Belly Up’s ‘Banding Together’ Benefit Begins Monday

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The benevolent folks at the Belly Up are no Scrooges when it comes to charity. They’ve done blood and pet food drives (not together) in the past, and Toys for Tots during the holidays, but on Monday, the Solana Beach venue will embark on one of its most ambitious benefits yet.

The Belly Up’s latest effort — an instrument collection for special needs kids — is something altogether unique and perfect for the venue. Dubbed “Banding Together” after the San Diego nonprofit of the same name, the charity drive aims to provide music therapy to children who have disabilities such as autism and Down Syndrome.

Initially envisioned as a one-day concert and collection drive, the venue instead decided to open its doors for an entire week, accepting donations from 12pm to 5pm beginning this Monday, October 24 and ending Friday, October 28. The actual benefit concert will take place at the Belly Up on Tuesday, October 25. Matt Curreri, Michael Tiernan, and Megan Combs will play, and DJ Woods from 94/9 will the emcee the soiree. Continue reading…

Poetic Memory: White Denim (List)

Austin quartet White Denim released D, their fifth studio album in May; now, they’ve announced plans to release an EP, Takes Place in Your Workspace on October 25.

The experimental indie band has been compared to the Minutemen and Randy Newman (yes, both), and is known for infusing anything from punk to funk to piano ballads into their songs. White Denim has wowed crowds across the ‘States and abroad, even catching the ear of Jack White, who invited them to record a live LP at Third Man Records in Nashville.

To prep yourself for the show, check the above video for their 60’s rock-inspired single “Drug,” from D. After that, scroll down to read singer/guitarist James Petralli’s Poetic Memory. White Denim will play House of Blues on October 26. Continue reading…

Big Harp Tour to Support ‘White Hat,’ Play Casbah Tonight

Just a few days ago, L.A. duo Big Harp kicked off their Fall tour opening for Saddle Creek labelmate and former Azure Ray singer Maria Taylor. The twosome is touring to support its new album, White Hat, and they’re celebrating its success by playing shows in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest for the first time ever.

Recorded by Pierre de Reeder (Rilo Kiley), White Hat sees lead singer Chris Senseney drawing inspiration from a variety of influences, including (but not limited to) classic country and folk. On the album, Senseney finds many interesting ways to accommodate his heroes — there are echoes of Townes Van Zandt, Nick Cave, and even Captain Beefheart — but it’s Senseney’s wife/drummer Stefanie Drootin who holds the whole enterprise together.

If their shows are as eclectic or interesting as their recorded work (check out their video for “Everybody Pays,” above), the band’s gig tonight at the Casbah should be a hell of a time. Full list of tour dates is below.

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