98 Bottles98 Bottles - San Diego

News Coverage: Reviewed: 20 Spring Cultural Events in San Diego

S Joy — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:42:26 +0000

“This spring I didn’t leave San Diego for a minute, and I experienced a multitude of cultural and art events. Here I review the top 20: On Valentines Day I was surprised with a ticket to an Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong Tribute Night at 98 Bottles. It ended up being an incredible night of live music in the amazing “back-room” of 98 bottles which is one of the most speak-easy feeling places I’ve ever been. Black curtains divided the room from the rest of the restaurant/bar, the VIP seating is 4 or 5 leather couches that surround the stage, but every table was a good table.” Read more…

Preview Article: Ian Tordella at The Back Room @ 98 Bottles

S Joy — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:00:01 +0000

“Saxophonist Ian Tordella continues his Twin Tenors series, which spotlights up-and-coming saxophone talent (as well as established players) in the southern California area, accompanied by an outstanding local rhythm section comprised of bassist Rob Thorsen, pianist Kamau Kenyatta, and drummer Fernando Gomez. The upcoming concert will be held at 98 Bottles on May 24, and will feature multi-instrumentalist Joe Berry…” Read more…

Show Review: Danny Weller Quintet at The Back Room @ 98 Bottles

S Joy — Wed, 01 May 2013 17:38:35 +0000

“Young double-bass virtuoso Danny Weller is back in town for a week or so, and he somehow found time to organize a tribute concert to the great Ella Fitzgerald…The surprise of the evening was vocalist Rebecca Jade who’s sure pitch, dynamic control and rhythmic acuity made me wonder how she has managed to be under my personal radar for so long.” Read more…

News Coverage: Vixen presents San Diego’s Most Stylish Man

S Joy — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 19:00:38 +0000

On Wednesday, March 27th, we hosted San Diego’s Most Stylish Man Fashion Show put on by VIXEN. The event featured live art, DJ’s, an incredible fashion show, and pop-up shopping. It was an amazing night of fun and brought out all of San Diego’s brightest and best dressed! The Pulse was there to cover the event:

News Coverage: The Federal Jazz Project Fundraiser

S Joy — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 19:00:44 +0000

On Sunday, March 24th, we hosted a fundraising event for the San Diego Repertory Theatre in an effort to raise money for a new show, the Federal Jazz Project, opening April 6th. The show is inspired by trumpet virtuoso Gilbert Castellanos, a favorite mainstay of The Back Room. For 15 years, Castellanos has hosted jazz jam sessions around town in warehouses and clubs, and his work inspired Culture Clash’s Richard Montoya to write a play about the San Diego jazz scene. KUSI News was there to cover the event:

Show Review: Joe Garrison & the Night People at The Back Room @ 98 Bottles

S Joy — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 20:00:27 +0000

“Composer and pianist Joe Garrison brought the rich 9 piece ensemble he calls Night People into 98 Bottles on March 7, for an evening of creative, swinging original material featuring some of San Diego’s best instrumental soloists…Bold and original large ensemble writing like this is exceedingly rare. Joe Garrison and Night People are the real deal.” Read more…

Show Review: Nathan Hubbard/Along Came a Spider at The Back Room @ 98 Bottles

S Joy — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 19:35:32 +0000

“Last night, at 98 Bottles, the true depth of San Diego jazz talent was dramatically reinforced with two burning sets of thoroughly modern jazz by Along Came A Spider a new group organized by drummer/composer Nathan Hubbard, featuring stellar input from saxophonists David Borgo (alto & soprano), Ian Tordella ( tenor & soprano), and Rob Thorsen on double-bass….” Read more…

Preview Article: Nathan Hubbard/Along Came a Spider at The Back Room @ 98 Bottles

S Joy — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 20:00:33 +0000

“San Diego’s most creative drummer, Nathan Hubbard will present Along Came A Spider this Thursday night at 98 Bottles. Hubbard has assembled a brand-new quartet featuring saxophonists David Borgo and Ian Tordella with MVP bassist Rob Thorsen to explore old and new compositions…Hubbard is always involved in adventurous music for his myriad ensembles–but this one seems to be especially potent.” Read more…

Show Review: Gilbert Castellanos’ Trumpet Trilogy at The Back Room @ 98 Bottles

S Joy — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 17:00:10 +0000

“Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos returned to 98 Bottles last night for A Tribute to Thelonious Monk, earning a sold-out house in the process. Fronting a solid quartet featuring two LA players, (drummer Dan Schenelle and bassist Katie Thiroux) alongside powerhouse pianist Joshua White, Castellanos ratcheted up the excitement quotient to an ecstatic level in an evening of instrumental highlights…” Read more…

Preview Article: Early February Jazz Opportunities

S Joy — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 20:00:19 +0000

“There are a slew of worthwhile gigs from now through Feb. 13, with more to follow. The first two weeks of February are literally jam-packed with jazz opportunities, and a few unfortunate conflicts as well…Tribute to [Thelonious] Monk with Gilbert Castellanos, pianist Joshua White, bassist Katie Thiroux and drummer Dan Schenelle at 98 Bottles.” Read more…