SAN DIEGO, CA -- In search of a nightcap after last night's Fresh Sound show, I wandered into San Diego's Casbah, on a remote stretch of Kettner Blvd. adjacent to the airport. The club, which started as a gay bar in the '60s, has been San Diego's leading indie venue since 1989. Posters of past acts—including The Jesus Lizard, Pere Ubu, and Blonde Redhead—hung over the bar, lit by Casablanca-style lanterns.
I got there a little before midnight, just as North Carolina new-folk trio Bowerbirds were wrapping up a quiet-yet-energetic set in front of a small, attentive crowd. (Thanks to the door guy for letting me in gratis.) With drink in hand, I watched as guitarist Philip Moore and keyboardist Beth Tacular traded vocals back and forth, their harmonies both soothing and transporting. A nice way to wrap up my first visit to this exceedingly pleasant city by the sea.
Back to L.A. now, with a couple of more concerts in store before flying back to NYC tomorrow.
