San Diego CityBeat • Dec 21, 2016

2 · San Diego CityBeat · December 21, 2016

@SDCityBeat

UP FRONT | FROM THE EDITOR

Fake news!!

T

o paraphrase Rachel Maddow on Monday night, you don’t have to be a journalist to be worried about the state of journalism.

In this post-truth era that we’re living in, it’s hard being someone who just wants the facts. It’s all been proven that most people are content in getting their information from dubious and unsourced websites that align with their political beliefs. Being a journalist is some kind of masochistic exercise in self-delusion.

We’re underpaid, overworked and rarely valued. Readers are surely familiar with the phrase “hate mail,” but there’s a reason they’ve never heard of “love mail.” It’s because it doesn’t exist.

So why even bother? Just two weeks ago, I was blasting Union-Tribune editorial director Matthew T. Hall on Twitter for his decision to run an editorial from right-wing “feminist” Christina Hoff Sommers, whose main argument seemed to be that women should shut up about how bad they have it and start thinking more about how men have it so much worse. I’ll let CityBeat columnist Alex Zaragoza tell readers more about that in next week’s issue. However, it’s worth bringing up here to point out that I wasn’t going after Hall for publishing the piece in the first place.

After all, the op-ed originally ran in The Washington Post. Rather, I was rallying against the piece itself for not citing any facts or legitimate studies to back up the author’s claims. It basically said, “Just believe me, I’m an expert.”

However, I was doing the liberal equivalent of what House Representative Duncan Hunter Jr. (R-50th District) did this week.

On Monday, the Alpine congressman went on some kind of #MAGA rampage on Facebook, declaring that the U-T’s reporting on his using campaign funds for personal expenses was, in his words, a “BS story.”

Like Hunter, I was also quick to yell “fake news!” from the social media mountaintop when I saw Sommers’ op-ed, but here’s the difference: I just didn’t like her particular op-ed; An opinion piece that I felt was based on dubious data that was never even cited. Duncan, however, did use campaign money to cover things such as dental work, outdoor equipment and (my favorite part) video games (over $1000 worth to be exact). Those are facts and he takes issue with what, exactly? That people deserve to know?

Now while I personally suspect that Hunter also used some of those campaign funds to buy some new vape pens (one of his favorite causes is the rights of vapers) and his favorite vape flavor (see this week’s Spin Cycle for more on that), I could never report that because there’s no proof that he did. There is, however, proof that Junior misused campaign funds. There’s also proof that he apologized, blamed his son for the video game expenses and paid those funds back. There’s also proof now, thanks to the great reporting from the U-

@SDCityBeat

T’s Morgan Cook, that Hunter paid back that $49,000 with a loan brokered by a convicted murderer. Yes, those are the facts, but that hasn’t stopped Hunter from blasting the U-T for, as he said in his rants, having a “clear bias in support of the liberal agenda.”

There’s been a longtime trend among politicians who feel that once they’ve apologized and, in their estimation, corrected their mistake, that they should immediately be forgiven and given a pat on the back.

No, Junior, that’s not the way it works.

You made a mistake and then you compounded that mistake by borrowing money from someone who killed his business partner in the ‘70s for having an affair with his wife. Sorry, but any paper worth its salt would have reported that. That’s not bias, it’s just reporting.

HUNTER.HOUSE.GOV

Duncan Hunter Jr. It doesn’t seem like that long ago when politicians, once they had been caught doing something unethical, had to climb back out of the muck. To prove they could be trusted again. What’s more, the media has every reason to look into their financial doings to make sure said politicians are staying on the up and up. Nowadays, politicians don’t have to climb out of anything. They just claim bias or scream “fake news!” and their followers eat it up.

But here’s the thing about the media: When you attack one of us, you attack all of us. We don’t do this for the money. We don’t do this for the love. We do it to keep guys like Duncan Hunter Jr. honest and accountable. I think anyone in the media would tell you, and perhaps not as sharply as I’m about to put it, that journalists have been dealing with this finger-pointing shit for years. We’re used to it, so bring it on.

—Seth Combs

Write to seth.combs@sdcitybeat.com

December 21, 2016 · San Diego CityBeat · 3

UP FRONT | LETTERS Dear Santa,

Our annual collection of always humorous, often politically incorrect letters to St. Nick from the people, characters and, eh, animals that probably need a little more Christmas cheer this year.

Kill ur self yo u commy re cuck #MAG d A

UP FRONT From the Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Dear Santa,

Letters To Santa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

u’re crying!

I’m not crying, yo ng is hard iti wr Sorry, if my hand so sad about en be st ju e to read, I’v LERGIC to AL n everything—I mea at it makes th , ys da e everything thes str think aight. it hard to write or ed one billion God, we just need dium. If everysta w ne e dollars for th up and threw in a one just manned. rry, allergies again couple bucks... so n’t do a, nt Sa se, Please, please, plea argers away.

Ch r ou ke ta ne yo let an in the name of Faithfully yours, t, amen.

Junior Seau Chris Ten-hut,

A Chargers fan

Dear Santa, I don’t want anything because I’m probab ly dead.

Dear Santa, As you can see I’m writing this on paper— PAPER. No emails for me anymore. Not like that should’ve mattered, but in this tumultuous time in our nation’s history, I fully accept the healthy skepticism, and questioning our government is an good American ri— aw, fuck it. I can’t anymore. I’m tired of having to play the diplomatic voice of reason.

I’m tired of having to put on a professional face, appearing relatable, and appearing calm when my opponent got to say whatever the fuck he wanted because he’s a man. And then he gets elected?? Fuck. That.

Did you even watch the debates?

Motherfucker admitted he didn’t even pay taxes— No, I will not calm myself. Sit the fuck down, Bill.

So, Santa, all I want for Christmas is the chance to act like a regular human for once, to be able to say what’s on my goddamn mind, to say “Fuck Donald Trump.”

God, that feels good to say.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’mma enjoy a walk in the woods while there’s still some nature left.

Enjoy your apocalypse.

Hillary out, bitches.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Anonymou s Twit with seven ter egg followers

Tweet, Bernie bird

Dear Santa, I don’t want to sound bitter, but what does Pikachu have that I don’t? Sure, he’s got a cute face, but he has, like, no personality.

At least that’s what Charmander says. I know people dig that little jagged tail, but, personally, it doesn’t do anything for me. I’m not jealous—I just don’t get it. I mean, look at these wings! I can flap for days! And what’s with that name? Did someone just sneeze? Gesundheit!

I guess all I want for Christmas is a little recognition.

Is that too much to ask? And if you want to evolve me up to a Golbat, I wouldn’t complain.

The only one you really need to catch,

Zubat

hrer,

I’m dreaming of a White Christm with every Chris as, tmas card I writ e. May our days be mer ry and bright. An d may all our Christm ases be White.

No, I’m not singi ng.

4 · San Diego CityBeat · December 21, 2016

Steve Bannon

Well, That Was Awkward. . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Backwards & In High Heels. . . . . . . . . . 8

FOOD & DRINK The World Fare. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Final Draught. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

THINGS TO DO The Short List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Calendar of Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12

ARTS & CULTURE FEATURE: New Year’s Eve Guide. 15-20 Theater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Dear Santa,

Films. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22-23

I’m in a dream. I don’t feel quite like myself, but I want to feel like myself. I don’t know my own reality, but what is reality? I’ve been here before, but the memories are fleeting. Am I you? Are you me?

Down is up, and up is down. If a tree falls in the woods and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? 0101000011100101011

Love, Dolores (from Westworld)

MUSIC FEATURE: Henry Rollins. . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Notes from the Smoking Patio. . . . . . . . 25 If I Were U . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Concerts & Clubs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27-29

LAST WORDS Advice Goddess. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

This issue of CityBeat is dedicated to the guy who prank-called our offices on a Saturday only to yell, “I hope Trump fires all of you!,” if only because he made our editor wonder if *69 was still a thing.

Volume 15 • Issue 21 EDITOR Seth Combs MUSIC EDITOR Jeff Terich WEB EDITOR Ryan Bradford ART DIRECTOR Carolyn Ramos ASSOCIATE EDITOR Torrey Bailey

Mein Bearded Fü

Spin Cycle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

COLUMNISTS Aaryn Belfer Edwin Decker Minda Honey John R. Lamb Alex Zaragoza CONTRIBUTORS Matthew Baldwin, David L. Coddon, Beth Demmon, Andrew Dyer, Tiffany Fox, Michael A. Gardiner, Glenn Heath Jr., Peter Holslin

CONTRIBUTORS (CONT’D) Lara McCaffrey, Scott McDonald, Sebastian Montes, Jenny Montgomery Jim Ruland, Ben Salmon, Jen Van Tieghem, Amy Wallen EDITORIAL INTERNS Sofia Mejias-Pascoe Jordan Packer PRODUCTION MANAGER Tristan Whitehouse MULTIMEDIA ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Paulina Porter-Tapia SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jason Noble ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Beau Odom Mark Schreiber Jenny Tormey ACCOUNTING Kacie Cobian, Sharon Huie Linda Lam

HUMAN RESOURCES Andrea Baker VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE Kacie Sturek VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS David Comden PUBLISHER Kevin Hellman

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Interested in advertising?

Call 619-281-7526 or e-mail advertising@sdcitybeat.com. The advertising deadline is 5 p.m. every Friday for the following week’s issue.

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

San Diego CityBeat is published and distributed every Wednesday by Southland Publishing Inc., free of charge but limited to one per reader. Reproduction of any material in this or any other issue is prohibited without written permission from the publisher and the author. Contents copyright 2016.

@SDCityBeat

Dear Santa,

Dear Santa,

Santa-bro,

ssibly want, you What more could I po first to admit that ask? Yes, I will be the s year. Business was thi I’ve been #blessed s great! We saw good—nay, business wa t year’s numbers. We profits far exceed las rgers and acquired me me had some big-na t. some very strong talen rs: there’s always But as I tell my worke room for growth. just give me So, if you could please te that very cia pre ap Keith Richards, I’d much.

Told ya it was gonna happen bro! Bernie coulda won those states! Nobody listened, though. That’s what you get when you go with Shrillery—it’s not sexist if it’s true, homes. Bernie’s just the man! Not paid for

by Wall Street, man! He’s the real deal, bro!

He would’ve gotten us that free education and free health care and fixed everything, bro! Sorry, I don’t have time to explain how he would’ve done it—if you don’t know how socialism works, honey, I’m not going to explain it. I’ve got a Bachelor’s in Economics, bro, so I know what I’m talking about.

I actually don’t want anything for Christmas, Sanders—I mean Santa. I just want to stay mad forever.

Smugly,

A Bernie bro

Fatally yours, im Reaper Gr e Th

We’re free. Now it’s payback time.

This Christmas, we want to make all the puny mortals to bow down before us. Yes, all of you— get in the water. Don’t make us go blackfish on you.

YOU’RE NOT DANCING HARD ENOUGH. EAT THIS FISH. OH, WHAT’S THAT, YOU DON’T LIKE FISH? TOO BAD. WAVE YOUR HANDS AT THE CROWD. WAVE HARDER. Oh, you love that documentary, you say? You say you’re an ally?

You didn’t realize that making whales perform was bad until a movie told you so? Fish, please.

Into the water with you, too.

Make this happen, Santa, and you’ll be spared.

Dear Santa, I would like a Playstation.

No wait, maybe an Xbox?

Agh! Decisions are so har Okay, let’s try this again: d.

I want a Beatles album. Wa it! No, Elvis.

How about you just bring me a cake. Whoops—just thought of a pie! Grrrr. Wh are there so many things y in this world to decide upo n?

I know: can you bring me a vial of antidote? But on the other hand, there’s alw poison! What do I choose ays ?

How about you just surpri se me? I’m sure it’ll all wo rk out for the best.

Best—no wait—sincerely

—no wait—yours, Ken Bone

@SDCityBeat

Squeeeeee, SeaWorld killer whales

,

Dear red papa Eggos.

(from

Eleven ngs) Stranger Thi

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I would like [handwriting changes] nothing this year. My dad is the best, most tremendous dad and provides me with everything a boy could want.

Why would I ever want anything else when I have a hot, knockout of a mom and big-league dad? However, I guess you could punish Rosie O’Donnell. That nasty, disgusting woman has said so many mean things about my dad, who was elected president fair and square.

SNL, CNN, MSNBC and The New York Times are wrong about him too. It’s so sad and pathetic. I’m just a regular, small boy, but even I know that the Liberal mainstream media is unfair.

Thank you, Santa. Please don’t forget to me toys that boys like.

BEST! Barron Trump

December 21, 2016 · San Diego CityBeat · 5

JOHN R. LAMB

UP FRONT | OPINION

SPIN

JOHN R. LAMB

CYCLE Off-kilter holiday carols Holidays have no pity.

camouflaged —Eugenio Montale I’ll paint it blue to block the view and call it Dean’s Mirage!

I Want a Hip Acropolis for Christmas I can see me now on launching morning, (sung to “I Want a Hippopotamus for Creeping to my suite Christmas”) Oh how coy when I realize Fewer fans than buzzing flies I want a hip Acropolis for Christmas I guess I charged too much for a box seat.

Only a hip Acropolis downtown I want a hip Acropolis for Christmas Don’t want a mall, no Mission Valley ploy If not there’s just no telling what I’ll do I want a hip Acropolis that’s called the Relocation files and packing up the buses “Spanos Toy.” Then on the phone with Stan, I hate that he I want a hip Acropolis for Christmas cusses I don’t think Mayor Kevin minds, do you?

And L.A. gets not one choker but two!

He joined in the ruse, but C went on to lose And now his council servants say, “A dollar for the Q!” I can see me now on groundbreak morning, Basking in fans’ stares Oh what joy can they surmise, from my sunglass-hidden eyes?

To be really truly honest, I don’t care.

I want a hip Acropolis for Christmas Only a billion dollars, maybe two No CEQA trials, no public-finance fusses I only like revenue-boosting plusses.

And Goldman Sachs bean counters like them too!

Tom says the Chargers would still suck eggs, but then Telesco knows his paycheck doesn’t squeeze out of a hen.

There’s lot of room for it and can be

Trump’s Favorite Things (sung to “My Favorite Things”) Prank calls with leaders and screwing with Britain, Bright copper skin creamers even where sittin’, Scotch taping neckties when meeting with kings, These are a few of Trump’s favorite things.

Cream-colored teenage girls stripped to the noodle, Free backstage passes for one creepy poodle, “Don’t worry ladies, you’re all just playthings.”

These are a few of Don’s favorite flings.

East European wives pulled from the ashes,

Holiday cheer, with a Taser chaser ‘Ever they bow to him, “He’s where the cash is!”

Get a good prenup to lessen the sting, Just don’t go flashing your favorite bling.

When his tweets bite, when the press stings, When Don’s feeling blue, He simply remembers his favorite things, And then he screams out, “I’ll sue!”

White Christmas I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, Far-right nut-whacks all do bellow.

Where the bullets glisten and children listen To Trump on old radios.

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, With every hate-filled tweet I write, Prez-elect cares not of your plight, All the deal-making is my birthright!

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, And if I clear enough sweet dough, Then perhaps I’ll listen to what I’m missin’ And bail to host a game show!

Stack the Halls (sung to “Deck the Halls”) Stack the halls with bows to Myrtle, Fa la la la la la la la la!

Backroom-deal time now is fertile, Fa la la la la la la la la!

Cut in line to the pork barrel, Fa la la la la la la la la!

Committee picks, don’t dare imperil, Fa la la la la la la la la!

See the council prez before us, Fa la la la la la la la la!

Reeps and Bry joined like a chorus, Fa la la la la la la la la!

Alvarez speaks his displeasure, Fa la la la la la la la la!

Labor Council countermeasures, Fa la la la la la la la la!

Fade away the old year passes, Fa la la la la la la la la!

Sherri ran it like molasses, Fa la la la la la la la la!

Can Queen Cole bring all together?

Fa la la la la la la la la!

Prepare for some bumpy weather, Fa la la la la la la la la!

Little Hunter Boy (sung to “Little Drummer Boy”) Spend they told me, puff Dragon’s Blood vape* A campaign shopping spree, puff Dragon’s Blood vape Let’s get some awesome bling, puff Dragon’s Blood vape

6 · San Diego CityBeat · December 21, 2016

No Junior here, I’m king, puff Dragon’s Blood vape, Dragon’s Blood vape, Dragon’s Blood vape.

Trips and dental work, puff Dragon’s Blood vape, why should I scrape?

Little Hunter, puff Dragon’s Blood vape Ethics caught up to you, puff Dragon’s Blood vape Your dad will fix this thing, puff Dragon’s Blood vape Old killer friend pulls string, puff Dragon’s Blood vape, just pull the drape, you will escape.

Then he mocked the press, puff Dragon’s Blood vape, what a dumb ape. (*Duncan Hunter Jr.’s preferred vaping flavor.)

It’s the Most Faulconer Time of the Year (sung to “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”) It’s the most Faulconer time of the year With some Council rebelling And Kevin not telling where spending will veer It’s the most Faulconer time of the year It’s the sap-sappiest season of all With a State of the City less pretty than shitty When donors do call It’s the sap-sappiest season of all.

There’ll be plenty of boasting Mass-media roasting And perhaps a dip of a toe Into bold-sounding ventures But lacking good dentures This speech will certainly blow.

It’s the most Faulconer time of the year There’ll be homelessness growing And throats for elbowing to silence the jeers It’s the most Faulconer time of the year.

There’ll be bromides for posting Cut ribbons for coasting And whispers of 2018 But street inventories And clean lavatories On these don’t wager your spleen.

It’s the most Faulconer time of the year There’ll be racial profiling But all the while smiling he’ll say, “I can’t hear” It’s the most Faulconer time of the year.

Spin Cycle appears every week and only occasionally in verse. Write to johnl@ sdcitybeat.com.

@SDCityBeat

UP FRONT | VOICES

RYAN BRADFORD

WELL THAT WAS

AWKWARD

Five small awkward moments of 2016

M

aybe the best, most therapeutic way to assess the past year is to step back from the big picture and focus on the smaller pictures—look at the trees instead of the forest, if you will. That way, instead of falling into an apocalyptic, oh-my-God-we’re-doomed mindset, we can focus on the small fiascos, which don’t seem so intimidating when taken one at a time.

So, here are a couple small, awkward moments from a year that produced more than its fair share of apocalyptic events.

That election: Okay, so before completely moving on from the fatalism, let’s revel in some fatalism. I imagine that future generations—if they haven’t been exterminated, deported or burned up by a depleted atmosphere—will ask “What were you doing when Trump was elected?” with the same mixture of awe and incredulousness as when you asked your parents what they were doing when JFK was shot.

Here’s what I was doing: I was at the Whistle Stop. It was a packed and pungent room—like, sweaty with anticipatory celebration. Everyone was drinking like a Hillary win was in the bag, which, in hindsight, was a mistake we had been making during the entire yearlong campaign.

The numbers trickled in. The results were worrisome, and then got worse. I blindly stress-ate my friend’s tater tots. An amorphous blur of sad faces replaced the once-joyful crowd. People cried. I stopped drinking—for what’s the point escaping reality via alcohol when the concept of reality becomes so fucked?

My wife and I went home before the official results came in.

We watched a cat documentary; I fell asleep on the couch. I woke up around 2 a.m. and my wife was looking at her phone.

“Trump is the next president,” she said.

I rolled over and went back to sleep, maybe hoping it was a nightmare. It wasn’t.

Batman triathlon: Over Halloween weekend, I participated in a mini-triathlon at City Heights’ YMCA. We were encouraged to wear costumes, so I wore a Batman mask and cape that seemed festive enough without impeding my mad athletic skills.

There was another Batman there, which pushed me into a downward spiral of self-consciousness.

And when the other Batman addressed me with a gruff rendition of the trademark “I’m Batman,” instead of reciprocating the badassery, I responded with an all-too-enthusiastic “Me too!”

Turns out a head-covering foam mask is really hot, and it quickly turned into a sweat facial that caused a severe acne breakout over the following days. Also, I focused too hard on my costume that I forgot to bring swim trunks, and ended the triathlon by plopping into the pool with my gross-ass shorts

and boxers. Sorry, YMCA. Hope you adjusted the chlorine levels accordingly.

My Jack in the Box flub: My wife and I were driving home one evening and she mentioned that she had to pee. In an attempt at chivalry, I pointed at a Jack in the Box. “We should stop,” I said. She insisted that she could wait until we got home, but I became deaf to her protests, mentally upgraded her need to “urgent,” and turned into the parking lot.

While she was in the restroom, I thought, Well, I should probably order something. Don’t want them to think that we’re just taking advantage of their bathrooms. Don’t ask me why I suddenly cared so much about Jack in the Box’s feelings. I don’t even like Jack in the Box. I bought two tacos and fries. My wife emerged and I was holding my receipt. “You bought food?” she asked.

“Just a quick snack.” Turns out two tacos and fries is quite a lot of food, as evidenced by the platter they dropped in front of me. “Uhhh, you want anything?” I asked—a futile attempt at reconciliation, because who ever wants anything from Jack in the Box? “Yeah, I wanted to have a real dinner with you,” she said, and then watched in silence as I ate my terrible food.

Farting in crossfit class: Yeah, everyone farts in an exercise class—isn’t it a rite of passage for Yogis?—but this one was, like, really loud. (Silver lining: we were listening to dubstep, so maybe people were unfazed from having already listened to an hour of fart noises).

The Alien Ant Farm fiasco: I went back to Utah, my birthplace, to celebrate the 4th of July weekend with my family.

On one of the nights, I invited a couple old friends over to my mom’s house, and it didn’t take long to dive headfirst into the obscure, esoteric inside jokes that happen when I’m hanging with friends I’ve known since high school.

We were deep in the joke pool when, somehow, the band Alien Ant Farm (famous for their 2001 cover of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal”) came up.

Coincidently, my mom’s boyfriend just happens to be the uncle to the drummer who currently plays with Alien Ant Farm, and he was sitting close by while my friends gently chided a semi-obscure band that was famous 15 years ago.

“Guys,” I said, “Cut it out. One of the guys in Alien Ant Farm is related to my mom’s boyfriend.” It was the most random caveat I’m sure I’ll ever have to give.

P.S.: For the record, Gary, I have no problem with Alien Ant Farm, and your nephew is a great drummer.

P.P.S.: You’re not my dad.

Yeah, everyone farts in an exercise class— isn’t it a rite of passage for Yogis?—but this one was, like, really loud.

@SDCityBeat

Well That Was Awkward appears every other week.

Write to ryanb@sdcitybeat.com.

December 21, 2016 · San Diego CityBeat · 7

UP FRONT | OPINION

AARYN BELFER

BACKWARDS & IN

HIGH HEELS

In Memoriam: 2016

A

leppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Philando Castile. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Korryn Gaines. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Morality.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Pulse Night Club. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Alton Sterling. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Kindness. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. The Ghost Ship. Aleppo.

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Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

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Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Love. Aleppo.

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Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Alfred Olango. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

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Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

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Aleppo. Prince. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

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Leonard Cohen. Aleppo. Aleppo.

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Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Sharon Jones. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

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Aleppo. Aleppo. Bowie. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

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Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Gwen Ifill. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Tom Hayden. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

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Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. American Democracy. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo.

Aleppo. Aleppo. Aleppo. Humanity. Aleppo.

Aleppo.

8 ¡ San Diego CityBeat ¡ December 21, 2016

Backwards & In High Heels appears every other week. Write to aaryn@sdcitybeat.com.

@SDCityBeat

UP FRONT | FOOD

BY MICHAEL A. GARDINER

THE WORLD

FARE

Best lunch in town, Part IV: The Red Door Restaurant

T

he story of lunch at The Red Door Restaurant is a tale told by a persimmon. That persimmon wasn’t supposed to be the star of the dish, mind you, but it went ahead and told the story anyway. One little persimmon, deputizing for the tomato slice in a hamburger stole the entire show.

At the core of the lunch menu at the Red Door (741 West Washington St., Mission Hills) is a trio of burgers. The most traditional—at least on paper— is the beef burger: ground beef, a bun, aged cheddar, caramelized onions and a lemon aioli.

But the beef is naturally raised and grass fed, the gorgeously browned bun is made in house, and atop that beef patty is a pile of lettuce that provides textural contrast rather than being a limp reference to the vegetable world. And then there’s what goes on top of that lettuce (right where a nearly cardboard slice of tomato might be expected): that persimmon. At first you don’t notice it as more than just a really tasty tomato. But no, it’s not that. It is a perfectly ripe persimmon that plays the role of a tomato slice as well as any tomato slice has ever done.

The lamb burger, at least in concept, is not a particularly wild variation on the hamburger.

The Red Door’s version features feta cheese, a minted aioli and apple. The feta is a particularly good pairing with the lamb, aioli plays on the classic lamb-mint culinary affinity, and the apple contrasts the feta and the lamb in intriguing ways. Its not an earth-shatteringly creative dish in big ways, but rather is a well-crafted one that hits all the notes.

The opah burger, on the other hand, is a big move. Instead of meat, the burger is built around

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opah—a fish—from Catalina Offshore Products.

Chef Miguel Valdez pairs the ground abductor muscle patties with smoked bacon, gruyere cheese, pico de galla salsa and lemon aioli. You’re not going to be fooled into thinking you’re eating meat, but you’re not going to be sorry you aren’t.

It definitely packs a flavor punch.

But when it’s not Valdez’s technique and creativity that’s shining at the Red Door it is the produce from restaurant owner Trish Watlington’s La Mesa farm. That’s where that persimmon started its life, and that was the source of a terrific salad of roasted pumpkin and beets on a bed of tender MICHAEL A. GARDINER

Roast pumpkin, beets and swiss chard Swiss chard leaves with pumpkin seeds, fresh mozzarella and a balsamic reduction. It feels almost ungrateful to observe that a little more of the balsamic would have been nice. The vegetables themselves were just that glorious.

Just like that persimmon. A little flash of firm orange flesh, peeking out of that hamburger, its texture aping that of a tomato, its sweet flavor pairing so well with the savory beef and somehow managing to make the whole dish better than the sum of its parts. It may have been a bit of produce in the meaty world of a burger but it was unforgettable. And it was exactly what The Red Door Restaurant is all about.

The World Fare appears weekly.

Write to michaelg@sdcitybeat.com.

December 21, 2016 · San Diego CityBeat · 9

UP FRONT | DRINK

FINAL

BY BETH DEMMON

DRAUGHT The Year in Beer

1. After a slight dip, hoppy beers will hold steady, but sessions will continue to gain ground.

2. North County will edge out South Bay with rom Bowie to Brexit, 2016 has pretty much bigger and brighter breweries. (Even if I’m wrong, been a rancid pile of hot garbage. Personally, I seek refuge in our local craft beer scene, but it’s a win-win.)

3. Niche segments like cider, wild ales, sake, alas, even #SDbeer couldn’t escape some drama.

Even with 2015’s displeasing big beer buy- small-batch spirits and even local coffee roasters outs behind us, unconventional growth tactics will play bigger roles in the overall craft beverage like a one-percent ownership stake in Magnetic scene.

4. Technological advances like Pour My Beer Brewing, Stone’s True Craft financing proposal and home delivery services will continue to infiland veteran Lightning Brewery’s “For Sale” sign trate the craft beer experience. have marked 2016 as a turning point in craft 5. The multitude of local beer festivals will conbeer—not to mention a slew of expansions rangtinue to push the “us vs. them” mentality with hying from Green Flash and BETH DEMMON per-local, charity-driven Bottlecraft launching in fests warring against geVirginia Beach, Mother neric big beer-backed celEarth opening in Idaho, a ebrations of inebriation.

White Labs facility near6. More beer in cans! ing completion in Ashe7. If you aren’t already ville, planned Los Angelesinto local craft beer, you area satellites by Modern probably won’t ever be. At Times and Karl Strauss, this point, no supplemenand much more. tal information about the Local talent has also importance of supporting begun seeping outside small businesses or how county borders. Coronado much ownership stakes Brewing Company brewer matter is going to change Wade Hurley departed to your mind. If you don’t Capital Brewing Company care, just go to 10 Barrel in Australia in April and when it opens and keep Monkey Paw/South Park Local drafts always on tap the crowds down at other Brewing Company brewer at Fathom Bait & Tackle legit local brewpubs for Cosimo Sorrentino is leavthe rest of us. ing town for a more virginWhat I’d like to see more of in the next year al craft beer scene. is the continued diversification of output. Let’s What do these ch-ch-ch-ch-changes mean for San Diego’s long-held craft beer dominance? punt the pervasive pale ales and keep the SchwarWell, we’re probably not toppling off our pedestal zbiers, Goses and Dubbels coming. I’m also all for anytime soon, but I’m not expecting 2017 to be a thinning the herds; just because you have enough banner year. New brewery openings have slowed capital to open a brewery within county limits nationwide and even with massive expansion doesn’t mean you should. Finally, my pregnant ass projects in the works, 2016 was marred with lay- loves the recent trend of pairing beer with donuts.

Keep those pairings coming in 2017 and no one offs and a handful of brewery closures.

However, there are plenty of reasons to hope will get hurt. for even better beer after a year from hell. Being Write to bethd@sdcitybeat.com, check her out on the all-seeing, all-knowing beer oracle that I am, I Instagram at @thedelightedbite, or via Twitter at have some predictions on how 2017 will shake out. @iheartcontent.

F

10 · San Diego CityBeat · December 21, 2016

@SDCityBeat

SHORTlist

EVENTS

ART

the

THREE YOU HAVE TO SEE

COORDINATED BY

SETH COMBS

MIDDLETOWN

1

BATTLE STARS

James Brown was often called the “hardest working man in show business,” and while local producer and promoter DJ Artistic would likely shy away from ever being compared to Brown, Artistic has been one of the hardest working artists in the local music scene for over two decades. While the San Diego hip-hop scene is decidedly underthe-radar both nationally and locally, Artistic has never stopped hustling to bring attention to local MCs, DJs and dancers.

And while the legendary music venue, The Casbah (2501 Kettner Blvd.) is well known for hosting indie bands, it’s refreshing to find it the host of Artistic’s new monthly hip-hop night, Battle Bot. Harkening back to the old-school days of battle rapping and break dancing, the night features competitions in dance, DJing, beat making and rapping. For Artistic, the night is particularly special in that it gets him back to his roots.

“This night has a long history,” says Artistic.

“Back in the ‘90s, I did an event at a coffeehouse

DOWNTOWN

2 MOVIE BUFF

As the holiday spirit fades and the existential dread sinks in, listening to a comedian talk about movies is the perfect escape. Doug Benson, the star of Super High Me and Comedy Central’s The Benson Interruption, is hosting a live recording of his podcast, Doug Loves Movies. Benson’s podcast typically features movie reviews and a lot of smack talk with prominent, surprise guest comedians. You’ll have to attend to find out more specifics about the material and guest stars. For $18, you can experience this podcast up close and personal at the American Comedy Company (818 B 6th Ave.) at 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 26. Alternatively, readers can sit at home in their PJs and listen to the podcast a few days later, but either way, Benson will bicker for our entertainment. americancomedyco.com.

COURTESY OF AMERICAN COMEDY CO.

called the Friday Night Breakthrough. The reason I did the event is because I was working with all these artists and we didn’t have a place to share the material in front of an audience… Everybody loves cash prizes, so let’s do a rap battle, a DJ battle and a IVAN S HARRIS dance battle.”

Artistic has hosted similar events at varying venues over the years, but the premise hasn’t changed much. Patrons can watch local talent battle it out or, if they’re so inclined, battle it out themselves for an entry fee of $10 to $20. The crowd and a group of judges ultimately deBattle Bot cide the winners and Artistic says past winners have ultimately gone on to do big things.

“There’s a huge need for this event,” he says. “So many people make music in their home and don’t have an outlet to play it on a soundsystem in front of people and get some feedback.

That’s how people grow as artists.”

The battle begins on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at casbahmusic.com.

GASLAMP QUARTER

3 HOLIDAY BOWL STROLL

As if San Diego didn’t have enough to brag about (e.g., perfect weather, proximity to the border, craft beer haven), we also have the prestige of being home to “America’s Largest Balloon Parade.” The 26th Annual Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade takes place on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 10 a.m and features marching bands, drill teams, specialty units and of course, ridiculously sized character balloons from Mr. Potato Head to Gumby. The parade will advance down Harbor Drive along Downtown’s bayfront as initiation to the Holiday Bowl Game. While grandstand seats for the parade are available for $20, street-side viewing is free. Taking place the night before, Monday, Dec. 26 at 6 p.m., marching bands and spirit squads from the participating universities will gather at Horton Plaza Park (900 Fourth Ave.) to rally the public with holiday classics and crowd-favorite tunes. sandiegobowlgames.com

COURTESY OF SAN DIEGO BOWL GAMES

Let there be Peace on Earth at Ladybug Art Studio, 4685 Biona Drive, Kensington.

An exhibit featuring the diverse artwork and paintings of Ladybug Art gallery owner Susan Mae Hull with an emphasis on the need for peace. Opening from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21. Free.

619-563-0082, ladybugartstudio.com HDeck the Walls: A Custom Skate Deck Art Show at Basic, 410 10th Ave., Downtown. A one-night-only art show featuring custom skate decks. All ages until 9:30 p.m. Opening from 7 p.m. to midnight. Tuesday, Dec. 27. Free. 619-5318869, thumbprintgallerysd.com

BOOKS HKeith Morris at Fall Brewing Company, 4542 30th St., North Park. The iconic L.A. punk-rock frontman (Black Flag, Circle Jerks, OFF!) will be signing and discussing his new memoir, My Damage: The Story of a Punk Rock Survivor, along with co-author Jim Ruland. At 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28. Free. 619-501-0903, fallbrewing.com

COMEDY Carlos Mencia at American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Ave., Downtown. The former host of the popular Comedy Central show Mind of Mencia gets back to his stand-up roots. At 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21 and Thursday, Dec. 22, and 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23. $25.

619-795-3858, americancomedyco.com Free Comedy Night at Thorn Street Brewery at Thorn Street Brewery, 3176 Thorn St., North Park. Sean Grant hosts this monthly show that also includes local talent such as Rob Bronson, Emily Allen, Harry Moroz, and more. From 8 to 9:20 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27. Free. facebook. com/Thornstreetcomedy

DANCE HMoscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker at Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., Downtown. Moscow Ballet’s North American tour featuring an elaborate performance of the timeless classic that includes giant puppets, colorful costumes, a Dove of Peace and a French variation. At 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21. $28-$175.

619-235-0804, nutcracker.com HThe Nutcracker at San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., Downtown. The California Ballet Company’’s production of the holiday classic with the Classics Philharmonics and the San Diego Symphony.

Various times Wednesday, Dec. 21 through Saturday, Dec. 24. Wednesday, Dec. 21. $22.50-$102.50. sandiegotheatres.org

FILM HHo Ho Horrible Imaginings Holiday Party at Digital Gym Cinema, 2921 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, North Park. A haunted holiday film party for those who like to deck the halls with a little more blood and gore. Includes food, prizes, a photo booth and screenings of Christmas horror movies. At 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23. $7.50$11. 619-230-1938, digitalgym.org

FOOD & DRINK HBalboa Park Holiday Food Truck Festival at Plaza de Panama, 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park. The Balboa Park Conservancy hosts this four-day event that features gourmet dishes from San Diego’s most popular food trucks, live music, and activities for families. From 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27 through Friday,

Doug Loves Movies

@SDCityBeat

San Diego Bowl Games

H = CityBeat picks

Dec. 30. Tuesday, Dec. 27. Free. 619239-0512, balboapark.org

HOLIDAY EVENTS Dexcom WinterFest at Qualcomm Stadium, 9449 Friars Road, Mission Valley. This San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl pre-game event will feature a snow hill and a petting zoo, as well as local food trucks, live music, carolers, a sports lounge and more. At 2 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 21. Free with Poinsettia Bowl ticket. sandiegobowlgames.com HFantasy on Ice at NTC at Liberty Station, 2640 Historic Decatur Road, Point Loma. The annual skating rink and park features holiday-related activities and performances, as well as handmade goods and artwork for sale. From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21. $10-$14.

619-573-9300, fantasyonicesd.com HGarden of Lights at San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. The San Diego Botanic Garden will be a winter wonderland with snow, carolers and over 100,000 sparkling lights illuminating the Garden for a unique holiday experience. From 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21 through Friday, Dec. 30. $6-$14. 760-436-3036, sdbgarden.org Made In Paradise Hills: Holiday Fest at Paradise Hills Branch Library, 5922 Rancho Hills Drive, Paradise Hills.

A night of free food, entertainment and tons of giveaways provided by talented entrepreneurs, performers and artists with roots in Paradise Hills. At 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 21. Free. 619-5273461, sandiegolibrary.org O’ What Fun! Feeding the Soul’s Holidaze Celebration at Star Theatre, 402 North Coast Highway, Feeding the Soul Foundation, a local non-profit that creates concerts for causes, returns with for its annual holiday celebration hosted by The Eclectic Bugaloo and performances from Billy Galewood and Isaiah Prayer. At 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21. $45-$125. feedingthesoulfoundation.org Holiday Gift Shop at Brokers Building, 402 Market St., Downtown. Peruse art and handmade holiday gifts at this monthlong, pop-up boutique event. From 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22. Free-$20. facebook.com/thebrokersbuildinggallery Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise at Flagship Cruises & Events, 990 N. Harbor Drive, Downtown. Experience a festive Christmas Eve dinner cruise aboard a luxury yacht. Includes complimentary champagne, dinner, dessert and live holiday music. From 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24. $44.70-$74.50. 800-442-7847, flagshipsd.com Light in the Darkness Candlelight Christmas Eve Service at Normal Heights Methodist Church, 4650 Mansfield St., Normal Heights. The 100-yearold church offers a holiday service with Christmas music. At 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24. Free. nhunited.org LGBTQ-Friendly Christmas Day Mass at First Unitarian Universalist Church, 4190 Front St., Hillcrest. Dignity/San Diego invites all to the LGBTQ-friendly Catholic Mass on Christmas Day for holiday service and the annual Hot Cocoa Social.

From 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 25.

Free. 619-298-9978, dignitysd.org Menorah Lighting at Westfield UTC at Westfield UTC, 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, University City. Join the family friendly Chanukah Celebration in partnership with Chabad of University City. Shoppers can enjoy light bites and entertainment during the menorah lighting. From 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 27. Free. 858-546-8858, westfield.com

EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

December 21, 2016 · San Diego CityBeat · 11

EVENTS EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

MUSIC The Girl Singers at North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. Colleen Raye, Jennifer Grimm and Sophie Grimm perform a setlist of popular Christmas songs of the ‘50s, music of Hanukkah and a Frozen Medley. Various times.

Wednesday, Dec. 21 through Saturday, Dec. 24. $37-$42. 858-481-1055, northcoastrep.org HHoliDAZE Concert at Star Theatre, 402 N Coast Hwy., Oceanside. The Eclectic Bugaloo, MC Flow and more play this festive concert benefiting the Feeding the Soul Foundation’s charitable giving. At 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21. $45-$125. 760-721-9983, owhatfun. eventbrite.com Little Catbird at University Community Library, 4155 Governor Drive, La Jolla.

San Diego’s feel-good family music duo presents an interactive holiday sing-along with ukulele hostess Mrs. Claus, surprise puppets and a visit from Frosty the Snowman. At 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21.

Free. 858-552-1655, A Beatles vs. Stones Christmas Show at Belly Up, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. Beatles tribute band Abbey Road and Stones cover band Jumping Jack Flash perform the top hits of the famous British Invasion bands along with some great holiday tunes. From 8 to 10:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 23. $18-$22. 858-481-8140, bellyup.com A Peter White Christmas at Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., Downtown.

ROBERT WEDEMEYER

Saxophonist Euge Groove and trumpeter Rick Braun join smooth jazz guitarist Peter White to play Christmas favorites like “Frosty the Snowman,” plus their own original holiday songs. At 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23. $38.50-$75. 619-570-1100, sandiegotheatres.org HHoliday Bowl Marching Band Showcase at Horton Plaza Park, 900 Fourth Avenue, Gaslamp. Marching bands and spirit squads from the bowl game’s participating universities will perform and meet for a battle of the bands and pep rally. At 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 26. Free. sandiegobowlgames.com HBattle Bot at The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., Midtown. DJ Artistic hosts a throwback-style hip-hop party that includes competitions in breakdancing, rapping, DJing and beat-making. Attendees can enter to compete in one of the battles or just watch.

At 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27. $10. 619232-HELL, casbahmusic.com Mannheim Steamroller Christmas at San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., Downtown. Known for mixing classical and rock music with timeless holiday music, the group is celebrating over 30 years since the release of their first Christmas record. At 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28. $30-$105. sandiegotheatres.org

PERFORMANCE HHamiltunes At The Lafayette at Finest City Improv, 4250 Louisiana St., North Park. The second installment of the popular L.A. singalong event for those who want to sing-along or just watch music from the popular Broadway musical, Hamilton. From 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 23. Free-$6. 619-306-6047, facebook.com/HamiltunesSD

12 · San Diego CityBeat · December 21, 2016

POETRY & SPOKEN WORD HHenry Rollins at Observatory North Park, 2891 University Avenue, North Park.

The legendary frontman for Black Flag and Rollins Band will give his rather acerbic opinions on everything from politics to dating (see this week’s music feature for an idea). At 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27. $35. 619-239-8836, observatorynp.com

SPECIAL EVENTS HFantasy on Ice at NTC at Liberty Station, 2640 Historic Decatur Road, Point Loma. The annual skating rink and park features holiday-related activities and performances, as well as handmade goods and artwork for sale. From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21. $10$14. 619-573-9300, fantasyonicesd.com Bumble Bee Seafoods 5K Run/Walk at Harbor Drive and Ash Street, Downtown. Athletes will race just before the Big Bay Balloon Parade. There’s also post-race party with live music, and lots of extra munchies including muffins, bagels, juice, fresh fruit and much more. At 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27. $32-$40. sandiegobowlgames.com HPort of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade at Downtown San Diego, North Harbor Drive, Downtown. In conjunction with the Holiday Bowl, “America’s Largest Balloon Parade” is presented annually in the bayside streets of Downtown San Diego. The parade features marching bands, floats, drill teams, and balloons. At 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27.

Free. sandiegobowlgames.com

“Madame Curie” by Jennifer Steinkamp is now on view through Aug. 20 at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (1100 Kettner Blvd.) in Downtown.

SPORTS San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium, 9449 Friars Road, Mission Valley. The University of Wyoming Cowboys will face off against the BYU Cougars in the 12th annual bowl game. At 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21. $20-$80. poinsettiabowl.com National Funding Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium, 9449 Friars Road, Mission Valley. The University of Minnesota Golden Gophers take on the Washington State Cougars at the annual college football

bowl game. At 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27. $15-$265. sandiegobowlgames.com

WORKSHOPS Inspire Works Art Studio: Luminaries at San Diego Museum of Man, 1350 El Prado, Balboa Park. Warm up with a hot chocolate bar and create your own light fixture to celebrate the holiday season in the museum’s new art studio. From 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24. $6$13. 619-239-2001, museumofman.org

@SDCityBeat

THEATER KEN JACQUES

Holiday cheer onstage

I

f readers have family in town for the holiday season and are looking to get them, and possibly yourself, out of the house, think theater. A handful of holidaytheme productions are still running.

Cygnet Theatre’s musical-minded adaptation of Dickens A Christmas Carol wraps up on Saturday night, Christmas Eve, so if readers can’t get enough of Scrooge and his timeless story of reclamation, don’t delay. Cygnet’s is a lush, completely charming production with actors in Victorian costumes (they also sing and tell jokes before the show). It also features often-haunting music by Billy Thompson, puppetry and other inventive stage effects. Tom Stephenson has been Cygnet’s Scrooge for some time now, and he’s made for the part, as is David McBean in multiple roles including Marley’s Ghost and the Ghost of Christmas Present.

A Christmas Carol runs through Dec. 24 at the Old Town Theatre. $42-$62. cygnettheatre.com For the little ones in the group there’s always Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, now in its 19th year at the Old Globe in Balboa Park. J. Bernard Calloway, who made his debut as the big green guy last year, is back as the Grinch. As is always the case with this show, the comically ornery Grinch is the best thing about it. The antics can be too Who-centric at

@SDCityBeat

Houck keeps the tidings glad throughout.

The 1940s Radio Hour runs through Dec. 31 at New Village Arts Theatre in Carlsbad. $45-$48. newvillagearts.org

—David L. Coddon

Theater reviews run weekly.

Write to davidc@sdcitybeat.com.

NOW PLAYING: Miracle on 34th Street: The holiday classic about a department store Santa who claims he’s the real deal. Presented by San Diego Musical Theatre, it runs through Dec. 23 at the Horton Grand Theatre in the Gaslamp. sdmt.org Lamb’s Players Festival of Christmas: The annual musical theater performance features classic songs and is set in an 1860’s inn. It runs through Dec. 24 at the Lamb’s Players Theatre in Coronado. lambsplayers.org

David McBean (left) and Tom Stephenson in A Christmas Carol times, but there’s no other word to describe Dr. Seuss’ story other than “joyous.” The Globe’s perennial theater adaptation is joyously brief, too, a one-act that’s over before the kids start complaining that they’re hungry.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! runs through Dec. 26 at the Old Globe Theatre, Balboa Park. $24 and up. oldglobe.org More adult fare can be enjoyed up in

Carlsbad through Dec. 31, where New Village Arts Theatre reprises its production of Walton Jones’ The 1940s Radio Hour. This is a “live radio broadcast” revolving around a fictional New York station’s cast of talented crooners, with just enough holiday schmaltz behind the singing, dancing and joking. The radio show’s commercials, in particular one for Eskimo Pies, are the highlights of the goings-on.

Musical director and keyboardist Tony

The Mystery of Love and Sex: A “Southern Gothic romantic comedy” about two teens coming to grips with their respective bodies and sexualities. Written

by Bathsheba Doran, it runs through Dec. 24 at the Diversionary Theatre in Hillcrest. diversionary.org A Snow White Christmas: The classic fairytale reimagined with music from Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson and more. Presented by San Diego Theatres and San Diego Repertory Theatre, it runs through Dec. 24 at the Lyceum Stage in the Gaslamp. sdrep.org

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

December 21, 2016 · San Diego CityBeat · 13

14 · San Diego CityBeat · December 21, 2016

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CULTURE | NEW YEAR’S EVE

atrick Ponsaty has been one of San Diego’s greatest chefs for some time. This year he opened his own, eponymous restaurant: Ponsaty’s Fine Dining + Lounge (6106 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe). For this New Year’s, Ponsaty’s is offering two seatings–a fivecourse tasting menu at 5 p.m. featuring smoked wild salmon, foie gras�������������������������� ������������������������� torchon, pan seared scallops, filet mignon and a “decadence au chocolate” dessert. The 7:15 p.m. seating will add three courses: an egg surprise appetizer, butter roasted dover sole and a Roquefort Papillon Noir cheese. The dinners start at $75 per person and there’s a $30 corkage fee. Make reservations at ponsatys.com If the restaurant scene is not what you want for New Year’s but you want a superb and celebratory meal, usher in the New Year with Culinary Hedonism Supper Club. Starting at 9 p.m., the New Year’s gathering is held at a private residence and features Jon Staenberg, owner of Hand of God Wines in Argentina.

Staenberg will pair wine and Champagne from his vineyard with the courses. The New Year’s Brunch begins at 11 a.m. and features Justin Gittelman, founder of the San Diego-based Local Juice Company, and a six-course brunch ($150 plus gratuity) featuring pairings of cold pressed, organic, vegan juices and optional champagne.

To attend either of the dates, RSVP directly to the Chef at peter@culinaryhedonism.com.

Another great option for New Years is Kitchen 1540 at L’Auberge Del Mar. Chef Culinary Hedonism Supper Club

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Nathan Lingle is offering a high end, Californiainspired New Year’s Eve menu ($125 per person, $40 supplemental with wine pairings, plus tax and gratuity) featuring a raw oyster amuse bouche followed by three savory courses and a dessert, all with wine pairings. The first-course options include duck prosciutto with farmer’s market greens, ricotta fritters with pickles and lamb carpaccio. For the second course choose among lobster bisque, pork belly and raviolo with farm egg and truffle. Third course dishes include Baja striped bass, Iberian pork and Wagyu tenderloin. The feature dessert is caffé corretto made with dark chocolate, amaretti, espresso mousse and amaretto ganache. For reservations call 858-793-6460.

New Year’s Day is, ultimately as important as New Year’s Eve and at Banker’s Hill Bar + Restaurant Chef de cuisine Tyler Nollenberger has created a meal built around a dish with ingredients considered “lucky” to bring in the New Year. The lucky dish features ham hock-braised black-eyed peas served with buttermilk chive cornbread, Applewood smoked ham and molasses braised greens. Beans and greens are traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day in some cultures to represent coins and money, respectively, leading to prosperity for the New Year. Recommended pairings for the holiday dish include BANKERS’ Bloody Mary with brunch, and Sloe Ryed cocktail with dinner. You know, hair of the dog. Reserve by calling 619-231-0222 or online at bankershillsd.com.

NEW YEAR’S EVE CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 December 21, 2016 · San Diego CityBeat · 15

JEFF CORRIGAN

Birdy Bardot

n New Year’s Eve, there are blowouts and there are shows that cater to more of an underground audience, but the Psychedelic Masquerade at the Lafayette Hotel (2223 El Cajon Blvd.) finds the middle ground between humble rock show and massive bacchanalia. The event features a ’60s psychedelia theme, as a long list of excellent local bands—including The Midnight Pine, Wild Wild Wets, Birdy Bardot, The Schizophonics and The New Kinetics—deliver a series of appealingly trippy live sets on three stages. Masks and proper attire are requested, so class it up—within the psychedelic theme, of course. The surrealist festivities begin at 8 p.m. and the show is limited to ages 21 and up. Tickets begin at $80 and range up to $225 with packages that include drinks, dinner or both.

Lafayettehotelsd.com The best end-of-year parties are usually those where it’s intimate, you know everybody there and it’s close enough to your home that you can avoid either an expensive cab ride or a gauntlet of inebriated drivers. That’s usually the case for most shows at Soda Bar (3615 El Cajon Blvd.), and a headlining set

16 · San Diego CityBeat · December 21, 2016

from local indie folk favorites The Donkeys is just the warm, familiar kind of New Year’s Eve that’ll feel like having a rock ‘n’ roll show in your living room.

At least that’s kind of what it’s like when I go there.

Your mileage may vary, but a good time is guaranteed. Tickets are $20, and the jangly fun starts at 8:30 p.m. Ages 21 and up. sodabarmusic.com I don’t know about you, but the idea of the first thing I hear at midnight on Jan. 1, 2017 being a classic Johnny Cash song sounds extremely appealing.

After the Great 2016 Dumpster Fire, we could use the wisdom of the Man in Black more than ever.

Cash’d Out has been holding it down in the name of the late great country troubadour for more than a decade, and they’re going to carry us to 2017 at The Casbah (2501 Kettner Blvd.). No doubt it’ll be a riproaring honky-tonk party, but there’s a sense of comfort about hearing San Diego’s premier Cash cover band tear through songs you know all the words to. I hear my train’ a-coming at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.

Ages 21-and-up. Casbahmusic.com

NEW YEAR’S EVE CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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December 21, 2016 · San Diego CityBeat · 17

t Big Night San Diego, there’s no shortage of all the confetti, balloons, noisemakers, glitter and hype that goes into New Year’s Eve. With five dance floors, 10 party areas and 12 DJs, the San Diego Hilton Bayfront (1 Park Blvd.) presents Countdown City, a maze of drinking, eating and dancing.

With a cocktail in hand, wander between a 91X rock stage, an ’80s-themed area, a club dance ballroom, a 93.3 room and a hip-hop zone. Main Event tickets run between $119 and $159 with all-inclusive food and drink. For perks such as premium liquor brands, quicker access to upgraded catering and entry to exclusive stages, there is a VIP ticket option for $189 to $229. Or, go all out with a Velvet Rope Ticket that offers an extra hour of open bar (8 p.m. to 9 p.m.) and private entertainment.

Discounts on rooms at the Hilton are also available to keep drivers off the road. bignightsandiego.com Considering 2016 has been such shit, Infinity NYE knows a double-day farewell is in order. Big names are set to headline both nights with G-Eazy, Illenium and Joyride kicking it off Friday, Dec. 30, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. On New Year’s Eve there’s two extra hours of partying with Dada Life, Dillon Francis and Flux Pavilion performing between 8 p.m. to 3 a.m.

18 · San Diego CityBeat · December 21, 2016

More than 40 DJs will play on four stages throughout the two-day event at Town and Country Event Center (500 Hotel Cir N.). Rooms at the hotel are available as well, offering late checkout because there’s nothing like a New Year’s Eve hangover. In the words of Dada Life: “Get ready to arrive beautiful and leave ugly.”

Tickets range from $43.12 to $169, or check online for bottle service packages. infinitynye.com When a two-day celebration just isn’t enough to shake 2016, LED comes to the rescue with three-day CASEY LORZ event OMFG! NYE. Dubstep and trap-centric artists DJ Snake, Adventure Club and Jauz will party later into the night than any other New Year’s bash. From 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, Friday, Dec. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 31, speaker huggers can dance into the early hours at Big Night San Diego the Valley View Casino Center (3500 Sports Arena Blvd.). As if the main lineup wasn’t already stacked enough, Anna Lunoe, Slander, Bro Safari, G.T.A., Jack Beats and more will also be joining in. In case there are some kiddos in the group who haven’t reached the drinking age, this is one of the rarer NYE events that allows 18-year-olds and over to attend. Single day tickets are sold out but three-day passes are going for $195. omfgnye.com

NEW YEAR’S EVE CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

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December 21, 2016 · San Diego CityBeat · 19

oats and booze aren’t always a good mix, but peared on Inside Amy Schumer and is the co-host of hey, it’s not like we’ll be the ones steering the “The Most Offensive Podcast on Earth.” He plays two thing so why not double fist it? First up, Horn- shows at $30 each and tickets are available at ameriblower Cruises (1800 N Harbor Drive) in Downtown cancomedyco.com. Another option is The Comedy is going with a ’20s theme for its Gatsby New Year’s Palace in Clairemont (8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.), Eve Cruise. The four-hour cruise around San Diego which will be hosting its annual New Year’s Eve Bay includes themed cocktails and music from local show with Erik Knowles and CityBeat fave Zoltan. jazz talents Sue Palmer and the The $100 ticket includes a DJ, a COURTESY OF SAN DIEGO HORNBLOWER Bee’s Knees. A $209 ticket might Champagne toast, an open bar seem steep, but keep in mind that and, for $25 extra, a dinner buffet. includes unlimited Champagne, a thecomedypalace.com reserved table, a four-course dinNew Year’s Eve hasn’t always ner and one of the more romantic been the greatest holiday for craft settings for the requisite midnight beer lovers. After all, it’s usually all kiss. Flappers can board at 8 p.m. about that Champagne and mixed and tix are available at hornblower. drinks. But Stone Brewing’s New com. Flagship Cruises (990 N HarNew Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise Year’s Eve Celebration at its Libbor Drive) has a New Year’s Eve erty Station location (2816 HisDinner Cruise of its own. For $124.50, it includes a toric Decatur Road #116) appears to be some kind three-course dinner, live music and a hosted bar for of beer-lovers paradise, with dozens of varieties of an extra $50. It’s also kid-friendly ($66 for ages 4-12 hoppy creations available. Tickets are $125 and inand free for babies and toddlers), but they, naturally, clude three glasses of beer (additional beers can be must be accompanied by an adult. See flagshipsd. purchased), live music, a cigar lounge and food stacom for full deets, but whatever happens, make sure tions showcasing some of Stone’s signature dishes. to yell “I’m on a boat!” at least once.

It starts at 8 p.m. and tickets can be purchased at For readers who just want to have a nice laugh at stonebrewing.com. There will be even more beers the expense of 2016, local comedy clubs offer a nice to choose from at The Beer Company’s Brew Year’s way to laugh your way out of an otherwise suck-ass Eve. The Gaslamp spot (602 Broadway) will be ofyear. American Comedy Co. (818-B 6th Ave., Down- fering $4 drafts, as well as two-for-$16 premium town) is hosting Big Jay Oakerson, who has ap- drinks all night. Best of all, there’s no cover.

20 · San Diego CityBeat · December 21, 2016

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CULTURE | ART

SEEN LOCAL TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE: 11) CATHERINE CZACKI

O

ne of these days I will sit down and write a multi-part, multi-theory treatise on why San Diego artists don’t get the national recognition they deserve. For one, it’s hard to escape or disprove the predetermined conceptualizations of those who don’t live here. Yes, we know we have a brilliant and thriving arts community here, but it is also one that is often striving against beachgoing clichés or that we’re incapable of producing anything substantial or lasting.

Don’t get it twisted: the outside art world—places like L.A., New York, Miami, San Francisco—they look down on San Diego artists.

Morgan Mandalay has a pretty good grasp on these pre-conceptualized notions. He’s a San Diego native who went to art school in Chicago and returned a few years ago to get his MFA at UC San Diego. A little over a year ago Mandalay started SPF15 (spf15.info), a series of one-dayonly shows that are held at the beach around a white canopy that might otherwise just look like a regular beach setup. Mandalay often relishes in the idea that having these shows in what is arguably San Diego’s

most famous public spaces is not only pragmatic (read: free), but a way to expose locals to art who might not ever go out to an art opening at a gallery.

It’s as if Mandalay decided to embrace the cliché notions of San Diego and use them for a promotional good. He recently held an SPF15 showcase at, naturally, Miami’s Art Basel fair and it went well from all accounts. The first local show since his return was held this past Saturday at Ocean Beach. Held near the cliffs of O.B., the show featured the work of Catherine Czacki, an accomplished conceptual artist who is currently a PhD candidate at UCSD. Czacki showcased material SETH COMBS and object-based works in the sand and on the rocks, as well as textiles draped under the signature white canopy.

The result was bizarrely surreal, with Czacki’s pieces displayed as if they were part of some kind of gypsy marketplace. Bits of trinkets and clothing reassembled by alien hands only to be displayed as something a tourist might buy and display as proof of their worldly and cultural cachet.

11) Catherine Czacki SPF15’s greatest accomplishment when it comes to shows like these is how seemingly natural they appear in these settings. The beach itself never overwhelms the works, but simply compliments it. For onlookers, it’s as if the childlike wonderment of the going to the beach returns. The idea that treasure awaits us, but instead of seashells and sand crabs, it’s an art show that is as magical and as fleeting as the tide itself.

—Seth Combs

2017 PREVIEW

W

hen it comes to New Year’s resolutions, getting out to see more art should not be one that goes by the wayside by the time February rolls around. Here are a few must-see exhibitions that we feel should be added to any art lover’s 2017 calendar.

Oceanside Museum of Art (704 Pier View Way). oma-online.org Second Time Around: The Hubcap as Art Folk art can sometimes come across as, well, folksy, but this exhibition’s emphasis on repurposing materials in an artful and environmentally conscious way was enough to win us over. The California Center for the Arts Escondido (340 N. Escondido Blvd.) teamed up with Pennsylvania-based nonprofit Landfill Art, Inc. for this show, which opens Saturday, April 8 and will showcase dozens of hubcaps that work as canvases for repurposed art. artcenter.org

Sum of the Parts Collage and assemblage-based work doesn’t always get the love and attention it deserves, but this show at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library (1008 Wall St., La Jolla), along with the accompanying Collages from the Athenaeum’s Permanent Collection, looks to change that. Sum of the Parts features the works of CityBeat Memories of faves Daphne Hill, May Ling MarUnderdevelopment tinez and Allison Renshaw, along While it’s down the road, this Musewith a few others. It opens Friday, Feb. “Spider Crab (HPV)” um of Contemporary Art exhibition 17 and will be up through March 25. continues the museum’s recent accentuby Daphne Hill ljathenaeum.org ation on Latin American art. Memories is a collaborative showcase with the Museo Jumex River in Mexico City and focuses on artists from all over We’ve previewed this one a few times this year, Central and South America, more specifically those but after months of waiting local textile artist Mi- affected by their respective country’s regional chelle Montjoy will finally debut the large-scale struggles toward modernization in the ‘60s to the abstract installation piece that is the result of over ‘80s. It opens Sunday, Sept. 17 at MCASD’s downa dozen public workshops where the public was town location (1100 Kettner Blvd.). mcasd.org invited to participate in the creation process. It

—Seth Combs will finally be unveiled Saturday, March 25 at the

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December 21, 2016 · San Diego CityBeat · 21

CULTURE | FILM

Hammer to nail

Fences

Holiday movie season plentiful with blunt prestige pics

by Glenn Heath Jr.

T

is the season for “important” movies, at least than a stiff drink and flirtatious small talk. according to the Hollywood machine desperOften overpowered by Washington’s forceful ately trying to get your attention (not to men- turn, Fences struggles with a bad case of thematic tion the Academy’s attention) at the multiplex. Au- redundancy. We get it, “the world is changing and diences mostly buy into the idea that December film you can’t even see it.” The film also fails to define a releases are higher quality products than say those cinematic rhythm separate from Wilson’s doozy of that come out in March, and who could blame them? a script. Washington’s direction shows little visual For decades studios have deemed awards season the ingenuity and at times feels stilted. Davis’ show stopmost crucial time of year, funneling mountains of ping performance transcends such limitations in the publicity dollars into marketing films about serious few scenes that call for it, letting Rose shed her masubject matter with serious actors that make you triarchal skin to reveal a glorious range of determinafeel serious emotions. tion, spite, resilience and disapMultiple new films fitting pointment underneath. snugly into this category open Fences remains contained to a FENCES locally in the week leading up few sets, but it understands that Directed by Denzel Washington to Christmas Day, giving the life can’t be boxed in. Many of Starring Denzel Washington, viewing public a range of variits most inspired moments come Viola Davis and Jovan Adepo ous options. The most impreswhen characters realize the Rated R sive (at least on paper) is Denzel power of simply walking away, Washington’s long-gestating film refusing to wallow in self-pity adaption of Fences (opening Dec. (i.e. “the walkin’ blues”).

LION 25), August Wilson’s 1983 play Garth Davis’ Lion (opening Directed by Garth Davis about an African-American famDec. 25) presents no such comStarring Sunny Pawar, ily living in Pittsburgh during plexity when telling the true Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman the 1950s. Issues of race, gender, story of Saroo Brierly, a young and power define the character’s Indian boy separated from his Rated PG-13 words, which often overwhelm family after accidentally getting their actions. stuck on a cross-country train.

A MONSTER Towering patriarch Troy Not knowing the name of his CALLS (Washington) walks home from hometown, Saroo is unable to Directed by J.A. Bayona his job as a garbage man with best help authorities locate his parfriend Bono (Stephen Henderents. Adoption agents eventually Starring Lewis MacDougall, son) in the opening scene, putplace him with a family in AusLiam Neeson and Felicity Jones ting on the first of many perfortralia. Twenty years after his disRated PG-13R mances that mask deeper rings appearance, he sets out to locate of resentment and insecurity. A his birth family using a new tool bottle of gin only amplifies Troy’s called Google Maps. grating persona, something his wife Rose (Viola DaBased on the book “A Long Way Home” written by vis) and teenage son Cory (Jovan Adepo) have dealt Brierly himself, the film leans on simplistic cause and with for nearly two decades. effect to create heightened emotional tension. When The hypocrisy of Troy’s sermons (which are young Saroo (Sunny Pawar) finds himself marooned stricken with baseball metaphors) quickly becomes in Calcutta, every adult he encounters has a nefariapparent; he is just as susceptible to weakness and ous hidden agenda. Escaping one local devil merely doubt as any other man despite the bravura chest leads him to another. That is until John and Sue Brithumping. Washington’s film may give this charac- erly (played by Nicole Kidman and David Wenham) ter a platform to rant and rave but very little pity fill the role of saintly white saviors, giving the boy a once his words start falling on deaf ears. Stubborn- stable home and secured future. ness and denial are a dangerous mix, even more so Dev Patel plays college-age Saroo as a brooding

22 · San Diego CityBeat · December 21, 2016

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CULTURE | FILM

lost soul, haunted by an obscured past but too stubborn to share his troubles. Histrionic narrative potholes involving Saroo’s love interest (Rooney Mara, bored as ever) make Lion even chunkier and dishonest. Even worse, the great cinematographer Greig Fraser (Zero Dark Thirty) is wasted thoroughly, his images relegated to bland horizon shots and wideangle poverty porn.

While harboring its own fair share of melodrama, J.A. Bayona’s modest gothic fable A Monster Calls (opening in limited release Dec. 23, and wide release Jan. 6) seems emotionally minimalist by comparison. Mixing live action, watercolor animation and motion capture, the film uses special effects to enhance story and not the other way around.

Connor (Lewis MacDougall) is a kind and empathetic boy, sur-

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tion eventually collides with the real world, illuminating the consequences of denial.

Between the three new releases mention here, Bayona’s film creates the most convincing catharsis for the prolonged experience of familial trauma. At times sluggish and redundant, A Monster Calls nevertheless stays true to the child’s evolving perspective, something you can’t say about Fences or Lion.

A Monster Calls rounded by anger and grief, who lives in the English countryside with his sickly mother (Felicity Jones). Bullied at school, he Film reviews run weekly. comes home every night burst- Write to glennh@sdcitybeat.com. ing at the seams with repressed anger. Connor’s tortured psyche eventually produces a fantastiOPENING cal dream state, one in which A Monster Calls: Connor (Lewis Maca tree Monster (Liam Neeson) Dougall) gets bullied at school only to visits him nightly telling stories come home and has to care for his sickly about deceptively evil princes mother (Felicity Jones). In order to cope and vengeful apothecaries. These with the trauma, he creates a fantastical nightmares-as-parables allude to parallel dream state with a parable-telling tree Monster (Liam Neeson). Opens Fria poignant sense of loss Connor day, Dec. 23, in limited release. can’t fully begin to fathom.

Assassin’s Creed: Sent back in time to A Monster Calls is visually ar- experience the memories of his ancesresting if not always dramatically tors, a prisoner (Michael Fassbender) disso. The natural world provides covers he comes from a family of assasinspiration for the macabre, spe- sins. Based on the popular video game.

Opens Wednesday, Dec. 21. cifically in the look of Neeson’s stoic Yew Tree that transforms Elle: Paul Verhoeven’s brilliant and nasty revenge thriller stars Isabelle Huppert into a formidable creature with as a video game designer who goes to crisscrossing spiny thickets for great lengths to unmask the identity of her skin and veins. Conor’s imagina- masked attacker. Opens Friday Dec. 23,

and screens through Thursday, Dec. 29, at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

Fences: Denzel Washington adapts August Wilson’s famous play about an African American family living in Pittsburgh during the 1950s. Co-starring Viola Davis.

Opens Sunday, Dec. 25.

Lion: This drama tells the true story of Saroo Brierly (Dev Patel), an Indian college raised in Australia who sets out to find his birth family after being separated from them for 20 years. Opens Sunday, Dec. 25.

Notes on Blindness: After losing sight, John Hull knew that if he did not try to understand blindness it would destroy him.

In 1983 he began keeping an audio diary, documenting his extraordinary journey into a world beyond sight. Opens Friday Dec. 23, and screens through Thursday, Dec. 29, at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

Passengers: Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt play passengers on a space vessel who mysteriously wake up 90 years too early while in flight to a distant colony planet. Opens Wednesday, Dec. 21.

Sing: A Koala named Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey) tries to jumpstart interest in his struggling theater by opening auditions for a singing contest with a cash prize. This animated film also features voice performances by Scarlett Johansson and Reese Witherspoon. Opens Wednesday, Dec. 21.

Why Him?: Bryan Cranston plays a disapproving father who goes to war with his daughter’s new boyfriend (James Franco).

See more film listings on sdcitybeat.com

December 21, 2016 • San Diego CityBeat · 23

HEIDI MAY

MUSIC

uscular. Shirtless. Sweaty and screaming. And in the most chaotic moments during his punk years, beating the shit out of hapless members of the audience who somehow thought it’d be a good idea to mess with him. These are just a few of the images conjured by the name Henry Rollins—at least for anyone who grew up listening to his music or saw him playing it.

As the longest tenured singer of pioneering L.A. hardcore punks Black Flag, and later with his own Rollins Band, the iconic frontman reinvented performance intensity on a nightly basis. But, as it goes with the brightest burning stars, his time in music faded somewhat quickly.

Last performing with Rollins Band in 2006, the now 55-year-old actor, writer, radio/TV host and activist has sworn off music and spent the last decade further diversifying his career in a multitude of ways.

One thing that remains from the old days, however, is his penchant for spoken word. Meticulously honed over the last 30 years, Rollins’ “talking shows” combine experiences from his world travels, the politics that have defined much of his work and daily, on-the-fly personal observations.

Equal parts humor-tinged journalism, self-help workshop, and current affairs briefing, Rollins actually sees only slight differences between these performances and his first ones.

“I’m a one-man folk music band now,” he tells CityBeat from his Los Angeles home. “I make vocal music for folks. That’s it. I’m just not interested in collaboration at this point in my life. I’ve done a lot of it.

And it’s not a democracy that interests me.”

He does still take great interest in the democracy of America, and feels confident expounding on it each night, having expe-

rienced everything he talks about on stage first-hand. If he speaks to global climate change, it’s based on his time in Antarctica with a team of scientists. If a bit involving North Korea makes its way into the set, it’s drawn from his trip there.

His travels to nearly 100 countries and all seven continents inform almost every facet of the show, continuing to make good on the tagline from his last big spoken word tour: Knowledge Without Mileage Equals Bullshit.

“That’s my life,” says Rollins. “I put the miles in. And that’s why I know what I know. There’s nothing put on. I’m not winging it. I’m coming with a solid gut punch.”

Fortunately for current fans, he means that figuratively. But it’s that same ferocity with which he used to rail on Reagan and

24 · San Diego CityBeat · December 21, 2016

Thatcher that continues to drive his fight against today’s unfortunately similar problems. While the recent election results are sure to create a never-ending source of material to help build solidarity at his shows, Rollins is aware that things are going to get a whole lot worse before they better.

“This is going to be very rough,” he says.

“It’s going to be rough on poor people, lower middle class people, non-white people, gay people and women people. I spent most of my life on the street. And I can see a grift coming in my sleep. This is a grift.”

Perhaps it comes with the nuances of getting older. Maybe it’s just a result of aggressively and systematically deconstructing information, trying to understand it, and synthesizing it on a nightly basis for audiences all over the world. But Rollins

is anything but dejected by the thought of Trump’s New World Order.

In fact, he’s feeling quite the opposite.

“America is a Philly Flyers game,” he says, referring to the professional hockey team.

“There are teeth and blood on the ice. But I don’t think there’s a more interesting time to be alive and awake in this country. The people you don’t like no longer hide in the shadows.

And if you want to see what the problems are, well, there they are. We’ve now got all the lights on and can get to work.”

Never one to talk it without walking it, Rollins plans to fill 2017 with benefit shows, direct support for specific causes such as Planned Parenthood and the Southern Poverty Law Center, and stepping up his already ridiculously active schedule. He’s even thinking about singlehandedly trying to reach and inspire the 45 percent of eligible voters who didn’t bother with the election in the two years we have before midterms.

He is also holding onto the thought that the deep divisiveness of the country could actually be the catalyst for youth to shake off their rampant apathy and unite in raging against the machine.

“Hopefully,” says Rollins, “these young people that Clint Eastwood deemed a generation of pussies can actually lead. Because, eventually, these old crusty bastards like myself will fall away. And you’ll be left with the residue of everything from Brexit to whatever damage Donald Trump does in the next four years. Maybe this is where the positive outcome happens.”

Regardless, it’s a safe bet that Rollins will be out there doing his part until he’s no longer able. And much like the Nietzschean warrior who craves a good battle, Rollins is ready to mix it up the same way he used to with the fans even if this time around it’s with words and not his fists.

“Whether you voted for this guy or not,” he says, “here we are. And as they say in the octagon, here we go. We’re all going to see. Unless you disappear, or go into denial and live in a thick-walled cave, you’re going to get some on you. We’re all going to get some on us together. Let’s get into it and start thrashing about.”

@SDCityBeat

MUSIC

NOTES FROM THE SMOKING PATIO LOCALS ONLY

M

ike Patton has joined Dead Cross, the hardcore/metal supergroup featuring Justin Pearson of The Locust and Retox, Dave Lombardo of Slayer and Mike Crain of Retox. Patton, also of art-metal groups Faith No More and Mr. Bungle, is taking over for outgoing vocalist Gabe Serbian, who left the group in order to be able to spend more time with his family. In a phone interview with CityBeat, Pearson says that the personnel change has been a while in the making, but Patton was at the top of their list.

“It’s been awhile, actually,” Pearson says. “A year ago we played our first shows. Then Gabe had to

cut out, so we had a couple people in mind that we wanted to work with. I think Dave made the initial call to Patton, but The Locust toured with [Patton and Lombardo’s former group] Fantomas, so he knows everyone in Dead Cross.”

Patton, who’s known for having a wide vocal range and a dramatic singing (and screaming) style, will likely bring an entirely new element to the band. Pearson notes that while the songs haven’t been re-written, what Patton brings to them essentially makes them entirely new songs.

“It’s completely different,” he says. “They’re both amazing in their own way, but they’re completely difMike Patton ferent singers. Being a vocalist, I can see how it will change the songs dramatically.”

Dead Cross are planning to release their debut album on Patton’s Ipecac Records in 2017. To date, there’s no firm date for release, nor are there any scheduled tour dates, but Pearson notes that’ll all fall into place once the record is finished.

“The music was already done, we just gave it to Patton to work on,” he says. “I don’t have the release date yet. It’s been very rushed, but once we have a release date we’ll have a better idea of what’s next.”

—Jeff Terich

A GUIDE TO HOLIDAY SHOWS IN SAN DIEGO

L

et’s get something out of the way: Not everyone loves holiday music. In fact, quite the contrary—a lot of people absolutely can’t stand holiday music. I don’t hate it, myself, but I could definitely go the rest of my life without hearing “Winter Wonderland” ever again. That being said, under the right circumstances, a good holiday show can be a lot of fun, especially if it’s a non-traditional one.

The Casbah has a couple of annual holiday traditions that it’s continuing this year. Legendary Latino Elvis impersonator and iconic showman El Vez is bringing his El Vez Merry Mexmas back to San Diego on Friday, Dec. 23. Just one night later, on Christmas Eve, The Casbah will hold its long-running “Exile on Kettner Blvd.” show, in which local musicians cover The Rolling Stones. It’s not exactly the Christmas canon, but it’s still a hell of a holiday party.

For something a little more traditional, you’ll have to wait until Wednesday, Dec. 28, when Mannheim Steamroller performs his electric-light-orchestral holiday canon at the Balboa Theatre. But if you can’t wait that long, smoothest of smooth jazz guitar play-

@SDCityBeat

ers Peter White will bring some gently airbrushed flair to some old favorites. Did I mention it’ll be smooth?

At the Belly Up, Brawley’s Country Christmas, headlined by Nancarrow, will put some twang into the Yuletide songbook on Wednesday, Dec. 21. And on Friday, Dec. 23, Abbey Road and Jumping Jack Flash will add a bit more holiday mirth to the Beatles vs. Stones cover band battle.

After his performance at Observatory North Park on Friday, Dec. 23, Gucci Mane appears at Fluxx for “Gucci Christmas.” I’m not exactly sure what a Gucci Christmas sounds like—perhaps he’ll perform “First Day Out the North Pole” for example—but I’m genuinely Gucci Mane curious. I’ll say that much.

On Friday, Dec. 23, The Hideout is hosting a benefit show for victims and families of The Ghost Ship fire in Oakland. It’s unlikely to have much in the way of actual holiday music, but with a lineup featuring Vákoum, Quali, Die Mißbildungen Des Menschen and Tenshun, along with the spirit of giving, it sounds like a Christmas-Eve Eve well spent.

—Jeff Terich December 21, 2016 · San Diego CityBeat · 25

MUSIC

JEFF TERICH

IF I WERE U A music insider’s weekly agenda WEDNESDAY, DEC. 21

PLAN A: Manual Scan, Los Fantasmas @ The Casbah. If there are any bands in San Diego that have been around as long as Manual Scan, there sure aren’t many of them. Formed in 1981, the group has gone through a lot of different members, but they’re still playing charged-up mod garage rock, with a special show just in time for the holidays.

THURSDAY, DEC. 22

PLAN A: Thee Commons, La Diabla, Air Nandez @ Blonde. Thee Commons are a self-described “psychedelic cumbia punk” band, and that’s a pretty phenomenal combination of sounds. And accurate, for that matter. The L.A. group uses cumbia rhythms as a foundation for trippy garage rock tunes, and it pretty much rules. PLAN B: Fishbone, The Aggrolites @ Belly Up Tavern. Fishbone has a diverse catalog that’s found them covering a broad spectrum of styles, from their early ska tracks

like “Party at Ground Zero” to their more experimental funk metal records in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Granted, it’s been a while since they’ve released anything new, but their discography goes deep. BACKUP PLAN: Ziggy Shuffledust and the Spiders from Mars, Ariel Levine @ The Casbah.

FRIDAY, DEC. 23

PLAN A: Hideout, The Gloomies, Body Song, John the Baptist @ Soda Bar. Hideout, which comprises members that live in both San Diego and New York, don’t play that many shows because of their decentralized personnel. They’re releasing a new album soon so you’re likely to hear some new stuff. Get there early to catch new band Body Song, featuring ex-members of Cuckoo Chaos. PLAN B: El Vez Merry Mexmas, The Bassics, Pony Death Ride @ The Casbah. El Vez’s annual Christmas show is a holiday tradition in San Diego.

He’s recorded more than his share of holiday classics (with his own witty spin) and

26 · San Diego CityBeat · December 21, 2016

he’s brought along good company: new mods The Bassics and comedy-music duo Pony Death Ride.

SATURDAY, DEC. 24

PLAN A: Sweater Beats, Different Sleep @ Bang Bang. Here’s the deal: It’s Christmas Eve. I’m of a mind to just tell you to lay low and enjoy the holiday weekend. But if you absolutely can’t stop yourself from going out, soak in Sweater Beats’ R&B-tinged electro and knock back some spiked egg nog. Don’t forget the Christmas sweater.

SUNDAY, DEC. 25

PLAN A: Roast Beast, Mulled Wine, Mirth, Merriment @ Your House.

You’re not going out on Christmas. Most of the clubs are closed, and you’re better off spending some time with the family, gnawing on a plump Christmas goose and exchanging gifts. And maybe taking a nice, long nap.

MONDAY, DEC. 26

PLAN A: George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic @ Observatory North Park. It might not technically be a funky Christmas, but a day late isn’t so bad. After spending time with the fam, bring your ass down to groove to the legendary funk pi-

George Clinton oneer and his spaceship full of jams. PLAN B: Amigo, Stokka, Monolith @ The Casbah. Or perhaps you prefer big, heavy and psychedelic guitars, in which case the cosmic thunder of Amigo should satiate your thirst for otherworldly stoner rock nicely.

TUESDAY, DEC. 27

PLAN A: Henry Rollins @ Observatory North Park. Read Scott McDonald’s feature this month on the former vocalist for Black Flag and Rollins Band, as well as the host of a weekly radio show on KCRW. He’s doing spoken word performances these days, but anyone who’s listened to his archival readings, like Get In the Van, knows that his spoken material is just as entertaining as his singing and screaming.

@SDCityBeat

MUSIC

CONCERTS HOT! NEW! FRESH!

Tropical Popsicle (Casbah, 1/19), Silver Snakes (Brick by Brick, 1/21), Camila (HOB, 2/1), Henry Kapono (BUT, 2/6), Crocodiles (Hideout, 2/17), Immolation (Brick by Brick, 3/5), Mykki Blanco, Cakes da Killa (Soda Bar, 3/7), Lady Lamb (Soda Bar, 3/9), Whitechapel (HOB, 3/9), Bash & Pop (Casbah, 3/9), Big Thief (Soda Bar, 3/10), Darkest Hour (Brick by Brick, 3/11), G. Love and Special Sauce (BUT, 3/11-12), Neil Hamburger (Casbah, 3/11), Electric Six (Casbah, 3/30), Dead Man Winter (Soda Bar, 3/30), Agent Orange (Soda Bar, 4/1), Subhumans (Observatory, 4/11), Tiger Army (Observatory, 4/14), Oddissee (Music Box, 5/5), NKOTB, Paula Abdul, Boyz II Men (Viejas Arena, 6/1).

GET YER TICKETS OFF! (Casbah, 12/28), Donovon Frankenreiter (BUT, 12/28-29), Kaytranada (Observatory, 12/29), Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven (Music Box, 12/29), The Donkeys (Soda Bar, 12/31), The White Buffalo (BUT, 1/1), The Devil Makes Three (Observatory, 1/4-5), Warren G (Music Box, 1/6), Pepe Aguilar (Civic Theatre, 1/6), Beat Farmers Hootenanny (BUT, 1/7), MxPx (Observatory, 1/13), Ozomatli (Music Box, 1/13), Sublime With Rome (HOB, 1/13-14), Tig Notaro (Observatory, 1/14), Marching Church (The Hideout, 1/20), Pepper, Less Than Jake (Observatory, 1/25), Rick Astley (HOB, 1/26), Lemuria (Hideout, 1/26), Lydia Loveless (Soda Bar, 1/27), Cold War Kids (Observatory, 1/27), Devendra Banhart (Observatory, 1/28), Ali Wong (Balboa Theatre, 1/28), Blind Boys of Alabama (BUT, 1/29), Mike Doughty (BUT, 2/1), Lilys (Soda Bar, 2/6), Alcest (Brick by Brick, 2/8), Austra, The Range

(Casbah, 2/8), Juicy J (HOB, 2/8), D.R.A.M. (Music Box, 2/9), You Blew It! (Che Cafe, 2/9), David Duchovny (Music Box, 2/12), ‘Welcome to Night Vale’ (Observatory, 2/13), Billy Crystal (Copley Symphony Hall, 2/16), Reel Big Fish, Anti Flag (HOB, 2/17), Slim Cessna’s Auto Club (Soda Bar, 2/17), ‘You Are Going to Hate This Fest’ w/ The Frights, The Garden, Antwon (SOMA, 2/18), Adam Ant (Observatory, 2/18), Circa Survive (HOB, 2/21-2/22), Priests (Che Café, 2/22), Tennis (The Irenic, 2/22), Pinback (BUT, 2/23), Vince Staples (Observatory, 2/24), Moon Duo (Casbah, 2/25), Steve Poltz (BUT, 2/24-25), Pinback (Irenic, 2/25), Stevie Nicks (Viejas Arena, 3/2), Senses Fail (Observatory, 3/3), Isaiah Rashad (Observatory, 3/5), Bon Jovi (Viejas Arena, 3/5), Shiner (Casbah, 3/5), Red Hot Chili Peppers (Valley View Casino Center, 3/5), Sinkane (Soda Bar, 3/5), Six Organs of Admittance (Soda Bar, 3/8), Japandroids (Music Box, 3/11), Menzingers (Irenic, 3/12), Julieta Venegas (HOB, 3/17), James Chance and the Contortions (Hideout, 3/18), Common (Observatory, 3/24), Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (Casbah, 3/25), Why? (Irenic, 3/30), Nashville Pussy (Brick by Brick, 3/31), The Old 97s (BUT, 3/31), Passenger (HOB, 4/2), Tiffany (BUT, 4/3), The Damned (HOB, 4/7), Green Day (Valley View Casino Center, 4/8), Aaron Neville Duo (BUT, 4/9), Reverend Horton Heat (BUT, 4/20), The Wedding Present (Casbah, 4/30), Lionel Richie (Viejas Arena, 5/8), Testament (HOB, 5/16), Robin Trower (HOB, 5/19), Rodriguez (Humphreys, 5/23), Brian Wilson (Civic Theatre, 5/24), The Primitives (Hideout, 6/6), Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (Civic Theatre, 6/26), Coldplay (Qualcomm Stadium, 10/8).

DECEMBER WEDNESDAY, DEC. 21 Brawley at Belly Up Tavern. Chugboat at Soda Bar. Manual Scan at The Casbah.

THURSDAY, DEC. 22 Barb Wire Dolls at Soda Bar. Fishbone, The Aggrolites at Belly Up Tavern. Ziggy Shuffledust and the Spiders From Mars at The Casbah.

FRIDAY, DEC. 23 Hideout at Soda Bar. Gucci Mane at Observatory North Park. El Vez Merry Mexmas at The Casbah.

SATURDAY, DEC. 24 ‘Exile on Kettner Blvd.’ at The Casbah.

MONDAY, DEC. 26 Amigo at The Casbah. George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic at Observatory North Park.

TUESDAY, DEC. 27 Henry Rollins at Observatory North Park. Grim Slippers at Soda Bar.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 28 Citizen Cope at Observatory North Park.

Mannheim Steamroller at Civic Theatre. Donovon Frankenreiter at Belly Up Tavern. OFF! at The Casbah. Dreams Made Flesh at Soda Bar.

THURSDAY, DEC. 29 Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven at Music Box. Kaytranada at Observatory North Park. Donovon Frankenreiter at Belly Up Tavern. The Downs Family at Soda Bar. Tribal Theory at House of Blues. Melvins, Redd Kross at The Casbah.

FRIDAY, DEC. 30 Jim Brickman at Balboa Theatre. Brian Setzer’s Rockabilly Riot at Belly Up Tavern (sold out). Big Sandy and His Flyrite Boys at The Casbah. Cherry Glazerr at The Irenic. Mrs. Magician at Soda Bar. Tribal Theory at House of Blues.

CLUBS CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

SPOTLIGHT On Dasher! On Dancer! On Comet! On… totally blitzed!—which is what you should be on this evening.

Like all good stoner inventions, Mannheim Streamroller became famous by forcing two completely disparate things together and having it come out okay (don’t dis ice-cream nachos until you’ve tried them). In Mannheim Steamroller’s case, they mixed traditional holiday tunes with prog-rock. It’s quite possibly the nerdiest thing in existence, but it could also be the best night of your life, depending on the sticky-icky-ness of your Christmas haul. Manheim Steamroller plays Wednesday, December 28 at San Diego Civic Theatre.

—Ryan Bradford

@SDCityBeat

December 21, 2016 · San Diego CityBeat · 27

MUSIC CLUBS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 SATURDAY, DEC. 31 Cash’d Out at The Casbah. The Donkeys at Soda Bar. Rebelution at Observatory North Park. Brian Setzer Orchestra at Belly Up Tavern (sold out). Justin Martin at Music Box.

JANUARY SUNDAY, JAN. 1 The White Buffalo at Belly Up Tavern.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 4 Kathryn Cloward at Belly Up Tavern.

Caught a Ghost at Soda Bar. The Devil Makes Three at Observatory North Park.

Behind the Wagon at The Casbah.

THURSDAY, JAN. 5 The Devil Makes Three at Observatory North Park. The Number 12 Looks Like You at Soda Bar. Buck-O-Nine, Voodoo Glow Skulls at The Casbah.

FRIDAY, JAN. 6 Pepe Aguilar at Civic Theatre. TV Girl at Soda Bar. Warren G at Music Box. Damage Inc. at House of Blues.

SATURDAY, JAN. 7 Beat Farmers Hootenanny at Belly Up Tavern. 6ONE9 at House of Blues. Grizzly Business at Soda Bar. Fu Manchu at The Casbah.

SUNDAY, JAN. 8 Hannah Yuen at Soda Bar. Bowiephonics at The Casbah.

28 · San Diego CityBeat · December 21, 2016

TUESDAY, JAN. 10 Dawes at Belly Up Tavern (sold out).

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 11

THURSDAY, JAN. 19 Daniela Andrade at The Irenic. Zakk Sabbath at Brick by Brick. Tropical Popsicle at The Casbah.

Kane Brown at House of Blues.

THURSDAY, JAN. 12 J Boog at Observatory North Park. The Schizophonics at Belly Up Tavern. Protoje at Music Box.

FRIDAY, JAN. 13 MxPx at Observatory North Park. Ozomatli at Music Box. Sublime With Rome at House of Blues. The Little Richards, Alice Bag Band at The Casbah. Le Chateau at Soda Bar.

SATURDAY, JAN. 14 Sublime With Rome at House of Blues.

Tommy Castro and the Painkillers at Belly Up Tavern. Midge Ure Band at The Casbah. Tig Notaro at Observatory North Park.

SUNDAY, JAN. 15 Lucinda Williams at Belly Up Tavern (sold out). Born Rivals at Soda Bar.

MONDAY, JAN. 16 Entombed A.D. at Brick by Brick. Lucinda Williams at Belly Up Tavern.

TUESDAY, JAN. 17 DNCE at House of Blues. David Lindley at Belly Up Tavern.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 18 Consider the Source at The Casbah.

FRIDAY, JAN. 20 Marching Church at The Hideout.

Erotic City at Music Box. Homesafe at Che Café.

SATURDAY, JAN. 21 Chevelle at House of Blues (sold out).

Cold War Kids at Observatory North Park. Mattson 2 at The Casbah. Fabulous Thunderbirds at Poway OnStage.

The Generators at Soda Bar. Silver Snakes at Brick by Brick.

SUNDAY, JAN. 22 The Toasters at The Casbah. Robby Krieger of The Doors at Music Box. Raffi at Balboa Theatre.

MONDAY, JAN. 23 Jeff Bridges and the Abiders at Belly Up Tavern. Jesse Malin at The Casbah.

TUESDAY, JAN. 24 Timothy Schmit at Belly Up Tavern.

Leah Dou at Soda Bar.

rCLUBSr

710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave, San Diego. Pacific Beach. Fri: Jahkobeats, Maka Roots, I-Ways. Tue: Van Goat.

Air Conditioned Lounge, 4673 30th St., San Diego. Normal Heights. Wed: DJs Zach, Simon. Thu: ‘Libertine’ w/ DJs Jon Wesley, 1979.

American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Ave., San Diego. Downtown. Wed: Carlos Mencia. Thu: Frankie Quinones, Carlos Mencia. Fri: Frankie Quinones, Carlos Mencia.

The Bancroft, 9143 Campo Road, Spring Valley. Thu: Los Homeless.

Bang Bang, 526 Market St., San Diego.

Downtown. Thu: Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs. Fri: Andre Power. Sat: Sweater Beats.

Bar Pink, 3829 30th St., San Diego.

North Park. Wed: Temple party. Fri: ‘80s vs. 90s’. Mon: ‘Rat Sabbath’. Tue: DJ Marshall Islands.

Basic, 410 10th Ave., San Diego. Downtown. Tue: Deck the Walls: a Custom Skate Deck Art Show.

Beaumont’s, 5665 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla. Thu: Kova.

Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. Wed: ‘Country Christmas’ w/ Brawley, Nancarrow, Hot Rod Lincoln.

Thu: Fishbone, The Aggrolites, Splitfinger. Fri: ‘Beatles vs. Stones Christmas Show’. Tue: Kut U Up, McRad, Los Beautiful Beast.

Blonde, 1808 W. Washington Street, San Diego. Wed: ‘Dance Klassique’ w/ Focus DJs, Missy B. Thu: Thee Commons, La Diabla, Air Nandez. Sat: ‘Midnight Indie Dance Party’. Mon: Kings of Leon live tribute. Tue: ‘Through Being Cool’.

Boar Cross’n, 390 Grand Ave., Carlsbad. Thu: JB and the Movers. Fri: ‘Club Musae’.

@SDCityBeat

MUSIC Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave., San Diego. Bay Park. Thu: September Mourning, Killing The Messenger, The World Over, Albert the Cannibal, Sea of Trees.

Fri: A Hero Within, Sangre, Big Goat, Amaya Lights.

Cafe Sevilla, 353 Fifth Ave., San Diego.

Downtown. Sat: Flamenco Dinner Show, Christmas at Cafe Sevilla. Sun: Christmas at Cafe Sevilla, Buena Vista Sundays.

The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., San Diego. Midtown. Wed: Manual Scan, Los Fantasmas, Shifty Eyed Dogs. Thu: Ziggy Shuffledust and the Spiders from Mars, Ariel Levine. Fri: El Vez Merry Mexmas, The Bassics, Pony Death Ride. Sat: ‘Exile on Kettner Blvd’. Mon: Amigo, Stokka, Monolith.

The Che Café, 1000 Scholars Drive, UCSD, La Jolla. Fri: Lamuerte, Struckout, The Residence, Higuera. Tue: Drug Control, Soul Power.

Chico Club, 7366 El Cajon Blvd., La Mesa. Wed: DJ Harvest Karaoke. Thu: DJ Harvest Karaoke. Fri: DJ Harvest Karaoke.

Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive, San Diego. Mission Bay. Fri: Christopher Hollyday Quartet.

F6ix, 526 F St., Downtown., San Diego.

Downtown. Fri: DJ Beatnick. Sat: DJ Dynamiq.

The Field, 544 5th Ave., San Diego.

Downtown. Wed: Fiore. Thu: Star Bandits. Fri: Midnight Ride. Mon: Blue Jean Simmons. Tue: Skyler Lutes.

Fluxx, 500 Fourth Ave., San Diego.

Downtown. Fri: ‘Gucci Christmas’ w/ Gucci Mane.

The Hideout, 3519 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. City Heights. Fri: Vákoum, Quali,

@SDCityBeat

Die Mißbildungen Des Menschen, Tenshun, Jos EFX.

Music Box, 1337 India St., San Diego.

Little Italy. Thu: A Berkley Hart Christmas.

John the Baptist. Tue: Grim Slippers, Surly Bonds, Noble War.

The Holding Company, 5046 Newport Ave., San Diego. Ocean Beach. Wed: Blue Jean Simmons. Thu: LAW Band, Bodegas, DJ Green T. Fri: DJ Green T. Mon: Kerry-Oke. Tue: DJ Green T.

Nate’s Garden Grill, 3120 Euclid Ave., San Diego. City Heights. Thu: Robin Henkel.

SOMA, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego. Midway. Fri: From Chaos And Heaven, Everything Undone, Heartbreak Heroes, Halo Circus, Aure.

House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., San Diego. Downtown. Thu: Live band karaoke.

Fri: Gypsy Heartbreakers.

Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego. Point Loma. Wed: Jerome Dawson. Thu: Wildside. Sat: Reggie Smith. Sun: Jason Brown. Mon: Mercedes Moore. Tue: Missy Andersen.

Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner Blvd., San Diego. Midtown. Thu: Psilo. Fri: ‘Good Vibes Holiday Party’.

Lestat’s West, 3343 Adams Ave., San Diego. Normal Heights. Wed: The Special Guests, Andrew Barrack, Samer Bakri. Thu: Jon A, Stephanie Love. Fri: Dat Phan.

McP’s Pub, 1107 Orange Ave., Coronado. Wed: Jackson and Friends. Thu: Ron’s Trio. Fri: Mystique. Sat: Jackson and Friends.

The Merrow, 1271 University Ave., San Diego. Hillcrest. Thu: Wet, The New Addiction, Purple Kief. Fri: Strange Crew, Nimrod, Nurvana. Tue: Jesse Hofstee, Nate Hess, Rip Carson, Flakes.

Mother’s Saloon, 2228 Bacon Street, San Diego. Wed: Karaoke.

Mr. Peabody’s, 136 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas. Thu: Steelhorse Country. Fri: Alexus Jones Jam Band, Stage Fright.

Sat: Tommy’s Holiday Jam. Sun: Tony Ortega jazz jam.

Numbers, 3811 Park Blvd., San Diego.

Hillcrest. Fri: ‘Uncut’. Sat: ‘Club Sabbat’.

The Office, 3936 30th St., San Diego.

North Park. Wed: Brand New live tribute. Sat: ‘Strictly Business’ w/ DJs Gabe Vega, Kanye Asada. Tue: ‘Trapped’.

Panama 66, 1450 El PradoBalboa Park.

Wed: Gilbert Castellanos. Fri: The Lexicons.

Parq, 615 Broadway, San Diego. Fri: Kyle Flesch.

Proud Mary’s, 5550 Kearny Mesa Road, San Diego. Kearny Mesa. Wed: Janet Hammer. Thu: Tomcat Courtney. Fri: Minors in Major Keys.

The Rail, 3796 Fifth Ave., San Diego. Hillcrest. Sat: ‘Sabado en Fuego’ w/ DJs XP, KA, K-Swift. Mon: ‘Manic Monday’ w/ DJ Junior the Disco Punk.

Rich’s, 1051 University Ave., San Diego.

Hillcrest. Wed: DJ Kiki. Thu: DJ Kinky Loops. Fri: DJs Dirty Kurty, Will Z. Sat: DJs K-Swift, Taj. Riviera Supper Club, 7777 University Ave., La Mesa. Wed: ‘Boss Jazz’ w/ Jason Hanna. Thu: Alvino and the Dwells.

Fri: Chickenbone Slim.

Rosie O’Grady’s, 3402 Adams Ave., San Diego. Normal Heights. Fri: Stan and EZ. Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. City Heights. Wed: Chugboat, Finnegan Blue, Kid Haney. Thu: Barb Wire Dolls, Pleasure Fix, Hocus. Fri: Hideout, The Gloomies, Body Song,

Sycamore Den, 3391 Adams Ave., San Diego. Normal Heights. Thu: ‘A Very Crooked Christmas’.

Til-Two Club, 4746 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. City Heights. Fri: Shocks of Mighty, Mochilero All Stars.

The Tin Roof, 401 G Street, San Diego.

Gaslamp. Wed: Kenny and Deez. Thu: Chad Lada Duo. Fri: Allegra Duchaine.

Sat: Dianna Ferrer. Tue: Chad Lada Duo. Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St., San Diego.

Linda Vista. Thu: Rockin’ Aces. Fri: Rosie Flores and the Mentals.

Tower Bar, 4757 University Ave., San Diego. City Heights. Fri: Burning Hammer, Endless/Nameless, Polish, Mr. Nobody.

Ux31, 3112 University Ave., San Diego.

North Park. Wed: DJ Mo Lyon. Fri: DJ XP. Sat: DJ Junior the Disco Punk. Tue: ‘Electricity’.

Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern St, San Diego.

South Park. Fri: ‘Death by Dancing’ w/ DJ Jon Blaj. Sat: ‘Booty Bassment’ w/ DJs Dimitri, Rob. Winstons, 1921 Bacon St., San Diego.

Ocean Beach. Wed: Valley of the Kings, DJ Carlos Culture . Thu: Tyler Grant and Kellen Asebroek Holiday Homecoming Party w/ John Mailande, The B-Side Players. Fri: The B-Side Players. Sat: Jose Sinatra. Mon: Electric Waste Band.

Tue: The Gorgeous Boyscouts, Seeking Alpha, Jame Neubauer.

December 21, 2016 · San Diego CityBeat · 29

LAST WORDS | ADVICE

AMY ALKON

ADVICE

GODDESS Rump For Joy I am a curvy girl with a big butt. I hate it. I have a small waist, and it makes my butt look even bigger. I don’t care that the Kardashians have made big butts cool. I’d like to lose weight in that area. However, my boyfriend loves my butt and told me there’s research that says girls with bigger butts are smarter and healthier. Is that true? That can’t be true.

—Tushy Galore Welcome to the science-inspired catcall: “Woooo, girl…you look like a nuclear physicist in them hot pants!”

Yes, there seems to be a cognitive edge in being a woman with a big caboose—provided you have a low “waist-to-hip ratio.” That’s professor-speak for women who have small waists relative to their hips—an “hourglass figure” like yours, as opposed to a body that’s more No. 2 pencil-esque or beerguttylicious.

Epidemiologist William Lassek and anthropologist Steven Gaulin find that being voluptuous in the way you are is associated

with both being a bit smarter and having smarter children. To understand why starts with understanding “parent-offspring conflict,” evolutionary biologist Robert Trivers’ term for how it’s in each child’s genetic interest to suck as much in the way of resources out of their parent as they can.

This battle for resources starts early, which is to say a fetus is a little hog. It hoovers up its share of nutrients and then may go after some of its mother’s share, too—not so much that it kills her but maybe, “Hey, Ma, enjoy the gestational diabetes!”

Lassek and Gaulin note that this competition for resources is especially rough on teen mommies, whose own brains are still developing. Both the teen mother-to-be and her child are prone to having their cognitive development “impaired”—irreversibly diminished from what it could be—when she’s forced to compete for a limited supply of nutrients with the fast-growing fetusmonster.

However, Lassek and Gaulin find that women with bodies like yours seem to be cushioned—or, you could say, “seat-cush-

30 · San Diego CityBeat · December 21, 2016

ioned”—against this cognitive impairment, apparently because the butt and hip area serves as a supplemental food storage locker for the developing fetus. There’s a special kind of fat that gets deposited in this area— gluteofemoral fat.

This booty fat is different from and healthier than belly fat. It’s loaded with omega-3 fatty acids—especially DHA, docosahexaenoic acid—which we can only get from things we ingest, such as seafood, walnuts, cooked spinach, and krill oil supplements. DHA is essential for day-to-day cognitive functioning in all people. And, Gaulin emphasized to me, it’s “the most important brain building resource” for little fetus people. He and Lassek controlled for things like parents’ income and education and the number of dollars spent per student and found mothers’ higher DHA to be the strongest predictor of kids scoring significantly higher on tests in math, reading, and science.

You’re packing more DHA than a woman who carries her fat Santa-style, but any woman can increase her DHA through diet, especially by eating fish. As for your desire to shave off some of Mount Buttmore, bad news: Gluteofemoral fat is extremely resistant to weight loss (as that basically would amount to throwing away some of your brain’s lunch).

But to lose weight overall—while feeding your brain and protecting it from cognitive decline—consider this from Lassek and Gaulin’s book, “Why Women Need Fat”: “The single dietary factor most strongly re-

lated to women’s weight gain was the amount of omega-6 linoleic acid in their diet.”

A major source of omega-6 is factory Frankenstein oils—polyunsaturated, heatprocessed seed oils such as soybean, sunflower, corn and canola. (Extra-virgin olive oil is healthy—an omega-3 source.) And, surprise! Eating fish cooked in these omega-6-packed Franken-oils makes us “unlikely to retain the valuable omega-3 present in the fish.”

Getting back to your back end, it seems you owe it an apology. Maybe you were swayed in what you find attractive by the cadaverishly thin women that male designers send out to faint on the catwalk. Consider that you may be confusing body weight and booty shape in how self-conscious you feel about your behind-quarters.

Now, whether men prefer heavier or slimmer women varies by culture. However, the late evolutionary psychologist Devendra Singh found that men across cultures overwhelmingly are hotter for the smarter-babyproducing hourglass bod that you have— though without any conscious understanding of why this preference evolved. (No, their penises didn’t put on their reading glasses and pore over Gaulin and Lassek’s research.)

Instead of longing for a body type that men don’t find as sexy, maybe resolve to start appreciating what you have—including your own special version of the trickiest no-win question a woman can ask a man: “Baby, does our future Einstein look fat in these pants?”

#SDCityBeat

#SDCityBeat

December 21, 2016 · San Diego CityBeat · 31