Mission Mission

This Sunday night, San Francisco’s own Diana Gameros will be opening for Argentine singer-songwriter Sofia Rei at The Addition (formerly Yoshi’s SF, located at 1330 Fillmore St). These two extremely talented Latin vocalists on one night is going to be such a treat for lovers of beautiful songwriting, passionate vocals and intricate arrangements that blend everything from jazz to folk to traditional Latin music. Originally from Juarez, Mexico, Diana Gameros delightfully mixes her musical heritage with a fresh, whimsical indie infusion, that’s just so darn beautiful to listen to. Gameros also just received the 2014 Emerging Leader Award from the Chicana/Latina Foundation for her music and activism. She is truly an artist worth supporting.

You can listen to Diana’s full length album, Eterno Retorno, on her bandcamp.

So come on out, here are the details:

Show: Sofia Rei plus Diana Gameros

When: Sunday, Nov 16, 7pm (doors at 6pm)

Where: The Addition, 1330 Fillmore St., SF (formerly Yoshi’s SF)

Get Tickets: HERE!

There’s something comforting to me about a raspy-voiced man singing his heart out, and telling us small secrets of his life through his crackling words. It reminds me a lot of the hours I’ve spent driving long distances, and exploring strange rural places, and a feeling of bittersweet happiness. Hiss Golden Messenger are a folk-country-rock group from Durham, North Carolina fronted by M.C. Taylor, and listening to their songs evokes that feeling in me, even in my city apartment. Touring after releasing their latest album, Lateness of Dancers (Merge), they’ll be at the Independent tomorrow night, with opener Phil Cook of Megafaun.

Watch Hiss Golden Messenger’s video for “Mahogany Dread”

You can get your tickets here!

While perusing the CMJ best-of lists from the past week, I discovered this fun duo from LA. They’re called Girlpool and they play cool songs filled with constant harmonies and straight-forward lyrics. Looks like they played Brick and Mortar earlier in October, so hopefully they’ll be back soon. They’re also releasing an EP on Nov 18. For now, you can hear two of their songs on their bandcamp page from their split with Philly/LA-based Slutever.

There’s a band called Metacomet that live right here in the Mission, and they create ambient, soothing, experimental songs that will make your mind drift softly into space; I’d personally enjoy listening to them while on the moon. Hailing from the East coast originally, they blend dreamy guitars, synths and almost chilling vocals, which are even more powerful live. Earlier this month they released a brand new three-song EP called Say Goodnight, which you can listen to here.

The Violent Femmes are playing the Fillmore tomorrow night for what I believe is their first SF show in a long time. After a long hiatus, they went back on tour together last year – they played Coachella this spring, as well as BottleRock Festival in Napa in 2013 (which I saw and was so good), but this will be their first San Francisco proper gig in recent history. You can get tickets and info here. Also, to get yourself pumped up for the show, watch Violent Femmes play “Add It Up” in 1988.

In a shady nook at the Porch Stage (the best stage) this weekend at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass fest, I was impressed by a soulful rock band from Detroit called Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas, who were perfectly described as “think Gwen Stefani meets Amy Winehouse” (thanks Ty). She had all the 90s fashion spunk of Gwen, and the sexy dark retro vibe of Amy, and a powerful voice and dance moves to match it. Behind Jessica was a band of young guys, including a trombonist, playing upbeat and highly danceable music. The crowd went wild for them, and they even made an older drunk couple grind erotically. FUN!

Listen to them here.

Another highly honorable mention of the day was 21-year-old Oklahoma native Parker Millsap, who played soulful, crooning ballads that were brought to energetic life with his honky tonky band and his rockabilly moves. Check him out!

Tomorrow is the Bay Area Record Fair at Thee Parkside – Should be fun!

I’m going to tell you a secret: last night was my first time ever going to The Fillmore.

And seeing English psych-rock band Temples, with opening band Wampire (Portland), seemed quite appropriate, as the groovy light/bubble show oozed behind the stage. The only thing is that it made me wish I was 1) on drugs, and 2) actually seeing one of the many original bands that Temples’ sound replicates (Byrds, The Doors, etc).  Something about the whole experience seemed like a 60s Psychedelic Rock Revue. Once I got over that, it was a good time.

Things I was told to be excited about at the Fillmore:

a) Bucket of Apples to eat – Check!

b) Poster Room – Check!

I am definitely not the first person to notice this exciting Bay Area based pop-rock band, but I stumbled into the last three songs of Yassou Benedict’s show last night at Bottom of the Hill, and holy crap! They are good. They look good. But really they blew me away with a mere glimpse of their live show. They reminded me of a harder version of the XX, with a heavier post-rock sound and energy. I’m glad they moved here from Upstate New York, so we can call them our own, and hopefully catch the next show in its entirety very soon.

I do! Last night I checked out local crooning singer-songwriter DonCat at the Chapel Bar for free. It’s a tucked away stage with only a few prime seats for real listening, but great if you’re just wanting an atmosphere to have a drink and listen to some pleasant background tunes. Either way, you can’t really go wrong. And if you hate it, you can leave – no dollars lost!

Next free shows in the Chapel Bar:

Tue, Sep 23: Cello Joe

Tue, Sep 30: Local Label Series feat. Do Not Disturb Records artist FRONDS

Hopefully more to come soon.