When Alabama Shakes last came to San Diego, everyone expected the band to become massive. They sold out the Belly Up in a hot minute, and the show was incredible. But then we didn't see Brittany and crew much -- that is, until this year, when the band is absolutely on fire, performing at all the major festivals, sharing the stage with Sir Paul McCartney, and Wednesday, they're finally back in SD along with Blake Mills, who's largely regarded as one of the best guitarists around. Meanwhile, at the Observatory, it's a full on dance party with Hot Chip and Yacht taking the stage. This show was originally booked at Soma, and all Soma tickets will be honored at the venue. Around town, Jackson Browne is at the Civic Theatre, while Buddy Guy is at the Belly Up, and the Commodores are at Sycuan Casino.
Wednesday, Aug. 12:
- Alabama Shakes, Blake Mills @ Open Air Theatre, SDSU
- Hot Chip, Yacht @ Observatory North Park
- Jackson Browne @ San Diego Civic Theatre
- Marriages, Creepoid, Witness 9, Hexa @ Casbah
- Buddy Guy, the Record Company @ Belly Up
- La Luz, Cool Ghouls, Teenage Burritos @ Soda Bar
- Taurus Authority @ Bar Pink
- Commodores @ Sycuan
- Adrenal Asphyxia, Asylum @ Brick by Brick
- Mendeleyer, Ashley Riley @ Lestat's
- Gio & Diamond @ Croce's Park West
- Robin Henkel @ Java Joe's
- Mrs. Skannotto, Among Criminals @ The Bancroft
- Gilbert Castellanos Jazz Jam @ Seven Grand
- Bonneville Wheels @ Tio Leo's
- Club Kingston Presents: KL Noise Makers, Pali Roots, DJ Carlos Culture @ Winston's
- The Ratts Revenge: DJ Tiki Thomas and Mikey Ratt @ Tower Bar
- Wu-Tang Wednesday @ El Dorado
- Major Interval @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
- Ciarrrai @ Gallagher's Irish Pub
- Eukaryst, Anisoptera, Nukem, Theosis @ The Merrow
- A.O.K. Musik @ 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.