It's June! Allow us to tune you in to some of the coolest shows and events happening around town this month featuring our Lady Brain members! 

​Every Sunday - Mary Bee's Finding Harmony
This travel docu-series follows singer and host Mary Bee on the adventure of a lifetime across Europe as she makes friends with and sings with artists in different countries. The series focuses on the love of music and friendships grown during collaboration. More info

Saturday, June 1 - Art Around Adams
Many of our members will be performing as a part of this two mile art and music walk throughout the communities of Normal Heights and Kensington. The free festival is scheduled from 12-8pm, with performances happening at various venues and stages. More info

​Saturday, June 8 - Steph Johnson and Voices of Our City Choir at Laurel House Concert Series
Join Steph Johnson, Voices of Our City Choir, and special guest Eve Selis from 7-10pm at this private concert series in Oceanside. $25 Tickets. More info

Thursday, June 20 - Lady Brain Presents at Fair Trade Decor
Our next community gathering is going to be one for the books! Karina Frost has curated an awesome lineup (Ren Daversa and The Wicked Cool, Calamity, Trish Naval, and The Banduvloons) for your listening pleasure. She has also dedicated 15% of the proceeds from the door to Madre Assunta shelter in Tijuana. The venue is a really cool boutique in Coronado that is keeping its doors open after hours to welcome us into their space. Your attendance supports local business, local artists, and most importantly, our sisters in need. More info

Find more info about these and other member happenings over at our Calendar page!

Thanks to all who came out to support last night's community gathering in Barrio Logan at La Galeria Michel featuring Corina Rose Collective, The Slow Kill, Gaby Aparicio, Becca Jay Band, and The Banduvloons. Special thanks to Corina for organizing the showcase and to all our volunteers/supporters for helping out!  If you want to learn more about our monthly gatherings, make sure to sign up for our mailing list! Make sure to mark your calendars for 6/20 at Fair Trade Decor in Coronado, as well as our first annual Lady Brain Fest on 7/7 at Heritage Ranch in Encinitas!

Good poetry doesn’t require that the reader understand the mechanics involved behind the careful creation of each stanza. Good poetry will trap you within the confines of a moment you never lived, but that comes alive inside you so much so that you can see, feel, smell and even taste it. It will teleport you to another time and place, where the painful anguish, joy, frustration, and ecstasy lifts off the page and becomes your momentary reality, each thoughtfully chosen word a vital breath, a palpable heartbeat. Lizzie Wann’s new collection of
poetry entitled The Hospice Bubble & Other Devastating Affirmations is a perfect example of this. The only difference is that Wann is not merely a “good” poet, she is an exceptional one.
 
Wann’s book is divided into five segments: The Hospice Bubble, Death, Depression, Writing and Love.

In The Hospice Bubble collection of poems, the reader is guided through a painful journey of the looming loss of a beloved father and the heartache and numbness hurricane that violently/gently swirls you toward the impending doom that awaits. We are flashbacked to the delicate memories of a little girl riding passenger side in her father’s 18-wheeler while Willie Nelson croons through the radio, “chocolate chip waffles for breakfast a noon on Sundays,” and the belly dipping excitement of being tossed in the air by strong endearing arms before the burden of sickness settled in to weaken the body. In tandem with the sadness, these joyful memories make the impending loss even more unbearable. Wann careens us through hospital bedsides, mortuaries, hospice care, the “lift team” and the unavoidable decline with blunt grace. ​

Tender moments of acceptance arise, such as in “Bequeathments,” where a father, perceptive to a tapered timeline, gathers his daughters to bequeath them his most treasured possessions. This moment, so precisely relatable to anyone who has lost a beloved in a similar long sick way, is mournfully sweet: 

one afternoon, as winter sunlight waned
Dad asked me to bring a box from his room
small tv tray in front of him
he slowly began relieving the box of its contents
rings, dog tags, a smaller box with papers
a couple bibles, ID cards
 
In the Depression segment, the pro-longed discontentment that settles like concrete spreading heavy gloom throughout the body manifests through pensive prose that ruminates like an empty echo through the soul. One example of this is the poem “Bone Song,” which quakes with deep, resonating pain:
 
there is an ache
somewhere near
bottom of my throat
base of the neck
that is a sad song
played outdoors
near water
 
there is a tremble
in my chest

that is the difference
between love
& lover
 
In Love, the reader is taken on roller coaster dips of longing, finding/loving, and the sting of unrequited affections.  “Sins and Miracles” spirals into the chaotically intoxicating grip of Las Vegas, while at the same time touching upon the lack of something expected that never came to be, the coming together of hearts and bodies:
 
I am wearing Las Vegas home
white cotton steeped in beer,
sweat, residue of bed sheets,
memories of cigarettes whose
ghostly smoke still found ways
into these fibers
that now surround
my own sins and miracles
 
it was in Las Vegas
where we finally did not touch,
exchanged no compliments,
did not accept our anger
or loneliness
 
Above is merely a small sampling of Lizzie Wann’s recent poetic masterpiece. Once you pull back the cover and delve gently into the first poem, you will find it difficult to lay to rest. It entangles you in a web of melancholy beauty warbled through elegiac rhythms and beats, dips and highs, loss and reckoning. It will consume you for a spell, and while captive within these poetic trammels, relish every moment of the high-voltage life it pumps through your veins. Although, as the title suggests, devastating pangs lay in wait throughout her prose, the true,
unrefined beauty of Lizzie Wann’s poetry is anodyne to the human soul.

Find The Hospice Bubble & Other Devastating Affirmations:
Puna Press

Thanks to everyone who came out to support Lady Brain Present's inaugural community gathering featuring music from Jean Mann and Lindsay White! It was a lovely day and we felt so lucky to share it with you. Our next community gathering takes place May 11 at La Galeria Michel, and will showcase music from Lady Brain members Corina Rose Collective, Gaby Aparicio trio, The Banduvloons, Becca Jay trio, and Lizabeth Yandel. More info/RSVP here..

Saturday, May 25 - Tori Roze and the Hot Mess at Riviera Supper Club
Head to La Mesa's Riviera Supper Club to enjoy dinner, drinks, and a free, all ages, full band show from Tori Roze and the Hot Mess, playing 9pm-12am.

This edition of Boss Ladies is brought to you by member Unison Colthurst, who reviews Ren Daversa's debut album Saltwater. 

In her debut solo album, Ren Daversa has unleashed a decade of songwriting craft and music studies into a refreshing musical getaway. With catchy melodies and playful guitar riffs, there is an undeniable buoyancy to Saltwater that will lift your mood with every track.

Currently Ren lives in San Diego, but she grew up on a small island on the East Coast. The ocean has always been a big part of her life, and with the first track, “Oceans of You,” Ren combines her love of the ocean with her love for singing and songwriting. This track greets the listener with waves of pop vocal harmonies that gently wash over the melody, achieving automatic earworm status.

Ren is no stranger to the recording studio, and even though she admits finding herself in complete control for the first time was both totally exciting and overwhelming, the finished product is well worth it. This project started out as a four song EP recorded at Grey Brick Recording Studio in Lemon Grove with engineer extraordinaire, Peter Duff, but it kept growing until a full album was born. Take the third track, “Cut and Dried.” Ren wrote this piece for a songwriting challenge. It was originally a simple acoustic song, but every time she played it, she heard it with a full band and strings. Once in the studio, she experimented with sounds and gave the song the breathing room it needed to change and morph. This song is now one that Ren is most proud of, and her best songwriting effort to date.

With the sixth track “Firelight,” Ren is able to transport us to the magical beach bonfire with her picturesque lyrics. She urges the listener to feel that magic through her descending counter melodies and layers of vocal harmonies, then artfully pulls back to just her voice with a beautiful stripped down finale. 

Rounding out the album, Ren finishes with a humorous self-portrait entitled “Type A,” featuring her signature peppermint vocals and catchy lyrics that you’ll be singing all day. (Once you get “Oceans of You” out of your head, that is). 

Ren shows no signs of slowing down. She is in the throws of promoting this album, playing with her band Wicked Cool, and currently working on a four-song EP set for release after the summer. “I am going for a more stripped down acoustic and vocal sound," she says. “But the one thing I have learned about recording is to stay open-minded and not get too attached to the parts. It is always important to have a game plan when you go into the studio to record, but I really try to just follow where the music leads me.”

Find Saltwater:
Spotify

Boss Ladies is back! Each article in this series is written by a member about a member. This week, Jules Stewart reviews Baggage Claim,  the latest release from Tori Roze and the Hot Mess. 

Here are some live, local happenings from Lady Brain members going on this April! We hope one of these listings will inspire you to be physically present for some soul-inspiring, heart-healing art and music!
​​
Saturday, April 13 - The Spiritual Motels on Fallbrook Live Lineup
The Spiritual Motels (Amy Day's duo project with songwriter Omar Musisko) will be performing a Fallbrook Live event at the Pala Mesa Resort on Saturday, April 13th. Other acts on the lineup include SDMA winner Casey Hensley, Julia Othmer, Nick Crook, and Grace & Jesse Batey. 

Saturday, April 13 and Thursday, April 18 - Tori Roze & Johnny Alexander at Bella Vista Caffe
Some more awesome duo action for your ear holes - catch Tori and Johnny not once, but twice this month at Bella Vista Caffe in La Jolla from 5:30-7:30pm.

Sunday, April 14 - Marlo Smith and Ren Diversa at Makers & Music Vintage and Handmade Faire
Hang out with Marlo Smith and Ren Diversa from 10am to 2pm on Sunday, April 14 at Heritage Ranch in Encinitas for the Makers & Music Vintage and Handmade Fair.  

Wednesday, April 17 - Lizzie Wann Poetry Book Release Party
San Diego poet Lizzie Wann will be releasing her latest published work “The Hospice Bubble & Other Devastating Affirmations" on Wednesday, April 17 at Whistle Stop in South Park. (Pre-order copies now!) The event will include readings from Wann, Judy Reeves, Julie Corrales, Sharon Elise, and Robt O'Sulliven, with musical guest Lindsay White (full band, including fellow Lady Brain member Jules Stewart on drums).

Friday, April 19 - Astra Kelly at The Rabbit Hole
This great venue in Normal Heights supports live, local artists with free nightly showcases - come out Friday, April 19 from 6-9pm to enjoy some tunes from Lady Brain member Astra Kelly.

Saturday, April 27 - Adams Avenue Unplugged in Normal Heights
You can watch several Lady Brain performers at this year's Adams Avenue Unplugged free musical walkabout. Make sure to catch:

12:00pm - Marie Haddad - Kensington Cafe
1:00pm - CalAmity (ft. Cathryn Beeks) - The Ould Sod 
1:00pm - The Banduvloons (ft. Karina Frost & Lillian Lefranc) - El Zarape
2:00pm - Rosa's Cantina (ft. Carissa Schroeder) - The Rabbit Hole
7:00pm - Dixie Maxwell (w/ Paige Miller on percussion) - Lestat's West
7:00pm - Corina Rose - AC Lounge
8:00pm - The Spiritual Motels (ft. Amy Day) - Polite Provisions

Saturday-Sunday, April 27 & 28 - Mission Federal Art Walk in Little Italy
Just like Adams Avenue Unplugged, this (also free!) April event in Little Italy features an amazing lineup of local creatives. While at Art Walk, don't forget to check out some of our Lady Brain members!

Saturday:
11:00am - Allegra Duchaine
​
Sunday: 
3:30pm - Marie Haddad - India & Fir St. (playing w/ band and special guests)
3:30pm - Jessica Lerner duo - Second Stage
5:00pm - Corina Rose - Cedar & India

​

Welcome to Boss Ladies, a blog series dedicated entirely toward featuring and promoting our talented Lady Brian Members and their creative work. Keeping with our mission of collaboration and service, each article in this series is written by a member about a member. We encourage you to discover and support not only the subject of each review, but also the writer! This week, Jules Stewart reviews Blue Space, the latest EP from Golden Howl (featuring Lady Brain members Marlo Smith and Rachel Riba).

​It’s often difficult to appreciate the depth of another person’s experience, to empathize with the extent of either their joy or sorrow. But Golden Howl’s latest EP Blue Space envelops listeners in a whirlwind of emotion, from awe to heartbreak, rolling out an invitation into the band’s heart. The second project from the band in the three years since they formed, Blue Space is a collection of richly-crafted soundscapes that raises an already high bar set by the band’s first EP, Mighty Mighty.

Blue Space starts triumphantly with “CO,” a song that pays just enough homage to the bluegrass and country music Colorado is known for with guitarist Dimitry Zingerman’s ascending riffs and thrumming low end from bassist Jeff Johnson. The band tips its hat to the wild west, never losing touch with the gilded layers of harmony and percussion that define the band’s sound. Horn swells provided by Andy “AG” Geib (Wise Monkey Orchestra, Slightly Stoopid) impart the elation that comes with discovering an unknown place with an expanding heart. When vocalist/guitar player Christopher Balcom admits “you left me thinking about a different life, far from the city lights,” it evokes the surprise of falling in love with a landscape and the compelling need to return felt even before leaving. 

Before the first words are heard, heartache is apparent in “Hold Tight.” Here, again, the lyrics and instrumentation communicate a single message, as the song gains solid footing only after vocalist and drummer Marlo Smith strongly ties hope to struggle with a convincing promise that “the cold is where you’ll find your soul.” The complex and soaring harmonies are at once stirring and melancholy, evoking a cathartic palette of sorrow, expectation, and optimism. The refrain “memories that we once had, they turn to sand” relay the almost universal pain of dissolution at the end of a relationship, but assurances of healing are so intertwined with adversity that the listener ends the song feeling restored and hopeful.

Rachel Riba’s percussion carries the momentum of “Waterfall” with a rhythmic nod to the flow of water in the band’s interpretation of a poem by Stephen O’Shea. The glassy, high-motion keys from Shannon O'Shea help create the glistening tapestry that turns the poem into an auditory monument. At the song’s peak, the band harnesses space and simplicity to ramp up the emotional impact to a level rarely achieved, particularly in a studio recording.

Throughout Blue Space Golden Howl imparts energy, authenticity, and emotion that refuse to be ignored. The brilliant musicality and production (by Jeff Berkeley of Berkley Sound) work in tandem with the lyrics to create a nearly endless array of points of connection and empathy from the listener. Blue Space sits comfortably as a spectacular second chapter in Golden Howl’s story. 

Find Blue Space:
iTunes - Amazon - Spotify

Meet the Writer: Jules Stewart
Our Lady Brain blog writers work on a volunteer basis in support of their fellow members. If you enjoyed this article, please consider making a small donation to Jules via Venmo, which will help support her creative endeavors.

Welcome to Boss Ladies, a blog series dedicated entirely toward featuring and promoting our talented Lady Brian Members and their creative work. Keeping with our mission of collaboration and service, each article in this series is written by a member about a member. We encourage you to discover and support not only the subject of each review, but also the writer! This week, Carissa Schroeder reviews “Want 2 Be,” a new single from HippiHollywood and Naiomi.  

The opening piano chords of “Want 2 Be” are wide and moody, producer HippiHollywood (Sterling Luna) utilizing the low end of the instrument to draw the ear, as he lays the foundation of the track. The beat gains definition as singer Naiomi’s voice layers in. She has a solid pop sensibility in her delivery – clean riffs, just enough vocal fry on the attack, and a hint of that vowel breaking thing that young artists do these days (Google search “Indie Pop Voice” if you’re not sure what I mean). While creating diphthongs where there are none is a hot topic in the vocal community, Naiomi’s approach is consistent with the genre and is a successful stylistic choice.

Lyrically, she makes great use of text painting during the classic EDM, build-up-until-the-beat-drops tableau, stating, “now I’ve got a moment to prepare for the ride.” With the full arrangement of the track underway, Naomi’s words are those of someone manifesting: “I’ll cause second glances” and “Find me, I’ll be dancing, right on time,” – words not of doubt, but of certainty, as though she can see into her future. There is definitely an upbeat and motivational quality about the song, that achieves Naiomi’s goal of inspiring people who are also “fighting for their truth.” 

My only wish is that the track was lengthier, so I could enjoy Naiomi’s confident lyricism atop HippiHollywood’s EDM beat. I am a barre instructor and I openly admit this genre is a guilty pleasure of mine. I love the way a few musical minutes can leave me feeling as though I’ve summited a mountain, danced a little victory dance at the top, then piloted a hang glider back down. I'm already looking forward to enjoying the sonic scenery with future collaborations from this duo.

Meet the Writer: Carissa Schroder
Our Lady Brain blog writers volunteer their time in support of their fellow members. If you enjoyed this article, please consider visiting the merch section of Carissa's band website to help support her creative endeavors!