San Diego CityBeat • Sept 19, 2018

2 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · SEPTEMBER 19, 2018

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UP FRONT | FROM THE EDITOR

There will be blood

I

t’s human nature to look away when something (basically, the scooter will slow itself down if entering particularly frightening happens. I get it. But a restricted area) and a “community mode” where ridtry explaining this to an auto insurance agent. ers can report incidents and hazards.

Maya Rosas of Circulate San Diego, a local nonThey’ve seen the goriest of the gory, but they see it after the fact, not in the moment. And as much as I profit dedicated to city mobility and public transtried my best to explain to this agent why I looked portation, was one of the speakers at Tuesday’s press away at the very moment a man on an electric scooter conference. She says Bird’s commitment to data-sharstruck a car and went flying face-first onto the as- ing will help the city assess “how residents and visitors are using the street system.” phalt, I still felt like she was judging me.

“But that data needs to be put to use to build safe “Look, I didn’t want to see this guy die in real streets for everyone,” says Rosas. “We support smart time,” I said.

This incident, where I witnessed a helmetless man regulations that have the intent of encouraging the use strike a vehicle on an East Village street, happened a and growth of alternative modes of transportation. The SETH COMBS number one thing that is going to few weeks ago. He didn’t die, but he save lives and prevent injuries is did hit his head so hard against the having the right infrastructure.” street that blood gushed out. He But how confident should we lay there immobile for a good 30 be that the city will use this data to seconds while I dialed 911. Eventruly come up with comprehensive tually, he began to exhale some solutions to the city’s myriad transguttural groans while a crowd portation, infrastructure and public gathered around snapping camera safety issues? Will the other scooter pics. The woman driving the car companies self-regulate or assist in removed her sweatshirt in hopes those goals? of stopping any more blood from I’m not so sure. In fact, these leaking out of his head. companies have already shown Prompted by public concern, their true colors by donating mounting injuries and even a tens of thousands of dollars to Scripps Mercy Hospital chief saying pro-business politicians and, in a it was “just a matter of time before particularly brazen move by Bird, someone is killed,” the city looks to Man bleeds on street having a Republican Assemblybe getting, well, somewhat serious after crashing scooter member (Heath Flora) introduce about looking into the problems with electric scooters. The city has been slow in ad- legislation that would do away with helmet and sidedressing the issues compared to other cities dealing walk laws altogether.

It’s likely we’ll find out more this week when reps with the same types of incidents. The mayor’s office has taken a more pro-business stance and has essen- from Bird, Lime and Razor will give presentations to the tially said that they don’t want to dissuade the scooter City Council’s Public Safety & Livable Neighborhoods Committee. All three companies seem willing to share companies from doing business here.

On the surface, better enforcement of helmet data with the city, but without increased enforcement laws seems like a no-brainer, but it’s not that simple. of existing helmet laws or a more nuanced commitment Councilmember Chris Ward and progressive orgs such to the safety of riders from the scooter companies, there as Circulate San Diego have argued that the scooters will continue to be accidents.

The City Council should take what these compaaren’t so much the problem, but rather the way San Diego roads are set up to only cater to automobiles. nies have to say with several grains of salt. PersonThere is certainly logic to this argument. In the ac- ally, I’ve come to believe that these scooters could be cident I witnessed, the man would not have hit the car a great way to get people out of their cars, but until had there been a separate lane for bikes and scooters. we have maintained and separate lanes for them, the With the ball essentially in the scooter companies’ city needs to step up enforcement of existing safety court, a Bird representative gathered with State As- laws. That is, they need to stop looking away from the semblymember Todd Gloria and City Councilmember increasing amounts of blood on the streets.

Chris Ward on Tuesday to announce new public safety

—Seth Combs enhancements for its San Diego scooter fleet. These “enhancements” include things such as “geo-fencing” Write to seth.combs@sdcitybeat.com This issue of CityBeat is dedicated to Toad from the Super Mario universe. He’s nice and didn’t ask for this.

Volume 17 • Issue 5 EDITOR Seth Combs MUSIC EDITOR Jeff Terich WEB EDITOR Ryan Bradford ART DIRECTOR Carolyn Ramos STAFF WRITER Andrea Lopez-Villafaña COLUMNISTS Aaryn Belfer Edwin Decker John R. Lamb Rhonda “Ro” Moore Alex Zaragoza

CONTRIBUTORS Christin Bailey, Torrey Bailey, Jackie Bryant, David L. Coddon, Beth Demmon, Julia Dixon Evans, Michael A. Gardiner, Glenn Heath Jr., Lizz Huerta, Davey Landeros, Tigist Layne, Jonathan Mandel, Lara McCaffrey, Scott McDonald, Jim Ruland, Ben Salmon, Ian Ward EDITORIAL INTERNS Sara Harmatz PRODUCTION MANAGER Tristan Whitehouse MULTIMEDIA ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Paulina Porter-Tapia

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jason Noble ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES RIchard Diaz CONTROLLER Ora Chart ACCOUNTING Perla Castillo, David Garcia Linda Lam, Yiyang Wang HUMAN RESOURCES Andrea Baker VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS David Comden

PUBLISHER Kevin Hellman

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3 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · SEPTEMBER 19, 2018

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UP FRONT | LETTERS

ONE MAN’S OPINION

There’s no question that Serena Williams is one of the greatest athletes (female or male) of all time. She has been amazing to watch over the years and to still see her play despite health issues (one almost killing her) at such a high level is truly phenomenal. But I have to disagree with your assessment as to what went on at the U.S. Open [“When a loss is really a win,” Sept. 12]. Her coach admitted it, and it was clear on the video. He coached her from the stands. So not only did Serena cheat, but she lied.

Apparently it is known in tennis circles that the umpire Carlos Ramos runs a tight ship. Contrary to what your editorial infers, he has penalized men for similar infractions.

I don’t believe he penalized Serena because she was female or black. She was penalized for being coached, breaking her racket and then continuing to argue. You may not have seen a “melt down” but I did. And please tell me what having a daughter has anything to do with his calls. Whether what she did will be one her “finest moments” remains to be seen. But her actions prevented Naomi Osaka from getting to enjoy one of her finest moments. She will be but a footnote in the story. Heck, she isn’t even mentioned in your column.

Rob Cohen Mission Hills

ANOTHER MAN’S OPINION

Seth Combs’ comments about the U.S. Open went from ignorant to inaccurate to pre-

posterous [“When a loss is really a win,” Sept. 12]. Williams was penalized—in accordance with the rules—because her coach was coaching from the stands, something he admitted to doing. Whether she wanted that coaching or saw him gesturing is irrelevant. If all a player has to do to avoid being penalized in that situation is to say, “I didn’t see it,” the rule would be unenforceable. It takes only a couple of seconds to convey a message via hand signals. It is not reasonable to expect the chair umpire to simultaneously watch a coach in the stands and a player on the court, and to know what a player does and does not see. Attacking an umpire’s integrity, calling him a thief and a liar for doing his job, is a strange way of showing your daughter that you “stand up for what’s right.”

Combs: “Serena has more than proven she’s capable of keeping her cool.” Really? When she was called for a foot fault at a previous U.S. Open she screamed profanities at a woman line judge and threatened her with bodily harm. Double standard? Can you imagine what would happen to a male player who treated a female linesperson like that? His career would be over. As for this nonsense about women being penalized while the men skate, at this year’s tournament the men were penalized more than twice as many times as the women were.

The bottom line here is that if Williams felt it necessary to vent her anger at someone, it should have been directed at her coach. He was the one who broke the rule

4 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · SEPTEMBER 19, 2018

that precipitated all that followed. And to call what followed, “one of Williams’ finest moments,” is the most insulting compliment I’ve ever heard. Williams was right about one thing, someone owes someone an apology. Lastly, while part of me would like to see Mr. Ramos get a standing ovation when he’s introduced at his next assignment, it’d be better for everyone to put this sorry episode behind us.

TABLE OF CONTENTS UP FRONT From the Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Letters to the Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 A Side-Eye of Sanity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Sordid Tales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

FOOD & DRINK

John Whiteman Mission Hills

World Fare. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Final Draught. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

[Editor’s note: No shade and not making fun, but that really is his last name. We did not make that up.]

The Short List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Calendar of Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-13

WE HAVE A

PODCAST

For those who haven’t entered “the Bone Zone” as we’ve been calling it around the office, please check out Show in Progress with Matt Strabone, our first foray into sponsoring a podcast. On this week’s episode, Strabone shares his thoughts on the flawed process when it comes to getting initiatives on the ballot. He also interviews former Democratic National Committee CEO Amy Dacey about the 2016 Russian hacking of the DNC, as well as the upcoming midterm elections.

Show in Progress is available pretty much everywhere podcasts and podcast apps are available so check it out.

THINGS TO DO

ARTS & CULTURE Theater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 FEATURE: San Diego: The Architecture of Four Ecologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Film . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19

MUSIC FEATURE: First Aid Kit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Notes From The Smoking Patio . . . . . . . . . 22 About Last Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 If I Were U . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Concerts & Clubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-26

IN THE BACK Astrologically Unsound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 CannaBeat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 COVER PHOTO BY JULIA DIXON EVANS

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SEPTEMBER 19, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 5

ALBERTINE FEURER-YOUNG

UP FRONT | NEWS

The making of a political podcast Mueller, She Wrote is the latest example of locals getting into progressive broadcasting

By Ombretta Di Dio

I

t’s Saturday and A.G. is sitting around the table of a small, colorful room in her North Park home. With her are fellow stand-up comedians Jaleesa Johnson and Jordan Coburn. The windows and the furniture are covered in thick, bright curtains (courtesy of A.G.’s husband, she says), which keep the outside noise at bay. On the table, three round microphones stand tall on a green, felt cloth as the women get ready to speak for a few hours.

“I forgot to eat apples this morning,” says A.G., who prefers not to disclose her full name so as to protect her career in the executive branch of government. “They help you with the weird sounds your mouth makes.”

For the past 10 months, A.G., Coburn and Johnson have spent their weeks absorbing political news, articles and interviews in preparation for the recording of their podcast, Mueller, She Wrote, which they record on the weekend. After each recording, Johnson says she works tirelessly to make edits and cuts, so that a new episode will be ready to air by Sunday evening or Monday morning.

Many political podcasts have popped up since the 2016 election, and Mueller, She Wrote is unique in the regard that it aims to help listeners navigate the intricate roads of the Trump-Russia investigation, all while its creators crack improvised jokes and comebacks, answer questions from listeners and interview big names in journalism and comedy alike.

A.G. says she began nurturing the idea of an all-woman political podcast after watching a documentary about the Watergate scandal last October. At the same time, special counsel Robert Mueller had just indicted Paul Manafort, President Donald Trump’s former campaign chairman, along with top campaign aide Richard Gates.

“When Manafort and Gates were indicted, I thought that people would be interested in hearing about the Mueller investigation,” A.G. says. “I was surprised to learn that there wasn’t a show dedicated to the probe, so I created one.”

Mueller, She Wrote started in 2017, and since then A.G., Coburn and Johnson have recorded shows at The Comedy Store in La Jolla. According to Coburn, half-a-million Americans have downloaded the podcast in the last three months alone. The success of Mueller, She Wrote (which can be listened to on muellershewrote.com, as well as Stitcher and Apple Podcasts) matches the all-time high popularity of podcasts in the U.S. Mueller, She Wrote strives to combine comedy and politics, two of the 10 most popular genres in podcasting, according to a Nielsen study. Recent statistics from Edison Research show almost 125 million people in the country have listened to a podcast at least once.

Still, men represent the majority of podcast hosts. Aware of this reality, A.G. became particularly adamant about having two fe-

6 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · SEPTEMBER 19, 2018

Jordan Coburn, A.G. and Jaleesa Johnson male co-hosts by her side. Johnson and Coburn were ecstatic about the opportunity, they said, and they took the offer as a chance to learn more about the investigation, and to improve themselves as humans and comics. “[The podcast] is teaching me how to show up ready to perform and deliver a product every week at the same time,” Coburn says. “It’s showing me to be more confident in my words and thoughts… and how to juggle multiple projects at once.”

This comes under the direction of A.G., who keeps constant track of new developments in the investigation, selects and assigns articles to be discussed on the show, and interviews most of the guests.

Among popular names who have so far contributed to Mueller, She Wrote are comedian Greg Proops, Atlantic staff writer Natasha Bertrand and Michael Avenatti, a lawyer best known for representing adult film actress Stormy Daniels. A.G. contacts her guests directly, generally through Twitter.

“Everyone has been extremely helpful and supportive,” A.G. says of her guests. “No one has outright said ‘no’ to us, but there are a couple people I haven’t heard back from yet.”

The process of collecting material for the Saturday recording is never-ending and cyclical, A.G. explains. It starts with listening to NPR while she is at work and continues with the incessant checking of news alerts that pop up on her phone throughout the day. After gathering material for a week, on Fridays, A.G. sits on her patio and lays out the notes that will assist her during the recording of the show.

But being a woman who explains current political developments on a podcast can be tough, Johnson says.

“The most challenging part… is having people take you seriously,” Johnson says. “[However,] content is power, and women need more power. I think a great podcast takes a unique perspective and, in a maledominated industry, women are full of unique perspectives.”

Amid the ups and downs of the TrumpRussia investigation, which according to the New York Times has so far led to the charging of 32 people and three companies on more than 100 criminal counts, A.G., Johnson and Coburn plan to keep talking for as long as necessary. And should Mueller complete his task and the investigation comes to an end,

they say they will continue to discuss issues related to justice and politics, just as they have for the past 10 months.

But on on this particular Saturday morning in August, everything is ready for this moment.

“Five, four, three,” A.G. utters into her mic, as the Johnson and Coburn settle in.

“Hey Mueller junkies… I’m your anonymous host A.G.”

For more on current events and political commentary besides Mueller, She Wrote, here are four thought-provoking podcasts made by San Diegans for San Diegans. All are available on most podcast platforms.

Flip the Script Ismahan Abdullahi and Nicole Capretz offer listeners a view of San Diego that is, in their own words, “inclusive, progressive and equitable.” Abdullhai and Capretz analyze social justice with an optimistic view of reality, bringing to light places and people who are working hard to make this town a better place. soundcloud.com/flipdascriptshow Voice of San Diego Podcast Voice of San Diego has been on the frontline of delivering unbiased news and in-depth reporting since 2005. The news org’s podcast offers an insider perspective on local issues and fresh perspectives from special guests.

From homelessness to school-related issues, regular listens yields informed citizens. voiceofsandiego.org/podcasts Show in Progress with Matt Strabone Three episodes in and lawyer Matt Strabone is showing himself to be more than adept when it comes to analyzing local and national politics. In the very first episode, he offered sound logic when it came to getting money out of politics and interviewed Obama press secretary Ben LaBolt. Stay tuned for more (nepotism alert: San Diego CityBeat is a proud sponsor of Show in Progress). soundcloud.com/showinprogress KPBS Roundtable Well, technically it’s a TV show, but the podcast version of the show is just as informative. Formerly known as the Editor’s Roundtable, it features KPBS’ Mark Sauer interviewing some of San Diego’s finest journalists where they discuss the “top stories” that affect locals, as well as those with bigger national context. A great, succinct way to wrap up the week so citizens can head into the weekend feeling more informed. kpbs.org/news/roundtable

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CULTURE | VOICES

RHONDA “RO” MOORE

A SIDE-EYE OF

SANITY

Having a chronic condition doesn’t make me one of “those” people

I

have a chronic condition that likes to rear its head and wreak havoc on my life a few times a month.

I’ll be talking and suddenly can’t remember what I’m doing. I’ll misplace things in plain sight. Just standing is a risky proposition. It’s the kind of havoc where I’d gladly trade you part of my soul to make it all stop.

I’ve lost or had to pass on great jobs and had to opt out of social activities. I’ve found out who my real friends are when I can’t be around as much as before.

It’s the kind of condition that makes reaping any rewards and benefits from all the school, all the shitty jobs and all the hustle, amount to a pile of nothing.

When I go to see my doctor, she smiles and nods when I tell her my treatment goals. She makes implausible suggestions given my current level of health and ignores my frustration with her tone-deaf recommendations.

The problem is that I don’t ever look as sick as I feel. I was raised to get up and put myself together so that I can get on with the things that aren’t going to wait for me to feel better in order to get done. I do this even when I’ve got a migraine keeping me essentially blind in pain or when using my hands to type or feet to walk (or just sitting up in a chair) feels like someone’s ripping the muscles out of my body. At the end of the day, my pain isn’t my boss’ problem and the bills aren’t going to pay themselves.

So, for more than 20 years, I’ve picked myself up and gotten on with doing the needful.

I ran and kept running until I fell down, sometimes literally.

One day while trying to take a meeting on the second floor, and on day two of a migraine, I took a knee on the stairs. I’d tried to lift my head to look where I was going, and the pain was so bad it took me to my knees. I shook it off and continued to climb the stairs, although I’m pretty sure there was some audible whimpering. I made it to the top of the stairs before things got hinky again. I reached out to grab the doorknob and the damn thing wouldn’t cooperate; at least that’s the message my brain kept sending. In reality, I’d tipped backwards away from the door and down the stairs.

That was the day I learned humans could run out of gas. I caught myself before I fell all the way down the stairs.

And no, I didn’t go home. I went to that meeting.

I kicked that meeting’s ass. Then I went to the bathroom and lost my breakfast.

And here’s the part where I let readers know that if they’ve ever wondered if the cameras in a build-

ing’s stairwell are actively monitored during the day, the answer is likely yes. Apparently, someone in security saw my partial tumble down the stairs and reported it.

I was forced to go to an Urgent Care. No, my job hadn’t grown a conscience, nor were they overflowing with concern for one of the employees. Nope, they just thought I was drunk. On top of almost taking a header down the stairs and pushing myself through a workday because I had no more sick days to take, I had to prove I hadn’t come in to work impaired if I wanted to keep my job.

The doctor on duty pitched a royal fit when I told her that, in addition to something to stop nose bleeds due to the pressure in my head, as well as the ice packs for my seriously swollen knees and the horrid cyclical vomiting, I now needed a blood test saying I wasn’t on drugs or alcohol to submit to my HR department.

When my then-primary-care physician found out, he sent me to see a psychiatrist because he was of the opinion my “behavior” was a form of deliberate self-harm. The shrink listened to me politely, nodding and smiling at places that, to this day, I still don’t know what the hell there was to smile about. Then she said she’d inform my doctor that I was not having a mental crisis.

She was correct in that I wasn’t having a mental crisis. I was having an employment crisis. Despite working my ass off so I could reach a career level where I was salaried and had more perks than some jobs, I still needed to do what I had to do to take proper care of myself.

But hey, I’m still young right?

My benefits had the bare minimum PTO/sick days, and my manager was one of those health nuts who believed “mind over matter” cured everything.

I ended up on medical leave because my doctor realized my department had no interest in trying to find workable accommodations. That medical leave turned into job separation the day after my company was legally allowed to do so.

Why am I telling readers this? Because next time there’s a conversation about employee rights and universal healthcare, and someone pipes up with something like, “those people should just get a job,” I’d like them to remember that I am those people. And having a job is no protection from the bottom falling out with no notice.

I reached out to grab the doorknob and the damn thing wouldn’t cooperate; at least that’s the message my brain kept sending. In reality, I’d tipped backwards away from the door and down the stairs.

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A Side-Eye of Sanity appears every four weeks.

Follow Ro Moore on Twitter at @BookBlerd.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 7

UP FRONT | OPINION

EDWIN DECKER

SORDID

TALES

An open plea against hate speech laws

I

s it me or have a whole-helluva-lotta people been talking about implementing laws against hate speech lately? And I’m not only talking about the many man-on-the-street interviews or guest-on-ashow folks I have heard. In 2017 former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler both proclaimed, “Hate speech is not protected by the First Amendment.”

There have been many op-eds, such as The Guardian’s, “Hate speech leads to violence. Why would liberals defend it?,” as well as NBCNews.com’s, “Is the First Amendment too Broad?”

Even more concerning, a whopping 40 percent of millennials, according to Pew, believe the government should “prevent people publicly making statements that are offensive to minority groups.”

Holy crap! Howard Dean was a governor! Wheeler is a mayor! And millennials are going to be governors, mayors, senators, prosecutors, judges and journalists!

Hence this column, which is less a column than it is an open letter, a plea really, not to tinker with The First Amendment.

For those friends and readers who favor hate speech legislation, please hear me out. If for no other reason than that we are both coming from the same place—that of equality and justice—we just disagree on how to achieve it.

As someone who has debated this issue many times, I know there are some things about which we are never going to concur. For instance, I don’t believe words are capable of hurting people, whereas some people might think that they do. Fine, let’s put that aside.

I think intent matters whereas some might not. No problem, set it aside. Some might think that banning certain words will diffuse their harms and I think censorship makes words more potent—let’s set that aside too. Some might say people of color need protection, whereas I say that is condescending and portrays POC as helpless. Table it for later. I think every individual has agency and can choose what they do or don’t find offensive, whereas some people want to decide for everyone in advance.

Table it. Table all of it. Because even if I’m wrong, there’s still the most convincing reason to oppose hate speech legislation: It will come back to bite everyone on the ass.

Friends, I mean no harm for this label I am about to affix, but let’s assume that most reading this column are on the leftish side of the political spectrum.

I could be wrong, but if the person reading this favors hate speech laws, I’ll bet dollars to dandelions they also favor universal health care, relaxed or open borders, affirmative action programs and, most of all, the ousting of Donald Trump. I’m also guessing their contempt for the current president is as potent as my contempt for unicorn furries. If this is true, then they should be careful what they wish for. Because, sure,

hate speech legislation sounds great when they are the one defining hate. But into that cake is also baked enough wriggle room for the government to define what is hateful or offensive, and right now the government is run by an administration we despise.

Why on Earth would we want to surrender the sovereignty of our vocabulary to anyone, least of all Donald Trump? Dude is about to place a conservative judge to the United States Supreme Court—the court that would ultimately define hate speech should it become illegal. Who then would be more likely to wear the leg irons now that the swing vote goes to a Trump crony? The pundit on Fox News advocating the deportation of Muslims? Or Colin Kaepernick for being “offensive” to the military? Or Black Lives Matter members for expressing “hatred” toward the police?

I know what readers are thinking: They’re thinking, “But Ed, we have separation of powers to keep that from happening.” Exactly! And free speech is part of that separation. It helps citizens retain a modicum of power. By conceding that power to the government, we decrease our power and increase its power, or in this case, his power.

Look, I’m no fan of Donald Trump either, but I don’t think he would support the prosecution of Colin Kaepernick. I worry more about who comes after Trump, or even the person who comes after that person.

How long will it take before an administration emerges and decides that our speech is the hateful speech? Why even take that risk? Because, remember, our shared goal is to support minorities—to ensure equality, for everyone, even unicorn furries. The problem is that minorities are in the minority. Historically, around the world—in governments, as on the playgrounds—the majority gets over on the minority.

Which is why the majority must be tamed and, once tamed, stay tamed. So we manage the majority with anti-tyranny tools such as separation of powers, due process and a Bill of Rights. Tinker with those rights, especially the first one, and the next thing we know the majority is swinging its big, dumb dick around again. And then, when the oppressed minority starts howling in protest, the majority-dominated, swinging-dumb-dick government—the one we empowered to define hate speech—will call it “hateful” and shut it down.

This is not some paranoid conspiracy theory. This is how it works—how it always has worked. It’s what the founders learned from the past, and their present, and precisely why they put The First Amendment first. For it is upon that amendment that the others thrive.

How long will it take before an administration emerges and decides that our speech is the hateful speech?

Why even take that risk?

8 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · SEPTEMBER 19, 2018

Sordid Tales appears every other week.

Write to edwin@sdcitybeat.com.

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UP FRONT | FOOD & DRINK

BY MICHAEL A. GARDINER

THE WORLD

FARE L The Creole deal

ouisiana’s Cajun and Creole cuisine has quite the reputation. It is, some have said, America’s only original cuisine. And while its roots, it’s culinary DNA, lay elsewhere (France, Africa and the Caribbean), it is, genuinely, different than those styles.

It is, however, not well represented in San Diego and what we do have is not the cuisine’s most haute expression, but the sort of everyday manifestation that leads folks to believe that it’s hard to get a bad meal in New Orleans. Bud and Rob’s New Orleans Bistro (815 F St., budandrobsbistro. com) in the East Village is a case in point.

At the core of Cajun/Creole cuisine lies long, time-consuming recipes featuring numerous ingredients and include techniques that are challenging for the average, non-Cajun/Creole home cook. Making a roux for the first time deserves hazard pay and there’s no ready cure for rushing one. We generally understand that the cuisine’s signature flavors involve a spice blend featuring cayenne pepper and some other big flavors few outside Louisiana know how to properly blend. Instead, we just end up buying Emeril’s or Zatarain’s and thus, we learn nothing about the flavors.

But Bud and Rob’s is a good place to taste those flavors. The most direct expression is, perhaps, to be found in the appetizers. The soft shell crab brings the more refined Creole side to the fore with a smoked tomato beurre blanc—an obvious French influence—together with a bright tartar sauce framing the real star of the dish: a perfectly pan-fried soft shell crab.

The alligator sausage with panko-crusted fried pickles is a far more direct hit. It’s a big, tasty sausage (not incidentally, made from a predator) with a delicious remoulade sauce elevating both of the dish’s star ingredients. It’s easy to see why the dish was a holdover from Bud’s prior restaurant above Murphy Canyon.

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Two other appetizers, the gumbo and jambalaya, are Cajun/Creole classics interpreted in an almost California cuisine sort of way. Surely both are like chicken soup—everyone’s mom has their own recipe—but neither packed the big flavors, spice and intensity I associate with these dishes.

There’s a certain elegance in B&R’s versions but a certain something missing as well. Maybe the fat, perhaps the richness but I think, more likely, it’s the magic.

B&R’s Red Beans and Rice with grilled chicken is also a different take on the classic creole dish. It’s traditionally one made on Monday night from Sunday’s pork bones. B&R’s saucy version, however, features grilled chicken breast.

The Crawfish étouffée, which was made famous at New Orleans’ classic restaurant Galatoire’s, feaMICHAEL A. GARDINER

Soft shell crab tures crawfish tails simmered in a sauce made from a blond roux served over rice. B&R’s version is rich, without being overly so, with the crawdads taking center stage. It is, I’d say, New Orleans on a plate.

So yes, it’s true that we don’t have anything like New Orleans’ best Cajun/Creole restaurants in San Diego. Neither the classic ones like Galatoire’s, nor newer ones like Herbsaint or Compère Lapin. What we do have is Bud and Rob’s, a place like the ones that make New Orleans one of the best places to get a meal on this rock.

The World Fare appears weekly.

Write to michaelg@sdcitybeat.com.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 9

UP FRONT | FOOD & DRINK

BY BETH DEMMON

FINAL

DRAUGHT Gender and the state of California craft beer

I

t’s no secret that men have dominated the craft beer scene since its inception, but recent studies have touted the rising number of women in the industry. While the increasing numbers seem to be true, as I scanned the crowds at the California Craft Beer Summit in Sacramento last week, I questioned how much back-slapping should really be going on.

The fourth annual industry conference, described as “two full days of education, networking and trade shows for brewers, retailers, distributors, craft beer lovers, and homebrewers,” culminated with the West Coast’s largest beer festival, which stretched for blocks along the Capitol Mall. Unsurprisingly, San Diego was heavily represented throughout the conference, with multiple experts leading talks (Chris Sarette, Modern Times Beer), participating in panels (Travis Smith, Societe Brewing Company) and even delivering the keynote speech (Greg Koch, Stone Brewing).

What was surprising—although it probably shouldn’t have been—was the disappointing number of white male faces leading these talks. Don’t get me wrong; every single person presenting has immeasurably contributed to the industry as a whole. I just question whether they’re the only ones contributing.

Of the 52 speakers listed in the program, 44 of them were male, leaving only eight slots for women.

That’s 85 percent versus 15 percent in an industry that was last measured nationally by Nielsen at 68.5 percent women to 31.5 percent men. On top of that, nearly the entire lineup appeared to be caucasian.

However, the board of the California Craft Brewers Association (CCBA), the non-profit that organizes the summit, is nearly equally split between genders (5 to 4). So why the discrepancy with the speakers selected for this year’s summit?

It’s possible that while women craft beer drinkers are gaining strength, women craft beer professionals are still few and far between. Leia Ostermann Bailey, CCBA’s managing director, also confirmed that the first Diversity Ambassador to the Brew-

10 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · SEPTEMBER 19, 2018

ers Association, Dr. J. Nikol Jackson-Beckham, will deliver a presentation focusing on building inclusivity in the beer community at the (much smaller) upcoming fall conference. That’s absolutely worth recognizing. I sincerely hope she’s met with open hearts and minds, and not seen as merely a token.

Nonetheless, it can be disheartening to hear tales of our skyrocketing progress and still be left wanting when it comes to representation.

BETH DEMMON

CCBA Executive Director Tom McCormick and Stone Brewery co-founder Greg Koch I don’t wish to single out this event when it’s merely one reflection of the industry as a whole.

Time and time again I’ve heard the sentiment that San Diego is ahead of the curve when it comes to inclusivity—I’ve even claimed it myself—but I find it hard to believe that the best and brightest we have to offer are mostly one race, one gender, one profile. California is a leader when it comes to committing to using clean energy, electing LGBTQ leaders and legalizing marijuana. I hope collectively we can continue to make diversity in gender, as well as race, a more prevalent reality.

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

@SDCITYBEAT

EVENTS

SHORTlist

ART

the

THREE YOU HAVE TO SEE

COORDINATED BY

SETH COMBS

EAST VILLAGE

BROAD APPEAL

We’re not shy when it comes to recommending events in Baja on these pages. At the end of the day, we want San Diegans to get to know Mexico and the rich arts, design and culinary scenes that have popped up all over the country.

Still, seeing them all in one fell swoop can be tricky in more ways than one, which is why we’re particularly excited about NERO48, a two-day pop-up event that will feature a number of the region’s best and brightest. This includes everything from designers and entrepreneurs, to food and beverage artisans, all inside the newly opened Broadstone Makers Quarter (1601 Broadway).

NERO48 co-founder Veronica Hernandez—who also owns Object, a design store in Tijuana—says she and the other organizers wanted to bring the event to San Diego after their first U.S. foray, which happened in L.A. back in April, was such a success.

“Being on the border, we have always promoted our event in California, but now bringing [artists and merchants] to San Diego allows us to open doors to

DOWNTOWN

BE HERE NOW It should come as no surprise to anyone who read last week’s Fall Arts issue that we’re just incredibly excited about the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego’s new group exhibition, Being Here with You / Estando aquí contigo: 42 Artists from San Diego and Tijuana.

As if the title wasn’t a dead giveaway, this exhibition will be a one-stop chance to see some of the best and the brightest visual artists in the region.

From amazing painters and striking filmmakers, to evocative sculpture and textile pieces, it’s all here. Best of all, MCASD (1100 Kettner Blvd.) will open the exhibition with its free monthly Downtown at Sundown event on Thursday, Sept. 20 from 5 to 8 p.m., which includes drink specials, music and a performance from Cog·nate Collective. mcasd.org COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

a different market, and it might seem easy because we are at the border, but it’s not,” Hernandez says.

The local NERO48 event—which will also serve as the grand opening of the apartments within Makers Quarter—will feature COURTESY OF NERO48 15 apartments transformed into “art-forward experiences,” as well as 20-plus pop-up shops that have everything from unique homewares, jewelry, clothing and more. There will also be live music, Mexico-based food and beverage purveyors and a “Lab” space, where designers, architects and artists will be giving lectures on a variety of topics.

“Hosting the Lab portion makes the event original and the focus that we give to cuNERO48 linary art, as well as the merchants and artists,” Hernandez says. “We don’t just offer a weekend of shopping, we offer an experience.”

The experience happens from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 22 and Sunday, Sept. 23 and tickets are $2.50 for kids and $10 for adults. Proceeds from tickets benefit local nonprofit Urban Angels. nero48.com

BALBOA PARK

HATS OFF Depending on who you ask, the folks at the Save Our Heritage Organization are either preservationist heroes or nuisances to those who just want to tear it down and build something new. We’d consider ourselves in the former group so when SOHO holds a fundraiser, we’re so there.

On Sunday, Sept. 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the org is hosting Hats Off to Marston’s, a fashion show narrated by Diana Cavagnaro, an internationally renowned couture hat maker at the famous Marston House Museum and Historic Gardens (3525 7th Ave.). Following the fashion show of hats, there will be a trunk show of contemporary women’s hat designs and scarves for the new season. Tickets include mimosas and light refreshments, as well as a complimentary mimosa glass bearing the Marston House logo. The $30 tickets are limited and can be purchased at sohosandiego.org.

COURTESY OF SOHO SAN DIEGO

“Cycloramic Ascension”

by Raúl Moyado Sandoval @SDCITYBEAT

HTom Loeser: Please Please Please at SDSU Downtown Gallery, 725 W. Broadway, Downtown. The Madison-based designer and maker’s first solo exhibition in San Diego will feature furniture pieces and framed artworks. Opening from 5 to 8 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 20. Free. 619-501-6370, art.sdsu.edu HBeing Here with You/ Estando aquí contigo: 42 Artists from San Diego and Tijuana at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 1100 Kettner Blvd., Downtown. This group exhibition features some of the best and the brightest visual artists in the region. Includes paintings, film, sculpture, textile pieces and more. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20.

Free-$10. 858-454-3541, mcasd.org HDowntown at Sundown at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 1100 Kettner Blvd., Downtown. Enjoy MCASD’s new Being Here with You exhibition at this afterhours event. There will be free admission and guided tours of the exhibitions, as well as specials at local businesses and live performances. From 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20. Free. 858-454-3541, mcasd.org HUnder the Perfect Sun at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. Longtime local artist Perry Vásquez will present a new series of paintings which focuses on burning palm trees and analyzes the trees as symbols of SoCal mythology. Opening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21. Free. 858-4545872, ljathenaeum.org HSan Diego: The Architecture of Four Ecologies at La Jolla Historical Society, 780 Prospect St., La Jolla. The exhibition pays homage to San Diego with a focus on the car as the current and predominant means to access and experience four of its own ecologies: Beaches, Freeways, Sub/urban and Border. Includes work from Cy Kukenbacker, Robert Minervini, Margaret Noble and more. Opening from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21. Free. 858-4595335, lajollahistory.org HRococo Rivals and Revivals at Timken Museum of Art, 1500 El Prado, Balboa Park. Three masters of rococo period (Jean-Antoine Watteaum Francois Boucher and Jean-Honoré Fragonard) will be on display along with contemporary artists who are inspired by the movement. From 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Free. 619-239-5548, timkenmuseum.org.

Sie & Barnes: Here & There at Sparks Gallery, 530 Sixth Ave., Downtown.

Opening reception for the two local photographers (Lee Sie and Jon Barnes) whose photographic collections each focus on a different region of Europe.

RSVP required. Opening from 6 to 9 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 21. Free. 619-696-1416, sparksgallery.com HRocco’s American Life at Japanese Friendship Garden, 2115 Pan American Road E., Balboa Park. Considered the “father of Japanese street art,” Rocco will present 40 large acrylic works on canvas and 80 smaller works considered to be some of his best creations. Opening from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21. $15$20. 619-232-2721, niwa.org Becky Robbins at Lux Art Institute, 1550 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas. The local artist will showcase and discuss her work and artistic process, which explores diverse cultures, spirituality and nature. Opening from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday. Sept. 21. Free$10. 760-436-6611, luxartinstitute.org HJames Hubbell: Seeking Balance at Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside. The local artist explores the way beauty affects people and how it opens them up emotionally and spiritually.

Hats Off to Marston’s

H = CityBeat picks

Includes sculptures, paintings, stained glass windows, maquettes, poetry and photographs. Opening from 6 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 22. Free-$10. 760-4353721, oma-online.org HPerfect 10 at La Bodega Gallery, 2196 Logan Ave., Barrio Logan. The sixth annual group show featuring over 150 artists displaying work that must be 10 inches by 10 inches. Opening from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22. Free. facebook.com/labodegagallerysd HSpatial Acuity at Madison Gallery, 320 S. Cedros, Suite 200, Solana Beach. This new exhibition examines the detailed exploration of perception, light and space with featured paper artist Matthew Shlian and light sculptor Jason Sims. Opening from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22. Free.

858-523-9155, madisongalleries.com Salvador Dali: The Argillet Collection at Meyer Fine Art, Inc., 2400 Kettner Blvd.

Ste. #104, Little Italy. Meet Madame Argillet, daughter of Salvador Dali’s publisher and confidante, while browsing through a collection of Dali’s works available for acquisition. Opening from 6 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 22. Free. 619-358-9512, meyerfineartinc.com Women of Central Asia in Art at Women’s Museum of California, 2730 Historic Decatur Road, Barracks 16, Point Loma.

Celebrate women artists of Central Asia with interactive presentations of the works and lives of five female artists of Central Asian origin, with live music, ethic food and decor. Opening from 6 to 9 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 22. $30. 619-233-7963, womensmuseumca.org HSketchparty at Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern St., South Park. The third anniversary of the bi-weekly art party where everyone is welcome to come and draw using art supplies provided by Artist & Craftsman Supply. From 9 p.m. to midnight. Tuesday, Sept. 25. Free. whistlestopbar.com

BOOKS HJennifer G. Spencer at The Book Catapult, 3010-B Juniper St., South Park.

Local artist and photographer will discuss her new book, The Artist Portrait Project: A Photographic Memoir of Portrait Sessions with San Diego Artists, with art critic Robert L. Pincus, along with local photographers Philipp Ritterman and Suda House. At 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19. Free. 619795-3780, thebookcatapult.com Courtenay Hameister at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The host and head writer for Live Wire will sign and discuss her new humorous self-help book, Okay Fine Whatever. At 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 20. Free. Free. 858-4540347, warwicks.com HGrady Hendrix at Mysterious Galaxy Book Store, 5943 Balboa Ave., Ste. 100, Clairemont. The writer and horror enthusiast will sign and discuss his latest book, We Sold Our Souls, an exploration of the evil side of heavy metal. At 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22. Free. 858-268-4747, mystgalaxy.com HMichael Webb at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Artist, architect and founding member of avant-garde architectural group Archigram will discuss and sign his new book, Two Journeys. At 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24. Free. 858454-0347, warwicks.com HKevin Kwan at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The author of the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy will discuss the new movie tie-in edition of the first book with fellow writer Lacy Crawford. At 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26. Free.

858-454-0347, warwicks.com

EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

SEPTEMBER 19, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 11

EVENTS EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

FASHION HHats Off to Marston’s at Marston House Museum and Historic Gardens, 3525 7th Ave., Balboa Park. The Save Our Heritage Organization and hat maker Diana Cavagnaro host this couture fashion show and fundraiser. Includes a trunk show of hat designs and scarves for the new season, as well as mimosas and light refreshments. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23. $30. sohosandiego.org.

hini Winery, 1150 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian. A two-day festival featuring lots of apple pie, as well as music, dancing and an antique tractor display. Also includes gold-panning demonstrations, a beer and wine garden, games and more. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22 and Sunday, Sept. 23. Free-$5. 760-7651857, julianappledays.com

FILM

Moon Festival at Spreckels Organ Pavilion, 2211 Pan American Road E., Balboa Park.

A traditional festival celebrating the culture of several Asian regions with food, dance, Korean drumming, music and more. From noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22. Free. facebook.com/events/674669652923386

H40 NORTH Dance Film Festival at various venues. Two weeks of screenings, performances and events centering on the art of dance and filmmaking. See website for full list of events. Various times. Friday, Sept. 21 through Saturday, Oct. 6. $9$40. 40northfest.com

HSan Diego Restaurant Week at various locations. Over 180 restaurants throughout San Diego will offer prix-fixe menu options to introduce patrons to their cuisine. Various times. Sunday Sept. 23 through Sunday, Sept. 30. $15-$50. 619233-5008, sandiegorestaurantweek.com

FOOD & DRINK

HPaddle for Clean Water at Ocean Beach Municipal Pier, 1950 Abbott St., Ocean Beach. The 27th annual surfing event will raise money and awareness about the threats to clean water. It begins with a donation-based yoga class and ends with a after-party at Wonderland Pub. From 8:30 a.m. to noon. Sunday, Sept.

23. 858-622-9661, sandiego.surfrider.org

Ocean Beach Pier Pancake Breakfast at Ocean Beach Pier, 5078 Niagara Ave., Ocean Beach. Enjoy a hot breakfast with ocean views at this 20th annual event to benefit the Annual OB Toy and Food Drive, which helps local families and seniors in need during the holiday season. From 7:30 a.m. to noon. Saturday, Sept. 22. $6-$12. pierpancakes.com HSan Diego Festival of Beer at Broadway Pier Port Pavilion, 1000 North Harbor Drive, Downtown. Enjoy unlimited beer tastings on the waterfront where over 50 breweries will be serving up 120 varieties of craft beers. From noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22. $20-$75. sdbeerfest.org HJulian Apple Days Festival at Meng-

HSeany’s Chef Fest at Luce Court at Liberty Station, 2641 Truxton Road, Point Loma.

This inaugural culinary competition helps fund annual camping experiences for kids dealing with cancer and includes dozens of San Diego chefs accompanied by live music and local art. At noon. Sunday, Sept. 23. $49-$220. theseanyfoundation.org HParktoberfest at North Park Beer Co., 3038 University Ave., North Park. The second annual Octoberfest kickoff party will

feature special steins of limited edition beer as well as German fare, games and pretzels from Mastiff Kitchen. From 10 a.m. to 10p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23 through Sunday, Sept. 30. northparkbeerco.com

MUSIC San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus Chamber Chorale at 5310 Canterbury, Kensington. The chorus will present their Vivace Concert Series of sacred and secular music at a private residence. Includes selections from Mendelssohn, Schubert and Orff complemented by modern masterworks from Lennon/McCartney, Rogers & Hammerstein and more. At 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 22. $25. kensingtonconcertseries.com The Sords-Walz-Durkovic Trio at St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 743 Prospect St., La Jolla. The Los Angelesbased trio will make their San Diego debut in the season-opener for the St. James Music Series. The trio will present a program of Rachmaninoff, Shostakovich and Brahms. At 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23.

Free-$30. 858-459-3421, sjbts.org Pine Mountain Logs at Birch Aquarium, 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla. The popular cover band will close out the Green Flash Summer Concerts series while guests can enjoy beer, spirits and other treats. Fellow So-Cal band Venice will also perform. From 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26. $33$44. aquarium.ucsd.edu

PERFORMANCE HThe Mikado at All Souls’ Episcopal Church, 1475 Catalina Blvd., Point Loma.

Bodhi Tree Concerts presents this musical theatre troupe performance of the classic Gilbert & Sullivan operetta, which includes audience sing-alongs. Benefits the local nonprofit ElderHelp. At 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23. $15-$25. bodhitreeconcerts.org Lamb’s Cabaret at Lamb’s Players Theatre, 11142 Orange Ave., Coronado. Some of the region’s best singers will sing musical numbers centered around the theme of the fall season. At 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23. $24-$48. 619-437-6000, lambsplayers.org

POETRY AND SPOKEN WORD HPoets for Change and Poetic Matrix at San Diego Art Institute, 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park. Readings by Karen An-hwei Lee, Julie Corrales, Shadab Zeest Hamshi and more, which will be accompanied by interactive art experiences, music, food and drinks. From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21. Free-$6. 619-957-3264, poetryandartsd.com

EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

12 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · SEPTEMBER 19, 2018

@SDCITYBEAT

BOOKS: THE FLOATING LIBRARY

Down for the count

L

eonard Gardner’s Fat City was published in 1969 and recently reissued by the New York Review of Books. The book is about a pair of boxers in Stockton, California. One is on his way up; the other the way down, but even when they win, they lose.

This is something that everyone who competes—against others, against the house, but ultimately against him or herself—comes to understand: The illusion of success has its opposite in failure, but unlike the ring there’s no canvas to stop your fall. In life, there’s no bottom at all.

Fat City is full of sentences concerning mankind’s brutal nature, like this one about a Zapotec prizefighter who travels from Mexico City to Stockton by train and eats whatever food people standing along the tracks offer him: “Somewhere he had bought half a roasted cow’s head and eaten it held by the horn with newspapers in his lap.”

Although it’s a book about boxing, the boxing is ephemeral; its true subject is the desperation of broken men struggling to comprehend their howling desires.

In his introduction, writer Denis Johnson explains how Fat City fucked him up. Its influence, he tells us, is all over his book Jesus’ Son. If you read Fat City, it will fuck you up, too. That’s my promise to you.

The words Fat City don’t actually appear anywhere in the book.

That’s because there are two Fat Cities. There’s the mythical Fat City of our dreams, the place where our pockets are full and our desires sated. The one where we come through the door and every man and woman in the joint looks at us with respect and admiration.

That Fat City doesn’t exist no matter how much we might wish it were so. Our ambition, greed and lust point us toward this brightly lit mirage, but as much as we struggle to reach it, we never quite get there.

So we turn away, go back to where we came from, a place where we weren’t good enough and neither were the people we so desperately tried to leave behind. Our return to this place is where we finally come to understand ourselves and all of our mad cravings, and this is the shame we carry with us for the rest of our days.

This Fat City is real and we’ve all been there.

—Jim Ruland

Floating Library appears every other week.

EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 HHanna Tawater at Verbatim Books, 3795 30th St., North Park. Contributing writer of States of Terror Vol. 1 will present her debut poetry collection, Reptilia, while joined by readings from Kiik AK, Jenny Minnity-Shippey and Keith McCleary. From 7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22. Free.

619-501-7466, ayahuascapublishing.com

SPECIAL EVENTS HSanta Fe Marketplace at Bazaar del Mundo, 4133 Taylor St., Old Town. This annual weekend offers Native American jewelry, art and other creations by Navajo, Cherokee, and Hopi tribe members, among others. Artists include John Balloue, Federico, Al Joe, and more. From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 21 and Saturday, Sept. 22, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23.

Free. 619-296-3161, bazaardelmundo.com HNERO48 at Broadstone Makers Quarter, 1601 Broadway, Downtown. This family-family pop-up event originated in Tijuana and includes workshops, merchants, beverages and lectures presented by an international creative community. There will be over 20 pop-up shops featuring art, furniture and more. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22 and Sunday, Sept. 23. $2.50-$10. nero48.com Vista Viking Festival at Norway Hall, 2006 E Vista Way, Vista. A day of Norseinspired festivities including live music and entertainment, historical reenactments, games, merchants, beer gardens and more at this 16th annual event. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22. $3$10. 760-583-9578, vistavikingfestival.com

@SDCITYBEAT

HArtWalk Carlsbad at Armada Drive, Carlsbad. The inaugural outdoor fine art festival will feature live music, a wine and beer garden, food trucks, interactive art experiences and over 200 showcasing artists. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday Sept. 22. and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23. Free-$12. 619-244-3637, artwalksandiego.org HFangaea Con at Town & Country Resort, 500 Hotel Circle North, Mission Valley. The new pop culture convention will feature a diverse and inclusive range of fan and pop culture interests like anime, cosplay, Sci-Fi, virtual reality, video games, comic books and more. See website for full list of participants and events.

From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept.

22 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept.

23. fangaea.us HWomen Ride IB at Bikeway Village, 536 13th St., Imperial Beach. Women of all ages and biking abilities can participate in this second annual Imperial Beach ride, ending with a bike festival that includes companies owned and operated by women. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept.

23. $25-$40. sdbikecoalition.org

TALKS & DISCUSSIONS HDr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson at San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., Gaslamp. The beloved astrophysicist will stop by on his “An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies” tour, where he’ll discuss the scientific realities in some of our favorite films. At 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept.

26. $46-$121. sandiegotheatres.org

SEPTEMBER 19, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 13

14 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · SEPTEMBER 19, 2018

@SDCITYBEAT

@SDCITYBEAT

SEPTEMBER 19, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 15

THEATER JIM COX

The news on Huey Lewis musical

A

mong the questions confronting Bobby—the likable bar-band hero of the Huey Lewis and the Newsinspired jukebox musical, The Heart of Rock & Roll—is if it really is hip to be square? Is it better to be an exec with a cardboard box company than to be a big-time rocker? The answers might seem like no-brainers, but, then again, Bobby’s got some extenuating circumstances that comprise the storyline of this world-premiere show at the Old Globe Theatre.

The good-timey, decidedly non-anarchic hits of Mr. Lewis and the News are a comfortable fit for an aspiring Broadway musical. Not only are the tunes themselves—most of them chestnuts from the ’80s—bright and sing-able, but thanks to the show’s writers, Jonathan A. Abrams and Tyler Mitchell, they’re also easily integrated into the narrative. Besides “Hip to Be Square,” favorites such as “Workin’ for a Livin,” “Do You Believe in Love,” “If This Is it” and the title song function as if they were crafted for the stage.

But make no mistake: This is not American Idiot. The Heart of Rock & Roll is safe and satisfying, the kind of good time Huey Lewis and the News ensured in concerts and for viewers of their MTV-driven videos.

No one in the story itself is really heavy.

a lot to like about a big, splashy show that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

The Heart of Rock & Roll runs through Oct. 21 at the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park. $49 and up. oldglobe.org

—David L. Coddon

Theater reviews run weekly.

Write to davidc@sdcitybeat.com.

OPENING: All My Sons: Arthur Miller’s classic play about the relationships between fathers and sons, as well as the emotional tolls of war. Directed by James Darvas, it opens Sept. 21 at the OnStage Playhouse in Chula Vista. onstageplayhouse.org

The Heart of Rock & Roll Everyone’s got some wholesome good in them, even the superficial wannabe beau (Billy Harrigan Tighe) or the lovely Cassie Stone (Katie Rose Clarke), the cardboard box company CEO who Bobby (Matt Doyle) falls for. It’s inevitable that the “Power of Love” will win out. A superb comic turn

by Orville Mendoza as eccentric business magnate Harrison Fjord adds considerably to the non-musical portions of the show.

All the stage bells and whistles are on display in this Globe production directed

16 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · SEPTEMBER 19, 2018

by Gordon Greenberg. The versatile set (designed by Derek McLane) shifts impressively from dive bar to product convention floor to Chicago’s Navy Pier and more. Lorin Latarro’s choreography is likewise inspired and, in one particularly memorable sequence, bubble wrap is used as a dance floor.

One’s affection for and familiarity with the songs of Huey Lewis and the News may ultimately determine enjoyment of The Heart of Rock & Roll. Then again, there’s

Hundred Days: Husband and wife team Shaun and Abigail Bengson’s new musical about a 100-day relationship and how one should make every moment count. Written with playwright Sarah Gancher, it opens Sept. 22 at the La Jolla Playhouse. lajollaplayhouse.org Home Front: A staged reading of Warren Leight’s play about a Black soldier who has a love affair with a white woman just before the end of World War II. Leight will be in attendance for a post-performance Q&A. It happens Sept. 24 at the North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach. northcoastrep.org

For complete

theater listings,

visit sdcitybeat.com

@SDCITYBEAT

JULIA DIXON EVANS

Rebecca Webb n a parked car, beneath the twisting, arcing behemoth of the Interstate 805 and 8 interchange, Rebecca Webb seems to be in her natural element. She is talking about her father’s work and quoting George Bernard Shaw: “Today’s homes are no more than a place to sleep next to your car.”

Webb is the curator of San Diego: The Architecture of Four Ecologies, a new exhibition at the La Jolla Historical Society (lajollahistory.org). The project was prompted by the writings of Reyner Banham, a 20th century British architect who captured Southern California in his book, Los Angeles: The Architecture of Four Ecologies. But the inspiration—for being an artist, for architecture, for her complicated relationship with cars—came from her father, architect and artist Michael Webb.

Michael Webb is a founding member of Archigram, an avant-garde group of British architects in the 1960s, who created fantastical and often critical interpretations of modern architecture. More specfically, it was Webb’s idea of the “drive in house,” which he describes in his brand new book, Two Journeys.

“The car should enter or attach itself to the house; it should become additional floor space,” Michael Webb writes in the book. “Then the home, when everyone is out, is the empty piece of land in the drive-in equation. The car, when it arrives back, becomes the energizer.”

That same George Bernard Shaw quote nestles in the sidebar of the book amid his fantastical, near-dystopian prose and pages of drawings of his drive-in house prototypes.

Like father, like daughter, and, ultimately, Rebecca Webb’s curation similarly revolves around cars.

“It’s not vilifying the car, and not glamorizing the car,” Rebecca says. “It’s really just looking at the role of the car.”

Each of her four “ecologies” find root in the car as both a form of access and a literal vehicle by which we experience them: Beaches, Freeways, Sub/Urban and Border.

“This project, in addition to an homage to my father, and my interest in Banham’s writing, is about my relationship to San Diego,” Rebecca says. “It’s really about this love-hate relationship with the car. Driving is really at the core of experiencing our environment.”

The exhibition features the work of 16 artists with works in photography, video, immersive video, painting, drawing and engineered installations. Participating artists include

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Doug Aitken, Abe King, Robert Minervini, Margaret Noble and more, as well as, of course, Michael Webb.

In the exhibition, San Diego filmmaker Cy Kuckenbaker’s mesmerizing video, “Midday Traffic Time Collapsed and Reorganized by Color: San Diego Study #3,” features footage taken in a single shot from the Washington Street bridge over highway 163. Margaret Noble was commissioned to create an immersive video piece exploring access to beaches, our treatment of beaches, and how our relationship with beaches will change in the future. UCLA professor—and Ship in the Woods alum—Gareth Walsh’s artificial intelligence installation is somewhere between a race track and a study of freeways and traffic. Architect and professor René Peralta’s hyperloop installation is an ideation of COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

“Midday Traffic Time Collapsed and Reorganized

by Color: San Diego Study #3” by Cy Kuckenbaker a cross-border bullet train, delivering passengers in individual containers to Tijuana in a matter of minutes and then “your little box disembarks and rolls along like a car,” explains Rebeeca.

“The work by Peralta emulates [father Michael Webb’s] drive in house to a great degree,” Rebecca says. “This idea that a box becomes part of the train and then deposits you when you reach your destination.”

In conjunction with the exhibition of his work, Warwick’s bookstore will also host Michael Webb to discuss his book, Two Journeys, on Monday, Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Having previously worked with Wonderspaces, Rebecca

Webb understands the fundamentals of experiential and immersive installations.

“The car is this interactive experience,” Rebecca says, so she built an exhibition that mimics the immersive nature of not just the vehicle but of the four ecologies.

“Bottom line,” she says of the exhibit, sounding not entirely unlike a car commercial, “It’s fun. I really want it to be fun.”

Rebeeca knew she wanted to be an artist at a very young age, and was inspired by her father’s commitment to his work.

“I would go to New York as a young girl to visit my father, and he would take me to all the architects’ parties and museums and so on and so forth… I’ve always admired him,” she says. “He is the standard to which I hold the idea of what it means to be an artist.”

While in New York, she studied painting, film, new media and photography, but not architecture.

“Ironically, I’m not very good at spatial thinking,” she admits, but adds that she defines her work as examining “our relationship to space and how we construct our identity,” and in that sense, architecture’s influence is prominent in her art.

She built the exhibition to include her father’s drawings, and when asked which pieces she is most excited about showing him, it’s easy to wonder if she built the exhibition for her father.

“To bring him out here—he’s 82—and to have him part of this, it’s a demonstration of,” she pauses, struggling to find the right turn of phrase. “My love and admiration. Maybe admiration is the best. It’s his homage; it’s a gift to him in a way. It’s from a daughter to a father. I think there’s something really special about that.”

San Diego: The Architecture of Four Ecologies runs from Saturday, Sept. 22 through Sunday, Jan. 20 at the La Jolla Historical Society (780 Prospect St., La Jolla, lajollahistory.org).

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. A panel discussion moderated by Rebecca Webb, featuring Bruce Appleyard, Colleen Emmenegger, Lawrence Herzog, Hector Perez, and Alejandro Santander will be held at Woodbury University School of Architecture (2212 Main St.) in Barrio Logan on Saturday, Nov. 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 17

CULTURE | FILM

Blaze

Living large Ethan Hawke’s latest directorial effort is an enigmatic musical portrait

by Glenn Heath Jr.

A

ll wild things are shy.” Blaze Foley (Ben Dickey) at historical remembrance results in more questions likes to speak in poetic contradictions. These than answers. Blaze’s subjective memories clash particular words are meant to calm the far with those of his closest confidants, including fellow more bashful Sybil (Alia Shawkat) after the pair finds singer Townes van Zandt (Charlie Sexton) and best themselves cramped together in a dark room by pure friend Zee (Josh Hamilton). The two are interviewed accident. At this point in their hushed conversation, about Blaze’s life posthumously by an unseen radio DJ she’s pretty sure the flirtatious hulk of a man is com- (played by Hawke) in a recurring sequence that only pletely full of shit, but he sure can deliver a line. Mo- further complicates things.

With so many competing perspectives vying for ments later the two quietly kiss for the first time, their bodies shrouded in black with only the sounds of em- attention, Blaze’s sublime music turns into the film’s brace for context. Something beautiful is kept entirely North Star. A live recording session at a bar fittingly called The Outhouse illuminates both his temper and private, a rarity in modern cinema.

Romantic exchanges like this one are few and far calm philosophizing. When trying to tell the tale of a between in Blaze, Ethan Hawke’s booze-fueled shag- man who could sweetly orate and angrily rage within gy dog biopic about the volatile singer/songwriter the span of minutes, only the feelings his art conjures whose talent always played second fiddle to his in- makes a lick of sense in hindsight.

While Hawke’s pacing and direction consistently famy during the 1970s and ’80s. But it’s indicative of defy biopic conventions, the the film’s unique tenderness felt brave performances by Dickey toward a talented artist perpetuand Shawkat give the film its ally struggling with trauma and BLAZE identity. Through their eyes, the doubt, and whose extreme copDirected by Ethan Hawke first half feels blissful in the way ing mechanisms included alcoa new relationship can spell hope. hol abuse, regular fist fights and Starring Ben Dickey, But Blaze and Sybil’s separation cocaine-fueled tirades.

Alia Shawkat, Josh Hamilton spins the film into a permanent Madness comes from these and Charlie Sexton emotional tailspin. After signbinge sessions, and Blaze’s erRated R ing a new record deal with three ratic behavior is fully evident wealthy oilmen (a memorable trio from the film’s gonzo opening played by Sam Rockwell, Steve scene in which he spouts antiestablishment rhetoric while derailing a potentially Zahn and Richard Linklater), Blaze fritters away future lucrative recording session. It won’t be the last time success with drugs and booze so he doesn’t have to conhe squanders a life-changing opportunity. Instead of front his personal failures.

At its core, Blaze (opening Friday, Sept. 21, at Landdwelling in the tragedy of Blaze’s decline, Hawke is quick to cut back to gentler times with the hopes of mark’s Hillcrest Cinemas) portrays unchecked regret with yearning soulfulness best signified by the fable complicating his spirited persona.

Long before Blaze and Sybil move to Austin in of the songbird that croaks while performing for an hopes of finding success in the music industry, the uncaring bullfrog. Blaze tells this story defiantly even couple spends months living in a rundown cabin off though it represents the futile sacrifice of his chosen the grid. The forested region turns into their own pri- profession. And still his music lives on, transcending vate Eden, leaving ample opportunity to make love the nasty stream-of-consciousness rants that would and be free of societal constraints. Yet, both are very eventually label him a pariah in some circles and a up front that the peaceful surroundings won’t be able legend in others. No matter one’s opinion of his acto hide their emotional insecurities forever, an in- tions, the man lived large by any standard. If Blaze evitability that makes the film’s rambling second half Foley never existed, Hunter S. Thompson would have even more melancholy. had to invent him.

Like its mammoth subject, Hawke’s film is deeply enigmatic and surly. Purposefully disjointed, the ser- Film reviews run weekly. pentine narrative reveals why any worthy attempt Write to glennh@sdcitybeat.com

“

18 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · SEPTEMBER 19, 2018

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CULTURE | FILM

Her too

N

othing scares a domineering man quite like a strong woman. This is why almost all of Lizzie Borden’s (Chloë Sevigny) interactions with her wealthy father Andrew (Jamey Sheridan) and seedy uncle-in-law John Morse (Denis O’Hare) are so contentious.

In Craig William Macneill’s unsettling new film Lizzie, the lead character refuses to play the victim even as her male elders seethe with rage at having their patriarchy challenged.

History buffs familiar with the Bordens, a well-respected and wealthy family from Fall River, Massachusetts, know that the name will forever be associated with tragedy. On Aug. 4, 1892, Andrew and his wife Abby were hacked to death with an axe. Lizzie was promptly

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Lizzie arrested as the prime suspect and then acquitted some time later in a legendary case that would help further define America’s obsession with unsolved mysteries.

Lizzie (opening Friday, Sept.

21, at Angelika’s Carmel Mountain Cinemas) frames the crime itself as a reaction to oppressive gender inequality within the Borden household that targets free thought and independence.

Lizzie’s every attempt to live separate from her father’s will (in multiple senses) is met with ridicule and violence. See the short but horrifying scene where she tries to leave unattended.

The family nightmare plays out before a newly hired Irish housemaid named Bridget (Kristen Stewart) who tries to keep clear

of the nightly drama. But before long, she’s also suffering mightily thanks to Andrew’s predatory advances. As their respective situations grow increasingly dire, both Lizzie and Bridgette end up relying on each other to stay sane.

Both Sevigny and Stewart beautifully tap into the conflicting anger and compassion felt by deeply oppressed characters.

Their shared fondness blossoms out of small glances and touches, but is always undercut by societal norms founded on arrogant entitlement. For them, life is being pinned up against the wall by immovable male forces. Surviving means grabbing a hatchet and swinging away.

—Glenn Heath Jr.

OPENING Assassination Nation: Four high school girls find themselves under emotional and physical attack after they are accused of releasing embarrassing videos of their fellow classmates.

Blaze: Directed and co-written by Ethan Hawke, this biopic tells the true story of Blaze Foley (Ben Dickey), a talented singer/songwriter whose addictions and traumas prevented him being successful.

Opens Friday, Sept. 21, at Landmark’s Hillcrest Cinemas.

Fahrenheit 11/9: Michael Moore addresses the heinous realities of living in Trump’s America with his patented aesthetic of confrontational rhetoric and grandstanding. Opens Friday, Sept. 21 in wide release.

Life Itself: Oscar Isaac and Olivia Wilde play a young couple that experiences the ups and downs of life from their college graduation to the birth of their first child in this romantic drama from director Dan Fogelman (This is Us).

Lizzie: Chloë Sevigny and Kristen Stewart star in this quietly thrilling retelling of the famous Borden family murders that became a national phenomenon in 1892.

Opens Friday, Sept. 21, at Angelika’s Carmel Mountain Cinemas.

Love, Gilda: Using recently discovered audiotapes and interviews with friends, this documentary looks back at the life and career of comedian Gilda Radner.

Opens Friday, Sept. 21, at Landmark’s Ken Cinema.

The House With a Clock in its Walls: Eli Roth tries his hand at more family-friendly fare with this fantasy about a young boy who helps his magical uncle to locate a clock that could end the world. Opens Friday, Sept. 21 in wide release.

The Penalty: Going behind the scenes of some of the biggest headlines in the history of America’s death penalty, the film follows the lethal injection incident that resulted in a botched execution. Opens Friday, Sept. 21, at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

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

SEPTEMBER 19, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 19

NEIL KRUG

MUSIC

First Aid Kit or over a year, Klara and Johanna Söderberg didn’t play any live shows, write any songs or even listen to any of their own music.

The two sisters who comprise the Swedish band First Aid Kit had other priorities, which included moving into new apartments, studying Japanese at the University of Stockholm and doing laundry. In other words, they sought something that a nonstop schedule of being on the road or in recording studios couldn’t provide: a steady, normal life.

It’s easy to sympathize when looking at the Söderberg sisters’ lives over the past decade playing music together. When they began their career, they were just teenagers; Johanna was 17 and Klara was 15. And after their cover of Fleet Foxes’ “Tiger Mountain Peasant Song” began to earn them acclaim on indie music blogs in 2008, they found themselves busier than ever, releasing an album every two years starting with 2010’s The Big Black and the Blue. They eventually earned widespread acclaim in the U.S. and

20 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · SEPTEMBER 19, 2018

the UK for their albums The Lion’s Roar and Stay Gold, both produced by Mike Mogis of Bright Eyes. And though they were more successful than ever, they desperately needed a break. That is, in order to keep playing together, Johanna says, they needed to stop playing together—at least for a while.

“It was necessary for our survival as a band,” she says. “We were really exhausted, and a lot of people don’t understand the work that goes behind recording a new album and touring behind it for two years. The touring cycle is really long, so you need time to sort of unwind after that. So it takes longer to make records. And we had been touring since we quit school basically, almost nonstop. Very short breaks in between. And we really rushed Stay Gold, and we didn’t want to rush [fourth album] Ruins. If it took two years, it took two years, that’s fine. And that ended up being the case. It was great that we did that.”

Ruins, the first album to be released since First Aid Kit’s self-imposed sabbatical, is a mature effort featuring their signature vocal harmonies, which are as gorgeous as ever. Yet there’s an underlying rawness about it, a sound that sets it apart from their previous albums.

It’s also considerably sadder than their past records, its songs written as Klara was going through a heavy break-up. Leadoff track “Rebel Heart,” a Fleetwood Mac-style folk-rock song and one of the strongest songs on the album, finds the two sisters harmonizing, “I don’t know what it is that makes me run/ That makes me wanna shatter all I’ve done.”

The title track, a more hushed ballad driven by finger-picked acoustic guitar, takes stock of the rubble left behind: “All the things we built assured that they would last/ Standing amongst ticket stubs/ And written notes and photographs.” Yet while Johanna says that her own life was fairly uneventful while the album was being written, the cathartic power of the songs took on a new meaning shortly thereafter.

“Sad music makes you happier, and it makes you process your emotions,” she says.

“And that’s why we do it. It’s a form of keeping a diary in a way. Packing your emotions into a song and then you can move on. It’s like therapy, but cheaper. For me it’s hard because I recently went through a breakup,

and Ruins is also about a breakup, so in a way it’s difficult to sing about these things every night. So it goes both ways. It’s a form of catharsis, but it’s also made me feel sad. I don’t think we thought it would be hard to sing them, but you have to go back to that mindset.”

It probably comes as no surprise that their sisterly bond is part of what makes First Aid Kit’s musical chemistry unique. They’re close collaborators, and Johanna says that they often have similar instincts. In other words, they’re not, say, the Gallagher brothers. But in spite of how much the life of a professional music can wear on them, their ability to work so well together makes starting everything back up again that much easier.

“We have very similar musical inclinations,” she says. “We’ve never fought about the creative aspects of our career. It’s kind of strange, to be honest. I guess it’s a sister thing. We’re just on the same page. We’re a strange family.

We get along really well. I think because we do what we do, it benefits us more than hinders us. We’re gifted that we can do this together. It’s a special sound. I’m thankful for it, honestly.”

Ruins isn’t a complete reinvention of First Aid Kit’s music, but rather an evolution. There’s a little more altcountry grit to these songs, some rich ’70s Laurel Canyon-style arrangements, and in general more of a grown-up vibe to everything that that they do. And that’s because they’ve literally grown up since the band started. Their tastes have changed, their objectives are different, and after spending some time apart to clear their heads, First Aid Kit are now more assured of their direction than ever.

“We want our music to sound more raw, and not so polished,” she says. “Stay Gold was so elegant, it had all these elaborate arrangements and we wanted to step back from that a little bit. We wanted it to sound more real. And I think it did—it’s more direct, and the songs reflect our personal experiences more.

“We don’t want to put ourselves in a box,” she continues. “We want to explore new things. We’ve just gotten started.”

Write to jefft@sdcitybeat.com.

Follow him on Twitter @1000TimesJeff

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SEPTEMBER 19, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 21

MUSIC

BY RYAN BRADFORD

NOTES FROM THE SMOKING PATIO

THE

SPOTLIGHT

LOCALS ONLY

L

ast week, I wrote about some of the coming attractions in music in San Diego, particularly in the realms of opera, jazz and chamber music. But this week I’m devoting some space in this column to some of the albums and EPs to look forward to from underground and indie artists in San Diego.

On Nov. 23, Planet B—the experimental electronic project between The Locust’s Justin Pearson and producer Luke Henshaw—will release their self-titled debut album via Ipecac Records. The album will feature guest appearances from Kool Keith and members of Ministry and Killing Joke. And on the note of industrial music, one-man industrial project Author & Punisher will release his new album Beastland via Relapse on Oct. 5. Based on early singles like “Night Terror,” it sounds like it’s going to be a gnarly one.

Local label Volar has a couple of promising new releases on the docket for October. On the 19th, indie rock outfit Keepers will release their debut full-length. That same day, d-beat hardcore outfit Therapy (who I recently wrote a feature on) will release their self-titled debut album as well.

ALBUM REVIEW Beira Vol. II (Doom Stew)

S

an Diego’s not really known for its doom metal. That’s not a knock on the heavy music scene as a whole. In fact, I dare say San Diego’s metal scene has been incredibly healthy in the past couple years, particularly as it pertains to death metal and grindcore, and even a bit of crossover thrash. San Diego’s also produced its share of great progmetal bands, and the hardcore scene right now is maybe more exciting than I ever remember it being.

But doom metal? Well, that one’s a little more elusive, perhaps because it’s difficult to capture the feeling of doom when every time you look outside, everything looks just peachy.

Beira aren’t the sole exception, but they’re one of the best.

The trio’s sound is massive and heavy, yet the band is also ultimately strong on songwriting and hooks. Within the first minute of “Circle,” the leadoff track from new album Vol. II,

22 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · SEPTEMBER 19, 2018

The Dream label will also be issuing a handful of new releases from local bands, including a new album from Heavy Hawaii, as well as the New Life EP, the debut synth-pop release from O/X. Fellow goth-friendly outfit Warsaw will BECKY DIGIGLIO be releasing their third EP, Magic, in November.

In the world of hip-hop, Parker Meridien will be releasing a new EP this fall, and DJ Pnutz (an Extraspecialgood veteran of our Great Demo Review) is planning a new EP for Halloween release. And the always-prolific Jonathan Christopher Harris will be offering up new music under both his Trip Advisor and Mystery Cave aliases.

Planet B Other bands set to put out new music this fall include Le Ra, Dani Bell and the Tarantist, Nathan Hubbard, The Strawberry Moons, Mr. Foxx, Madly, Those Darn Gnomes, Exasperation, Tenshun/fivepaw, Bad Vibes, Tall Can, Mathias Kruse, Midnight Track and Spooky Cigarette.

—Jeff Terich

the band set themselves apart as something epic and heroic.

They make big music that soars and eviscerates in equal measure. That has a lot to do with vocalist Ruby Haynes. Her vocals are powerful and melodic, even pretty in parts. But her pipes can certainly do some damage. A heroic song demands some heroic singing, and she pulls it off brilliantly.

“Circle” is merely one piece of what Beira have to offer, and the rest of Vol. II showcases a lot of diversity, all without sacrificing any of the intensity or power that they start off with. The more direct, menacing “Black Monk” features drummer AJ Belluto on lead vocals, and he sounds inhuman, more demonic and gnarly. Naturally, his bellows are an introduction to a black-metal-influenced blast-beat passage.

Though when Beira gets a bit more atmospheric, as in the eerie natural sounds of the intro to “Ancient Ones,” they evoke the kind of creepy feeling one might get upon first seeing the cover of Black Sabbath’s debut album. Though this album was released in the summer, it’s a perfect set of anthems for fall, and a reminder that San Diego can hold its own when it comes to doom metal.

—Jeff Terich

E

Eleanor Friedberger

arlier this year, music journalist Lizzy Goodman published Meet Me In the Bathroom, which chronicles the New York scene of the 2000s that gave rise to bands such as The Strokes, Interpol and Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

For anyone who was a fan of rock music in that era, it’s a compulsory, gossipy delight: Most musicians interviewed sound like miserable humans, every band talks shit on everyone else, and—surprise, surprise—Strokes singer Julian Casablancas comes off as, eh, less-than-bright.

However, Eleanor Friedberger is one of the few interviewees that escapes unscathed. She’s one of the few musicians that has any sense of self-awareness, and genuinely seems to love making art.

This really shouldn’t be a surprise, considering the diversity of her oeuvre. Throughout the 2000s, she fronted The Fiery Furnaces, a spastic indie band with her brother that sounded a little like if Talking Heads did vaudeville. Given their aversion to hooks and coherent structures, I could never fully get into Fiery Furnaces, but I respected their experimentation and dedication to go there (especially the WTF-ness of their concept album, Rehearsing My Choir, which focused on the their grandmother).

On the other hand, I love Eleanor Friedberger’s solo stuff. It feels timeless, like Beach Boys pop with a little goth and Fiery Furnaces experimentation peppered in. And her distinctive voice—a little Neko Case-ish—gives the lovelorn songs some emotional weight. It’s hard to listen to songs like “Other Boys” and not feel your heart squeeze a little.

Eleanor Friedberger plays Sunday, Sept. 23 at The Casbah.

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MUSIC

JEFF TERICH

IF I WERE U

GREYSON MACALPINE

some backup singers, horns, and even more great dance moves and you have The Schizophonics Soul Revue. It’s a little slice of Stax right here in town.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 23

PLAN A: Eleanor Friedberger, Pill @ The Casbah. Our web editor Ryan Bradford gave Eleanor Friedberger his endorsement in this week’s Spotlight column, and I second the up loving a new album by The Bronx, who motion. I also give my endorsement to Pill, a Brooklyn band that blends dark post-punk play before them. with lots of noisy, no wave saxophone. PLAN B: Eleven Pond, Fossil Arms, Post Tropic DJs @ SPACE. Eleven Pond is an American PLAN A: Hazel English, The Havnauts, post-punk group who had a comeback of Battery Point @ Soda Bar. Hazel English’s sorts when their single “Watching Trees” was music is a little bit twee, a little bit dream- released on some minimal wave compilations pop, not unlike her labelmates, Alvvays. It’s a few years back. Their dark, synth-heavy gloomy, gorgeous music that’s super infec- sound is super cool, the kind of thing that a tious. Make it early for two great local bands, goth listener like myself easily takes to.

The Havnauts and Battery Point.

A music insider’s weekly agenda WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 19

PLAN A: Eskimo Bros., Those Darn Gnomes, Sword2Saber, Mathias Kruse, Tall Can @ SPACE. This show, dubbed “Snails In Space,” features a lineup of local DJs and emcees participating in a noisy, experimental rap show that promises “David Lynch brothel vibes only.” I have no idea how that plays out, but it sounds amazing. BACKUP PLAN: Justin Linn and the Rotations, Free Paintings, The Rogue Pilots @ The Casbah.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 20

PLAN A: Chvrches, Lo Moon @ Open Air Theatre. Glasgow’s Chvrches have released three albums’ worth of tuneful, richly produced synth-pop, and I’m a sucker for it. It’s a big sound, and naturally they’ll be bringing it to a big venue. PLAN B: Thrice, The Bronx, Teenage Wrist @ House of Blues.

Emo and post-hardcore have aged a lot better than I expected. Here I am in 2018 and I’m surprised to be enjoying a Thrice album.

I’m not surprised, however, every time I end

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FRIDAY, SEPT. 21

SATURDAY, SEPT. 22

PLAN A: Captured by Robots, Fermentor, Corpsemaker @ Brick by Brick. For those who aren’t familiar, Captured by Robots is a metal band revolving around the concept of a group of robots who make their enslaved human perform grindcore with them. It’s absurd, but it’s a fun show. PLAN B: Schizophonics Soul Revue, The Magnificent with Mighty Manfred, Ron & The Reapers @ The Casbah. The Schizophonics already put on a pretty wild live show, so add to that

MONDAY, SEPT. 24

PLAN A: Grizzly Bear, Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith @ Observatory North Park. I’m pretty sure I was at the last show Grizzly Bear played in San Diego, which was in 2009. And they were outstanding. So it’s well past time for the band—whose new album, Painted Ruins, is great—to make their return. PLAN B: Liz Phair, Speedy Ortiz @ Belly Up Tavern. I have a confession: I’ve never been the biggest fan of Exile In Guyville. However, I do think Liz Phair’s written her share of really good songs, like “Stratford-on-Guy” and

Hazel English “Supernova,” and I don’t doubt this will be a great show. BACKUP PLAN: Woe, WVRM, Necrochamber @ SPACE.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 25

PLAN A: First Aid Kit, Julia Jacklin @ Observatory North Park. Read my feature this week on First Aid Kit, a pair of Swedish sisters who have released a handful of really excellent folk/alt-country albums. Their new album Ruins is quite good, especially standout track “Rebel Heart,” which I’ve been playing a lot since it was released in February. PLAN B: Amorphis, Dark Tranquility, Moonspell, Omnium Gatherum, Convent @ Brick

by Brick. Finnish band Amorphis set a new standard for melodic death metal in the ’90s, with a sound at once epic, heavy and accessible. And latest album Queen of Time is no exception. BACKUP PLAN: U-God, Parker + Evolve, Tulengua @ Soda Bar.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 23

MUSIC

CONCERTS HOT! NEW! FRESH!

Le Butcherettes (Casbah, 10/18), Kyle Craft (Soda Bar, 11/9), Morrissey (Copley Symphony Hall, 11/10), Biz Markie (HOB, 11/23), Bret Michaels (BUT, 11/29), Old 97s (BUT, 12/2), Barry Manilow (Viejas Arena, 12/13), The Soft Moon (BUT, 12/17), Easy Wind (BUT, 12/26), Sarah Brightman (Viejas Arena, 3/1).

GET YER TICKETS Deep Purple, Judas Priest (Mattress Firm, 9/26), Little Hurricane (Casbah, 9/29), Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band (Observatory, 10/1), Chelsea Wolfe, Russian Circles (Music Box, 10/3), Roky Erickson (Casbah, 10/5), Ozzy Osbourne (Mattress Firm, 10/9), Patterson Hood (Music Box, 10/12), Ozomatli (BUT, 10/13), Graham Nash (Humphreys, 10/13), Prayers (Observatory, 10/13), Alkaline Trio (HOB, 10/15), Sting and Shaggy (Harrahs SoCal, 10/16), The Joy Formidable (Casbah, 10/17), St. Lucia (Observatory, 10/17), U.S. Girls (Soda Bar, 10/17), The Lemon Twigs (Music Box, 10/19), D.R.I. (Brick

by Brick, 10/20), Thievery Corporation (BUT, 10/23), Jay Rock (SOMA, 10/25), Dawes (Observatory, 10/29), Jim James (BUT, 11/1), Cloud Nothings (Casbah, 11/1), Wolfmother (Observatory, 11/1), Maxwell (Humphreys, 11/2), Dia de los Deftones w/ Deftones, Future, Rocket from the Crypt (Petco Park, 11/3), Lucero (Observatory, 11/7), Claudio Simonet-

ti’s Goblin (Irenic, 11/7), Milo (SPACE, 11/8), Little Dragon (Observatory, 11/8), Ghost (Spreckels Theatre, 11/12), Blitzen Trapper (BUT, 11/12), J Mascis (Soda Bar, 11/15), Billie Eilish (SOMA, 11/17), Joywave, Sir Sly (Observatory, 11/18), Every Time I Die (Observatory, 11/20), Cat Power (Observatory, 11/24), Municipal Waste (Brick by Brick, 11/25), How to Dress Well (Casbah, 11/27), Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus (Observatory, 11/29), Godflesh (Brick by Brick, 12/1), Fucked Up (Soda Bar, 12/5), Squirrel Nut Zippers (BUT, 12/6), Pale Waves (Irenic, 12/7), Neko Case, Destroyer (Observatory, 12/8), Fleetwood Mac (Viejas Arena, 12/8), Kurt Vile (Observatory, 12/9), Amine (Observatory, 12/11), Middle Kids (Soda Bar, 12/13), Ministry (HOB, 12/18), Donavon Frankenreiter (BUT, 12/28-29), Jefferson Starship (BUT, 1/9-10), Bananarama (Observatory, 1/27).

SEPTEMBER WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 19 The Shift at Belly Up Tavern. The Neighbourhood at Observatory North Park (sold out). Randy Jackson at Brick by Brick. Justin Linn and the Rotation at The Casbah.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 20 Thrice at House of Blues. The Spill Canvas at Soda Bar. Yungblud at The Casbah.

Dean Ween Group at Belly Up Tavern.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 21 Needtobreathe at Open Air Theatre.

Kyng at Brick by Brick. Thrice at House of Blues. Dodie at The Irenic (sold out).

Island at The Casbah. Hazel English at

24 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · SEPTEMBER 19, 2018

Soda Bar. Honne at Observatory North Park (sold out).

SATURDAY, SEPT. 22 Patrick Sweany at SPACE. The Eagles at Petco Park. Nothing at Soda Bar (sold out). Schizophonics Soul Revue at The Casbah. Common Sense at Belly Up Tavern. Macy Gray at Music Box. Captured

by Robots at Brick by Brick.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 23 J. Roddy Walston and the Business at Belly Up Tavern. Eleanor Friedberger at The Casbah. Greta Van Fleet at Observatory North Park (sold out). Madeleine Peyroux at Music Box. The New Division at Soda Bar.

MONDAY, SEPT. 24 Woe at SPACE. Yuno at The Casbah.

Grizzly Bear at Observatory North Park.

No Fun At All at Soda Bar.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 25 Amorphis at Brick by Brick. Boy George and Culture Club at Open Air Theatre.

First Aid Kit at Observatory North Park.

U-God at Soda Bar. Lincoln Durham at The Casbah. Inspired and the Sleep at Belly Up Tavern.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 26 Houndmouth at Observatory North Park.

Boxer Rebellion at The Casbah. Deep Purple, Judas Priest at Mattress Firm Amphitheatre. Fat Nick at The Irenic.

Mustasch at Soda Bar.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 27 Loudon Wainwright III at Belly Up Tav-

ern. The Real McKenzies at Soda Bar. Miss New Buddha at The Casbah. Jedi Mind Tricks at Music Box.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 28 The Wombats at House of Blues. Devotchka at Observatory North Park. Revocation at Brick by Brick. Jay Aston’s Gene Loves Jezebel at The Casbah.

The Early November at The Irenic. Terror at SOMA Sidestage. Assuming We Survive at House of Blues Voodoo Room.

Alice Insane at Music Box. No Duh at Belly Up Tavern.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 29 Orgy at Brick by Brick. Little Hurricane at The Casbah. Ignite at Soda Bar. Oddisee and Evidence at Observatory North Park. Creepxotica at Broadstone North Park. Marc Broussard at Belly Up Tavern. Wild Wild Wets, The Loons, Schizophonics at Adams Ave. Street Fair.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 30 Natalie Prass at The Casbah. Lost In Society at Soda Bar. Guttermouth at Observatory North Park. Infinite Floyd at Belly Up Tavern. Dirty Sweet, Euphoria Brass Band, Stephen El Rey at Adams Ave. Street Fair.

OCTOBER MONDAY, OCT. 1 Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band at Observatory North Park.

TUESDAY, OCT. 2 Ghostland Observatory at Music Box. Adult. at Soda Bar. Vonda Shepard at Belly Up Tavern.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 3 Courtney Barnett, Waxahatchee at Observatory North Park (sold out). The Coronas at The Casbah. Ulrika Spacek at Soda Bar. Chelsea Wolfe, Russian Circles at Music Box. Pigeons Playing Ping Pong at Belly Up Tavern.

THURSDAY, OCT. 4 Flatliners at Brick by Brick. Rebel Souljahz at Observatory North Park. Warsaw at The Casbah. Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets at Belly Up Tavern. Future Generations at Soda Bar.

FRIDAY, OCT. 5 Roky Erickson at The Casbah. Satan at Brick by Brick. America at Humphreys by the Bay. Yoke Lore at Soda Bar.

SATURDAY, OCT. 6 The B-52’s at Humphreys by (sold out). Keller Williams at Tavern. Shonen Knife at The Graham Bonnet Band at Brick Bullets and Octane at SPACE.

the Bay Belly Up Casbah.

by Brick.

SUNDAY, OCT. 7 Tennis at Belly Up Tavern. Grieves at The Casbah. Bells Atlas at Soda Bar.

MONDAY, OCT. 8 Jupiter and Okwess at Soda Bar. Armed For Apocalypse, The Lion’s Daughter at SPACE.

TUESDAY, OCT. 9 Mew at Observatory North Park. Brant

MUSIC CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

@SDCITYBEAT

MUSIC MUSIC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 Bjork at SPACE. Langhorne Slim at Belly Up Tavern. Ozzy Osbourne at Mattress Firm Amphitheatre. Lawrence at The Casbah.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 10 Shannon and the Clams at Belly Up Tavern. Polyphia at Music Box. Mothers at Soda Bar. Basement at Che Café (sold out). The Twilight Sad at The Casbah.

THURSDAY, OCT. 11 Hinds at The Irenic. Ex-Cult at SPACE. True Widow at Soda Bar.

FRIDAY, OCT. 12 Patterson Hood at Music Box. The Jackets at Soda Bar. Hobo Johnson at House of Blues. Decrepit Birth, Arsis at Brick by Brick. The Highwayman Show at Belly Up Tavern.

SATURDAY, OCT. 13 Screaming Females at The Casbah.

Ozomatli at Belly Up Tavern. Mat Kearney at House of Blues. The Sheepdogs at Soda Bar. Graham Nash at Humphreys by the Bay. Prayers at Observatory North Park. Jeremy Zucker at The Irenic (sold out),

SUNDAY, OCT. 14 Clutch at Observatory North Park. Marissa Nadler at The Casbah. John Paul White at The Irenic. Gregory Alan Izakov at Music Box (sold out). Mayday Parade at House of Blues. ToomanyZooz at Belly Up Tavern.

@SDCITYBEAT

MONDAY, OCT. 15 The Dodos at The Casbah. King Khan and the Shrines at Belly Up Tavern.

Hozier at Observatory North Park. We Came As Romans at The Irenic. Alkaline Trio at House of Blues.

TUESDAY, OCT. 16 Monster Magnet at Brick by Brick. Sting and Shaggy at Harrahs SoCal. SYML at The Casbah. Cut Worms at Soda Bar. Mason Jennings at Belly Up Tavern.

rCLUBSr

710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach. Wed: Open mic. Thu: Punktoberfest. Fri: Superunloader. Sat: Spencer Yenson and the Squatters, Many a Moon, Small Culture. Sun: Karaoke. Tue: The InItself, Lost Monarchs.

Air Conditioned Lounge, 4673 30th St., Normal Heights. Wed: ‘Hip Hop House’ w/ Frank Nitt, Real J Wallace. Thu: ‘Funky Lil Beat’ w/ Chulita Vinyl Club. Fri: ‘House Friday’ w/ DJ Matthew Brian. Sat: ‘Juicy’ w/ Mike Czech. Sun: DJ Marko Darko.

American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Ave., Downtown. Thu: Ronny Chieng. Fri: Ronny Chieng. Sat: Ronny Chieng.

The Bancroft, 9143 Campo Road, Spring Valley. Wed: Karaoke. Thu: Papi Wavy, Grxzzly Pab, AG Boon, K Breeze, Profit.

Fri: Blooming Fire, Half Eat3n. Sat: Pudre, Izanami, Lost In Antares. Sun: EDENA, Glass Mind, Obesity, Trees Before Fall.

Tue: Karaoke.

Bang Bang, 526 Market St., Downtown.

Fri: Sirius Hood. Sat: Giraffage.

Bar Pink, 3829 30th St., North Park. Wed: Hey Ho Let’s Go!. Fri: ‘Hemlock’ w/ Readership Hostile, DJs Grimm Beatz, Wenzo.

Sat: Spice Pistols, Swiss Rolls, Captain Viejo Band. Sun: ‘Rat Sabbath’. Mon: DJ Girlgroupgirl. Tue: The Garners.

Beaumont’s, 5665 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla. Thu: Aquile. Fri: Dave Gleason Trio.

Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. Wed: The Shift, Second Cousins, Sometimes Julie. Thu: The Dean Ween Group, Keith Kenny. Fri: The Spazmatics, Livin’ on a Prayer. Sat: Common Sense, Psydecar, The Proj3ct. Sun: J Roddy Walston and the Business, Jonny Fritz. Mon: Liz Phair, Speedy Ortiz. Tue: Inspired and the Sleep, DGTL CLR, Capyac.

Black Cat Bar, 4246 University Ave., City Heights. Fri: Tabasco Katz jazz party. Sat: WP Hawk, Blind Mountain Holler.

Blonde, 1808 W. Washington St., Mission Hills. Wed: ‘Dance Klassique’ w/ DJ Dan. Thu: ‘Chocolate’. Fri: ‘We Are Your Friends’. Sat: ‘Through Being Cool’. Tue: ‘T is 4 Techno’.

Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave., Bay Park. Fri: KYNG, Open Hand, Deathboys, Amigo. Sat: Captured By Robots, Fermentor, Corpsemaker. Tue: Amorphis, Dark Tranquility, Moonspell, Omnium Gatherum, Convent.

The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., Middletown. Wed: Justin Linn and the Rotation, Free Paintings, The Rogue Pilots. Thu: Yungblud, Arrested Youth. Fri: Island, The Blancos. Sat: Schizophonics Soul Revue, The Magnificent With Mighty Manfred, Ron & The Reapers. Sun: Eleanor Friedberger, Pill. Mon: Yuno, Bruin, Well Well Well.

Tue: Lincoln Durham, Bent Duo.

Che Cafe, UCSD campus, La Jolla. Fri: George Clanton, Equip. Sat: South Beacons, Bitter Kiddos, Sean Jones. Sun: Daggermouth, Give You Nothing, Alive and Well.

Martinis Above Fourth, 3940 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest. Wed: Carol Curtis. Thu: ‘Come Together’ w/ Carole J. Bufford. Fri: Janice and Nathan. Sat: Sophia Alone. Sun: Sophia Alone. Mon: Andy and Nathan.

Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive, Downtown. Fri: Robert Dove Quartet. Sat: Joshua White Trio.

The Merrow, 1271 University Ave., Hillcrest. Wed: Orchidxmantis, Bomb Squad, Las Verduras Frescas. Thu: ‘Boylesque’.

Fri: ‘Pants: A Bad Cover version of Pulp’.

Sat: Patrick Sweany, Malachi Henry and the Lights. Sun: ‘The Playground’. Tue: Reyah, Lil Evil, Silent Vice.

F6ix, 526 F St., Downtown. Fri: DJ Isaac B. Sat: ‘TRUE Saturday’.

Fluxx, 500 4th Ave., Downtown. Fri: DJ Bad. Sat: DJ Shabazz.

House of Blues, 1055 Fifth town. Wed: Pat Ellis. Thu: Bronx, Teenage Wrist. Fri: Bronx, Teenage Wrist. Sat: Live. Tue: Robin Henkel.

Ave., DownThrice, The Thrice, The Magic Men

Humphreys Backstage, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. Wed: Bayou Bros. Thu: Nu Vintage. Fri: Detroit Underground. Sat: Full Strength Funk Band.

Sun: Musicology, Stellita. Mon: Casey Hensley. Tue: Mercedes Moore.

The Irenic, 3090 Polk Ave., North Park.

Fri: Dodie, Tessa Violet (sold out). Sun: ‘Hannahlyze This’.

Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner Blvd., Middletown. Thu: ‘Acid Varsity’. Fri: ‘Sweat Box’. Sun: ‘Scratch’.

Kensington Club, 4079 Adams Ave., Kensington. Fri: The Writhers, Hyperactive Slackers, The Gay Agenda.

Lestat’s Coffee House, 3343 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Thu: New Alchemy Poetry. Mon: Open mic.

Mc P’s Irish Pub, 1107 Orange Ave., Coronado. Wed: Jackson and Billy. Thu: Ron’s Trio. Fri: Wild Heart. Sat: Stilettos.

Sun: Stilettos. Tue: Sophisticats.

Mr. Peabody’s, 136 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas. Thu: Steelhorse Country. Fri: Ristband. Sat: The Traumatics, Celeste Barbier. Sun: Tony Ortega jazz jam.

Music Box, 1337 India St., Little Italy. Fri: Lonely Boy Live, Mark E. Quark, Eric Medina. Sat: Macy Gray, Mimi Zulu.

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

Wed: ‘Instant Crush’ w/ DJ Nastea. Thu: ‘No Limits’ w/ DJ Myson King. Fri: ‘After Hours’ w/ DJs EdRoc, Adam Salter. Sat: ‘Strictly Business’ w/ DJs EdRoc, Kanye Asada. Sun: ‘Uptown Top Ranking’ w/ Tribe of Kings. Tue: ‘Trapped’.

OMNIA Nightclub, 454 Sixth Ave., Downtown. Thu: ‘Endless Summer Rooftop Party’. Fri: Cedric Gervais.

Panama 66, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park.

Wed: Gilbert Castellanos. Thu: Mwenso and the Shakes. Fri: Mochilero All Stars.

Parq, 615 Broadway, Downtown. Fri: Sourmilk. Sat: Jermaine Dupri.

Proud Mary’s, 5550 Kearny Mesa Road, Kearny Mesa. Wed: Lawrence Johnson.

Thu: Tomcat Courtney. Fri: The Bayou Brothers. Sat: Fuzzy Rankins.

MUSIC CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

SEPTEMBER 19, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 25

MUSIC

BY CHRISTIN BAILEY

ASTROLOGICALLY UNSOUND Weekly forecasts from the so-called universe ARIES (March 21 - April 19): What if your life really is the way it is due to a series of choices you made and actions you’ve taken?

Oh my god, it’s scary just saying it.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Projection is a powerful psychological process that allows you to constantly think that the scarecrow is watching you. Really, he’s just watching someone right behind you.

LIBRA (September 23 October 22): You’ll never be able to take a beautiful looking photograph of the ocean with your cellphone camera, but it’s still important that you constantly continue to try.

SCORPIO (October 23 November 21): Honking the horn that way really doesn’t do much besides make other people mad at you, but if that’s what you’re going for then by all means.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): If you’ve invested in the tools and purchased the supplies, but then find you don’t even enjoy the hobby, it’s because your real hobby is daydreaming.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21): I have it on good authority that your ancestors would not have crawled out of the swamp a billion years ago if they knew this is how it was gonna be.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22): When you feel lonely just remember that the government is using your cellular data to constantly monitor your location and communications.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19): Statistics are easy: either something happens or it doesn’t. If something has happened, then it has a 100-percent likelihood of having happened.

LEO (July 23 - August 22): It’s statistically likely that at least one person reading this will find a $20 bill in their jacket pocket this week. I can’t say it will be you because I have to protect myself against lawsuits.

AQUARIUS (January 20 February 18): If you don’t know where you’re going, then any direction will get you there. Wait, actually, going the wrong way on the freeway will get you nowhere at all.

Maybe jail.

VIRGO (August 23 September 22): Your life can be filled with nothing but joy so long as you take extreme pleasure in being judgmental and harboring secret resentments.

PISCES (February 19 - March 20): The only thing the stars are prepared to tell you about the coming week is that, bare minimum, you should be carrying hand sanitizer.

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

MUSIC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 The Rail, 3796 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest. Fri: ‘Hip Hop Fridayz’. Sat: ‘Sabado En Fuego’. Mon: ‘Manic Monday’ w/ DJ Junior the Disco Punk.

Rich’s, 1051 University Ave., Hillcrest.

Wed: DJs Kiki, Kinky Loops. Thu: ‘LEZ’ w/ DJ Moody Rudy. Fri: ‘Dirty POP’ w/ DJs Drew G, Will Z. Sat: ‘Voltage’ w/ DJs K-Swift, Taj. Sun: ‘Stripper Circus’ w/ DJ Hektik.

Riviera Supper Club, 7777 University Ave., La Mesa. Wed: ‘Boss Jazz’ w/ Jason Hanna. Thu: Brennan Orndorff. Fri: Joey Harris and the Mentals. Sat: King Taylor Project.

Rosie O’Gradys, 3402 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Wed: Karaoke. Fri: Rosa’s Cantina. Sat: Acoustic Revolt. Mon: Monday night jazz jam.

Seven Grand, 3054 University Ave., North Park. Wed: The Matt Hall Group.

Thu: Jimmy Ruelas. Fri: The Addictions.

Sat: Captain Morgan Lee. Mon: ‘Makossa Monday’ w/ DJ Tah Rei. Tue: Jeff Crossby.

Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. Wed: Summer Heart, BUHU,

26 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · SEPTEMBER 19, 2018

Miles Bandit. Thu: The Spill Canvas, Punchline, Selfish Things. Fri: Hazel English, The Havnauts, Battery Point.

Sat: Nothing, Culture Abuse, Big Bite, Smut (sold out). Sun: The New Division, NITE, The Slashes. Mon: No Fun At All, Sederra, Chaser. Tue: U-God, Parker and Evolve, Tulengua.

SPACE, 3519 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. Wed: Eskimo Bros., Those Darn Gnomes, Sword2Saber, Mathias Kruse, Tall Can, Rivalry, Currtis, Furbicide. Thu: ‘Soul Food’. Fri: ‘Rollin’ wit Tha Funk’.

Sat: ‘BrokenBeat’. Sun: Eleven Pond, Fossil Arms, Post Tropic. Mon: Woe, WVRM, Necrochamber. Tue: Karaoke.

Spin, 2028 Hancock St., Midtown. Fri: Gina Turner. Sat: Pig&Dan. Sun: ‘House2Ourselves’.

Til-Two Club, 4746 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. Thu: ‘Original Stylin’. Sun: Pants Karaoke.

Tin Roof, 401 G St., Downtown. Wed: The Corner. Thu: Brian Collins. Fri: Keep Your Soul, Phoenix Rising. Sat: Phoenix Rising, Ray Goren. Mon: Tehila Duo. Tue: Keep Your Soul.

Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St., Bay Park.

Wed: Louis Valenzuela. Thu: Mercedes Moore. Fri: Funk’s Most Wanted. Sat: The Laurie Morvan Band. Tue: Theo and Zydeco Patrol.

Tower Bar, 4757 University Ave., City Heights. Thu: The Fountain of Youth, The In-Itself, Puerto. Fri: Franz Von Cockenhausen. Sat: Witch Ripper, Call of the Wild, Deep Sea Thunder Beast. Sun: Poison Boys, Dead on the Wire, Slaughter Boys, Razor Nights.

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

Wed: ‘Turnt’. Thu: ‘Boom Boxx Thursday’. Fri: Kid Wonder. Sat: DJ Junior the Disco Punk. Mon: ‘31 Flavors’.

Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern St., South Park.

Wed: Riff City Comedy. Thu: ‘Vamp’.

Mon: ‘Fantasy’ w/ DJ Mario Orduno.

Winstons, 1921 Bacon St., Ocean Beach. Wed: Sandollar, DJ Carlos Culture. Thu: Shaky Hand String Band. Fri: The Golden Howl, Coral Bells. Sat: Burritos, The Good Tones, Ocean Natives.

Mon: Electric Waste Band. Tue: The Sweet Lillies, Feathers and Lead, Ryan Bloom.

@SDCITYBEAT

BY LARA MCCAFFREY

IN THE BACK

CannaBeat

Building blues

I

t’s no secret that getting a piece of land in California is no easy feat, and San Diego real estate professionals say it’s even harder for cannabis entrepreneurs.

Jason Klein, a San Diego-based commercial real estate broker, says cannabis entrepreneurs have a tough time finding a broker that understands their needs. He says many brokers are unaware of the proper zoning and permits necessary for cannabis businesses. Klein specializes in cannabis commercial real estate, marketing himself online as “Agent Cannabis.”

“A lot of people call themselves real estate agents in the [cannabis] industry, but they just happen to live in a city or a county that is licensing,” says Klein. “They don't understand the ins and outs of the industry and how to find somebody a compliant property.”

Buyers or renters can peruse sites such as 420 Property and 420 Friendly Listings, but Klein says potential buyers will still need to proceed with caution because those properties aren’t vetted.

Even with a knowledgeable agent by their side, a business owner will often run into hesitant landlords.

Cannabis businesses are considered risky renters due to fear of federal forfeiture and the banks’ reluctance to work with them.

“I had one client where the landowner needed to get an authorization letter signed in order to apply with the city,” says Klein. “The property owner took his authorization

@SDCITYBEAT

form into his bank and asked them to notarize it. Once they saw that he was going to be leasing to cannabis, they actually shut his account down.”

Rick Payne, CEO of San Diego-based Cannabis Real Estate Consultants (CREC), cites San Diego laws dictating cannabis business locations as one that restricts his clients.

For example, District 2 (the area from Bay Ho to Point Loma) was very popular for cannabis, but Payne says it’s already reached its cap on businesses allowed. He agrees with laws banning cannabis operations near schools and churches, but thinks there are many entities qualifying as “churches” when they’re arugably not. Consequently, this limits inventory.

“I would say the majority of municipalities have been easier to work with compared to San Diego,” says Payne.

Payne also adds that finding a property is easier than getting it licensed and operational. Dispensaries in particular have issues because of their high foot traffic.

“Because of that, the cities are typically much more thorough in their licensing process. They obviously want to make sure that traffic is not being impacted significantly in that area,” says Payne.

Both Payne and Klein agree that the county’s 2017 ban on new cannabis commerce in unincorporated parts of San Diego is restrictive. In a previous CannaBeat column, Virginia Falces and Lincoln Fish of Outliers Collective told CityBeat their company had run into issues with expansion.

It wanted to move into the rest of its building at 8157 Wing St. after another tenant left but couldn’t do so because the county’s moratorium prohibits new permits.

SHUTTERSTOCK

“We recently acquired property in Mendocino County and Long Beach,” says Austin Birch, OutCo co-founder.

“Both were much less costly and time-consuming, especially the licensing and permitting processes, than here in San Diego.”

Local cannabis real estate professionals are working with clients and properties out of town, because of San Diego’s lack of opportunity. Klein finds himself racking up miles traveling to clients.

“Kinda like Storm Chasers—I'm an ordinance chaser,” says Klein. “When there's a city that's going to be adopting a new law, I follow it.”

SEPTEMBER 19, 2018 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 27