Nice Digs

Yesterday I attended Currant's one year anniversary party at the Sofia Hotel's beautiful restaurant.  Other than eating delicious pulled pork sandwiches and sipping on lychee champagne cocktails, we also toured the meeting facilities, the yoga & fitness centers, as well as 2 beautiful rooms overlooking the cosmopolitan downtown San Diego landscape.  With harbor views, an incredible restaurant, and such fabulous amenities, the Sofia Hotel is a true gem in it's vintage building and prime location.  Just steps from the mall, 5th Ave., the port of San Diego, there is plenty to do at this posh hotel.

It's Britney, Bitch

To all my fellow devoted Britney Spears fans:

After Sunday's much anticipated, fabulous appearance on the MTV VMA's, I think we can all admit how great it is to see good old Britney back in action... sans blue wig, sans sketchy male followers/brainwashers, sans lame wannabe rapper husband. In a sparkly swanky silver dress, with long blonde extensions in tow, Britney blew the crowd away with her modest, classy intro to the award ceremony, not to mention with her three wins for Female Video, Best Pop Video, and the much sought after Video of the Year. In addition to her big debut night, Britney also graced the cover of OK! Magazine this week toting the headline "Brit Hits Back!" So to the haters, doubters, and wannabes: Britney is Back! Knock 'em dead girl!

"I'm Yours", Jason Mraz.

Last Week, Jason Mraz decided to stop by our venue to recieve an icredible gift from Taylor Guitar. Taylor recently released 50 exclusive Liberty Tree guitars, crafted from the wood of the last Liberty Tree that stood on American soil. The guitar represents freedom, American music, and most recently, our current revolutionary political climate. Although there is one guitar per state, Jason Mraz was honored with California's lone Liberty Guitar, not only for his contributions to Americana music, but also because his life-long partnership with Taylor Guitars couldn't be more San Diego. Jason came out of San Diego, and so did Taylor Guitars, and they have been side by side the whole journey. So, Congrats Jason! You deserve it!

His set was three songs off his new album "We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things." and were quite captivating. His vocal range and unmatched ability on the T-5, combined with his charming lyrics, really tore the house down. After he melted the hearts of the place, Jason met with all the staff of Anthology to take pics, sign records, and chat about the San Diego music scene and its relation to his own career. He is so down to earth and really left a lasting impression with us here at Anthology.

Nevermind

On my drive to work yesterday, I heard a Nirvana Tribute would be at the House of Blues (a venue I have been dying to check out since I started listening to live music), on 5th & C. Feeling adventurous, and quite bored of the usual north county dive bars, I decided to head back downtown after my shift to check it out. The performers all sported their own looks, but the lead singer looked exactly like a fatter Kurt Cobain, circa 1992. Although we arrived a little late, the mosh pit hadn't started yet and the mainstream hits were still being played. Not only did the songs reflect the good ol' days of grunge rock, but as the bass guitarist slid across the stage on his knees to share feedback with the lead singer/guitarist, I couldn't help but feel an inkling of nostalgia toward the days when rock was nitty gritty and full of rage... not the always duplicated sound of pop rock that has been invading radio airwaves. Maybe it was the moshers bumping into me or the whiskey surging through my veins, but I was really feeling the show and was thouroughly impressed at the similarities between this cover band and Nirvana. But I have to say, I was a little disappointed in the crowd for keeping themselves so clean. When I go to any kind of Nirvana show, I expect to see long stringy hair veiling an unkempt goatee and a lot more ripped jeans and flannel. Regardless of the lack of grunge wear, the show was excellent, the venue was sweet, and I got to hear some old jams from a fresh set of lips.

To all San Diego Hipsters

For a breath of fresh air in the nightlife scene, try my new place of employment, Anthology.  If you like Jazz & Blues, American Folk, and Indie Rock music, check out this relatively new supper club that features big names ranging from world renowned guitarist Larry Carlton to Latin jazz sensation Arturo Sandoval.  This month, we have a nice blend of World music (John Cruz, Strunz & Farah), Blues (Seth Walker, The Fabulous Thunderbirds), Rock (Dave Mason), Jazz (Steve Tyrell), and Singer/Songwriters (Jackie Greene).  Anthology, San Diego's premiere new jazz night club is located in the heart of Little Italy on India St. between Ash and A Streets.  Ticket prices vary by artist and seating section, but no matter who is playing or where you're sitting, this venue is sure to WOW you.  We also do private events and have Happy Hour Tuesday through Friday from 530 to 7.

40 Oz. to Freedom

Last Saturday, Rachel, James, and I went to the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach to catch a Sublime tribute concert.  I was really looking forward to it since I had never been to the famed Belly Up Tavern and I was craving some live music after returning home to San Diego.  Although we missed the opening acts of Project: Out of Bounds and DJ BoomStyler, we caught the impressive opening performance of San Diego bred Social Green, which mixed hard guitar riffs interlaced with a combination of bongos, tambourines, and keyboard.  There was good reason for such a dynamic performance, Social Green was celebrating the release of their sophomore album "Sounds of Revolution".  After an energetic hour long set, Social Green departed the stage to make room for the headlining act, 40 Oz. to Freedom.  40 Oz. has been performing together since the Spring of 2007 and has been turning heads for its close similarities to Sublime.  Covered songs included the upbeat chill track "Badfish" and the politically driven anti-authority anthem "April 22nd, 1992".  Although I find it impossible to ever replicate the sound of Sublime, 40 Oz. has done a wonderful job of capturing the laid-back sound and Long Beach swagger made popular by Bradley Nowell, Bud Gaugh, and Eric Wilson.  The show concluded with an awesome encore, including an extended drum set on the end of "Pawn Shop", leaving the crowd feeling mellow and groovy.  There is no better way to spend a summer evening than watching my favorite tunes being performed and sipping on a cold cocktail, especially under the rafters and hanging sharks at the Belly Up.  For more information on upcoming shows, visit bellyup.com, and for Social Green's second released album "Sounds of Revolution", visit their myspace page!