Five local shows over the next two weeks
Goodnight Texas, The Bones of J.R. Jones, and The Whiskey Circle at Soda Bar
Saturday, Aug. 16, 9 p.m.
$10
Americana rockers Goodnight, Texas are on tour in support of their newly released album “Uncle John Farquhar” and San Diego is lucky enough to be a stop along the way. The band’s latest offering takes the classic folk-country sounds of earlier tunes amping up the style with upbeat rhythms and a whole lot of strings; banjo, mandolin, and bright bold guitar are prominent throughout the disc. The storytelling elements of the tracks, which draw inspiration from our country’s history, make for a cinematic musical journey.
Champ and R.A. Rosenborg at Sycamore Den
Saturday, Aug. 23, 10 p.m.
Free
In recent months Sycamore Den has hosted many folk and country-tinged acts in their hunting lodge-like atmosphere. While I love that style as much as the next girl, it’s nice to see the venue venturing into other parts of the San Diego scene. Champ is a synthpop trio with vocalist Ferran Nicolls at the forefront. Nicolls’ voice is mesmerizing in its balance of powerful and angelic tones. Opening the show is R.A. Rosenborg, the solo project of Rutger Rosenborg of local indie-pop darlings Ed Ghost Tucker; his style follows suit with a psychedelic feel to his first single “Wagner (Gulls).”
“Motown Under Cover” at The Office
Monday, Aug. 25, 9 p.m.
$5
On the last Monday of each month, musicians from some of San Diego’s top bands gather to perform covers by a pre-determined artist. The events are organized by Lauren Scheff (Get Back Loretta/Kevin Martin) and Julie Mossa of The Office in the hopes of bringing the “musical community together” according to Scheff. Past Under Covers have included tributes to The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and others. Tonight’s event has a broader theme featuring hits from Motown artists. Notable performers scheduled to appear include Stevie Harris (The Styletones), Steven Bradford (Get Back Loretta), Omar Lopez (Áfrojazziacs), Rebecca Jade, Whitney Shay and many others. “It is a very special night for not only the musicians and singers, but the people who watch,” Scheff described of the events. “It’s magical.” Two sets start promptly at 9 p.m. — don’t be late!
Leopold and His Fiction, and The Nervous Wreckords at Kasbah
Tuesday, Aug. 26, 9 p.m.
$8
Leopold and His Fiction is led by talented vocalist and guitarist Daniel James. With rock ‘n’ roll chops, he draws from blues, country and other genres for a unique and bold sound. The songs manage to capture the wild spirit of garage rock without spiraling completely out of control. Roaming guitar solos are a signature of the band and keep the energy at full throttle.
SoundDiego Live featuring Barbarian and Buddy Banter at Bar Pink
Friday, Aug. 29, 9 p.m.
Free
Each month SoundDiego hosts a live music event that shines a spotlight on local talents and draws in the who’s who of our music scene. This month Barbarian and Buddy Banter are set to play with an additional band to be announced. Both bands blend psychedelic and pop sounds for a melodic mixture that’s as warmly familiar as your favorite pair of fuzzy slippers; pair that with the free Jack Daniel’s cocktails and you’re in for a blissed out evening.
