In 2011, I had the pleasure of seeing hundreds of bands perform live. Of those shows, there were a few dozen that rose to the top as the year's most memorable performances. The Milk Carton Kids delivered one of those special shows. Formed when two singer/songwriters linked up to make a new dynamic, the duo balance the heaviness of its lyrics and delivery with banter that is funny in an awkward and slightly nerdy way. They've released two albums, both of which are available online for free download, and I imagine that this time around, the whole room will be singing along to "Michigan" instead of just half the room.
Wednesday, Jan. 11:
- The Milk Carton Kids, the Brendan Hines @ Anthology
- Olin & the Moon, Maxim Ludwig & the Santa Fe Seven, Hills Like Elephants @ Casbah
- Ninjasonik, Jasmine Solano, Dr. Seahorse, Night Brawl @ Soda Bar
- The Homecoming, Hydra Melody, Mexican Hexagon @ Tin Can
- The Wailers Revolution Tour, Outernational, DJ Unite @ House of Blues
- The Mashtis, Archery for the Blind @ Bar Pink
- Danny Green, Tokyo Chan @ The Loft
- Dub Dorado presents SPL, Groundfloor, Austin Speed, Roane @ El Dorado
- Stoney B Blues Band @ Humphreys Backstage Live
- Naked Walrus @ Lestat's
- Whitney Shay & the Shakedowns @ Patrick's Gaslamp Pub
- Wreck Shop Wednesdays, with Michael Carreon, Stella Donna, Planewreck, Stella @ The Office
- Lars Behrenroth @ Bar Dynamite
- Raider Dave, Des Hoodstar, Hopsin @ U-31
- Gilbert Castellanos with the New Latin Jazz Quintet @ El Camino
- Wednesday Shakedown @ Henry's Pub
- Evolution @ Club Kadan
- Lady Dottie & the Diamonds @ Gallagher's Irish Pub
- Club Kingston presents Raiz Muzik, the Optimators @ Winston's
- Firehouse Swing Night @ Queen Bee's
- Jeff Moore & the Witchdoctors @ The Kraken
- Resonance @ Kava Lounge
- Sue Palmer @ Croce's
- Wild Side @ Coyote Bar & Grill
- Sleepwalking @ Whistle Stop
Rosemary Bystrak writes about the San Diego music scene, events and general musings about life in San Diego on San Diego: Dialed In. Follow her updates on Twitter or contact her directly.
