San Diego CityBeat • Oct 16, 2019

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FEATURES best of san diego 2019

24

Volume 18 • Issue 5

EDITOR Christina Fuoco-Karasinski ART DIRECTOR Tonya Mildenberg COLUMNISTS Jackie Bryant Edwin Decker

Beabadoobee FOOD & DRINK

56

MUSIC

PRESIDENT Steve Strickbine

54

VICE PRESIDENT Michael Hiatt

the spotlight

Voices ___________________8 Wort Mentioning ___________12 Calendar of Events _________15 World Fare _______________10 Top 15 ___________________14 The Floating Library _________16

ARTS & CULTURE

IN THE BACK

22 FILM

18

theatre

64

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

CannaBitch

Theater _______________________________ 18 Film _________________________________ 22

ON THE COVER:

PRODUCTION MANAGER Tristan Whitehouse

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jason Noble

Wort Mentioning

10

EDITORIAL INTERN Mary Pat Abruzzo

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Steven Persitza

12 THE WORLD FARE

CONTRIBUTORS Karen Barnett David L. Coddon Connor Dziawura Samantha Fuoco Michael A. Gardiner Sara Harmatz Glenn Heath Eric Newman Taylor O’Connor Jim Ruland Kayla Rutledge Octavio Serrano Madeleine Williamson

Cover Story ___________________________ 24 Concerts & Clubs __________ 59 The Spotlight __________________________ 54 CannaBitch _______________ 64

Veronica Thurman, Designer

San Diego CityBeat is published and distributed every Wednesday by Times Media Group, 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 2019.

Twitter: @SDCityBeat | Instagram: @sdcitybeat | sdcitybeat.com

6 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · OCTOBER 16, 2019

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OCTOBER 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 7

UPFRONT | OPINION

The last Sordid Tales

By Edwin Decker

Y

up, it’s true, this will be the last Sordid Tales. The next time you see my byline in these pages there will be a different header above it.

Not to worry though. I won’t bore you with a tedious farewell. There will be no reminiscing over how much ST has meant to me these last 25 years (it’s meant a lot!). I won’t send nauseating platitudes of gratefulness to those who read it (thank you), those who responded to it (thank you too!) and even those who savaged it (et tu mother?). And I’m certainly not going to rattle off a list of shout-outs to those who published and/or edited it (shout out to Kevin Hellman, David Comden, David Rolland, Kelly Davis, Seth Combs, Andrew Altschul, Troy Johnson and the rest). Suffice to say, it was great; y’all were great; and now it’s time for a change.

So what, you may be wondering, will it be going forward? Well, an advice column of course. It just feels like the right fit. Over the nearly 30 years I spent bartending in various San Diego chug-a-lug huts, I had advised literally thousands of the desperado and dipsomaniacs who sought counsel from the bottom of a bottle of rotgut scotch. Some of them even listened.

So I’m gonna run with that concept.

Given that this will be the first time I’ll be counseling people professionally, I Googled “How to write an advice column” and was surprised by the multitude of advice about advice. Unfortunately, most of it was twaddle. For instance, a pair of HubPages.com authors named Drbj and Sherry assert that aspiring advice writers should not use “words like stupid, idiot, moron, dope, dummy…or cretin.”

Well, where’s the joy in that? If a reader asks me what to do about her serially unfaithful boyfriend, I’m not supposed to respond with, “Kick the cretin to the curb”?

I shouldn’t tell the letter writer she’d, “be a dope if she didn’t?” Oh please. That’s the most stupid, idiotic, dopey and moronic advice I have ever heard made worse because it’s coming from the writers of an advice column about writing advice columns.

Daniel Bidikov of The Phoenix wrote, “First, you should set a conversational mood…This entails putting things like ‘hello’ and ‘thank you for your very interesting question’ at the beginning of your column.”

Oh hell no. The day I write, “Thank you for your very interesting question”—an unforgivable waste of seven words—is the day you can ignore me and get your life advice from a psychic hotline.

“Step carefully and gracefully through social issues,” Bidikov continued. “You have been given the immense power of public broadcast and you must use it with responsibility.”

Step carefully? Gracefully? Careful stepping is what one does when hiking on

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horse trails. But writing? Well any scribe worth a half-a-damn will step with wild abandon and colossal awkwardness as I intend to do.

Which reminds me: Being that I have no counseling credentials to speak of, I’m probably going to need a disclaimer of sorts. I’m thinking something like, “Edwin Decker is not a licensed therapist or psychologist. His only qualification—other than he thinks he knows everything—is the 25-plus years he spent listening to the liver-aching of desperados and dipsomaniacs. Heed his advice at your peril.”

As for a column title, I have some ideas.

Perhaps you, dear readers, can help choose one. For instance, what do you think of, “Straight Up with a Twist”? I kinda like it because of the bar jargon and that it indicates sarcasm, which is the “twist.” Also in consideration is, “What’s Your Poison?”

Again, for the bar reference, and that advice is like medicine, which is a synonym for alcohol, which is also a poison.

There’s also “Jigger Logic,” “Advice from the Speed Rack,” “Wino Wisdom,” “At Your Service,” and “To Serve Mankind” (referring to the classic “Twilight Zone” episode). Shoot me an email saying which one(s) you like best. Better yet, pitch some new ones. If I end up using yours, I’ll treat you to a steak dinner.

Lastly, for those who will miss the old Sordid Tales essay style of column writing, fret not. I’ll still be busting them out occasionally. If I don’t receive a “very interesting question” and/or if there is something topical I want to address, I’ll write about it in that old Sordidian style. It’ll be the best of both worlds as far as I’m concerned.

So here we are. I will admit I’m a bit nervous about all this. Actually, I’m scared out of my mind! But screw it! If I’m doing it, I’m doing it all the way. So, let’s get it started! Send your questions to ed@sdcitybeat.com. It can be on any subject, but I’m particularly versed in questions related to hospitality, drinking and bar culture.

I also have a handle on issues regarding family, friends, dating and work. I am fluent in bumper sticker quotes and motivational poster-speak. I can help with emotion management, devising revenge plans, golden ratios, devil’s advocacy, check splitting and blame-diverting. I can assist with difficulties of procrastination, confirmation bias, lycanthropy, Dunning-Kruger blind spots and pornography addiction. I am great at settling arguments including, but not limited to, boxers versus briefs, East Coast versus West Coast rap and pineapple versus no pineapple pizza debates.

And I can provide counsel for unresolved paradoxes, stubborn confirmation biases, any of the various behavioral complexes—including god, martyr, inferiority and apartment—and of course can help devise a comprehensive carbuncle management plan. So open up those emotional spigots, tipplers and drop me a line. @SDCITYBEAT

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OCTOBER 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 9

UPFRONT | FOOD & DRINK

A Chinese Megalopolis at A-Bowl New Convoy spot features the foods found in Shanghai

By Michael A. Gardiner

I

t’s pretty easy to think if you go to a Sichuan restaurant, you’ll get Sichuan food. And it might seem reasonable to expect if you go to a place that says “Shanghainese Cuisine” [sic] on the menu cover, it will indeed be the traditional dishes of Shanghai that arrive at the table. But as A-Bowl (4690 Convoy Street, Suite 111) in the Convoy District shows, the food of a megalopolis like Shanghai defies such easy definition.

In the strictest sense, Shanghai cuisine is limited to the Benbang cuisine that originated in Shanghai. But successive waves of immigration—both from inside and outside China—yielded different rings of Shanghai cuisine ranging from the most insular to the most worldly. Even where foreign or other regional influences are obvious, the

dishes tend to be interpreted through the lens of Shanghai’s traditionally sweeter and mellower palates.

Perhaps the standout dish at A-Bowl is the thin pancakes with minced cumin lamb. The pancakes are the type used in American-Chinese style mu shu pork.

But instead of being filled with a vaguely Chinese pork dish, these pancakes are filled with a classic cumin lamb dish from Xinjiang province in China’s far west. The flavors, in many ways, reflect the tastes of the province’s Muslim neighbors more than those of its Chinese rulers.

While Shanghai’s traditional palate does not tend toward the spicy, one of my favorite dishes at A-Bowl was the spicy sesame pork wontons. Many regions in China feature pork dumplings but the spicy sesame sauce of this dish bore Sichuan’s fingerprints. Indeed, Sichuan cuisine is, perhaps, the most popular of all regional cuisines throughout China.

Slightly spicy, rich and savory as well as funto-eat, it is not difficult to see why.

Two of Shanghai’s most The thin pancakes with minced cumin lamb at A-Bowl is a famous dishes Shanghai take on a Western Chinese dish.

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are dim sum-like pork buns.

The steamed version (xiao long bao, a.k.a. “soup dumplings”) are excellent. The little magic act of putting “soup” inside a dumpling (accomplished by thickening the broth at room temperature with gelatin or agar agar only to have it melt inside the dumpling as its cooked) comes off perfectly.

The buns are well-formed, juicy inside and thoroughly enjoyable.

The “grilled” (actually, panfried) version, sheng jian bao, fell only slightly short of that mark. On one trip they were nearly perfect: beautifully caramelized on the bottom without being burnt with a succulent, luscious filling. On another trip, though, the filling was a bit dry.

One of the better dishes at A-Bowl is the “house special lao mein.” It is, essentially, a version of the classic Northern Chinese zhájiàngmiàn, a dish with versions in many Chinese regions and one that morphed into the equally iconic Korean jajangmyeon. A-Bowl’s take uses egg noodles and employs minced dry tofu, garlic, ginger and onion in the sauce along with the traditional minced beef and classic garnishes of julienned cucumber and blanched bean sprouts. It is a complete meal in and of itself. And a delicious one.

A-Bowl’s menu is extensive—with well over 100 items, nearly 200 including beverages—and few of the

The house special lao mein at A-Bowl is a Shanghai take on a multiregional Chinese classic. (Photos by Michael A. Gardiner)

dishes aren’t at least good. What A-Bowl does best is show the remarkable range of the food of Shanghai and how the megalopolis manages to integrate its many, varied influences.

Shanghai grilled pork buns at A-Bowl are perfectly pan-fried versions of the familiar Shanghai signature pork buns.

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OCTOBER 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 11

UPFRONT | FOOD & DRINK

WORT MENTIONING

God Save the Scene Toronado is fighting to pour on

By Karen Barnett

T

o shine a spotlight on more than the liquid being poured in San Diego or the people making it, I’m selfishly delighted to add to my rotation a peek at the wonderful world of beer bars.

From an age much earlier than I physically should have been in, I’ve been enamored with bars. Maybe it’s the small talk and sociability. Or, maybe I just watched too many episodes of “Cheers.” I don’t know.

What I do know is North Park’s 30th Street became so well known for world-class beer in the past decade that in July

2013 a bar and restaurant called Craft Brews on 30th Street opened in the San Diego International Airport. What caused all the buzz? Arguably, it happened in 2008 when Ian Black opened Toronado San Diego.

The addition of his taphouse only a couple miles from Hamilton’s Tavern (only two years Toro’s senior) and one block south of Ritual Tavern (later Ritual Kitchen, 2007-2017) on the same street had beer fans renting buses and shuttles for bar crawling up and down the roadway.

The original Toronado in San Francisco is known for its amazing beer selection, punk rock

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vibes and notorious impatience.

In fact, Thrillist actually wrote an article about how to not anger the bartenders there—advice I wish I’d known before a 2008 visit when I got kicked out for singing like a Jim Henson Muppet upon entry. But that’s not the point. There’s charm and history, and it’s businesses like both Toronados whose dedication to only pouring the best suds have put some breweries on the map.

A former employee of the SF location, Black pays homage with his own version of the Lower Haight barroom. Where his “new” bar may have initially lacked in ambience, opening

with sterile white walls and a limited food menu, the tap list is what anybody for miles cared about—56 taps of the best local, international and gratifyingly rare beer. Eleven years later, walls are littered with stickers, bathrooms tagged with astute advice on love, and a new menu of tasty grilled sandwiches, Toronado still has an amazing taplist.

Cellarmaker Brewing (San Francisco), seldom seen in SoCal, is often on tap alongside rare kegs from Russian River, J. Wakefield, Revision and a few Easter eggs that seem to roll down the hill from brewmaster Shawn McIlhenney at the origi-

nal Alpine Beer Co. It’s relationships like this that keep businesses like Black’s special. A taplist you won’t find in your local brewery’s tasting room, corner dive or for sale at Costco. One curated for a true aficionado.

It doesn’t matter what color your collar is here. Or your skin.

Or, thankfully for me, your language. It’s a true neighborhood beer bar amid the growing pains of a community that battles the inner hipster struggle for selfies at the hottest new businesses while touting lifetime loyalty for others. Take some advice: Sleep on places like this and you just might lose them.

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OCTOBER 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 13

TOP15 OUR PICKS FOR COOL THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK

By Taylor O’Connor

1 The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park TO NOVEMBER 2

Halloween is upon us, my friends, and with that marks the return of Haunted Trails of Balboa Park. Bring your friends and prepare to be shaking as fear and excitement pump through your body in this trail throughout Balbao Park.

Balboa Park, Marston Point and along Balboa Drive, near Juniper Street, hauntedtrail.net, 7 to 10:30 p.m., tickets start at $24.99.

2 The Beach Boys OCTOBER 16 AND OCTOBER 17

The Beach Boys are back to surf in the USA. Even though the weather may be getting colder, The Beach Boys will make us feel like it’s the summer of 1970. Everyone will be sipping their tropical drinks and feeling like they are dancing in the sand with all their friends.

Humphreys Concerts By The Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Point Loma, humphreysconcerts.com, 7:30 p.m., tickets start at $85.

6 Chris Brown OCTOBER 18

Starting his career in church choirs in his hometown of Tappahannock, Virginia, Chris Brown has long been recognized for his soulful voice and natural talent. In 2004, Brown signed with Jive Records and released his self-titled debut album the following year. He has since become a 2000s icon with songs like “Kiss Kiss,” “No Air” (featuring Jordin Sparks) and “Forever.”

He has now sold over 140 million records worldwide and his latest album “Indigo” launched him on this tour.

Viejas Arena, San Diego State University, 5500 Canyon Crest Drive, San Diego, viejasarena.com, 6:30 p.m., tickets start at $63.50.

7 Borrego Days Desert Festival OCTOBER 18 TO OCTOBER 20

Celebrate the 54th annual Borrego Days Desert Festival, a homegrown and volunteer-based event. This year’s theme is “Bloom in Borrego” to honor last spring’s wildflower bloom.

From 6:30 to 9 a.m. Friday, the Rotary Club is hosting a pancake breakfast at Coldwell Banker.

Christmas Circle Park, 700 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, borregodays.com, times vary, free admission, charge for kids’ bouncy attractions.

8 Tyler, The Creator OCTOBER 19

Born as Tyler Okonma, Tyler, The Creator is a hip-hop artist who has pushed the boundaries since 2010. His alternative style and angry raps connected with millions of fans. In 2017, Tyler released “Flower Boy,” which was nominated for Best Rap Album for the 60th annual Grammy Awards. In 2019, Okonma released “Igor” and collected his first No. 1 album on the Billboard charts.

Pechanga Arena San Diego, 3500 Sports Arena Boulevard, OCTOBER 17 Point Loma, pechangaarenasd.com, 7 p.m., prices start at Nashville-based alternative rock band Judah & The Lion $50. comes to San Diego on its Pep Talks Worldwide Tour. With its twang of folk, rhythm of hip hop, strings of rock ‘n’ roll and catchiness of pop, this group is known as one of Nashville’s most genre-bending bands. Judah & The Lion formed at Belmont University in Tennessee when the musicians—who hail from all over the United States—brought their influences to Music City. The group’s latest album is “Pep Talks.”

OCTOBER 19 Observatory North Park, 2891 University Avenue, North The 25th annual Eastlake Cycle is a family-friendly event Park, observatorynp.com, 8 p.m., $30-$100. during which parents and locals can see what K-12 school programs are doing to prepare for the future. There will be opportunities to learn about technology-based career paths as well as to hear from local experts in technology fields. Handon opportunities allow guests to check out STEM or STEAM activities. Participants also have the option to bike or run in the 5K to support technology and innovation programs in EastLake OCTOBER 17 schools. All participants will get a free shirt and a medal.

Every girl now in their 20s has dreamed for this day to arrive. Eastlake Middle School, 900 Duncan Ranch Road, Chula In the 2000s, the Jonas Brothers were the heartthrobs of many Vista, eefkids.org/event/cycle/, 6:30 a.m. to noon, $10-$50.

12-year-old girls. Rooms were decorated with posters of them and CD players blasted “Burnin’ Up” and “SOS.” In 2010, the band stopped producing music, and each brother went their own way. Nine years later, they surprised us all by releasing “Sucker,” thus announcing their reunion. They are on tour for “Happiness Begins.”

Pechanga Arena San Diego, 3500 Sports Arena Boulevard, OCTOBER 20 Point Loma, pechangaarenasd.com, 7:30 p.m., prices start Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Waxie at $33. presents Making Strides of San Diego. These walks unite communities nationwide, to save lives and celebrate breast cancer survivors. This 2.5-mile walk has a new route: through Balboa Park, on Highway 163, exit Quince Avenue and loop OCTOBER 17 TO OCTOBER 20 back around to Sixth Avenue and Laurel Street. Participants The Without Walls Festival showcases all forms of art and and guests can purchase T-shirts, hats and tote bags for $5 to creativity—but with a twist. WOW’s point is to prove art thrives $35. This year, there will be food trucks; 20% of profits will be without walls. The family-friendly festival features more than 20 donated to Making Strides. exhibits from art to dance to plays.

Balboa Park, corner of Sixth Avenue and Laurel Street, Arts District Liberty Station, 2825 Dewey Road, La Jolla, San Diego, acsevents.org, 6:30 a.m. check in, 8 a.m. to 1 lajollaplayhouse.org, various times, free to $35. p.m. walk, check website for details.

3 Judah & The Lion

9 Eastlake Cycle and 5K Run and Technology and Innovation Fair

4 Jonas Brothers w/ Bebe Rexha and Jordan McGraw

10 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

5 Without Walls Festival

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11 Boots in the Park OCTOBER 20

Slip on cowboy boots, plaid shirts and blue jeans because it’s time to get country at this year’s Boots in the Park country music festival. Headliners include Cole Swindell, Dylan Scott, Devin Dawson, Cassadee Pope and Leaving Austin. This festival includes barbecue, full bars and line dancing. Talk about yeehaw! Guests can bring in small chairs, but no outside food or beverages. This event is strictly 21 and older.

Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway, Downtown, eventbrite.com, noon to 9 p.m., tickets start at $59.57.

12 San Diego Triathlon Challenge OCTOBER 20

What started as three friends trying to help an athlete paralyzed in triathlon has grown into a movement supporting and empowering those dealing with physical challenges.

Nationwide now, the nonprofit Challenged Athletes helps these athletes through community, mentoring and raising awareness. Participants can choose from triathlon, stationary cycling marathon, 5K Fitness Walk, Philadelphia Insurance Kids’ Run, Kaiser Permanente Thrive Yoga By the Sea or virtual participation. All funds go toward the mission of Challenged Athletes.

Location varies by event, challengedathletes.org, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., see website for details.

13 ’80 Night with DJ Junior OCTOBER 21

Get transported back in time with DJ Junior as he and special guests celebrate the ’80s. This 21-and-older event is perfect for neon, side ponytails and bright blue eyeshadow that better be popping. Fellas better have their hair slicked back, their jeans high waisted, and leather jackets on. DJ Junior will be playing some funky music, so you better find someone who loves you and dance with them all night.

The Merrow, 1271 University Avenue, Hillcrest, themerrow. com, 9 p.m., free admission.

14 The Kooks OCTOBER 22

This English indie band has an upbeat and loving rhythm that can make anyone dance. The band formed in 2004, had a few bumps in the road with band members leaving for personal and medical reasons and reunited 2009 with “Junk of the Heart.” Their influences come from the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and Bob Dylan. Their 2018 album “Kids” has more of a rock touch to it, creating a high-energy but warm and loving feel.

Observatory North Park, 2891 University Avenue, North Park, observatorynp.com, 8 p.m., tickets start at $25.

15 Curbside Bites Food Truck Markets OCTOBER 23

There’s something about approaching a food truck, ordering a quesadilla with avocado and watching them grill up the tortilla.

They sprinkle the extra cheese on there, just like you asked, the steam rises, and the sweet aroma bursts from the food truck. When the little bell rings, prepare for that first bite. With Curbside bites, this is all possible. The mission is to bring 250 individually owned gourmet food trucks to service locations throughout Southern California. Come on down and explore what each little truck has to offer.

B Street between India and Columbia streets, Columbia, curbsidebites.com, times and prices depend on trucks, check website for details.

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ART The Starting Line at Distinction Gallery and Artist Studios, 317 E. Grand Avenue, Escondido. Meet artist Gabe Leonard, watch as he demonstrates his painting technique live in the gallery and browse through his works.

From 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, October 19. Free.

760-781-5779, distinctionart.com The Playhouse’s Without Walls (WOW) at White Box Live Arts, 2590 Truxtun Rd., San Diego. Watch any of the 20 productions at Arts District Liberty Station, performed by local, national and international artists. Times vary.

Thursday, October 17, to Sunday, October 21. $0 - $35. 858-550-1010, lajollaplayhouse.org Art After Hours at The San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado, San Diego. Peruse the museum’s 20 galleries and exhibitions, and enjoy live music playing in the May S. Marcy Sculpture Court. From 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, October 18. Members, youth 17 & under, and college students with ID get in free. $5 general admission. 619-232-7931, sdmart.org

BOOKS Book Publishing 1-2-3 with Laurie Gibson at San Diego Writers, Ink, 2730 Historic Decatur Rd. Learn about the book business and the quirks of self-publishing. This class also includes resources to help connect writers with publishers and literary agents, as well as ways to improve your writing and tips for promoting your book. At 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 22. $30 - $36. 619-594-1515, kpbs.org

COMEDY Grant Cotter at Comedy Palace, 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Enjoy some laughs with Grant Cotter, star of MTV’s Jerks With Cameras, who has performed alongside Bill Burr, Amy Schumer and Sarah Silverman.

Cotter is working on a TV show based on one of his standups. At 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Friday,

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October 18, and Saturday, October 19. $20 $25. 858-573-9067. thecomedypalace.com The Dinner Detective Interactive Murder Mystery Show at DoubleTree Hilton San Diego, 1515 Hotel Circle. Take control and tackle a challenging crime while enjoying a fourcourse meal at the Dinner Detective Show.

Keep a look out for the murderer or you may find yourself as the prime suspect. This dinner event is rated PG-13 and is geared toward adult content. Children ages 15 years old or older are allowed in with adult supervision. At 6 p.m.

Saturday October 19. $59.95. 866-496-0535. thedinnerdetective.com

FILM The Hola Mexico Film Festival Tour at Digital Gym Cinema, 2921 El Cajon Boulevard, North Park. The celebrated Mexican film festival will feature nine of Mexico’s recent hits and soon to-be art-house classics. Times vary. Friday, October 16, to Thursday, October 17. $7.50$70. 619-200-0206, digitalgym.org San Diego International Film Festival at various locations. More than 200 filmmakers with gather to showcase fresh voices from around the world through film screenings, Q&As, parties and more. Times vary. Continues Tuesday, October 16, to Sunday, October 20. $16-$599. 619-818-2221, sdfilmfest.com

FOOD & DRINK Buzzed Bee: A Drunken Spelling Bee at High Street Kitchen & Tap. Compete in four rounds of spelling shenanigans, including spelling words backwards and in Pig Latin in the final round. First place wins bar swag, $3 craft beers for a month, and your picture on the wall. From 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Friday, October 18. $12. 858430-6815. sipz.com/highstreet.

Reader Brunch & Booze at Liberty Station NTC Park, 2455 Cushing Rd. Listen to live music and play lawn games during this brunchtastic

event. There will be more than 20 vendors, and elections for the best Bloody Mary and the best classic brunch bite. From noon to 3 p.m.

Saturday, October 19. $45. 619-235-3000. readerbrunchandbooze.com Societe Beer & Chocolate Pairing at Societe Brewing Company, 8262 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.

Enjoy beer paired with chocolate from Andrea’s Chocolates. The pairings are Passion Fruit Truffle & The Pupil San Diego IPA, Caramelized Peanut Clusters & The Debutante Belgian Amber Ale, The Mocha Jewel Truffle & The Pugilist Dry Irish Stout, Snack Attack Chocolate Bar & The Volcanist American Stout, and Dark Chocolate Crack & The Butcher Imperial Stout.

From 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, October 19. $20.

858-598-5409. societebrewing.com Margarita Crawl at various locations in San Diego. Create memories and collect swag as you enjoy discounted drinks at multiple venues.

Only ticket holders get to enjoy the benefits of the crawl, and wristbands will be checked at each venue. From 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, October 19. $20.99. eventbrite.com

MUSIC The San Diego Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Newbreak, 4694 Cape May Ave. at 7 p.m. This year’s Hall of Fame recognizes six musicians who’ve represented San Diego both locally and internationally. Blues singer Candye Kane, saxophonist Charles McPherson, bluegrass icon Walt Richards, trumpeter Bill Caballero, blues musician Robin Henkel, and Eve Selis will be inducted into the San Diego Music Hall of Fame. From 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, October 18. $25 - $50. sdmusichalloffame.com

EVENTS Hendricks, Shirley Horn, Nancy Wilson and more. At 8 p.m. Saturday, October 19. $24 $77. sandiegosymphony.org

and Los Angeles) communities. at 8 p.m.

Thursday, October 17. $15. 619-284-6784. whistlestopbar.com

“Aida” at San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave. There will be a pre-opera lecture at 6:40 p.m., and a post-opera talk-back where audience members will be able to ask the stars and cast questions about what happens onstage and backstage. At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, October 19. $45 - $240. sdopera.org

Boots in the Park at Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway. Dance the night away with Cole Swindell, Dylan Scott, Devin Dawson, and more. The day and night party include line dancing, food and drink, and full bars. Event strictly 21 and older. At noon Sunday, October 20. $49 - $499. bootsinthepark.com

POETRY & SPOKEN WORD

TALKS & DISCUSSIONS

Poe Fest at Adobe Chapel, 3950 Conde Street, Old Town. Staged performances of works

by Edgar Allan Poe and other authors of the phantasmic will be featured in a six-night celebration of the spooky author. Times vary.

Friday, October 11, to Saturday, October 26. $20-$80. 619-297-8953, writeoutloudsd.com

Studio Art Card Swap at The Studio Door, 3867 Fourth Avenue, Hillcrest. Fred Marinello will lead a presentation on the history of the international movement followed by local artists showcasing their ATC portfolios as part of the Artist Almanac Series. From 6 to 9 p.m.

Wednesday, October 16. $5. 619-255-2867, thestudiodoor.com

Poetry & Art at San Diego Art Institute, 1439 El Prado. This event features six authors and has an open mic karaoke. It will also include beverages and snacks, as well as time to mingle. At 7 p.m. October 18. $6. 619-9573264. poetryandartsd.com Urban Poetry at Irving Gill & Bankers Hill, 3525 Seventh Ave. This 90-minute tour starts on the northwest corner of Albatross Street an West Walnut Avenue and proceeds along Bankers Hill. Many prominent architects designed homes here. At 10:30 a.m. Sunday, October 20. $15. 619-297-9327. sohosandiego.org

PERFORMANCE

SPECIAL EVENTS

Kurt Elling Sings: A Century of Heroes at Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St. Listen to Kurt Elling perform from the “Great American Songbook,” as well as hits made famous

by Louis Armstrong, Nat “King” Cole, Jon

Screens with Screams Film Festival at Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern St. Dive into the worlds of horror, thriller and paranormal activity. There will be showings of independent films from the Southern California (San Diego, Tijuana

The Design of Horton Plaza at Gaslamp Museum at the David-Horton House, 410 Island Ave., Downtown. Lecture on the history of Horton Plaza and an inside look on how the distinctive design ideas helped make Horton Plaza a celebrated destination. From 7 to 8 p.m.

Wednesday, October 16. Free-$5. 619-2334692, gaslampfoundation.org

WORKSHOPS Layers 101 - A Photoshop Workshop at George’s Camera, 7475 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Practice skills or discover a new skill with Photoshop during this workshop. This fourhour hands-on workshop includes learning skills and utilize the function “layers.” Some artistic compositing also will be covered. At 1 p.m. Saturday, October 19. $99. 858-6331510. georgescamera.com

OCTOBER 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 15

The Floating Library

A Trip to Hell Clive Barker’s hell-raising vision still slaps

By Jim Ruland

W

atching horror movies throughout the month of October to get ready for Halloween has become something of an annual tradition. This year I went to the source material for a cult classic of horror: Clive Barker’s “Hellraiser.”

Released in 1987, Clive Barker’s “Hellraiser” is significant for a number of reasons. The film marked Barker’s directorial debut and it launched the Hellraiser franchise and an astonishing nine sequels. Pretty impressive for a film with a working title “Sadomasochists from Beyond the Grave.”

“Hellraiser” is based on the novella “The Hellbound Heart” and sticks close to the source material. There’s a reason for that: Barker wrote it.

Originally published in 1986 the horror anthology Night Visions 3, which was edited by none other than George R.R. Martin, “The Hellbound Heart” tells the story of a mysterious puzzle box that unleashes unspeakable horror upon those unlucky enough to figure out how to open it.

The novella opens with a long prologue.

Frank Cotton is a pleasure seeker who travels

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the world looking for new experiences. When he finds what he wants, he takes it—even if the object of his desire du jour happens to be engaged to his brother.

So when Frank learns of an object called Lemarchand’s box, which serves as a portal for experts in “the higher reaches of pleasure,” he decides he must have it. But when he opens the box, he gets more than what he bargained for.

Instead of beautiful women, a quartet of hideous creatures called Cenobites—“theologians of the Order of the Gash”—step out of the walls of Frank’s house. “Why was he so distressed to set eyes on them? Was it the scars that covered every inch of their bodies, the flesh cosmetically punctured and sliced and infibulated?”

Frank is torn to pieces and sealed behind the walls, but a bit of dried DNA allows him to cross over. When his brother and his new wife Julia move into the house, she senses her old lover’s presence and embarks on a hellish enterprise to get him back.

Fans of the movie will enjoy learning more about the Cenobites and note some subtle differences from the movie. But “The Hellbound Heart” is not a novelization in reverse but an exceptionally well-written and genuinely terrifying tale about the perils of excess.

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OCTOBER 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 17

ARTS | CULTURE

THEATER

Getting Revenge

‘Bad Hombres/Good Wives’ is a guaranteed good time

By David L. Coddon

T

he narco telenovelas so popular in Mexico and Latin American countries are the chief inspiration for Herbert Siguenza’s wild and crazy comedy “Bad Hombres/Good Wives,” a world premiere at the San Diego Repertory Theatre that is a guaranteed good time.

A certain amount of abject silliness is expected from a spoof of this kind, and “Bad Hombres” delivers, but what makes it work is that no sight gag is belabored, no joke is run into the ground, and no one scene is allowed to drag. This joyously subversive spoof directed by Sam Woodhouse, the Rep’s artistic director, is paced just right.

Siguenza, playwright in resi-

deceased rival in dence at the Rep the drug trade. and a co-founder of the Latino But these comcomedy troupe plications are Culture Clash, implying drama has drawn that is never takfrom not only en seriously. Any over-t he-top tangible conflict narco telenoveis defused by the las but Moliere’s presence of Don “School for Ernesto’s maidWives,” creatservant Armida ing a romp that (Siguenza, hihas an ardent lariously in drag), feminist mesby the widow of sage amid all the Roxane Carrasco, center, stars in “Bad Hombres/Good Wives” at the San his dead rival, clowning. an eye-patched Diego Rep. (Photo by Jim Carmody) The story set banda superservient wife. This gesture of in the early ’90s in star named Lucha the state of Sinaloa, Mexico, muscle and machismo is soon Grande (Roxane Carrasco) and finds chauvinistic drug-cartel compromised by the girl’s en- by a harried priest with fetishkingpin Don Ernesto (John counter at a train station with a es (Ricardo Salinas, a Culture Padilla) recruiting a young girl handsome stranger (Jose Balis- Clash cohort of Siguenza’s). raised in a convent (Yvette An- trieri), who turns out to be the Love and women’s rights congulo) to be his submissive, sub- son of Don Ernesto’s recently quer all in the end.

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Whether it’s the raucous singalongs and dancing to the onstage music performed by Adrian Kuicho Rodriguez or the sheer zaniness of Siguenza, Salinas, Carrasco and the rest of the entertaining company, “Bad Hombres/Good Wives” is an undeniably fun theater experience. Among the many hysterical scenes is one in which Armida (Siguenza) instructs the bride-to-be Eva (Angulo) on the art of seducing a man. Memory burn is all but ensured.

“Bad Hombres/ Good Wives”

runs through Sunday, October 27, in the Lyceum Theatre in Horton Plaza, downtown. $25-$72; sdrep.org.

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OCTOBER 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 19

ARTS | CULTURE

Follow the Leader

Chris D’Elia brings his comedic stylings to the Spreckels Theatre

By Eric Newman

Chris D’Elia is best known for his standup comedy and starring role on the NBC comedy series “Undateable.” (Photo

C

omedian Chris D’Elia is everywhere.

His specials are on Netflix. He brought his popular Eminem imitation to the Detroit rapper’s video with Logic for the song “Homicide.” D’Elia expounds on his Congratulations podcast.

He’s also set to perform at the Spreckels Theatre on October 18 and October 19.

His other projects—Netflix’s “You” and ABC’s “The Good Doctor” and the film “Army of the Dead”—have bolstered his success, but comedy still comes first.

“I’m a comedian, but I have to remain relevant and be part of the culture,” D’Elia said.

“There are people who all of a sudden know who I am because of the video and now people

courtesy Chris D’Elia)

who didn’t know me are seeing my face on things. I’m trying to attack pop culture at different angles to get myself out there.”

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San Diego is a stop on D’Elia’s “Follow the Leader” tour that is allowing him to perfect his act before he films his next comedy special in about a month, It’s not to say his current act, which focuses on his family and upbringing, is stale. He loves getting the material out in public and wiping the slate clean so he can develop a new show.

“I’m excited to end this tour and do new material,” he said. “I wouldn’t say I’m tired of it. I’m locked into this material, and I’m excited to see what’s next.”

San Diego has helped D’Elia improve as a comedian, especially when he was new to the art. He laughs when he describes his heckler-riddled shows, but working through those bumps have helped him develop his stage presence.

“I have done it for 14 years and, in the beginning, you have to learn how to do that,” D’Elia said. “Now if somebody’s heckling, there’s 2,000 people who want them to shut up. When you’re up and coming though, people aren’t necessarily on your side, and you have to build up that confidence. It’s almost a blessing in disguise in a way.”

With his success has come fame. D’Elia said he enjoys when

fans want to talk shop with him, and he’s usually gracious with his time. He’s cultivated a reputation for partying—fans think he’s the “party guy” or “bro”— but that is far from the truth.

“My whole outlet for excitement is my standup,” D’Elia said. “I don’t go out and drink afterward, even though people will come up to me with weed or offering to buy me a drink after the show. That’s really not what I do.”

Chris D’Elia: Follow the Leader Tour

7 p.m. Friday, October 18, and 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Saturday, October 19 Spreckels Theatre, 121 Broadway, Downtown Tickets start at $22 619-235-9500, spreckels.net, chrisdelia.com

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ARTS | CULTURE

Picture Perfect

The Medium Festival of Photography proves size doesn’t matter

Exhibitions are a popular aspect of the annual Medium Festival of Photography.

(Photo by Lisa Kimberly)

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

S

cott Davis likens his Medium Festival of Photography to a wedding.

“It’s a lot of work on the front end, but it’s a great feeling when it starts,” he said.

And it pays off. Medium is a four-day photography event in San Diego celebrating boundary-pushing artists. Davis said it is the only U.S. photo festival that offers tours to Latin America and grants for Latin American artists.

From Thursday, October 17, to Saturday, October 20, Medium hosts portfolio reviews with leading curators, gallerists and publishers, in addition to two days of artist lectures, a studio and exhibition tour in Tijuana, and its juried exhibition “Size Matters.”

“This festival really represents a unique and rare opportunity to have such an intense gathering of internationally recognized talent in a city like San Diego,” said Davis, the festival’s executive director.

“All these people are accessible. We have portfolio reviews. It’s a vibrant thing and it’s well regarded and well loved by the community. I think it’s a real treasure for San Diego in particular.”

In addition to the reviews, Latin American photographer Luis Gonzalez Palma presents a keynote from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday, October 18; his solo exhibition at the SDSU Downtown Gallery from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, October 17; a day of artist lectures (including two Guggenheim fellows); and an arts and culture excursion to Tijuana.

“That exhibition is the first career retrospective of the artist’s work on the West Coast of the United States,” Davis said about Gonzalez Palma. “Nobody in Seattle, Los Angeles or San Francisco did @SDCITYBEAT

an exhibition of his work in a true retrospective form. There was never a proper 20- to 30-year career survey.”

The artists scheduled to lecture from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the historic Lafayette Hotel in North Park are Mariel Miranda; Louie Palu, a 2016 Guggenheim fellow; Christina Fernandez; Sant Khalsa; and Meghann Riepenhoff, a 2018 Guggenheim fellow.

Represented by the Lisa Sette Gallery in Phoenix, Gonzalez Palma is “a pretty big-name artist,” he said.

“We have nine book signings with different artists this year,” he said. “We have a robust offering of free public events, from industry seminars to opportunities to getting tintype portraits made.

We have a diverse lineup. There are many ways to experience what we do.”

On Sunday, the group will take a bus tour to artist studios and restaurants in Tijuana.

Davis has been a fine art photographer for 20 years, during which time he worked in museums, galleries and private collections.

“I reached a moment where I realized the knowledge and contacts I developed could really benefit and enrich the community,” Davis said.

In year one, he admitted he “rolled the dice” and hoped for the best with the festival. He didn’t realize what he created.

“It wasn’t just an illusion,” he said. “I wasn’t the only one who wanted to see something like this.”

The Medium Festival of Photography Various times Thursday, October 17, to Saturday, October 20 Various locations.

For details, visit mediumphoto.org.

OCTOBER 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 21

ARTS | CULTURE

A Sublime Meditation on Reconciliation Pedro Almodóvar’s ‘Pain & Glory’ has beautiful moments

By Glenn Heath Jr.

S

urveying the contradictions and gaps inherent to memory has been one of Pedro Almodóvar’s hallmark interests over the course of his four-decade filmmaking career. These narratives have been routed through genres as diverse as the ghost story (“Volver”) and revenge film (“Bad Education”), but they all share an elegiac sense of longing for lives cut short by circumstance and trauma.

In this sense, “Pain & Glory” feels like a culmination of sorts for the Spanish director. He based the film on his own experiences with chronic discomfort and creative inertia, and how those experiences shaped recollections of the past.

Antonio Banderas plays the very Almodóvar-looking Salva-

dor Mallo, a world-renowned Madrid-based auteur who has become a near-recluse thanks to an assortment of crippling physical and emotional ailments. The scars on is hobbled body have nothing on those marking his mind.

Without relying on the crutch of genre or melodrama, “Pain & Glory” embraces Salvador’s tumultuous cycle of potential self-destruction. He begins a new friendship with the estranged heroin-smoking star of his first international hit, and quickly realizes the elating healing effects of narcotics use.

Instead of wading into the muddy waters of inevitable tragedy, Almodóvar utilizes the addiction arc to explore Salvador’s memories (and by turn his own) of his childhood. A sublime dance between the past and present ensues. Banderas’

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performance becomes the constant in the center, fluctuating between mournful disappointment and the nervous anticipation for artistic rebirth.

The film’s most beautiful moments are its simplest: young Salvador listening to his mother (Penelope Cruz) and her friends sing by the river; a swooning kiss between long lost lovers; and the cozy, warmly lit interiors of a cave that’s been turned into a home.

“Pain & Glory” (opening Friday, October 18, at Landmark Hillcrest and Angelika Carmel Mountain cinemas) finds the necessary solace in these small moments for an artist to see himself anew separate from the torment that has long been self-inflicted.

Antonio Banderas plays the very Pedro Almodóvar-looking Salvador Mallo, a worldrenowned Madrid-based auteur who has become a near-recluse thanks to an assortment of crippling physical and emotional ailments. (Photo courtesy Sony Pictures Classics)

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OCTOBER 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 23

T

hough the constant change of the world around us can be overwhelming, there are pockets of time in our lives where things are just right, and it feels like time slows down just for us so we can take it in.

It could be that disastrous Thanksgiving dinner that went up in flames and left us with no choice but to order takeout. Or, that time we hopped into a bar to take shelter from the rain and just so happened to meet the love of our lives, and drank the best martini to boot.

Memories give us a chance to cherish the moments that have made us who we are, and behind each one is a scene, a smell, a taste, or a feeling curated by people who care.

For San Diego CityBeat’s annual Best Of San Diego issue, we decided to think about the people and places that facilitate

the making of our greatest memories. For some, those recollections are deep-rooted in the businesses that have withstood the test of time and become part of our traditions. Others find their memories on the fly, either when passing through town or when going out on a limb to try something new and end up with a souvenir that will last a lifetime.

Whether a business has been open for a few months, or has been passed down through loving hands for generations, each business on our list has played a role in slowing the world down just a little bit so we can absorb all the details of the best times in our lives.

We hope that readers will use this list as a guide to their next great moment, because we believe the best memories have yet to come.

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Remembering Rob Benzon

Partial proceeds from The Besties will go to local nonprofit

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

R

ob Benzon was thoughtful and kind; someone who would literally give his shirt off his back for someone in need.

So, when the popular bartender drowned at age 31 in Acapulco after a rip current pulled him away, his friends remembered him accordingly.

They created the Rob Benzon Foundation after his June 5, 1999, death. San Diego CityBeat will donate partial proceeds from its “A Night at the Besties” to the nonprofit. The event is 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 16, at the San Diego Natural History Museum.

In its 20th year, the Rob Benzon Foundation has a twofold purpose: to help individuals with emergency food and shelter, medicine, medical treatment, funeral expenses and other emergency needs.

The secondary focus is to help select local charitable causes, primarily those benefiting the youth and the LGBT communities. According to the foundation’s mission statement, the grants to other organizations do not support general fund or overhead but rather are directed to specific events the organization can isolate.

“His friends started the foundation by hosting small house parties and it grew larger and larger,” said John Dillon, who serves as volunteer treasurer.

When it was granted a 501(c)(3), the foundation started its annual Launch fundraising party on

the Friday night of Gay Pride. This year, it was July 12 at the Historic Burnham House in Hillcrest.

“It’s really meant to be a party to kick off Gay Pride,” said Dillon, who didn’t personally know Benzon. “We had 15 restaurants from around San Diego that donated food. Skyy Vodka was one of our sponsors and we worked through Southern Wine and Spirits. They’ve been a big sponsor as well.

“We usually have a nice silent auction area. It’s a fun party because you end up seeing people you don’t usually see throughout the year. You bump into them at the Rob Benzon party. We also have a fashion show with a local fashion designer, toward the 8:30 time frame to give our folks the chance to close off the silent auction.”

The foundation is run by an all-volunteer board of San Diegans, many of whom were with Benzon when he died. They formed the organization with $10,000 raised through his friends’ donations and proceeds from his mother’s sale of his possessions.

To date, more than $250,000 has been granted.

“He was genuinely a nice person, I hear,” Dillon said. “His friends took that tragedy and turned it into a great way to memorialize their friend— someone who was just a person who was always willing to help anyone who needed it.”

For more information about the Rob Benzon Foundation, visit robbenzon.org. Tickets to The Besties, can be purchased at bit.ly/2nwp9bl

Rob Benzon drowned June 5, 1999, in Acapulco.

(Photo courtesy the Rob Benzon Foundation)

Rob Benzon Foundation Launch Party July 12, 2019

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OCTOBER 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 25

TASTE SUDS

B EST NEW BRE W E RY

BY MARY PAT ABRUZZO & OCTAVIO SERRANO A fresh, new alcohol that makes anyone feel good about drinking. Juneshine in North Park (3052 El Cajon Boulevard, juneshine.com) pours an organic, gluten-free jun kombucha in a boho coastal tasting room. Jun kombucha is uniquely brewed with honey and green tea, creating a smooth taste with similar health benefits of regular kombucha. Each of its various flavors is filled with the goodness of

26 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · OCTOBER 16, 2019

organic ingredients, antioxidants, vitamins and, of course, probiotics.

Its team of adventurers, artists and creatives who share the same passion continue to create their favorite product. They produced a smooth and delicate kombucha after having tried many test batches.

Taste their variety in the world’s first hard kombucha bar located in North Park or visit their Juneshine Ranch to get a deeper look into how they create this magical alcoholic beverage.

Located in the heart of North Park, Original 40 Brewing Company (3177 University Ave, original40brewing) has a uniquely vintage design with a modern touch giving a comforting and light atmosphere. It’s so comforting that regulars must be careful as it can easily can make this brewery feel like a second home. Their venture explores the world of in-house brewed beer paired with an elaborate food menu.

University Heights’ Kairoa Brewing Company (4601 Park Boulevard, kairoa. com) keeps customers coming back with its beer with roots to New Zealand. With over 10 years of brewing experience, it aims to meld the flavors of the homeland and the San Diego beer culture.

Latchkey Brewing Company in Mission Hills (1795, Hancock Street, latchkeybrew.com) focuses on bringing customers San Diego’s local favorite hopped-up ales while also focusing on nuanced classics that are for easy drinkers on hot days. Its quality and consistency are the essence of their work’s product.

Juneshine. (Submitted photos) Sorrento Valley’s Gravity Heights (9920 Pacific Heights Boulevard, gravityheights. com) is a place for everyone. It aims to pair good beer with tasty food and exceptional customer service. It brings its customers a full-service restaurant and event space that is as diverse as it is good.

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B EST BR E WE RY

BY KAREN BARNETT When 24-year-old AleSmith Brewing Company (9990 AleSmith Court, Miramar, alesmith.com) wins Best San Diego Brewery, amid a sea of craft breweries in the city, you know they are doing something right. Former homebrewers, Peter and Vicky Zien pay close attention to every detail at their Miramar brewery, kegging, canning and bottling national and international award-winning brews—and it shows.

AleSmith was a gateway into craft beer for me. Many who imbibed local beer in the early aughts may remember the legendary Liars’ Club of Mission Beach. It was here that owner Louis Mello convinced me that I did not in fact want a Newcastle Brown ale. Instead, I needed to try an AleSmith Nautical Nut Brown Ale. And, boy, was he right. I lived in a twenty-something world of cheap beer and chronic cottonmouth. Nut Brown, as they have since shortened the name, was eye-opening. I had no idea that beer could taste so fresh and flavorful, let alone that they were a local San Diego brewery.

Fast forward 15 years and AleSmith is not only still turning people on to craft beer, but they also continue to set

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ery featuring hometown MLB Hall of Famer, Tony Gwynn.

Coronado Brewing (170 Orange Avenue, Coronado, coronadobrewing.com) also ranks near the top of CityBeat voters’ lists. Brothers Ron and Rick Chapman have come a long way since opening their humble brewpub on Coronado’s Orange Avenue over 20 years ago. Their core series of beer is approachable, affordable and absolutely crushable.

Rounding out the top three finalists for Best Brewery of 2019 is AleSmith Brewing Company. (Submitted photo) Belching Beaver Brewstandards industrywide. Earlier this year, RateBeer.com, ery (1334 Rocky Point Drive, belchingbeaver.com). Whethan online mecca for worldwide beer info, listed it as the er you are visiting one of their five locations around San sixth best brewer in the world in its annual top 100 brewers Diego or simply picking up a case of their famed Hop Highrankings. Operating the largest tasting room in San Diego, way IPA, the Beaver is always quite accessible. Not a fan of it also boasts a museum at its 100,000-square-foot brewtheir name? They don’t really give a dam.

OCTOBER 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 27

BEST LOCAL BEER

organization is committed to promoting the

BY KAREN BARNETT health, social educational, vocational and It’s no surprise that AleSmith San Diego character development of youth and their Pale Ale .394 (9990 Alesmith Court, Mirafamilies. mar, alesmith.com) clinched Modern Times Fruitthe win for Best Local Beer lands (moderntimesbeer. category this year. Just open com), a sour gose with a the fridge of any Padres fan seasonally rotating fruit adacross the county to find dition, ranked as a favorite these iconic brown and orby readers this year. This is ange cans chilled and ready an easy-drinking brew. With for the next game. the traditional saltiness of A collaboration with Mr. a Leipzig gose, the sweet Padre himself five years subtlety of fruit balances the ago, AleSmith staff met with tart acidity level creating a Tony Gwynn and his family quite refreshing beverage.

AleSmith Brewing Company. at their home to discuss the It’s not difficult to see (Submitted photo) flavor profile of their brew. why North Park Hop-Fu! Gwynn requested a beer that was “light with (northparkbeerco.com) rounds out the top a kick” and, after feedback from a few test Local Beer for 2019. The single-most awardbatches, this award-winning brew was born. winning homebrew has called North Park It boasts a golden ale full of flavor and arohome for three years now (not counting the ma, with only slight bittering and a softened preceding decade that owner Kelsey Mcmalty sweetness on the back end. The name Nair brewed it out of his garage in the same came from the Gwynn’s career-high batting neighborhood. With the archetypal profile average that he achieved in 1994. of a classic West Coast IPA, this hop-heavy A portion of the proceeds from the sale of beer screams San Diego with bright citrus .394 is donated by AleSmith to the Tony and and mild sweetness.

Alicia Gwynn Foundation. This charitable

28 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · OCTOBER 16, 2019

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OCTOBER 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 29

ROAST UP BEST COFFEEHOUSE

BY MARY PAT ABRUZZO & OCTAVIO SERRANO A small, modern-style coffee shop, Dark Horse Coffee Roasters, (various locations, darkhorsecoffeeroasters.com) serves a mellow atmosphere with strong coffee in dark, quirky interiors. An eclectic homage to punk music, wait for a cup of coffee and rock out to a handpicked punk playlist.

Offering cold brews, espresso drinks, and vegan donuts, there is something for craving. Dark Horse has locations in four neighborhoods in Normal Heights, North Park, Golden Hill and La Mesa where customers can satisfy that coffee fix. Its “green bean sourcing team” partners with communities and villages around the world to bring in the highest quality of beans. Try one of its signature espressos, such as the Champ or the Cold Brew on Nitro with a splash of the home-

30 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · OCTOBER 16, 2019

made vanilla bean syrup.

Dark Horse Coffee Roasters keeps costumers coming back with its passion for coffee that is directly sourced with farmers. A traditional way of getting some of the best coffee the earth can offer.

Runner up is the everbustling Better Buzz Coffee House (various locations, betterbuzzcoffee.com). With countless specialty drinks and tasty bites, this local chain has various locations across San Diego for the perfect cup on-the-go or a trendy spot to get work done. Its Best Drink Ever really is the best drink ever!

North Park’s Caffe Calabria (3933 30th Street, caffecalabria.com) is a great spot to celebrate a special occasion. It can accommodate guests in multiple places for a casual setting for a social gathering or a formal dinner experience. Its coffee is roasted on the premises and guests can also enjoy something from their food menu while sipping on a cup of Joe. S3 Coffee Bar in Grantville (6171 Mission Gorge Road,

Dark Horse Coffee Roasters. (Submitted photo)

Suite 102, s3coffeebar.com) has a distinct look with its colorful tones. With its coffee art, the creative drinks and food items are sure to satisfy customers who are looking for something new.

Sunny Vista’s Grindhouse (260 1/3 Third Avenue, grindhouse3rd.com) is a daily coffee shop and eatery that also offers beer. Its fun atmosphere and tasty coffee are worth making the trip.

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Hodad’s. (Submitted photo)

CHEW ON THIS B EST BUR GE R

BY MARY PAT ABRUZZO & OCTAVIO SERRANO All the hype for Hodad’s (5010 Newport Avenue and 945 Broadway, hodadies.com) in Petco Park, El Cajon, Ocean Beach and Downtown, can be easily justified with just one bite into its juicy double cheeseburger.

One of San Diego’s most celebrated burger joints, Hodad’s offers king size curly fries and brings in celebrity fans.

Enjoy a glass of wine or a tall beer with a blue jay burger, which is a bacon cheeseburger with blues cheese and grilled onions.

A 46-year overnight sensation, all starting with a small shack on the sand in Ocean Beach. Now the restaurant serves up burgers at four different locations in OB, Downtown SD, Petco and Sycuan. Try one of their many burgers, onion rings, or thick shakes—or try all three!

Serving burgers for over 40 years, Rocky’s Crown Pub (3786 Ingraham Street, rockyburgers.com), in Pacific Beach, is a staple

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burger joint in the Crown Point area. A simple menu that does the job: burgers, fries and beer. Mastering the perfect meal to satisfy even the most demanding burger fix.

Moving on to Liberty Station’s Slater’s 50/50 (110 Knoll Road, slaters5050.com) has a new menu that includes starters, loaded flatbreads, “sexy” salads, killer pastas and sandwiches complemented by milkshakes. Of course, don’t forget to try some of its famous burgers.

Royale (4204 Voltaire Street, royalesd. com) in Ocean Beach, has a pleasing aesthetic look that makes customers feel comfortable. Its wide menu and burgers complemented by cocktails, give the place a distinctive look.

Last on the list is North Park’s Redwing Bar & Grill (4012 30th street, redwingbar. com), who has been named Best Dive Bar in North Park. Its food menu is complemented by pool, darts, buzz time trivia, karaoke seven nights a week, and a full outdoor smoking patio. Even without its popular burgers, it is a fun place to spend some time.

OCTOBER 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 31

BEST HOT DOG

BY MICHAEL A. GARDINER The Best Hot Dog winner for 2019 is Barrio Dogg (2113 Logan Avenue, Barrio Logan, barriodogg.com), with its creative, even artsy, takes on the TJ-dog.

The TJ-dog is not so much one specific kind of hot dog as it is a wide-ranging approach to meat in tubular form inside a bun. Put differently, it’s tacos done as hot dogs: wrap the dog in bacon (or don’t) then fry or grill it and pile on ingredients of your choice.

There are no rules. It was when that Tijuana-born and bred hot dog travelled north of the border and found a home on streets that it really became “a thing.”

Barrio Dogg is in front of (and inside) the Cruizin Lowrider Galeria, an art gallery dedicated to lowrider culture. That dedication is apparent from before entering the front door. The street cart on which the dogs are cooked—and which replaces the gallery’s front wall/ window—is itself a lowrider: a candy red 1964 Chevy Impala. For decades Chicano lowrider culture was marginalized based on perceived associations with gangs and drug dealers. And yet, it is, in many ways, a Baroque approach to mid-century Detroit automobiles. By taking a pre-existing functional object, celebrating and elevating it beyond any functional requirements lowrider culture has over time, gained wider acceptance.

That is, essentially, the same thing Barrio Dogg does with

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of this dog and you’ve got a tastebud, it’s going to be firing. The dog has snap, the peppers have bite, the relish has sweetness and the pickle has umami and sourness.

Lefty’s Chicago Pizzeria (3448 30th Street, North Park, 619-295-1720, and 4030 Goldfinch, Mission Hills, leftyspizza.com), another 2019 hot dog finalist, also offers a truly great Chicago dog. On top of that, though, Lefty’s also offers another take on the theme, honoring Chicago’s substantial Polish population by swapping out the beef dog in favor of a Polish kielbasa. A trip to Lefty’s is worth it just to try these two side-by-side.

San Diego CityBeat readers were, it seems, wowed by the craft dogs at Vista’s franchise of the Dog Haus Barrio Dogg. (Submitted photo) Biergarten chain (227 East Broadway, Vista, sandiego.doghaus.com). Dog Haus alternately describes TJ-dogs. Does a hot dog really need seven chile peppers? its dogs as “the absolute würst” and “craft-casual gourmet Must it be wrapped in bacon? And high-end beef? There’s a hot dogs [and] sausages.” They use high quality ingredients beauty in that Baroque approach to the lowly hot dog. San and, somewhat uniquely, serve all the dogs on grilled King’s Diego CityBeat’s readers clearly agreed.

Hawaiian buns.

One of the 2019 Hot Dog finalists was Daddy’s Hot Dogs Doggos Gus (various locations, doggosgus.com), like this (1281 University Avenue, Hillcrest, daddyshotdogs.com). year’s hot dog winner, offers TJ-dogs but instead of brick Daddy’s take on the Chicago Dog may be the perfect dog if and mortar, is mobile. Owner Gustavo Tonella fell in love not the perfect dish: a beef hot dog accompanied by diced with bacon-wrapped hot dogs during his college-years trips onions, tomatoes, relish, a pickle spear, yellow mustard and to Tijuana and Mexicali (where he was born). After working pickled chili pepper, it’s the liberal sprinkling of celery salt various farmers markets, he opened the mobile business ofthat elevates the whole affair. If you take a big enough bite fering gourmet takes on the Mexican street classic.

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OCTOBER 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 33

B EST PR IME RIB

BY MICHAEL A. GARDINER The Best Prime Rib winner for 2019 is Bully’s East Prime Bistro Sports Bar (2401 Camino del Rio South, Mission Valley). Walking into Bully’s East is walking back in time to the “Mad Men” era when, as myth would have it, dark steakhouses were king, and it wasn’t really a business lunch without a dry martini or two. Bully’s East, no doubt, looks the part.

Prime rib is what Bully’s East is all about. They offer cuts ranging from 8 ounces for the “regular” all the way up to “The Beast” which tips the scales at 38 ounces. All are billed as Choice Corn Fed Midwestern Aged Beef. One of the best options is the horseradish-crusted Bully’s East Prime Bistro Sports Bar. (Submitted photo) 8-ounce version.

Another, slightly more budget friendly way of trying the category—a prime rib finalist. The same in-house dry-aged prime rib is the Bully’s East Prime Rib Melt. It’s the same beef it uses in its steaks feature in the prime rib. Born & prime rib in sandwich form on sourdough with caramelized Raised offers the prime rib with classic, albeit elevated, onions, provolone cheese, creamy horseradish sauce and au English Sunday supper accompaniments: Yorkshire pudjus. ding, Robuchon mashed potatoes, a peppercorn sauce and CityBeat readers voted Born & Raised (1909 India Street, horseradish. bornandraisedsteak.com )—also a finalist in the steakhouse Also a prime rib finalist is The Butcher Shop (5255

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Kearny Villa Road, butchershopsandiego.com), another throwback to the dark, almost mythical, post-War steakhouses of yesteryear. It wasn’t created, though, until 1986! Like Bully’s East, The Butcher Shop is a relative deal in a dining category not known for deals.

But Koko Beach (2858 Carlsbad Boulevard, kokobeach.com) is, hands down, the value spot amongst the Best of Prime Rib finalists.

With a 16-ounce portion of USDA Choice Prime Rib costing $27.95 a high-roller dinner feels a little less so. The beef is seasoned, slow roasted and is served with au jus and horseradish.

While The Butcher Shop is a relative newcomer, prime rib at Cafe La Maze (1441 Highland Ave, cafelamaze.com) is prime rib with history. Back when Tijuana was the playground of the Hollywood set (a Prohibition-era hangover), La Maze was the beautiful people’s pit stop on the way to the border. It’s still there as is the prime rib they came for.

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BEST STEAKHOUSE

BY MICHAEL A. GARDINER Cowboy Star Restaurant & Butcher Shop (640 10th Avenue, Gaslamp District) is 2019’s Best of Steakhouses winner. The ambiance at Cowboy Star is half cowboy-chic and half homage to classic Hollywood westerns. Movie star cowboy photos cohabit the decor with saddle-shaped patio chairs and cow skulls. And it all works in a decidedly upscale sort of way.

But the star at Cowboy Star is, unambiguously, the incredible quality of the meat itself. The restaurant, in fact, owns and runs its own butcher shop. Highlights on the menu include a 35-day dry aged ribeye, a 23-day aged Hokkaido Wagyu New York steak and American Kobe-style Snake River Farms skirt steak.

The prices at Cowboy Star aren’t necessarily budget friendly. But it is, after all, a steakhouse and if steakhouse prices are bargain basement you probably shouldn’t be going there.

Born & Raised (1909 India Street, Little Italy)—also a finalist in the prime rib category—appealed to CityBeat readers as well. Paul Basile’s design is nothing short of spectacular, evoking “Great Gatsby” and “Mad Men” without slavish copying or Disneyland cartoonery and with through-lines to contemporary rap culture. Born & Raised’s ambitious dry aging program gives the steaks— which the menu correctly identifies as “why you’re here”—a

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tenderness and depth of flavor beyond the ordinary.

Given its location across from the Convention Center Lou & Mickey’s (224 Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp District) would figure to appeal mostly to conventioneers.

But CityBeat readers voted it another Best Steakhouse finalist.

Sporting a post-War Supper Club vibe, highlights include a natural grass-fed New York strip steak and a daily series of dry-aged options ranging from 30 to 60 days.

Two national chains were Best of Steakhouse finalists: Ruth’s Chris Steak House (1355 North Harbor Drive) and Donovan’s Steak & Chop House (570 K Street). Ruth’s Chris is a chain of over 100 restaurants in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It’s known for serving prime steaks seared at 1800° Fahrenheit and is served on ceramic plates

Cowboy Star Restaurant & Butcher Shop.

(Submitted photo)

heated to 500 degrees with a tablespoon of butter added just before the plates leave the kitchen. Donovan’s offers its steaks—billed as being selected from “only the top 1% of all USDA Prime cuts”—lightly seasoned and perfectly seared or dressed up with béarnaise, peppercorn sauce, crumbled bleu cheese or Cajun seasoning for $3 more (a pittance on top of prices ranging well into the $70s).

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CLASS ACTS BEST LIVE THEATER

BY DAVID L. CODDON The Besties have honored The Old Globe (1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, theoldglobe.org) as the Best Live Theater in San Diego County. On December 2, the Old Globe will mark 82 years of presenting live theater in Balboa Park, but longevity is only part of its legacy.

A year-round producer, the Globe annually presents 15 shows in its three venues: the main theater, which is named for donors Donald and Darlene Shiley; the intimate Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre; and the outdoor Lowell Davies Stage. Barry Edelstein is the Globe’s artistic director.

This year has been a particularly stellar one for the theater. Its 2019 productions have included the gripping new play “Life After,” which Edelstein directed; memorable productions of “As You Like It” and “Romeo and Juliet” during the Globe’s Summer Shakespeare Festival; and the worldpremiere of Cameron Crowe’s thrilling “Almost Famous” stage-musical based on his own film.

Like The Old Globe, La Jolla Playhouse (2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, lajollaplayhouse.org) enjoys a national reputation. Producing exclusively new work, its offerings in 2019 so far have included the musical “Diana,” which is Broadway bound, and the audacious John Leguizamo collaboration “Kiss My Aztec!” The Playhouse is also staging

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The Old Globe. (Submitted photo)

its biannual WOW (Without Walls) Festival this month at Liberty Station.

New Village Arts Theatre (2787 State Street, Carlsbad, donovansteakhouse.com) recently launched its 19th season in North County with two impressive productions; Herbert Siguenza’s solo show “A Weekend With Pablo Picasso” and Lynn Nottage’s “Intimate Apparel.” Earlier this year, crowds

flocked to NVA’s wacky take on “Little Shop of Horrors.”

Coronado Playhouse (1835 Strand Way, Coronado, coronadoplayhouse.com) has been around for 73 seasons and is unafraid to take risks with its fare, and that’s admirable. Recent productions include the bracing and unsettling musical “Dogfight” and a staging of one of Shakespeare’s lesser produced and most quixotic plays, “The Winter’s Tale.”

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BEST THEATER PRODUCTION

BY DAVID L. CODDON The Besties for Best Theater Production of the year went to “The Book of Mormon,” presented in late July

by Broadway San Diego at the Civic Theatre downtown.

This national tour stop of the wildly popular musical was special because its cast included area actor and Oceanside resident Luke Monday.

Believe it or not, “The Book of Mormon” debuted all the way back in 2011. Its collaborators brought delightfully subversive roots with them: Trey Parker and Matt Stone are the creators of “South Park,” while Robert Lopez cowrote the music for the naughty-puppet stage show “Avenue Q.” The July engagement at the Civic Theatre was the fourth time “The Book of Mormon” has rocked San Diego audiences. Expect it to return again. And again.

The runners up are “Little Shop of Horrors,” New Village Arts Theatre. The aforementioned production in Carlsbad this summer had loads of creepy fun with the Howard Ashman (book and lyrics)/Alan Menken (music) show. Not surprisingly, Eboni Muse stole the show as the man-eating plant Audrey II who croaks “Feed me!” with fiendish delight.

“Mixtape,” Lamb’s Players Theatre. Ten years after its successful run at the Horton Grand Theatre downtown, Lamb’s Players’ ’80s musical revue was resurrected for the

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theater’s Coronado stage. Two of the actors from the previous run, David S. Humphrey and Joy Yandell, were joined by a new, young cast, making “Mixtape” a rush particularly for Gen-Xers.

“The Tale of Despereaux,” Old Globe Theatre. Actors and inventive puppets teamed up to tell the story of Kate DiCamillo’s children’s novel about a mouse and a princess. The seven-member Pigpen Theatre Co. adapted this world-premiere musical for the Old Globe, and happily it wasn’t just for kids. The music, props and visual effects were mesmerizing for grown-ups, too.

“A Man of No Importance,” Coronado Playhouse. A 1994 film starring Albert Finney became a 2002 stage mu-

“The Book of Mormon”.

(Submitted photo)

sical, and Coronado Playhouse presented it to audiences’ satisfaction in the summer of 2018. What was not to like about the tale of a poetry-spouting Irish bus conductor bringing his obsession with Oscar Wilde to community theater?

OCTOBER 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 37

BEST CULTURAL FESTIVAL

BY MARY PAT ABRUZZO & OCTAVIO SERRANO An energy full of color and dance, San Diego Pride (Sixth Avenue and Laurel Street, sdpride.org) brings a party to celebrate and foster pride, equality and respect for the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a celebration full of festivities ranging from parades to speakers and musical acts. The Pride Parade fills the streets with pride flags and glitter as 250,000 supporters cheers.

The celebration continued with 2019 Pride Festival offering vendors, local artists and psychics. The festival’s biggest showcase was its musical acts as Melissa Etheridge and King Princess headlined. Other featured acts played a variety of music ranging from hip hop and R&B to Latina musicians.

The festival hosts roughly 40,000 people who will be supporting the San Diego Pride’s community and its equality.

Anyone with an open heart and an open mind is welcome to be part of the party.

The 49th Chicano Park Day (Logan Avenue and Cesar E. Chavez Parkway, Downtown, chicano-park.com) celebration offers the opportunity to experience traditional music and dance, including one of the largest groups of Aztec Indigenous dancers, coordinated by Danza Azteca Calpulli Mexihca, Ballet Folklorico groups and numerous live bands. Chicano Park has received international recognition

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as a major public art site for its commanding mural paintings of past and present struggles of Mexican and Chicano history.

San Diego’s festival schedule wouldn’t be complete with La Vuelta Summer Festival in Barrio Logan (Logan Avenue, Evans Street, and Sampson Street, loganavenyeconsortium.com). It features vendors and exhibits, food courts and trucks, craft beer, live entertainment and a classic car show.

Del Mar’s San Diego County Fair (2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, sdfair.com) invites guests to channel their courage to experience the whirlwind of carnival rides. It’s exciting to enjoy the immersive and creative educational exhibits while going on adventures and creating new memories with friends and family.

The Pacific Islander Festival in Mission Bay (1600 Va-

San Diego Pride. (Submitted photo)

cation Road, heleloa.com/pifa-san-diego-2019) is a free event that brings the cultures of indigenous people of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia together. The event features food and vendors, and is hosted by the Pacific Islander Festival Association.

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OCTOBER 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 39

SHOP AROUND B EST V INTAGE C L O T HING STORE

BY MARY PAT ABRUZZO & OCTAVIO SERRANO When a customer needs a whole new wardrobe but really doesn’t have the funds, Buffalo Exchange (various locations, buffaloexchange.com/locations/san-diego/) is the guaranteed spot to find a funky printed jacket or staple denim pieces.

Their buyers stay current with fashion trends, hand selecting the pieces that are perfectly in style and in season.

Take a trip to both the Hillcrest and Pacific Beach locations as each are filled totally unique treasures.

After customers are done wearing certain items, resell to Buffalo Exchange in exchange for cash, store credit, or a piece of clothing from their store. It’s best way to refresh a wardrobe and help the environment.

Upgrade that old wardrobe with vintage designer pieces at Leo Hamel Boutique & Consignment in Mission Hills (1851 San Diego Avenue, designerfashionconsignments. com). A boutique specializing in buying, selling and trading authentic designer clothing and accessories. With an

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ever-changing selection of new and vintage styles from Chanel to Valentino, grab handbag or heels without the guilt.

University Height’s Frock You Vintage Clothing (4121 Park Boulevard, frockyouvintage.com) has a passionate team that strives to spread fashion and recycling.

Each clothing piece is handpicked by the team to bring customers a one-of-a-kind outfit and making sure they remain a “green shopper.”

Need a new outfit that is easy on the wallet? La Loupe Vintage (3337 Adams Avenue, laloupevintage.squarespace.com) in Normal Heights has something for everyone. It specializes in late 1960s through modern vintage.

It’s rock-inspired fashion will keep older and new trends in

Buffalo Exchange. (Submitted photo)

customers wardrobes.

For those avid thriftier who want something classic, North Park’s The Girl Can’t Help It (3806 Grim Avenue, thegirlcanthelpit.com) brings customers a carefully selected collection of 20th century vintage clothing for men and women. Try out the best fashion the golden age of Hollywood had with a new look.

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BEST SCOOTER SHOP

BY CONNOR DZIAWURA Beating out the competition for Best Scooter Shop is Vespa Motorsport (3955 Pacific Highway, San Diego, vespamotorsport.com). Now located near Lindbergh Field, this one has a storied history of over nearly three decades and

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multiple moves—during which it established itself as one of San Diego’s premier new and used scooter shops.

Vespa Motorsport has come a long way since it was founded in 1992. Initially a service center and parts supplier for vintage Vespas, today Vespa Motorsport carries Piaggio, Genuine, Genze and Vespa electric scooters. Other products carried include electric bicycles and Genuine Motorcycles.

Stop in the showroom sometime, and see what this San Diego staple has to offer. Billing itself as “by scooterists for scooterists,” it’s no wonder it has amassed the reputation it has. For more information on Vespa Motorsport’s history, parts, services, the showroom and more, visit vespamotorsport.com.

Electric Bike Central (1851 San Diego Avenue, Suite 100B, Old Town, electricbikecentral.com) is another popular shop—and for good reason. Whatever use a customer may have for their interest in this form of transportation—health, reducing pollution, just a fun hobby—Electric Bike Central has them cov-

ered. Commuter, mountain and leisure bikes are all on deck for those with a casual interest—on the cheaper end of the price spectrum—or for those who are more experienced, advanced users. Makes include Gazelle, Magnum and Stromer, and specialized and clearance bicycles are also available.

For more information, visit electricbikecentral.com.

Sometimes you just need to emphasize the “fun” in biking. That’s exactly what Fun Bike Center (5755 Kearny Villa Road, San Diego, funbike.com) does. A diverse shop, Fun Bike Center specializes in everything powersports— from motorcycles to off-road vehicles, personal watercraft, parts and accessories; and from new to pre-owned. Powersports enthusiasts should have no trouble finding brands like Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and more at this authorized dealer. For more information on inventory, financing and more, visit funbike.com.

Modern. Classic. Retro. That’s Main Street Scooters’ (1643 University Avenue, Hillcrest, sandiegoscooters.com) brand. Intended as a smaller, more personal boutique, and selling only new products, Main Street Scooters carries all sorts of scooters and motorcycles, bicycles and accessories, but is also the exclusive dealer for Lance Motorsports and SYM Motors in San Diego. All the shop’s scooters come with two-year warranties. Regardless of need—something for daily commutes or something for recreation—Main Street Scooters is bound to be a worthwhile stop. For more information on the shop, its products and its mission, visit sandiegoscooters.com.

OCTOBER 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 41

BEST ADULT GIFT STORE

BY OCTAVIO SERRANO With its friendly customer service, North Park’s Pleasures & Treasures (2525 University Avenue, pandtstore.com) makes its customers feel like they belong to a community. Its shelves are stocked with products fit for the experienced or those who want something to spice up their relationship.

“I feel like it’s a community because we get people who come back,” said Jessika Ramirez, sales associate.

“We give them that comfortability of knowing they’re not the only ones exploring this side of things, so then we become friends with our customers.”

It’s impossible to write about adult stores in San Diego without mentioning Hustler Hollywood in the Gaslamp Quarter (10017 N. Metro Parkway, hustlerhollywood.com). The website and store are organized so it’s easy for guests to find exactly what they’re looking for. Hustler Hollywood has something for everyone, so make sure to browse through its adult toy inventory.

With its ironic name, Adam & Eve in Hillcrest (415 University Avenue, sandiego.adamevestores. com) keeps it simple with its high-quality products.

It continues to inspire men, women and couples to push their boundaries in the bedroom after nearly 40 years and it’s not planning on slowing down.

Hillcrest’s Romantix (1407 University Avenue,

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Pleasures & Treasures.

(Submitted photo)

romantix.com) is a premier adult toy retailer that is recognized nationwide. Its products are selected for people of all genders, ages and sexual orientation.

Make sure to visit its blog to see what’s new, along with tips and tricks.

Jolar Cinema in Mid-City (6321 University Avenue, loveboutiquevegas.com) rounds out the list. It has locations across the country, and boasts a Halloween sale that offers up to 80% off selected items.

Like the others, there is something on its shelves for everyone.

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BEST LEGAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY

BY JACKIE BRYANT San Diego’s cannabis industry has been rolling full steam ahead since recreational legalization took effect in California on January 1, 2018. Urbn Leaf (urbnleaf.com) was one of the city’s first licensed recreational dispensaries, helping to set the standard for how the new wave of dispensaries is supposed to look and conduct business.

Then and now, canna-curious customers and seasoned users alike flock to its modern, sleek bud rooms to speak to its knowledgeable budtenders—many of whom are considered the best in the biz. The dispensary is known for special bells and whistles: a branded bus called the CannaCruiser that takes customers from other neighborhoods in San Diego, like Ocean Beach, to the dispensary; daily deals for residents of San Diego County and Tijuana as well as medical patients and a 5% cash back rewards program for frequent customers.

The San Diego-born mini-chain now has three locations: San Ysidro and Bay Park in San Diego and Seaside, which is in Monterey County. In addition to the normal dispensary rules—bring cash, no smoking on-premises, tip the budtender, etc.—make sure a phone with a good camera is on hand. In addition to being one of San Diego’s best and highest quality dispensaries, it’s also one of the most Instagrammable.

Point Loma is home to Golden State Greens (3452 Han-

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Urbn Leaf. (Submitted photo)

cock Street, goldenstategreens.com), a former medical dispensary gone full recreational once prohibition was lifted.

It’s a small, intimate space with enthusiastic budtenders and good products. Impressively, though its physical footprint is smaller than other area dispensaries, what products Golden State Greens has to offer its customers is a who’s who of the highest quality and most trustworthy brand names—like Lowell Herb Co., AbsoluteXtracts, Jetty Extracts, Canndescent and more—in California’s legal market.

For one-stop shopping and a fast in-and-out experience, San Diego Recreational Cannabis (1299 Camino Del Rio South, Mission Valley, sandiegorecreationalcannabis.com) is the move. Aside from being centrally located in Mission Valley, they also have one of the largest selections of cannabis products out of any dispensary in the area and the budtenders are reasonably knowledgeable on all of it—no small feat for such a large spectrum. Another bonus is the

sheer number of budtenders working at any given time—that with a smartly designed line system keeps people moving in and out in quick fashion.

Favored by medical patients because of their special patient programming, Sorrento Valley’s Torrey Holistics (10671 Roselle Street, Suite 100, Sorrento Valley, torreyholistics.com) is one of the OG dispensaries in San Diego that went from medical to full recreational. The dispensary is committed to community programming: Cannabis 101 classes are regularly offered to canna-curious would-be customers and private appointments can be scheduled with their in-house PhD, Dr. Beth, to discuss any conditions that may need alleviating. Torrey Holistics is also known for its community work outside of the bud room. The dispensary has partnered with the Veteran News Network, Feeding San Diego, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and many more nonprofits and socially conscious organizations.

Located in Miramar, which means it’s easily accessible for both people in the city of San Diego as well as North County, Mankind Dispensary (7128 Miramar Road, Miramar, mankindcannabis.com) is particularly favored for its proprietary delivery program. Free from many of the fees other delivery services offer, Mankind’s has just a $50 minimum and no extra fees on top of it. The dispensary also offers 10% off for customers who buy online ahead of time and pick up in-store—a win-win considering long lines many dispensaries experience at peak times.

OCTOBER 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 43

OTHER FAVES B EST SPO RTS T E AM

BY ERIC NEWMAN The San Diego Padres (padres.com) struggled to just a 70-92 record this season and last won the division in 2006, but they still ranked as the city’s most beloved sports team.

The game experience is top notch and worth more than a score on the diamond. With events such as Party in the Park, a pregame happy hour, and Friar Family Days—with plenty of appearances by the team mascot, the Swinging Friar—there is fun for the whole family at Petco Park.

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Still, there’s plenty to cheer about, like All-Star closer Kirby Yates, who ended the break leading the Major League with 30 saves.

The San Diego State Aztecs (goaztecs.com) football team followed closely. On the field since 1921, the Aztecs boast a winning record (509-403-32).

Coach Rocky Long has led the team to bowl appearances in each of its last eight seasons.

As of writing, San Diego State was 3-1 with a tough schedule coming up in the Mountain West Conference.

The San Diego Gulls (sandiegogulls.com) hockey team preps players for the Anaheim Ducks. Each home game brings in about 9,000 avid followers of the Gulls, who are coached by Kevin Dineen, formerly of the NHL’s Florida Pan-

(Photos courtesy of San Diego Padres/Matt Thomas)

thers. In 2018, they reached the third round of the AHL playoffs.

San Diego Legion (sdlegion.com) is one of 12 Major League Rugby teams in North America who strive to bring the culture to this side of the pond. After narrowly losing the league championship in the 2019 season, Rob Hoadley was honored as coach of the year.

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BEST MUSIC SCHOOL

BY CONNOR DZIAWURA School of Rock (2850 Womble Road, Suite 104, Liberty Station, schoolofrock.com) isn’t just a classic Richard Linklater film starring Jack Black. In fact, it’s San Diego’s best music school. Beating out competitors such as Wagner’s School of Music, Young Lions Jazz Conservatory, San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts and Coronado School of the Arts, the San Diego School of Rock campus mixes one-onone lessons with group band sessions to give its students the training needed to master their instruments—and experience what it’s like to be in a rock ‘n’ roll band.

From novice to advanced, youngster to high school grad, this campus has something for instrumentalists at each stage of their musical journeys. Located in Liberty Station, the school offers six different programs, led by experienced musicians, and can teach its students instruments such as guitar, bass, drums and keyboard/piano or even just to master their voices.

Programs vary in difficulty and skills taught. And some students even go so far as to perform for live audiences, with higher-level students touring and auditioning for record labels, all thanks to the School of Rock. At the end of the day it all goes back to a key concept—how to play, and how to do it well. For more information, visit locations.schoolofrock.com/sandiego.

There’s a reason Wagner’s School of Music (8060 La Mesa Boulevard, La Mesa, wagnersmusic.com ) labels itself “where kids grow up making music.” Wagner’s takes a different approach than School of Rock, but still a noteworthy one. In its years training thousands of students on piano

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School of Rock. (Submitted photo)

specifically, a goal at Wagner’s has been to foster a sense of community in its students, who range from infants to teens.

Students learn from experienced professionals, while also experiencing the benefits of working with likeminded, aspiring musicians. And the school’s reputation precedes it, with some of its alumni having gone on to work in various professional music settings. For more information, visit wagnersmusic. com.

At Young Lions Jazz Conservatory (younglionsjazzconservatory.org), the focus is just that: jazz. One of the most uniquely American genres of music, jazz is alive and well at Young Lions. Targeted at middle- and high-school musicians, Young Lions caters to both instrumentalists and vocalists, with esteemed educator-musicians teaching small ensembles everything from performance to the actual history and theory of jazz. Auditioning is a strong skill with which to be famil-

iar, too, and students will be faced with opportunities to travel and perform as well as to listen to presentations from esteemed jazz musicians. For more information, visit younglionsjazzconservatory.org.

Middle- and high-school students, grades six through 12, can audition for this public magnet school, the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (2425 Dusk Drive, San Diego, sandiegounified.org). SDSCPA prepares its students for postsecondary experiences in the arts and academics, which programs offered in creative writing, dance, theatre visual and media arts and, of course, music—along with the basic academics all developing brains need. For more information on SDSCPA and its music program, visit sandiegounified.org/schools/schoolcreative-and-performing-arts.

Coronado School of the Arts (650 D Avenue, Coronado, cosasandiego.com) is another option for students grades nine through 12. This one a part of the Coronado Unified School District and requiring a competitive application/audition process, CoSA is a public school arts conservatory—also an official career and technical education program—that boasts what it bills as six choice conservatories. Of those, one is instrumental music, a conservatory that allows all sorts of wind, percussion, brass, jazz and string musicians to further their skills, with the classical and jazz genres as emphases. Instructors delve into the skills necessary to students’ musical development, and students go on to use the skills learned in a performance setting. For more information, visit cosasandiego.com.

OCTOBER 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 45

BEST CONCERT VENUE

BY OCTAVIO SERRANO Solana Beach’s Belly Up (143 S. Cedros Avenue, bellyup. com) hosts some of the best and up-and-coming artists as well as established musicians in genres like alternative rock, indie rock, reggae, Latin and hip-hop. Lady Gaga, Foo Fighters and the Rolling Stones are among those who have rocked the Belly Up. Fans can get lost reminiscing about their favorite bands and shows with Belly Up’s fun atmosphere that includes art and albums on the walls. The bright stage that sits in the center of the venue, make for a very up-close and personal experience between the fans and the artists performing.

In addition, Belly Up has happy hour shows from 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays to warm up fans for their favorite artists. Live music hits the stage nearly every night, and it offers bar food and alcohol, as well as soft drinks. Parking is free but it fills up quickly.

Moving into Little Italy, The Music Box (1337 India Street, musicboxsd.com) is a premier Downtown concert venue that includes nationally celebrated artists as well as local and up-and-coming ones. Its tri-level setting offers spacious floor plans that produces quality sound and houses over 700 patrons. In addition, food is served and it provides preshow catering.

Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay (2241 Shelter Island Drive, humphreysconcerts.com) in Point Loma is a 1,400-

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seat outdoor theater located on the San Diego Bay that has been presenting a variety of attractions from genres like rock, jazz, blues, folk and comedy.

Fans can also choose to watch a concert while having dinner in Humphrey’s Restaurant, making for a relaxing, entertaining evening.

House of Blues San Diego (1055 Fifth Avenue, houseofblues. com/sandiego) Downtown celebrates the diversity of world culture by promoting the some of the best the music community has to offer. Fans can join the House of Blues and enjoy its live entertainment and its food and drink. From Mexican music to rock, House of Blues hosts events for everybody, and for those music aficionados, it has events like Gospel Brunch and Soulful Brunch to keep their bellies full while listening to their favorite tunes.

The Observatory North Park (2891 University Avenue,

observatorysd.com) was recently revamped to become San Diego’s newest concert and nightlife venue. The theater accommodates 1,100 people and can be scaled down to a seated configuration of 550 comfortable seats. Full-service bars are available in the lobby, and the venue also accommodates all ages and crowds Sunday to Wednesday nights.

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OCTOBER 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 47

BEST OF SAN DIEGO READERS POLL RESULTS ART & CULTURE BEST ANNUAL ART EVENT

• Mission Federal Art Walk North Park Festival of Arts Art Around Adams Art Alive Wild in the Country at Lions Tigers

BEST ANNUAL EVENT

(NON-MUSIC) • San Diego Comic-Con San Diego Pride San Diego County Fair North Park Festival of the Arts San Diego Bay Wine & Food Fest

BEST ART GALLERY • La Bodega Gallery Stefanie Bales Fine Art Meyer Fine Art Inc. Sparks Gallery Thumbprint Gallery

BEST CASINO

• The Old Globe San Diego Civic Theatre La Jolla Playhouse New Village Arts Coronado Playhouse

BEST MUSEUM

• San Diego Natural History Museum The San Diego Museum of Art Fleet Science Center San Diego Museum of Man The New Children’s Museum

BEST THEATRE PRODUCTION

• The Book of Mormon Little Shop of Horrors Mixtape Tale of Despereaux A Man of No Importance Coronado

DRINK

BEST BAR IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY • The Rabbit Hole The Shout! House Taste & Thirst Inside Out Señor Grubby’s

BEST BAR TO PLAY POOL

• Viejas Casino & Resort Sycuan Casino Resort Barona Resort & Casino Harrah’s Resort Southern California Pala Casino Spa & Resort

• The Silver Fox Lounge McGregor’s Grill The Manhattan Sunshine Company Saloon Good Guys Tavern

BEST COMEDY CLUB

• Wonderland Ocean Pub Waterbar San Diego Mavericks Beach Club Sunshine Company Saloon The Duck Dive

• National Comedy Theatre The Comedy Store - La Jolla The American Comedy Co. Mad House Comedy Club The Comedy Palace

BEST CULTURAL FESTIVAL

• San Diego Pride Chicano Park Day La Vuelta Summer Festival San Diego County Fair Pacific Islander Festival

BEST DANCE STUDIO

• Culture Shock Dance Center The Origin Hip Hop Performing Arts Malashock Dance School Dance For 2 - Dancing In San Diego Champion Ballroom Academy

BEST FILM FESTIVAL

• San Diego Latino Film Festival San Diego International Film Festival Oceanside International Film Festival San Diego Jewish Film Festival San Diego Asian Film Festival

48 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · OCTOBER 16, 2019

BEST LIVE THEATRE

BEST BEACH BAR

BEST BLOODY MARY • Small Bar Farmer’s Table Taste & Thirst Señor Grubby’s Garage Kitchen & Bar

BEST CIDERY

• Bivouac Ciderworks Julian Hard Cider Newtopia Cyder Serpentine Cider Guthrie CiderWorks

BEST CIGAR LOUNGE • Hoffer’s Cigar Bar Gran Havana Cigar & Hookah Lounge Churchill Cigar lounge Cigar Cave, Fifth Avenue Cigars and Coffee

BEST COCKTAIL LOUNGE

• Polite Provisions Park & Rec Taste & Thirst Martinis Above Fourth | Table + Stage Ginger’s

BEST COFFEEHOUSE

• Dark Horse Coffee Roasters Better Buzz Coffee Roasters Caffe Calabria S3 Coffee Bar Grindhouse

BEST CRAFT BEER BAR • Hamilton’s Tavern Machete Beer House Waypoint Public Taste & Thirst Iron Pig Alehouse

BEST CRAFT COCKTAIL BAR

• Polite Provisions Royale Taste & Thirst Park & Rec, Park Boulevard Madison

BEST DOWNTOWN / GASLAMP BAR • The Shout! House Barleymash Taste & Thirst Whiskey Girl The Smoking Gun SD

BEST EAST COUNTY BAR

• Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs Good Guys Tavern The Hills Local Pub Pete’s Place Eastbound Bar & Grill

BEST GENTLEMEN’S CLUB • Pacers Cheetahs Deja Vu Pure Platinum Kearny Mesa Les Girls

BEST HAPPY HOUR • Royale Fred’s Mexican Cafe Taste & Thirst Madison Señor Grubby’s

BEST HOOKAH LOUNGE

• Myst Lounge Gran Havana Cigar & Hookah Lounge 3 Kings Hookah Lounge Cafe Europe Tabac

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BEST IRISH PUB

BEST NEW BAR

BEST JUKEBOX AT A BAR

BEST NEW BREWERY

• The Ould Sod The Field Irish Pub O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant Hooleys Irish Pub Patrick’s Gaslamp Pub

• Live Wire Royale Machete Beer House Taste & Thirst Good Guys Tavern

BEST KARAOKE BAR • The Lamplighter Redwing Bar & Grill Til-Two Club Werewolf The Merrow

BEST LGBTQ BAR

• Urban MO’s Bar & Grill Gossip Grill Redwing Bar & Grill Rich’s Uptown Tavern

BEST LOCAL CRAFT BEER (SPECIFIC BEER) •.394 Pale Ale Modern Times Fruitland Hop-Fu! The Hatch @ Latchkey Brewing Hopsucker

BEST LOCAL CRAFT DISTILLERY • Cutwater Spirits You & Yours Distilling Co. Old Harbor Distilling Co. 619 Spirits North Park Malahat Spirits

BEST MARGARITA • Baja Betty’s Casa Guadalajara Tamarindo Señor Grubby’s Fred’s Mexican Café

BEST MARTINI

• Martinis above 4th Turf Club Taste & Thirst Noble Experiment Cowboy Star

(OPEN SINCE 7/2018) • Fernside Dough Nations Louisiana Purchase Sign of the Whale Tahona Bar (OPEN SINCE 7/2018) • Juneshine Original 40 Brewing Company Kairoa Brewing Company Latchkey Brewing Company Gravity Heights

BEST NORTH COUNTY BAR

• Union Kitchen & Tap Brigantine Señor Grubby’s The Regal Seagull Churchill’s Pub & Grille

BEST OUTDOOR/ ROOFTOP BAR

• Altitude Sky Lounge Kairoa Brewing Company Park & Rec 10 Barrel Brewing Redwing Bar & Grill

BEST SAN DIEGO BREW PUB

• Blind Lady Ale House North Park Beer Company Hillcrest Brewing Company Kairoa Brewing Company Original 40 Brewing Company

BEST SAN DIEGO BREWERY

• AleSmith Brewing Company Coronado Brewing Company | Brew Pub Belching Beaver North Park Latitude 33 Brewing Company Latchkey Brewing Company

BEST SAN DIEGO DIVE BAR

• Waterfront Bar & Grill Bar Pink The Silver Fox Lounge The High Dive Good Guys Tavern

BEST MICHELADA

BEST SAN DIEGO WINERY

• Barrio Dogg Salud Señor Grubby’s Tamarindo The Smoking Gun

• Bernardo Winery Orfila Vineyards and Winery Carruth Cellars Wine Garden Pali Wine Co. Forgotten Barrel Winery

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR

BEST SMOOTHIE/ JUICE BAR

• Whistle Stop Royale Bluefoot Bar and Lounge Taste & Thirst Good Guys Tavern

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• Senor Mangos Everbowl The Mad Beet Northside Shack Juice Kaboose

BEST SOUTH BAY BAR • Machete Beer House The Manhattan Bar Sin Nombre Thr3e Punk Ales Brewing Co. IB Public House

BEST SPORTS BAR • McGregor’s Grill Bub’s At The Ballpark True North Tavern Barleymash Señor Grubby’s Oceanside

BEST TEQUILA BAR • El Chingon Cantina Mayahuel Baja Betty’s Señor Grubby’s Puesto at the Headquarters

BEST UPTOWN BAR • Park & Rec Uptown Tavern Bluefoot Bar and Lounge Madison Louisiana Purchase

BEST WINE BAR

• Splash Wine Lounge and Bistro Vin de Syrah The Rose Wine Bar The Wine Lover Fruitcraft

FITNESS, HEALTH & BEAUTY BEST BARBER SHOP • Classic Cuts Barber Shop Sound Cuts Del Mar Dapper Jays Barber Shop & Hot Shaves Mister Brown’s Barber Shop Normal Heights Barbershop

BEST CHIROPRACTOR

• Spence Chiropractic Center Active Mobility Chiropractic Chiropractique North Park Andrus Chiropractic Group, Inc. Chiropractic Healing Arts Center

BEST COSMETIC SURGEON

• Dr. Diana Breister Ghosh SDBotox UC San Diego Health Plastic Surgery, La Jolla Dr. James Chao Pousti Plastic Surgery: Tom Pousti

BEST DAY SPA

• The Lodge at Torrey Pines Krista Skincare White Rabbit Day Spa, Adams Avenue Karma Spa, Massage in Carlsbad Heights Rancho Penasquitos

OCTOBER 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 49

BEST DENTIST

• Dentistry at The Promenade Serra Mesa Dental Dr. Guy L. Fox, DDS Dr. Steven R. Olmos Dr. Richard J. Ewing, DDS

BEST HAIR SALON • The Electric Chair The Lab A Salon Boulevard Beauty Lounge Joya Hair Design Raven & Sage Collective My Salon Suite of Santee

BEST LASER EYE CENTER

• Dr. Nanduri’s Associated Eye Surgeons Medical Group Dr. Richard Leung Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute Motwani Lasik Institute

BEST LEGAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY

• Urban Leaf Dispensary Golden State Greens SDRC Torrey Holistics Mankind Dispensary

BEST MMA OR BOXING GYM

• RockBox Fitness BoxFit TITLE Boxing Club San Diego North Park UFC GYM Mission Valley Chula Vista Jiu Jitsu Club

BEST NAIL SALON

• Hello Birdie Nail & Lash Lab Nails & Spa By Lauren Happy Nails Nail Studio San Carlos Fashion Nails & Spa

BEST PLACE FOR ACUPUNCTURE

• Love & Light Acupuncture Dcompress Downtown Health and Wellness Alternatives Modern Acupuncture Zen Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine

BEST PLACE TO GET A MASSAGE

• Karma Relaxation Spa Spence Chiropractic Center Massage Envy - Mission Valley Dcompress Downtown Envision Personalized Health

BEST PLACE TO GET PIERCED

• Enigma Professional Piercing Apogee Body Piercing 454 Tattoo and Body Piercing Embellish PB Lavish Tattoo Company

50 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · OCTOBER 16, 2019

BEST PLACE TO GET WAXED

• Krista Skincare The Pretty Kitty Le Wax Boutique LunchboxWax Hillcrest-San Diego ra•di•ant studios

BEST TANNING SALON

• Summer Sheen Spray Tanning iTAN Sun Spray Spa - Mission Valley ra•di•ant studios Chuze Fitness Hot Tropics Spray Tan

BEST TATTOO ARTIST • Cash Scott Justin Cota Pete Vaca Sua Sulu’ape Angela

BEST TATTOO PARLOR • Full Circle Tattoo SD Tattoo Avalon Tattoo II Bay Ink Tattoo 454 Tattoo and Body Piercing Big City Tattoo Inc.

BEST WORK OUT GYM • No Excuses PT Leo’s Fitness Lab Personal Training Orangetheory Fitness RockBox Fitness EōS Fitness

BEST YOGA STUDIO

• Pilgrimage of the Heart Yoga CorePower Yoga Yoga One Modo Yoga

FOOD BEST BAKERY

BEST BURGER • Hodad’s Rocky’s Crown Pub Slater’s 50/50 Royale Redwing Bar & Grill

BEST BURRITO

• Lolita’s Mexican Food Lucha Libre Taco Shop Sayulitas Mexican Food Señor Grubby’s Beerfish

BEST CAJUN FOOD

• Crab Hut Louisiana Purchase Bud’s Louisiana Cafe Bud & Rob’s New Orleans Bistro LouZiana Food

BEST CASINO BUFFET • Barona Resort & Casino Viejas Casino & Resort Sycuan Casino Resort Pala Casino Spa & Resort Valley View Casino & Hotel

BEST CASINO RESTAURANT

• Barona Resort & Casino Viejas Casino & Resort Sycuan Casino Resort Harrah’s Resort Southern California Pala Casino Spa & Resort

BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT

• Dumpling Inn & Shanghai Saloon Hong Kong Restaurant Minh Ky Restaurant Panda Country Restaurant La China Restaurant

BEST CUPCAKES

• Extraordinary Desserts Bread and Cie Bakery/Cafe Hans & Harry’s Bakery 85C Bakery Cafe - Balboa Mesa Bear Buns Bakery

• Nothing Bundt Cakes Babycakes San Diego Sprinkles La Jolla Yummy Cupcakes, Cakes and Truffles PURE Cupcakes

BEST BARBECUE

BEST DELI

• Phil’s BBQ Grand Ole BBQ Y Asado Cali Comfort BBQ Iron Pig Alehouse Coop’s West Texas BBQ

• DZ Akins Beach Hut Deli Fatboy’s Rubicon Deli Brown Bag Deli

BEST BREAKFAST

BEST DESSERT

• Hash House A Go Go Breakfast Republic Snooze an A.M. Eatery Cocina 35, Sixth Avenue, San Diego Don’s Country Kitchen

• Extraordinary Desserts Holy Paleta Incredible Cheesecake Company Snoice JRDN Restaurant

BEST BRUNCH SPOT

BEST DONUT SHOP

• Great Maple Morning Glory Royale Don’s Country Kitchen Madison

• Donut Bar Nomad Donuts Mary’s Donuts & Coffee VG Donut & Bakery Peterson’s Donut Corner

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BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT

• Corvette Diner Station Tavern Family House of Pancakes DZ Akins Lido’s Italian Foods Sayulitas Mexican Food

BEST FARMERS MARKET

• Hillcrest Farmers Market Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market Ocean Beach Farmers Market Oceanside Sunset Market North Park Farmers Market

BEST FAST FOOD

BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT

• Royal India - Gaslamp Taste of the Himalayas Tandoori Hut Himalayan Cuisine Sundara

BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

• Buona Forchetta - South Park Filippi’s Pizza Grotto Mona Lisa Italian Foods Di Mille’s Italian Restaurant Spirito’s Italian Diner

BEST LOCAL CATERING COMPANY

• In-N-Out Burger Chick-fil-A Sayulitas Mexican Food Taco Bell Jack in the Box

• San Diego Taco Company The Living Room Grubby’s Poke & Fish Market Miho Catering Co. Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering

BEST FISH TACOS

BEST LUNCH SPOT

•¡SALUD! Barrio Logan Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill Rubio’s Coastal Grill Pacific Beach Fish Shop Señor Grubby’s

BEST FISH-N-CHIPS • Shakespeare Pub Beerfish Harbor Fish Cafe Chef John’s Fish & Chips Kairoa Brewing Company

BEST FOOD TRUCK • Shawarma Guys Tacos La Mezcla Corazon de Torta Sushi Uno The Beaten Berry

BEST FRIED CHICKEN

• The Crack Shack - Little Italy Crispy Fried Chicken Louisiana Purchase Cross Street Chicken and Beer The Chicken Shop

BEST GELATO SHOP • Gelato Vero Caffe Pappalecco Chocolat Hillcrest GelatoLove (Gaia Gelato) Bobboi Natural Gelato

BEST HOT DOG

• Barrio Dogg Daddy’s Hot Dogs Lefty’s Chicago Pizzeria Dog Haus Biergarten Vista Doggos gus

BEST ICE CREAM SHOP • Salt & Straw Mariposa Ice Cream Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream Stella Jean’s Ice Cream

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• C-Level Brown Bag Deli Taste & Thirst Giorgino’s Grubby’s Poke & Fish Market

BEST MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT

• Meze Greek Fusion Aladdin Mediterranean Restaurant Olympic Cafe Troy’s Greek Restaurant Sahara Taste of the Middle East

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT

• ¡SALUD! Barrio Logan Casa Guadalajara Cotijas Cocina Mexicana Señor Grubby’s Sayulitas Mexican Food

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

(SINCE 7/18) • Dough Nations Morning Glory Louisiana Purchase Del’s Hideout Tahona Bar

BEST ORGANIC FOOD STORE

• Sprouts Farmers Market Ocean Beach People’s Organic Food Market Whole Foods Market Lazy Acres Jimbo’s...Naturally!

BEST PHILLY CHEESESTEAK

• Gaglione Bros Famous Steaks & Subs Giorgino’s Jersey Mike’s Subs Philly Frank’s Steaks Calozzi’s Cheeesesteaks

BEST PIZZA

• Filippi’s Pizza Grotto Bronx Pizza Pizzeria Luigi Lefty’s Chicago Pizzeria Dough Nations

BEST PLACE FOR LATE-NIGHT DINING • Rudford’s Restaurant Brian’s 24 Saigon on 5th Golden Dragon Tacos Libertad

BEST POKE

• Grubby’s Poke & Fish Market Poki One N Half Poké Chop It’s Raw Poke Shop Pokedon

BEST PRIME RIB

• Bully’s East Prime Bistro Sports Bar The Butcher Shop Born and Raised Cafe La Maze Koko Beach

BEST RAMEN

• Tajima Japanese Restaurant Underbelly North Park Menya Ultra RakiRaki Ramen & Tsukemen BESHOCK Ramen

BEST RESTAURANT STAFF • ¡SALUD! Barrio Logan The Mission North Park Royale Taste & Thirst Señor Grubby’s

BEST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT • Mister A’s The Marine Room Water Grill San Diego Peohe’s Et Voilà! French Bistro

BEST SAN DIEGO CHEF • Chef Claudia Sandoval Davin Waite Richard Blais Brian Malarkey Kevin Templeton

BEST SAN DIEGO RESTAURANT • Born and Raised Water Grill San Diego Trust Ironside Fish & Oyster Cloak & Petal

BEST SANDWICH

• Board & Brew - Del Mar Beach Hut Deli Brown Bag Deli Cheba Hut Toasted Subs Grindhouse

OCTOBER 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 51

BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

• Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill The Fish Market - San Diego Ironside Fish & Oyster Water Grill San Diego Beerfish

BEST SPANISH RESTAURANT

• Cafe Sevilla of San Diego Costa Brava Tamarindo Latin Kitchen & Bar Bar Bodega

BEST STEAKHOUSE

• Cowboy Star Restaurant & Butcher Shop Ruth’s Chris Steak House Born and Raised Lou & Mickey’s Donovan’s Steak & Chop House

BEST SUSHI RESTAURANT

• Sushi Deli 1 Sushi Ota Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub Harney Sushi Sushi Lounge Encinitas

BEST TACOS

• Tacos El Gordo ¡SALUD! Barrio Logan City Tacos Señor Grubby’s Sayulitas Mexican Food

BEST THAI RESTAURANT

• Lotus Thai Cuisine Bahn Thai Lanna Thai Cuisine Soi 30th BKK Thai Kitchen

BEST VEGAN OR VEGETARIAN FOOD

• Kindred Plumeria Vegetarian Restaurant Cafe Gratitude San Diego Sipz Vegetarian Fuzion Cafe Donna Jean

BEST VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT • Shank & Bone Saigon on Fifth PHÓ Fifth Avenue Pho Oceanside Pho Hiep & Grill 2

BEST WINGS

• Dirty Birds Taste & Thirst Small Bar Redwing Bar & Grill Hillcrest Brewing Company

BEST YOGURT SHOP • Yogurt Mill Yogurtland Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt Yog-art Frozen Yogurt Fiji Yogurt

GOODS & SERVICES

BEST ACCOUNTING FIRM

• Abbo Tax CPA Weiss & Co Always Accurate Tax Bookkeeping San Diego Taxman Bandemer Accountancy Corporation

BEST ADULT GIFT STORE

• Pleasures & Treasures Hustler Hollywood Adam & Eve Romantix Jolar Cinema

BEST ANTIQUE SHOP • La Mesa Antique Mall, Palm Avenue Klassik Vignettes-Antiques & Collectibles Karen’s Consignment Gallery Maroufi Fine Rugs & Antiques

BEST AUTO DEALER • John Hine Mazda Mercedes-Benz of San Diego Pacific Honda Penske Ford La Mesa Mossy Nissan Kearny Mesa

BEST AUTO REPAIR SHOP

• El Cajon Transmissions Prestige Autowash & Automotive TJ Crossman’s Auto Repair Inc. Dragonfly Automotive San Carlos Auto Service

BEST BANK

• California Bank & Trust Chase Bank Wells Fargo Pacific Premier Bank Comerica

BEST BIKE SHOP • Electric Bike Central Adams Avenue Bicycles North Park Bikes Bernie’s Bike Shop Cal Coast Bikes

BEST BOOKSTORE

• Verbatim Books Mysterious Galaxy BookStore Run for Cover Bookstore and Cafe Book Catapult Book Tree

52 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · OCTOBER 16, 2019

BEST CAMERA STORE • George’s Camera Nelson Photo Supplies Camera Exposure Kurt’s Camera Repair Inc

BEST CAR WASH

• Washman San Diego Body Beautiful Car Wash Uptown Touchless Car Wash Encinitas Car Wash Kwik N’ Kleen Car Wash

BEST COMIC BOOK STORE

• Comics-N-Stuff Comickaze Comics Books and More II Mysterious Galaxy BookStore Southern California Comics Super7

BEST EYEWEAR

• Hillcrest Optical Blenders Eyewear North Park Optometry Urban Optiks Optometry

BEST FLOWER SHOP

• Native Poppy Wholesale Flowers and Supplies Dave’s Flower Box Allen’s Flowers & Plants Ever Bloom Fresh Flowers

BEST FURNITURE STORE

• Jerome’s Furniture San Diego Living Spaces D3 Home Mor Furniture for Less Skylar’s Home & Patio Furniture

BEST GARDEN SUPPLY STORE/NURSERY • Walter Andersen Nursery North Park Nursery City Farmers Nursery Mission Hills Nursery Green Gardens Nursery

BEST GROCERY STORE • Trader Joe’s Sprouts Farmers Market Lazy Acres Ralphs Jimbo’s...Naturally!

BEST HARDWARE STORE

• ACE Hardware - Hillcrest OB Hardware San Carlos True Value Hardware Pacific Beach Ace Hardware North Park Hardware

BEST HOTEL SWIMMING POOL

• The Lafayette Hotel Harrah’s Resort Southern California Sycuan Casino Resort Pearl Hotel Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

BEST JEWELRY STORE • Leo Hamel Fine Jewelry Irelia Fine Jewelry Stuart Benjamin & Co. San Diego Jewelers Exchange Blumenthal & Co.

BEST LAW FIRM

• King Aminpour Car Accident Lawyer Batta Fulkerson Law Group Stipp Law Firm, APC Cole Casey Todd Kobernick

BEST LOCAL BOUTIQUE HOTEL

BEST PLACE TO BUY A GIFT

• Leo Hamel Fine Jewelry Bazaar Del Mundo Seaport Village Run for Cover Bookstore and Cafe Bras and Honey Boutique

BEST REAL ESTATE OFFICE/REALTOR • AJ Alconcel Berkshire Hathaway Traci Beaulieu Todd Armstrong Bernadeth Huertas Ascent Real Estate

• The Lafayette Hotel Pearl Hotel Hotel del Coronado Pendry San Diego Hotel Palomar

BEST SCOOTER SHOP

BEST LOCAL CREDIT UNION

BEST SKATE SHOP

• Mission Federal Credit Union California Coast Credit Union Navy Federal Credit Union SDCCU Santee Branch Point Loma Credit Union

BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE

• Vespa Motorsport Electric Bike Central Fun Bike Center Main Street Scooters

• Route 44 Skateboard Shop Overload Sin City Skates Urbn Sk8 Retro Sports

BEST SMOKE/ VAPE SHOP

• Nordstrom Rack Mission Valley Men’s Wearhouse Macy’s Saks Off 5th Kohl’s

• Vape & Smoke Universe Stuff 2 Puff La Mesa Smoke Shop Smoke Zone E Cig Creations - Vape Shop San Diego

BEST MOTORCYCLE SHOP

BEST SUNGLASSES SHOP

BEST OUTDOOR RENTAL SHOP

BEST SURF SHOP

• San Diego Harley-Davidson GP Motorcycles Motoworld of El Cajon Fun Bike Center

• Blenders Eyewear Sunglass Hut Sunglass & Optical Warehouse Urban Optiks

(KAYAK, JET SKI, BOAT) • La Jolla Kayak Mission Bay Sportcenter PB Surf Shop Seaforth Boat Rentals Everyday California

• South Coast Surf Shop PB Surf Shop Real Surf Shop Surf Ride Boardshop Witt’s Carlsbad Pipelines

BEST PAWN SHOP

•Cashco Pawn Shop San Diego Leo Hamel Jewelry PB Pawn & Jewelry Hillcrest Pawn Brokers

• Goodwill Store & Donation Center Amvets Thrift Store Alliance for African Assistance Deseret Industries Thrift Store The Salvation Army Family Store

BEST PET STORE/ SERVICE

BEST TOUR COMPANY

• Pet Palace Pet Kingdom Dog Beach Dog Wash Kahoots Pet My Urban Dog

BEST THRIFT STORE

• Old Town Trolley Tours San Diego San Diego Ghost Tours by Ghosts Another Side Tours Local Baja Tours Pegasus Sidecar Tours

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BEST VETERINARIAN • Kensington Veterinary Hospital Mission Valley Pet Clinic Pet Hospital of La Mesa Bodhi Animal Hospital Rose Canyon Animal Hospital

BEST VINTAGE CLOTHING STORE

• Buffalo Exchange Leo Hamel Boutique & Consignment Frock You Vintage Clothing La Loupe Vintage The Girl Can’t Help It

BEST MUSIC SCHOOL IN SAN DIEGO

• School of Rock San Diego Wagner’s School of Music Young Lions Jazz Conservatory San Diego School of Creative Coronado School of the Arts

BEST OPEN MIC NIGHT • Lestat’s Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center PB Cantina Black Xpression Winstons Beach Club

BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE

BEST PLACE TO SEE LOCAL BANDS

MUSIC

BEST SAN DIEGO BAND

• Leo Hamel Boutique & Consignment Nordstrom Fashion Valley Mimi & Red Boutique Vocabulary Boutique Bras and Honey Boutique

BEST CD/ RECORD STORE

• Lou’s Records Vinyl Junkies Record Shack M-Theory Music Cow Folk Arts Rare Records

BEST CONCERT VENUE

• Belly Up The Observatory North Park Music Box Humphreys Concerts By The Bay House of Blues San Diego

BEST DANCE CLUB

• Rich’s Moonshine Beach Sevilla Nightclub of San Diego Spin Nightclub FLUXX Nightclub

BEST JAZZ OR BLUES CLUB

• Panama 66 Prohibition Lounge House of Blues San Diego Dizzy’s Hoffer’s Cigar Bar

BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE (ALL AGES)

• The Observatory North Park Music Box House of Blues San Diego SOMA San Diego The Irenic

BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE (OVER 21)

• The Casbah Belly Up Music Box The Shout! House The Observatory North Park

@SDCITYBEAT

• The Casbah Soda Bar Winstons Beach Club Til-Two Club 710 Beach Club

• Euphoria Brass Band 40 Oz. To Freedom Tribal Theory The Naked I Safety Orange

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD

BEST RADIO STATION

BEST PLACE TO GO CAMPING

BEST SPORTS TEAM

• North Park Barrio Logan Point Loma Hillcrest Normal Heights

• Campland on the Bay San Elijo State Beach South Carlsbad State Beach Campground La Jolla Indian Campground Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

BEST PUBLIC PARK • Balboa Park Chicano Park Waterfront Park Kate Sessions Park Embarcadero

BEST RADIO PROGRAM • DSC Not So Serious Radio War of the Roses Live from the Hive

• KPBS 91X KSON Channel 93.3 101.5

• San Diego Padres San Diego Gulls SDSU Aztec Football SDSU basketball San Diego Legion

BEST TOURIST ATTRACTION

• San Diego Zoo Balboa Park SeaWorld San Diego Lions Tigers & Bears Seaport Village

BEST TV ANCHOR • Shally Zomorodi Kimberly Hunt Smith Raoul Martinez Carlo Cechetto

BEST TV STATION • KPBS Public Media KUSI NBC 7 KFMB-TV KGTV Channel 10 (ABC)

BEST TV WEATHERCASTER • Dagmar Midcap Aloha Taylor Shawn Styles Megan Perry Karlene Chavis

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE WINNERS AND NOMINEES!

BEST SAN DIEGO MUSIC EVENT

• Adams Avenue Street Fair Kaaboo Gator by the Bay CRSSD fest SDCCU Festival North Park

SAN DIEGO LIFE BEST BEACH

• Coronado Beach La Jolla Shores Beach Pacific Beach Black’s Beach Mission Beach

BEST COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY

• San Diego State University University of California San Diego California State University San Marcos Point Loma Nazarene University Palomar College

BEST ELECTED OFFICIAL • Todd Gloria Zeb Navarro Richard Bailey Matt Hall Chris Ward

BEST HIKING

• Torrey Pines State Reserve Cowles Mountain Mission Trails Regional Park Potato Chip Rock Iron Mountain

OCTOBER 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 53

MUSIC

A Wake-Up Call

Theory of a Deadman finds a new sound and name

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

P

arties and relationships have been the lyrical bread and butter for Canadian rockers Theory of a Deadman. But on its last album, “Wake Up Call,” and the new song “History of Violence,” the band takes a serious approach.

“It’s dark and it’s touching upon a very serious topic—domestic abuse, which is a big issue in America,” said drummer Joey Dandeneau about “History of Violence.” It hit streets on September 25.

“It’s along the lines of ‘RX (Medicate),’ where we tried to talk about opioid abuse on our last album. This record is sort of like a continuation of the last record, touching upon major serious topics that we want to bring awareness to.”

“History of Violence” is the first single from album No. 7, due in 2020. The collection, “Say Nothing,” will continue Theory of a Deadman’s rebranding, which included the abbreviated name, Theory, and the new sound. “‘Theory’ is just easier to say,” Dandeneau says. “Ultimately, a lot of fans call us ‘Theory’ anyway. With this new sound and direction, we wanted to make it easier for people to remember.

Plus, ‘of a Deadman’ may affect people negatively.

“They’re not sure what kind of music we are. They think Theory of a Deadman is a metal

band. We certainly are not.”

Theory of a Deadman will perform new material and hits like “Bad Girlfriend,” “Lowlife,” “So Happy” and “Angel” at Harrah’s Resort Southern California in Valley Center on Thursday, October 17.

Dandeneau is hoping fans continue to accept the band’s evolution. It was a long time coming.

“Before we made ‘Wake Up Call’ and (2014’s) ‘Savages,’ that’s when we felt like we were ready for Theory of a Deadman is continuing its evolution with the new single “History of Violence.” (Photo by Jimmy Fontaine) a change,” Dannolly, rhythm/lead guitarist gether with the same old effort.” deneau says.

Treading new musical waters “We got a great response, Dave Brenner and bassist Dean which is what we were hoping Back—just wanted something was nerve wracking, fun and Theory of a Deadman exciting. for. We decided to go in a dif- new.

“There are a million bands “You’re right,” Dandeneau w/Spirit Animal ferent direction with (2017’s) ‘Wake Up Call.’ We came out of out there,” Dandeneau says. “It’s says. “In one day, every day in 8 p.m. Thursday, October 17 the gate feeling awesome about hard to stand out. If you keep the studio, you feel happy, sad, Harrah’s Resort Southern it. With the response of ‘RX doing the same old stuff, it gets excited. It’s all there. That’s what California, 777 Harrah’s (Medicate),’ it was a no brainer. lost in the mix. The message is makes a great record—going through all the emotions toWe thought let’s do this again. the biggest part.”

Rincon Way, Valley Center When the quartet felt itself gether as a band in the studio.

Let’s really dive into this new Tickets start at $34.50 going toward its trademark “When we finished, we could record with some serious effort 760-751-3100, caesars. sound, it recorded music that really hear all those emotions. into it. We got there.”

Fans can then get their own com/harrahs-socal/shows It wasn’t that Theory of a was the complete opposite.

“I think we feel really confi- take on what we did and feel Deadman didn’t try before.

The band—which also includes dent as a band to put new stuff emotions and whatnot on their vocalist/guitarist Tyler Con- out,” he adds. “It wasn’t just own. That’s the beauty of musomething that was slapped to- sic.”

54 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · OCTOBER 16, 2019

@SDCITYBEAT

A True ‘Party’

MUSIC

Jordan McGraw says new tour is pure happiness

By Christina FuocoKarasinski

O

pening for the Jonas Brothers has been anything but average for pop singer Jordan McGraw.

“It’s the most unheard-of thing you ever heard of,” McGraw said with a laugh.

“It’s the most nonstop, unreal circus. It’s the happiest thing on the planet. It sounds cheesy but, seriously, everybody is happy.”

McGraw’s time with the Jonas Brothers includes a 7:30 p.m. Thursday, October 17, gig at Pechanga Arena San Diego. His set includes “Met at a Party,” his duet with award-winning actress Sarah Hyland.

In April, McGraw released his debut solo single, “Flexible,” which was written by Simon Wilcox (Nick Jonas, Five Seconds of Summer, Fifth Harmony) and Grammy Award-winning songwriter Dewain Whitmore Jr. He plans on releasing more music throughout the year with the

@SDCITYBEAT

ing into it,” said McGraw, who plays “All the Small Things” at after parties.

“It’s the coolest summation of my whole live playing career.”

The son of TV psychologist/personality Phil McGraw, the singer took up music at age 15 when his family moved to California.

“I had no friends, so I bought a guitar and the rest is history,” he said.

“When I played in front of people and it made them happy and they were having fun. I thought then Jordan McGraw, who opens for the Jonas Broth- that music was an easy ers and Bebe Rexha at Pechanga Area San Diego choice. on Thursday, October 17, is Dr. Phil McGraw’s son.

“How could you not (Photo courtesy Jordan McGraw) enjoy getting in front of people and changing help of his executive producer, their mood for 3 minutes at a Ross Golan.

He said his next single is “We time? It was nerve wracking at Should Still Be Friends,” which is first, but it was the biggest high I ever felt.” the last song in his set.

His first gig was at The Roxy “I play a little piece of Blink182’s ‘What’s My Age Again’ go- Theatre in West Hollywood,

which isn’t a bad place to start, he said.

“It was there I learned to (screw) up in front of people and fix it in front of them,” he said.

“I’m glad I played a show before I was ready to. It certainly taught me a lot.”

His first group was The Upside, which he founded in 2005, before becoming vice president of A&R for Organica Music Group in 2010. During his time at Organica, McGraw worked with numerous artists and recorded some songs of his own.

He then joined Hundred Handed as the lead vocalist and had modest success with the single “Love Me Like the Weekend.”

The band separated in 2017.

Music makes sense to McGraw, as he was raised in a musical family.

“Nobody could play an instrument or sing, but I had a weird group of influences,” he said.

“Tina Turner was on my favorites from my childhood. My first show was Blink-182. I learned

about Nirvana from my brother.

I love Bone Thugs N Harmony.

There were all these weird, different genres around the house.

It opened my eyes to being more open when writing songs.”

McGraw, who has written with Alex Gaskarth of All Time Low, said when he’s collaborating, it’s important to hang out and get to know each other.

“I like my music to be about positivity and happiness or partying—whatever that means to you,” he said. “You can’t really capture that unless you hang out and get along and get to know each other. We have to create that vibe in real life.”

Jonas Brothers w/Bebe Rexha and Jordan McGraw

7:30 p.m. Thursday, October 17 Pechanga Arena San Diego, 3500 Sports Arena Boulevard, San Diego Tickets start at $54.95 pechangaarenasd.com

OCTOBER 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 55

MUSIC

Finding Herself Through Music U.K.’s Beabadoobee is introducing herself to America

By Octavio Serrano

T

he last thing Bea Kristi imagined was to hear from the subject of her new single, “I Wish I Was Stephen Malkmus.”

“I screamed,” said Kristi, who performs as Beabadoobee.

“Well, I internally screamed because I had a sore throat, but I screamed in my mind and now I’m seeing him tonight with his daughters. It’s going to be crazy.”

Kristi, 19, has seen massive success in her home country of England since she released her simple single “Coffee.”

She’s now touring the United States as part of Clairo’s Immunity Tour, which comes to the House of Blues Downtown at 7 p.m. Friday, October 18. Kristi is excited to connect with her American fans as she explores her musical limits.

Kristi was born in the Philippines but moved to England when she was 3.

Although she enjoys her culture’s music, she very early on developed a taste

for rock and indie rock.

“I very much take inspiration form bands from the ’90s and good old grunge music like Pavement and the Moldy Peaches. I’m obsessed with them,” Kristi said. “I would never limit myself to one genre, but if I had to say a type of style I’d do, I would be very much be inspired by those artists.”

Kristi studied piano for seven years as a child, but also enjoyed writing lyrics that she would share at Friday Show and Tell. She didn’t pick up the guitar until she was 17 and that’s when things set into motion.

After teaching herself a few songs, she wrote “Coffee.” Quickly she realized she could make a career of this.

“When I made music, it was just me hanging out with my friend and then when people saw it and started noticing it, I thought, ‘Oh my God, maybe this is a thing,’ and I kind of concentrated on it a lot more.”

Her friend uploaded her music and next came the name. She settled on her

56 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · OCTOBER 16, 2019

Beabadoobee was born in the Philippines, but was raised in England. (Photo by Jordan Curtis Hughes)

private Instagram handle.

“It was my ‘Finsta’ name and that was my private Instagram name where I’d post memes on,” Kristi joked. “And I guess I’ll be called ‘Beabadoobee’ for the rest of my life.”

Kristi began performing at a small venue in Guilford, England, only a year ago. Now she’s crisscrossing the United States in a tour bus. It’s all a bit surreal.

“It’s so much more different from headliners in London because the band can do whatever we want because it’s our show,” Kristi says. “We just try to win everyone’s hearts wherever everyone is with our music, so we try to make everything sound as good as it could be.”

She’s excited about meeting her American fans, but she could hardly contain her joy about her meeting with Malkmus, who played with Pavement.

See

BEABADOOBEE on page 62

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@SDCITYBEAT

OCTOBER 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 57

MUSIC

Something to Remember DJ Direct gives fans an interactive experience

By Octavio Serrano

N

ightlife veteran DJ Direct is doing what he loves while he’s promoting his brand.

“I traveled around the world,” said the DJ, otherwise known as Terrence Bligen.

“I’ve headlined at almost every main club in Las Vegas and I have a residency in all these different places, but I think where my heart is, is that I would like to see my company grow bigger than I ever was.”

The self-proclaimed “party rock battle DJ” will bring his musical styles to Parq Restaurant and Nightclub from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, October 19. Bligen said fans can expect an interactive show, as he’ll party just as much as his guests.

Bligen, 36, has been around music most of his life. Born in New York, but raised in Philadelphia, music was everywhere—the streets, his apartment and on the radio.

“I was always around the culture,” Bligen said. “Being in New York and seeing the DJs and break dancers out in front of my building where I grew up in Queens. Just seeing guys rap in the corner or in my building, it was always around me. I just never pursued it until I got older.”

Bligen remembers the exact date he received his first set of turntables: August 30, 1998.

He was 15. Influenced by WuTang Clan, Nas, Biggie Smalls and Jay-Z, Bligen knew music was his calling. Initially, he immersed himself in music to stay out of trouble.

“I love hip-hop, so it was that outlet that would keep me disciplined and would keep me in the house,” Bligen said. “The first day I got my turntables, there was never a doubt in my mind that this was going to be a career for me.”

Eventually, Bligen shadowed other DJs at clubs and bars to learn as much as he could from them. At 22, he felt he needed to seek greener pastures and new opportunities. That’s when he discovered Las Vegas.

“It was a leap of faith. I came

58 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · OCTOBER 16, 2019

DJ Direct is excited to return to Parq Restaurant and Nightclub to give his fans an experience they won’t forget. (Photo courtesy DJ Direct)

to visit one day, and I knew some kid who I taught how to DJ and he had a big house, three cars and a stripper pole in his living room,” Bligen said with a laugh. “I moved out next month.

I had to get a piece of the pie.”

Bligen said he has worked with Rick Ross, Trey Songz, Lil Jon, Too Short and Fetty Wap, among others. He soon realized, however, that business plays a heavy hand in DJing.

“It’s the entertainment capital of the world,” Bligen said.

“You’re crazy not to take what the city has to offer you and run with it.”

He founded Blue Print Sound, a multifaceted entertainment company that provides DJs for events, with his partner Dee Spuriel four years ago.

Bligen is a businessman by day. At night, he enjoys giving the best show he can. He doesn’t hold back.

“I’m very interactive with the crowd,” Bligen said. “I like to call out tables. I like to make people feel special, especially when they’ve spent money. I like to scratch a lot. I’m an open-format DJ. I like to be on the mic and if I can I will jump out in the crowd.”

Although Bligen has achieved most of his goals, he still wants to push his career. He

looks up to peers like DJ Jazzy Jeff.

“For somebody who is in his 50s, he is still relevant,” Bligen said. “He loves the art. He is still hungry about it. He is all over the place. He’s never skipped a beat. I’ll be lucky If I am ever mentioned in the same conversation as him.”

When he’s not at the turntables, Bligen is giving back. He frequents homeless shelters and his company hosts an annual toy drive for children in need.

“I’m humble and I really love being involved with charities on the side besides being a DJ. I think that’s a special gift—to give back to the ones in need,” Bligen said. “I would like to be a big advocate for that.”

As for his fans, he appreciates their time and he gives his all.

“I like to have fun with them.

It’s me and them. They came out to see a show and they want something to remember. My goal is to make they leave with something to remember,” Bligen said.

DJ Direct

10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Friday, October 18 Parq Restaurant and Nightclub, 615 Broadway, Gaslamp Quarter $15, parqsd.com @SDCITYBEAT

MUSIC

COncerts

Box. Joseph Arthur at Soda Bar. Birdy Bardot at The Casbah. The Beach Boys at Humphreys. Faim at SOMA. Jonas Brothers at Pechanga Arena.

Home at Brick by Brick. Devendra Banhart at Observatory North Park.

Rich Brain at SOMA. Benise at Balboa Theatre. Con at Ché Café Collective.

Tavern. Cold at Brick by Brick. Old Man Wizard at Soda Bar. Acid Tongue at Ché Café Collective. Michael vs. Prince Halloween Party at The Casbah.

Other Ways (Soda Bar, 10/21), Michael vs. Prince Halloween Party (Casbah, 10/31), Burning Beard (Casbah, 11/4), Art Alexakis (Music Box, 11/14), Leonid & Friends (BUT, 11/18), The World/ Inferno Friendship Society (Casbah, 11/20), Our Girl (Soda Bar, 11/21), Cryptic Wisdom (Soda Bar, 11/27), The Rosalyns (Casbah, 11/29), Kill Devil Hill (Brick by Brick, 12/5), Louis Futon (Music Box, 12/7), Rorre (Soda Bar, 12/13), Omni (Soda Bar, 12/15), Kiefer Sutherland (BUT, 12/16), Mark Diamond (Soda Bar, 12/17), The Heavy Guilt (Soda Bar, 12/21), Late Night Radio (Soda Bar, 12/22), Ignite (Brick

by Brick, 12/28), Trey Anastasio Band (Observatory, 1/16), Michael Kiwanuka (Observatory, 1/22), Cursive (Casbah, 1/24), Sergio Mendes (BUT, 1/30), Sinead O’Connor (BUT, 2/11), The Como la Flor Band (Music Box, 2/14), Tinsley Ellis (BUT, 2/26), The Purple Ones (Music Box, 2/28), Dave Hause & the Mermaid (Soda Bar, 2/28), Walter Trout (BUT, 3/1), The Growlers (SOMA, 3/6), The Mother Hips (BUT, 4/11).

Friday, October 18

Sunday, October 27

Friday, November 1

The Rocket Summer at Soda Bar. Chelsea Wolfe at Observatory North Park. Joseph at Belly Up Tavern. Neon Indian at Music Box. Ty Dolla $ign at Viejas Arena. Sum 41 at SOMA. Chris Brown at Viejas Arena.

Lukas Graham at House Of Blues. Night Club at Brick By Brick. EyeHateGod at The Casbah. Face to Face at Observatory North Park. Cory Wong at Music Box. Ra Ra Riot at Belly Up Tavern. Cherry Glazerr at SOMA.

Saturday, October 19

Monday, October 28

Kikagaku Moyo at Music Box. Dinosaur Jr. at Observatory North Park. Kero Kero Bonito at Belly Up Tavern. Wovenhand at Brick by Brick. Shoreline Mafia at SOMA. Jon Pardi at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre. Mike Watt & the Missingmen at Casbah. Cults at Soda Bar.

Lucero at Music Box. Senses Fail at House Of Blues. Maribou State at Observatory North Park. The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band at The Casbah.

Alien Weaponry at Soda Bar. Bring Me The Horizon at Viejas Arena at SDSU. Havok at Brick by Brick. Tyler, The Creator at Pechanga. Kurt Elling at San Diego Symphony. Taimane at California Center for the Arts.

Lucy Dacus at Belly Up Tavern.

Saintseneca at Soda Bar. Chameleons Vox at The Casbah.

ALL SOLD OUT

Monday, October 21

HOT! NEW! FRESH!

Caamp (BUT, 10/19), DEAN (Brick

by Brick, 10/20), The Story So Far (Observatory, 10/24), Tab Benoit (BUT, 10/25), Black Pumas (Soda Bar, 10/25), Mac Ayres (Music Box, 11/3),Two Door Cinema Club (Observatory, 11/8), Nahko (Observatory, 11/14), Built To Spill (Casbah, 11/14), Cold War Kids (Observatory, 11/15), Adam Carolla (BUT, 12/1), Thievery Corporation (BUT, 12/12), Silversun Pickups (Observatory, 12/17), Chris Isaak (BUT, 12/17), Stick Figure (BUT, 12/27-28), Dashboard Confessional (Observatory, 2/11).

CANCELED

Dick Dale’s Misirlou (BUT, 12/19), Christian Death (Soda Bar, 11/6), Goblin (Brick by Brick, 11/14).

GET YER TICKETS

Judah & The Lion (Observatory, 10/17), Senses Fail (HOB, 10/19), Hozier (Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, 10/26), Helmet (BUT, 11/7), Cold War Kids (Observatory, 11/15), The Maine (Observatory, 11/29), Aly & AJ (BUT, 12/8), King Princess (Observatory, 1/28).

Wednesday, October 16 The Who at Viejas Arena. Surf Curse at Observatory North Park. Battle of the Bands at Music Box. The Side Deal at Belly Up Tavern. Bloom. at Soda Bar. The Beach Boys at Humphreys. The Atom Age at The Casbah.

Thursday, October 17 Judah & The Lion at Observatory North Park. Lost Frequencies at Music

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Sunday, October 20 Dean Lewis at House Of Blues. Santo at The Casbah. Monster Movies For Music at Observatory North Park. GRLwood at Soda Bar. Boots in the Park at Waterfront Park. Gus Dapperton at SOMA. Suzanne Santo at Casbah. Peter Mayer at Belly Up Tavern.

Mushroomhead at Brick by Brick. Pruitt Igoe at The Casbah. Other Ways at Soda Bar.

Tuesday, October 29 Sara Bareilles at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre. Michale Graves at Brick By Brick. Todd Snider at Belly Up Tavern. Justin Townes Earle at The Casbah. Steve Lacy at Observatory North Park. Skizzy Mars at Music Box. Last Dinosaurs at SOMA.

Wednesday, October 30 OK Go at California Center for the Arts.

Gramatik at Observatory North Park. The Spill Canvas at Soda Bar. Easy Wind at Belly Up Tavern.

Thursday, October 31 The Adicts at House Of Blues. TR/ST at Observatory North Park. Dirtwire at Music Box. ’80s Heat at Belly Up

& the Uptown Controllers at Soda Bar. Mellow Fellow at Ché Café Collective.

French for Rabbits at SPACE. Twenty One Pilots at Pechanga. Matt & Kim at Observatory North Park. Summer Walker at SOMA. Micky & the Motorcars at Belly Up Tavern. Elephant Stone at The Casbah. Ralph Castelli at House Of Blues.

Wednesday, November 6 Penny & Sparrow at Belly Up Tavern.

Tobe Nwigwe at Music Box. Ghost of Paul Revere at The Casbah.

Saturday, November 2

Thursday, November 7

Noah Kahan at House Of Blues. Black Mountain at The Casbah. Through the Roots at Music Box. The Spazmatics at Belly Up Tavern. Suffocation & Belphegor at Brick by Brick. Cults at Soda Bar. Dia De Los Deftones at Petco Park at the Park.

Friday, November 8

Sunday, November 3 Whitney at Observatory North Park. Matt Heckler at Soda Bar. Guerilla Toss at The Casbah. Electric Guest at The Irenic.

Aaron Neville at Belly Up Tavern.

Monday, November 4 LITE at The Irenic. Making Movies at Soda Bar. The Cadillac Three at House of Blues. Burning Beard at The Casbah.

Helmet at Belly Up Tavern. Omar Apollo at Observatory North Park. Sloan at The Casbah. Luke Combs at Pechanga.

Shawn James at Soda Bar. Lohanthony at Ché Café Collective.

Hilltop Hoods at Music Box. The Pine Mountain Logs at Belly Up Tavern.

SKEGSS at The Casbah. Lyrics Born at Soda Bar. Sabrina Claudio at SOMA.

Saturday, November 9 Rat Boy at House Of Blues. Baby Bushka at The Casbah. Sammy Johnson at Music Box. Liturgy at Soda Bar. Homesafe at Brick by Brick. Super Diamond at Belly Up Tavern.

Tuesday, November 5 Monolord at Brick By Brick. Craig Finn

See

CONCERTS on page 60

Tuesday, October 22 Todrick at House Of Blues.

Mephiskapheles at The Casbah. The Speed of Sound in Seawater at Soda Bar. GRiZ at Observatory North Park.

Cavetown at Music Box.

Wednesday, October 23 Off With Their Heads at The Casbah.

Danny Brown at Music Box. Caravan Palace at Observatory North Park.

Subhumans at SOMA. Distressor at Soda Bar. Wild Wild Wets at Belly Up Tavern.

Thursday, October 24 Andrew Bird at House of Blues. Al Jardine at Belly Up Tavern. Sean Hayes at The Casbah. Dreamers at The Irenic. Half Pint at Belly Up Tavern. Lizzo at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre. For King and Country at Viejas Arena. Maldita Vecindad at Balboa Theatre. Super-Villain at Soda Bar.

Friday, October 25 The Weeks at The Irenic. Rocket from the Crypt at House of Blues.

Death Valley Girls at House Of Blues.

Peelander-Z The Merrow. The Story So Far at Observatory North Park.

Saturday, October 26 Hozier at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre. Hepcat at Music Box. (Sandy) Alex G at The Irenic. Love Revisited at The Casbah. Agnostic Front at Soda Bar. Heartbones at The Merrow. Our Second

OCTOBER 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 59

MUSIC

CONCERTS

from page 59

Sunday, November 10 Gloria Trevia at Viejas Arena at SDSU. Rhett Miller at Music Box. Immortal Technique at Belly Up Tavern.

Gesaffelstein at Petco Park. Lil Xan at House of Blues.

Monday, November 11 Kilo at Soda Bar. Broncho at The Casbah.

Charley Crockett at Belly Up Tavern.

Stonecutters at Brick by Brick.

Tuesday, November 12 Built To Spill at The Casbah. Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors at Belly Up Tavern. Sleater-Kinney at Observatory North Park. The Dangerous Summer at Soda Bar. Augustana at Music Box. Jacky Vincent at Brick by Brick.

Wednesday, November 13 Frankie Cosmos at Ché Café Collective.

Cave In at Soda Bar. TAUK at Belly Up Tavern. Miami Horror at Music Box.

Thursday, November 14 Strung Out SOMA. Hovvdy at SPACE. Jonathan Bree at Soda Bar. Art Alexakis at Music Box.

Friday, November 15 Nekromantix at Brick By Brick. Mating Ritual at Soda Bar. Max Bemis at

The Irenic. The Babe Rainbow at The Casbah. Black Belt Eagle Scout at Ché Café Collective. Los Amigos Invisibles at Music Box. Max Bemis at SOMA.

Saturday, November 16 Twin Peaks at Belly Up Tavern.

Moonchild at Music Box. Dizzy Reed’s Hookers at Brick by Brick. MyKey at Soda Bar. The Ocean Blue at The Casbah. Rufus Wainwright at Copley Symphony Hall.

Sunday, November 17 Reckless Kelly at Belly Up Tavern. The Black Keys at Pechanga Arena. The Midnight Hour at Soda Bar. SuicideGirls at Music Box. Youth of Today at Ché Café Collective. Young Thug at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU. Fister at SPACE.

Monday, November 18 Pip Blom at Soda Bar. Leonid & Friends at Belly Up Tavern.

Tuesday, November 19 ScaryPoolParty at House of Blues. Puma Blue at The Casbah. Stoop Kids at Soda Bar.

Wednesday, November 20 Mason Ramsey at House Of Blues.

Meg Myers at Music Box. Ghostland Observatory at Belly Up Tavern. The World/Inferno Friendship Society at The Casbah.

Thursday, November 21

Tuesday, November 26

Wednesday, December 11

Tyrone Wells at Music Box. Big Freedia at Belly Up Tavern. Charlotte Lawrence at House of Blues. Enterprise Earth at Brick by Brick. Our Girl at Soda Bar.

The Dead South at House of Blues.

Eddie Spaghetti at The Casbah.

Son Little at Soda Bar. Kolars at The Casbah. Defeater at Ché Café Collective.

JD McPherson at Belly Up Tavern. The Shelters at Music Box.

Friday, November 22 Cherry Poppin’ Daddies at Belly Up Tavern. Cautious Clay at House Of Blues.

Vetiver at Soda Bar. Whitey Morgan at Observatory North Park. Bad Bunny at Pechanga. Wonderfront Festival at Waterfront Park. The Expendables at Music Box.

Saturday, November 23 Hirie at Observatory North Park. Pinback at Belly Up Tavern. Shred for Dime Tribute at Brick by Brick. The Get Up Kids at Soda Bar. Wonderfront Festival at Waterfront Park. Simple Plan at SOMA. Spendtime Palace at Ché Café Collective. Johnny Distortion at Music Box.

Sunday, November 24 The Chainsmokers at Viejas Arena.

Crocodiles at The Casbah. Turnover at Observatory North Park. Wild at Soda Bar. Kottonmouth Kings at Brick by Brick.

Wonderfront Festival at Waterfront Park.

John Craigie at Belly Up Tavern.

Monday, November 25 Emily Afton at Belly Up Tavern.

Wednesday, November 27 Nile at Brick By Brick. Yachtley Crew at Music Box. Jim Breuer at Observatory North Park. Fortunate Youth at Belly Up Tavern. Cryptic Wisdom at Soda Bar.

Friday, November 29 Buku at Music Box. Morbid Angel at Brick by Brick. The Maine at Observatory North Park. The Greyboy Allstars. The Rosalyns at The Casbah.

Saturday, November 30 Wayward Sons at Belly Up Tavern. Ten Bulls at Soda Bar. Ensiferum at Brick by Brick. Lane 8 at Petco Park.

Sunday, December 1 Mikal Cronin at The Casbah. The Old Firm Casuals at Brick by Brick. A$AP Ferg at House Of Blues. Elton John at Pechanga.

Monday, December 2

Thursday, December 12 La Dispute at House of Blues. Khemmis at Brick by Brick. Bayside at The Casbah, 12/12.

Friday, December 13 Allah-Las at Observatory North Park.

Lebanon Hanover at Brick by Brick.

Tragedy at The Merrow. Rorre at Soda Bar.

Saturday, December 14 Chon at Observatory North Park. Nick Offerman at Balboa Theatre. As I Lay Dying at SOMA. Blockhead at The Casbah. Randy at Ché Café Collective.

Motel Radio at Soda Bar.

Sunday, December 15 The Blind Boys of Alabama at Belly Up Tavern. Omni at Soda Bar.

So You Think You Can Dance Live! 2019 at Balboa Theatre.

Monday, December 16

Tuesday, December 3

Tuesday, December 17

Angel Olsen at Observatory North Park.

The Make-Up at The Casbah.

Wednesday, December 4 From Indian Lakes at Soda Bar. Moon Hooch at The Casbah.

Thursday, December 5 Black Flag at House Of Blues. DIIV at Belly Up Tavern. Judge & Cro-Mags at The Irenic. Marco Benevento at The Casbah. Reagan Youth at Soda Bar. The Slackers at Music Box. Unknown Mortal Orchestra at Observatory North Park.

Catfish & the Bottlemen at Pechanga.

Shawn Colvin at California Center for the Arts. Judge at SOMA. Kill Devil Hill at Brick by Brick.

Friday, December 6 Lee Fields & the Expressions at The Music Box. Magic Sword at The Casbah.

Daughters, HEALTH at SOMA. Exhumed at Brick by Brick. Illenium at Pechanga.

Griffin House at Soda Bar. Lisa Prank at Ché Café Collective.

Saturday, December 7 John Waters at Observatory North Park.

With Confidence at The Irenic. Tow’rs at Soda Bar. Gryffin at SOMA. Authority Zero at Brick by Brick. Louis Futon at Music Box.

Sunday, December 8 Andrea Bocelli at Pechanga Arena. Aly & AJ at Belly Up Tavern. Kim Petras at Observatory North Park. Pink Froyd at Music Box. Death Eyes at The Casbah.

Valley Queen at Soda Bar.

Kiefer Sutherland at Belly Up Tavern.

Mark Diamond at Soda Bar.

Wednesday, December 18 The Venice at Belly Up Tavern.

Thursday, December 19 Mariachi Sol de Mexico at Balboa Theatre. The Tubes at Belly Up Tavern. 13 Bats at The Casbah.

Friday, December 20 Cash’d Out Christmas at Belly Up Tavern.

Infected Mushroom at Music Box. Matt Embree at Soda Bar.

Saturday, December 21 Damage Inc. at Brick by Brick. The Grouch at Music Box. Phantom Planet at House Of Blues. The Heavy Guilt at Soda Bar.

Sunday, December 22 Cattle Decapitation at Brick by Brick.

Eric Rachmany at Observatory North Park. Mud Slide Slim at Music Box. Late Night Radio at Soda Bar.

Saturday, December 28 The Crystal Method at Music Box. Jim Brickman at Balboa Theatre. Ignite at Brick by Brick.

Sunday, December 29 Donavon Frankenreiter at Belly Up Tavern.

Monday, December 30 Donavon Frankenreiter at Belly Up Tavern.

Tuesday, December 10 The Charlie Daniels Band at California Center for the Arts. Pete Yorn at Belly Up Tavern.

60 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · OCTOBER 16, 2019

See

CONCERTS on page 63 @SDCITYBEAT

MUSIC

CLUBS 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach. Wed: Open Mic. Fri: Steve Knight, Sammy Roots. Sat: Calisamba. Tue: The Visitors, The Gravities.

Air Conditioned Lounge, 4673 30th St., Normal Heights. Wed: ‘#HipHopWeds.’ Fri: ‘House Music Fridays.’ Sat: ‘JUICY.’ Sun: ‘The Shadow People.’ Mon: ‘Organized Grime.’ Tue: ‘Open House.’

American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Ave., Downtown. Thu: Rory Scovel.

Fri: Rory Scovel. Sat: Rory Scovel.

Tue: Open Mic.

LilxBandz, DEAN, $avv Kartl, Kidd Fine$$e. Mon: Mushroomhead, He Kill 3, Dead Superstar, UnSaid Fate, Salvation in Nothing.

Downtown. Wed: Chevelle. Thu: The Faim, Stand Atlantic, WSTR, Point North. Fri: Clairo. Sat: Senses Fail.

Sun: Dean Lewis. Tue: Todrick.

The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., Midtown. Wed: The Atom Age, Shake Before Us, True Stories. Thu: Birdy Bardot, Le Chateau, Blood Ponies. Fri: Emo Nite. Sat: The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Hacienda Brothers. Sun: Suzanne Santo, Izzy Ray. Mon: Pruitt Igoe, Haydee Jiminez, Spacewizardinspace, Amzel. Tue: Mephiskapheles, Beta 7.

Humphreys Backstage, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island.

Wed: Whiskey Ridge. Thu: Roni Lee. Fri: Wildside. Sat: Platinum Vibe. Sun: DJ John Phillips. Mon: Michele Lundeen. Tue: Manzanita Blues.

Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner Blvd., Midtown. Wed: ‘Citadel: Free WarinD Pre-Party.’ Thu: ‘Acid Varsity.’ Sat: ‘Tech Support.’

Che Cafe, 1000 Scholars Drive S, La Jolla. Wed: Jinx, Sway, Was, Anti Run.

The Bancroft, 9143 Campo Road, Spring Valley. Wed: Karaoke. Thu: Flames of Durga, Midnight Monuments. Fri: Okay, whatever, Pvke, Ikana, Small Talk, If Only. Sat: Crunk Witch, Your Friendly Bartender.

Mon: Trivia. Tue: Karaoke.

Dizzy’s, Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. Fri: Irving Flores, Diana Vega Perez. Sat: The Benedetti Ensemble.

Bang Bang, 526 Market St., Downtown. Fri: Sam Divine. Sat: Prok, Fitch.

Fluxx, 500 Fourth Ave., Downtown.

Fri: DJ Oasis, FVME. Sat: Dynamiq.

F6ix, 526 F St., Downtown. Fri: XRAY, J-Haka. Sat: DJ Brees. Sun: ‘Reggae Sundays.’

House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave.,

Loft @ UCSD, Price Center East, La Jolla. Sat: KAZU, Alex Zhang. Tue: Bulow.

Mc P’s Irish Pub, 1107 Orange Ave., Coronado. Wed: Jimmy Lewis Duo. Thu: Josie Day Band. Fri: Ron’s Garage. Sat: Pat Ellis & Blue Frog Band. Sun: Joey Harris. Tue: 3 Guys Will Move U. Martinis Above Fourth, 3940 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest. Wed: Thirsty Burlington. Thu: The Kinsey Sicks.

Fri: The Janice Edwards Trio. Sat:

Sophia Alone. Sun: Keep It On The DL. Tue: Clifford Bell, Michael Lavine.

The Merrow, 1271 University Ave., Hillcrest. Wed: Karaoke. Thu: ‘Horror Night.’ Fri: Screaming Dead, Only Theatre of Pain. Sat: Davina Kostiana Love, Taylor Love Cox, Sienna Desire, Nadya Symone. Tue: Black Leather Couch, Long Lost Suns, Dragon Dragon.

Mother’s Saloon, 2228 Bacon St., Ocean Beach. Tue: Trivia.

Mr. Peabody’s, 136 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas. Thu: Three Chord Justice.

Fri: Good Company. Sat: The Exiles.

Sun: ‘Jazz Jam.’ Mon: Open Mic. Tue: Karaoke.

Music Box, 1337 India St., Little Italy. Wed: The Strawberry Moons, Pink Eye, The Surrealistics, Aviator Stash, Oak Palace. Thu: Lost Frequencies. Fri: Neon Indian. Sat: Lucero, Vandoliers. Tue: Cavetown, Field Medic, Breakup Shoes.

The Office, 3936 30th St., North Park. Wed: ‘Emo/Pop Punk Karaoke.’ Thu: ‘Dig Deeper.’ Tue: ‘Night

Shift.’

OMNIA Nightclub, 454 Sixth Ave., Downtown. Thu: ‘Undone on Thursday.’ Fri: 4B. Sat: DJ Bamboozle.

Panama 66, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. Wed: ‘The Wednesday Jam Session.’ Thu: Trio Gadjo. Fri: Julianna Zachariou. Sun: The Midnight Pine, Gilbert Castellanos.

Parq, 615 Broadway, Downtown.

Fri: Direct. Sat: Crooked.

Pour House, 1903 S. Coast Highway, Oceanside. Wed: Open Mic. Thu: Holy Knives. Fri: Loom. Sat: Warsaw. Sun: Dulaney & Co. Mon: Trivia. Tue: DJ Lexicon Devil.

Proud Mary’s, 5550 Kearny Mesa Road, Kearny Mesa. Wed: Manzanita Blues. Thu: Tomcat Courtney.

Fri: Fred Heath. Sat: Robin Henkel, Nathan James.

The Rail, 3796 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest.

Sat: DJ Vibe.

See

CLUBS on page 62

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

Wed: DJ PJ, Wenzo, Forest Grove.

Thu: Spiritual Motels, Christina Larocca, WP Hawk. Fri: Cochinas Locas, Rival Squad, Briteon, DJ Dunekat, DJ RT. Sat: ‘Neon Beat.’

Sun: Wicket Echoes. Mon: DJ Milky Wayne. Tue: ‘Tiki Tuesday.’

Beaumont’s, 5665 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla. Thu: Kevin Childs. Fri: Fish & the Seaweeds. Sat: Manic Fanatic.

Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. Wed: The Side Deal. Thu: ‘Rockin’ Encinitas.’ Fri: Joseph, Run River North. Sat: Caamp, The Ballroom Thieves (sold out). Sun: Peter & Brendan Mayer, Garratt Wilkin.

Blonde, 1808 W. Washington St., Mission Hills. Thu: ‘Chocolate.’ Sat: ‘Blonde 54.’ Sun: ‘Spectrum Diverse Dance Party.’ Tue: ‘Techit Easy.’

Boar Cross’n, 390 Grand Ave., Carlsbad. Sat: Big Dude.

Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave., Bay Park. Fri: Last Caress, Hair Force, Brixton ‘76. Sat: Havok, Ringworm, Mobile Deathcamp, Nukem. Sun: Teachers with Guns, Sounds Beyond Afterlife, K.I.R.B., Tyler Aldridge, favionsd, Pakman, KyiranFamous, Brutha Eli,

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OCTOBER 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 61

BEABADOOBEE

MUSIC

CLUBS

from page 61

Rich’s, 1051 University Ave., Hillcrest. Wed: ‘Mischief w/ Bianca.’

Thu: ‘#LEZ.’ Fri: ‘Dirty-Pop.’ Sat: ‘Fuel.’ Sun: ‘Discoteka.’

Riviera Supper Club, 7777 University Ave., La Mesa. Wed: ‘Boss Jazz.’ Fri: Hiroshima Mockingbirds, Babydoll Warriors. Sat: Tori Roze & the Hot Mess. Tue: ‘The Works Jam.’ Rosie O’Gradys, 3402 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Mon: ‘Jazz Jam.’ Tue: ‘Adams Gone Funky.’

Seven Grand, 3054 University Ave., North Park. Tue: Charlie Arbelaez.

Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. Wed: Bloom., Cold Moon, Nights Like Thieves, Life in Discord.

Thu: Joseph Arthur, Jesse Malin, Diane & the Gentlemen. Fri: The Rocket Summer. Sat: Alien Weaponry, Quor. Sun: Grlwood, Le Ra, Camden Aguilera. Mon: Other Ways, Blush, Territory. Tue: The Speed of Sound in Seawater, So Much Light, Catbamboo.

SOMA, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd., Midway. Thu: The Faim, Stand Atlantic, WSTR, Point North. Fri: Sum 41, The Amity Affliction, The Plot in You. Sat: Atomic 99, The Fazes, Rain on Fridays, Ten Til Dawn, Suburban Park, Jane Reynolds. Sun: Gus Dapperton, Spencer., Brandt Orange.

SPACE, 3519 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. Wed: Eggs of Gomorrh, Putrid Temple, Antebellum, Dhatura.

Thu: ‘Love Affair.’ Fri: ‘Rollin’ Wit Tha Funk.’ Tue: Karaoke.

Spin, 2028 Hancock St., Midtown.

Fri: Lucent, RAM. Sat: Dirty Kurty, Techniche.

Sycamore Den, 3391 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Wed: Paul Gregg.

Tue: Trivia.

Til-Two Club, 4746 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. Wed: Neutral Shirt, Get Married, Perspective, Watashi Wa Dance Party. Thu: Farewell Winters, InGhosts, Blackcast, Solyria. Fri: Javier Escoveda & the City Lights, Razor Nights, Fictitious Dishes. Sat: Nebula Drag, Supersonic Dragon Wagon, Space Wax. Sun: ‘Pants Karaoke.’ Mon: ‘Rock, Shimmy and Shake Burlesque.’

62 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · OCTOBER 16, 2019

Tin Roof, 401 G St., Downtown.

Wed: ‘Rewind Wednesday.’ Thu: The Black Stripes. Fri: Coriander.

Mon: Tony P. Tue: Corey Gray & Jake Coco.

Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St., Bay Park.

Wed: The Jazz Pocket Swing. Thu: Brother Yusef. Fri: Funks Most Wanted.

Sat: Full Strength Funk Band. Sun: Big Stir. Mon: ‘Sexy Salsa & Sensual Bachata.’ Tue: Theo & the Zydeco Patrol.

Tower Bar, 4757 University Ave., City Heights. Wed: Voice of Addiction, War Fever, Inciting Riots, The A-Bortz. Sat: The Grim, Love Canal, Dum Dum Boys, Social Spit.

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

Wed: ‘The Hump Wednesdays.’ Thu: ‘BoomBox Thursdays.’ Fri: ‘Freeman Fridays.’ Sat: DJ Senema. Sun: Swells, Cappo Kelley. Mon: ‘#31 Flavors.’

Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern St., South Park.

Wed: Drug Hunt, Aunt Cynthia’s Cabin, Bear Call. Thu: ‘Horror Film Fest.’ Fri: ‘F#ing in the Bushes.’ Sat: ‘’80s vs ‘90s Dance Party.’ Mon: ‘Electric Relaxation.’

Tue: ‘Videodrome.’

Winstons, 1921 Bacon St., Ocean Beach.

Wed: ‘Club Kingston.’ Thu: Dusty Green Bones, Shakedown String Band. Fri: Rebirth Brass Band, The Palmer Squares.

Sat: Whiskerman. Sun: Karaoke. Mon: Electric Waste Band. Tue: Moxi & Loon, Do a Lee.

from page 56

She’s looked up to him for years.

“The way he sings and the way he plays the guitar, his melodies that he comes up with are insane,” she said. “Like ‘Spit on a Stranger,’ that song you just never expect that melody to come out and you’re like ‘holy crap.’ I just think he’s a genius.”

The single “I Wish I Was Stephen Malkmus” wasn’t necessarily inspired by him. The song, which will appear on her upcoming EP “Space Cadet,” stems from her journey of finding herself.

“When I wrote it, I was really angry because I was starting to accept who I was,” Kristi said.

“Most people say I never really write happy songs, but I think it’s really uplifting to sing because it’s about me coming into terms of who I am and just being OK with that.”

Kristi’s identity problem began when she was enrolled in an all-girls Catholic school.

“When I was a teenager in secondary school, I never really fit in and I was pretty much left out,” she said. “Don’t get me wrong, I had an amazing group of friends, but societal-wise it

was really hard thing to do at an all-girls Catholic school. And it was really hard coming out and just trying to accept myself and I think music has helped me just become so much surer about who I am.”

Kristi just writes about what’s in her heart, although some of her lyrics have double meanings.

“I’m very honest in my lyrics.

I just say it how it is,” Kristi said.

“Most of my lyrics are coming straight from my head to my mouth. I don’t have a filter. With the help of my band, we’re making music that we love.

“I just want to continue to explore my limits and the music I make. I’m still trying to figure out who I am. Even though I am sure of who I am, I’m still trying to figure out who I am—just as much as everyone else.”

Clairo’s Immunity Tour w/Beabadoobee, Hello Yello

7 p.m. Friday, October 18 House of Blues San Diego, 1055 Fifth Avenue, Downtown, $25-$50 houseofblues.com/sandiego

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CONCERTS

from page 60

Tuesday, December 31 Steel Pulse at Belly Up Tavern. The Floozies at Music Box.

january 2020 The Winehouse Experience (Music Box, 1/4), David Lindley (BUT, 1/8), Chadwick Stokes & the Pintos (BUT, 1/9), Mandolin Orange (Observatory, 1/10), Joyce Manor (Music Box, 1/10), Gary Gulman (Observatory, 1/11), Coco Montoya (BUT, 1/15), Midge Ure (BUT, 1/16), Los Stellarians (Music Box, 1/16), Trey Anastasio Band (Observatory, 1/16), Nada Surf (Casbah, 1/18), Reverend Horton Heat (HOB, 1/19), The Great Love Debate (Music Box, 1/22), Theo Katzman (BUT, 1/22), Michael Kiwanuka (Observatory, 1/22), Big Head Todd & the Monsters (BUT, 1/23), Cursive (Casbah, 1/24), Sullivan King (Music Box, 1/24), King Princess (Observatory, 1/28), John Mayall (BUT, 1/28), Queensryche (Music Box, 1/29), Sergio Mendes (BUT, 1/30).

february 2020 American Authors (Observatory, 2/1), The New Pornographers (Observatory, 2/4), Tender (Music Box, 2/6), Xavier Omar (Observatory, 2/7), Lucky Chops (Casbah, 2/8), The 69 Eyes (Brick by Brick, 2/8), The Glorious Sons (Music Box, 2/9), Sinead O’Connor (BUT, 2/11), Dashboard Confessional (Observatory, 2/12), Murder by Death (BUT, 2/13), The California Honeydrops (BUT, 2/14), The Como la Flor Band (Music Box, 2/14), Ross the Boss (Brick by Brick, 2/15), Soil (Brick by Brick, 2/21), William Duvall (Soda Bar, 2/22), Amber Liu (Music Box, 2/22), Thrice (Observatory, 2/25), Flor de Toloache (Casbah, 2/25), Ezra Furman (Casbah, 2/26), Tinsley Ellis (BUT, 2/26), JD Souther (BUT, 2/27), The Purple Ones (Music Box, 2/28), Dave Hause & the Mermaid (Soda Bar, 2/28).

march 2020 Walter Trout (BUT, 3/1), Michael McDermott (Soda Bar, 3/2), The Growlers (SOMA, 3/6), Wacken Metal Battle Round 1 (Brick by Brick, 3/7), A Bowie Celebration (BUT, 3/7), Buddy Guy (BUT, 3/10), Cult of Luna (Brick by Brick, 3/11), Wacken Metal Battle Round 2 (Brick by Brick, 3/14), Grace Potter (Observatory, 3/18), Paul Thorn (BUT, 3/19).

april 2020 Insomnium (Brick by Brick, 4/2), Delta Sleep (Soda Bar, 4/6), Pro-Pain (Brick

by Brick, 4/10), The Mother Hips (BUT, 4/11), Powerglove (Brick by Brick, 4/25).

june 2020 Flotsam & Jetsam (Brick by Brick, 6/1), Uli Jon Roth (Brick by Brick, 6/13).

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OCTOBER 16, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 63

IN THE BACK

CANNABITCH Smoking in the Great Green North A trip to Canada is seemingly buzzworthy

By Jackie Bryant

J

ackie, I assume you know this but we have to stop at the border to Canada and they don’t screw around, so no weed or weed stuff with you, yeah?” my friend texted me a few weeks ago ahead of our road trip from Seattle to Whistler, a mountain resort town in British Columbia, Canada.

“Fine,” I begrudgingly texted back.

“Upside, there are dispensaries right on the other side!” she messaged, referring to the wealth of herbal riches that awaited me in Canada.

A couple of weeks ago I went to Whistler for a work trip, which I used as an opportunity for me to check out Canada’s legal weed scene for the first time. For those who missed it: Canada legalized the consumption of cannabis across the board on October 17, 2018, mak-

ing many of their neighbors to the south (the United States) extremely jealous.

Admittedly, I haven’t paid as much attention to Canada’s market since legalization because things are so constantly and quickly changing here in California and the United States, in general. So, I was eager to get there and check out what is what with Canadian weed.

Once safely installed in Canada with no cannabis products in hand, I realized that my first problem was still geographical. Like in California, individual cities and other jurisdictions had the power to say “no” to sales within its borders. The suburb of Vancouver I stayed in for a few days was one such jurisdiction. I was directed to go to the nearest one, just inside Vancouver city limits, called Stressed and Depressed Association.

Now, I’m a cranky millennial

64 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · OCTOBER 16, 2019

who, frankly, identifies with that name quite a bit sometimes. It’s a weird name for a weed business.

Quirkiness aside, the staff was friendly and knowledgeable in a friendly stoner way, which is to say sort of, but not really. There was a decent selection of flower, prerolls and other products, of which I bought an ounce and six pre-rolled joints for the equivalent of about $60 American. That is an incredible deal, so right off the bat, the exchange rate and cheaper prices immediately worked in Canadian weed’s favor as far as I was concerned.

The joints were OK. They were pre-rolled Raw cones, which are fine on their own, filled with moderately strong weed that had a few stems.

The joints were also flattened in the package and not twisted at the top, which made for a smelly mess in my bag. Still, I had been with-

out weed for about 12 hours at that point and was thrilled to be smoking anything—someone could have handed me oregano and I probably would have been grateful. It did the trick.

The ounce of weed I bought was labeled as Pink Gorilla Glue, a hybrid that’s slightly Sativa-dominant.

Like the joints, the bud packed a lackluster punch in small quantities. So, I had my friend roll me baseball bat-esque joints so I could get the required buzz throughout the week.

My friend and I danced around the subject all week—she’s a far recovered pothead, so she knows her stuff—but we finally had to ask each other, “Does weed in British Columbia kind of suck?”

This dispensary had come highly recommended. I told the budtender that I was visiting from California and I wanted the good stuff. What I smoked wasn’t terrible by any means, but it definitely wasn’t anything to write home about (unless, um, one happens to be a cannabis columnist).

This isn’t intended to be a review on Canadian weed or even the legal market in Vancouver or British Columbia by any stretch. I sampled only a few different flower strains and didn’t even touch concentrates, edibles, topicals or anything else. I

visited only one dispensary. Maybe it was the lack of clever, upscale packaging I’ve quickly become used to in California or the fact the dispensary’s Instagram is painfully boring, only posting pictures of a spreadsheet that lists what they have in stock. But something was missing from my experience.

In hindsight, what I think it comes down to is the fact that I am just completely and totally American when it comes to consumption of anything. I like big, strong, punchy everything, from food flavors to cannabis flower strains. I like a story. An experience. I am an aesthete who believes everything should be as beautiful to look at as it can be. To be honest, it can be exhausting to always want things to live up to that standard.

What I found during my short Canadian trip was the opposite of that. Good-enough, well-priced weed? No back story behind the fact the guy at the dispensary liked to smoke it? Cheap, personality-less packaging? A fast and friendly dispensary experience? The Canadian weed experience seems to be more egalitarian, more accessible and less focused on celebrity, luxury or bells and whistles than it is in California.

It’s boring but reliable and exceptionally pleasant. And, in the end, I think that’s the beauty of it.

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