I've heard fans go either way about seeing Lucinda Williams live. Some are surprised when she has a songbook close at hand, wondering why the songs aren't all second nature. But with a musician as prolific and legendary as Williams, I've always found it endearing that she's willing to play some hits, play some deep cuts and sometimes take the audience's suggestions, which is when that songbook comes in handy. And to be honest, the songs are great, but sometimes it's the moments when she gets really personal and honest about song origins or musical anecdotes that make her one of the most amazing live performers. This sold out Belly Up audience is in for a real treat tonight. If you didn't score tickets, catch the New Orleans soul and funk of the Nth Power at the Casbah, central California punks Born Rivals at Soda Bar or, if you still need a Bowie fix, Pants Karaoke kicks off their new residency at Til-Two Club with tonight's theme, Lazarus Rising.
Sunday, Jan. 15:
- Lucinda Williams, Aaron Lee Tasjan @ Belly Up (SOLD OUT)
- The Nth Power, the Sextones @ Casbah
- Born Rivals, Ash Williams, Castoff, Que Oso @ Soda Bar
- Rat Sabbath @ Bar Pink
- The Long Run: Experience the Eagles @ Music Box
- Gimmick IV w/ DJ Madden (Pacha Ibiza), Mezcal Los Javis @ Blonde
- Pants Karaoke Presents: Lazarus Rising @ Til-Two Club
- Tasmanian Brain Exchange @ Sycamore Den
- Rick Ross @ Parq
- Cash Cash @ Omnia
- Reggae Sunday @ U-31
- Uptown Top Ranking w/ Tribe of Kings @ The Office
- Joe Diffie @ Sycuan
- Fantasy '90s w/ Mario Orduno @ Whistle Stop
- Stellita @ Humphreys Backstage Live (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)
- Jeanette Harris @ Humphreys Backstage Live (7 p.m.)
- Velour @ Winston's (5 p.m.)
- Jose Sinatra's OB-o-ke @ Winston's
- Almost Famous Karaoke @ Henry's
- The Sunday Groove w/ the Professor & Juni @ El Dorado
- Reggae Sunday @ Spin
- Sunday Funday Karaoke @ 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.