Rescued Cards Launch Party
Geezer Digable cover bands
Would you pay $20 to see a triple bill of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against the Machine and Weezer? Silly question, right? Now, would you pay $20 to see three bands paying tribute to those A-listers? Yes. Yes, you would. Don’t argue. Because San Diego’s own Geezer, the band that does Weezer as grouchy old men, vouches for L.A.’s Slaves Against the Machine and Ocean Beach’s Red Not Chili Peppers—and, since we dig Geezer, that’s good enough for us. On New Year’s Eve—Monday, Dec. 31—the Red Nots will take the stage at The Ruby Room (1271 University Ave. in Hillcrest) at 9 p.m. Slaves will follow, and then Geezer. The whole shebang is called Rage Into 2013, and, oh, did we mention hosted wells and selected drafts from 9 to 11 p.m.? Yeah, you’ll do that for $20. Check Facebook for “Rage Into 2013” to get details.
Digable music
In 2005, Adam Tendler loaded up his Hyundai and set out on a mission: to play piano recitals in all 50 states with a focus on underserved communities. More than seven years later, Tendler, who's been called a "modern music evangelist," is still a fan of putting on small, intimate concerts for little or no cost. At 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 26, he'll be at San Diego's Central Library (820 E St., Downtown), where he'll perform pieces by Aaron Copland, Charles Ives, John Cage and Ned Rorem. Rorem's work is especially significant for Tendler—he'll be playing Rorem's suite of songs for James Holmes, Rorem's longtime partner who died from AIDS-related complications in 1999. Tendler's a charismatic, engaging performer, but to truly get a sense of who he is, check out his blog, dissonantstates.com, where he writes eloquently about wrestling with his sexuality (he's gay), the challenges of performing works by John Cage and offers insights on life using as a springboard his bizarre experiences as a piano teacher: "It’s 9 a.m. on the Upper East Side, and I’m hovering over a digital piano explaining 'Middle C' to a pop singer as her miniature Pomeranian humps my leg." Admission is by donation and proceeds will go to the Hillcrest Youth Center.
Digable booze
Whiskey isn’t just for bearded professors and Republicans to drink in their studies anymore. The dark spirit is often misunderstood, believed to be too harsh to be truly enjoyed. That, however, is far from the truth. There are whiskeys out there that are smooth, balanced, downright delicious and can be enjoyed by anyone. Vin de Syrah (901 Fifth Ave., Downtown) will introduce whiskey lovers and novices alike to some top-notch samples at a specialWhiskey Tasting on Thursday, Dec. 27. Six different whiskeys have been selected by the experts at the wine and spirits parlor for you try. Choose three that sound appealing and sip away. Just RSVP to VIP@syrahwineparlor.com for your complimentary whiskey flight. The knowledgeable staff will be on-hand to introduce you to each round of whiskey and answer any questions.
Digable stories
The creative-writing collective So Say We All is sending the year off with a tribute to the awesomeness of VAMP (visual arts, music, performance) with Best of 2012, the final installment of SSWA's monthly variety show. It’s going down from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27, at Whistle Stop Bar (2236 Fern St. in South Park), where the year’s standout performances will get the spotlight one last time. Throughout the year, So Say We All has put on a monthly themed VAMP—“dirty talk,” for instance—and asked artists to submit their ideas for possible production, then work-shopped winning selections, rehearsed with artists and performed. If you slacked and missed one of the shows, or have never been, check out some of 2012’s best examples and get excited about the 2013 lineup which can be found on the website sosayweallonline.com along with themes and submission deadlines.
