The best part about this month is that I'm going to Austin, Texas, again this year for the annual SxSW music conference. I understand if you aren't going and how it doesn't matter to you, so let's focus on what we have going on here in America's Finest City. The second-best part about this month is the time change and the opportunity for longer days. Let's run down some of my favorite things coming to town.
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On the same night, the Casbah presents Girls and Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Birch North Park Theater. Christopher Owens, the main writer and lead singer, is a former member of the Children of God cult, but that has no bearing on the band's music.
On March 6, the Modern Art Tour stops at the Casbah with Miniature Tigers, Chain Gang of 1974, Geographer plus Pretty & Nice. Presented by Modern Art Records & Consequence Of Sound, it's one solid lineup!
Guess who's on the road again? Willie Nelson stops by the Balboa Theater on March 7. Willie was in the films Half Baked and Red Headed Stranger!
Saturday, March 10, La Sera and Cold Showers play the Irenic, a new all-ages venue that will be hosting shows more frequently. La Sera features Vivian Girls' Katy Goodman, aka Kickball Katy. The Irenic is housed in a historic North Park church that was built in 1945. The space was renovated in 2011 for San Diego's thriving music & entertainment scene.
SD's favorite scuzz-rockers Crocodiles swing through their hometown and play the Casbah on March 11 with Bleeding Rainbow. The Crocodiles will release their third record, Endless Flowers, later this year.
England's Slow Club plays Anti-Monday League at the Casbah on March 12. They are a two-piece, featuring a boy and a girl. They play folk music with weird instruments sometimes.
Memoryhouse plays the Soda Bar on March 17. Sounds like a St. Paddy's Party to me -- not! The band also has an in-store at M-Theory Music earlier in the day to commemorate the release of their new record, The Slideshow Effect, out now on SubPop Records.
Puscifer (featuring Maynard of Tool and A Perfect Circle) plays the California Center for the Arts in Escondido on March 18. Puscifer is a band but could also be considered a pseudonym for Maynard's solo work, since he is the only permanent member.
On March 21, Cults play the Belly Up Tavern with Spectrals and Mrs. Magician. Cults have strong ties to San Diego, so expect a good crowd in support. The band formed here but found success in NYC. Look for new music from locals Mrs. Magician soon, produced by John Reis of Rocket From the Crypt.
Perfume Genius hits the Casbah on March 23. Put Your Back N 2 It, the latest record from Perfume Genius, came out last month courtesy of Matador Records.
Hot Snakes play the Casbah on March 27, but it's sold out. There is another show scheduled in April, but it's sold out already, too! You lose...
Friday, March 30, English indie icons the Wedding Present play for you at the Casbah. The band has been around since 1985 and always makes a stop in San Diego.
To finish the month, why not have a seat and listen to Henry Rollins speak and speak when he sets up shop at the San Diego Woman's Club on March 31. Rollins has fronted Black Flag and the Rollins Band, and has even acted in several films, but he's at his best when it's just him and a microphone.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy my highlights, but with so much to do it's hard to talk about everything. Feel free to give me some feedback or ask me to cover your event next month; I'd be happy to help. Till next time, I'll see you at a show!
Tim Pyles hosts The Local 94/9, FTP show and the Coup d'Eat on FM94/9 on Sundays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. He also books local acts at the Casbah and hosts the weekly Anti-Monday League. Check out his website and follow him on Twitter @thelocalpyle. You can reach him directly here pyleste@yahoo.com
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