

Ehrig-Burgess, sitting in the highest row, announces my arrival: “Ryan Bradford from CityBeat.

Heckler #2, everybody!” Ehrig-Burgess has the bearded, hatted look of most creatives I know, and his voice is laced with delightful sarcasm. He tells me that the Fringe Festival accepted his proposal before he had written any of the script, which might explain the world-weary, self-deprecating tone of it, as well as his open invite to ridicule it.

We watch the actors on stage rehearse a scene in which Heckler #1 is pulled from the audience and gets her throat sliced. The actor is rigged with a blood pouch meant to give the performance some projectile carnage. She pumps the apparatus, and blood trickles out, but doesn’t even have the distance to splatter the port-a-potty behind her. The port-a-potty is supposed to be a rocket exterior.

“It was a flat $60,” Ehrig-Burgess says, referring to the port-a-potty rental price. He seems very proud of this. I concede that that sounds like a good deal.

Heckler #1 is ready to go again. “This is your big scene,” Ehrig-Burgess says. When Heckler #1 is onstage this time, my line (one of three) is: “That’s why I never sit in the front!” Boom: throat slit.

Ehrig-Burgess leaves me alone to oversee something else. I sit in the top seats and yell my line to a mostly empty theater.

July 21: I chat with Heckler #1 during the tech rehearsal. We compliment each other on our performances. I probably appear to be creepily obsessed with her blood pouch.

I meet Randy, who plays Baron Von Krankenstool, a famed German theater teacher/pedophile.

Randy remains in character even during the downtime. He introduces himself with his stage accent: Rahhndy.

Adult non-professional actors are good people, but they are a strange, sad breed. I know because my mom’s second husband was one. This isn’t meant to sound condescending, as I credit a lot of my own strangeness to the exposure to theater and actors during this period of my youth. But even then, I noticed an underlying sadness among actors who would congratulate each other on performances in front of a seven-person audience. These people were always just a little over the hill. They overacted. They were a little too dependent on alcohol.

Or maybe I’m projecting. It is quite possible that the cast of Mars One does not share these qualities, and that I’m using this analysis as makeshift therapy to get over mom’s second divorce. Yes, it’s possible.

July 25: Opening night. Due to some good press, the audience is big.

Esteemed KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando is here, sitting close by.

The moment comes when I have to deliver another one of my three lines: FUCK YOU! Yelling “FUCK YOU” from the audience is fulfilling a dream that every theatergoer has had in their lifetime, but yelling FUCK YOU in a theater in an audience that contains esteemed KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando is a specific dream of mine. Check that off the bucket list.

July 26: One of the onstage chairs breaks halfway through the second performance. Given that the actors spend approximately 60 percent of the time sitting in these chairs, it’s fascinating to watch how they navigate this pitfall. Ehrig-Burgess and director Mark Stephan sit behind me and laugh the entire time.

July 29: It’s nearly a sold-out audience on the final night I perform. The lead actress gets caught in a chair. The lights dim and she walks off-stage with it strapped to her body. I later ask EhrigBurgess, “What’s up with those chairs?” and he replies: “Seriously.”

When the lights come on, Burgess steps onstage and announces that tonight is my last performance (I’ll be out of town for the final two shows). He thanks me and people applaud. I’m almost convinced of my newfound stardom until a dog—which had a small role in the production—ventures into the audience and everybody rushes to pet it.

PS: Scenes From Mars One: Now With 68% Less Gravity! A One-Act Play With Thirteen Intermissions ends up winning Outstanding Comedy at Fringe.

“

Giving me compliments is like feeding a shark.

“

#SDCityBeat

Well That Was Awkward appears every other week.

Write to ryanb@sdcitybeat.com.

August 12, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 27

Culture | Film

Smooth operators Guy Ritchie updates a classic 1960s TV show

by Glenn Heath Jr.

A

little bit of charm goes a long way these days.

The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Guy Ritchie’s jazzy adaptation of The Man often go rogue in order to protect each other and From U.N.C.L.E. coasts by on debonair swag- Gaby Teller (Vikander), the East German mechanic ger alone for most of its running time. The bloated with a shady past that binds them together. God and plot that revolves around Russian and American country are less important than a common sense of spies battling ex-Nazi sympathizers in 1960s Eu- right and wrong. rope is completely secondary to the blinding gleam It’s unfortunate that Ritchie loses sight of his of Henry Cavill’s smile or the poetry of Alicia Vi- characters’ complexity as the convoluted “race kander’s gaze. Now that’s true star power. against time” narrative compels them each to be The film stands out from the typical August drudg- less human and more super-human. When The Man ery Hollywood likes to unleash at the tail end of sum- From U.N.C.L.E. should be gaining traction from its mer because it has a pulse. Our standards may have excellent set-up it instead begins to replicate the bafallen, but instead of boo-hooing the state of current nal hyper-stressed pacing of most big-budget action American cinema—which by all reasonable assump- films. tions is quite strong at the moment—it’s more producAs he did with Sherlock Holmes, Ritchie’s main tive to cherish the small virtues concern is to establish a fine of Ritchie’s glitzy superficial foundation for more sequels to style. come. This could explain why Long gone are the gray, The Man From the film gets so plodding later rough-and-tumble days of Lock, on, introducing Hugh Grant’s U.N.C.L.E. Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels equally spiffy British intelliDirected by Guy Ritchie and Snatch; the British auteur gence officer who will act as the Starring Henry Cavill, more known for his marriage to new leader of U.N.C.L.E. (UnitArmie Hammer, Hugh Grant, Madonna now favors ornate ared Network Command for Law and Alicia Vikander chitecture, colorful clothing and and Enforcement). Apparently Rated PG-13 flashy secret agents. The stylisthe fine folks at Warner Bros. tic foreshadowing can be seen believe they have a franchise on in his post-modern updating of their hands.

Sherlock Holmes, which contains its own barrage of While the film’s box office potential remains to be slow motion, split screens and fast-cutting action. seen, its existence can only help Cavill and Hammer’s The Man From U.N.C.L.E. has its fair share of ki- stock rise a bit. Both actors show a lot of verve with netics, but the actors themselves manage to instill characters that could have been easily dismissed as the film with life. As disgraced military man Napo- stock roles. Ritchie gives all of his performers the leon Solo, Cavill embodies the physical prowess most room to be graceful, including Vikander, who showwould associate with post-WWII American might. cased her natural intensity earlier this year in Alex Yet the character is up front about his arrogance, Garland’s Ex Machina. greed and selfishness, which ultimately allows Solo The Man From U.N.C.L.E, which opens in wide the opportunity to evolve. Armie Hammer’s Russian release on Friday, Aug. 14, showcases the best and brute Illya Kuryakin also takes on surprising reso- worst impulses of an industry predicated on image. nance. His anger issues stem from a conflict of na- Ritchie’s film understands how surface level confitional and political identity. dence can mask something far more interesting and Both actors have a blast trading verbal barbs, broken, but also commits the ultimate crime of inwhich often escalate into physical confrontations. dulging its own pomp and circumstance in the name Their actions underline a common insecurity of pur- of future returns. pose that both men can’t escape. Despite being employed with clear-cut directives from their respective clandestine government agencies, Solo and Kuryakin Film reviews run weekly.

Write to glennh@sdcitybeat.com.

Patriot games

U Blow Out

28 · San Diego CityBeat · August 12, 2015

nlike other great conspiracy thrillers like The Parallax View and Twilight’s Last Gleaming, Brian De Palma’s Blow Out has a demented sense of humor. In some ways this makes its theme of institutional failure all the more discomforting. The plot surrounding a political assassination grows more outlandish by the scene, lending darkly comic impli-

cations and an overwhelming sense of helplessness to a film about the worst kind of warped patriotism.

While recording sound in the countryside for a horror film, audio technician Jack Terry (John Travolta) accidently captures a car crash on tape. The occupants of the vehicle careen off a bridge and into a creek. Terry saves aspiring make-up artist Sally (Karen Allen) but the driver, governor of Pennsylvania and a presidential hopeful, perishes. His death sends a shock-

#SDCityBeat

MUSIC

RAEKWON CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF CLASSIC DEBUT

BY SCOTT MCDONALD

R

AEKWON THE CHEF isn’t much of a destiny guy.

The Staten Island rapper is more of the you-createyour-own kind. But it’s impossible not to think that Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… is the album he was destined to make.

As part of the Wu-Tang Clan, Raekwon helped turn hiphop on its ear with 1993’s landmark Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). Two years later, while the infamous collective continued to build their brand with solo albums, he was more than ready to shine on his own.

Following efforts from fellow Wu members Method Man and Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Raekwon (whose given name is Corey Woods) batted third in the line-up. And even though most assumed OB4CL would serve as a solid release for Wu-Tang, few earmarked it as an album that would end up in the conversation of hiphop’s most influential.

That came, in part, with the album’s undeniable credibility—its violent inner- city narrative painstakingly detailed and surprisingly accessible.

Wu mastermind RZA was also hitting his stride at this point, producing the perfectly foreboding backdrop of beats, loops and samples to highlight the cinematic storytelling of Raekwon and main guest-star Ghostface Killah.

Or maybe it all came down to the construction of the album as a whole—an unwavering, brutal fable about drug trafficking and redemption spanning every one of its 17 tracks. Whatever the case, OB4CL was a game changer.

Raekwon’s solo debut turns 20 this year and he’s hitting the road with Ghostface to celebrate. Retrospect allows fans to debate the album’s impact on everything from Mafioso rap and MC aliases to meticulous storytelling, unique slang and product endorsement. But according to the man who made it, nothing was more important than keeping things real.

“When we was writing it,” Woods tells CityBeat from a tour stop in Kentucky, “there was a lot of pain in those pens. We was just really trying to give people a movie, or a film, where you could go, ‘Wow. That’s real.’ And you can’t

30 · San Diego CityBeat · August 12, 2015

run away from reality. When I sit here and think about 20 years, and we go back and reminisce on these songs, it’s like, they’ve become so common because that shit’s actually still taking place.

Now I become more than just an artist, I become a prophet of what’s going on.”

Although the 45-year-old rapper had the foresight to keep the devil in the details on his debut, his clairvoyance stopped short of realizing the album also had a broad-based appeal.

“I was surprised it reached that level,” says Woods. “That wasn’t my intention. I just wanted to speak for that particular audience of people. It’s more like an album from a kid speaking about pain, just trying to move with the times and survive. But the success of it shows there are all kinds of people out there that understand these stories.”

That’s never been more apparent than during recent live performances of the Cuban Linx album.

During his more than two decades in the game, the Wu-Tang star has watched his audience change dramatically. And just like Raekwon’s own transformation from street hustler into rap icon, it seemingly happened overnight.

“This tour is a celebration,” he says. “But I see as many 45- or 50-year-olds as ones no older than 17. And it’s wild to me that they know it like that.

We’ve become The Rolling Stones to these young kids.

They go back, study their history and pay attention. Just when we think they’re not there, they right there. We living in the modern times right now. Kids know that if they wanna go after the ones that make an impact, you gotta know your history.”

And while Raekwon isn’t the kind to turn any new fans away, he also isn’t content to sit back and get comfortable in a dusty corner of historical context.

After giving his current milestone the attention it deserves, the veteran rapper will re-focus on promoting a limited-edition jacket he recently designed for fans, as well as his sixth studio album, F.I.L.A, released in April.

Raekwon “I understand that I’m cemented in the game right now,” says Woods. “But more importantly, I still got work to do.

When you’re a winner, you can get whatever you want as long as you feel like that inside. And I want more. I want to be able to really feel like I understand what artistry is all about. To be one of the greats, you got to have a catalog. I’m working on making mine bigger right now.”

Despite recent public infighting, it seems the Wu-Tang Clan might not be ready to call it a day, either. Although he didn’t address it directly, Raekwon reflected positively about the legendary crew.

“I came from a strong background of individuals,” he says. “We all had different styles. But musically, you know, they was willing to walk inside my chamber and see what I was about. And legacy is important. It’s almost like completing a mission where you gain the power that was always there.”

Whether Wu-Tang can complete theirs on a unified front remains to be seen. But Raekwon is determined to keep working on his for as long as it takes.

A follow-up to his debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…Pt. II, was released in 2009. Is it possible the MC plans to celebrate it with another 20th anniversary tour when he’s 59?

“Hey,” he says through a husky laugh. “You know what?

I’m not saying no.”

To hear a track, go to sdcitybeat.com and search for “Raekwon.”

#SDCityBeat

Culture | Film wave throughout the nation, but the real drama unfolds when Jack and Sally begin to piece together how and why he was killed.

De Palma, ever the cinephile, utilizes the components of film sound (repetition, recording, scratching) to great effect in scenes of tension. There’s the woozy 360-degree shot in which Jack slowly discovers all of his tapes have been erased by a proactive assassin (John Lithgow), and the diabolical ending where a character’s murder is captured on tape only to be reclaimed for use in a schlock horror film.

Long takes and crane shots are pivotal to De Palma’s examination of corrupt power structures and personal vulnerability. Multiple murder sequences are shot from above, looking down at the victim who is unaware they are about to perish.

Blow Out, which screens at 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Aug. 13 and 14, at Cinema Under the Stars in Mission Hills, is unflinchingly cynical about how quickly our individual freedoms can be compromised. “I hate to be observed,” Sally confesses early on, but in De Palma’s film she really has no choice in the matter.

—Glenn Heath, Jr.

#SDCityBeat

Opening Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet: An exiled artist returns home to with the help of his housekeeper and her daughter in this animated feature produced by Salma Hayek and based on the work of Lebanese author Kahlil Gibran. Screens through Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Ken Cinema.

Little England: This Greek melodrama begins in the 1920s and spans decades in the life of a family attempting to marry their daughters off to wealthy men. Screens through Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

The Man From U.N.C.L.E.: Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer star as secret agents from opposite sides of the Berlin Wall battling ex-Nazi terrorists in 1960s Europe in this remake of the popular television show.

Straight Outta Compton: F. Gary Gray’s biopic charts the rise and fall of the infamous rap group N.W.A. in the early 1990s.

Stung: Giant killer wasps interrupt a peaceful garden party in this schlocky horror film. Screens through Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

Ten Thousand Saints: Ethan Hawke and Hailee Steinfeld star in this dramedy about a teenager who moves from Vermont to New York City to live with his estranged father.

The Diary of a Teenage Girl: Bel Powely stars in this drama about a teen artist living in 1970s San Francisco who begins an affair with her mother’s boyfriend.

Tom at the Farm: Xavier Dolan’s suspense film follows a city dweller (played

by Dolan) venturing into the countryside to meet the family of his recently deceased boyfriend. Screens through

Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

One Time Only Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl: Johnny Depp dons a ton of makeup for his iconic role as Jack Sparrow in Gore Verbinski’s surprisingly fun action adventure film. Screens at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, at The Headquarters at Seaport Village.

Bridesmaids: Kristin Wiig wonders why she’s always a bridesmaid and never a bride in Paul Feig’s hilarious comedy about learning to appreciate what you have in life. Screens at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, at The Pearl Hotel in Point Loma.

Moloka’i Solo: Bob Liljestrand’s films explores the life of Audrey Sutherland, mother to pipeline surfer legend Jock Sutherland who spent summers kayaking all over the world. Screens at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 12, at the San Diego Surf Museum in Oceanside.

Radical Grace: In this documentary produced by Susan Sarandon, three nuns stand up to the Catholic hierarchy to fight for several forms of social justice. Screens at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, at The Center in Hillcrest.

Double Indemnity: Barbara Stanwyck stars as Phyllis Dietrichson, a bored and conniving housewife who recruits an unsuspecting insurance salesman to murder her rich husband in Billy Wilder’s classic film noir. Screens at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at Althenaeum Music and Arts Library in La Jolla.

Blow Out: John Travolta’s audio technician attempts to expose an assassination plot after recording a car accident involving a presidential hopeful in Brian De

Palma’s 1981 thriller. Screens at 8 p.m.

Thursday and Friday, Aug. 13 and 14, at Cinema Under the Stars in Mission Hills.

A Day with Thornton Dial Sr. and Ralph Fasanella’s America: Two separate films explore the life and work of sculptor Thornton Dial and painter Ralph Fasanella.

Screens at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park.

29th Street: Anthony LaPaglia and Danny Aiello star in this comedy about a New York City man who consistently finds himself in the worst possible situations.

Screens at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at The Hotel Lafayette in North Park.

Annie: This 2014 remake stars Jaime Foxx in the role of a rich mayoral candidate who begrudgingly adopts an orphan girl when he sees the political benefits of having a family. Screens at dusk Friday, Aug, 14, at Lemon Grove Park.

Some Like it Hot: Two musicians (Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis) who’ve witnessed a mob killing must disguise themselves as parts of an all female band to flee the state. Screens at 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15 and 16, at Cinema Under the Stars in Mission Hills.

Radical Harmonies: Director Dee Mosbacher takes the viewer inside a folk music scene specifically aimed at lesbian audiences for the last three decades.

Screens at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, at the Women’s Museum in Liberty Station.

For a complete listing of movies, please see “Film Screenings” at sdcitybeat.com under the “Events” tab.

August 12, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 29

Music

notes from the smoking patio Shelby Wentz

Locals Only

C

arrie Gillespie Feller of Ilya and Lunar Maps has started a new solo project called Hexa.

Feller conceived the project when she relocated to a new neighborhood, where some strange nearby crimes—including a police chase next to her house—and some other peculiar phenomena started happening.

“It kind of came about almost a year ago when my husband and I moved to Spring Valley,” she says in a phone interview with CityBeat. “When we got there, we started having all these strange things happen— things were disappearing or showing up in weird places.

“We started to think maybe the house was haunted,” she adds with a laugh.

The inspiration of the possible haunting led her to pursue an experimental pop sound that’s atmospheric and dark, with prominent use of a loop station and vocal chants. She intends to begin recording her first EP soon, with the target release date in winter.

“It’s definitely a more instrumental project but it has some dark pop elements,” she says. “It’s kind of heavy.”

Thematically, Feller also says that Hexa has a lot to do with other “ghosts,” namely the idea of being haunted by one’s past.

“There’s a lot to do, I guess, with addressing some different things that came up with moving back to East County,” she says. “There were a lot of feelings we didn’t expect. It’s just sort of about confronting ghosts from your past.”

Hexa Hexa has played two shows so far, and will perform next at The Casbah on Wednesday, Aug. 12, and at Space 4 Art on Saturday, Aug. 15. *** San Diego Music Thing has announced two rounds of bands playing the festival this year, including L7, The Joy Formidable, Blitzen Trapper, Viet Cong, No Age, Soulside, The Album Leaf, Retox and Chicano Batman. Yo La Tengo headlines. San Diego Music Thing takes place Nov. 11-14, in various venues.

—Jeff Terich

ALBUM REVIEW Ditches Scraped Off

L

(Self-released)

ast year, local indie rock quintet Cuckoo Chaos rebranded itself as Deadphones, briefly, with a new album and a new artistic direction.

That lasted just a short time; the band more or less ended after the release of their debut album and only a handful of shows, which seemed a little unfortunate, if only because the album itself was really good. But two of the members of that band—Garrett Prange and Dave Mead—transferred their talents to post-punk trio Ditches, helmed by guitarist and vocalist Tim Donnelly. And as artistic transitions go, it’s a surprising but ultimately impressive one.

Ditches is much noisier, more visceral and abrasive than Deadphones or Cuckoo Chaos were, and their debut EP Scraped Off is much more rooted in punk intensity. It does start off a little slow, with the atmospheric “Break-In” gradually introducing an eerie and ambient sound that soon explodes into Donnelly’s heavily reverbed vocals, which arrive with a manic shriek. But while “Break-In” (perhaps not coincidentally also the name of a Fugazi song) is the most gradually paced of Ditches’ tunes, it’s also the one with the most diverse sonic approach, juxta-

#SDCityBeat

posing moments of tension and space against eruptions of distortion and howls.

By comparison, the remaining three tracks move at a steadier clip, and seem to get faster and louder as the EP progresses. “Quick High” begins with a tempered guitar jangle before introducing a squall of feedback that comes to nearly overtake the entire thing.

Yet “Take Care of My Man” has both a super-catchy melody and a mid-tempo groove that makes it sound more like The Replacements than Fugazi, and it’s a fun change of pace.

Still, it’s closing track “Sucker” that seems to encapsulate Ditches’ aesthetic best in a compact package. There’s a consistent shriek of noise that squeals in the background, spraying like a bright shower of sparks. And Donnelly goes back and forth between yelling, singing and delivering an idiosyncratic sing-speak that’s somewhere between Life Without Buildings’ Sue Tompkins and Public Image Limited’s John Lydon. Perhaps it’s because of the members’ years of experience in playing music that this EP feels fully formed and cohesive, but whatever the reason, it’s a strong sign of things to come.

—Jeff Terich August 12, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 31

Music

Jeff Terich

If I were u A music insider’s weekly agenda

Wednesday, Aug. 12

gorgeous production and minimal noise gets in the way of it all. Pretty, dreamy PLAN A: Hot Chip, YACHT @ stuff that sounds great. BACKUP PLAN: Observatory North Park. Hot Chip’s Mursic, Ruines ov Abaddon, Xantam, shows of late (at least in New York) have Procyon @ The Merrow. produced some pretty amazing spectacles, whether it involves an LCD Soundsystem cover, or an appearance by former Talking Friday, Aug. 14 Heads leader David Byrne. Those things PLAN A: Cold Cave, The Victoriana, might not happen here, but you’ll still DJ Jon Blaj @ The Hideout. FYF Fest see an excellent, beat-laden dance party. is taking place later this month in L.A., PLAN B: Marriages, Creepoid, Witness and a lot of its bands will be hitting San 9, Hexa @ The Casbah. Marriages’ music Diego. Cold Cave is the first, and their is dark, heavy and atmospheric—three dark synth-pop sound is best heard in qualities that go over well in my book. a more intimate, dark space. Don your They’re a bit like a female-fronted Cure leather and go goth spelunking. PLAN influenced by metal, which means they’re B: Kim and the Created, Le Ra, Mint amazing. BACKUP PLAN: La Luz, Cool Field, Some Kind of Lizard @ Soda Bar. Ghouls, Teenage Burritos @ Soda Bar. Los Angeles’ Kim and the Created are all about the live experience. The band plays psychedelic rock that’s easy to like, but Thursday, Aug. 13 PLAN A: Happyness, Buddy Banter, Kim, herself, wears outlandish outfits and Kooties @ Soda Bar. London’s Happyness has a dynamic presence that’ll keep you play indie rock with great melodies, entertained, for sure. BACKUP PLAN:

32 · San Diego CityBeat · August 12, 2015

Whitey Morgan and the 78’s, Tony Rae’s outstanding lyricism. PLAN B: Fucked Up, Doomsquad @ The Casbah.

Martinez @ Belly Up Tavern.

Fucked Up can be both one of the tightest Saturday, Aug. 15 live bands or one of the most chaotic, since PLAN A: Circuit des Yeux, Marisa singer Damian Abraham often lets other Anderson @ Seven Grand. Read my people shout the choruses to their songs. feature on Circuit des Yeux from last But messy or not, their hardcore anthems week at sdcitybeat.com. The singer/ are amazing, and always a lot of fun. songwriter makes dark, ornate music that’s both beautiful and strange, and endlessly Monday, Aug. 17 fascinating. PLAN B: Fu Manchu @ The PLAN A: Screaming Females, Vacation, Casbah. Fu Manchu have been playing Upset @ Soda Bar. Anyone who ever big, meaty, fuzzy stoner rock for more said shredding doesn’t belong in indie than two decades, and in this special “an- rock has clearly never heard Screaming evening-with” show, they’re treating you Females. Guitarist Marisa Paternoster has superhuman abilities on the to several hours of righteous riffs. fretboard, plus the band’s songs BACKUP PLAN: Jeff Rosenstock, are damn catchy to boot.

Dan Andriano in the Emergency Room, Pet Symmetry, Spraynard Tuesday, Aug. 18 @ House of Blues.

PLAN A: The Velvet Teen, Sunday, Aug. 16 Botanica Chango @ Seven PLAN A: Raekwon and Ghostface Grand. Northern California Killah @ House of Blues. Read outfit The Velvet Teen Scott McDonald’s feature have had a long caon Raekwon (page 30), reer of making superwhose debut album turns catchy, often dance20. He’ll be performing able, guitar-based many of those classic indie rock. They’ve hardcore hip-hop changed up their jams from 1995, and style a bit from alfellow Wu-Tang alum bum to album, but Ghostface Killah will the songwriting is be there to provide the always excellent.

exclamation points for Cold Cave

#SDCityBeat

Music

Concerts HOT! NEW! FRESH!

King Parrot (Brick by Brick, 9/13), Dead Kennedys (Observatory, 9/27), Thievery Corporation (BUT, 10/3), Young Thug (HOB, 10/14), Deafheaven, Tribulation (Casbah, 10/15), Horse Feathers (Soda Bar, 10/17), Diiv (Casbah, 10/27), Matt Pond PA (Casbah, 10/28), The Front Bottoms (The Irenic, 11/15), Ringworm (Soda Bar, 11/15), YOB (Brick by Brick, 11/19), Intronaut (Soda Bar, 11/30), Charlie Hunter Trio (The Loft, 12/3), Reverend Horton Heat (Observatory, 12/13).

GET YER TICKETS Miguel (Observatory, 9/1), Dam-Funk (Casbah, 9/4), Cat Power (BUT, 9/6), The Psychedelic Furs, The Church (Observatory, 9/9), The Get Up Kids (Observatory, 9/10), ZZ Top (Humphreys, 9/13), Kamasi Washington (Soda Bar, 9/13), Wavves (Observatory, 9/15), Hum, Mineral (BUT, 9/16), Mobb Deep (Observatory, 9/16), Future Islands (Observatory, 9/22), Shamir (Irenic, 9/22), Titus Andronicus (The Irenic, 9/24), The Lemonheads (BUT, 9/24), Death Cab for Cutie (Open Air Theatre, 9/25), Duran Duran (Open Air Theatre, 9/27), Beirut (Open Air Theater, 10/6), Garbage (Humphreys, 10/6), Xavier Rudd and the United Nations (Observatory, 10/8), ‘CRSSD Festival’ w/ Flaming Lips, TV on the Radio, Giorgio Moroder, Jamie xx (Waterfront Park, 10/10-11), alt-j (Open Air Theatre, 10/13), Twin Shadow (BUT, 10/14), Florence and the Machine (Viejas Arena, 10/14), Jose

#SDCityBeat

Gonzalez (BUT, 10/15), Janet Jackson (Viejas Arena, 10/17), The Black Lips, Ariel Pink (Observatory, 10/18), My Morning Jacket (Open Air Theatre, 10/19), Ought (The Hideout, 10/20), Red Fang (Casbah, 10/23), Mudhoney (Casbah, 10/24), Natalie Prass (Soda Bar, 10/24), Marilyn Manson (HOB, 10/26), Shakey Graves (Observatory, 10/28), Madonna (Valley View Casino Center, 10/29), Ghost (Observatory, 10/30), The King Khan and BBQ Show (Soda Bar, 10/30), No Knife (Casbah, 10/31), ‘Night of the Shred’ w/ Rwake, Torche, Windhand (Quartyard, 10/31), The Menzingers, meWithoutYou (Observatory, 11/10), The Fall of Troy, Kylesa (Irenic, 11/10), Yo La Tengo (Observatory, 11/12), Mayhem, Watain (Observatory, 11/13), Youth Lagoon (BUT, 11/14), Minus the Bear (Observatory, 11/21), Sturgill Simpson (Observatory, 11/22), Rise Against (Soma, 11/22).

August Wednesday, Aug. 12 The Alabama Shakes at Open Air Theatre (sold out). Buddy Guy at Belly Up Tavern. Hot Chip at Observatory North Park. La Luz at Soda Bar.

Thursday, Aug. 13 Nicki Minaj at Sleep Train Amphitheatre.

Friday, Aug. 14 Toadies, Fuel at House of Blues. Whitey Morgan and the 78s at Belly Up Tavern.

Steel Pulse at Del Mar Racetrack. Cold Cave at The Hideout.

Saturday, Aug. 15 Jeff Rosenstock at House of Blues.

B-Side Players at Belly Up Tavern. Fu

Manchu at The Casbah. The B-52s at Humphreys by the Bay (sold out). Trapt at Soda Bar. Heaters at The Hideout.

Circuit des Yeux at Seven Grand.

Sunday, Aug. 16 Dierks Bentley at Sleep Train Amphitheatre. Kelly Clarkson at Viejas Arena. Raekwon and Ghostface Killah at House of Blues. Fucked Up at The Casbah.

Monday, Aug. 17 Screaming Females at Soda Bar. Inner Circle at Belly Up Tavern.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 Marc Cohn at Belly Up Tavern.

Wednesday, Aug. 19 George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic at House of Blues. Metz at The Casbah.

Thursday, Aug. 20 Rocky Votolato at The Casbah. The Drums at The Irenic. Morrissey at Observatory North Park (sold out). Holychild at The Loft.

Friday, Aug. 21 Arch Enemy at House of Blues. Pepper at Del Mar Racetrack. Morrissey at Observatory North Park (sold out). Tropical Popsicle at Soda Bar.

Saturday, Aug. 22 Snow tha Product at Observatory North Park. POD, Hoobastank at House of Blues.

Sunday, Aug. 23 Savages at The Casbah.

Monday, Aug. 24 Leon Russell at Belly Up Tavern. Diana Krall at Humphreys by the Bay.

Tuesday, Aug. 25 Jill Scott at Humphreys by the Bay. Nails at The Casbah.

Wednesday, Aug. 26 Joe Bonamassa at Humphreys by the Bay. Black Cobra at The Hideout.

Thursday, Aug. 27 Los Lonely Boys at Belly Up Tavern.

Melvins at The Casbah.

Friday, Aug. 28 Insomnium at Brick by Brick. Weird Al Yankovic at Del Mar Racetrack.

Sunday, Aug. 30 Deftones, Incubus at Sleep Train Amphitheatre.

September Tuesday, Sept. 1 Miguel at Observatory North Park. Lee “Scratch” Perry at Belly Up Tavern.

Wednesday, Sept. 2 Millencolin at Observatory North Park.

Thursday, Sept. 3 Pink Martini at Humphreys by the Bay. Marshall Tucker Band at Belly Up Tavern.

Friday, Sept. 4 Dam-Funk at The Casbah. ‘Awesome Fest’ at Soda Bar. Paul Oakenfold at Del Mar Racetrack.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

August 12, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 33

Music Saturday, Sept. 5 The Australian Pink Floyd Show at Open Air Theatre. ‘Awesome Fest’ at Soda Bar.

Sunday, Sept. 6 Man Man at The Casbah. Ducktails at The Casbah. ‘Awesome Fest’ at Soda Bar. Weezer at Del Mar Racetrack. Cat Power at Belly Up Tavern.

Monday, Sept. 7 Craft Spells at The Hideout.

Tuesday, Sept. 8 Diet Cig at The Hideout.

Wednesday, Sept. 9 The Psychedelic Furs, The Church at Observatory North Park. Ariana Grande at Sleep Train Amphitheatre.

Thursday, Sept. 10 Johnette Napolitano at The Casbah.

The Get Up Kids at The Observatory.

Friday, Sept. 11 Dead Feather Moon at Belly Up Tavern.

Sunday, Sept. 13 Chayanne at Viejas Arena. ZZ Top at Humphreys by the Bay. Kamasi Washington at Soda Bar. King Parrot at Brick

by Brick.

rCLUBSr

710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave, Pacific Beach. 710bc.com. Wed: Rosedale. Thu: Karaoke. Fri: The Country Rockin Rebels, Sickstring Outlaws. Sat: Boondock Brothers, Tape Heads, Showcash, Conscious Pilot. Sun: Karaoke. Mon: DJ Royale.

34 · San Diego CityBeat · August 12, 2015

98 Bottles, 2400 Kettner Blvd. Ste. 110, Little Italy. 98bottlessd.com. Fri: Allison Adams Tucker, Jaime Valle. Sat: The Three.

Sun: The Braxton Brothers (sold out).

Air Conditioned Lounge, 4673 30th St, Normal Heights. airconditionedbar.com.

Wed: ‘Breezy Bliss’ w/ DJs Rebellion, Josh Taylor, Volz, Jus Sven, Giana, Viking.

Thu: ‘Dive’. Fri: DJ Junior the DiscoPunk.

Sat: ‘Juicy’ w/ Mike Czech. Sun: ‘Church’ w/ DJs Bass Exotic, Karma, Vinnassi.

American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Ave, Downtown. americancomedyco. com. Wed: Open mic. Thu: Pablo Francisco. Fri: Pablo Francisco. Sat: Pablo Francisco. Sun: Pablo Francisco. Mon: Jay Mohr.

Bang Bang, 526 Market St, Downtown. facebook.com/BangBangSanDiego. Fri: Chris Lorenzo, Klatch. Sat: CRNKN, Erick Diaz.

Bar Pink, 3829 30th St, North Park. barpink.com. Wed: Taurus Authority.

Thu: The Husky Boy All-Stars. Fri: Nicky Venus, Fire in the Hamptons. Sat: ‘Neon Beat’. Sun: ‘Rat Sabbath’. Mon: ‘Motown on Monday’. Tue: The Cheap Leis.

Bassmnt, 919 Fourth Ave, Downtown. bassmntsd.com. Fri: Flux Pavilion. Sat: Paris Blohm.

Beaumont’s, 5662 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla. brocktonvilla.com/beaumonts.html.

Thu: Adam Block Duo. Fri: Aquile. Sat: Stacey Murray, Jewel City.

Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave, Solana Beach. bellyup.com. Wed: Buddy Guy, The Record Company (sold out).

Thu: Vonda Shepard, Gregory Page.

Fri: Whitey Morgan, Tony Martinez. Sat: B-Side Players, La Sucursal De La Cumbia, SM Familia, DJ Beto Perez. Sun: Led Kaapana, Tony Fernandez. Mon: Inner

Circle, Gonzo, Bad Neighborz, DJ Emmanuel. Tue: Marc Cohn, Phil Cody.

Boar Cross’n, 390 Grand Ave, Carlsbad. boarcrossn.net. Fri: ‘Club Musae’.

Brass Rail, 3796 Fifth Ave, Hillcrest. thebrassrailsd.com. Fri: ‘Hip Hop Fridayz’.

Sat: ‘Sabado en Fuego’ w/ DJs XP, KA. Sun: ‘Soiree’. Mon: ‘Manic Monday’ w/ DJs Junior the Disco Punk, XP. Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave, Bay Park. brickbybrick.com. Wed: Adrenal Asphyxia, Asylum. Thu: For the Likes of You, Avoid the Void. Fri: Sight Unscene, Pissed Regardless, Varna. Sat: Nekrogoblikon, Crimson Shadow, Lord Of War. Cafe Sevilla, 353 Fifth Ave, Downtown. cafesevilla.com. Wed: Aro Di Santi. Thu: Malamana. Fri: Joef and Co. Sat: Aire.

Sun: Aire. Mon: Bruno and Dusty. Tue: Gio Trio.

Croce’s Park West, 2760 Fifth Ave., #100, Bankers Hill. crocesparkwest.com.

Wed: Gio and Diamond. Thu: Gilbert Castellanos and the Park West Ensemble.

Fri: Sue Palmer. Sat: Afrojazziacs. Sun: Louis Valenzuela Trio. Mon: Mark Fisher.

Tue: Clay Colton Duo. Dirk’s Nightclub, 7662 Broadway, Lemon Grove. dirksniteclub.com. Fri: Teaser.

Sat: DJ Alex.

Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay. dizzyssandiego.com. Thu: Danny Green Trio.

F6ix, 526 F St., Downtown, Downtown. f6ixsd.com. Fri: Deejay Al. Sat: DJ Damage. Sun: DJ Kaos.

Fluxx, 500 Fourth Ave, Downtown. fluxxsd.com. Fri: ‘Marrakesh’ w/ DJ Avi. Sat: ‘Marrakesh’ w/ DJ Karma.

Gallagher’s, 5040 Newport Ave, Ocean

Beach. 619-222-5303. Wed: Ciarrai. Thu: Raggabond. Fri: Revival. Sat: The Fooks.

Sun: The Reel Deal. Mon: ‘Mic Check Monday’.

Henry’s Pub, 618 Fifth Ave, Downtown. henryspub.com. Wed: AOK Musik. Thu: DJ Junior the Disco Punk. Fri: ‘Good Times’. Sat: DJs E, Yodah. Mon: DJ Antonio Aguilera. Tue: Big City Dawgs.

House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave, Downtown. houseofblues.com/sandiego. Thu: The Struts, Big Bad Buffalo. Fri: Toadies, Fuel. Sat: Dan Andriano in the Emergency Room. Sun: Raekwon and Ghostface Killah.

Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner Blvd, Midtown. kavalounge.com. Thu: ‘Progress’.

Fri: Magical Mistakes, Brogan Bentley, DJ Pound, Mystery Cave. Sat: ‘Pre-Burn Hoedown’. Sun: ‘Yoga for Your Ears’.

Tue: ‘High Tech Tuesday’.

Kensington Club, 4079 Adams Ave, Kensington. 619-284-2848. Fri: godofthejellyfish, ELECTROVOT, The Moth Army Conspiracy, DJs Omen, Calypso.

Mc P’s Irish Pub, 1107 Orange Ave, Coronado. mcpspub.com. Wed: Jackson and Jesus. Thu: North Star. Fri: Trunk Monkey.

Sat: Mystique. Sun: Glen Smith. Mon: Steve Brewer. Tue: 3 Guys Will Move U. Moonshine Flats, 344 7th Ave, Gaslamp. moonshineflats.com. Wed: Mo Pitney.

Numbers, 3811 Park Blvd, Hillcrest. numberssd.com/. Thu: ‘Wet’. Fri: ‘Harness’.

Sun: ‘R and B Divas’. Tue: Karaoke Latino.

Onyx Room / Thin, 852 Fifth Ave, Downtown. onyxroom.com. Thu: ‘Tea Party Thursday’. Fri: ‘Rumba Lounge’. Sat: ‘Onyx Saturday’.

Patricks Gaslamp, 428 F St, Downtown. patricksii.com. Wed: The Upshots. Thu:

#SDCityBeat

Music The Bill Magee Blues Band. Fri: Redwave.

Sat: WG and the G-Men. Sun: Johnny Vernazza. Mon: The Groove Squad. Tue: Paddy’s Chicken Jam. Rich’s, 1051 University Ave, Hillcrest. richssandiego.com. Wed: DJ Kiki. Thu: DJ Kiki. Fri: DJs DrewG, Will Z. Sat: DJs Luke Allen, Hektik. Sun: DJ Hektik.

Riviera Supper Club, 7777 University Ave, La Mesa. rivierasupperclub.com.

Wed: ‘Boss Jazz’ w/ Jason Hanna and friends. Thu: Israel Maldonado. Fri: Rio Peligroso. Sat: Black Market III. Tue: Karaoke.

Saint Archer Brewery, 9550 Distribution Ave, Miramar. saintarcherbrewery. com. Wed: The Path Unseen.

Seven Grand, 3054 University Ave, North Park. sevengrandbars.com/sd. Wed: Gilbert Castellanos jazz jam. Thu: Gaby Aparicio, Los Twangoholics. Fri: Syndicate, The Silent Generation. Sat: Circuit des Yeux, Marissa Anderson. Mon: ‘Makossa Monday’ w/ DJ Tah Rei. Tue: The Velvet Teen, Botanica Chango.

Side Bar, 536 Market St, Downtown. sidebarsd.com. Wed: Epic Twelve. Thu: Vince Delano. Fri: DJ Kurch. Sat: DJ Decon. Sun: ‘Five/Ten’.

Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd, City Heights. sodabarmusic.com. Wed: La Luz, Cool Ghouls, Teenage Burritos. Thu: Happyness, Buddy Banter, Kooties. Fri: Kim and the Created, Le Ra, Mint Field, Some Kind of Lizard. Sat: Trapt, Divot, Pointe.

Sun: Kera and the Lesbians, Them Howling Bones, The Bad Vibes. Mon: Screaming Females, Vacation, Upset. Tue: Sales, The Gloomies, Adult Films.

SOMA, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd, Midway. somasandiego.com. Sat: Mandala, JasonXvoorhees, The Ghosts Among Us,

#SDCityBeat

I Survive, Beneath Her Depths, Remain In Vain. Tue: Bane, Turnstile, Backtrack, Mizery, Forced Order, Seconds Ago. Sycamore Den, 3391 Adams Ave, Normal Heights. sycamoreden.com. Thu: Daniel Schraer Trio, Triumph of the Wild.

Sun: The Jackson Price Band.

Tango Del Rey, 3567 Del Rey St, Mission Bay. tangodelrey.com. Sun: The Hep Spot.

The Balboa, 1863 Fifth Ave, Bankers Hill.

619-955-8525. Fri: Bandalier, The Sinclairs. Sat: Bainbridge, Eliza Battle.

The Bancroft, 9143 Campo Rd, Spring Valley. 619-469-2337. Wed: Mrs Skannotto, Among Criminals. Thu: ‘Darkwave Garden’. Sat: ‘Club Therapy’. Sun: Some Kind of Nightmare.

The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd, Midtown. casbahmusic.com. Wed: Marriages, Creepoid, Witness 9, Hexa. Thu: Creature and the Woods, The Verigolds, Mike Pope, G Burns. Fri: Cash’d Out, Sleepwalkers, Stephen El Rey. Sat: Fu Manchu. Sun: Fucked Up, Doomsquad. Mon: AJ Froman, Brothers Weiss, Diamond Lakes.

The Hideout, 3519 El Cajon Blvd, City Heights. thehideoutsd.com. Fri: Cold Cave, Victoriana. Sat: Heaters. Tue: Milezo, Splavender, Citrus and Katie.

The Merrow, 1271 University Ave, Hillcrest. theMerrow.com. Wed: Eukaryst, Anisoptera, Nukem, Theosis. Thu: Mursic, Ruines Ov Abaddon, Xantam, Procyon. Sat: The Casey Hensley Band, Joey Harris and The Mentals, 22 Kings. Tue: Hot Mustard, Cardio Kazan, Alexa Melo.

The Office, 3936 30th St, North Park. officebarinc.com. Wed: The Major Minus, Lexington Field, Jeremiah BZ, DJ Mike Delgado. Thu: ‘No Limits’ w/ DJ Myson King. Fri: ‘After Hours’ w/ DJs Kid Won-

der, Saul Q. Sat: ‘Strictly Business’ w/ DJs EdRoc, Kanye Asada. Sun: ‘Uptown Top Ranking’ w/ Tribe of Kings. Mon: Teenage Exorcists, Ditches, Verigolds, DJ Mike Delgado. Tue: ‘Trapped’.

The Tin Roof, 401 G Street, Gaslamp. tinroofbars.com/Home/SanDiego. Wed: Pat Hilton and The Mann. Thu: John Hull Band, Casey James, KI. Fri: Coriander.

Sat: K. Emeline. Sun: ‘Jazz Brunch’ w/ Amanda Portela. Mon: American Yeti.

Tue: Kendra Barry Band.

Til-Two Club, 4746 El Cajon Blvd, City Heights. tiltwoclub.com. Fri: Roger Rivas and the Brothers of Reggae, Mochilero All Stars. Sat: Desert Suns, Space Wax, Se Vende. Sun: Open mic comedy.

Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St, Bay Park. tioleos.com. Wed: Bonneville Wheels. Thu: Chris James, Patrick Wynn. Fri: Funk’s Most Wanted. Sat: Baja Bugs.

Tower Bar, 4757 University Ave, City Heights. thetowerbar.com. Sat: Prima Donna, Paper Hearts, Dead on the Wire, Oddball. Sun: Todd Allen, The Turnaways. Mon: Idols Plague, The Reality Show, Scourge, Downward Spiral. Tue: Pears, Caskitt, Bainbridge.

Ux31, 3112 University Ave, North Park. u31bar.com. Tue: Karaoke.

Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern St, South Park. whistlestopbar.com. Thu: White Mystery, DJs Mike Turi, Mark Garcia. Fri: Lost Pets.

Sat: ‘80s vs 90s’ w/ DJs Gabe Vega, Saul.

Sun: ‘Pearls Before Swine Time’.

Winstons, 1921 Bacon St, Ocean Beach. winstonsob.com. Wed: KL Noise Makerz, Pali Roots, DJ Carlos Culture. Thu: Open jam. Fri: Madchild, Atlantis Rizing, Okwerdz. Sat: The Red Not Chili Peppers, Garrett Lee Robinson. Sun: Karaoke.

Mon: Electric Waste Band.

August 12, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 35

Last Words

Brendan Emmett Quigley

Atop Across 1. Trattoria’s tubes 5. Boxer’s mortal enemy, likely 8. Smash beyond human recognition 13. Symbol on a smartphone 14. “Who ___ you kidding?”

15. Warm mild-tasting cereal 16. Continuous change of a nothing worker?

18. Bo’s family 19. Cleaned up after a drive by?

21. Burlesque show prop 24. Result of overthrowing a TE, say 25. Mined stuff 26. Some christening invitees 28. Pup with no family 29. Good place to kneel?

32. Underwater breather 33. “Tiny Bubbles” entertainer 34. ___ florentine (Italian cooking term) 35. Skip the surveillance?

39. A, as in Alsace 40. “Burnt ___ Sandwich” (Frank Zappa album) 41. Jupiter : Roman :: ___ : Norse 42. Newspaper with the most Pulitzers: Abbr.

43. Old brewing equipment 44. Stifler’s mom in the “American Pie” series 46. Half hexadeca47. Dotted line scribble, briefly 48. Stavanger’s nat.

49. Bronco tamer who avoided mass layoffs?

54. God whom Greece’s capital is named after Last week’s answers

36 · San Diego CityBeat · August 12, 2015

55. The tater to rule them all?

59. Like angry bulls 60. Before, to a pretentious poetry student 61. Startle 62. French military hats 63. Versatile white bean 64. Court document

Down 1. Shrink, as computer files 2. Diamonds, to gangsters 3. Besides that thing 4. Inexpensive alternatives to resorts 5. He died on “The Day The Music Died” 6. Shoot out flames 7. Smart watch missive 8. Operation setting?

9. Some brutal exams 10. Marathon trainer’s stat 11. Body language?: Abbr.

12. Yorkshire girl 15. Glutton’s helping 17. “Just throwing it out there,” initially 20. Brawny competitor 21. Powerful person 22. Like some bhaji 23. Completely wrong 27. Larter of the “Resident Evil” series 28. Get on your high horse?

29. Added, as to an account 30. Cause of warmer winters 31. “Parsifal” composer 33. Performs well 36. Opinion, in a saying 37. Martian’s weapon in “The War of the Worlds” 38. Hither’s opposite 44. Low-fare bus 45. Wide-eyed 46. Cheri of “Liza Life Coach” 47. Veep between Hubert and Gerald 49. Enjoy the rays 50. Social change magazine 51. Website section with a cart 52. ___ out (barely gets) 53. Letters accompanying some blue links 56. Average number 57. Machine gun with two safeties 58. Clue collector: Abbr.

#SDCityBeat

#SDCityBeat

August 12, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 37

38 · San Diego CityBeat · August 12, 2015

#SDCityBeat

#SDCityBeat

August 12, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 39