Music Scene 12.09

By Bart Mendoza

Helmed by Harry and Nancy

Wendy Bailey

Helmed by Harry and Nancy Mestyanek, Folding Mr. Lincoln is one of the bright spots on today’s San Diego acoustic music scene. Normally, a five-piece ensemble, the first Sunday of each month the Mestyaneks perform in a duo format, from 10 a.m. to noon at Rebecca’s Coffeehouse. At each performance, a guest artist is invited to sit in as well as play a few solo songs. Don’t miss singer-songwriter Wendy Bailey’s guest appearance set for Dec. 6. Playing a mix of folk and Americana, with the occasional country twinge, the pair’s original tunes capture both the energy and most importantly, the spirit of their influences.
Harry and Nancy Mestyanek & Friends: Sunday, Dec. 6, at Rebecca’s Coffeehouse, 3015 Juniper St. 10 a.m. to noon. All ages. No cover.  myspace.com/foldingmisterlincoln.

Blessure Grave

In the tradition of such dark sounding post-punk groups as Sisters of Mercy, The Cure and Bauhaus, local duo Blessure Grave, aka Reyna Kay and T. GRAVE, churn out moody, introspective tunes with ease. A collector’s dream, the band is prolific. Only together since 2008, it’s already appeared on seven assorted albums, singles and compilations, with at least nine more due in the next year. On Dec. 11, Blessure Grave will perform at The Whistle Stop as part of Club Pussy Galore, 9 p.m. Though the band’s music features morbid titles, such as “Judged By 12, Carried By Six,” the songs themselves have a pop edge that rises above the gloomy vibe.
Blessure Grave: Friday Dec. 11 at The Whistlestop, 2236 Fern St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. Cover TBD. myspace.com/BlessureGravesd.

Grant Lee Phillips

Although not quite a household name, singer-songwriter Grant Lee Phillips has been on the cusp of major success for some time now. Known to a generation of TV watchers as the troubadour on cult TV program “Gilmore Girls,” Philips first came to prominence during the ’80s as a member of Shiva Burlesque, later founding Grant Lee Buffalo. Now nine years into a solo career, Phillips is currently touring behind his sixth album, “Little Moon,” with a stop at Lestat’s on Dec. 13, 9 p.m. Whether you are a long-time fan or a novice to Phillips’ sound, the opportunity to see him in a setting as intimate as Lestat’s should not be passed up.
Grant Lee Phillips: Sunday, Dec. 13 at Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave. 9 p.m. All ages. Cover TBD. grantleephillips.com.

Los Hollywood

Capturing the tones and attitude of classic punk and new wave artists, Los Hollywood, who appear at The Radio Room on Dec. 17, 10 p.m., have blasted into the San Diego music scene like a breath of fresh air. Led by front-woman Heidy, singing in both English and Spanish, the quartet’s music wears its ’80s-era influences on its sleeve, somewhere between Blondie and Joan Jett — with a dash of The Beatles on the side. Their recordings, such as “Gira Gira,” wonderfully capture the band’s hook-filled sound, but it’s live where they really excel. Never less than inspired on stage, Los Hollywood makes it well worth heading out on a chilly Thursday night.
Los Hollywood: Thursday, Dec. 17, at the Radio Room, 3519 El Cajon Blvd. 10 p.m. 21 and up. $5. myspace.com/loshollywood.

Night Marchers

There will be numerous New Year’s Eve parties around town, but none will “rock” as hard as The Night Marchers at Bar Pink. The night’s $20 admission includes party favors, a champagne toast and an opening set by Dan Sartain, with festivities beginning at 9 p.m. But the focus will be squarely on The Night Marchers, not only one of the hottest international indie rock bands going, but also featuring Bar Pink’s co-owner John Reis on vocals and guitar. Blasting out a high-octane mix of garage, punk and vintage rock ‘n’ roll, The Night Marchers continue front-man Reis’s long tradition of bands with a rep for incendiary live performances, the perfect soundtrack for greeting 2010.
The Night Marchers: Dec. 31, Bar Pink, 3829 30th St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. $20. myspace.com/barpinkelephant.