Five local shows over the next two weeks
Jen Van Tieghem | Uptown News
Temples and Drowners at the Casbah
9 p.m., Wednesday, April 16
$15
For only being a couple of years old, Temples has already collected a heap of praise from critics and musicians alike. The English psychedelic rock quartet takes sound (and fashion) cues from the ‘60s, with singer-guitarist James Edward Bagshaw looking the part of T. Rex’s Marc Bolan while sounding closer to John Lennon. They’ll be visiting our fair city between Coachella weekends along with another band from the festival, New York City’s Drowners. The latter takes a pop approach to a post-punk style with fast-paced tunes. This promises to be a killer midweek rockstravaganza.
The Heart Beat Trail and The Midnight Pine at Bar Pink
9 p.m., Thursday, April 17
Free
BarPink.com
If you were compiling the soundtrack for a love story, you’d need look no further than the bands on this bill. The Heartbeat Trail takes a swanky blues vibe and mixes it with a tinge of country — perfect for the scene of a coy flirtation in a dimly lit lounge. The Midnight Pine’s style possesses a timeless beauty, as does its vocalist Shelbi Bennett. Their ethereal numbers peppered with delicate percussion would play best behind the climactic boy-runs-through-streets-to-find-lost-love scene. The poetic lyrics of both bands lend themselves to romance, whether it ends tragically or happily-ever-after they will have a song to fit.
The 3rd Annual Mothers Saloon 420 Jam featuring Soul Ablaze, No Kings, Rebecca Jade and the Cold Fact, Chill Cliton and more
1:45 p.m., Sunday, April 20
Free
MothersSaloon.com
After you’ve stuffed yourself with colored eggs and honeyed ham at Easter brunch, roll yourself over to Mother’s for this daylong event. The show will start with a couple acoustic sets before moving to a heavier realm with punk, rock and reggae acts. One highlight to stick around for are San Diego soul supergroup Rebecca Jade and The Cold Fact who go on around 8 p.m. The band just released their debut album, which blends funk, R&B and rock with lots of splashy keyboard and organ sounds.
The Flowerthief and The Whiskey Circle at Sycamore Den
9 p.m., Thursday, April 24
Free
SycamoreDen.com
Our favorite new cocktail lounge in Normal Heights has been pairing up interesting musical acts for a couple months now. The straightforward folk rock of The Flowerthief would go well with one of their craft beers or tasty bourbons. The Whiskey Circle’s country edge, and of course the name, lends itself to the strong stuff on the menu. But with Leanna May Patterson’s sweet vocals leading the charge we recommend kicking back with a Sink or Squid; spiced rum, ginger, and just a bit of sweetness go down smooth as does this lineup.
Reader on Tap featuring Transfer, Dead Feather Moon, Schitzophonics, Low Volts, and The Creepy Creeps at the North Park Theater
Friday, April 25
$25 – $40
ReaderOnTap.com
This show combines two of San Diego’s favorite things, bands and beers. While we’ve got an abundance of both, this lineup showcases some of the best. Alt-rockers Transfer have enjoyed success both locally and abroad and recently released a stellar new album “Shadow Aspect.” Co-headlining is Dead Feather Moon with their alt-country sound, which continues to grow and evolve as the band gets ready to release their sophomore record later this year. Pair all these great bands with a stout from Butcher’s Brewing, an I.P.A. from Green Flash, or another favorite and you’ll have an unforgettable evening.
