“Keeping it Local” with Andrew Rowley of 91x

When I was promoted to the title of Loudspeaker host a year and a half ago, my first goal was to produce local music showcases once a month. This may sound like a challenge to some, but it really isn’t because of the vast amount of amazing local talent right here in our hometown. It is important to have 91Xs foot planted heavily in the local music scene here for many reasons but mainly to help local music get into as many ears as possible. Loudspeaker shows have been produced all over town, everywhere from SOMA to the Belly Up, to Canes and U31. Our county is so big that we have to spread the love all over SD.

So that latest installment of the “Loudspeaker presents…” shows was absolutely one of my favorites. Happening last Wednesday night, June 17, at the always-awesome Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, this month’s show featured some of San Diego’s most entertaining bands. Syndicate was the night opener followed by Endoxi and then closing out the night was Social Green. Where do I begin to talk about this amazing night?

Well of course, my name being “rolls up late Rowley”, I show up about twenty minutes late, but it was pleasant because when I entered the building I was automatically greeted by the fast drumming and smooth bass lines of Syndicate flowing threw the venue. Stoked to see a good crowd also really set the night off right. Syndicate continued the rest of their set with tons of energy and sweat.

As Syndicate wrapped up their set and more and more people flowed into the Belly Up, Endoxi was set to take the stage. Before their set, I was back stage talking with Chris Wilson, guitar/vocalist of Endoxi. When he pulled out an electric drill with a guitar pick attached to the end of it, I was excited. After slugging down a couple beers, I worked up the courage to make a stage announcement to introduce Endoxi, and they brought a crowd! Right away they got everyone moving with their sax driven upbeat music.

It was cool to see everyone from the back corners of the Belly Up creep closer to the stage to get their party on. It definitely did not feel like a Wednesday night at the Belly Up. Weekend vibes were very present, but the night wasn’t over, as Social Green was next.

Social Green, hailing from the wooded terrain of Valley Center, brought an arsenal of energy along with their fun reggae/ska/rock mixture of jams. The large crowd remained at the Belly Up, re-filled on their adult beverage of choice and ready to check out one of San Diego’s most talented bands. They did not let anyone down, the whole gang left it all out on stage. So it was another great night for local music in San Diego.

Like I mentioned earlier, Loudspeaker does these local showcases every month. The next installment will be in a few weeks, Wednesday July 1 at U31 in North Park. Again, I am very proud of this line-up. From around Southern California, The Smart Brothers start off the night followed by one of my new favorite San Diego bands, WestFire. Then Bedford Grove, who are establishing themselves in the SD music scene very well, and then to wrap up the night, Syndicate! Two Loudspeaker shows in a row?

Yes. Why?

Because they are awesome!

So come on out to U31 to check out another great local showcase. Because we all know that supporting local music makes the world go around. Also, for more local San Diego music, join me as I host Loudspeaker every Sunday night from 8-10pm on 91X!