The BEST Fish Tacos I've EVER had!!!

I have lived in San Diego since 1992, and in my 20 years of living here I have eaten at MANY a taco shop. After all taco shops are what San Diego is probably best known for when it comes to late night food. You can ask people that have lived here and moved away what the one fast food place that they miss the most and the first food stop they make when they come back is, and people will almost always say something with a "BERTO'S" on the end of it. That being said....you DEFINITELY have your good and bad taco shops.

CRITERIA FOR A GOOD TACO SHOP:

1. Your carne asada has to be on point (flavorful, tender pieces of beef, not overcooked,...JUST RIGHT), that shouldn't be too hard right?

2. If your carnitas are the first thing I get when I come to your place and they are not up to snuff. I WILL NEVER COME BACK!!! They need to be that perfect mix of greasy but not too greasy, melt in your mouth tender but not mushy (that being said some crunchy bits here and there are appreciated), and seasoned enough to taste but not enough to overpower the flavor of the pork.

3. Get your rice right! I hate it when I go to a place and get a combo meal and the rice is bland, CRUNCHY, and boring. By boring I mean the rice looks like just some plain white rice that has been lightly colored. You don't have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to Spanish rice, just call up your abuelita (grandma for my ethnically challenged friends) and have her teach you how to make it.....AND PAY ATTENTION!!!!

4. Have a great salsa! Some of the best places I've been to have that salsa station in them and offer the full range of them at the drive-through. Red, green, chipotle, etc. The more the merrier!

5. Don't use fish sticks in your fish tacos!!!! That is blasphemy! A good fish taco is made from actual fish not the processed, frozen crap from the stores. Those are fine for kids when you are in a pinch, but NEVER at a RESPECTABLE taco shop! BY THE WAY RUBIO'S IS NOT A RESPECTABLE TACO SHOP!!!!

Let's go back and revisit #5....

Fish tacos are an art form that many try but few can master! I believe the guys over at Casanova Fish Tacos have done just that! I first came across these guys at a food truck meet up and kind of snubbed them because they didn't have a truck ....STUPID ME JUDGING ON APPEARANCE!! They later hit me up on twitter and asked me to come back to TASTY TRUCK TUESDAYS to try them out. So in the interest of good fish tacos and hungry stomachs everywhere I went down to give them a shot. I was so surprised at just how amazing these guys are!!!

I told my man Hector (Casanova himself) to make me something that best describes their menu, and he hooked me up! I got their original "BAJA STYLE" fish taco which consist of crispy battered whitefish, fresh shredded cabbage and their secret white or chipotle sauce (I got the white sauce). Every bite blew my mind. Their crisp clean flavors shown through so well that I had a hard time ordering a different taco because it was soooooo amazing. I did however get their *Award Winning* Grilled Chipotle Fish Taco that is made with chipotle marinated grilled whitefish that was so flaky and tasted so fresh you could almost swear they caught it right in front of you, shredded cabbage and secret white or chipotle sauce (this time I opted for the chipotle to go along with the theme). This was another amazing choice.


I topped them both with their amazing salsa which is by no means for those of you that can't handle heat. It was spicy blend of tomatillo, habanero and OH MY GOD that had me sweating in the cold evening air. So as you can tell they already met up with two of my criteria above. I was especially pleased with the fact that they made very traditional fish tacos. There was none of this nonsense about putting cheese of any kind on them and while they were traditional they weren't boring. They kept all their flavors clean and not overpowered by any one component. While doing that they also managed to make each taste better than the next as you got every component in each bite. I also loved how nothing got soggy, which is a plus considering I ordered everything to go. I hate when a taco turns to mush and loses all texture by the time you get home.... I'M TALKING TO YOU RUBIOS!!!! Everything was still crunchy and wonderful by the time I made it home that evening to eat like a slovenly pig in the comfort of my own home.

Now, as I said these guys had no food truck at the time that I met them so I bet that you can all imagine just how GREAT they are to be invited to TASTY TRUCK TUESDAYS (one of the best meet ups in SD). These guys can even be purchased for the evening....that sounded bad. What I mean is they cater events so the next time I have a function I will be seriously considering them for some great food! If you want to get a hold of these masterminds you can do it by clicking here and submitting questions about pricing and arrangements to them.

I want you all to do me a favor and follow these guys on all your social networks..... and in your cars if you are in San Diego....your tummy will thank me for the info. Find them on Twitter, Facebook, and Yelp (leave a good review because they deserve it!!!!). You can email Hector directly by clicking here or you can call for inquiries at 619.822.8310........DO IT NOW!!!!

 These guys are going to take the taco scene by storm and should not be overlooked...especially by a smug blogger and part time foodie like myself....seriously I'm sorry that I did that.....I know better now....PLEASE FORGIVE ME HECTOR!!!! LOL!!! Anyway I want to give these guys my personal stamp of approval and say a personal THANK YOU for making me a fish taco guy again!!!

Until next time.....

Editor in Chief of The Penguin Gazette,
Rudy

Now Playing... Septymber

In this day and age of "cookie cutter" one-dimensional musicians it's nice to come across one that is genuinely unique. Septymber is an "up and coming" artist out of the Atlanta area, and has a sound that very few can harness. She mixes R&B and Hip Hop together and adds some clever lyrics to create a sound that will not only be a hit in the clubs, but will make even lyrically involved listeners satisfied. Myself, being a music snob of sorts, found her single "Musiq" to be particularly interesting. I have had the infectious tune stuck in my head for a few days now. Her voice has a ringing power that can be compared to some of the greater soul singers of music's past as well as rival today's vocal icons. Combine that with the fact that she has a flow that mixes old school Hip-Hop with the new, and you've got yourself a monster on the mic. 

Here she is performing her hit single "Musiq" live at the Sweet Auburn Festival in Atlanta, GA. The song is a love letter of sorts to music written with a maturity that far exceeds her years. Check it out!

I recently got the opportunity to interview Septymber after listening to her single and found out that she is a very interesting young lady that I am sure will take the music world by storm. Get a small glimpse into the head of Septymber.

1. When did you fall in love with music?

The day that I fell in love with music was also the day I realized that

music was already in love with me. Poetry, my first love, introduced me to

music, with a hello and a handshake, the first time I wrote my own song,

entitled The Eighth.

2. How did you get your start?

I started on foot, (with my voice in my pocket and my mother on my side)

downtown Atlanta Georgia, hopping from concert to concert, searching for

managers, A&R's or music moguls to sing for (in the middle of the street if

needed) in order to prove myself; to prove that I was Atlanta's next Star.

After nearly 2 years of grinding, I landed in the office of Doc

Holiday, who eventually got me signed to Stage Frite Music Group.

3. What was your first performance like?

My very first performance was an internal nightmare but reality's dream. I

was flushed with fever and the flu, suffering from the shivers, but I

pulled it off after much prayer and lots of crowd participation. I was

forced to morph into another character for a 7 minute show, and was rushed

to the emergency room minutes after. Overall, it was my best show yet!

4. Who would you compare your sound to?

I would compare my sound to the late Amy Winehouse with a hint of Nina

Simone.

5. Who would you most like to work with in the future?

I would be honored to work with Ms. Lauryn Hill.

6. Who are your musical inspirations?

My musical inspirations vary from greats like Adele and Kendrick Lamar to

Erykah Badu and Janelle Monae.

7. How did you come up with the concept for you single "MuZiQ"?

Ironically, I was asleep when I wrote my single "MuZiQ". As crazy as it

sounds, I literally dreamed about being in love with my one and only love,

Music. Once I woke up, the lyrics of the songs spilled from my pen like a

waterfall of words.

8. Who did you work with to make your single possible?

 Alongside producer, Jvon on the beat, we mixed a bit of songwriting

skills, a pinch of magic, a spoonful of engineering expertise and an ounce

of hardwork and passion in a big black pot and "MuZiQ" was born.

9. Are there plans in the near future for a full length album?

Yes, Of course! We plan to drop the album in September of 2013.

10. Lastly, when can people expect to see you on the West-Coast?

This ATL-ien can't wait to visit the West Coast to get a taste of the

culture, music and environment. As long as the invitation is open, I'll be

on the next flight out as soon as I can!

Septymber is definitely one to look out for as the years (and hopefully albums) go by and I hope she keeps me in the loop with updates about her full length album next year. I will be keeping my ear to the ground listening for the "MUSIQ"! Make sure that if you like her you follow this COOLBIRD on twitter here @Septymber and check out her YouTube too for music videos and special messages!


*To find out even more about Septymber, check out her bio! 
*Book Septymber here!


Well, I hope this has been as fun for you as it has been for me and until next time....

Editor in Chief of The Penguin Gazette,
Rudy

52 Songs in 52 Weeks

Hey everyone this is it, your last chance to help Ernie Halter achieve his goal of bringing you AMAZING music! As of right now (3:01 a.m.) you only have about 37 hours to contribute to one of the more ambitious music Kickstarters out there. 52 songs in 52 weeks or the "52 Songs Club" means that for contributions as low as 1 dollar Ernie will make you part of the magic and even include YOU in a "Thank You" song! Cool huh?

As the title states, Ernie will be writing 1 song a week for 52 weeks (see what I mean by ambitious?) and for 52 bucks he will be emailing them directly to you for your listening pleasure. After listening to the last album "Franklin & Vermont" so much that I wore out the CD, I jumped on the opportunity to shell out some cash for the chance to get NEW music every week for the next YEAR! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! THAT ROCKS!!!

Here is a sneak peak of some of the new songs that you might receive...

Here and Gone

Brave Enough to Love

In July

Radio

*Pretty good huh?*

If you need a little more incentive here's the breakdown of all the perks you'll get for donations as low as 100 pennies (that is a buck for my math challenged friends).




 Pledge $1 or more
18 backers
{YOUR NAME IN A SONG} --- YOU (yes you!) immortalized forever in a thank you song! I will be writing a song using the names of all my backers, to be released via YouTube. ("What rhymes with Zuriani Marakarpeshkia...?")
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012

Pledge $5 or more
 29 backers
{UNRELEASED MUSIC] 3 never before released songs, emailed in MP3 format! PLUS, your name in a song!
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012

Pledge $10 or more
 34 backers
{TWITTER SHOUT OUT} --- Will be thanking YOU across the twitterverse with an @mention, visible by over HALF A MILLION people! Whhhat? Including some very notable followers. PLUS, unreleased tracks. and your name in a song!
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012

Pledge $25 or more
 15 backers
{VIDEO SHOUT OUT} --- A personalized short video of myself in any one of a multitude of locations (most likely my house, or Cracker Barrel) where I'll say WHATEVER you want. I mean ANYTHING. Try me. PLUS a twitter shout out, unreleased tracks, and your name in a song!
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012

Pledge $40 or more
 2 backers
{PERSONAL PHONE CALL} --- Give me a time and a date and I'll ring you up or anyone you want for a brief but meaningful phone convo. I'll sing Happy Birthday, answer a question about life or the universe, give you some amazing travel tips, etc! PLUS, a twitter shout out, unreleased tracks, and your name in a song!
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012

Pledge $52 or more
 181 backers
[52 ORIGINAL SONGS] --- You are IN! You get a BRAND NEW song mp3 per week delivered by email every Thursday starting Nov 1). That's just $1 PER SONG. Will include a little note telling you something about how, where, or why that song was born. ("They grow up so fast!"). PLUS, personal phone call or video, twitter shout out, unreleased music, and your name in a song! AHHH THIS IS SO EXCITING!!!!
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012

Pledge $75 or more
 79 backers
{SIGNED CD WITH HANDWRITTEN JACKET} --- CD of the 12 best songs (voted by backers and by me). CD will be SIGNED, and will include HANDWRITTEN track list and cover art! Pow pow! PLUS, 52 new songs, personal phone call or video, twitter shout out, unreleased music, and your name in a song!
Estimated delivery: Dec 2013

Pledge $90 or more
 17 backers
{CUSTOM RINGTONE SONG} --- A personalized ringtone (5-10 seconds) of me singing your name and whatever rhymes with your name! I can't promise it will be the next Bohemian Rhapsody, but it will be uniquely yours. PLUS, 52 new songs, personal phone call or video, twitter shout out, unreleased music, and your name in a song!
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013

Pledge $125 or more
 7 backers
{JOIN ME ON STAGE!} - I'll invite you to join me on stage to sing a tune! Preferably a song of mine, or one that I might already know : ]. Or I'll put a chair on stage and sing right to you. Like uncomfortably close even. Perfect for someone you're trying to embarrass. I'm open to ideas. Will be trying to keep this limited to 2 per show, so first come first serve! Plus you'll be on the guest list for that night's show along with 1 guest. PLUS, the 52 new songs, the handwritten CD, personal phone call or video, twitter shout out, unreleased music, and your name in a song!
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013

Pledge $150 or more
 7 backers
{SKYPE MUSIC LESSON} --- 45 minute music lesson via Skype. You could also use the time for your very own concert, or just shoot the breeze, talk about whatever. ("You like internet videos of cats? ME TOO!"). PLUS, 52 new songs, twitter shout out, unreleased music, and your name in a song!
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013

Pledge $250 or more
 7 backers
{BACKSTAGE PASSES/PRE-SHOW DINNER} --- Hang out with me for an evening! VIP tickets to any show of your choice, backstage access, soundcheck, setlist written by you, shout-out from stage, and pre-show dinner with me for you and a guest. We'll pick a cool local spot and dinner is on me! PLUS, 52 new songs, twitter shout out, unreleased music, and your name in a song! [In the event of multiple pledges for the same city, you have the choice between combining your reward with another backer, or waiting for another show in the area]
Estimated delivery: May 2013

Pledge $500 or more
 4 backers  Limited (16 of 20 left)
{CUSTOM SONG INSPIRED BY YOU} --- That's right! 30 minute Skype or phone conversation where I ask you questions about your life, and use it as inspiration for a new song. (FINE PRINT: I reserve the right to use *some* creative licence, and you release ownership or rights to the song in any way.) The song will be recorded with vocals/guitar in my home studio and mailed to you in a custom CD jacket with a handwritten dedication from me. PLUS, 52 new songs, twitter shout out, unreleased music, and your name in the thank you song!
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013

Pledge $750 or more
 3 backers
{PRIVATE HOUSE CONCERT} --- I will travel anywhere in the WORLD to play a private concert for you and your guests. [NOTE: If farther than a 600 miles radius of Nashville Tennessee, you cover airfare and hotel]. I hang out for the evening, take requests, tell some bad jokes probably, lots more requests, and maybe even write a spontaneous song. As a fun party trick, I'll memorize the name of every single guest. PLUS, 52 new songs, personal phone call or video, twitter shout out, unreleased music, and your name in a song!
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013

Pledge $1,100 or more
 0 backers
{SIGNED GUITAR AND SKYPE LESSON} --- A brand new beautiful mahogany Baby Taylor 3/4 guitar. Signed with a personalized dedication from me. Small enough to fit in an overhead bin but with a rich sound that Taylor is known for. I own one and love it! Includes a 30 minute Skype guitar lesson. PLUS, 52 new songs, twitter shout out, unreleased music, and your name in a song!
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013

Pledge $1,500 or more
 0 backers
{CUSTOM WEDDING SONG - IN PERSON} --- Phone call or Skype session to ask questions about you and your fiancé. Then I write a custom wedding song for you AND travel anywhere in the world to perform it LIVE on your wedding day. Powder blue tux optional. (You cover travel costs if farther than 600 mile radius of Nashville, Tennessee).
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013

Pledge $2,500 or more
 0 backers  Limited (5 of 5 left)
{YOUR OWN STUDIO SESSION - 1 SONG DEMO} -- I write a custom song for you, and spend a day recording YOU singing the song in my home studio. If your singing voice isn't the best, I've got a few tricks to help you sound as good as possible! You cover travel and hotel to Nashville, TN. Final product will be delivered as a CD in a custom jacket with a handwritten dedication. PLUS, 52 new songs, twitter shout out, unreleased music, and your name in a song!
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013

Pledge $6,500 or more
 0 backers  Limited (5 of 5 left)
{YOUR OWN STUDIO SESSION - 3 SONG DEMO} -- Same as the 1 song demo but with 2 MORE SONGS. Final product will be delivered as a CD in a custom jacket with handwritten dedication. PLUS, 52 new songs, twitter shout out, unreleased music, and your name in a song, and a partridge in a pear tree! [Partridge and pear tree not included].
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013

Pledge $10,000 or more
 0 backers  Limited (1 of 1 left)
Will arrange to meet anywhere in the US wearing a head-to-toe bear costume, juggling 3 fruit of your preference, while a trio of Elvis impersonators gyrate behind me singing your choice "All Shook Up" or "(Hunka Hunka) Burning Love" PLUS, the signed guitar, 52 new songs, personal phone call or video, twitter shout out, unreleased music, and your name in a song! I'll cover travel expenses for us both (US residents only), procure the bear costume, and make arrangements with said Elvis impersonators.
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013

Like I said these perks are great and I am in for 52 bucks! Go NOW before its too late show Ernie the support he deserves!

Editor in Chief of The Penguin Gazette,
Rudy

Laura Dowding.....the KICKSTARTER

Hey Everyone,

Remember last week when I told you that I would be giving you info on Laura Dowding's KICKSTARTER? Well here it is straight from her mouth to your ears! Please check it out and lets help her her reach her goal!


 Dear Friends,

I am FINALLY at the tail end of my album!!!!!! HOORAY!!!! But I need your help to finish it!! 

We are launching a fundraiser on September 24th at Kickstarter.com to raise money to finish my album and to make a music video, launching the start of my career!!!!

Many people have worked long hours making this album greater than I could have ever imagined. I would venture to say that over 700 hours have been dedicated to making this an album that you are really going to love. However there are just two more things that we need to make happen that are really crucial to my career taking off. 

I have poured my heart and soul into this album, working for days straight to get it to the level of professionalism that I think it deserves. The average album cost about $200,000 dollars to make. I have been blessed with the opportunity to know many selfless, immensely talented people in the time I have lived in California, and with their help, this album has cost less than $1000 dollars to this point, while still maintaining the same high quality professional sound of any other album being put out. I have tried my very hardest to play as many of the roles for the album as possible, such as audio engineer, arranger, producer, contractor and many more not including being the artist! That being said, I am not equipped with the knowledge it takes to mix and master an album. The album is completely finished except for this part. I need $5000 dollars to finish this album so it is can be at the competitive level of any album out in the music industry. 

The next step after the album is complete, is to use my resources to market the album. Many people in the music industry have taken different avenues to promote the release of their album, and my best resource, having worked and lived in Los Angeles, is the film industry. The second part of the fundraising is to raise $5000 dollars to make an extremely high quality, professional music video to draw attention to the album. The song we have chosen to do a music video for is a song called “Chasing Bombs” about a friend of mine who has served one tour of duty in Iraq and two in Afghanistan. If we raise the money we are hoping to release the video for Veteran’s Day, to honor all soldiers, past present and future. 

I am asking that everyone who receives a letter from me donates as close to $50 dollars as possible. The reason for the $50 mark is that if everyone who receives a letter can raise $50 dollars to donate, I will reach my goal!! That can look like anything you want, whether that means rallying your friends and family to help out and pool the $50 together, or if you have the means to do so on your own. Of course, every penny counts, and you can absolutely feel free to donate as much or as little as you feel like you can. (and if you can’t donate, or don’t want to, I still love you ). There are different levels of prizes for the different amounts donated, the higher the donation the bigger the reward. I think one of the best rewards we are offering is for a donation of $35 dollars, we will implement a picture in the video of a loved one, or someone you know who has served or is serving. We really want to respect and honor every soldier this Veteran’s Day, and we want to represent as many of them  as possible. 

Please consider donating even $5 dollars, especially if you plan on buying the album anyway. 

The other way you could help is by spreading the word. If you know people who you think would be interested in helping PLEASE forward them this letter. And Please let me know if I can reach out to anyone you think would be interested. 

This fundraiser is really going to make the difference in the start of my career. My music is all about speaking out for issues and being a voice for people. I can’t think of any better way with the election and Veteran’s Day right around the corner than to speak out about the respect and honor and recognition our troops deserve. I can’t send you the song just yet, because we need to finish the album, but I thought if I sent you the lyrics to the song, it might help you get an idea of what the video might look like, what the album might look like and what my music is all about. 

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO EVEN READ THIS. PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING ANY SIZE DONATION. GO TO KICKSTARTER.COM/LAURADOWDING or LAURADOWDING.COM TO MAKE A DONATION.

You can find additional information about the breakdown of the money on kickstarter, and if you have any questions about the fundraiser please email me at laura@lauradowding.com

All my love,

Laura

(Kickstarter doesn't take funds from your account until October 24th at the end of the Kickstarter)

There you go guys, again thank you for all your support in advance, and until we meet again STAY COOL!

Editor in Chief of The Penguin Gazette,

Rudy

"Chasing Bombs" The Laura Dowding Interview

So lately I have had opportunities to listen to a lot "Opening Acts" and find that these artists are so much more than "throw away" artists. They command the stage and demand attention from all of us "unaware" concert goers. Laura Dowding is one of these artists. She was the opening act a few months back at the Thomas Nicholas and Jared Lee show at La CAVE in Costa Mesa, and I have been keeping tabs on her since.

 Laura's sound is a delightful mixture of Ingrid Michaelson, Billy Joel, and Sara Bareilles, with lyrical content that will not only have you tapping your feet but will pull at your heart strings. With songs like "Chasing Bombs" and the hauntingly beautiful "Carousel" she shows off her musical abilities with sweet melodies and great highs and lows that will send chills through you. When I first heard Laura I was immediately drawn in by the way she writes. What I mean is that she writes from the heart about personal experiences that EVERYONE has. She manages to make each of the songs relatable in ways that make each song feel like they were handpicked for each person listening. That is a big plus for me because I am not a gangster who does drive-bys or a big baller that worries about his rims spinning round and round or a pimp that spends his "cheese". No, I am a regular person with regular issues and an enormous heart and Laura's music speaks to that heart in it's native tongue.

I recently got the chance to interview Laura and get an inside look at her views on music, inspirations and even God. She really speaks her mind and is probably one of the sweetest people I have gotten the chance to talk/type to. Go ahead and check it out below....after you listen to some of her sweet jams...

1. When did you fall in love with music?


 Haha, at what month do babies grow ears! My mother was a concert accompanist and she played shows very often during her pregnancy with me. I've been in love with music since before I can remember.

2. How would you describe your sound in 10 words or less?

 Yikes! 10 words or less! That's hard! I'd say "a unique blend of all my influences, plus me :)"

3. How did you get started playing music?

My mom was a piano teacher when I was little, and is now a music teacher for Middle and High School. When I was 4 she said she wouldn't teach me piano until I was at least 5 (probably because I was a wiggly worm :). So I attempted to teach myself until she caved, haha! I've been playing and singing ever since!

4. Who are your top five musical influences?

Top 5, ok. I'd have to say, The Beatles, Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, Dave Barnes, and Norah Jones.

5. Can you take me through your songwriting process?

I'd say process is a relative term, haha. I mean, it's not like I do a, b and then c in that order every time, but there is definitely an element of organization. This sounds kind of hippyish, but I would say that the songs usually write themselves. Most of the time, my songs come from an emotion that I am experiencing so heavily that I have to sit and write about it, whether that be anger, or deep sadness, or pure joy. I feel like my knowledge of music is what allows me to write a "sad" chord or a "happy" chord or a "sexy" chord, and the fact that I would consider myself a very empathetic person (to a fault :/) is what allows me to identify such deep emotion that I might not necessarily be going through first hand.

6. If you could work with ANY 5 artists from the past or present and any producer to make the album of a lifetime, who would they be and why?

 Oh wow, that would be so fun! I would have loved so much to work with Michael Jackson, I think he was a brilliant artist. And who wouldn't have wanted The Beatles on their album given the chance. Legendary. I still have hopes of collaborating with Dave Barnes who is one of my favorite artists of our generation, and of course the incredible Billy Joel. So the dream album would be MJ, The Beatles, Dave, Billy and Norah Jones produced by Lionel Richie. Haha, what a crazy mix! That album would be epic!

7. When you write a song what comes first for you, the lyrics or the music?

Oh man, it totally depends. Sometimes I'll have moments at the piano, where I play one chord, and it's like "Whoa, that needs to be a song", and I'll just sit there and play a chord structure over and over until it evokes some kind of emotion that forms into lyrics. Other times I'll be having a conversation with someone, and one of us will say a sentence that I think "dang, that would make a great song lyric". Needless to say, I go write immediately after our conversation is over (or in the middle of it, haha, sorry friends). I remember talking with my friend about his decision to go back to Afghanistan and I said "OK, just go Chase Bombs" and immediately thought, “that's going to be a song”. I then wrote the song "Chasing Bombs" in an hour after he left!

8. Where do you want to see your music in the years to come?

I really think that my music is just a piece of such a bigger picture. I really aspire to change the world, as corny as that may sound. My music is about real issues, and the goal is to arouse a response to those issues, so that we can start a dialogue as a society about how to change them. I would love to tour as often as possible, and to hear my music on any number of television shows, and movies, and do some music videos to tell the stories, but I would also love to see it put me in a place where I can implement motivational speaking into shows about whats beautiful, and how we can change the world.

9. Are there any pre/post show rituals that are a "must-do" before/after your performances?

 PRAY. I love to entertain, but I definitely need some outside help with the nerves that come with that, haha! I owe all my accomplishments to God. I think that he has poured abundant blessings into my life, and I feel honored to accept the responsibility that comes with them of making the world a better place.

10. What would you have done if you couldn't physically sing anymore?

I actually think about that often. And pray that never happens! I would probably pursue a serious jazz piano career. I am a huge advocate for using the gifts you've been given no matter what that looks like. Music is a beautiful art form that I think can be expressed in a million different ways.

11.  When we spoke there was talks of a new album, when do you think we might be expecting that?

Wellll.... SOON! I'm not quite ready to announce a release date, but I'm hoping for sure before November, so Stay Tuned!!!

12. Are there any singles that you are particularly proud of?

YES! Haha, I am so proud of this project, so many talented people have come together to make it better than I could have ever hoped. I think there's something for everyone on this album that will hopefully speak to wherever you are in life right now. I personally love "Leaving Now" and "Let me Know". They we’re a lot of fun to record! But I just recorded a duet with singer/songwriter Cameron Hovsepian called "Do You Know" that is currently on repeat! Yep, I listen to myself. It's cool.

13. So new listeners know what they are getting into, would you be able to compare your music to any of the larger artists out today?

Very often I hear that I'm a love child of Norah Jones, Adele, Ingrid Michaelson and myself. haha, not sure how that would work! Sometimes I hear that I sound like Brande Carlile and recently I've been getting some Feist comparison. Generally, people compare the sound of my voice, or the style of my music, but I would venture to say this album has everything from The Beatles, to Feist, to Norah Jones and even some George Michael! I think you'll really love it!

Quick FIRE time!!!

14. What 3 NEW artists are you listening to?

hm, New to me or new to the music scene?! I love Gotye's new releases, and I am in love with Bon Iver. I recently discovered Ted Lucas whom I really dig! I've been rediscovering old loves, like Damien Rice, and Iron and Wine. Yum, so good. :)

15. If you had 1 and only 1 album to listen to for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

What?! I can't choose that! I would say that I could have Billy Joel's album The Stranger on repeat for the rest of my life, and I would still die happy :)

16. What song on your upcoming album best describes you as an individual?

I would say "Love Like This" is a really good representation of what I went through while writing and producing this album. It's kind of two-fold, about my relationship with God and my relationship with music. You're asked to make sacrifices and compromises for the things you love most in life. And for both God and music, I tend to think my goodness, this is some kind of crazy love to make the decisions I make. With great risk, comes great reward, that's usually how I make decisions. Sometimes that gets me in trouble, haha. And sometimes, the result is insanely beautiful.

17. What drives you?

Passion and Love. I love what I do, and I have an immense passion for music, and the things I write about. I would say I experience everything heightened to the umpth degree. I mean, not to brag, but I have incredible senses, like I can smell someone baking cookies next door or taste if a cake has almond extract in it. I know, it might be a superpower. Baha, but seriously that's all to say I also think I experience emotions to the extreme, sometimes it causes me to do crazy things. I believe I was created to love, and I think music is one of my best outlets to do that to the fullest. I think it is a great way to connect with people on a very personal level. I have heard people say over and over, “this song got me through a break up” or “I danced to this at my wedding” or “this was my dad’s favorite song”. Music has a unique way of connecting people on all different levels, and creating memories that stick. I bet there are songs that as soon as you hear that intro it brings you back to middle school, or the day you broke up with the love of your life. I want to be there for people, and them to feel loved and supported through my music.
I am driven by a broken society, and the brokeness we feel as humans. I think there is redemption, and restoration for everything, and those glimmers of hope are what gives me the passion I have to change the world through music.

18. What is it about music that sets you free?

Well, everything!! If you are any kind of artist, you know the release you feel most when you can express yourself through your art. It’s like an intensely personalized therapy. My whole family is artistic and it inspires me so much! It's not unlikely that tears well up when I watch my youngest brother play the cello, or my older two brothers create film and dance or see my mom teach. Ugh, it's so powerful! I feel like I know them better the more and more I see them create and express themselves. It’s really beautiful, and I think people feel like they relate best to someone’s music whose emotions they can see and feel through an album.

19. What 3 songs from ANY genre do you wish you could have written?

 Ok, this one I can do! I alwaysss wish I had written Man in the Mirror that Michael Jackson sings, I think it is brilliantly written, especially when he says make a change, and the key changes, BAH genius! Well done Michael and friends! My songwriting is very heavily influenced by Billy Joel's songwriting, and I wish I had written all of those wonderful songs, particularly Piano Man, and She's Always A Woman to Me. ANDDD, this is so random but I love more than anything the song Faith by George Michael. I know, it's so random, but I always crank it when it's on the radio, and dance around in my car, inevitably getting strange looks from other drivers, haha. But you can't not dance to that song!! It just makes me smile!

20. Do you have any words of wisdom for your fans and followers?

 Have passion, and do what you love. I knew a girl in college who wanted nothing more than to be a librarian and I thought that was the most beautiful thing ever. I am such a firm believer that if you want to be a librarian, that is so awesome and you should do everything in your power to be a librarian and if you want to be a singer or a gymnast or anything than you should do that and nothing should stop you! One of my favorite quotes is from the movie Sister Act 2, and Whoopie Goldberg says to Lauren Hill ““If you wake up in the morning, and you can’t think of anything but singing, then you should be a singer, girl”. I love that!
My parents have always told me I can be anything I want, and I think that is the best advice anyone can give to a child. I seriously believe there is a road to every dream. Doesn’t mean it doesn’t have thorns all over it, or rocks, or sand and even huge giant trees in it, but the path to your dreams is the one you create. There’s no one right way. Have passion, and be a dreamer.

I am launching a Kickstarter on September 20th to fundraise the rest of the money I need to finish my album and to make a music video that honors soldiers to be released for Veteran’s Day. If you are interested in this album, and the music video, please go to the Kickstarter page when it is launched, read more about it, and consider supporting the start of my career!!

That wraps up this edition of The Penguin Gazette featuring the wonderful Laura Dowding. I really hope you guys take the time to really check her out and support her dream! Like she said above Laura has a Kickstarter that she will be launching soon and when she does I will be posting the link here in a special blurb so if you want to help her out (which I hope you do) you can help make a difference in her musical journey.

Until next time I wish you well!

Editor in Chief of The Penguin Gazette,
Rudy

An Evening for "Hope"

Hey CoolBIRDS its time again for me to bestow upon you the gift of some great music. I know, I know Just wait until you hear about these 3 amazing artists before giving me all your praise. You might want to save some for them.

Some of you know (at least my Twitter followers anyway) that I have been waiting for Josh Damigo's new album "Hope" to come out so it could wow everyone. Well that time is here and I was at the CD release party a few nights ago at Lestat's in San Diego. The party was a big concert with Jesse B. Thomas (not to be confused with the porn star...sorry inside joke from the show) and Keaton Simons. If you didn't get a chance to make the show, this is just a bit of what you missed out on.

The show started off with Jesse Thomas, who is kind of singer/songwriter/rock mixed with some punk, sprinkled with a bit of old country. Take Melissa Etheridge, Billie Joe Armstrong (from the good old days of Greenday not the yuppie bullshit they play now), add the sweet voice of Patsy Cline, and put it all into a small sexy version of Bonnie Raitt and that to me is Jesse Thomas. I was absolutely astonished by the talent she had. While small in stature her vocals and personality made her the tallest person in the room. The way that she engaged the crowd with little jokes and her wonderful storytelling made me happy I showed up early for the opening act, even though she is so much more than that. Her lyrics (that I was pleasantly surprised to find in the sleeve of her new album "War Dancer") are grabbing and playful and with songs like "Fire", "You I Want", "Missed Connections (Oh My Dear)" and my new personal favorite "Sidewalk Ends" (which I believe she started off the show with) I was hooked from the jump. I can't say enough about how much I dig Jesse Thomas's musical style. So I think I am going to let her music speak for itself. Here are a few of the jams I was able to get a video of for you all to enjoy.

*I am only able to post 1 of the videos I shot of her that night because the other two recordings were crap. I think I was too close to the speaker. So here is "Fire" from the show as well as a few from Jesse's Youtube channel that really show her voice *

Next on the mic we have Keaton Simons. I have actually been a fan of Keaton's for a while now, having stumbled upon him a few years ago when I took my wife to a Jason Reeves show for her birthday. When I saw him open I knew he was someone to follow. Unfortunately for me I always seemed to miss him when he made his way to San Diego, so that made this show that much better for me. For those of you that have never heard of Keaton before allow me to enlighten you, his sound is very reminiscent of an era lost. Imagine B.B.King, Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters and add the styling of James Taylor & David Crosby, and put them all on the beach and that is Mr. Simons. If you haven't guessed by now he has a bluesy/surf sound that is full of great guitar licks and soulful lyrics that show his strengths as a writer and guitarist quite well. He started off his set with "Lift Me Up" and showed the crowd at Lestat's his crazy guitar chops as he shredded up and down the neck during one of the breakdowns in the song. I couldn't help myself and my head started to jerk along with each note, which I am sure freaked out the people around me and I quickly had to put that in check.

 He then performed his playful tune "Masterpiece" that he wrote with Josh Kelley (brother of Lady Antebellum's Charles Kelley) that broke off into a bit of "I've Got a Woman" by Ray Charles and then the "King of Pop's" "The Way You Make Me Feel" and managed to get the rest of the crowd singing along....except for me...I don't do that...lol. He also played one of my favorite songs of his called "Unstoppable" which rocked because I was just seconds away from yelling it out, but I didn't want to be one of "those fans" so when he played it I said "YES" very loudly in my head.

 Keaton also decided to play his song "Beautiful Pain" that I first saw him perform on YouTube with the amazingly talented Melissa Polinar. This was for me the first real listen to something that will be on Keaton's next album (date TBA). If the rest of the album is half as good as this song then we will have a great one on our hands. Especially if he decides to do more of that crazy "throat singing" he did in his final song of the evening "Mama Song". I didn't get to record that one for you because my damn phone died but I did manage to get these ones for you...

Now it's time for the main event, the reason the show that night came together...Josh Damigo and his new release "HOPE". I at this point was at my wits end because my damn phone would't allow me to take any videos only a few still shots, and I do mean a few. My phone was dead and turned off after I took my last picture, but the show must go on. Josh started his show off like any professional showman would....completely unexpected. As soon as Keaton was done with his set you hear the unmistakable sound of a banjo being strummed like a rocker on a flying v. When we all turned to see what was happening, there in the middle of the room was Josh Damigo and his little buddy Rob Deez standing on some chairs and shouting their collabo song "Alright" (the 1st song on the new album). The crowd was automatically hyped up and ready for the rest of the show....and it was a good thing too. Why? Well, Josh got on stage and told the crowd that he was going to perform the "Hope" album in its entirety. Yup. To Josh's credit he did give us permission to get up and go get some coffee or air seeing as how it was like a billion degrees in that little venue. I wish he would've handed out some air fresheners because some of these people smelled like a sun-scorched bucket of assholes due to the heat (descriptive enough for you).

While all of the songs are really good, there were some songs that stood out because of the way that they were performed and the words that he spoke before or after. One of the songs was "Portland", a song about how no matter what this girl did or where ever she went Josh would be in "Portland" loving her. This song struck a chord with my hopeless romantic side, because I know exactly what he must've been going through to write that song. He performed it with a delivery that made all the girls make a collective sigh as they fell in love with him. Another of these "stand outs" was his cover of Jim Croce's "I'll Have to Say I Love You in a Song" which came with a little back story about how AJ Croce (Jim's son) gave the OK for Josh to record it for the next album and even played piano on the track with him! That had to have been mind blowing for him or at least bladder shattering as Josh told the audience that he basically pissed himself when he heard the news (with good reason). There was a simple sincerity to the song that almost rivaled the late singer's version. I loved every note of it.

Josh's song "Never Gonna Let You Go" almost broke my heart from the moment he told us the story behind it (about his brother's coping with P.T.S.D.) and his heart wrenching performance. There were times that he almost broke down in the middle of the song but through strength of his own character, kept it together and finished the song. I had a VERY hard time keeping the tears in me because I have had to deal with many a friend and relative that have experienced this disorder and it is rough....to say the very least. It was a raw, unfiltered ballad that resonated deep within my heart. Every bellow showed a new layer of Josh and really drew me in further down the emotional rabbit hole that is the "Hope" album. He later tried to pick the mood up a bit with his anti-bully/revenge of the nerd song "Knock You Out" which had people laughing and rooting for this underdog kid that got tired of getting picked on, and decided to take a stand when the bully starts to pick on a little girl. The song was full of humor and whimsy and had plenty of playful jabs throughout. He finished his 17 song marathon set with the track "Don't Lose Hope" and wow was that a beautiful song. I don't want to give away too much suffice it to say there were a few more wet eyes by the time it was done.

As soon as the song ended and without a word Josh left the stage to a loud round of applause. I knew the night hadn't ended yet as Lou (Lestat's marvelous sound man) hadn't turned on the house music, which usually happens moments after the final act leaves the stage. Sure enough Josh hopped back on to play his song "Pocket Change" from his "Raw" album. I couldn't believe that he still had more in him. I mean 17 back to back songs was a lot to go through with little breathing time in between. I have to say that shows a lot about the work ethic that Josh has and the love for music that goes deep within him. I think that everyone will truly enjoy "Hope" as much as I do, and while the live show is great make sure to catch him live if you ever get the chance and tell him "The Penguin Gazette" sent you.

Until next time my friends.

Editor & Chief of The Penguin Gazette,
Rudy

#ARTintheYARD4 IT'S BAAAACCCKK!

Hello everyone it's that time again where my house gets turned into an art studio for about 3 months for just 1 day of public fun, and this is your personal invite! I am talking of course about ART IN THE YARD 4! Last years event was a huge success and I'm hoping this year will be even bigger! This time even I will be getting in on the action with a few original paintings of my own!

Click here to see what last years event was all about....

*Here is a sneak peak of a what's in store...*

-Local San Diego artist showing one of a kind original artwork that will be on sale by:

Daniel Jaimes: A pencil/paint artist that will amaze you with his lifelike renderings specializing in "Pop Culture Movie Icons". 

Oriya Davi: An "Outsider Artist" that provokes deep thoughts with each brush stroke.

-Student art work exhibits

Beto: A photographer and artist with an undeniable artistic eye and maturity that is far beyond his years.

Sierra Barnes: A budding young artist with introspective and a LOT to say with not enough canvas. 

A very special piece by Loran Brantley: A young artist that paints with whimsy, humor, and a lot of spirit.

A few pieces of original artwork and maybe some photography by Rudolfo Flores (pssst that's me)

Not to mention at least 15 new paintings and hand made jewelry by the woman behind it all ANYA 

Lizzy Boo Creations: Bringing you the HOTTEST styles in apron wear! 

-Manny THE TACO GUY
Serving up some of the best street tacos in SD for five bucks you'll get 3 tacos of your choice! That 5 spot also gets you beverages, and a box of 4 small desserts that are hand made by ANYA! 

*While supplies last so come early and make sure you get some cause once they are gone, THEY ARE GONE!*

-Open Mic
For those aspiring musicians and poets, we will have an open mic so bring an instrument and some talent and sign up to perform! Who knows with a little coaxing my ANYA might even get up and sing!

This is going to be a great family event and I hope everyone can make it! 

Here are the details

Date: August 25th 2012 (SAT)

Time: 6:17 pm

Place: 4039 36th St.

San Diego, CA 92104

PLEASE COME IT WILL BE AWESOME!!!

  ADMISSION IS FREE!!! 

SEE YOU THERE!!!

Editor & Chief of The Penguin Gazette,
Rudy

Who's Got The Voice?

Hey Everyone,

This is something new for me because I don't often relenquish power but I wanna try something...

If you think that you have an interesting story/restaurant review/ or Artist/Album that you want to get noticed submit an article about it along with any photos or videos to ThePenguinGazette@gmail.com and after a review from our staff (psst...that's me) you will take over ThePenguinGazette.com for a post! Here's the chance for all those aspiring bloggers or even the seasoned ghost writer to get noticed and be published on the "Web-er-Nets" and to impress your friends and make your enemies jealous!

So If you think you have what it takes, shoot me an email and lets get it going!

*Everything has a few rules*

1. When you submit an article supply your name (or pseudonym), website address, where you are from, and what you are doing with your life, along with any photos and videos that you have either taken yourself or have a reference site for (I AIN'T GETTING SUED!!!)

2. If it is a music review you should know that I am very selective about my tunes, so if I think it sucks....

3. I DO NOT EDIT!!!! If you submit it then be prepared for it to be posted as is. If you misspell it that's how it will be read. Remember the Internet is full of haters that take any chance to talk shit so be warned!

4.  People have short attention spans so if you want to write a novel this is NOT the place for it. That being said if you want the post to be a 2-parter let me know and edit the post accordingly and it shall be done!

5. If you submit an article and it doesn't go up right away don't blow up my email! Unless I contact you to specifically say that it won't be posted then I WILL GET TO IT! When/If I use your post I will email you to inform you that its up. Blowing up my email will ensure that I tell you to bone off! DON'T DO IT!

Well there you go. That wasn't so bad was it? If you think you have what it take hit me up....hell even if you don't HIT ME UP! You never know you might get your shot!

Editor & Chief of The Penguin Gazette,
Rudy

p.s. One sure way to get your story posted is to follow me by email. Check the left side of the screen for details. If using the mobile app scroll to the bottom of the page and click "view web version" then look to the left.

2012 San Diego Spirits Festival

Hey everyone it's that wonderful time of the year again, and NO I'm not talking about Christmas (it's August after all silly). I am of course talking about the 4th annual San Diego Spirits Festival!!! This wonderful event started back in 2009 by Liz Edwards, is known as a foodie/cultural and most of all a wine enthusiast's playground. Held on the BEAUTIFUL San Diego Bay August 25 -26, 2012, set against the extraordinary backdrop of the luminous Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier (DIRECTIONS), this festival is going to be the best place EVER for all the activities which include bartender competitions (insert Cocktail reference here), tastings, and for you socialites there will be some amazing PARTIES! This is gonna be a great place to connect and see what all the different brands have to offer. Join the best and brightest of the cocktail and culinary community to celebrate culture in San Diego. If you need more info click HERE.

Speaking of the brands here are a few of them just to wet your whistle a bit... Ozone Vodka, Pisco Porton, Java Juice, Milagro Tequila, Glenfiddich Whiskey, Conjure Cognac, El Cartel Tequila, Berentzen Liquors, Pink Pigeon Rum, Chinaco, Double Cross Vodka, Distillery 209 Gin, Spicebox Whiskey, Quint Sangria, Quick Strain Tinis, Naughty Cow Liqueur, Twisted Shots, Ron de Jeremy Rum, Magners Irish Cider, 619 Vodka, VeeV, Bendistillery’ s portfolio of award-winning small batch American vodkas and gins including Crater Lake Vodka, Cascade Mtn Gin, Mazama Vodka, Cofia Vodka, Tequila Sin Rival, Cocula Tequila, Nobeleza Tequila, Corazon Tequila, Semental Tequila, Mezcal Los Javis, Alquimia Organic Tequila, La Nina del Mezcal, Tequila Tres Mujeres, Tequila Dos Artes, Tequila Amor Mio, Whipsy, Fee Brothers Mixers, Partagas Cigars, Naked Juice, Joia All Natural Soda, Icelandic Water…with many more to come soon! So as you can see there will be no shortage of variety.....and GOOD TIMES!

FOODIES...don't think that they forgot about you! There will be some great demos by some outstanding chef's this year that will have everyone making "OOOH's and AHHHH's" and most importantly YUMMY noises when they are all said and done. The demos are going to be performed by executive chefs from leading local restaurants. Participating Chefs to include: Katherine Humphus of BO-beau kitchen and bar, Karl A. Prohaska of Handerly Hotel, Alberto Morreale of Fig Tree Café; Brandon Brooks of Sol Markets, Misty Birchall of PubCakes with a special presentation by Chef Tyler Stone just to name a few! I can already hear the tummy rumblings turn into one huge ROAR just from the thought!



What festival would be complete with out some sweet tunes to jam out to in the background. The people at the San Diego Spirits Festival have gathered some great acts to please the ears and make your day even better than expected. You will be serenaded by Alas de Mosca, Alex Arndt & Sonic Universe; Bruce Sanborn Band, Dirty Minds, Flash Point Rocks, Funky Munky, Jamilla, JC Villafan, Latex Grenade, Mathew Zeltzer, Sacha Boutros, and my friend Josh Damigo (his new album "Hope" will be out VERY SOON!). With this line up you will have a very hard time keeping your feet still so don't fight it and get your party on at the San Diego Spirits Festival!

 This is going to be an event to be talked about for a while and for a LIMITED TIME you can get 30 BUCKS OFF THE TICKET PRICE by typing "PENGUIN" in the promo code before you check out. Click HERE to try that out! I know, I know YOU'RE WELCOME! You can thank me by RE POSTING, EMAILING, TWEETING,and SHARING THIS EVENT ON FACE BOOK for EVERYONE to see....but go ahead and get your tickets first!


Until next time...

Editor & Chief of The Penguin Gazette,
Rudy

Don't forget to sign up for the email list so you don't miss out on all the cool events! Just click the 

Showtime at La CAVE

A few nights back I had the pleasure of seeing a show in Costa Mesa (some of you may remember me plugging it last weekend) at a little spot called La CAVE. The show had a sort of "Singer-Songwriter/Acoustic Rock/R&B/Story Tellers" vibe to it. The show was headlined by "American Pie" actor Thomas Ian Nicholas, who you will see is also a VERY talented musician. He shared the stage with Jared Lee, who I will call a "Singer/Soul-Writer as you will soon hear. What I didn't know was that there was going to be a third act...or shall I say opening act that went by the name Laura Dowding. Let me tell you a bit about her.

Laura was a kind of unexpected delight for me. I say this because when she got on stage and started her set, I had no idea the show was starting. It was very abrupt, but cool because it quickly brought the crowd to a hush so they could listen. Laura's quirky sound and simplistic piano chops made her a fun way to start the show. She had a sweet tone to everything she sang as Ms. Dowding's voice was something like Feist meets a 40's Jazz singer with a side of Billy Joel. Her lyrics are poignant and punchy and very well structured.  I unfortunately did not get the chance to speak to her but hopefully she is reading this post and appreciates the kind words. Here she is for your listening pleasure...

Our next artist I have talked about before in an older post, but because he, as they say on Twitter, "RAWKS" (and pretty damned hard I must say) he definitely deserves another go. I am talking about Mr. Thomas Ian Nicholas of the "American Pie" (and other) movie fame. Not a lot of people know that he has been making music for just as long as those "AP" movies. I have seen him perform a few times, and each time he brings the ROCK with him! You can see it run through him like tiny melodic bolts of electricity with every note he plays. I love watching an artist feel the music, and Thomas most assuredly does. His "on-stage" persona is that of an extremely seasoned musician, with his marksmen like timing and powerful voice that can fill the void of any concert hall. His acoustic/rock shows have a vibe that makes you feel like you are witnessing something intimate almost private. I recently got a copy of his latest EP and as soon as our schedules sync up, I will have another wonderful interview and EP review for you that you won't want to miss. Thomas is also getting ready for his first big UK tour and I want to be one of the many to wish him the best of luck and safe travels. Here he is performing some great tunes from the La CAVE show...

Last but in no way least, I got the chance to see Jared Lee. Talk about impressive! I really hadn't heard about him until Thomas told me that he would be a part of the show and that I should check him out. So when I looked him up on YouTube I knew I was in for one hell of a show! His soulful R&B style and catchy radio ready sound had me singing along to songs I didn't even know. Although when he did his rendition of the classic Boyz II Men song "End of the Road" (bringing 90's sexy back) it was all I could do to keep from belting it out in my "tone deaf karaoke" voice....really its like nails on a chalkboard sometimes. Jared also told us a bit about each of his songs and that gave everyone there another reason to think that this guy has something special. His Gavin Degraw/The Script style songwriting and buttery voice made me buy his EP "Falling Through Holes" just as soon as the show was over, and believe me you will hear more about that album soon! Before I get carried away (like I tend to do with amazing sounding artist) check out a few of these songs from his La CAVE set and enjoy. Oh yeah....YOUR WELCOME IN ADVANCE!

Well that wraps up this edition of The Penguin Gazette. I hope you all support new music and check these three out. Also be sure to check back with me to learn more about these and other new or "new to me" artists. You can find info on all these artists by following the following links. 

Laura Dowding

Twitter

YouTube

FaceBook

Thomas Ian Nicholas

Twitter

YouTube

FaceBook

Jared Lee

Twitter

YouTube

FaceBook

So until we meet again, I hope you enjoyed the music!

Editor & Chief of The Penguin Gazette,

Rudy