When Jules calls me about this plan for Saturday night I’m skeptical. “The Shout House. It’s dueling pianos.” Pardon me? Will the pianos be armed? Should I be worried about getting caught in the crossfire? After several cracks about the pianos settling a mob vendetta Jules tells me to shut up and be there so I am, 4th and G, already half drunk because I figure if I’m going to enjoy piano music on my Saturday night I’d better at least be sufficiently loaded. I have an immediate and horrifying flashback to my baby sister’s piano recitals, 200 untalented kids playing variations of the same song while their tearfully proud parents applaud deafeningly in my ear.

The Shout House is nothing like this. The Shout House is awesome.

We walk in and in about 20 seconds I’m rocking out to Metallica, except it’s not Metallica, it’s Metallica on the piano. Anybody who doesn’t think this is the coolest thing on earth by definition hasn’t been to the Shout House, because after one night there I’m completely convinced that no song wouldn’t sound better played on those dueling pianos. But wait, there’s more. Not only is the piano totally sweet, but the lyrics are changed up to be hilarious. Is it risqué? Uh huh. Dirty? Oh you bet. Will you hear things you won’t be able to repeat at the church social? Most definitely. Throw in a group of dancing waiters, excellent booze, and personalized birthday songs guaranteed to make your boss/brother-in-law/roommate piss his pants in humiliation and you’ve got maybe the best joint in the Gaslamp district.

Dueling pianos man. Bring some dollar bills for song requests and leave the prudey friend at home. You won’t be disappointed.

It’s enough to make you fall in love with San Diego and decide to move here. Where else in the world can you find a beautiful trendy hotel, that has a sand bar on it’s roof? Literally, the top level consists of an outdoor bar, complete with sand and a fire pit. A must-do in San Diego. Romantic, cozy, perfect. What better way to start and end the night, but with a drink sitting around a fire pit. The scene isn’t too bad either, you’ll find some of the most hottest bodies in San Diego at this trendy W hotel.

W Hotel
421 West B Street
San Diego CA, 92101

With success in other nearby cities such as Las Vegas and Hollywood, the House of Blues opened it’s new venue in San Diego last May 2005. Since then, the club has housed such acts from independent bands like the Bouncing Souls and Social Distortion to more mainstream acts like Rob Zombie and the upcoming Disturbed.

Located downtown at 1055 Fifth Avenue between Broadway and C Street, the House is mere blocks away from another very similar venue, 4th and B. A convenient parking lot for both venues is located at 3rd and A St. The lot costs 10-12 dollars on different nights.

The venue has two levels: the downstairs is a large, open area with the stage in front and a bar in the back, and the upstairs balcony has seating for about 100 people and a bar in the back as well. The seating area is often at least partly reserved, and I would say that the House of Blues is more recommended for those who wish to be more interactive with their other concert goers than those who like to sit and enjoy a show.

On 21 and up nights, both bars are open and those who wish to drink have free reign of both levels. For security at all ages shows, the downstairs bar offers water and snacks, and alcohol is not allowed outside of the upstairs balcony area where you may only gain access with ID. Therefore, parents who may be reluctant to send their teenagers can rest easy that they can’t abuse any alcohol.

The architecture of the building in the House of Blues allows that no matter where you are standing, you have a pretty good view of the majority of the stage. The main draw about this venue is it’s small size. You can’t be standing that far away from the band because the venue is not too big, which allows for a much more intimate eperience with the performers.

The House of Blues restaurant is connected to the venue with an entrance around the block. The menu offers a variety of different lunch and dinner specialties, and when you are done eating, you can walk through the building to your concert.

Overall, the House of Blues makes for an excellent concert-going experience, far exceeding several other local alternatives. Los Lobos, Reel Big Fish, Disturbed, and the Dead Kennedys are some of the perfomers visiting the House soon. To check out the House of Blues, or for any ticket information, visit www.hob.com, or call 619.299.BLUE.

At first sight of Arabella Harrison sitting up on stage you see beauty; when she opens her mouth, you hear it. Although she has been involved with an array of bands and musicians over the years, this demure Hawaiian born and bred lady has all it takes to stand on her own. She creates perfect musical potions, with a dash of romance, rock and country. Whether you’re someone who’s had a heart broken, broken a heart, embraced change or run like hell from it, Arabella Harrison with Brothers and Sisters finds the common thread of heartache and hope within us all.

The five track, self-titled EP along with MP3’s and downloads (arabellaharrison@myspace.com) comprise a gorgeous collection of modern yet timeless songs. Her defining elegant twang and bittersweet harmonies in Don’t Forget me When I’m Gone can make the lonely lonelier, “For six long days I had you by my side. On the seventh day I sat alone and cried. Without you here it’s so lonely. I miss being your one and only.” While the heart aching harmonic bellows introducing Come Back Soon vibrate the hard chord of love and loss. Performed live, Arabella sings with passion, truth and a certain vulnerability, “I’ve got this feeling, if you leave I ain’t never gonna see you again, so baby don’t hurry, stay”, that stirs raw emotion and exudes the kind of sorrow only spoiled love can create. Each line and every melody exposes the stories and secrets you might find in her personal diary. Her songs are charged with the kind of hurt and desperation even Patsy Cline could attest to, and her delivery seems to only twist the knife harder.

Luckily broken hearts mend, time ceases to stand still, and karma catches up with the false-hearted. With never ending life material and a collection of blank canvas’ waiting to be filled, we can expect much more to come in the ways and words of this local favorite. Keep all senses locked and loaded for more love struck and love sick alt country ballads from none other than Arabella Harrison with her Brothers and Sisters.

Written by Nicki Ann Fraioli

As a tourist destination, Solana Beach generally gets passed over for its tonier neighbor to the south, Del Mar. Which is why discovering the Cedros Design District feels kind of like unearthing treasure 100 paces away from the X. A mere half-block from the Solana Beach train station, it’s one of my favorite places to while away an afternoon.

Cedros Design District has it all: unique shopping for everything from hand lotion to hardwood floors, restaurants, a day spa and doggy-friendly Muttropolis featuring gifts for your four-legged friends. For night owls 21+, the Belly Up Tavern books local and internationally known performers of all types of music from Jazz to Rock to Country. Seating is general admission but if you have dinner in the attached Wild Note Cafe, you’ll not only have an incredible meal, you’ll also be able to use the special restaurant access to the club. No queuing with the masses for you.

No trip to the Cedros Design District would be complete without a visit to my favorite store, Leaping Lotus. A two-story piece of shopping heaven, Leaping Lotus features the products of many merchants and artists under one roof. From hand-made jewelry, to imported Italian Olive Oil, to pop-culture kitsch, you can find something for everyone here. It’s so easy to get lost in a time warp while discovering one cool corner after another, that I challenge anyone to come in and get through the store in under an hour. But oh what an hour (or two or three) it is…

A great experience especially now that Jahja Ling is the Music Director. The San Diego Symphony also has frequent internationally know guests. Check their calendar for upcoming events.

http://www.sandiegosymphony.com/