Author: Amanda

Love for The Milk Carton Kids

Posted on by Amanda

I was in a mood this afternoon. It was the kind of mood not easily shook by a nap or kind words from a friend. This was a full on “the world sucks” kind of mood. And now, it’s gone. “Why is that,” you ask? Great question.

I was thrilled last month to discover my favorite duo The Milk Carton Kids would be back in San Diego and I was not going to miss out. However, the aforementioned mood damn near ruined my day and I almost didn’t make it out of the house. If it wasn’t for the fact that I was meeting a friend at the show, I probably would have stayed home. But I’m really glad I didn’t.

At the very first chords of the very first song, my mood was instantly lifted. As Joey and Kenneth continued to play songs new and old my spirits rose even more. Between their tunes, humor, and commentary, I was smiling and laughing with all traces of my previous mood and the irritants that caused it forgotten. It was exactly the kind of musical soul food I needed.

The thing about The Milk Carton Kids is they remind you of the depth and beauty that two guys with guitars can create. They are awkward, honest, and charming and it shows through in their songs. Tonight was a wonderful reminder how much music like that can touch you at your core. I remember watching the two of them play together before they created The Milk Carton Kids and I have to say, they have only gotten better with time. To sit in a large room and watch an entire floor rapt with attention at their presence and performance was… special. It was unexpected and well deserved. To see their audience and fan base grow has truly been a treat. I wish nothing but continued success for the adorably awkward pair.

You can download both their cds for free from their website! If you want the flavor of their individual songs such as Permanent, Charlie, Girls, Gather ‘Round and Queen Jane, go for Retrospect. If you want to hear what Joey and Kenneth created together, go for Prologue. Actually, you should just get both since they are free!

Amanda’s Top 10 Musical Experiences of 2011

Posted on by Amanda

Although this post is coming to you much later than I had anticipated, there is a (somewhat) valid reason behind the delay. Let me explain…
The problem I faced with coming up with my “Top 10” list is one that I’m sure plagues others but I really didn’t know how to handle it. This is only my second time creating a top something list and I’m new to the rules. The problem was if I did it based by show, one band (or two) would have multiple spaces taken on the list which really isn’t fair to other bands. If I went based purely on bands, I feel like many experiences would have been left behind and that’s not fair because the entire experience was a part of seeing a band play. So, I give you my hybrid “Top 10” list. This is a combination of both bands and experiences alike. Hope you enjoy!

 

10. Scarlet Grey–

After capturing my heart sometime in 2010, Scarlet Grey has been one of my favorite LA bands to drive up and see. Unfortunately those guys have been across the pond playing shows for the Brits and capturing their hearts as well. Despite their absence, my love for them presses on. After attending most of their shows up in LA this year, especially their last one at the Troubadour which was filled with lots of love and new songs, they still leave an imprint in my mind. Here’s hoping they come home soon!

 

9. The Nervous Wreckords–

I’m not going to lie, it took me a minute to truly appreciate the glory that is The Nervous Wreckords. I knew going in that frontman Brian Karscig was San Diego’s rock royalty with his previous band Louis XIV but I wasn’t fully aware of what to expect from his new endeavor. I believe the first time I really stopped to watch The Nervous Wreckords was at the FM94/9 Independence Jam and they had me. I was finally able to understand what all the buzz was about. I had the privilege of helping to shoot this video for one of their new songs “Love Jammed the Radio.” These cool cats are about to hit the road (or should I say the ocean) with Weezer so check them out when you can!

 

Stay tuned, more to come!

Amanda’s Top 10 Musical Experiences of 2011

Posted on by Amanda

Although this post is coming to you much later than I had anticipated, there is a (somewhat) valid reason behind the delay. Let me explain…

The problem I faced with coming up with my “Top 10” list is one that I’m sure plagues others but I really didn’t know how to handle it. This is only my second time creating a top something list and I’m new to the rules. The problem was if I did it based by show, one band (or two) would have multiple spaces taken on the list which really isn’t fair to other bands. If I went based purely on bands, I feel like many experiences would have been left behind and that’s not fair because the entire experience was a part of seeing a band play. So, I give you my hybrid “Top 10” list. This is a combination of both bands and experiences alike. Hope you enjoy!

 

10. Scarlet Grey–

After capturing my heart sometime in 2010, Scarlet Grey has been one of my favorite LA bands to drive up and see. Unfortunately those guys have been across the pond playing shows for the Brits and capturing their hearts as well. Despite their absence, my love for them presses on. After attending most of their shows up in LA this year, especially their last one at the Troubadour which was filled with lots of love and new songs, they still leave an imprint in my mind. Here’s hoping they come home soon!

 

9. The Nervous Wreckords–

I’m not going to lie, it took me a minute to truly appreciate the glory that is The Nervous Wreckords. I knew going in that frontman Brian Karscig was San Diego’s rock royalty with his previous band Louis XIV but I wasn’t fully aware of what to expect from his new endeavor. I believe the first time I really stopped to watch The Nervous Wreckords was at the FM94/9 Independence Jam and they had me. I was finally able to understand what all the buzz was about. I had the privilege of helping to shoot this video for one of their new songs “Love Jammed the Radio.” These cool cats are about to hit the road (or should I say the ocean) with Weezer so check them out when you can!

 

Stay tuned, more to come!

Amanda’s SD Concert Calendar 1/9-1/15

Posted on by Amanda

As it is the second week of the new year, I fully expect everyone (myself included) to be completely rested up and out and about for some really great shows this week! I don’t venture out as often as those of you might think but I’m feeling a change in the air. My highlights for this week include The Milk Carton Kids at Anthology, Zane Carney at Lestats, Fierce Creatures at Tin Can Alehouse, and Transfer and The Silent Comedy at Casbah. Whew, that’s a lot. And this month is just getting warmed up…

 

Monday: Be productive!
AND: The Silent Comedy @ Detroit Bar @9

Tuesday: Mattson 2 @ El Dorado
AND: Finding Francis, NO, and Tyson Motsenbocker @ Casbah @9 $5

Wednesday: Milk Carton Kids @ Anthology @7 $10/$15
AND: Olin and The Moon, Maxim Ludwig and the Sante Fe Seven, and Hills Like Elephants @ Casbah @9 $8

Thursday: Zane Carney @ Lestats @8 $10
AND: Lady Dottie and The Diamonds and The Beautiful View @ Casbah @9 $8/$10
AND: Sister Hazel @ Belly Up @9 $18
AND: Ghostline @ Soda Bar @830 $5

Friday: Fierce Creatures @ Tin Can Alehouse @930
AND: Mattson 2 @ Lestats @8
AND: The Dirt Daubers @ Soda Bar @830 $8/$10

Saturday: Everest and Midnight Rivals @ Casbah $13/$15
AND: Dead Feather Moon @ Griffin @9 $8/$10
AND: The Bloody Hollies and The Lyon Crowns @ Soda Bar @830 $7
AND: Josh Damigo @ Lestats @8
AND: Jackson Price @ Ruby Room @9 $7

Sunday: Transfer, The Silent Comedy and Hyena @ Casbah @9 $15
AND: The Heavy Guilt @ Bar Pink @9
AND: Gayle Skidmore @ Tin Can Alehouse @930 $5

 

Keep in Mind:

January 16th- The Silent Comedy, Transfer, and Dead Feather Moon @ Casbah @9 $15
January 18th- Olin and the Moon @ The Casbah @9 $8
January 20th- Dashboard Confessional @ House of Blues
January 22nd- Wilco and With Denim @ House of Blues
January 26th- Nico Vega and The Filthy Violets @ Casbah @9 $8/$10
January 27th- Jesse LaMonaca and The Dime Novels, and Family Wagon @ Casbah @9 $8/$10
February 2nd- The Burning of Rome @ Soda Bar
February 3rd- Mute Math @ 4th & B
February 4th- Where’s the Band Tour @ House of Blues
February 7th- Dr. Dog w/Purling Hiss @Belly Up @9 $18/$20
February 10th- Young the Giant @ Soma
February 11th- You Me At Six @ Soma @6 $12
February 19th- Craig Finn @ Casbah @9 $12
February 23rd- Ra Ra Riot @ Belly Up @8 $18
February 23rd- Hot Chelle Rae w/Electric Touch @ House of Blues
February 23rd- Scars on 45 @ Anthology @730
February 24th- The Soft Pack @ Casbah @9
February 25h- Mat Kearney @ House of Blues
February 26th- Cursive @ Casbah @9
February 29th- Red Hot Chili Peppers @ Valley View Casino Center
March 3rd- Jackie Greene @ Belly Up @9
March 6th- Flogging Molly @ House of Blues
March 8th- William Fitzsimmons @ Anthology @7
March 9th- The Stone Foxes @ Casbah @9
March 11th- Crocodiles @ Casbah @9 $12
March 21st- Cults @ Belly Up @9
April 15th- Rise Against @ Viejas Arena

Amanda’s SD Concert Calendar 1/2-1/8

Posted on by Amanda

Happy New Years!! It’s a brand spanking new year full of promises, hopes, dreams, and of course shows! I hop everyone had a lovely New Years Eve. Mine was glorious and probably the best dang New Years Even I’ve ever had. I’m still recovering from the lack of sleep but that doesn’t mean I can’t be productive (and get out to see some shows)!

 

Monday: Erik Spencer @ Ruby Room @8

Tuesday: Be productive!

Wednesday: Olin and The Moon, Maxim Ludwig and The Santa Fe Seven, Jesse LaMonaca and The Dime Novels @ Casbah @9 $8
AND: Ninja Love @ Soda Bar @830 $5
AND: Chad Taggart and Jessica Hull @ Lestats @8

Thursday: The Henry Clay People, The Bloody Hollies, The New Kinetics @ Casbah @9 $8
AND: The Spells, Family Wagon, and Tall Ships @ Belly Up @8 $9

Friday: The Nervous Wreckords, Blackout Party, Grand Tarantula, and The Heavy Guilt @ Casbah $8/$10
AND: Heavy Hawaii @ Soda Bar @9 $5
AND: Chris Carpenter and Folding Mr. Lincoln @ Lestats @8

Saturday: A Scribe Amidst the Lions and The Flowerthief @ Casbah $8/$10

Sunday: Little Lo @ Soda Bar @830 $5

 

Keep in Mind:

January 10th- Mattson 2 @ El Dorado
January 11th- Milk Carton Kids @ Anthology
January 12th- Zane Carney @ Lestats @8 $10
January 12th- Sister Hazel @ Belly Up @9 $18
January 13th- Fierce Creatures @ Tin Can Alehouse @930
January 13th- Everest and Midnight Rivals @ Casbah $13/$15
January 15th- Transfer, The Silent Comedy and Hyena @ Casbah @9 $15
January 16th- The Silent Comedy, Transfer, and Dead Feather Moon @ Casbah @9 $15
January 18th- Olin and the Moon @ The Casbah @9 $8
January 20th- Dashboard Confessional @ House of Blues
January 22nd- Wilco and With Denim @ House of Blues
January 26th- Nico Vega and The Filthy Violets @ Casbah @9 $8/$10
January 27th- Jesse LaMonaca & The Dime Novels, and Family Wagon @ Casbah @9
February 2nd- The Burning of Rome @ Soda Bar
February 3rd- Mute Math @ 4th & B
February 4th- Where’s the Band Tour @ House of Blues
February 7th- Dr. Dog w/Purling Hiss @Belly Up @9 $18/$20
February 10th- Young the Giant @ Soma
February 11th- You Me At Six @ Soma @6 $12
February 19th- Craig Finn @ Casbah @9 $12
February 23rd- Ra Ra Riot @ Belly Up @8 $18
February 23rd- Hot Chelle Rae w/Electric Touch @ House of Blues
February 23rd- Scars on 45 @ Anthology @730
February 24th- The Soft Pack @ Casbah @9
February 25h- Mat Kearney @ House of Blues
February 26th- Cursive @ Casbah @9
February 29th- Red Hot Chili Peppers @ Valley View Casino Center
March 3rd- Jackie Greene @ Belly Up @9
March 6th- Flogging Molly @ House of Blues
March 8th- William Fitzsimmons @ Anthology @7
March 9th- The Stone Foxes @ Casbah @9
March 21st- Cults @ Belly Up @9
April 15th- Rise Against @ Viejas Arena

Amanda’s Top 10 Shows of 2011 (Coming Soon)

Posted on by Amanda

Earlier in the week I made mention of wanting to post my “Top 10 Concerts of 2011” and said something along the lines of wanting to post a few per day. Well, I lied. See, here’s the thing….

My concert going year is not quite over. I just spent an enchanted evening in Chicago listening to William Beckett play for an hour or so with wonderful opening acts like Jennifer Hall, Bonaventure and Into It. Over It. Tomorrow night I’ll be seeing The Silent Comedy, Transfer, The Creepy Creeps, Low Volts, and The Heavy Guilt (plus a few more). So you see, my musical year is not complete and as such, I cannot give a list quite yet.

However, you can be sure to find this list in a day or so after New Years. Only then can I give you a complete and through top 10 list 🙂

Amanda’s SD Concert Calendar 12/26-1/1

Posted on by Amanda

It’s a fresh new Monday fresh from Christmas. I hope everyone had a lovely time filled with family, friends, and good times. I also hope you got everything you wanted and nothing you didn’t (but if not, there is always Amazon or Craigslist)!

Can you believe New Years is on Saturday? Where did the year go? Well, I’ll be posting some musical highlights from my year later this week. Speaking of New Years, the only place you should be is at the Lafayette Hotel for the Silent Comedy/Transfer show which features The Creepy Creeps, Low Volts and The Heavy Guilt. It’s going to be a crazy good time!!

Since it’s still a holiday week, shows are rather light but we still got some good stuff!

 

Monday: Relax

Tuesday: Cracker @ Belly Up @8 $20/$22
AND: Thieves of the American Dream @ Soda Bar @830 $5
AND: The Filthy Violets @ Casbah @9 $5
AND: Lillian Lefranc & The Proper Villans @ Ruby Room @9 $2

Wednesday: Shrewd Lucy @ Ruby Room @9 $5

Thursday: The Bruises @ Soda Bar @830 $5
AND: Christian Taylor and Scott Mathiasen @ Ruby Room @9  $5

Friday: Get Back Loretta and The Burning of Rome @ Casbah @930 $10
AND: Wendy Bailey CD Release Show @ Bar Pink @ 9
AND: Josh Damigo B-Day Bash @ Lestats @8

Saturday: The Silent Comedy and Transfer w/The Creepy Creeps, The Heavy Guilt, Low Volts, and more! @ Mississippi Room $25-$40
AND: Euphoria: NYE at The Ivy w/ Hyena @8
AND: River City and The Western Set @ Tin Can Alehouse @930 $5

Sunday: Recover

 

Keep in Mind:

January 6th- The Nervous Wreckords, Blackout Party, Grand Tarantula, and The Heavy Guilt @ Casbah $8/$10
January 7th- A Scribe Amidst the Lions and The Flowerthief @ Casbah $8/$10
January 11th- Milk Carton Kids @ Anthology
January 12th- Zane Carney @ Lestats @8 $10
January 13th- Everest and Midnight Rivals @ Casbah $13/$15
January 22nd- Wilco and With Denim @ House of Blues
February 3rd- Mute Math @ 4th & B
February 10th- Young the Giant @ Soma
February 23rd- Ra Ra Riot @ Belly Up @8 $18