Celebrating 311 Day 2020

In what could possibly be the last concert for a long time (with the current COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the globe and all), diehard 311 fans flocked in hoards to Viva Las Vegas for three full days of 311 performances — complete with pre-parties and after-parties around the casino! An annual tradition, the band has been […]

Donavon Frankenreiter dazzles at Saint Rocke, Hermosa Beach

California native, pro surfer, singer-songwriter and guitar wizard Donavon Frankenreiter gave fans a special two-night performance at Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach on March 6th and 7th. First of all, this venue was the perfect setting for his stylish transitions, intimate lyrics and funky vibes. Hermosa Beach puts a smile on my face every time […]

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 […]

Foghat rocks the Canyon Club in Agora Hills

Last Friday night felt like a movie. It’s mid-afternoon. My best gal pal and I are driving in an 86’ Chevy S10 Blazer. The windows are down, the sun is shining and KLOS 95.5 LA’s classic rock station is cranked to 11. Foghat has been rocking out since the 70s and their ability to constantly […]

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 […]

Foghat departs for 2020 spring tour

Foghat’s classic ‘shaken not stirred’ cocktail of blues, funk, psychedelic rock and crispy butt-kickin’ rock ‘n’ roll is back for live listening! The band is currently on tour and these legends should not be missed! Formed in 1971, they have always rocked the hell out of fans — live and in studio. Lucky for us, […]

The Melvins sell out Casbah San Diego

There’s something about driving a couple of hours to a show that is just better than going to a local show… more build up, more anticipation and you feel like you’ve accomplished something more, as well. My excitement was running high during the two and a half hour drive on the way down from Pomona to […]

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 […]

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 […]

Santa Barbara’s sOhO celebrates 25 years with The Dirty Knobs

Well, rock n roll’s best kept secret is out! Within the last couple months, The Dirty Knobs have released their first original single “Wreckless Abandon” — the title track to their debut album set to be released March 20th — and announced a national tour that sold out in literal minutes. People are finally catching […]

Tool rocks San Diego after 13-year hiatus

Friday, January 10th at the Viejas Arena was a night to remember. As the stage dimmed to begin the evening, Author & Punisher appeared onstage. The local San Diegan artist, Tristan Shone, shook the entire venue with heavy, industrial sounds blaring from his custom-engineered machines. Distorted and aggressive, the sounds that came from this unique […]

The Almost at Pittsburgh’s Rex Theater

The Almost returned to the stage full force on January 11th, 2020 at The Rex Theater in Pittsburgh, giving an unforgettable performance. As the tour made its way through the eastern part of the country, many members of the group became sick with the flu, causing a cancellation in Washington D.C. Their first day back […]

Blue Oyster Cult reaps San Luis Obispo

On January 15th, I had to opportunity to witness one of the best rock-and-roll bands to ever come out of the 70s at one of my hometown venues — the Fremont Theater here in San Luis Obispo, California. I remember as a kid growing up with 70s rock-and-roll due to having older parents, so once […]