The BESTY's 2018

Tis the season to be BESTY, the longest running snapshot of live entertain that's worth noting is back by lack of popular demand. I really dig thinking back on good times, lucky I guess. Participating in public settings and shared experiences can exhilarate. I've said many times that I want music to make me think, make me dance or inspire me. Witnessing art can often make you feel part of it; creative power has endurance. 

I'm surprised by artists that I'm familiar with who continue to impress, other times I realize I've moved on. Whereas artists or performances that are new-to-me have that unique, first opportunity to impress. I'm not sure which form of expectation is the tougher to fill. What I do know is, it's awesome to be wowed by anybody. So that's where I've come to reside in terms of opinion; I want to be impressed, wowed, inspired, allowed to feel free and dance uninhibited. To all the fun and culturally relevant events, thank you. The BESTY's are...

STS9 | 12.31.17 | The Warfield

Kimock & Mathis * | 02.03.18 | Sweetwater | A Love Supreme & Meditations

Built to Spill * | 02.20.18 | The Fillmore | Keep It Like A Secret | Noise Pop

Jeff Tweedy * | St. Paul & The Broken Bones | 04.21.18|  High Water | Charleston, SC

Valerie June * | Tank & The Bangas * | 04.22.18 | High Water | Charleston, SC

LCD Soundsystem * | TV on the Radio | 04.29.18 | The Greek

Kimock & Leslie Mendelson | 06.17.18 | The Reel | Sonoma

Rocket vs. Warriors | Game 4 Western Conference Finals  | 05.22.18 | Oracle 

Best Restaurant Meals of the Year: The Rarebit in Charleston | Little Jacks in Charleston | Red Fish in Port Orford (x2) | Diavola in Geyserville (x2)

Happy Holidays | eightychoices.

******

High Sierra

@eightychoices

The best kept secret of music festivals, not just in California, but perhaps the entire U.S. of A., is High Sierra. Hidden in the valley town of Quincy, this year's fest begins on Thursday, June 29th and runs through Sunday, July 2nd. There are a slough of ticket options, ranging from single day to four day, and late night shows that party into the morning sun. It truly is a gem. This year's lineup is heavy on the jam scene, as well as newer artists, whom tend to shine brightest within the friendly confines of the Plumas County fairgrounds. 

If I could only do one day, I'd definitely choose Thursday. Tank and the Bangas kick things off with an early set inside the vaudeville tent, followed later in the day by a diverse collection of acts such as, White Denim, Galactic, and headliner STS9; there's also a late night bender with Dopapod. In case you miss them, three of the aforementioned bands play again on Friday. Ween could be fun to catch Friday night and I'm a big fan of Andrew Bird who plays on Saturday. There are plenty of other bands and some fun things to do while in American Valley. I recommend taking a break to swim in one of the Forks of the Feather River. There are countless creeks that should be full with winter's thaw as well. The clarity of the Feather is legendary and life giving. The parade is a nice distraction too. Bikes are always useful if you have the extra space. Stay hydrated and enjoy a fun-filled summer.

eightychoices.