North Park Music Scene, January 2010
By Bart Mendoza
As we approach the end of the first 100 years of commercial recorded music — as hard as it is to believe — there are still a few of the movement’s pioneers out on the road for lucky audiences to see and hear. Such is the case with blues guitarist, David “Honeyboy” Edwards, who performs at AMSD Concerts on Jan. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Born in 1915, Edwards, now 94, is one of the last of the original acoustic Delta Blues players, a contemporary and friend of Robert Johnson. If you are a fan of music — any genre — this opportunity to see a true living legend should not be passed up. Two weeks after this show, on Jan. 30, Edwards will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammy’s.
David “Honeyboy” Edwards: Thursday, Jan. 14, at AMSD Concerts, 4650 Mansfield St. 7: 30 p.m. All Ages. $20-$45. amsdconcerts.com.
The Silent Comedy’s image casts them as a 1930s combo, complete with moustaches and waistcoats. It’s a great image to be sure, but looks can be deceiving. While there are indeed elements of what a band of yesteryear might play, with prominent banjo as well as gospel and bluegrass influences, this is indie pop-rock at its best. Appearing on Sunday, Jan. 17, 10 p.m. at Bar Pink, the band’s music is topped by excellent arrangements that give their material an orchestrated feel. The Silent Comedy is the perfect andtidote to anyone feeling jaded about music in the 21st century.
The Silent Comedy: Sunday, Jan. 17 at Bar Pink, 3829 30th St. 10 p.m. 21 and up. Cover TBD. myspace.com/thesilentcomedy.
A mainstay of San Diego’s music scene over the past decade, Chad Farran, who performs at Lestat’s on Jan. 23 at 10 p.m., is certainly a multi-facted performer. In addition to his work on syndicated Surf/Travel TV series “On Surfari,” he’s also spent time with numerous local combos, notably rockers Superunloaded. However it’s on his own that his songs, an excellent mix of American pop melodies and Brazilian rhythms, really shine. Backed by Rebecca Kleinmann (flute), Chris McGreal (bass), Gabe Feinberg (accordion) and percussionists Steve Haney, Bruno Serrano and Claudia Lyra, whether you are a fan of world music or more top 40 concerns, Farran’s songs are about as hook filled as it gets.
Chad Farran: Saturday, Jan. 23 at Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave. 10 p.m. All ages. Cover TBD. myspace.com/chadfarran.
On Jan. 23, 11 a.m., Old Time Music will be the site of a benefit concert for blues singer and guitarist Steve White, who recently underwent surgery for throat cancer. On hand to show support with a song or two will be a host of the area’s music luminaries including Gregory Page, Lisa Sanders, Robin Henkel, Berkley Hart, Joe Rathburn, Chuck Perrin and Jim Earp. With all proceeds going to help White with medical expenses, this is a wonderful opportunity to take in a day of great music and do a good deed at the same time.
Steve White Benefit: Saturday, Jan. 23 at Old Time Music, 2852 University Ave. 11 a.m. All ages. sdoldtimemusic.com.
Because most jazz jam “sessions” in town happen late in the evening, The San Diego Jazz Musicians Guild will be starting a Young Lions Jam Session the last Saturday of each month from 1 to 4 p.m. beginning on Jan. 30 at Queen Bee’s Art & Cultural Center. Organized by singer Karin Carson, the host band will be keyboardist Chase Morrin and his Quartet. “This will be specifically targeted to jammers under 18 and families,” said Carson. “I feel that this will not only encourage camaraderie amongst the younger players, but also give the parents a chance to see what the jam session is all about.”
Young Lions jam session: Saturday, Jan. 30, at Queen Bee, 4650 Mansfield St. 1 p.m. All ages. myspace.com/sdjazzmg.
