By Chris Morrison, guest blogger for LoSoCal People often ask how I find new music and honestly, as a millenial, one of my top answers is through Instagram. By searching for your city and then the type of music you like, you can find great local bands and artists. This is how I found Madre X Mia. I ended up liking their music so much that I went and saw them at an awesome venue attached to a coffee shop in Normal Heights. The Venue: Image courtesy of @Lestatscoffee Lestat’s Coffee shop is something of an institution in San Diego, and for good reason. The three locations (Adams Ave, Hillcrest, and Park Ave), are known for their welcoming atmosphere and more importantly, being open 24/7 three hundred and sixty-five days a year! The first Lestat’s was the Adams Ave location. Opened in 1997 and named after the main character in the popular book Interview With A Vampire, Lestat’s leans into the New Orleans style and charm. This style spills over to Lestat’s West, a small, intimate music venue attached to the coffee shop in Normal Heights. Lestat’s West hosts a variety of comedy shows, music performances, and open mic nights, and is one of the few all-ages music venues in the city. I mentioned above that the venue is small- this was not an exaggeration. This does, however, mean that every act you see there is an intimate experience. Cost at the door depends on the event, for example, their weekly comedy show is free and the music show I saw was $10, making this a great value. I highly recommend grabbing a coffee next door and bringing it with you into the show, especially since they have a strict no alcohol policy. The Band: As mentioned above, I found Madre X Mia (pronounced Madre Mia) almost by accident while scrolling through Instagram on my lunch break. The four-person band is composed of Guitar (Anthony), Bass (Nick), Drums (Dylan) and Vocals (Violet). After releasing their first single and music video “Head On Straight” earlier this year, the band now has a new single just out called Wife Material that you can listen to here: https://fanlink.to/bUkT . I had the chance to sit down recently with Anthony and Nick from the band to learn more about their new single and how they write music. Hi guys, thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me. I love the band and am excited to interview you. Now first of all, when did you all start Madre X Mia? Anthony: The band has been together since late 2018, but we have really only been playing shows this year. How did you guys meet? Nick: We are all locals Anthony: Yea we all kinda met through the music scene, Nick and I were in a band together before and then we found our drummer and vocalist. So how did you come up with the band name? Anthony: The name means Mother of Mine in Spanish, my mom was a big influence on me growing up and the name is a tribute to her. What are your biggest musical influences, like what do you like to listen to? Nick: We like R&B, Metal and Pop, a little bit of everything. Anthony: Yea artists like Pierce the veil, Dance Gavin Dance, and Lorde. What is your song writing process like? Anthony: I am the primary songwriter, I come up with general idea and hand that off to our drummer who will improvise a beat for the whole song. Nick will add in his bass part and then our vocalist will put her own twist on it. It is a very collaborative process. Alright and last but not least, where do you guys want to take this? Nick: Long term we would love to put out an EP by next year and get tour support to promote the album. We want to go as far as we can with this! Anthony: Yea we have two more singles coming out this year that we are very excited for! Be sure to check out Madre X Mia’s new single Wife Material and show them some love. Do you know of other awesome local bands? Hit me up and let me know, I always love going to see live music. AuthorChris Morrison has been a long-time guest blogger for LoSoCal. He is a native of California and he loves to write about the local SoCal scene, mainly music and entertainment. He also specializes in marketing strategy. Show him some love and like his post or comment below. Thanks for sharing Chris!
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By Karen Vazquez, Owner and Founder of LoSoCal A little over a year ago, I had the opportunity to spend four months in L.A...specifically the Silverlake area. I did my best to get out and explore and this post highlights a little glimpse of what I loved the most in Silverlake and the Sunset Strip. I am highlighting one particular fun-filled Saturday that I will never, ever forget because it represents LoSoCal in its essence with a completely unplanned adventure that opened my eyes to the local scene of Silverlake. Certain aspects of my day were very touching and others were pure fun! What did I do the most when I was in L.A.? Eat. Eat and shop! I eat what I love, but as a personal choice, I don’t eat meat. I eat fish, but not meat. I have chosen a non-meat eating diet for most of my life and I generally gravitate towards healthier food as part of my lifestyle. That being said, this particular Saturday morning a neighbor friend, Peter, invited me to a quaint little cafe called Dune Restaurant right in the heart of Atwater Village. We had spoken several times prior to our lunch outing about our mutual appreciation for farm-to-table restaurants and farmers markets with fresh local produce, and so it made sense that he would be a good tour guide for an afternoon "food and farmers market excursion." I drove us to the village in Atwater that day and we were able to park right in front of the restaurant. That was a huge plus with so many areas of L.A. having limited parking. Atwater Village is quite easy to get around in and so it is a perfect destination spot in Los Angeles if you want to enjoy local restaurants, shops, shows and markets without dealing with a lot of headache! Dune RestaurantTheir specialty: a freshly made Gyro! Dune is a local restaurant that aspires to make fresh, locally sourced cuisine that resembles “the street food of the Levant and the Eastern Mediterranean.” We arrived inside the cafe and after he gave me a bit of a verbal tour of their menu and options, we both agreed to select gyros and fresh juice, as that was a “local favorite” at Dune. I had a nice time visiting with Peter over lunch. We sat outside on their front patio area dining and chit-chatting about a variety of different topics. Peter knows I am a blogger who focuses on the local SoCal scene and I could tell he was feeling proud of his community that day as he explained some of his favorite places in Atwater Village and Silverlake. Dune Restaurant was at the top of his list and after our lunch, I was converted to a believer! The food was fresh and flavorful and the portions were enormous. When we were finished I was stuffed! Interestingly enough, the conversation we had during our lunch was something that has impacted me to this day, and without him even realizing it, our impromptu dialogue over lunch was entirely in line with why I created LoSoCal to begin with over four years ago. You see, while we were eating, Peter shared a great deal about the cost of living in the Los Angeles area. He was extremely complimentary to the local businesses that he loved in his neighboring community, but there was an undertone of concern with what he shared that day over our lunch. He shared that he has a disability which prevents him from driving, and that he lived in one of the few remaining buildings that had rent control. He also explained that investors had just purchased his building and that he would have to move very soon. Our conversation over lunch was so moving as he was extremely concerned about where he was headed with his fixed income on disability. I really appreciated that he was so open and honest about this topic. The cost of living in Southern California is an extremely sensitive issue for many long-time locals. We chatted for a little while and then decided to walk to a farmers market across the street. Peter gave me a tour again of his favorite vendors and local farmers. I bought some fresh herbs and a few other things and then I mentioned that I wanted to check out a few vintage shops later that day. He was more than happy to offer a few local suggestions as we strolled around the farmers market. We had a really enjoyable time, and then we decided to head back to our neighborhood. I took my pup, Oskar, for a quick walk, changed into something a little bit dressier, and then went out again to explore some of the places that Peter had recommended. I wandered around the Hollywood area for a while and then stumbled upon this amazing flea market in the heart of Silverlake. I was definitely on the hunt for a unique local shop or market that day, but this went above and beyond my expectations. There were thousands of interesting pieces at this local market! Silverlake flea market is every Saturday from noon to 5pm and it is located on the playground of the Micheltorena St. Elementary school near West Sunset Boulevard and Golden Gate Avenue. It is very easy to find with lots of parking in the neighborhood and there is no entrance fee. Silverlake Flea MarketHere are a few pictures I took that afternoon at the Silverlake Flea Market and the picture I took of the Fallbrook avocados for sale that day (a shout out to my home base of North County San Diego). I have been to this market several times now and after every visit, I leave with a collection of goodies that are truly one of a kind. My first visit was after the heartfelt lunch I had with Peter, and that's probably why that was my favorite trip to this local market. After discussing how expensive it is to live and thrive in Southern California with Peter earlier that day over lunch, it was very poignant that I should choose to visit an affordable vintage flea market. That is what a great deal of locals in SoCal practice on a regular basis: living in style with a budget in mind. It goes with the territory here for most of the locals because everything costs more in Southern California. I was on a budget that day with what I could spend during my exploratory outing in Silverlake. This market was perfect! I bought a gorgeous leather belt, a dress, a candle, a book and scarf and I spent $48 dollars total. It was a good day with good finds. I did a bit more "solo wandering" around Sunset Boulevard and ended up stopping at another nearby farmers market, picked up some produce there too, and even saw a familiar stand selling avocados from a Fallbrook grower. Ha! What a small world...North San Diego County avocados are the best! I wasn't tired at all by this point. For some reason after shuffling through vintage books and vinyl records at the Silverlake Flea Market, I wanted to explore some live music next. And, so I did! I had no intention of heading home at this point. I was feeling very refreshed by the local people of Silverlake, and going home would have killed my energy buzz. The locals of Silverlake are very artistic and quirky. It was quite an experience to wander around on that beautiful Saturday meeting locals and asking them about where they shop and where they hang out for fun and entertainment. It was around 6:30 pm by the time I finished my local shopping for the day at the farmer’s market that was right next to the flea market. I stopped at a food truck in the farmer’s market just to be safe that I had something for dinner and then I was on my way again...this time to The Silverlake Lounge, which was not far away at all. I found out about the Lounge from a vendor at the Silverlake Flea Market and so my journey continued. Silverlake Loungephoto credit: Silverlake Lounge When I first found the Silverlake Lounge, I was surprised by how casual the ambiance was. It was a pleasant surprise! Take your favorite local dive bar and add an artsy stage with red satin curtains and “voila,” that is the Lounge in Silverlake. It reminded me of a bar you might even find in Downtown New York City because it was very nostalgic in style. There are quite a few details of the Silverlake Lounge that stand out where it is obvious that they are aiming for a vibe from another time. That is what I loved about it! Everyone was super friendly and mellow at this spot and that evening I met some very interesting and talented people who I still connect with to this day. I met a ton of local musicians at this venue and also connected with a few comedians and artists from other industries like make-up artistry and even chatted with a few local dancers. If you love the creative types of this world, then this place is for you! It was like a melting pot of creativity at the Silverlake Lounge. I have a tendency to make friends with local people of any community and honestly, it stems from a genuine curiosity about how locals of different communities choose to live their lifestyles. I have found that for some people their lifestyles are more about dining and shopping and for others it's all about the arts and entertainment. At this lounge, you'll definitely connect with people from the latter group. photo credit: The Silverlake Lounge They do such a variety of entertainment at the Lounge. I have seen quite a few performances at this musical venue anywhere from rock band shows to comedy nights to DJs... you name it! It is a cash only bar, so keep that in mind if you decide to check it out. That night I became friends with one of the promoters at Silverlake Lounge, and after I shared my blog with him and how I wanted to further explore that neighborhood, he was happy to recommend another popular, local bar, The Thirsty Crow. He even walked me to the bar himself and introduced me to a few of the regulars and bartenders! Talk about hospitality!!!! It was within walking distance from the Lounge, so after we said our farewells to the peeps at his spot, cruised over on foot down about a half a block away and across the street...suddenly there we were and I was meeting some of his neighborhood friends. That is how I love to do LoSoCal. The Thirsty Crowphoto credit: Danielle Bernabe As soon as we walked in the door at this bar, I knew it was a popular local spot for live music. There was a fabulous band playing. People were talking, laughing and dancing. It was a blast!!! The energy at this bar is outstanding. My new friend from the Lounge had to get back to work (bummer), but he left me in good hands and I ended up spending the rest of the evening there. I had great conversations with locals, danced, drank crafted cocktails that were delicious and divine and left that evening with about ten new friends! I always hear people say that Los Angeles folks can be a bit hard-edged... but I think it is more about where you go and what vibe resonates with you. If you are looking for a "scene," then I can't help you...BUT if you are down to meet cool and interesting people in L.A. then I recommend doing things on the local level. It's way more enjoyable and you'll meet the most interesting and authentic people that way. I always tell my friends if they are visiting the Sunset Boulevard area in Silverlake then they should eat lunch at a local restaurant like Dune, visit the Silverlake Flea Market, the farmers market that is nearby, The Silverlake Lounge and then finish off their journey at The Thirsty Crow to wrap it all up! That is a fun Saturday in my book, and I am speaking from experience. All you have to do is go out in a local area like Silverlake with an open mind seeking to connect with other people on a local level, and you're bound to find an adventure in the local neighborhoods of Los Angeles and SoCal. I had such a memorable time that day. It was because I connected with some very special people and I did it "LoSoCal Style" with a desire to connect, learn and explore an area outside of my comfort zone. I am so happy and proud to share that I have many stories just like this one, so stay tuned for part two! Let me know if there are any local spots that you love in Los Angeles. I love travelling there and I will definitely check out your recommendations. XO, Karen Vazquez Owner and Founder of LoSoCal By Chris Morrison, Guest Blogger for LoSoCal In the Roaring Twenties, the American government instituted the “Noble Experiment”. This was a 13-year ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcohol in the United States. During that time, certain members of American society decided that their government didn't know what was best for them and they had a sip or two anyway. Thus, the speakeasy was born. These backroom, rebellious hideaways were often sponsored by the mob and run by a clandestine system of passwords and hidden entrances. In 1931 the 21st amendment was passed, ending the noble experiment of prohibition. Speakeasies started to fade away as Americans could hit their favorite bars again. Some; however, remain. As to not break the rules, I won't be spilling the beans on how to get into any of these places. You will have to figure that out on your own ;) The Captain Charles KennethImage courtesy of The Capitan Charles Kenneth Built in 1887, the Captain Charles Kenneth has the distinction of being the only speakeasy on this list that was a real speakeasy and illegal gambling den back in the day. The owners have not done much to it since, so expect a fairly unassuming interior with rustic charm. Hidden under a major restaurant off of Carlsbad Village Drive, The Charles Kenneth serves a very tasty menu of very strong drinks. There is no beer or wine available, they keep it traditional by only serving Rspirits. Make sure you ask one of their dapper bouncers to give you the history of the building, it is fascinating to learn the stories. I also highly recommend that you ask the bartender to make you something that is not on the menu. Their house drinks are delicious, but the bartenders are so skilled that what they whip up is usually just as good if not better. 101 ProofImage courtesy of @101proofoceanside This spot is one of my favorite bars in all of North County. This very intimate speakeasy is hidden inside a restaurant off of the 101 in downtown Oceanside. The restaurant used to be a bank and the speakeasy has taken over the old bank vault. Running with the slogan “Plausible Deniability” this speakeasy has strong drinks, beer, and wine. They also offer a limited food menu from the restaurant that houses them. Every time I have been they are playing great Jazz music all night. The intimate nature of the bar means that the bartenders are extremely attentive and make sure your glass is never empty. Make sure you call for reservations, the small space means that they do fill up quickly. Raised by WolvesImage courtesy of @raisedbywolves This high-class speakeasy in La Jolla is a mix of a specialized bottle shop and bar with a hidden entrance that is straight out of Scooby Doo. If you are looking for a specialized cocktail bar with an excellent selection of top-shelf liquor that is hard to find elsewhere, Raised by Wolves is the spot for you. Like the other bars on this list, they serve an awesome selection of handcrafted specialty cocktails. Unlike the other bars on this list, you are encouraged to buy and take home a bottle of the liquor that you enjoyed in your drink. I highly recommend them for a fancy night out or if you are looking to impress someone with a secret door! Vin De SyrahImage Courtesy of @vindesyrah If you know me then you know that I love good wine. So when I heard that there was a wine bar hidden in the heart of downtown San Diego I had to go check it out! Vin De Syrah is like if Lewis Carroll's’ Alice designed an underground wine bar and nightclub. The entrance (near The Melting Pot in the Gaslamp) is difficult to find. One of my favorite parts of this bar is that once you finally figure out how to get in, you will find that there is a camera trained on the front door! Everyone at the bar has been watching you try to figure out where the entrance is as they enjoy their wine and cocktails. One of the best parts of drinking there is watching others try to discover the secret entrance. On the subject of drinks, Vin De Syrah, of course, offers a large selection of wine. They also offer craft cocktails as well as a large beer selection and a variety of small bites to eat. As a heads up; on most weekends they have live music after 10 and it can get busy and very loud. If you are looking for an eclectic escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown then Vin De Syrah is the perfect spot to have a glass of wine and watch people try to figure out a secret door. AuthorChris Morrison (pictured above on the right) owns Morrison Marketing Solutions, a local marketing company that he launched last year. He is a graduate of the University of California San Marcos with a degree in business and an emphasis on marketing. Chris is a SoCal native who enjoys writing about local San Diego musicians, beer, restaurants, and more. He loves exploring fun and unique spots in San Diego County! Reach out, say hi, and let him know about YOUR favorite spot in SD! |
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November 2019
Owner, Lead BloggerHello, my name is Karen Vazquez. I have lived in Southern California for over thirty years. I realized about four years ago that it was time for me to give back to this wonderful community by supporting local SoCal businesses, performers, restaurants, spas, boutiques, fitness studios, farmers markets and more. My support shines through here by highlighting these fabulous local SoCal spots. You can also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, PInterest and LinkedIn. I will be featuring many local destinations in the area that have been my personal favorites for years and am currently recruiting guest bloggers to expand the voice of LoSoCal. I have had guest bloggers in the past, but aim to incorporate local SoCal bloggers on a regular basis as a fun, creative and collaborative way to connect with the community here. Essentially, LoSoCal is a community blog, and it is meant to be resource to locals in this area and visitors from around the world. Please like or follow LoSoCal on the social media business pages and tell your contacts about the blog. Thanks for stopping by... ©️2020 LoSoCal and Local SoCal Lifestyle. All rights reserved.
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