Polica @ Cornerstone Brewery in Berkeley 4/21/2017

Needless to say, the music scene around San Francisco is especially great this time of year.  We get all of the Coachella run-off, one-off shows the weeks prior, in between and after the consecutive weekend music festival! Last week The Bay Area hosted DJ Shadow at The Regency Ballroom, three nights of The XX at The Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, two nights of Radio Head at The Greek Theater in Berkeley, Gucci Mane at The Warfield, three nights of Whitney at The Independent, BANKS with Raury at The Warfield and New Order at The Greek Theater in Berkeley!

After opening for the new-wave legends at the beautiful outdoor arena perched on the UC Berkeley campus, Polica headlined a special late show a few blocks away at the new Cornerstone Brewery!

One of the last times, if not the last time the Minnesotans were here they literally played in the Bay at  The Treasure Island Music Festival in 2014. It had been three years before we heard anything new after Shulamith and with the release of their 3rd album, United Crushers last March, the return of Polica couldn't come sooner!

Polica @ Cornerstone Brewery 4/21/2017
photo by Marc Fong 

The East Bay's newest music venue  is also the most exciting new craft beer garden! Offering 42  handcrafted beers, a rustic comfort food menu and a cozy 500 capacity music venue complete with a spiffy new JBL sound and lighting system and a VIP mezzanine. Cornerstone Brewery is already one of a kind and has  set itself up for huge success!

Polica @ Cornerstone Brewery 4/21/2017
photo by Marc Fong 

 From the entrance on Shattuck, I made my way through the brewery around 11:30 and it was bustling with thirsty Millienials who seemed oblivious that a band was playing. The music venue has it's own entrance, where the box office/will-call window is but with no marquee (yet) it's easy to miss. The staff was very accommodating though; they welcomed me in and showed me where to pick up my tickets.






The stage is housed in huge a room with a bar that runs along the back wall and it's actually pretty secluded from the brewery. Except for the adjoining bathrooms, it's practically a separate establishment. With no house lights, it stayed dark as night club and with no dimming needed, Polica quietly appeared just before midnight.

Polica @ Cornerstone Brewery in Berkeley 4/21/2017
photo by Marc Fong

They opened with "Wandering Star" off their first album to some polite cheers. As a whole the band was rather subdued as if they had used all of their energy at The Greek. In a buttoned up jean jacket, front woman Channy was more reserved than I remembered: stationed close to her synthesizers or behind her mic for the most part. She kept motioning for the sound engineer to adjust her monitors but their hauntingly romantic, synth-indie pop sounded smooth to me. They opened with "Wandering Star" off their first album to some polite cheers. As a whole the band was rather subdued as if they had used all of their energy at The Greek. In a buttoned up jean jacket, front woman Channy was more reserved than I remembered: stationed close to her synthesizers or behind her mic for the most part. She kept motioning for the sound engineer to adjust her monitors but their hauntingly romantic, synth-indie pop sounded smooth to me. 

Polica @ Cornerstone Brewery 4/21/2017
photo by Marc Fong

The atmosphere was displaced, guided by conversations carrying on at the bar and fans who were watching Polica did just that in a transfixed state. Bouts of heckling from the crowd only fed the feeling of discontentment coming from the stage.
 Channy's slow-tempo singing is stylistic and focused, adding that much more to their ominous vibe. The general misanthropy buried within lyrics of many of their songs throughout their catalog is carried by her powerful vocals. Pessimism aside, Polica's sound is lightened by bouncy, pixelated harmonies of faint guitar and dominant synth hooks. Dark and introspective, the restless disposition of their special late show was a cool way to start a Saturday well before the break of day.

Polica @ Cornerstone Brewery 4/21/2017
photo by Marc Fong 

The flow of tracks from all three albums was a steady one making for a solid set for what was the second show at the new venue! Follow Cornerstone Brewery on Facebook to keep track of what bands they have lined up!

SET-LIST 4/21/2017

1. Wandering Star
2. Lime Habit
3. Wedding
4. Trippin
5. Lately
6. Fly
7. Lose You
8. Fake Like
9. Warrior Lord
10. Lay Your Cards Out
11. So Leave
12. Very Cruel
13. Leading To Death 

Moonalice @ Slim's 4/20/2017

Ensemble jam-band Moonalice returned to Slim's on Thursday April 20th with their friends The Doobie Decible System for their annual 420 show!

Hosted by Wavy Gravy, the 420 Gathering of the Tribe event drew hippies of all ages from different eras and the celebration got underway at 7:20 with The Doobie Decible System. Dead Heads, Phish, Further and psychedelic rock fans alike milled about in peaceful harmony. It was nice to see a different scene in the basement like setting at Slim's which usually hosts punk rock, hard rock, metal bands.

Wavy Gravy/ Moonalice @ Slim's 4/20/2017
Photo by Marc Fong 

A friend joined the iconic Wavy Gravy on stage between bands: they told stories from drug induced Woodstock and Summer of Love days and they picked some prize winners for the raffle that was benefiting their fellow musician, Dave Hunter's battle with brain cancer.






The four members of Moonalice were accompanied by female singer/guitarist Katie and Jason Crosby jumped on keys for "High Five", "Summertime Blues" and "Keep On Growing'".  Heavily guitar driven with Barry Sless on lead, they all seemed relaxed and really into it as they jammed on. Bright, colorful, tie-die visuals behind the band highly accentuated their groovy vibe.

Moonalice @ Slim's 4/20/2017
Photo by Marc Fong 

Moonalice @ Slim's 4/20/2017
Photo by Marc Fong 

The show was dedicated to the memory of Pizza John Smaron, one of the earliest and most loyal members of the Tribe. There was a laid-back vibe throughout the venue as showers swayed, eyes closed to the psychedelic sounds.

Moonalice @ Slim's 4/20/2017
Photo by Marc Fong

At the end of the night, everyone who gathered at Slim's got a set of 19 posters designed by Moonalice artists for the 420 show specifically. You're lucky to get one show poster at certain venues here in San Francisco on your way out of a show, so 19 posters is an awesome send off!

Moonalice @ Slim's 4/20/2017
Photo by Marc Fong

Moonalice @ Slim's 4/20/2017
Photo by Marc Fong

Moonalice's Gathering of the Tribe was a very fitting way to celebrate 420 2017! 

Dahlia Bakery in Seattle

I had never heard of Dahlia Bakery when I visited Seattle earlier this month but as I walked from Pike Place to the Space Needle across town, my path crossed the cute little store front. My Aunt Molly whom I love dearly, loves Dahlias and being fond of the big, colorful blooms myself,  I felt I had to see what this bakery was all about. I was on vacation after all, so why not treat myself to an afternoon delight. 

Dahlia Bakery in Seattle
photo by Nikki DeMartini

To say that the Dahlia Bakery is small is an understatement, it's tiny! There's just enough room to walk in and look at the wall and counter full of delectable selections. And I do mean full! Once you step foot inside Dahlia Bakery you're completely surrounded by cookies, cakes, pies, tarts and bread practically from floor to ceiling!  The lady behind the counter was super helpful, offering lots of recommendations of her favorites, customer favorites and popular choices based on what your sweet tooth is in the mood for (i.e: chocolate or otherwise). 

There wasn't any cupcakes but when I walked in I noticed that the sandwich board sign outside boasted of their famous  Triple Coconut Cream Pie and to my delight it's also offered bite sized! A miniature pie is almost like a cupcake, especially a miniature Cream Pie. Plus it's what the Dahlia Bakery is known for, so a bite sized Triple Coconut  Cream Pie it was!

Dahlia Bakery's Triple Coconut Cream Pie Bite
photo by Nikki DeMartini

 All of the artisan breads, handmade pastries and cakes are made fresh daily in small batches. $2.50 is a bit pricey for such a little treat but I figured it had to be worth it! Big flakes of dried coconut are sprinkled over the mountain of fresh whipped cream. Fluffy and not overloaded with sugar, the whipped cream melts in your mouth without leaving a filmy residue on the top of your mouth.  Hiding underneath is the plump dollop of the world famous triple coconut cream cradled in the buttery, light pie crust. Cool and super creamy, the coconut flavor isn't overwhelming or underwhelming, it's just right. I finished my bite sized Triple Coconut Cream Pie in two bites because I was trying to savor the moment but it's name is definitely true to it's size. It was creamy but not rich or heavy. It was the perfect Seattle treat to eat en route to my next tourist attraction. I'm so happy I happened to find Tom Douglas' Dahlia Bakery and their world famous Triple Coconut Cream Pie!

Dahlia Bakery's Triple Coconut Cream Pie Bite
photo by Nikki DeMartini

Crystal Fighters @ MEZZANINE 3/27/2017

Crystal Fighters @ MEZZANINE 3/27/2017
Photo by Marc Fong

Upon the release of the music video for one of their newest songs, "Lay Low"on February 6th Crystal Fighters announced they'd be going on tour in Spring 2017!

Following the October 21st, 2016 release of their third studio album, Everything Is My Family their North America tour hit big cities of New York , L.A, Chicago,  D.C, Boston and kicked things off at Mezzanine in SF on March 27th!

Everything Is My Family
album cover art 

Sebastian, Gilbert and Graham were joined by two female counterparts Ellie and Louise and the five hit the stage with a vibrant flare! The band's colorful attire, which included different head dresses on the guys and almost identical fits on the ladies, were a match to their colorful tunes. 

Originally from Navarre, Spain Crystal Fighters' sound stays true to their roots with Basque instruments like the txalaparta beautifully outshines the minimalistic use of synthesizers. Intriguingly, when they all sing together, it's more like synchronized singing rather than the usual harmonizing.
Each voice distinctly it's own with Se "bast"ian Pringle leading the pack on vocals.
Ellie and Louise were given the lead vocals spotlight on some songs as well. When they did harmonize, their voices blended just as sweet as when they sang in unison.

Crystal Fighters @ MEZZANINE 3/27/2017
photo by Marc Fong

They emitted a sense of gratitude as they played: thankful to be there, thankful to be with friends, thankful to be playing their music, thankful for everyone who was at their show. It wasn't anything any of them said out loud, it was something you felt. Like the way their rural indeginous indie makes you move without noticing that you are. It was a happy, freeing feeling.

Crystal Fighters @ MEZZANINE 3/27/2017
photo by Marc Fong

The second song of the set, "Yellow Sun" (also the second song off the new album) was the brightest part of the night in my eyes. It's jangly melodies, layered vocals and charismatic chorus are hootenanny-esque, especially live. I saw the Mezzanine come to life in a euphoric way like I've never seen. Crystal Fighters lifted spirits high and they didn't come down from that point on.

Crystal Fighters @ MEZZANINE 3/27/2017
photo by Marc Fong

Crystal Fighters @ MEZZANINE 3/27/2017
photo by Marc Fong

Their set-list that night was a menagerie of their diverse works from their growing, three album collection. Proclaimed by Bast as "more tropical, more rave, more sunshine, more pretty much everything" their latest efforts are all that and added more energy to the show than their older songs did.

Crystal Fighters @ MEZZANINE 3/27/2017
photo by Marc Fong

This gang of down to earth guys and gals just wrapped up their nine stop North American tour April 7th at The Black cat in Washington, DC. As they continue to gain international attention, hopefully they'll have a longer run next time they play in the states!

Crystal Fighters @ MEZZANINE 3/27/2017
photo by Marc Fong

set-list 3/27/2017
1. Follow 
2. Yellow Sun
3. LA Calling 
4. In Your Arms 
5. Love Is All I Got 
6. All Night 
7. I Love London
8. I do This Every Day 
9. Ways I Can't Tell 
10. Everything Is My Family 
11. Lay Low
12. Bridge Of Bones
13. Good Girls 
14. Love Natural 
15. At Home 
16. You & I 

encore
17. Xtatic Truth 
18. Plage