San Diego Music Thing isn't quite here, but the official kickoff party is at the Casbah with a stellar lineup. Headlined by Denmark's very flexible and acrobatic alt-rockers New Politics -- a special treat since they usually hit larger stages including the defunct 4th & B and Comic-Con's party at Petco Park. There will be drink specials, which should allow for a lot of boozing while schmoozing. If the alt-radio bands aren't your thing, I'd suggest catching something a little more indie up at Soda Bar. Earlier this year, On an On opened for Geographer, and they were amazing. I snatched up their record and have listened to it consistently all year. With the Love Language and Hands supporting, this is a winner of a show. But, then again, look down these listings and there are a lot of winners. You make the call.
Thursday, Sept. 12:
- SDMT Kickoff Party with New Politics, Stripes and Lines, Avid Dancer @ Casbah
- On an On, the Love Language, Hands @ Soda Bar
- Normandie Wilson, Jasmine Commerce, Luke Williams @ the Griffin
- Duping the Public, Luke Andrew Johnson @ MaryJane's Underground, Hard Rock Hotel
- Beer Fest with Family Wagon, DJ Renegabe @ Belly Up
- Alpha Riff @ The Merrow
- Language Arts Crew, Destructo Bunny, Locness, ALowe @ Winstons
- Red Pony Clock, Octa#grape, the Gift Machine @ Tin Can Ale House
- Andre Nickatina, Krayzie Bone @ House of Blues
- Julia Stine, Sam Grow @ Lestat's
- Mickey Avalon @ Porter's Pub
- Disconnected Booking presents Calabrese, Hard Fall Hearts, They Feed at Night @ Brick by Brick
- Tiffany Jane @ 98 Bottles
- San Diego Nerdcore Night(mare) @ The Merrow
- The Tonga Ross-Ma'u Trio @ Dizzy's
- The Dangerous Summer, Rare Monk, Lightning Starts Fire, Throne, Scarlet Avenue @ Soma
- Fitted presents J Blow, Daeta, the Fresh Yard, Premiere Fits @ Bar Pink
- Happy Little Trees, featuring In Motion Collective, DJs Lion Cut & PJ @ El Dorado
- The Bellfuries, Roy Rapid & the Rhythm Rock Trio, DJs Juliancito & Stack-Aly @ Til-Two Club
- Mudgrass @ Riviera Supper Club
- The Rock N Roll Preservation Society DJs @ Tower Bar
- The Bellfuries, Roy Rapid & the Rhythm Rock Trio @ Til-Two Club
- M Machine @ Fluxx
- LED presents Digitalism, Deth Hertz @ Voyeur
- Moonlight Serenade Orchestra @ Crystal Ballroom (414 N. Magnolia, El Cajon)
- Gilbert Castellanos & the New Latin Jazz Quintet @ Croce's
- Clay Colton @ Humphreys Backstage Live
- Bill Magee Blues Band @ Patrick's Gaslamp Pub
- Records with Roger @ the Shakedown Bar
- Jackson & Jesus @ McP's Irish Pub
- Gramophone Gregory & His Imaginary Dance Orchestra @ ArtLab Studios
- Ocean Beats @ Kava Lounge
- Calabrese, Hard Fall Hearts, They Feed at Night @ Brick by Brick
- Dread Daze, DJ Reefah @ Gallagher's Irish Pub
- Mystique Element of Soul @ Coyote Bar & Grill
- The Great Electric Quest @ Boar Cross'n
- Steve Orr @ Crush (Solana Beach)
- The Routine @ 710 Beach Club
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.