Five Local Musicians to Watch in January

Supporting local bands is music to San Diego’s ears. With some of the best intimate venues and opportunities to see artists small and big, it’s no wonder we’re considered to be on the cusp of many major musical breakthroughs.

Just as eating locally-sourced produce is a movement that health-freaks cling to, music lovers digest their favorite bands much in the same way. San Diego born and bred musicians, no matter how far they get propelled into the industry, make it a point to continue to play in their native home with the inevitable support of long-time loyal fans. From electro rock to psychedelic grooves to serene piano playing, we’re spotlighting five local musicians to watch in January.  

Zoe Boekbinder with Eliza Rickman at Queen Bee’s on Jan. 27th

Pueblo Estrella Music presents an exclusive new series of singer-songwriter shows at Queen Bee’s Center for the Arts. The innovative series kicks off on Friday, Jan. 27th at 8pm, pairing a national touring musician with a local opener. For the debut show, local Eliza Rickman (pictured) takes the mic. Eliza is a national touring musician that grew up in Escondido, known for her haunting vocals and distinguished keyboard talent. Zoe Boekbinder, meanwhile, is a critically acclaimed modern singer-songwriter heralded for her cabaret-style performances. Get more details here.

Slightly Stoopid at SOMA on Jan. 13th

Slightly Stoopid, the local Ocean Beach noise-making band will be taking the stage of SOMA on Jan. 13th. Described as a fusion of acoustic rock, blues, reggae, hip-hop and punk, the band is notorious for bringing in madness wherever they go. And they’ve come a long way since the days they were discovered by Sublime. They’ve now jammed with such greats as Dave Matthews Band, Snoop Dogg, Pennywise, and more. The 6pm show is also set to feature The Aggrolites and Perro Bravo. Tickets are $25. Get more details here.

Earthless at Casbah on Jan. 21st

Local San Diego band Earthless will be celebrating their double-digits in a special 10 year anniversary show at the Casbah on Jan. 21st, playing with Strangers Family Band, Joy, and Electric Healing Sound. This instrumental psychedelic rock band features Mario Rubalcaba, Isaiah Mitchell, and Mike Eginton, experimenting with sounds reminiscent of 1960’s San Francisco groove. After ten years in the making and touring the world including a recent run through Australia, the band is celebrating in their hometown as part of the Winter Womb III Show. Tickets are $13. Get more details here.

The Short Eyes at Soda Bar on Jan. 26th

Shaking things up at Soda Bar on Thursday, Jan. 26th is local retro, psych-pop band The Short Eyes playing in-your-face, upbeat jams for audiences to shimmy and groove to. The band will join Zodiac Death Valley (Kings of Leon sound-alikes) from San Francisco, Shapes of Future Frames featuring members from former San Diego band The Scarlet Symphony and Chango Rey and His Broken Heart Beat from El Centro. The show is $5 and expected to sell out. Get more details here.  

Jamuel Saxon & White Apple Tree at Casbah on Jan. 19th

These two electronic rock bands both hail from San Diego and bring new twists to the Casbah stage. The Thursday, Jan. 19th show will also feature the Jamuel Saxon CD release, and celebrate founder Keith Milgaten’s electro pop success. The full band features guitar, drums, bass and projections along with the signature dance elements. Meanwhile, White Apple Tree’s indie electronic sounds (top photo) described as eclectic and occasionally witty will rock out the remainder of the night. Based in La Jolla, the band built their reputation through touring Southern California with bands like Shiny Toy Guns and Delta Fiasco. Tickets are $8. Get more details here.

Did you know January celebrates Casbah’s 23rd Anniversary? Be part of the birthday party with big name performances all month long.

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