Wednesday, April 29, 2015

National Poetry Month

Poetry 


And it was at that age...Poetry arrived
in search of me. I don't know, I don't know where
it came from, from winter or a river.
I don't know how or when,
no, they were not voices, they were not
words, nor silence,
but from a street I was summoned,
from the branches of night,
abruptly from the others,
among violent fires
or returning alone,
there I was without a face
and it touched me.


Pablo Neruda
(1904 - 1973)

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Sneaker Con Bay Area

Sneaker Con | May 2nd | Richmond, CA
Sneaker-heads get ready to go off. Sneaker Con is coming to the Bay Area on May 2nd. The Craneway Pavilion in Richmond will be the temporary home of the greatest sneaker show earth. Save your loot and prepare to see the kicks of your dreams. The event runs from 11am-6pm. You can get more information here.

Whether you're a hooper, runner, or just like mobbing in the latest and greatest, this event is sure to have the freshest selections. Had I not already copped a pair of the "Hare" Jordan 1, I'd be there. Enjoy. 

eightychoices.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

SF Oysterfest

Saturday-May 9th | Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park sets the table for the 16th annual San Francisco Oyster Festival. Treat yourself to the delicacies of the Pacific and Atlantic while enjoying the music of Thievery Corporation, Warren G., and Grand Master Flash. Cold beer, cooking demos, art exhibits, and an oyster eating contest are also going down. Get ready to shuck some shells on Saturday, May 9th. The event runs from 11am-6pm. Tickets are available here. See you at Sharon Meadow. Enjoy.

eightychoices.

Monday, April 20, 2015

National Poetry Month

Do Not Go Gentle into that Good Night


Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

...


Dylan Thomas
(1914 -1953)

Friday, April 17, 2015

Bon Iver goes Inside Out

Justin Vernon posted a video of this beautifully stripped-down cover of Spoon's "Inside Out," my favorite passage from last year's They Want My Soul. The eery minimalism of the outdoors, the lighting coupled with the lone tree, advances the mood and pushes the lyrics further into my doctrine. Pay attention to the wind playing its part—I can listen to this again and again.

Bon Iver | "Inside Out"



eightychoices.

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Boonville Beer Fest

Boonville Beer Festival | May 2nd

Bring your capes and remember to eat some food, trust me on this one. The 19th annual Boonville Beer Festival falls on May 2nd. Thematic apparel is so in right now, if you're inclined to such chicanery, then dress up as a super hero. Duff Man—please, anyone! Anderson Valley is one of the most amazing hideouts in all of Northern California, might as well drink amazing libations while enjoying eden. 

With well over 60 brewers and fermenters there's something for everyone. Some of the tasty draughts I'm looking forward to tasting are from Societe, Ballast Point, Green Flash, Golden Road, E.J. Fair, Coronado, Barrel House, and the ciders of 2 Rivers. Yes I realize Russian River is there too.

I suggest purchasing your tickets in advance at select locations or online. Definite carpool and remember to bring cash. For tickets and information click here. See you at The Legendary Boonville Beer Festival.

eightychoices.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

National Poetry Month


Almost Blue

Chet Baker, 1929-1988


It's so much better when you don't want:
nothing falls then, nothing lost

but sleep and who wanted that
in the pearl this suspended world is,

in the warm suspension and glaze
of this song everything stays up

almost forever in the long
glide sung into the vein,

one note held almost impossibly
almost blue and the lyric takes so long

to open,


My Alexandria : poems / by Mark Doty


Sunday, April 12, 2015

Record Store Day Reminder

Record Store Day | April 18th | 2015 | The Last Record Store
April 18th is Record Store Day—be there or be square. This year has plenty of treasures to seek. For the complete list click here

Hopefully X marks the spot and Neko Case's, Fox Confessor Brings the Flood, along with, Built to Spill's new album, Untethered Moon, will be added to my collection. The crown jewel this year is, Get Behind Me Satan, The White Stripes first commercial release for this album on wax. Your turn table is not dead. We'll see you at the Last Record Store

Happy hunting,
eightychoices.

Thursday, April 9, 2015

National Poetry Month

Harlem
[Dream Deferred]

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore—
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten Meat?
Or crust and sugar over 
like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

Langston Hughes
(1902-1967)



National Poetry Month

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

American Epic

American music is an art form, and perhaps, our greatest contribution to culture. Creativity has always been the most beautiful mark left on any era. A partnership between PBS and the BBC will spotlight the history of America's rich harmonic landscape. Producers of this three-part documentary have replicated the machinery used in the 1920's—the same equipment that captured the bedrock sounds that would later deliver us into rock n roll, pop, R&B, and hip hop. This project marks the first time in nearly 80 years that recording artists will have the opportunity to work with such primitive technologies. The list of contemporary musicians involved is staggering. Third Man Records is reportedly releasing a vinyl box set as well. Both the film and the music are set for release this fall. The teaser below is enough to pique my interest. Enjoy.

American Epic



eightychoices.

Monday, April 6, 2015

PUBlication: Grapefruit Sculpin

Ballast Point Brewing Co. | Grapefruit Sculpin | IPA
San Diego, aka San Dog, is a wonderful city with a long term weather forecast that makes the rest of the country jealous. By virtue of being so geographically blessed, the residents of San Dog brew some of the best beer in America. Ballast Point is a pillar among the plethora of top-notch breweries—go ahead and try to visit every brewpub within the city limits in a weekend, I dare you. 

One of their year round jewels is Sculpin, a five-stage hopped IPA that has won awards, and more importantly, inspires one to love craft beer. Rounding out at 7% ABV, this tasty adult beverage is worthy of inquiry. Ballast Point also brews a Grapefruit Sculpin, which quite frankly, is ridiculous. Grapefruit Sculpin is one of the best beers out of the bottle. The lush citrus communicates perfectly with the bouquet of hops. It's not too sweet, it's not to bitter, it's just perfect. There's also a Habanero Sculpin, for those that want some heat, it doubles as an amazing base for soups and chili's. I recommend having a supply of this fascinating ale.

Nice weather helps to conjure up the hankering for a good beer. I suggest Grapefruit Sculpin, maybe it will make its way into your fridge. Drink Responsibly. 

Cheers,

eightychoices.

Thursday, April 2, 2015

April Fool's Parade

April Fool's Day Parade | Occidental | April 4th
Occidental is a sleepy little town nestled amidst redwoods along the Bohemian Highway. This same idyllic hideaway also knows how to get funky. On Saturday, April 4th, the 10th annual April Fool's Day Parade takes place—a truly one-of-a-kind event. Get silly with a community that is both unique and artistic. Show up before noon and take part in the all-inclusive parade beginning at 1pm. There will be plenty of cold libations and tasty grilled food. Remember to act and dress like a fool, at least for one day. 

eightychoices.