Saturday night, Roger and I were edging to go out. We hadn’t made any plans for a babysitter and noticed that Tan Sister Radio was playing in a venue called The Marquee in Golden Hill and texted Aaron, the band’s guitarists to find out if it was indeed all ages. After confirming that the place was all ages, Roger and I took a gamble that it was suitable for Thomas and his young ears to go (yeah, we are still looking at getting baby muffs). I looked up the venue and saw that it was an old church converted into a venue for local artists and musicians. Cool. This should work.

After walking up a wooden stair case decorated in twinkle lights, we paid the $8 suggested donation and took the time to explore the place. Immediately you walk into the main hall where there are white vinyl pews (couches) facing the alter (stage). There is art hung from walls and a balcony that houses the board for the new sound system. There is a small room that served as a sort of green room in the back (that also had access to the one bathroom). This room also proved to be a great respite for us for taking Thomas away when he became fussy. There was food available that we later found out was left over from a wedding that afternoon.

The line up was all acoustic acts for the evening (yes, Tan Sister Radio reworked their set for this gig). The acts included Tan Sister Radio, Folding Mr. Lincoln, Allied Gardens and Dave Booda. We managed to stay for nearly three sets before needing to leave.

We got a chance to talk to Gill S.O.TU., the guy who books the Marquee. Super cool guy. We found out that the venue’s capacity is 180 (even with the last of restrooms). Their schedule includes:

Mondays: Dance Night
Tuesdays: Open Mic Night (Train of Thought)
Wednesdays: Writers Workshops and Movie Nights
Thursdays: Hip Hop (Boombox Sessions)
Fridays & Saturdays: Live Acoustic Music Nights (Acoustic San Diego)

The place is beautiful and inviting. Definitely check it out or consider booking an event there. I know I am.

This week another volume of Staring at the Sun (San Diego Music Compilation) came out into the world produced by Bart Mendoza and Chuck Schiele at Blindspot Records. With it, three shows around town featuring various artists from for the CD. This past Sunday during The Local Pyle live broadcast at The Casbah, the first of the three shows resumed. The next two shows are scheduled for Saturday, January 3 at Lestat’s (9pm) and Saturday, January 11 at House of Blues (7pm).

Per usual, the CD and shows reach out into the depths of the San Diego music scene to feature potentially up-and-coming bands and artists. The genres are spread from blues to acoustic to rock to mod. The collection often brings to life artists that may have been hidden under the radar from listeners for years.

Volume 7’s songs and artists of note include The Modlins – For The Good of The Armor, Wendy Bailey – I Swear, I say and The Anna Troy Band – I Can’t Don’t Want To Faster, among 19 other local goodies.

Although there was a ten year break between Volumes 5 and 6, the next Staring at the Sun compilation (Volume 8) is scheduled to come out next year, including a DVD of local artist performances. Personally, I can’t wait!

I have thought long and hard about my choices for top ten albums released this year. I guess that is what happens when you just work all day then go home to paint a prep a house for moving. Anyhow there were about 15 albums that I thought worthy of possibly being on my list, but top ten is not top 15, so I needed to listen again. Oh yeah, and thank you Wikipedia for reminding me of what was actually released this past year.

10. Santogold “Santogold”: I just wish this album was longer. Saw at FM94/9’s Indie Jam for the first and only time.
9. The Night Marchers “See you in Magic” It is great to have John Reese back.
8. She & Him “Volume 1” I love Zooey.
7. Old 97s “Blame It on Gravity” Loved seeing these guys at the Stubb’s Main Stage at this year’s SXSW.
6. Radiohead “in Rainbows” Amazing show at Cricket (crappy parking) Amphitheatre.
5. Flight of the Conchords “Flight of the Conchords”: There is a special place in my heart for these two New Zealand comedians/musicians turned superstars.
4. MGMT “Oracular Spectacular” Saw at FM94/9’s Indie Jam for the first and only time (missed them at Street Scene).
3. Vampire Weekend “Vampire Weekend” Saw at Street Scene this year for the first and only time.
2. Kings of Leon “Only by the Night” Damn I wish I made it for their recent tour. This album is so incredible.
1. Nada Surf “Lucky” I LOVE these guys. Saw them three times this year. Sadly missed them at SXSW though.

Sources: Wikipedia and my own remembering