I have two confessions to make. The first one is that Jay-Z is in town, and while I get that it is a big deal for a whole lot of people, I'm not really one of them. I know it's a big show and people raved about his latest "4:44" album and Viejas Arena is going to be packed with adoring fans of Mr. Carter. But I'm indifferent to the whole thing, which I guess makes me a bit of a jerk. The other reason I'm a jerk is that I love Ariel Levine and he's one of my favorite San Diegans who regularly appear at UnderCover, but I've never seen him play his original music, so tonight at the Casbah is an extra special treat. Also joining that bill is the Andrew McKeag Band. While McKeag's nationally known for his role with Presidents of the United States of America, to me, he will always be the guy from Uncle Joe's Big Ol' Driver -- a local band I loved so much in my formative years. At Soda Bar, local soul and R&B singer Danielle Alexa hopes to make a splash on the scene and Southern rockers Ottopilot play up north at the Belly Up.
Tuesday, Dec. 19:
- Ariel Levine and Mechanical Royalty, the Andrew McKeag Band, Belladon @ Casbah
- Jay-Z, Vic Mensa @ Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl, San Diego State University
- Danielle Alexa, Natalya, Kiyoshi @ Soda Bar
- Ottopilot, WYO, Lee Coulter @ Belly Up
- The Brad Steinwehe Jazz Orchestra presents "A Big Band Christmas" @ Dizzy's
- Kehlani & Friends @ The Observatory
- Year of the Bird, Alpine Circuitry, Hot Mustard @ The Merrow
- Tiki Tuesday feat. Alvino and Dwells @ Bar Pink
- San Pasqual High School Holiday Concert @ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, SDSU
- T Is For Techno @ Blonde
- Leigh Scarritt Productions in "Stars of the Future" @ Music Box
- Backwater Blues @ Humphreys Backstage Live
- Jefferson Jay Band, the Shakedown String Band @ Winston's (9:30 p.m.)
- Reggae Tuesdaze with Safety Orange, Ocean Natives @ The Holding Company 1502
- Karaoke @ The Bancroft
- Fake News, The Brass Cats @ Tower Bar
- Whitherward @ De Oro Mine Co.
- True Bass Tuesdays with Dj Ramsey & Raji Rabbit @ The Office
- Robin Henkel @ Crossroads, House of Blues (FREE)
- DJ Lexicon Devil @ Pour House (Oceanside)
- Lyrical Exchange Open Mic @ Queen Bee's
- Karaoke @ Riviera Supper Club
- Sue Palmer with Laura Chavez, Sharifah @ Tio Leo's
- Videodrome @ Whistle Stop
- 4:44 Concert After-Party with Young Guru, JR Jârris, Sam Sega, Julz @ Bang Bang
- Rockabuilly and Swing @ Henry's Pub
- Karaoke with Christine @ Navajo Live
- Melapelus @ 710 Beach Club
Rosemary Bystrak is the publicist for the Casbah and 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.
