Sounds Like San Diego: Dec. 13

Middle Kids, Barry Manilow, Thumpasaurus and more perform in San Diego Thursday

He "(writes) the songs that make the whole world sing," and tonight, Mr. Barry Manilow will make Viejas Arena sing at San Diego State as he returns to town for "A Very Barry Christmas." It goes without saying that this will be a special show and if you have tickets, you're going to log some holiday memories that will last forever, however, it's a big ticket, and not the only game in town. For me, it's all about the return of the Aussie act Middle Kids. They played the Casbah last year, and vocalist and guitarist Hannah Cameron can do amazing things with her voice that make their music sound so sweet and highly addictive. They're at Soda Bar this time around and for me, it's a no-brainer. Still, Thumpasaurus is entertaining, lively, and more of a party vibe if that's what you're looking for, while Mariachi Sol de Mexico will delight with a traditional Latinx performance at Balboa Theatre. Whatever you choose, tonight will set a good pace as we roll into a weekend of festive holiday cheer. 

Thursday, Dec. 13:

  • Middle Kids, the Shacks @ Soda Bar
  • Thumpasaurus, Dani Bell & the Tarantist @ Casbah
  • Mariachi Sol de Mexico: A Merry-achi Christmas @ Balboa Theatre 
  • Barry Manilow: A Very Barry Christmas! @ Viejas Arena, SDSU
  • She Bop! '80s Night with DJ Meggs @ Bar Pink
  • The Robert Cray Band @ Belly Up
  • Blonde 54 Disco & Decadence @ Blonde
  • Shoeless @ The Rabbit Hole
  • Accordions in Concert @ Museum of Making Music 
  • The Holiday Show with Gaby Aparicio @ Backdrop (formerly Java Joe's)
  • Thou, MJ Guider, Miserable @ The Che Cafe
  • Boomboxx Thursdays @ U-31
  • Robert Allen Shepherd @ Crossroads, House of Blues (FREE)
  • Groove Squad @ Humphreys Backstage Live
  • Eyes Set to Kill, Rest, Repose, Avoid, Blackcast, Hollow Stage @ Brick by Brick
  • Amy & Freddy in "A Very Divalicious California Christmas" @ Martini's Above Fourth
  • Jimmy Ruelas @ Seven Grand
  • Jaron Yancey, Soul Juice @ Bancroft Bar
  • Open Jam Session @ Winston's (6-9 p.m.)
  • Uptown Rhythm Makers @ Black Cat Bar
  • Ekstre and Mandapa presents "Depths of Perception" Album Release Party @ Winston's
  • Original Stylin (hip-hop) @ Til-Two Club
  • No Limits with DJ Myson King @ The Office
  • Louda & Bad Hombres @ Border X Brewing
  • DJ Doug, House Party @ Rosie O'Grady's
  • La Santa Cecilia, SM Familia @ Music Box
  • Gasolina! with Kid Wonder, A-Boogie, and guests @ El Dorado
  • Open Jam with Jeff Ousley @ Navajo Live
  • Gino & the Lone Gunman @ Tio Leo's
  • DJ Yodah @ Henry's Pub

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.

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