It can sometimes be overwhelming looking at all of the incredible shows coming to town, especially around the holidays. Money might be tight, schedules even tighter. But for those of us who need music to just keep our sanity, it also can be an exciting time to have something to look forward to, or an excuse to blow off something we'd like to procrastinate just a little longer. So tonight, and the rest of the week, if we're being honest, there are a ton of great shows and you should definitely work them into your plans. Tonight at the Casbah, for example, the amazing Redd Kross return. "Third Eye" was my first exposure to the band in the '90s but their catalog and longevity make them a treat whenever they return. Meanwhile, the always in your face F---ed Up return with a show at Soda Bar, and the loud but tight Big Business play an intimate show at the Whistle Stop. Staind frontman Aaron Lewis has had a long run and returns with a show at House of Blues; while Nothing, Nowhere brings his slick rhymes and beats to the Irenic. It's a good night to get you over the hump and ready for a big weekend to come.
Wednesday, Dec. 5:
- Redd Kross, Dale Crover Band @ Casbah
- F---ed Up, Narrow Head@ Soda Bar
- Big Business, Qui, DJ Justin Pearson @ The Whistle Stop
- Aaron Lewis, Anna Vaus @ House of Blues
- Nothing, Nowhere; Wicca Phase Springs Eternal; smrtdeath; St. Panther @ The Irenic
- Red Fox Tails @ Seven Grand
- Instant Crush with Nastea & Guests @ The Office
- Atomic Groove's Xmas Show @ Belly Up
- The Goldettes, Razor Nights, Babydoll Warriors @ Bar Pink
- Violent Dreams, Free Paintings, Sideyard @ The Merrow
- Clay Colton @ WildWood Crossing (Patio)
- Jazz with Leonard Patton and Matt Dibiase @ Tio Leo's
- Paul Gregg @ Sycamore Den
- Reggae en tu Barrio with Karlos Paez @ Border X Brewing
- Gilbert Castellanos' Young Lions Series & Jazz Jam @ Panama 66
- First Wednesdays: 60 Minutes of Swing @ California Center for the Arts, Escondido
- Dance Klassique with Joe Pea, Ryan Bauer, Gomez @ Blonde
- Open Mic Night @ Pour House
- Something Like Suduction, Eureka Sound, DJ Carlos Culture @ Winston's
- Well-Strung in "A Well-Strung Christmas" @ Martini's Above Fourth
- Michael Head "Moneymen" @ Crossroads, House of Blues (FREE)
- Redemption River, Lions Against Men, the Flood @ Navajo Live
- Merca Bae, K.O. aka Koala, lilbodybag & Umenos, Ghostboy, Bakunawa @ Kava Lounge
- Open Mic with Jefferson Jay @ Winston's (6-9 p.m.)
- Bob James @ Humphreys Backstage Live
- Open Mic/Open Jam @ 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.
