Few things could get me more excited about a Monday night than getting to see Conor Oberst & the Mystic Valley Band return to the Observatory. It's been about a year and a half since their last time through, and even when he takes swipes at the San Diego audiences -- which I have to say are mostly justified -- he's still a thoroughly engaging performer and always makes the room feel more intimate than it might otherwise feel. This is the 10th anniversary of his self-titled record, which was his first with the Mystic Valley Band, so you can probably expect a set list heavy with throwback favorites that will make you tilt your head back, close your eyes and gently sing along. The opener hasn't been publicly announced, but I assure you, it will be worth it to arrive early. Around town, Soda Bar takes a stab at "Death Cab for Karaoke," which is all emo, all night; Minx and Razor Nights play at Bar Pink; and Aussie indie-pop singer Amy Shark performs at House of Blues.
Monday, Oct. 1:
- Conor Oberst & the Mystic Valley Band, Super Special Guest @ Observatory North Park
- Death Cab for Karaoke @ Soda Bar (free)
- Minx, Razor Nights @ Bar Pink
- Motown on Mondays @ The Office
- Amy Shark, Tyler Hilton @ House of Blues
- Whitney Shay @ Humphreys Backstage Live
- Electric Waste Band @ Winston's
- Makossa Mondays with DJ Tah Rei @ Seven Grand
- Electric Relaxation @ Whistle Stop
- Blue Monday: Dark '80s New Wave with DJ Camila Robina & Aaron Wallace @ Blonde
- Jack "Mr. Bongo" Costanzo Celebration of Life @ Music Box
- Musical Monday @ Martini's Above Fourth
- Strictly Acoustic @ Navajo Live
- '80s with Junior theDISCOpunk @ The Brass Rail
- Movie Night with Beau @ Pour House
- Sexy Salsa & Sensual Bachata with DJ Sonero @ Tio Leo's
- Wheels of the Industry @ Live Wire
- Open Mic @ Lestat's
- Acoustic Night/Industry Night @ Henry's Pub
- Party on a Monday @ U-31
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.