San Diego CityBeat • Dec 11, 2019

DECEMBER 11, 2019 • SDCITYBEAT.COM • FREE

Don’t Call Him Ron Nick Offerman just wants fans to have fun

HOMESTYLE MEXICAN COOKING (P. 5) | KIEFER SUTHERLAND (P. 14) | AS I LAY DYING (P. 15)

2 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 11, 2019

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EDITOR Christina Fuoco-Karasinski ART DIRECTOR Jay Banbury CONTRIBUTORS Jackie Bryant, David L. Coddon, Edwin Decker, Alex Distefano, Connor Dziawura, Michael A. Gardiner, Glenn Heath Jr., Haley Lorenzen, Taylor O’Connor PRODUCTION MANAGER Tristan Whitehouse PRESIDENT Steve Strickbine VICE PRESIDENT Michael Hiatt 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

FEATURE

Volume 18 • Issue 10

12

Nick Offerman

FOOD & DRINK

ARTS & CULTURE

5 4

STRAIGHT UP WITH A TWIST

THE WORLD FARE

9

THEATER

Straight Up __________ 4 Top 15 ___________________7 Theater ____________________9 World Fare __________ 5 Calendar __________________8

MUSIC

IN THE BACK

16 15 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.

THOMPSON SQUARE

19

as i lay dying

Film _______________________________10-11 Cover Story _________________________ 12

ON THE COVER:

Cannabitch

Music _____________________________ 14-16 CannaBitch _______________ 19 Concerts & Club _____________________ 17-18

Nick Offerman, Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer.

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

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DECEMBER 11, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 3

UP FRONT | VOICES

STRAIGHT UP WITH A TWIST

What To Do?

Pressing questions about flirting bartenders and Facebook blood feuds

By Edwin Decker

D

ear Ed: I frequently notice bartenders flirting with me. Do bartenders ever date customers, or is this a ploy to increase tips?

Thanks!

-Popular Penny in Pomona

Thanks for the question, Pomona Penny. To answer the first part, of course bartenders date customers! Especially males. From my utterly unscientific, purely anecdotal and arguably sexist observations, female bartenders seem less likely to date their patrons, but the males?

I know I did. In fact, in all the years I tended bar almost all my come-ons came from behind the plank. For reasons that will be explained shortly, it’s just wildly more fruitful than cruising in the wild.

As for determining whether a flirtatious bartender is greasing you for shake, there is no simple answer. There are all kinds of bartenders with all kinds of agendas. The likelihood is that some do it for tips, some out of genuine interest and some for varying combinations of both. That said, we can use probability to help identify the motivations of a given amorous bartender. For this we will employ the “Ratio Calidum Variabilis,” which is Latin for “Variable Hotness Ratio.”

The Variable Hotness Ratio is the relationship between the Base Attractiveness Ranking (BAR) of two

parties and how it informs their decision to hook up. It was coined in 1958 by renowned psychologist Dr. I.R. Abeeg Kwack, who noticed that a person’s BAR can be adjusted by certain variables such as, say, having a tan (which adds two points); or the type of car one drives (Jaguar is plus two, Pinto is minus three); or bartending, which, according to Kwack, adds two, but only while working, which is exactly why they do their best macking on the job.

By using Dr. Kwack’s formula we can discern within a reasonable probability the intentions of a given bartender.

Simply put, if your BAR is nine and his is three, chances are his romantic overtures are genuine. This is because adding two to his BAR provides the best chance at some of that elusive plus-six action. However, if the reverse were true—if, say, he is a nine and you are a three—then it’s more likely to be a ploy for tips given that a minus eight (adjusted) is too far to plummet socially. It’s not an exact science, as you must control for charisma and subjective beauty, but in general, the higher your BAR the more likely his designs are genuine. Also, and this is important, I totally made all of that up just now.

Hi Ed: What should I do when, after posting something political [on social media], two of my friends [who don’t know each other] get in a heated discussion and start name calling and acting childish? Currently my policy is to let them fight it out and hopefully realize they’re being dumb, but do you think it’s better if I were to contact them privately and just ask them to stop?

Your snowflake friend, Shelly I’m glad you asked, Shelly. I have

4 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 11, 2019

been grappling with the same problem and have also been unsure how to handle. Like you, I value civility in discourse. However, I am also reticent to monitor how people engage on my pages. I hold the ideal of free expression in high regard, and the thought of intervening makes me gag reflexively. By asking this question, you have forced me to finally think this problem through.

And after careful deliberation I believe I have found the best—though far from perfect—way to tone down incivility with minimal stomping on anyone’s free expression.

First dive headlong into the middle of their debate. Make sound, insult-free arguments that both agree and disagree with varying points of each of the combatants. Do this in equal doses so as not to show bias and to exemplify what a thoughtful, productive, nonvitriolic discussion looks like.

Give that a go for a few rounds, and if it doesn’t work contact them privately.

Explain that they are both friends of yours and that if they met they would get along famously. Tread lightly, though.

Tell them, “You may certainly continue insulting each other without fear of deletion or admonishment, but you should know this blood feud is stressing me out and it would mean a lot if you took it down a notch.”

Don’t forget to factor their Variable Intelligence Ratio. Coined by Dr. Mae King Ituppaz Igoe, Variable Intelligence Ratio is the difference between the Base Intelligence Ranking (BIR) of two arguing parties. Simply put, if one of the arguers has a BIR of nine and the other has a three, tell the nine to knock it off because it’s unbecoming to debate down. Also, and this is important, Jeffrey Epstein didn’t kill himself.

Edwin Decker is not a licensed therapist and shows no regard for the field. The theories he proposes are undoubtedly pulled from his arse and we do not recommend following his advice. You have been warned. @SDCITYBEAT

UP FRONT | FOOD & DRINK

Children of the Corn

Homestyle Mexican cooking at a remarkably popular price in Rosarito

By Michael A. Gardiner

E

l Comedor del Pueblo a.k.a. Los Hijos Del Maiz (Guerrero 503-A, Constitución, Rosarito, Baja California) is more than a restaurant. Hints of what it really is lie in the place’s dual names: “dining room of the people” and “children of the corn.” Mexico is not exactly known for its robust social services. Places like El Comedor, with its soul-warming, classic home cooking, work to fill the gap.

The food at El Comedor is not even remotely adventurous or experimental; it’s the opposite of that. It’s the food of mothers and grandmothers, of the hearth and the home. It’s Mexican

The menu in visual form.

comfort food offered at a price that is an extremely good value for Rosarito locals and shockingly inexpensive for those paying in dollars. Every meal at El Comedor is 35 pesos. Not $35 nor $3.50; at current exchange rates that’s $1.79.

And for that $1.79 you get three courses. It starts with a

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Left: The food at El Comedor is the food of mothers and grandmothers, of the hearth and the home. Middle: The chicharonnes in salsa rojo at El Comedor are rehydrated in water before simmering in a sauce rich in guajillo chiles and garlic. Right: The calabecita (zucchini) and cheese dish is comforting, approachable, savory and rich. (Photos by Michael Gardiner)

soup for the first course. For the main course you get rice, beans and one of many stews or dishes of the day. You also get a dessert empanada (cajeta on two trips) and a drink (a remarkable fermented pineapple juice on two trips).

The menu at El Comedor changes on a daily basis but the essence of it changes not at all.

The first main dish showed the way: pozole rojo to one side of the plate, a line of tomatoinfused Mexican rice, and one of black beans cooked in a porky broth. Like all the best pozoles, that pork flavor married with the hominy and mild chiles yielding a sauce that beguilingly combined savory and sweet, both deeply and intensely.

The chicharonnes in salsa rojo at El Comedor are not remotely

like the familiar convenience store snack. Rehydrated in water before simmering in a sauce rich in guajillo chiles and garlic, this version is—like so many of El Comedor’s dishes—deeply comforting.

Every dish at El Comedor comes with homemade tortillas that bear little resemblance to the supermarket things that go by the “tortilla” moniker north of the border. These are soft and supple and are utter treats unto themselves. Load them with the rice and beans and whatever dish you’ve ordered, and you’ll get tacos the likes of which San Diegans only want to pretend (or, against most evidence, believe) is prevalent in the 619.

El Comedor’s beef liver dish was a bit of an ask. While the flavor was there, the texture was a bit on the hard side and the overall result was, perhaps, not El Comedor’s best. The calabecita (zucchini) and cheese

dish was far better: comforting, approachable, savory and rich.

But as good—and amazing value—as El Comedor may be as a restaurant, there is always another, more important way to look at it. El Comedor was an amazing value for me. But it’s an even more amazing value for those the place feeds for nothing.

Not $1.79. Not $1. Not 1 cent.

El Comedor offers meals free to those who are disabled or down on their luck.

Yes, El Comedor is more than a restaurant; it’s a social institution. But go there and enjoy it as a restaurant. And consider paying more than your $1.79.

DECEMBER 11, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 5

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TOP15

OUR PICKS FOR COOL THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK

By Taylor O’Connor

1 Full Moon Paddleboard Adventure

DECEMBER 11

Join Aqua Adventures as it takes a group out into the bay to enjoy the water on a stand-up paddle board path. All are welcome, from beginners to advanced, at this all-ages event. Select a package based on your skillset and the day will be catered to your abilities. Beginner checkin begins at 3:30 p.m. and general check-in begins at 5 p.m.

Everyone paddles to a beach for a bonfire for the full moon. By 8 p.m., everyone paddles back to the Aqua Adventures base. Get your workout in and enjoy a pure moment with friends.

Aqua Adventures, 1548 Quivira Way, 619-523-9577, aqua-adventures.com, 2 to 6 p.m., $53.

2 Mortymobile

DECEMBER 11 TO DECEMBER 16

Inspired by the famous and hilarious TV show “Rick and Morty,” the Mortymobile is a rental car that travels between cities.

The Mortymobile is only available once a day per customer.

Mission Bay, San Diego, turn.com, $246 per day.

3 Holiday Megamixer

DECEMBER 12

For all the science junkies, this event is perfect! This holiday megamixer is all about learning all things in the biotech industry, specifically within the startup companies Alexandria GrandLabs, Biolabs and JLABS. Guest speaker Paula Claussen, president and CEO of Project Mercy Baja, will share her organization’s mission and how its work improves the quality of life for communities in Mexico.

There will also be a holiday giveaway, music and libations.

ARE Kitchen + Drinks, 4242 Campus Point Court, sdbn. org, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., free @SDCITYBEAT

4 Wake UP to Wastewater at Sea World

DECEMBER 12

SeaWorld visitors are invited to take a tour of the San Diego water treatment facilities. This two-hour tour will cover general park information, the East or West Water Treatment facilities and the filtration process. The West tour will visit the main plant system, the animal care facility. The East tour will see the stingray exhibit, Wild Arctic Exhibit, Penguin Encounter and, if time allows it, the main plant intake system. A four-hour park admission after the tour can be purchased for an additional cost.

Sea World San Diego, Board Room, 500 Sea World Drive, 619-222-4732, seaworld.com/ san-diego, 7 to 10 a.m., $35-$100.

5 Comedy for Cancer

DECEMBER 13

Max Manticof is a Southern California stand-up comic who is trying to raise money for his mother who was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in 2018.

She was given six months to live, but she has proven the doctors wrong because the cancer disappeared. To raise money for medical expenses, Manticof is using the gift of laughter to gather the community for his cause. Headliners for this event include Leonard Ouzts, Vincent Bryant, Bilal Young, Dusty Tunnell and Manticof.

Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Avenue, San Diego, 619-282-0437, lestats. com, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., $15.

6 Enchanted Village

DECEMBER 13

Enchanted Village is a holiday event that turns the Noah Homes community into a dazzling village decorated with Christmas lights. Explore more than 3 acres of holiday lights, sounds, decorations and food. The village features hundreds of giant candy canes, a forest of Christmas trees, Candy Land, nightly Santa

appearances, a photo booth, a light tunnel and a sled run with real snow. This year, for an additional $20, families can purchase a front-of-the-line pass for the sled run and photos with Santa.

Noah Homes, 12526 Campo Road, S-6200, noahhomes. org, 4:30 p.m., tickets start at $11.

7 The Eight: Reindeer Monologues

by Jeff Goode

DECEMBER 13

This stand-up bit highlights the points of view for Santa’s eight reindeer. The night features David Janisch as Dasher, Eric Trigg as Comet, Christine McCoy as Dancer, Andrew Walters as Prancer Mclain Parker as Cupid, Melanie Mino as Blitzen, Michael Adler as Donner and Kellen Gold as Vixen. All reindeer have something to say about Santa Claus. Each reindeer gives a confession, and after each confession the audience pieces together the truth behind the story. Discover the exposure of the naughtiest character in the North Pole. The event is for a mature audience.

Point Loma Playhouse, 3035 Talbot Street, 619-800-5497, pointlomaplayhouse.com, 8 to 10 p.m., tickets start at $15.

8 Pacific Beach Santacon

DECEMBER 14

Santacon unites drinks at Mission Beach with Christmasthemed specials. By purchasing a wristband, attendees get access to the cheers party, $2 to $6 naughty-or-nice drink specials, $5 to $8 food specials, professional photography, a custom bar crawl map sent in a text message, no cover fee at all seven bars, and after-party access. Registration is from 3 to 5 p.m. Following that, groups will receive their bar crawl texts.

Participants who complete the custom bar challenge get the chance to win $1,000.

Pacific Beach, 4500 Mission Boulevard, Mission Beach, 640-385-2614, pacificbeachsantacon.com, tickets start at $17.

9 Kizomba Bootcamp

DECEMBER 14

Take the chance to learn the Angolan partner dance, Kizomba, with friends or loved

ones. During this three-hour workshop, guests will get a brief introduction to the history and culture of the music and dance, learn the basics and apply them with a partner, connect to the kizomba community and, of course, have fun. The introductory class will start on an individual level and then apply these skills with a partner. The event is free, but reservations are required.

A Time to Dance, 3982 30th Street, North Park, 619-2976401, atimetodance.com, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., free.

10 Deck the Bows: Parade of Lights

DECEMBER 15

Watch the Parade of Lights from the Fish Market’s viewing deck.

Admission includes seating and a small plate for dinner. Decorate holiday cookies with loved ones and hop between boats.

Holiday cocktail specials and full-bar access are available for purchase through the tableside service staff.

The Fish Market Restaurant, 750 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, 619-232-3474, thefishmarket.com, 5 to 8 p.m,. tickets start at $49.

11 Bold and Brilliant: TedWomen San Diego

DECEMBER 15

Bold and Brilliant covers problem solving and finding courage. Women will hear from an Olympic athlete, CEO, psychologist and communications expert. There will be a time for guests to re-center themselves through sound healing, reiki and journal writing. There will be a light lunch, and the afternoon will be wrapped up with a performance

by San Diego singer/songwriter Dixie Maxwell.

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, 9700 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 855-430-7503, meritagecollection.com, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., $100.

12 Lane Field Park Market

SUNDAYS

The Lane Field Park Market showcases more than 25 craft vendors, with amazing coffee, live music, craft stalls and lawn games. Relax on marketprovided picnic rugs and enjoy a variety of food, including Vietnamese, Thai, Indian,

American and Egyptian cuisine.

The market hosts live music from noon to 2 p.m. and yoga in the park at 3 p.m.

Lane Field Park, 1009 North Harbor Drive, Downtown, 616-202-5244, sandiegofoodmarkets.com, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission.

13 Journey into Happiness

DECEMBER 16

Get in touch with your spiritual side through this retreat live streamed from India. A monk will lead this day of medication through ancient and modern techniques. This program is open to everyone older than 14, and doors open at 7:30 a.m.

Bring closed bottled drinks, dress in layers and bring a notebook and pen. For comfort, guests may bring a cushion, People can bring their own food, but there are many restaurants nearby.

Fairfield Inn Marriott Suites, 1929 Palomar Oaks Way, Carlsbad, 760-579-0155, marriott.com, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. $116.

14 Mark Diamond

DECEMBER 17

This 25-year-old Seattle native pulls at audiences’ heart strings.

Inspired by Growing up, Tom Petty and Robbie Williams, Diamond recently released the single “Steady.” His goal at shows is to connect with the audience.

Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Boulevard, Normal Heights, 619-255-7224, sodabarmusic. com, 9 p.m., tickets start at $12.

15 Pretty, Funny Women

DECEMBER 18

Hosted by the Comedy Store, “Pretty, Funny Women” is the longest-running all-female comedy show in the world.

Created in 1995 by Lisa Sundstedt, PFW has been featured in several venues across the world including the Comedy Store in Hollywood, The Comedy Stop in Atlantic City and The Luxor in Las Vegas. The show features a mix of seasoned professionals as well as some of the funniest up-and-coming comedians. See the website for lineup details.

The Comedy Store, 916 Pearl Street, La Jolla, 858-454-9176, thecomedystore.com/la-jolla, 8 p.m., tickets start at $23.

DECEMBER 11, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 7

EVENTS Pacific Beach Holiday Parade starts on Garnet Avenue and Haines Street and travels down to Bayard in Pacific Beach. Join one of San Diego’s oldest holiday parades. Be a part of this free family-friendly holiday event or watch from the sidelines. Arrive early to find a place along the street so you can see floats, marching bands, color guards, community groups, marching groups of children, clowns and Santa Claus. 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, December 14. Free.

858-273-3303. pacificbeach.org.

retailers. Sample some of the most satisfying sips and appetizing nibbles the Gaslamp Quarter has to offer and holiday shop along the way. Must be 21 or older with valid ID to attend. 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, December 14. $25 to $30. gaslamp.org.

12th Annual Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade

12th Annual Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade at MLK Promenade Park, 401 K Street, Gaslamp Quarter. Deck those paws with bells so jolly and jingle all the way through the Gaslamp Quarter. Your furry, feathered and scaled companions are invited to don their favorite costumes for this jolly promenade and holiday pet market. Register in advance for this parade. Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, December 15. Free to $20. 619-233-5227. holidaypetparade.com.

San Diego Santa Run starts at 900 Garnet Avenue, Pacific Beach. Before eating all those cookies, Santa needs to burn off a few pounds. All 5K participants in the race will receive a Sunny Santa Suit—hat, short-sleeve jacket, shorts, belt, beard and one drink ticket (21 and older). The event also features a competitive mile dog run and one-mile kids run.

Don’t want to participate? Watch the Santas run by from the sidelines! 9 a.m. Saturday, December 14. Free to $50.

858-412-6787. sandiegorunningco.com/santarun.

Toast of Gaslamp! 656 Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter. Toast the holidays with delicious cocktail samples and scrumptious bites from 20 of the top Gaslamp Quarter restaurants as well as shopping deals at various Gaslamp

Hustlecraft at The Guild Hotel, 500 W. Broadway, Downtown. This quarterly event provides a fresh and authentic platform from which vendors sell their wares and gain exposure. Speakers promote and nurture a networking hub through authentic storytelling. Hustlecraft celebrates those at the top of their game—giving its audience a unique experience. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, December 15. $5 to $25. hustlecraftsd.com.

FILM “63 Up” at Landmark Ken, 4061 Adams Avenue, Kensington. Filmmaker Michael Apted returns with the latest—and possibly last—installment of his documentary series, which originally featured 14 British children talking about their hopes and dreams for the future. Subsequent

visits every seven years over six decades have documented the group as they grew up, became adults and entered middle age, dealing with everything life has thrown at them in between. Friday, December 13, to Thursday, December 19. $8 to $10.50. 619-283-3227. landmarktheatres.com.

Royal Opera House: Don Pasquale at Landmark Hillcrest Cinemas, 3965 Fifth Avenue, Hillcrest. Royal Opera favorite Bryn Terfel heads the cast for this new production of Donizetti’s comedy of domestic drama across two generations. The witty story of a middle-aged man whose supposed young wife runs rings around with her own ulterior romantic purpose in mind, has long-delighted audiences. Damiano Michieletto’s production, recorded live this year, shows how contemporary the characters still are and how immediate and touching the story remains. Times vary. Monday December 16, and Tuesday, December 17. $15. 619-298-2904. landmarktheatres.com.

FOOD & DRINK Distillery Tours at You & Yours Distillery, 1495 G Street, East Village. This 2,300-square-foot, full-production distillery, tasting room and event space is complete with a world-class cocktail program highlighting current spirits offerings. Stop by during normal business hours for a beverage and food menu offerings. Learn more by taking a tour Wednesday to Sunday evenings for a 45-minute educational experience and guided tasting. See how the team produces its award-winning vodka and gin, founded by one of the country’s few female distillers. 5 p.m. Dates vary. $15. 619-955-8755. youandyours.com.

Chocolate and Tea Pairing at The Healing Touch Lounge, 4535 30th Street, San Diego. Hosted by Tea Time Beverages and Sana Harmony, this class will take you on a journey through the complementary worlds of the leaf and the cacao bean, where aromatics in tea intensify the taste of chocolate and chocolate brings out the natural sweetness and nuttiness of the tea. Tickets include tastes of four craft chocolates and tea, roasted cocoa beans, palate cleansers (crackers, apples) and individual placemats. 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, December 14. $35. 858-633-3975. teatimebeverages.com.

Fabulous Hillcrest Martini

The Nutcracker

birthday cupcakes nightly. This casual neighborhood bistro is located in the heart of Bohemian Ocean Beach.

The beautiful (Beau) design transports you to a cottage in a small village in the south of France. Starting at 4 p.m. Monday, December 16, to Wednesday, December 18. Prices vary. 619-224-2884. cohnrestaurants.com/ bobeaukitchenbar.

MUSEUMS

Resident Free Tuesday at The San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. The San Diego Museum of Art offers free admission to San Diego County Residents (with ID) on the third Tuesday of every month. A valid ID is required for admission, and certain restrictions apply because these days tend to be busy. Explore the galleries and enjoy the art! 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, December 17. Free. 619-232-7931. sdmart.org.

PERFORMANCE “For the Sender” at the historic La Paloma Theater, 471 S. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas. Grammy-winning, platinum-selling artists present powerful songs and stories of love, loss, redemption and hope, all inspired by real-life letters. Singer-songwriter and author of the popular “For the Sender” book and album series, Alex Woodard will be the host for the evening, along with the original family of musical performers. Special guests will be announced as the show approaches. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, December 14. $25. 760-436-SHOW. lapalomatheater.com.

“Noel Noel” (Family Concert) at Copley Symphony Hall at Jacobs Music Center, 750 B Street, Downtown. Let holiday cheer bring you and your loved ones near at this annual family concert. The sounds of old-fashioned and new-found festive music makes the season bright and delightful as audiences sing with the San Diego Master Chorale. Decked with boughs of holly and sparkling lights.

Note: this performance is the one-hour, afternoon version of “Noel Noel.” 2 p.m. Sunday, December 15. $13 to $28.

619-235-0804. sandiegosymphony.org.

Gilbert Castellanos Presents: Young Lions and The Wednesday Jam Session at The San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. Every Wednesday Panama 66 at The San Diego Museum of Art comes to life with the sounds of jazz. San Diego Jazz Hero Gilbert Castellanos showcases young music prodigies with The Young Lions Series (6 to 7:50 p.m.) in the May S. Marcy Sculpture Court, followed by the Wednesday Jazz Jam (8:30 to 11:30 p.m.) that transforms the James S. Copley Auditorium into a swinging speakeasy. 6 p.m. Wednesday, December 18.

Free. 619-232-7931. sdmart.org.

Hillcrest Taste ‘n’ Tinis is in the heart of Hillcrest at Fifth and Robinson. Fabulous Hillcrest serves up this festive sip and shop event. A part of the neighborhood’s “Shop Hillcrest for the Holidays” campaign, you can take in festive holiday decorations while embarking on a selfguided tour filled with delicious drinks, captivating eats and fabulous local shopping. Participating retail locations will offer festive holiday martinis, cocktails and shopping opportunities. 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday, December 12. $25 to $30. 619-299-3330. fabuloushillcrest.com.

Monday Burger and Beer at Knotty Barrel Gastropub, 844 Market Street, East Village. Mondays are usually hated because of the back-to-work grind. Now, there is something to look forward to! Head to the East Village Gastropub, craft brewery, tasting room and beer garden to snag a burger and a beer for one low price. Knott Barrel prides itself on partnering with local farmers and vendors to provide its guests with the freshest ingredients possible. 11 a.m. to midnight Monday, December 16. $13. 619-269-7156. knottybarrel.com.

BO-beau’s 9th Birthday

BO-beau’s 9th Birthday, 4996 W. Point Loma Boulevard, Ocean Beach. BO-beau celebrates its birthday with $9 French inspired bites, $9 libations and complimentary

8 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 11, 2019

Victorian Ghost Stories at Verbatim-Books

TALKS & WORKSHOPS

Victorian Ghost Stories at Verbatim-Books, 3793 30th Street, North Park. Verbatim Books is a used and rare bookstore with an eclectic range of gently loved and antiquarian books. The stock is curated with quality editions of classics, favorites and new discoveries, as well as titles from over 200 local authors. 7 p.m. Friday December 13.

Free. 619-501-7466. verbatim-books.com.

Kevin Shinick signs “Star Wars: Force Collector” at Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore, 5943 Balboa Avenue, Suite 100, Clairemont. This event is free and seating is firstcome, first-serve. To get a book signed during the event, a copy of must be purchased through Mysterious Galaxy.

This independent genre bookstore specializes in science fiction, fantasy, mystery, young adult, romance and horror.

2 p.m., Sunday, December 15. Free. 858-268-4747. mystgalaxy.com.

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CULTURE | THEATER

Passport to Musical Adventure

The songs of ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ are the real stars

By David L. Coddon

I

t takes craftiness to dramatize an 80-day trip around the world on a theater stage. New Village Arts has plenty of that, using little more than costume changes, various countries’ flags and a few modest props to create the illusion that adventurer Phileas Fogg is trekking by train, ship and even elephant to and through lands including India, Hong Kong, Japan and the United States.

All to get back to London in time to win a bet. Craftiness and misadventures aside, the whirlwind trip (if you can call a two-and-a-half hour show a whirlwind) becomes wearying.

But NVA’s new production of “Around the World in 80 Days,” based on Jules Verne’s novel, is a musical. The North County duo the Shantyannes composed more than a dozen tunes for the show, which definitely inject some life into its familiar story.

Those tunes are performed onstage but inconspicuously by a band clad as pirates: Kyle Bayquen, Andrew Snyder, Trevor Mulvey, Nobuko Kemmotsu and conductor/ keyboardist Tony Houck. While most of the lyrics serve strictly expository purposes, the music is jaunty and much in the spirit of the not-very-serious story.

At New Village, choreographer Jenna Ingrassia-Knox keeps the young cast always on the move,

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“Around the World in 80 Days” runs through December 22 at the New Village Arts Theatre. (Photo by Daren Scott)

and director Kristianne Kurner employs a likable ensemble (Rae Henderson, Alexander X. Guzman, Jasmine January and Olivia Pence) to advance the narrative, sing choruses and portray multiple characters.

Of the principals, Frankie Alicea-Ford is well suited as Fogg, the main character

but one whose demeanor of smug confidence almost never wavers. AJ Knox does well by the bumbling, hardly menacing Fogg adversary, Inspector Fix. Farah Dinga is beguiling as Aouda, the Indian woman saved

by Fogg from a fatal sacrificing.

As Passepartout, Fogg’s valet, Audrey Eytchison boasts

boundless energy but ultimately irritates more than entertains.

Projections behind the actors aren’t vivid enough to be especially memorable, leaving the flags, costumes and fake mustaches to convey changes in locale. For sheer holiday escapism and a stocking full of silliness, “Around the World in 80

Days” is a fitting diversion, and it runs through December 22.

“Around the World in 80 Days”

runs through December 22 at New Village Arts Theatre in Carlsbad. $25-$47; newvillagearts.org.

DECEMBER 11, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 9

CULTURE | FILM

Life Goes On

‘63 Up’ continues legacy of Paul Almond’s films

By Glenn Heath Jr.

I

n 1964, Canadian filmmaker Paul Almond spearheaded a documentary project called “Seven Up!” featuring interviews with a crosssection of British 7-year-olds answering questions about a range of subjects. Every seven years since, director Michael Apted (who was one of the researchers on the initial film) has checked in on those same subjects as they’ve grown up, experienced failures and successes, married and had children, and took vastly different directions in life.

The resulting “Up” series has become one of the most expansive and revealing film projects, literally documenting the totality of life in real time.

Two of the entries—“28 Up”

and “35 Up”—are particularly sobering time capsules depicting England’s transition out of Thatcher-era austerity.

Unfortunately, the latest from Apted and company, “63 Up,” isn’t nearly as interesting as those earlier films. It spends so much time recycling footage and interviews from previous films simply to catch the casual viewer up on each of the fourteen subjects.

The new interviews that are provided do little to deepen the wealth of life experiences depicted over the five decades since the project’s inception.

Many of the subjects view the “Up” series as a doubled-edged sword. On the one hand they’ve each become famous in the United Kingdom because of the series’ success. But many of them admit that they now dread committing more time to a process that inevitably dredges up old traumas and sadness.

Since the “Up” Series is essentially about the English class system, Apted naturally asks many of his longtime subjects about Brexit. But none of them discuss the controversial referendum outside of one- or two-sentence answers that fail to explore the more nuanced complexities of Britain’s polarizing political climate. As a result, “63 Up” (opening Friday, December 13) is anticlimactic and apolitical, and will go down as one of the weaker installments in this monumental saga.

OPENING “Black Christmas:” A serial killer meets his match in the form of vengeful sorority sisters who decide to fight back instead of play the victim. Opens Friday, December 13, in wide release.

“Jumanji: The Next Level:” Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart 10 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 11, 2019

“63 Up,” director Michael Apted’s continuation of the long-running documentary series started by Canadian filmmaker Paul Almond, opens Friday, December 13. (Submitted photo)

and Jack Black return for this sequel about the board game that can transport people to another more dangerous dimension. Opens Friday, December 13, in wide release.

“Richard Jewell:” Clint Eastwood’s latest film examines the life of a lowly security guard who was falsely accused of masterminding the Atlanta Olympic bombing in 1996 by the media and the FBI. Opens Friday, December 13, in wide release.

“Temblores:” In Jayro Bustamante’s follow up to his landmark debut, IXCANUL, an affluent man in Guatemala comes out to his very religious family resulting in an irreconcilable schism. Opens Friday, December 13, at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

“The F13 Fan Film Mixtape:” Celebrate Friday the 13th with this epic compilation of DIY home movies paying homage

to Camp Crystal Lake’s resident murderer, Jason Voorhees.

Opens Friday, December 13, at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

“When Lambs Become Lions:” In the Kenyan bush, a smalltime ivory dealer fights to stay on top while forces mobilize to destroy his trade. Opens Friday, December 13, at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

ONE TIME ONLY “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood:” Quentin Tarantino’s 1960s head trip circulates around the lives of a fading western star, a wayward stunt man and rising star Sharon Tate. Screens at 8 p.m. Friday, December 13, and Saturday, December 14, at Cinema Under the Stars in Mission Hills.

“The Diving Bell and the Butterfly:” An award-winning true story of a 43-year-old man who

suffers with locked-in syndrome after having a stroke and decides to dictate his memoir by blinking one eye. Screens at 1:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 15, at the Mission Valley Library.

“L For Leisure” + “Two Plains & a Fancy:” These very unique indie comedies are from the filmmaking team Lev Kalman (who lives locally) and Whitney Horn. Both screenings will be presented by the film series Afterglow, which will focus on showing genre-defying films worthy of reflection and ongoing dialogue. Screens at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, December 15, at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation:” Chevy Chase stars in this 1989 comedy about a family with big plans for Christmas that turn into one disaster after the next. Screens at 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 18, at The Pearl Hotel in Point Loma. @SDCITYBEAT

CULTURE | FILM

Cold as Ice

Disney animators rise to the challenge on ‘Frozen II’

By Connor Dziawura

L

ooking back, Disney supervising animator Justin Sklar says his team would not have been able pull off its work on “Frozen II” when the first film was released six years ago.

From improved speed, control and detail in the technology to the animation team now generally being better, more-experienced animators, Sklar notes that the sequel to the beloved 2013 box-office hit would have at the time been a more difficult undertaking.

“I don’t think we could have done most of what we did in this movie, I don’t know, even on (2016’s) ‘Moana,’” he ponders. “I think it would have been hard for us.”

In “Frozen II”—directed

by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee—Anna (Kristen Bell), Elsa (Idina Menzel), Olaf (Josh Gad), Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and Sven go on their biggest adventure yet. Elsa is now able to control her powers, but Arendelle is in danger. To save their kingdom, the film’s protagonists embark in search of an enchanted forest. On their journey they encounter nature spirits and the perilous wilderness.

Like the first film, “Frozen II” places a heavy emphasis on its musical numbers, from Menzel’s magical “Into the Unknown,” which features Aurora, to the full-cast recording “Some Things Never Change,” which lyrically deals in the film’s themes of growing up.

Such sequences require attention to detail. Sklar says animation requires problem solving and understanding the mechanics of the film’s characters, as well as how to animate them as best as possible. He likens his trade to solving a puzzle.

“For this movie we spent a lot of time talking about what that means for singing,” he explains. “None of us are singers, but we spent a lot of @SDCITYBEAT

From left to right, Sven, Olaf, Kristoff, Elsa and Anna return in “Frozen II,” alongside new characters and a higher stakes adventure.

(Photo courtesy Disney)

time talking to vocal coaches and some Broadway people about, ‘What does it feel like mechanically to sing?’ Part of it is solving that and understanding how you, from nothing, build that into a character.”

Sklar says Kristoff ’s ballad, “Lost in the Woods,” was particularly challenging to animate. The song and its accompanying visuals hark back to music videos of the ’80s.

“The trick with that sequence was finding a way to balance that aesthetic and that idea with a sincere performance from Kristoff that’s not winking at the camera, because he needs to be emoting in a true and honest way but it still needs to be fun and the audience needs to know it’s OK to laugh at it,” Sklar explains. “Trying to balance all of those things and figure out how we make all of that happen at once and have it be fun and have the singing was hard but fun.”

Because “Frozen II” is a sequel, Sklar notes that he and the other animators had to deal with a large cast of established characters right off the bat— another reason he feels it would have been a challenge to develop six years ago. The film also introduces plenty of new ones.

“You start with six characters, and that’s hard to figure out because you need to not only orchestrate individual performances, you need to orchestrate how does this one character take focus

and this other one stays in the background and doesn’t distract but is still alive? And how do you do all of that in a reasonable time period?” he explains.

“Those shots were challenging and take a long time,” he continues. “We lean heavily into very long shots in this movie. There are some shots that animators were on for like three months.”

Always improving

Since coming to Walt Disney Animation Studios fulltime in 2011, Sklar has worked his way up the proverbial ladder from his initial animation roles.

As a supervising animator on “Frozen II,” Sklar’s position involved working with his team on the characters of Kristoff and Mattias (Sterling K. Brown), from consulting on the rigging and modeling to leading the team.

“What that means is you’re kind of working with rigging and modeling to make sure you have what you need from an animation standpoint, and then figuring out how (the characters) move and making sure that stays consistent and the characters stay looking like themselves over the movie,” he explains.

But it’s also a balancing act, as communication between departments is important.

Animating supervisors “help work with the animators and the directors to make sure that what we’re giving the directors

tells the story that they want to tell” while also allowing the animators to leave their own personal marks, he says.

This differs from Sklar’s role on the first “Frozen” film, for which he served as just an animator. As he describes, sequences are divided and assigned between animators based on skills. As a supervising animator, he’s now the one who does the assigning.

Despite this important role, a career in animation wasn’t always in Sklar’s sights, he says.

Prior to earning an animation degree from the Ringling College of Art and Design in Florida, he attended Maryland’s George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, a magnet school for gifted and talented students, where he says he focused more on painting and charcoal drawing.

But after seeing his friends’

work with 3D computer graphics around that time, he just had to learn those skills for himself. He eventually earned a stint as a summer animation trainee at Disney in Burbank, California, and developed the short film “Chalk.”

“I feel like my whole life has just been trying to understand how things work,” he says. That continues to this day, as he says animators are always honing their skills.

Since joining the company fulltime in 2011, Sklar has worked on other major films such as “Wreck-It Ralph” and its sequel “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” “Big Hero 6” and “Zootopia.”

“You kind of have the expectation that you go to a place like Disney and it’s like this welloiled machine, but we want these movies to be so good that we’re changing stuff constantly,” he explains. “The ground is always moving under you and your job is less, ‘How do I make the perfect version of this?’ than it is, ‘How do I maneuver around everything that’s changing and still make this super great version of something?’

“I’m always looking to find these things that I could problem solve. I think I was surprised at how much problem solving I do on a day-to-day basis, even outside of animating.”

Disney’s “Frozen II” is now showing in wide release.

DECEMBER 11, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 11

COVER STORY

Compelling Show

Nick Offerman wants to make people think—and laugh

By Haley Lorenzen

N

ick Offerman has stepped back to take a good look at the state of the world.

“I try to make fun of all of us, for the human foibles that have gotten us into the trouble we seem to be in in our country,” Offerman says about his live show, which comes to the Balboa Theatre on Saturday, December 14.

“We live in a place where we supposedly get to pick what happens, and yet everybody’s furious and shaking their fists at each other, and so I take a small step back and say, ‘Wait a second, haven’t we done this to ourselves?’”

The actor, woodworker and humorist is traveling the world with his “All Rise,” during which audiences will experience “an evening of deliberative talking and light dance,” he says.

Throughout the 90-minute show, Offerman weaves seven original songs in between a set of monologues, tackling a myriad of topics.

“I just sit down and think, ‘What do I have strong feelings about? What do I want to talk to the audience about?’ And actually, one of the first things that came to mind was this strange sort of tribal tendency we have to cling to old-fashioned gender roles,” Offerman says.

“Specifically, the ways in which I am often accused of being manly by people, and the ways that men are made fun of by toxic masculinity if we happen to be sensitive to the feelings of others, or if we consider ourselves the allies of people who are being discriminated against.”

Many know Offerman from his performance as Ron

deadpan style on the road for his “Full Bush” tour. He recently returned from touring as a roadie with his wife’s band, Nancy and Beth, where he began developing “All Rise.” His spouse is the multitalented Megan Mullally.

When he started writing for the tour, Offerman says he was heavily inspired by what he calls the “oldNick Offerman recently released the song “I Am Not Ron fashioned tribal Swanson.” (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer) sensibility.” or what I do, people would “I think say to me, ‘We don’t even almost everybody has empathy care if Nick Offerman in them, but when you take a shows up, we just would step back and you say, ‘Should love 90 minutes of Ron we give some of our tax money Swanson on stage,’” he to this town in Michigan (Flint) says. that hasn’t had clean drinking “If you had Ron water for years?’ people are like, Swanson come perform ‘Well, are they white?’ an entire show, he “It’s that tendency, it’s an oldprobably would refuse fashioned tribal sensibility, and so to do it. He has no I said, ‘Let me see if I can make interest in appearing fun of that and get some laughs ) in front of people. If he Gomez l e a while secretly sneaking some h ic yM (Photo b did, he would probably broccoli into the delicious pizza.’”

Swanson just build a chair on stage.”

Offerman also adds the Not only does Offerman in “Parks and show avoids major political Recreation,” where his portrayal want people to know he’s not talking points, but says, “I don’t Swanson, he also says he likes to think you can do 90 minutes of the no-nonsense, meatloving, antigovernment director be known as a humorist, rather of comedy these days without than a stand-up comedian. of the parks and recreation at least mentioning the main “Mainly I think humorist department has earned him unavoidable low-hanging fruits sounds funny. It sort of fits into critical acclaim. occupying the White House.” my false pomposity, my sort of Although the show has been Although Offerman is off the air for more than five years, demeanor where I’m known busy touring, he and Mullally for a deadpan style and I say Swanson has become somewhat launched a podcast on things with a straight face— of an epitome of manliness, December 2 entitled “In Bed like, ‘I’m not a comedian, I’m a but Offerman, who recently with Nick & Megan.” humorist,’—and that seems to go released a song entitled “I’m Not Recorded in the couple’s bed, over pretty well,” Offerman says.

Ron Swanson,” says he’s not the Offerman says some episodes “But I will answer to character with whom many have will have special guests. Former ‘comedian. ’ As long as people come to associate him.

“Saturday Night Live” star Bill are laughing, you may call me “In the early days of ‘Parks Hader climbs in for the first what you’d like.” and Recreation,’ about eight or episode.

Offerman’s last comedy tour nine years ago, when people “Some of them are really was in 2017, when he took this didn’t yet have any idea of me funny, some of them are deeply

12 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 11, 2019

unfunny. They’re really serious but fascinating discussions of modern issues,” he says, adding, “It’s Megan’s brainchild. It’s one of the many aspects of my life in which I have the good fortune to ride shotgun.”

Also dropping on December 2 was “Making It,” a crafting competition show hosted by Offerman and his “Parks and Recreation” costar Amy Poehler, where crafters and creators from around the country take part in different challenges to win $100,000.

Offerman says “Making It” is a “wonderful stroke of fortune.”

“Getting to work on that show with Amy is an absolute dream,” he says. “All of the people, most of whom are powerful ladies who produce that show, make it incredibly cushy for me to show up and act like a jackass and do some cheerleading for these brilliant makers and creative minds, and then I get to eat a sandwich, and then I get to go home.”

Although the tour kicked off in June, Offerman still has several stops left, and says he hopes he can continue to make people laugh while also compelling them to think just a little bit more.

“I feel very lucky that I get to do this for a job,” he says. “I love the live theater; I love making people laugh in person. I have had very good teachers in my life, and part of the reason I call myself a humorist is I’m not as funny as my friends that are amazing stand-up comedians, but I somehow manage to make people laugh while passing along the wisdom that I’ve gleaned from my great teachers.”

Nick Offerman

7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 14 Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Avenue, San Diego Tickets start at $56 ticketmaster.com @SDCITYBEAT

@SDCITYBEAT

DECEMBER 11, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 13

MUSIC

Pretty ‘Reckless’

Kiefer Sutherland finds music isn’t so different from acting

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

K

iefer Sutherland kept his personal life under wraps. But when he stepped forward as a country singer, all of that had to change.

It wasn’t an easy endeavor for the well-known actor.

“I spent 35 years being very private about my life and what I do in my own time,” says Sutherland, who owns a record label, Ironworks, with his best friend and musical partner Jude Cole.

“It was really rough at the very beginning of my touring life. I would just introduce the song.”

But something almost magical happened: Sutherland and his fans accepted and warmed up to each other.

“I have to tell you, the generosity I’ve experienced from audiences around the world has been so vast,” he says.

“It allowed me to lead into that.

It was a cathartic experience for me and an incredibly important

live disc captures Sutherland’s and his band’s energetic performance.

They will return to San Diego when they play Belly Up in Solana Beach on Monday, December 16.

all trying to do our best going through life.

“We’re To share that honesty with an audience was something very special to me. ” – Kiefer Sutherland and special one.

“We’re all trying to do our best going through life. To share that honesty with an audience was something very special to me.”

Recently, Sutherland released “Reckless & Me: Special Edition,” a deluxe edition of his 10-song sophomore effort that features a bonus disc with a full concert from Berlin. The

Sutherland is a strong believer in his music. For “Reckless and Me,” he worked with a variety of co-songwriters including Cole, Jason Wade of Lifehouse and Sammy Hagar. He sees a tie between acting and singing— they’re both forms of storytelling.

Fans who haven’t seen Sutherland live don’t quite understand his mediums.

Actor/musician Kiefer Sutherland says both of his occupations are related, as they’re both ways to tell stories. (Photo courtesy Kiefer Sutherland)

“If I meet someone on the street, I spend 5 minutes trying to explain to them that I’m not Jack Bauer—even on the best day of my life,” he says about his “24” character.

“I’m playing songs that are very personal and from my life.”

Sutherland solely penned “Song for a Daughter” after coming across a photo of her after a long stint on the road.

“The story is what interests me in acting,” he says. “If I can get a great visual from the first three pages of a script in my head, I read it with a passion I might not read in another. “‘Song for a Daughter’ I wrote after I had been on the road for three years. I couldn’t remember where I put the cutlery in the kitchen. I opened the wrong drawer and found a picture of my daughter when she was 6 months old. She’s 33 now. I hadn’t thought about that in a long time. I was moved by that.”

Sometimes sharing songs 14 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 11, 2019

with the subject is awkward— like when he wrote a song for his mother.

“My mom had a terrible stroke,” Sutherland says. “When I got on the plane, I was told she wasn’t going to make it. I wrote this song on the plane and she ended up making it. I played her this song I wrote about her passing away when she hadn’t.

That was a little strange.

“Again, it’s an opportunity to tell someone in the audience, ‘You’re not alone,’ which is really helpful.

I found for me, at least, it’s quite helpful to say I’ve gone through this really hard thing.”

Kiefer Sutherland 8 p.m. Monday, December 16 Belly Up, 143 S. Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach $25-$28 bellyup.com/ kiefer-sutherland

@SDCITYBEAT

MUSIC

As I Lay Dying Resurrected

The metal band to return home after singer’s release from prison

By Alex Distefano

S

ix years ago, members of the Grammy-nominated San Diego-based heavy metal group As I Lay Dying thought their career was over.

Lead singer Tim Lambesis was arrested in May 2013 for hiring an undercover detective as a hitman to kill his estranged wife. In the shock and trauma that followed, Lambesis pleaded guilty and served roughly two years behind bars.

The remaining members of the band—guitarists Nick Hipa and Phil Sgrosso, drummer Jordan Mancino and bassist Josh Gilbert—eventually formed a new band, Wovenwar, with vocalist Shane Blay.

However, after Lambesis was released from jail in 2016, a slow but sure path to rehabilitation, redemption and reconciliation with his former bandmates was put into motion when Lambesis publicly apologized.

This led to a reunion after a lot of reflection and communication between the band members.

“I can only speak for myself personally, but there was a strange relationship between Tim and I before this all happened,” Sgrosso says.

“But over time to see who he has changed into after serving his sentence and going into his rehabilitation process, and for the two of us to have the most positive relationship we’ve ever had is definitely the most ideal situation. I have to admit, it took a leap of faith on my side to believe and trust he became a better person. There was a willingness to forgive once he was seeking it from all those closest to him.”

Three months ago, As I Lay Dying released “Shaped by Fire,” the band’s seventh album in as many years. Sgrosso says despite past events, the musicians are still like a close-knit family. @SDCITYBEAT

form of therapy for me,” he says.

“The best feeling I ever have is when I finish a song or a demo and I get excited for other people to hear it. Music has always been a big part of our lives. It’s just always been there for us. We’re always seeking new inspiration and influences when we’re not writing because it’s just a part of who we are. It’s our biggest passion in life.”

According to Sgrosso, the band plans to tour throughout 2020, including dates in Asia, India and Europe.

“We are eventually going to start thinking about writing music and how to release it, but for now we’re enjoying the ride of the new San Diego-based heavy metal group As I Lay Dying is back together and returning to its hometown for a show with After the Burial and Emmure at Soma. album. We look forward to (Submitted photo) all our shows,” Sgrosso says.

“We’re lucky to be getting we’re excited to throw in new little nervous because all of our so many offers and to have “The word ‘family’ describes material at our shows and friends and families are there so many true fans still into our the level of interaction and challenge ourselves a little bit,” and it puts a little more pressure music.” dynamic between our band,” he he says. on ourselves—and on our fans, says.

“The fans appreciate it, too. too. They know us very well and “While on tour, we’re living As I Lay Dying together, but also when we’re off we always want to throw the best At each show it breathes new w/After the Burial show for them, which we do, and life into our set every night. So tour, at home we meet up and and Emmure we still have a lot of fun doing it.” far the crowd reaction to the work together. The cool part is 6:30 p.m. Saturday, new songs has been great every The band is known for its now it’s more positive than it’s December 14 time we’ve played them.” intense live shows and this time ever been between us all.”

Soma, 3350 Sports Arena Sgrosso says music has been will bring a taste of the new Since reuniting with Boulevard, Midway songs along. a constant in his life and helped $26.50 Lambesis to revive As I Lay “It’s been seven years since him get through the tough times.

619-226-7662, Dying, Sgorsso says he and his somasandiego.com our last album came out, but “Music has always been a bandmates have been ecstatic about the band’s new era.

“We’re all excited and grateful to have a second chance and another opportunity to do this band,” he says. “We’re making the most of it and are so lucky to have so many offers to tour, it’s incredible.”

As I Lay Dying is returning home to play Soma on Saturday, December 14. Sgrosso says San Diego shows are important.

“The hometown shows are always extra special for us,” Sgrosso says.

“But, sometimes it’s a little nerve wracking. We all get a DECEMBER 11, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 15

MUSIC

Reviving a Career

Thompson Square finds perfect partnership with new label

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

T

hompson Square named it latest album “Masterpiece,” but it goes beyond bragging rights.

The title refers to its greatest creation: Keifer and Shawna Thompson’s son, Rigney Cooper, who turns 4 in January. “‘Masterpiece’ is actually a song about our son,” Keifer says.

“That was the last song I wrote for this project. It’s my son who’s the masterpiece.

“We’ve had a lot of people say, ‘You think your record is that good that you called it ‘Masterpiece’? I do or I wouldn’t put it out, to be honest, but the title wasn’t supposed to refer to that.”

“Masterpiece” was originally self-released in 2018. In March of this year, Thompson Square

Thompson Square is Keifer and Shawna Thompson. (Submitted photo)

signed a record deal with Reviver Entertainment, and that led to a return to the charts with the song “Masterpiece.”

“I can’t explain how happy

we are to be at this label,” he says. “They see the visions we’ve had for years and years and years. We’re at a place now where can realize that vision.

“It’s such an amazing thing to be in the middle of like-minded people who want to see us succeed and have the tools to do that. We’ve had success in the past, but the relations between artist and label ran its course.

This has been a blessing.”

Thompson Square will perform during the free “Reviverfest” with Tenille Arts and Aaron Goodvin at 8 p.m.

Saturday, December 14, at Tin Roof San Diego.

The Reviverfest Concert is part of a larger weekend-long getaway hosted by the Reviver Entertainment Group at the Hotel Del Coronado from December 13 to December 15.

“We are very excited that so many of our industry partners and tastemakers will be joining us in San Diego in December for Reviverfest 2019,” Reviver CEO David Ross says.

“We work hard all year long and can’t wait to sit back, have a cocktail and a conversation while enjoying some quality time with our writers and artists.”

A $10 donation is suggested for concert attendees on behalf of Just in Time, an organization whose mission is to help transition-age foster youth achieve self-sufficiency and wellbeing so they can thrive and enjoy productive, satisfying lives.

The concert will include the song “Masterpiece,” for which Thompson Square is grateful.

“It definitely served a greater purpose in leading us to this other recording contract,” he says. “It hit home with me, and we decided to make ‘Masterpiece’ a single.

“They (Reviver) trust us as artists and creators. That’s the most amazing compliment you can ever get from a record label. They just want us to be the best version of us. I think we’re at an age where we care less about what other people think. That can be detrimental to you as an artist.”

Thompson Square has never been one to chase musical trends, and the Reviver staff doesn’t expect the duo to start.

“Sleeping well at night is very important to us,” he says. “We like the music we put out, more so than any other record we put out.”

Up next is something even “more interesting,” according to Keifer.

“Every artist says this, I know,” he says with a laugh. “It’s the same old crap we always say. It’s supposed to be. It’s not supposed to be a regurgitation of the last 10 years.

Some bands keep doing the same thing and that works for them. I’m fine with that.

“It does not work for me. It doesn’t work for Shawna. You have to love what you do.”

Reviverfest w/ Thompson Square, Tenille Arts and Aaron Goodvin 8 p.m. Saturday, December 14 Tin Roof San Diego, 401 G Street, San Diego Free admission revivermusic.com

16 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 11, 2019

@SDCITYBEAT

MUSIC

CONCERTS HOT! NEW! FRESH!

The Loons (Casbah, 12/20), Mainsail (Casbah, 12/21), The King Khan (Casbah, 1/10), Buck Meek (Ché Café Collective, 1/11), War Fever (Soda Bar, 1/11), Soul Juice (Soda Bar, 1/12), Cowboy Diplomacy (Soda Bar, 1/14), The Obsessed (Brick by Brick, 1/14), Jason DeVore (Soda Bar, 1/21), Lil Boii Kantu (Soda Bar, 1/22), Dirty Sweet (Casbah, 1/25), Back to the Garden: Sounds of Laurel Canyon (BUT, 1/26), Scarface (Music Box, 1/26), Riff Raff (Brick by Brick, 1/27), Eric Nam (HOB, 2/1), Vader (Brick by Brick, 2/4), Matisyahu (Music Box, 2/5), Three Bad Jacks (Soda Bar, 2/15), Electric Hot Tuna (BUT, 2/17), Eric Hutchinson (BUT, 2/18), Missing Persons (BUT, 2/19), Summer Cannibals (Soda Bar, 3/1), iLe (Music Box, 3/2), Papooz (Soda Bar, 3/4), Jordan Davis (HOB, 3/7), Chris Renzema (HOB, 3/7), Soul Asylum (BUT, 3/13), Third Eye Blind (Observatory, 3/16), Wish You Were Here (HOB, 3/27), Snoh Aalegra (Observatory, 3/28), The Underground Youth (Casbah, 4/5), Carnifex, 3Teeth (Brick by Brick, 4/16), Rotting Christ (Brick by Brick, 4/18), The Minimalists (HOB, 4/21), Sweet Caroline (Spreckels Theatre, 4/24), Mk.gee (Casbah, 4/24), Wayward Sons (BUT, 4/25), Russ (Cal Coast Credit Union, 5/6), Maroon 5 (North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, 5/30), Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe (Petco Park, 7/23).

ALL SOLD OUT

Thievery Corporation (BUT, 12/12), Bayside (Casbah, 12/12), Silversun Pickups (Observatory, 12/17), Chris Isaak (BUT, 12/17), Thursday (Brick by Brick, 12/18), Stick Figure (BUT, 12/27-28), Trey Anastasio Band (Observatory, 1/16), Michael Kiwanuka (Observatory, 1/22), Marcus King Band (BUT, 1/27), King Princess (Observatory, 1/28), Horrorpops (Brick by Brick, 1/31), Atmosphere (Observatory, 2/5), Sinead O’Connor (BUT, 2/11), Dashboard Confessional (Observatory, 2/11-12), A Bowie Celebration (BUT, 3/7).

CANCELED

Defeater (Ché Café Collective, 12/11), Lebanon Hanover (Brick by Brick, 12/13), Dick Dale’s Misirlou (BUT, 12/19), Christian Death (Soda Bar, 11/6), Jacky Vincent (Brick

by Brick, 11/12), Goblin (Brick by Brick, 11/14).

GET YER TICKETS

El Vez (Casbah, 12/22), KT Tunstall (Music Box, 1/9), Cashmere Cat (SOMA, 1/10), Joyce Manor (Music Box, 1/10), Tool (Viejas Arena

CLUBS 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Avenue, Pacific Beach. Wednesday: Open Mic. Thursday: Dethsurf, 30 House. Friday: Electric Waste Band. Saturday: A Perfect Tool, Oceans.

Sunday: 710 Idol. Tuesday: Los Nauticals, Melapelus.

Air Conditioned Lounge, 4673 30th Street, Normal Heights. Wednesday: #HipHopWeds.

Thursday: SUBdrip. Friday: House Music Fridays. Saturday: DJ Fingaz. Sunday: The Shadow People. Monday: Organized Grime.

Tuesday: Breezy Bliss Christmas Party.

American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Avenue, Downtown. Thursday: HaHa Davis. Friday: HaHa Davis. Saturday: William F. Montgomery, David Lucas. Tuesday: Open Mic. The Bancroft, 9143 Campo Road, Spring Valley. Wednesday: Karaoke.

Bang Bang, 526 Market Street, Downtown.

Friday: Qrion, Enamour. Saturday: EDX. Bar Pink, 3829 30th Street, North Park.

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at Aztec Bowl, 1/10), Trippie Redd (SOMA, 1/26), Hayley Kiyoko (SOMA, 1/29), Hippie Sabotage (Observatory, 2/27), Olivia O’Brien (Observatory, 2/29), The Wonder Years (Observatory, 3/4), Blake Shelton (Pechanga, 3/7), Tame Impala (Pechanga Arena, 3/9), Vérité (HOB, 3/11), Third Eye Blind (Observatory, 3/16), Marc E. Bassy (Music Box, 3/17), Best Coast (Observatory, 4/1), Sweet Caroline (Spreckels Theatre, 4/24), James Arthur (Observatory, 5/19), Maroon 5 (North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, 5/30), AJR (Cal Coast Credit Union, 6/11), Camila Cabello (Pechanga, 8/12), Harry Styles (Pechanga, 8/30).

Wednesday, December 11 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. Unearth at Brick by Brick.

DENM at House of Blues.

Thursday, December 12 La Dispute at House of Blues. Khemmis at Brick by Brick. Ariel View at Soda Bar. Friday, December 13 Allah-Las at Observatory North Park. Lebanon Hanover at Brick by Brick. Tragedy at The Merrow. Rorre at Soda Bar. Choir Boy at The Casbah. Space Yacht at Music Box. The Young Guns at Belly Up Tavern. SiR at SOMA. 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. Jonah Matranga at Brick by Brick. Kool Keith at Music Box. Sunday, December 15 The Blind Boys of Alabama at Belly Up Tavern. Omni at Soda Bar. Easy Wind at Music Box. The Fall of Troy at Brick by Brick. The Sleepwalkers at The Casbah. Caloncho at SOMA. The Aquadolls at House of Blues.

Monday, December 16 Kiefer Sutherland at Belly Up Tavern. Memory Leak at Soda Bar. Midnight Monuments at The Casbah.

Tuesday, December 17 Mark Diamond at Soda Bar. Body Salt at The Casbah.

Wednesday, December 18 The Venice at Belly Up Tavern. Brokeback at Soda Bar. Amerikan Bear at The Casbah.

Fuerza Regida at SOMA. Thursday, December 19

Wednesday: Action Andy & the Hi Tones, Walter Brothers. Thursday: DJ Grimm. Friday: DJ Dunekat. Saturday: Femme Fetale. Sunday: Rat sabbath. Monday: Scotty Pants. Tuesday: The Garners.

Beaumont’s, 5665 La Jolla Boulevard, La Jolla. Thursday: Nate Barcalow. Friday: Off Shore Drift. Saturday: Bonneville 7.

Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach. Wednesday: JD McPherson, Joel Paterson. Thursday: Thievery Corporation, Brazilian Girls (sold out). Friday: 17th Annual Turtleneck and Sweater Party, The Young Guns. Sunday: The Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show, Nicki Bluhm.

Monday: Kiefer Sutherland, Max Gomez.

Tuesday: Chris Isaak (sold out).

Black Cat Bar, 4246 University Avenue, City Heights. Friday: The Fictitious Dishes, Deep Sea Thunder Beast, Hurricane Kate, Black Cat Sabbath.

Blonde, 1808 W. Washington Street, Mission Hills. Wednesday: Dance Klassique. Thursday: Worthy. Friday: Staybad. Saturday: Mr. Roboto. Monday: Blue Monday. Tuesday: Techit Easy.

Mariachi Sol de Mexico at Balboa Theatre.

The Tubes at Belly Up Tavern. 13 Bats at The Casbah. Jade Jackson at Soda Bar. Berkley Hart at Music Box. Friday, December 20 Cash’d Out Christmas at Belly Up Tavern.

Infected Mushroom at Music Box. Matt Embree at Soda Bar. The Loons at The Casbah.

Saturday, December 21 Damage Inc. at Brick by Brick. Andrew McMahon at House of Blues. The Heavy Guilt at Soda Bar. Andrew McMahon at Music Box. Mainsail at The Casbah. BETAMAXX at Belly Up Tavern. Rosie Plaza at SOMA. 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. Groundation at Belly Up Tavern. El Vez at The Casbah. Groundation at Belly Up Tavern. Late Night Radio at Soda Bar. Monday, December 23 Glass Spells at The Casbah. Nite Lapse at Soda Bar. Abbey Road Christmas Show at Belly Up Tavern.

Tuesday, December 24 Exile on Kettner Blvd. at The Casbah.

Thursday, December 26 El Vez Screamers Tribute at The Casbah. ‘80s vs. ‘90s Night at Belly Up Tavern. Classless Act at Soda Bar. Kayla Ray at House of Blues.

Friday, December 27 The Major Minus at Soda Bar. San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium. Drug Hunt at The Casbah. Full Crate at Music Box. Saturday, December 28 The Crystal Method at Music Box. Jim Brickman at Balboa Theatre. Ignite at Brick

by Brick. Poolside at Observatory North Park.

Twin Ritual at Soda Bar. Big Sandy at The Casbah. Thread the Lariat at SOMA. Sunday, December 29 Donavon Frankenreiter at Belly Up Tavern.

The Cavemen at Soda Bar. Jara at The Casbah. The Steely Damned 2 at Music Box.

The Schizophonics at The Casbah. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony at House of Blues.

Thursday, January 2 Barnacles at Soda Bar. Willie Nelson at Balboa Theatre. T.S.O.L. at The Casbah.

Friday, January 3 The Sure Fire Ensemble at The Casbah.

Queen Nation at Belly Up Tavern. Red Not Chili Peppers at Music Box. Saturday, January 4 The Winehouse Experience at Music Box. Petty 2 at The Casbah. Godhammered at Brick

by Brick. The Farmers and Friends at Belly Up Tavern.

House of Blues.

Saturday, January 18 Nada Surf at The Casbah. The PettyBreakers at Belly Up Tavern. Hieroglyphics at Soda Bar. Zoso at Music Box. Elbow at House of Blues.

Sunday, January 19 Reverend Horton Heat at House Of Blues.

Tuesday, January 21 Jason Devore at Soda Bar. Wednesday, January 22 The Great Love Debate at Music Box. Theo Katzman at Belly Up Tavern. Lil Boii Kantu at Soda Bar.

Sunday, January 5 Just What I Needed: The Cars and Ric Ocasek at Belly Up Tavern. Chris Coté at Belly Up Tavern.

Thursday, January 23 Big Head Todd & the Monsters at Belly Up Tavern. Dude York at Soda Bar. Koo Koo Kanga Roo at House of Blues.

Wednesday, January 8 David Lindley at Belly Up Tavern. Beartooth, Motionless in White at SOMA.

Friday, January 24 Fog Lake at Soda Bar. Cursive at The Casbah.

Sullivan King at Music Box. Railroad Earth at Belly Up Tavern. Judas Priestess at Brick by Brick. Emo Night Brooklyn at House of Blues.

Thursday, January 9 Chadwick Stokes & the Pintos at Belly Up Tavern. KT Tunstall at Music Box. Good Riddance at Brick by Brick.

Friday, January 10 Mandolin Orange at Observatory North Park.

Joyce Manor at Music Box. MOANS at Soda Bar. Tool at Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl. 96 Bitter Beings at Brick by Brick. TUSK at Belly Up Tavern. Cashmere Cat at SOMA. Saturday, January 11 Gary Gulman at Observatory North Park. Mrs. Henry at The Casbah. Red Handed Denial at Brick by Brick. Portrayal of Guilt at SPACE. Buck Meek at Ché Café Collective. War Fever at Soda Bar. Sunday, January 12 Soul Juice at Soda Bar. Tuesday, January 14 The Obsessed at Brick by Brick. Cowboy Diplomacy at Soda Bar. Wednesday, January 15 Coco Montoya at Belly Up Tavern. Run River North at The Casbah.

Saturday, January 25 Los Dug Dug’s at Soda Bar. Bleed the Sky at Brick by Brick. Stepping Feet at Music Box. Saint Motel at Observatory North Park.

Jacquees at House of Blues. Dirty Sweet at The Casbah. Railroad Earth at Belly Up Tavern. Bleed the Sky at Brick by Brick. Dirty Sweet at The Casbah.

Sunday, January 26 Trippie Redd at SOMA. Back to the Garden: Sounds of Laurel Canyon at Belly Up Tavern.

Scarface at Music Box. Monday, January 27 The Marcus King Band at Belly Up Tavern. Riff Raff at Brick by Brick.

Tuesday, January 28 John Mayall at Belly Up Tavern. City of the Sun at The Casbah. Mattiel at Soda Bar. Wednesday, January 29 Tower of Power at Belly Up Tavern.

Queensrÿche at Music Box. Hayley Kiyoko at SOMA.

Monday, December 30 Donavon Frankenreiter at Belly Up Tavern.

Ten Bulls at The Casbah.

Thursday, January 16 Midge Ure at Belly Up Tavern. Los Stellarians at Music Box.

Thursday, January 30 Sergio Mendes at Belly Up Tavern. The Toasters at The Casbah. Internal Bleeding at Brick by Brick. J.I. at House of Blues.

Tuesday, December 31 Steel Pulse at Belly Up Tavern. The Floozies at Music Box. Elektric Voodoo at Soda Bar.

Friday, January 17 Matumbi at Music Box. Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe at Belly Up Tavern. Nascar Aloe at

Friday, January 31 Wolf Parade at Belly Up Tavern. Death Eyes at The Casbah.

Wednesday: Local Band Showcase. Thursday: Too $hort. Friday: Coral Bells, The Lucy Ring.

Saturday: Blink 18True. Sunday: Anuhea.

Monday: Karaoke. Tuesday: Reggae Tuesdaze.

Saturday: Doah’s Daydream, Black Leather Couch, Blaze. Monday: Open Mic. Tuesday: Comedy Night.

Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Avenue, Bay Park. Wednesday: Unearth, Darkest Hour, Thrown Into Exile, Blackcast. Thursday: Khemmis, Un, Garth Algar. Saturday: Jonah Matranga, Fake Figures. Sunday: The Fall of Troy, Strawberry Girls, Dead American, Andres, The Undertaking.

The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Boulevard, Midtown. Wednesday: Kolars, The Soft White Sixties. Thursday: Bayside, Capstan. Friday: Choir Boy, Boan, Panther Modern, Lower Tar, O/X. Saturday: Blockhead, Eliot Lipp. Sunday: The Sleepwalkers, Brawley, The Cowpokes, Chloe Lou and the Liddells. Monday: Midnight Monuments, Doom Bloom, Runs Deep.

Tuesday: Body Salt, Shane Hall, Junipero.

Ché Cafe, 1000 Scholars Drive S, La Jolla.

Saturday: Randy, Lay Low, The Go Heads.

Sunday: Toy Drive Show.

Dizzys, Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Boulevard.

Friday: Irving Flores.

Fluxx, 500 Fourth Avenue, Downtown.

Saturday: Story Party: True Dating Stories.

The Holding Company, 5046 Newport Avenue.

House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Avenue, Downtown. Wednesday: Denm, Hearts.

Thursday: La Dispute. Sunday: The Aquadolls.

Tuesday: Hellyeah: A Celebration of Life.

Humphreys Backstage, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. Wednesday: Come Together. Thursday: Farmtruck with Ginger Cowgirl. Friday: Wildside. Saturday: Rising Star. Sunday: DJ John Phillips. Monday: January Berry Band. Tuesday: Mercedes Moore.

The Irenic, 3090 Polk Avenue, North Park.

Saturday: North Park Christmas Holiday Concert. Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner Boulevard, Midtown. Saturday: Umbrella Nights.

Kensington Club, 4079 Adams Avenue, Kensington. Thursday: Karaoke. Friday: Kid Gruesome.

Lestat›s Coffee House, 3343 Adams Avenue, Normal Heights. Friday: Comedy for Cancer.

Loft @ UCSD, Price Center East, La Jolla.

Saturday: YLJC All Ensembles Showcase.

Mc P›s Irish Pub, 1107 Orange Avenue, Coronado. Wednesday: Josie Day Band.

Thursday: Fish and JG. Friday: Ron’s Garage.

Saturday: Mystique. Sunday: Bonneville 7.

Tuesday: Glenn Smith.

Martinis Above Fourth, 3940 Fourth Avenue, Hillcrest. Wednesday: Frenchie Davis.

Thursday: No Cover Entertainment. Friday: No Cover Entertainment. Saturday: Anna Danes.

Monday: No Cover Entertainment.

The Merrow, 1271 University Avenue, Hillcrest. Thursday: Warpath, Feed the Vulture, Osmium, Know the Ending. Friday: Tragedy.

Saturday: Club Sabbat. Sunday: Karaoke.

Mother’s Saloon, 2228 Bacon Street, Ocean Beach. Tuesday: Trivia.

Mr. Peabody’s, 136 Encinitas Boulevard, Encinitas. Wednesday: DJ Mancat. Thursday:

See

CLUBS on page 18

DECEMBER 11, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 17

MUSIC

CLUBS

from page 17

James Allen. Friday: Restless Natives.

Saturday: Naked Shorts. Sunday: Jazz Jam. Monday: Open Mic. Tuesday: Karaoke.

Music Box, 1337 India Street, Little Italy.

Wednesday: The Shelters, Aviator Stash.

Friday: Space Yacht. Saturday: Kool Keith, Myoe and Jkrunk, T-Chronic, The Bermuda.

Sunday: Monday: Easy Wind.

The Office, 3936 30th Street, North Park.

Wednesday: Drip Trop. Thursday: Dig Deeper.

Friday: Factory. Saturday: Strictly Business.

Monday: Seventh Annual Skrewball. Tuesday: Night Shift.

OMNIA Nightclub, 454 Sixth Avenue, Downtown. Thursday: Undone on Thursday.

Friday: Crankdat. Saturday: DJ Scooter.

Panama 66, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park.

Wednesday: The Wednesday Jam Session.

Thursday: Holiday Joy Ride. Friday: Jake Najor and the Moment of Truth. Saturday: Montablan Quintet. Sunday: Uptown Rhythm Makers.

Parq, 615 Broadway, Downtown. Friday: Bryant Myers.

Pour House, 1903 South Coast Highway, Oceanside. Wednesday: Open Mic. Thursday: Downtown. Friday: Martine & the Big Nativity Scene. Saturday: Farnsworth. Sunday: Trivia.

Monday: DJ Lexicon Devil. Tuesday: Open Mic. Proud Mary’s, 5550 Kearny Mesa Road, Kearny Mesa. Wednesday: Blues Jam Night.

Thursday: Tomcat Courtney. Friday: Sue Palmer. Saturday: Missy Anderson.

The Rail, 3796 Fifth Avenue, Hillcrest.

Thursday: Country Dance. Friday: Trivia.

Rich›s, 1051 University Avenue, Hillcrest.

Wednesday: Mischief Wednesdays. Thursday: #LEZ + House Music. Friday: Diva’s Drag Show. Saturday: WTF XXX-MAS. Sunday: Discoteka.

Riviera Supper Club, 7777 University Avenue, La Mesa. Wednesday: Boss Jazz. Friday: Jonny Deadly Trio. Saturday: The Naked I. Tuesday: The Works Jam. Rosie O’Gradys, 3402 Adams Avenue, Normal Heights. Monday: Jazz Jam. Tuesday: Adams Gone Funky.

Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Boulevard, City Heights. Wednesday: Son Little, Christopher Paul Stelling. Thursday: Ariel View, Erin Anne.

Friday: Rorre, Titus Haug. Saturday: Motel Radio, Long Lost Suns, Michael McGraw and the Tin Rattlers. Sunday: Omnia, Former.

Monday: Memory Leak, Overself, Hex. Tuesday: Mark Diamond, Jessi Blue.

SOMA, 3350 Sports Arena Boulevard, Midway. Friday: SiR, TeaMarrr. Saturday: As I Lay Dying, After Burial, Emmure. Sunday:

18 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 11, 2019

Caloncho, Salt Cathedral, Rudy de Anda.

SPACE, 3519 El Cajon Boulevard, City Heights. Wednesday: Make Yourself at Home. Thursday: Shindigs, La Boogie Buena, Thunder Bump. Friday: BrokenBeat. Saturday: Velvet Acid Christ, Inva, Wardrobe. Tuesday: Karaoke.

Spin, 2028 Hancock Street, Midtown. Friday: Bouquet.

Sycamore Den, 3391 Adams Avenue, Normal Heights. Wednesday: Paul Gregg. Tuesday: Trivia.

Til-Two Club, 4746 El Cajon Boulevard, City Heights. Wednesday: Rubber Biscuit.

Thursday: Steaksauce Mustache, Braggers, Jumped In. Friday: The Cramp’d, 13 Wolves, Wake the Dead. Saturday: Punks 4 Change.

Monday: Rock, Shimmy and Shake Burlesque.

Tin Roof, 401 G Street Downtown.

Wednesday: Rewind Wednesday. Thursday: Double Take. Friday: Coriander. Saturday: Thompson Square. Sunday: Jenny and the Tramps. Tuesday: Corey Gray and Jake Coco.

Tio Leo›s, 5302 Napa Street, Bay Park.

Wednesday: Jazz Pocket Swing. Thursday: Gino and the Lone Gunmen. Friday: The Siers Brothers. Saturday: Detroit Underground.

Tower Bar, 4757 University Avenue, City Heights. Friday: Blind Mountain Holler, Bradley Palermo, Chad Price, Paul Luc. Saturday: Downtown, The Stalins of Sound, Batlords, Them Cuts.

U-31, 3112 University Avenue, North Park.

Wednesday: DJ Mo Lyon. Thursday: BoomBox Thursdays. Friday: DJ Freeman. Saturday: DJ Bacon Bits. Sunday: Sandollar, Burnin’ Up, Art Show. Monday: #31 Flavors.

Winstons, 1921 Bacon Street, Ocean Beach.

Wednesday: Club Kingston. Thursday: Open Jam. Friday: Drug Hunt, Aunt Cynthia’s Cabin, Puerto.

Saturday: Shakedown String Band. Sunday: Karaoke. Monday: Electric Waste Band.

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IN THE BACK

CANNABITCH

Staying Safe

How to shop for high-quality CBD products

By Jackie Bryant

C

annabis consumers should be rightly concerned about the health issues swirling around vaping cannabis oil. Thankfully, though the industry lacks significant regulation and oversight, there are many industry-spearheaded safety measures and stopgaps that can help inform consumers on how to make educated choices when choosing which cannabis products to buy. Here are a few guidelines to help the conscious cannabis consumer choose safe vape products.

Identifying a safe point of origin is the first step to purchasing safe and highquality cannabis products.

Thanks to medical and

@SDCITYBEAT

recreational legalization, the products that end up being sold in dispensaries must be tested several times over and go through several layers of oversight before they end up on product shelves.

When it comes to CBD, which is available in normal retail markets outside of dispensaries, including the internet, buying from a reputable retailer with easily identifiable social media, internet and other assets that identify legitimate businesses is another good thing to evaluate.

Many of the products being sold that are sickening people come from black market retailers and products that lack branding or legitimacy by being sold from any easily traceable outlet.

Of course, relying on a

company’s promotional material is not the best line of defense when identifying high-quality products. If a seller looks to be legitimate, the next order of business is to investigate whether or not the company has a certificate of analysis, or COA, as it’s known in the cannabis industry.

All products sold in California, for example, must be tested in a state-licensed lab and have this certificate, which includes the testing laboratory’s name, address and license number; the distributor’s name, address and license number; the cultivator or manufacturer’s name; batch information; sample type and a variety of granular sample information.

Basically, if a company is able to display and produce a

COA, it’s a surefire way to know the product being purchased is legitimate, as safe as possible and has gone through multiple layers of oversight.

Once the product is in hand, inspect it to check for anything strange or inconsistent. Is there branding on the product? It’s not a fail-safe, but it’s another legitimizing signifier. Does the box or any of the childproof seals look like they have been tampered with? Does the product not smell or taste like it is supposed to?

Finally, another way to ensure quality is to buy refillable tank vapes or individual pen cartridges if the quality of disposable vapes that come attached to a battery isn’t able to be ascertained. With disposable vapes, the apparatus

isn’t able to be taken apart without destroying the product, so there’s no way to gauge the quality of the oil, heating system or anything else. When using a tank-style vape and separate oil cartridges, the only aspect of the product that needs to be evaluated is the oil, alone. Also, dditional studies have suggested that certain types of metals, like nickel, used in the heating process are less safe than others, but, to be honest, the jury is still out on this.

The final rule is to also go with a gut instinct. If it feels sketchy, there’s no need to risk it. There are plenty of above-board CBD and other cannabis product retailers that go through great lengths to let their consumers know they are safe. Seek those out.

DECEMBER 11, 2019 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 19

20 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 11, 2019

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