Five local shows over the next two weeks
Jen Van Tieghem
The Whiskey Circle, American Cream, and Tolan Shaw at the Hard Rock Hotel’s 207 Club (Downtown)
Thursday, Oct. 16 | 9 p.m. | Free with RSVP
“Third Thursdays” is a monthly event at Downtown’s Hard Rock Hotel put on by radio station 91X and the Casbah. This month, headliners The Whiskey Circle will release a new EP and hand it out to attendees for free. Frontwoman Leanna May Patterson will flex her sweet pipes, which lend themselves to the country-fied folk style of the band. Las Vegas rockers American Cream and local singer-songwriter Tolan Shaw round out the lineup. Be sure to check out Shaw’s pop/soul song “Eyes,” which is 91X’s featured “Local Break” for the month. For RSVP visit 91X.com.
Brenda Xu, The Lovebirds, and Miss Erika Davies at Lestat’s (on Adams Ave.)
Thursday, Oct. 16 | 9 p.m. | $10
This is one rad lineup of lovely ladies, each bringing something a little different to the stage. Miss Erika Davies’ delicate vocals and poetic lyrics are perfect for the intimacy of Lestat’s, while The Lovebirds’ sweet pop folk will have the audience bouncing along to their tunes. Headliner Brenda Xu, who started her career in San Diego, is touring in support of her recently released album “For the Winter.” Xu’s style and vocal power, reminiscent of Aimee Mann and Kate Bush, is wildly enchanting.
Social Club and Nicely at The Merrow
Tuesday, Oct. 21 | 9 p.m. | $5 or Free with RSVP
Social Club missed playing The Merrow last month due to a power outage, and I’m happy to see they’ll be giving it another go barring any crazy thunderstorms. The band’s debut “Gamma Rays” is full of catchy tunes that blend upbeat pop and good ol’ rock ‘n’ roll. It’s been in heavy rotation in my world for the last year or so. Hint hint, guys: Fans want a new SC album. They’ll be joined by ambient rockers Nicely for this one. Don’t forget to RSVP on The Merrow’s website to get in for free.
Gilbert Castellanos’ Jazz Jam featuring The Midnight Pine at Seven Grand
Wednesday, Oct. 22 | 9 p.m. | Free
Every Wednesday jazz trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos and dozens of other musicians take to the Seven Grand stage to jam together. On this special occasion, the already popular event will get an added boost from The Midnight Pine, recent winners of Best Americana Album at the San Diego Music Awards. The band will play with Castellanos and the other jazz artists for a genre-bending set starting around 10 p.m. It will be very interesting to hear the results of this special project.
Jesse LaMonaca and The Dime Novels, and Michael McGraw at Sycamore Den
Thursday, Oct. 23 | 9 p.m. | Free
Americana mainstays Jesse LaMonaca and The Dime Novels have an ideal sound for the rustic hunting lodge look of Sycamore Den. LaMonaca’s voice can be sweet and subtle on songs like “When You Call” and big and bold on songs like “The Flood,” both from 2012’s “The Lament of Tumbleweed Hawk.” The different sides of the frontman’s talents showcase his willingness to bare raw emotions. Intense live performances with the full band will make any listener an instant fan. Plus, you can enjoy killer cocktails by Sycamore’s crafty bartenders. And did I mention it’s free?
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