Dr. Dog delivers at Observatory North Park

A late February Friday night in North Park is the perfect atmosphere: not too hot, not too cold, finally thawing off that thick layer of hibernation everyone has been living in all winter. The Observatory Theater attracts a wide array of musical talent, ranging from hip hop to alternative to reggae to metal artists; this […]

The Struts takeover SOMA San Diego

It was an epic evening on Friday, February 28th as glam-rock group The Struts — hailing all the way from Derby, Derbyshire, England — hosted the first show of their ‘Tour de California’ at SOMA San Diego. The four-date run featured Starcrawler, an up-and-coming local band from Los Angeles, California. Starcrawler’s lead singer, Arrow De […]

Lords of Acid returns to the road bringing acid house for all

It was 1988 and, like many a teenager, my music was the bane of my parents’ existence. From behind my poster-covered bedroom door, you could hear thick acid house electronic dance beats mixed with the most scandalous and erotic lyrics. Lords of Acid‘s single “I Sit on Acid” was on repeat. By 1991, I could […]

Bad Cop Bad Cop at Long Beach’s DiPiazza’s

It was a night of nostalgia and newness all wrapped into one, as the fabulous ladies of Bad Cop Bad Cop gathered friends and fans alike to bid farewell to Mark and Maralyn DiPiazza on February 21st at their own DiPiazza’s pizza shop-turned-music-venue in Long Beach, CA. As always, the ladies rocked the crowd, starting […]

One Love Cali Reggae Fest 2020: Day One

Eager fans basked in the glorious California sun as they began their One Love Cali Reggae experience. The festival kicked off its 5th Anniversary at the Queen Mary Events Park in Long Beach on Friday, February 7th. The amazing three-day festival, presented by Goldenvoice, kicked off Day One with three stages, hosting 26 must-see bands. […]

Dashboard Confessional at San Diego Observatory North Park

A night so good they did it twice — icons Dashboard Confessional graced San Diego on Tuesday, February 11th for their first of two sold-out shows at The Observatory North Park. Out for their 20 year celebration of the band’s history, they played a near two-hour set of their favorite sing-alongs, all the way to […]

4th & Orange interviews at One Love Cali Reggae Fest 2020

It was a nostalgic weekend for Long Beach locals, as 4th & Orange made their festival debut at the One Love Cali Reggae Festival on Friday, February 7th 2020 — the same day they dropped their new single “In The LBC”! Formed in 2019 by longtime friends Garrett Douglas (lead singer) and Chris ‘DJ Irey’ […]

Pennywise sells out Ace of Spades, Sacramento

On January 19th, SoCal punk legends Pennywise returned to Sacramento to play Ace of Spades for a sold out show. The bill featured seasoned favorites The Adolescents and Guttermouth beside Sac local Slaughterhouse, who opened the night. As fans lined the block, you could feel the anticipation from young and old fans alike. This was […]

TSM #HotList: February 20th, 2020

Welcome to another installment of our Top Shelf Music Artist #HotList, with host Alexia Johnson! This episode brings forth the talents of Skunk Funk, The Irie, Boca 45 and Pacific Roots… which makes a pretty funky bunch! Follow us on social media (specifically Instagram) @topshelfmusicmag to be the first to know more music news as […]

Ani DiFranco hosts sold out show at Observatory Santa Ana

It was an evening of beautiful feminine strength, powerful messages and sweet solidarity. Devoted fans gathered to see Ani DiFranco in a sold out show on February 15th at The Observatory in Santa Ana, CA. Starting the night off was the beautiful indie folk songbird, Jesca Hoop. Supporting the 2019 release of her fifth studio […]

Mondo Cozmo sells out The Hi-Hat in Los Angeles

You wouldn’t have believed it was a Thursday night, as anxious fans lined up outside The Hi-Hat in Los Angeles on February 6th, 2020 to see the fantastic Mondo Cozmo. The evening kicked off with an energetic and charismatic performance from Aussie/LA transplant Andy Clockwise, sharing with fans his vast and eclectic sound. With his […]

Goldenvoice announces Cruel World Fest to hit Los Angeles

Goldenvoice, the leading west coast festival name, loves to continually spice things up. It seems every year, Goldenvoice organizes and carries out novel weekends of music with varying themes. Tropicalia Festival in Long Beach highlights Latino acts; One Love Cali Reggae Festival in the same location revolves around the finest in reggae rock; Camp Flog […]

NYC to celebrate 10 years of The Governors Ball

If there is one thing about New York — the city is for the people. New Yorkers living as New Yorkers, a lifestyle unlike any other American city. A festival, now reveling in a decade of glory, was built for New Yorkers by New Yorkers a full 10 years ago. It’s the 10th Annual Governors […]

Levitate Festival unleashes 2020 lineup

Aw…summertime at Cape Cod. What a serene experience, surrounded by bogs and marshland in every direction. The Northeast is a beautiful place, especially when the sun shines. Coupling with the warm weather are several outdoor music fests (naturally). It’s about time Massachusetts locals got to party outside. Every year, west coast residents get major FOMO […]

Firefly Festival discloses 2020 lineup for summer

Kick off summer in supreme fashion with the return of Firefly Festival to Dover, Delaware! Set at The Woodlands, this expansive Northeast fest stretches four thrilling days this upcoming June 18th-21st, upping a day from previous years. Why the extra day, you ask? All the more to rock out with your favorite bands, celebrating the […]