North Park News 10.2011
By Bart Mendoza
The Wellingtons Powerpop
There has rarely been an album as well named as “In Transit,” the latest disc from Melbourne, Australia’s, The Wellingtons. One of the hardest working indie bands on the planet, the quintet is a constant blur of motion, perrenially touring the world, including a stop at Eleven on Oct. 8 at 9 p.m. Call it powerpop, rock with melody or just insanely catchy, hook-filled songwriting. The Wellingtons’ youthful energy is as contagious as their songs are memorable. Fans of music with a similar vibe to the Muffs, Paul Westerberg and Adam Schlesinger will love every minute of The Wellingtons’ performance.
The Wellingtons: Saturday, Oct. 8, at Eleven, 3519 El Cajon Blvd. 9 p.m. 21 and up. $6. myspace.com/thewellingtonsmusic.
Berkley Hart and Eve Selis Double Bill
Americana fans won’t want to miss a terrific double bill of Berkley Hart, hot on the heels of a new album, “Crow,” and Eve Selis, fresh from yet another UK tour, at the Sunset Temple on Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. Between Berkley Hart’s sweet harmonies and Eve Selis’s bluesy barroom songs, the music on hand will cover a lot of ground from folk to country-rock, with a touch of good natured banter in between. Both artists will perform a full set with their own bands, followed by a few collaborative numbers, for a once-in-a-lifetime talent mash up.
Berkley Hart and Eve Selis: Saturday, Oct. 8, at The Sunset Temple, 3911 Kansas Street. 8 p.m. All ages. $20. eveselis.com.
Texas Country Music Troubador
Tom Russell, who appears at AMSD Concerts on Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m., is a triple threat — as an acclaimed performer in his own right as well as a renowned songwriter and author. Currently touring behind a new album, “Mesabi,” Russell’s music is steeped in the Texas country music tradition, incorporating folk and cowboy elements. He’s released 28 discs since his beginnings as a troubadour in 1976, but his best-known work is by other artists. Among the performers to record his material are Johnny Cash, K.D. Lang, Nancy Griffith and Suzy Boguss. Anyone who enjoys the roots of modern country music or superb story-telling in song will find much to enjoy from Russell’s concerts.
Tom Russell: Friday, Oct. 21, at AMSD Concerts, 4650 Mansfield Street. 7: 30 p.m. All ages. $27-$52. amsdconcerts.com.
Tall Ships’ Special Release Concert
Indie rock trio Tall Ships’ album, “On Tariffs and Discovery,” was released digitally back in March, but will finally have a physical presence when it’s issued Oct. 22 as a special white vinyl LP. The band will host a special release concert that evening at the Soda Bar at 9 p.m. Destined to be a true collector’s item, only 300 copies have been pressed.The band’s intense moody sound, sounds fantastic on the disc, but live is where they excel, with songs gaining in both energy and atmosphere.
Tall Ships: Saturday, Oct. 22, at The Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd. 9 p.m. 21 and up. $5. myspace.com/thetallships.
Songs for Two-Stepping
No doubt about it, San Diego’s country music scene has been picking up steam of late. Seemingly all of a sudden, numerous bands have sprung up, developing a twang and a following at the same time. Way ahead of the trend is fiery singer Sara Petite, who performs at Lestat’s on Oct. 28 at 9 p.m. With three albums to her credit, Petite has made a splash not only locally, but internationally, particularly in England, where her songs, such as “Bootleggers,” have endeared her to music fans. If you like your tunes custom made for two-stepping and with a bit of fire, Petite and her band never fail to deliver the goods.
Sara Petite: Friday, Oct. 28, at Lestats, 3343 Adams Ave. 9 p.m. All ages. Cover TBD. sarapetite.com.
