By Jen Van Tieghem | SDUN Reporter
There’s still time to close out the month with great live music. Here are five particularly ear-catching shows over the next two weeks. Our diverse music scene delivers again, and for the price of a beer (or less), you can easily support hard-working local artists.
Desert Noises, The Paragraphs, and Oh, Spirit at Soda Bar.
8:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15
$8 – $10
sodabarmusic.com
Here’s a bill that gets better with each band, balancing a vintage rock ‘n’ roll sound with contemporary catchiness. Local band Oh, Spirit will start off with their Beatles-esque style built on the dynamic talents of all five members. North County quartet The Paragraphs will be up next with an eclectic range from surf pop to garage rock. Finishing the night are Desert Noises from Utah — their sound filled with dreamy vocal layers and tinges of smoky blues.
“Soda Bar has always welcomed us with open arms and a pool table,” said front man Kyle Henderson. “San Diego brings a laid back feeling and we have always had great people to hang out … Can’t wait to be back.”
This is the type of show you come early for — get a drink, stake your claim on a spot and watch each band deliver a solid set for your auditory pleasure.
Westside Inflection at Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room
8 p.m., every Wednesday in February
Free
RivieraSupperClub.com
If you’ve never been to this venue or heard this band, you’re in luck, because this month Westside Inflection took up a weekly residency at Riviera. The guys of Westside play three sets each week of solid renditions of standards by Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Dean Martin and others. Singer Jason Hanna has a classic vibe to his vocals and is backed by a trio of rock solid musicians. Their swanky style goes hand-in-hand with the location’s mid-century atmosphere and menu. Plus Wednesday is wing night, and those things are crazy good.
Stevie and the Hi-Staxx at Bar Pink
9 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 19
Free
BarPink.com
This band’s lineup has varied throughout the years but the constant remains charismatic front man Stevie Harris. With emotive lyrics and his soulful voice, Harris is a mesmerizing performer to see and hear. The band’s style blends influences of classic funk and soul artists along with contemporary singer-songwriters. The intoxicating outcome always gets listeners to sway along.
Chiefs, Amigo, and Old Man Wizard at The Merrow
9 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 20
$7
themerrow.com
Old Man Wizard will unabashedly jump start this one with their unique brand of rock. The band’s powerful anthems are the type of soundtrack you’d want playing if you were flying a dragon into battle while brandishing a flaming sword. Amigo are the meat in this local sandwich with a classic mix of rock and metal featuring wailing guitars. Chiefs offer something slightly mellower but still in a hard rock vein with sickly solid rhythms. Overall this is a huge lineup of sounds for a venue that can handle music of this magnitude — and volume.
Sara and Roger’s Anniversary Show with Yacht Party, Listening to Rocks, and Tan Sister Radio
9 p.m., Monday, Feb. 24
Free
casbahmusic.com
Each year Sara and Roger Morrison host an anniversary show at the venue that played host to their nuptials in 2007. Handpicking local bands, the couple puts on their yearly event at Casbah which is open to the public and well attended by friends and music fans. This year, Tan Sister Radio will bring their catchy psychedelic sound to the stage, playing songs off their newly released album “Hat Trick.” The happy husband, Roger, will hit the stage with his aptly named rock band Listening to Rocks. Rounding out this one is Yacht Party, who nail cover versions of popular ‘70s soft rock — also dubbed Yacht rock. This unique ensemble plays everything from Steely Dan to Hall and Oates. This festive celebration of love and music is not to be missed — and it’s free!
