Me and my buddy took our wives to the Santana show and decided to walk Shoreline Boulevard because traffic was at a standstill. A cache of Google’s free bicycles was too tempting to pass up, so we went for it. One couple fussed over the seat height and was stopped by security while the other pedaled gaily toward the amphitheater. I couldn’t help but razz him when he caught up over the fact that a white guy had stolen a bike faster than a Mexican. “He thought you worked for Google,” he informed me. “Dude, you got profiled!” I said. So much for diversity in tech …
I Saw You is an anonymous “man on the street” column. Email your rants and raves about co-workers or any badly behaving citizens to [email protected], or send to 380 S. First St, San Jose, 95113. Submissions should stick to about 100 words.
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Matei Predescu on July 11, 2019
Odesza’s arrival at the newly renovated Frost Amphitheatre on Stanford’s campus will showcase the venue’s newly minted facilities and frame the duo’s versatile approach to electronic music. Their use of provocative samples and unconventional production combined with pop-influenced singer-songwriting elements blurs the boundaries between house, techno, electronica and indie rock. The Seattle-based outfit launched into the mainstream spotlight with the underground release of 2012’s Summer’s Gone, and with their 2014 sophomore effort, In Return, they became a household name, topping the Billboard charts and selling out concerts nationwide. Continue reading »
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Matei Predescu on July 11, 2019
This eclectic yearly music festival has its roots in the underground techno scene of the mid-’90s. Since its acquisition by LA production company Insomniac, Audiotistic Bay Area has become a staple of the West Coast festival circuit. From hip-hop to EDM to turntablism, Audiotistic curates a diverse palette of music from artists across the globe in one multi-stage concert experience. The weekend-spanning party is at Shoreline Amphitheatre and features a seriously stacked bill. Performers include Juice Wrld, T.I., Alison Wonderland and Tiësto. Continue reading »
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Erika Rasmussen on July 11, 2019
It’s not often that rewatching a sitcom seven times all the way through pays off, but this Saturday is one such occasion. Three rounds of 25 questions surrounding five of the nearest and dearest ’90s pals will test the public’s Friends literacy. What’s up with Phoebe’s mother? How many non-human creatures has Joey and Chandler’s apartment seen? Does anybody know what they are feeding the smelly cat? What is Ross’ problem? Perhaps one of the world’s most ancient questions will finally be solved: How the hell did they afford that apartment? Head to triviacrawl.com/sj for info. Continue reading »
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Matei Predescu on July 11, 2019
Even without the acclaimed biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, the music of Queen is strong enough to stand on its own. Through a combination of boundary-pushing production and raw talent, the British prog-pop-rockers filled arenas with adoring fans during their heyday. Original members Roger Taylor and Brian May continue to pack stadiums with the help of American Idol star Adam Lambert. Their 2019 world Rhapsody Tour promises an innovative set design with visual spectacles alongside their classic rock anthems. The SAP center will host Queen and Adam Lambert this Sunday as they carry on the iconic legacy of Freddie Mercury. Continue reading »
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Matei Predescu on July 11, 2019
Local guitarist and composer Mason Razavi looms large in the Bay Area jazz scene. His critically acclaimed albums and regular engagements with the San Jose Jazz Festival are a testament to his expertise and sensitivity as an artist. Razavi’s latest project, Quartet Plus, Vol. 2, highlights his creativity as a forward thinking musician and showcases his elegant and nuanced dedication to engaging musical storytelling. Original compositions on this album like “When the Ink Ran Dry” speak of a master who has carefully crafted his own voice. Razavi’s performance at the Art Boutiki will feature fellow local veteran, saxophonist Anton Schwartz. Continue reading »
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Nick Veronin on July 11, 2019
San Jose hard-blues heavyweights Zed are back with their third full-length effort, Volume. “This album is definitely next level for us,” says bassist Mark Aceves. The group’s new drummer—veteran Bay Area musician Sean Boyles—does more than hammer away on Zed’s latest LP; he helped with songwriting and arrangements as well, which not only helped with rhythmic energy but pushed the entire group to stretch into new territory. As with their past two albums, Zed tapped longtime producer Tim Narducci to coax the most brutal performances possible from the South Bay quartet. Volume officially drops Jul. 26, but will be available to fans at the Fox show. Continue reading »
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Matei Predescu on July 11, 2019
This Punjabi pop star made waves in the music industry earlier this year with “Slowly Slowly.” The cross-cultural hit featuring Pitbull became the most-viewed music video on Youtube in 24 hours. Also known for his 2017 hit, “Lahore,” Rhandawa writes catchy multilingual songs while fusing genres like Bhangra and Bollywood. Signed to the vastly popular Indian record label, T Series, Rhandawa has achieved international acclaim over the past few years, and has become the most viewed Indian singer on YouTube. Rhandawa kicks off his North American tour this week with a performance at the Civic Center. Continue reading »
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Matei Predescu on July 11, 2019
It’s been 40 years since legendary Bay Area punk pioneers Flipper kicked off their highly individualistic career—garnering praise from critics around the country and influencing future rock legends as diverse as Kurt Cobain, Moby and The Melvins. Veterans of the old school San Francisco rock scene, these post-punk trendsetters are celebrating their anniversary by hitting the road with The Jesus Lizard vocalist David Yow and bassist Rachel Thoele for a Northern California tour. San Jose punk icons Ribzy and Salinas punk band Infirmities share the bill for this show. Continue reading »
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Matei Predescu on July 11, 2019
Championing political activism and social justice through his verses, rapper, actor and philanthropist Common constantly adapts his artistic direction to reflect the changing world. Since his beginnings in Chicago—alongside veteran producer No I.D of Def Jam Records and GOOD Music—his frequent collaborations with icons like J. Dilla, Erykah Badu and Kanye West have placed Common at the center of forward-thinking hip hop across generations. His thought-provoking flow and the soulful influences of his recent projects have kept Common fresh and relevant in the landscape of contemporary hip-hop. Continue reading »
