My New Zealand home shaken

September 3, 2010Sara Leave a comment

In 2001, I took up residence in Lincoln, New Zealand, a small agricultural town outside of Christchurch. Residency is overstating it a bit. I studied abroad at Lincoln University for the entire year studying recreation management, my chosen topic for a degree. Although I haven’t had the chance to return recently, the city of Christchurch feels like another home.

This morning at 4:35 a.m. New Zealand time (in reality tomorrow morning) an earthquake of 7.0 magnitude shook the city of Christchurch causing power outages and building damage but photos currently are limited.

Just shy of nine years ago, I was awoken around the same early hour of the morning to a phone call sharing the news of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the thought of being thousands of miles away from my friends and family. I wanted to be there with them sharing the grief and the fear. It was difficult for my New Zealand friends to have empathy since it wasn’t their home and nothing like that had ever happened before. There was a detachment that they felt which made it easy to ignore similar to when the earthquake happened in Haiti or when the tsunami hit Thailand.

In a way, I am feeling some of those same feelings. I have friends who still live there and I wish I could be there with them. The detachment of those around me is evident, as many don’t even know the earthquake even happened. CNN took over an hour before it reported anything.

The photos I have seen from MSNBC, National Post (Canada) and The Timaru Herald show extensive damage, but I am not able to make out where they are taken. Luckily, there have only been reports of minor injuries so far. The best source of news right now seems to be the New Zealand Herald for information for residents.

My thoughts are with my friends in Canterbury, as well as the entire county, as they work towards repairing damaged property and mental anxiety caused by one of the largest earthquakes ever to hit this region. Missing you.

2010 FM94/9 Independence Jam

September 2, 2010December 9, 2010Sara 1 Comment

Springing for FM 94/9 Indie Jam tickets this year was not in or budget so winning them at a FM94/9 Random Act of Kindness was a bonus. This year’s line up was not one that excited me, but to spend the day with friends (and family), watching music as the sun set over the beach gave me a reason to get hyped up. Truth be told, I spent most of my day at the local stage or reconnecting with friends. I managed to miss the sets of both The Whigs and Rogue Wave.

White Apple Tree made me long for the 80s all over again. Actual music from the 80s pales in comparison to the sounds that these kids make. With two, nay three people playing drums, the tribal beats pull your beating heart to sync with the rhythm. Billed as a local band, only half the band (two brothers) actually resides in San Diego while the others live in Orange County and the band many plays up north. But the next time you see them on a bill in San Diego, make sure to check them out. Here is my favorite track of their album, Velvet Mustaches: Broken Bones.

We danced along to Delta Spirit on the side of the main stage like a couple of… well, like a couple dancing. I may need to look into getting their second album as many songs escaped me.

Next up… food! Yes, I scarfed Wahoos! fish tacos while The Burning of Rome demolished the stage. Well, they climbed on it like monkeys, rock star monkeys and tossed one of the giant skull heads into the crowd like a beach ball. Good times. But so far the pig heads on stakes from last year’s San Diego Music Awards takes the prize for shock and awe.

Skipping The Whigs for a beer and bathroom break, next up for me was The Nervous Wreckords. Thrilled to finally see San Diego legend, Brian Karscig and his newest band live, I had to be right up in front for the action. And the sunset only added to the intensity of the music.

In full discussion with my sister about everything from my road rage to family matters to music she really needs to go see live, Rogue Wave was missed. But we were not about to miss the mayhem of The Silent Comedy. I have raved before and I will rave again. They have the best live performances in town. If you have not seen them live, do your self a favor and get out of the house. Experience this chaos through stills or check out these videos from Rosey at SD Dialed In.

When the set ended, I realized (yet again) the importance of wearing ear plugs as my hearing felt significantly dulled. I was exhausted as well. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros took the main stage as we were climbing the stairs to leave. I still have a bad taste in my mouth from their previous show here at the Belly Up. Even if they put on the best show imaginable, their attitude towards playing a good show right before Coachella blows my mind. It is as if they weren’t interested in being big. Anyhow, I was astonished at the number of songs I was able to sing along with since I have only seen them once and I don’t own their album. Admittedly, their music is catchy. Here is the final picture I took as we were exiting to Janglin.

Apertivo Reopens on El Cajon Boulevard

August 27, 2010August 27, 2010Sara Leave a comment

Ken Cassinelli and his wife, Janie Losli are back at it again. Apertivo, the Italian-tapas restaurant previously located on 30th near University where El Take It Easy now resides, pulled out the old menu and set up shop on El Cajon Boulevard near Texas, on the same block as Pomegranate and its newly opened sister restaurant, Petrushka.

Once you find parking (try the south side of El Cajon) and check out the new digs… with its large patio, decent-sized bar, arched windows, black-and-white checkered floors and maroon beamed ceiling… you will find very few changes were made. Greeted by several waitstaff from the previous location, the atmosphere will suddenly feel like home. Menu favorites such as the Osso Bucco D’Agnelli and crimini mushrooms still shine the list, while the current specials make good use of the new smoker, including a smoked salmon. Prices increased slightly, going from ridiculously cheap to reasonable; while the wine list seemed to be shorter than I remember, but perhaps that just takes some time.

Although the restaurant has been open for a week, Ken and Janie had been reluctant to share the news with the world. Janie admitted that they weren’t quite ready, but thinks it is about time. It is time.

One more to Eleven

August 26, 2010Sara Leave a comment

If you need that extra push over the cliff… you know what to do? Go to Eleven. This awesome Spinal Tap reference comes in the form of San Diego’s newest bar from Scot Blair and Dennis Borlek, the guys who brought you beer bars, Hamilton’s Tavern and Small Bar with Louis Mello from Liars Club as their general manager.

Radio Room, the location where Eleven now stands, looked like an empty shell compared to the newly renovated drinking establishment. Now plastered with old punk and rock posters from San Francisco and San Diego clubs of the 70s and 80s, including under the resined bar top. The stage, like a mini version of the Fillmore in San Francisco, is draped in red velvet commanding your respect for its artists. Like the Radio Room, and The Zombie Lounge before that, Eleven will have live bands with hopes of becoming what The Casbah was 15-20 years ago in its old location. Investment in a new sound system shows the owners’ commitment to Eleven as a quality music venue.

Tonight will be their official opening night, although they have obviously been serving patrons for almost two weeks, with The Silent Comedy and The Donkeys filling the room with energy and mayhem.

With caliber, hopped-up taste buds of Blair, Borlek and Mello, you can surely expect top rate beers at Eleven. Sixteen taps encircle the bar’s centerpiece on what they call the tap tower. Brewed locally by Gordon Biersch, “Eleven Lager” is an American Pale Lager, according to the bar’s extensive board, brewed especially for this beer bar. At only $3.25 per pint, this beer is on my must-haves. Beer events and cask ale availability are additional things to look forward to from this San Diego

They still are squaring up a few things technology-wise, as their website currently only shows their logo and sadly, their bar cannot be found on Tap Hunter. So be patient or just drop on by for a few!

Note: Photo credit to Jeff Hammett of the San Diego Beer Blog. I was there for 2 nights and didn’t take any photos. Lame on me.

What I Learned Today… UK trip: Part 3

August 20, 2010Sara Leave a comment

This will be the final post of my What I Learned Today… mini series. I may choose to go back to it at another time and I am glad I spent the time to write, but now that I am in the writing habit, I want to kick into gear some other projects. For now, here is the final days of my UK trip: