Sometimes it's hard to be a champion for new music and artists while enthusiastically endorsing classic acts as well, but after three nights of X at the Casbah, I can tell you straight up that these shows have been awesome. It isn't just the chemistry of the band, it's the nostalgia of the music. There's something about the Casbah being packed with fans old and new, completely experiencing the rock vibe for which the club is best known. At press time, there are still a handful of tickets left for tonight, so don't wait, and be sure to get there early for Foo Fighter Chris Shiftlett opening the show. At Soda Bar, catch a lineup of post-punk and shoegaze locals hoping to break onto the SD scene, smooth jazz lovers will be at home with a Dave Koz Christmas at the Balboa Theatre and Alex Woodard and friends gather once again for another installment of For the Sender.
Sunday, Dec. 18:
- X, Chris Shifflet @ Casbah
- Svelte, Kan-Kan, Pushing Daisies, Laje @ Soda Bar
- Rat Sabbath @ Bar Pink
- Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Valerie Simpson, Kenny Lattimore @ Balboa Theatre
- Third Annual For the Sender Holiday Show feat. Alex Woodard, Sean Watkins, Jack Tempchin, Nena Anderson, Jordan Pundik, Tim Flannery, Graham Nancarrow @ Belly Up
- Tribe of Kings 19th Anniversary @ The Office
- Gimmick III at Blonde Bar with PABLoKEY @ Blonde
- Singer/Songwriter Showcase No. 3 feat. Ali Burress, Thor Sigurdsson @ Brick 15
- The Nutcracker Ballet (West Coast Ballet Theater) @ California Center for the Arts, Escondido
- Unwritten Law, Pivit, the MandoShanks @ House of Blues
- Andie Case, Jessica Lerner @ Voodoo Room, House of Blues
- San Diego Gay Men's Chorus present Jingle @ Sycuan Casino
- Sunday Score Four @ House of Blues, Crossroads
- The Freeze, BOSSFIGHT, Modern Enemy @ Brick by Brick
- Dave Good's Jazz Jam @ Java Joe's (2 p.m.)
- Reggae Sunday @ U-31
- Giant Surprise, Quali, Iris Jupiter @ Whistle Stop
- Mercedes Moore @ Humphreys Backstage Live (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)
- Francois Sims & Groove Squad @ Humphreys Backstage Live (7 p.m.)
- Sunday Groove w/ DJ Professor and DJ Juni @ El Dorado
- PBR Puppy Hour: Ugly Christmas Sweater Edition @ Til-Two Club
- Superstitious Sundays feat. Soap Detergent, Horsefly, the Dangerfield @ Kava Lounge
- Reggae Sunday @ Spin
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.
