Eddie Izzard: Live at Spreckel’s

Category: Live Performance
Type: Comedy
Venue: Spreckel’s Theater , San Diego CA

It’s been nearly a decade since I first became aware of British comedian Eddie Izzard. I recently had the opportunity to see him perform live in San Diego. Thanks to learning about the event after tickets were already on sale back in March, our seats were, as the phrase goes, nosebleed. Even with the seating and the fact that Spreckels is a rather oddly set up venue, the performance made for a great evening.

The routine ranged on topics all over the spectrum; from jazz chickens to Jesus’s alphabetical siblings, Noah’s Arc, novelties of the Stone Age and Barack Obama. Still sharp as ever, Mr. Izzard met my rather high expectations for the show, managing to throw in surprises along the way; including a discussion of the virtues of chicken, with live support on-stage from Wikipedia via a 3G phone.

Seeing the live show was a rather different experience from watching the DVDs, which is how I had seen Glorious, Unrepeatable, Definite Article, and of course, Dress to Kill. Hearing the warm up intro about your home town does give one a slightly giddy feeling in spite of yourself. All in all a great comedey show for folks who like to think, I left with sore sides, mentally overloaded, but very much entertained.

Rating: 8/10

Jen Grinnels

Category: Music, Live Performance
Genre: Folk Rock / Coffeehouse Pop / Singer-Songwriter
Venue: Lestat’s West, San Diego CA

I caught Jenn Grinels’ show on June 14th upon her return to San Diego after touring cross-country for the better part of a year. The evening’s ticket also featured Renata Youngblood with impressive guest Kim (sorry didn’t catch Kim’s last name), and Kelly McGrath.

I first saw Jenn perform about five years ago at the Blarney Stone Pub in south Clairemont, and quickly became a fan. Since that time she’s releases three cd’s (an untitled acoustic disc, a studio EP, and 2007’s “Little Words”) and gained a growing following culminating in the recent touring effort.

The majority of Jen’s set was from her most recent album, with a few wild cards in addition. Even given the mellower tone of the “little Words” material, Jenn puts on a spectacular show. The lyrics are clever and compelling, and impactful; in terms of range, control, and sheer vocal power Jenn is one of the most impressive singers I’ve encountered. Playing acoustic her voice is a powerful thing, playing amplified I’d classify as weapons-grade vocals.

Letstat’s West pretty much defines “intimate venue” with seating for perhaps fourty patrons (if you slip the fire marshal some cash). This is a great venue to see Jenn play, as her warmth and humor work well with a small crowd and make for an enjoyable evening indeed.

Rating: 8/10