As I was looking into the archives trying to see how many times Chappo had played in San Diego, I came across photos of an old show they had played at the Casbah, opening for Imagine Dragons. I remember seeing Imagine Dragons -- how they were from Vegas but had played so many small shows here it was as if this was their home away from home -- and I realized that it was probably less that than the fact that they were seriously pounding pavement to tour frequently and make lasting fans, one small room at a time. Those days are long gone, as their music crossed genres and from only alt-station rotation to every station playing all of their music a lot of the time. You can't hold it against them that they're a solid rock band that appeals musically, visually and emotionally to so many. Tuesday they return with a massive tour at Viejas Arena, and with Metric opening the show, you can be sure it is going to be a delightful spectacle for old and new fans alike. Around town, rock en Español stalwarts La Ley play at House of Blues, while Charli XCX and Bleachers make unlikely bedfellows at the Observatory North Park, and Cubanismo headline the Belly Up. If you just want to rock out to locals, Casbah and Merrow have your number.
Tuesday, July 21:
- Imagine Dragons, Metric @ Viejas Arena, SDSU
- La Ley @ House of Blues
- Charli XCX, Bleachers, BØRNS @ Observatory North Park
- Cubanismo, Combo Libertad @ Belly Up
- Marujah, Echo Park Social Club, Speaker in Reverse @ Casbah
- Tiki Two's Day with Mr. Adrian Demain and Ms. Susannah Kurner @ Bar Pink
- Corey & the Castaways, Scuffs, the Cardielles @ Soda Bar
- Radio Halloran presents Pleasure Fix, Kitty Plague and more @ The Merrow ($5 or free with RSVP)
- Eskimo Brothers DJ @ The Bancroft
- ListenLocalRadio.com presents Draza Jansky, Isabella Paulina, Fleetwood Bigmak, Caitlin Ashley, Mason James @ Salvation Alley, House of Blues
- Mavis Staples and Patty Griffin, Amy Helm @ Humphrey's by the Bay
- Missy Anderson @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
- Steph Johnson and Rob Thorsen @ Croce's Park West
- Meeting of the Meyends with Destructo Bunny, Terrans, Jesus Gonzalez @ Winston's
- Give Me Back My Wig @ Tio Leo's
- Train of Thought @ Queen Bee's
- Rockabilly Tuesdays with Big City Dawgs @ Henry's Pub
- High Tech Tuesdays @ Kava Lounge
- 710 Country Night @ 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.
