2021 SD Music Calendar

2021 CALENDAR Tim Pyles of 91X; Bart Mendoza, Music Scene SD Editor; and Dave Scott of KUSI. Photo by Vania Zamora

Tim Pyles of 91x Tim Pyles. Photo by Kiki Cadiz It’s a ritual for many fans of San Diego’s burgeoning music community. Sunday nights at 7 p.m. you dial in to 91X-FM and the radio program, Loudspeaker, which champions the sounds of San Diegans past and present. Sitting behind the board is DJ Tim Pyles, who joins forces each week with Lou Niles and Rowley, playing the best from San Diego. Pyles is one the area’s biggest supporters of local music, pre-pandemic, likely to be seen in a club or other venue seven nights a week or whenever he is not broadcasting. It may seem like Pyles has always been at 91X, but that’s not the case. Over the years he has been with KLJH (La Jolla High School on-campus radio station), KCLU (Cal Lutheran College Radio), 91X, FM94/9 and back to 91X. Meanwhile his stint as host of Loudspeaker is broken up into two runs: 1998–2004 and 2014 to present. What drives Pyles to invest so much time and energy into the local music community? Sitting in 91X’s Sorrento Mesa offices, he’s quick to respond. “I love San Diego,” he said good naturedly. “I feel like a tour guide to our city, mostly the musical landscape, but even going back to when I was a driver and would shuttle people in a limo to and from the airport at the Embassy Suites downtown. Even then I would tell them about our beautiful city.” Those who would like a chance at some airplay take note. “The easiest way these days for possible radio play is to send me a WAV file or files of your music,” he said. “I do love the old slap and tickle, the personal touch, so hopefully you’ll be able to hand me a CD or USB drive at a show again soon. And I listen for a hook, it’s got to have a hook.” Ask Pyles for his favorite current band and it’s hard to stop him: “Fashion Jackson, Pinkeye, The Havnauts, Evan Diamond, Jungle Poppins, The Frets, Trouble In The Wind, Machine Politik, Nights Like Thieves,” he said without pause. “And that is just the tip of the iceberg, despite everything going on today, there is still plenty of fantastic music being made,” he said. Tim Pyles resume in radio now includes more than two decades as host of Loudspeaker. How long does he plan to continue? “No plan on anything,” he said. “You see I’m a little like Forrest Gump and life has been a box of chocolates, I would do it forever if I could. My desire for hearing new bands will never be satiated.” www.91x.com/dj/loudspeaker

Bart Mendoza 2020 has been a difficult year for many and that’s espe- cially true for the area’s musicians. With live music at a standstill, we enter 2021 with a changed landscape, but renewed optimism. Despite many obstacles, San Diego’s music scene continues to thrive. Great albums, singles, videos and even new artists are still emerging through the adversity. 2020 is just about in the rearview mirror, so we hope this calendar reminds everyone throughout this next twelve months, just how incredible San Diego’s music community truly is – here’s to a better 2021. Bart Mendoza / Music Scene SD Editor & Writer Bart Mendoza Photo by Sandra Castillo

Rebecca Jade Photos by Kristy Walker Major things are happening for singer Rebecca Jade. Among other things, she performed with Elton John at the 2020 Oscars, also winning Artist of the Year at the 2020 San Diego Music Awards and she released the acclaimed “Bad Wolves” single in collaboration with Jason Mraz, Veronica May and Miki Vale. On the cusp of international stardom, Jade’s music is matched perfectly to her voice; soulful, with a dash of R&B and pop sensibilities, just the right ingredients to make her a chart contender.

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Jonny Tarr San Diego’s burgeoning music scene draws major talent from all over the world and such is the case with multi- instrumentalist Jonny Tarr. Perhaps best known for his keyboard work, Tarr is originally from Cardiff, Wales, arriving in San Diego circa 2012. He quickly built a following for his electronic soul and funk tunes, ultimately taking home the 2020 San Diego Music Award for Best Pop Artist. Tarr recently signed with Pacific Records for his latest album, Tough Stuff, setting the stage for more releases and hopefully, live dates in 2021.

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Jesse Davis Jesse Davis Courtesy Photo If all he had done is record the 1967 soul classic, “Gonna Hang On In There Girl,” Jesse Davis status as a legend would be sealed. But that’s just the starting point for this acclaimed singer, who for the past five decades Davis has been a staple of San Diego’s music scene. He’s performed in the area’s clubs and lounges, as well as venues around the world, part of a journey that has seen him feted by Sinatra, headline The 2009 Cleethorpes Northern Soul Weekender in England, work with film icon, Benji and in the process entertain hundreds of thousands of music fans.

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Rocket From The Crypt Photo by Sandra Castillo Rocket April / They’ve released a string of great singles, with “On A Rope” From The hitting #12 (UK) in 1996, and all of RFTC’s albums are essential adds to your record collection, but their adrenaline blasted rock ‘n’ roll is Crypt even more incendiary when heard live. “I was recently asked on a broadcast of the KPBS Roundtable program what band would be the first band I would want to see after Covid, my answer: Rocket From The Crypt! The best LIVE band ever!” – Tim Pyles

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Taryn Donath Winner of Best Blues Artist at the 2020 San Diego Music Awards, pianist Taryn Donath is the real deal. Blessed with a soulful voice, her virtuoso playing will leave you breathless as her fingers fly across the keys. Blues, jazz, R&B, pop, New Orleans styled rock ‘n’ roll are all part of her repertoire, with a brassy commanding stage presence that matches her talent. Taryn Donath Photo by Julia Hall McMahon

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Gilbert Castellanos San Diego’s jazz scene has been exploding in recent years and a big part of that is down to trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos. He can be heard on recordings by Natalie Cole, Leon Russell and Michael Buble amongst many others, but it’s as a tireless supporter of the area’s jazz community that he’s made his mark. In addition to his own great recordings and shows, Castellanos has elevated the areas music scene, by both promoting performances and mentoring generations of up and coming musicians through his acclaimed Young Lions Jazz Conservatory. Gilbert Castellanos Photo by Laurent Kramer

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Jon Foreman Jon Foreman / Switchfoot Photo by Bart Mendoza Best known for their anthemic rock hits such as “Dare You To Move” (#17 / 2004), Switchfoot are also an impressive live band, with Jon Foreman a great frontman, the master of the outdoor crowd. Beyond the Gold and Platinum records, they are also amongst the most socially conscious performers in town, their good deeds ranging from mentoring new artists to the annual Bro-Am Festival, which this year helped raise funds for Feeding San Diego. “I don’t think any band in SD has given back to the community more than Switchfoot, they are the nicest guys in rock n roll!” – Tim Pyles

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Riston Diggs Winner of the 2020 San Diego Music Award for Best Hip-Hop / Rap Artist, along with his producer Sly Beats, Riston Diggs socially conscious songs are a mix of inspired and mov- ing wordplay set against an expan- sive palette musical styles and beats. While there is plenty of groove, this is music with a message, with injustice a target, as in his latest single “Think Hard.” His most recent album, The Second Coming, is just another step that confirms Diggs as a major musi- cal force. Riston Diggs Photo by Angel Slaughter

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Whitney Shay The concert circuit may be paused momentarily, but 2019 SDMA “Artist of the Year,” blues singer Whitney Shay remains not only one of the hottest talents in San Diego, but also internationally. At least initially, 2020 was off to a good start for Shay. She signed a three album deal with German label, Ruf Records, with her latest album, Stand Up, debuting at #1 on The Billboard Blues Chart. Pre-pandemic Shay had been on a label package tour that saw her criss-crossing the globe. Once venues are open again there will be no stopping her. Whitney Shay Photo by Andy King

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Satanic Puppeteer Orchestra The area’s top robot / human duo are going to be busy over the next year – they are in the midst of releasing a series of twenty vinyl EP’s. While SPO- 20 and Professor B. Miller’s mix of rock ‘n’ roll, electronica and humor could theoretically top the charts, and each performance is a true “event,” don’t expect a tour. “We only play a couple times a year,” said Miller (aka acclaimed artist Michael Buchmiller). “And every show is different, requiring a significant amount of preparation, planning, video editing, props, etc... Each show is a one of a kind experience, and I like it like that,” he said good naturedly. Satanic Puppeteer Orchestra Photo by Candice Eley

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The Sleepwalkers Photo by Stevie Ray Valenzuela The Sleepwalkers Singing in English and Spanish, The Sleepwalkers are nothing less than a touring street party. Their signature sound mixes rock-a-billy and Mexican cumbia songs, adding up to music that’s both rhythmic and irresistible as well as a major draw at local clubs and outdoor festivals alike. Led by frontman Johnny Valenzuela, with killer guitarist Ritchie Orduno and a top notch rhythm section of drummer Bob Osuna and bassist Paul Denton, nobody in town can pack a dance floor like The Sleepwalkers.

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Rare Sleeves: Joel Hill / Rosie & The Originals / The Cascades / Gary Puckett Iron Butterfly / Ratt / Beat Farmers / Nickel Creek / Blink 182 / Jewel / Jason Mraz Numerous hitmakers have emerged from San Diego’s music scene over the last century, releasing some of the most iconic songs in pop culture. For starters, John Lennon covered Rosie & The Originals, The Cascades recorded the ninth most performed song on radio or televi- sion in the 20th century and Ratt soundtracked the best Geico commercial in recent memory. Here we showcase an international range of single sleeves for some of the most beloved tunes to ever blast out of a radio speaker.

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