CD REVIEW: Savage Sun

Posted July 2 at 06:48 PM

The title speaks volumes on “The Art of Being Alive”, the latest CD from St. Louis-by-way-of-Stockton rapper Savage Sun. He implies that it can take artistry and dedication just to make it through the day...

The Stockton-Modesto divide

Posted July 2 at 06:32 PM

You can make it from Modesto to Stockton - or from Stockton to Modesto - in about a half-hour on a Friday or Saturday night. The trip involves nothing more than a 30-mile drive on state Route 99, and traffic is typically light on weekends...

Lame!

Posted July 1 at 09:14 AM

Before launching the 209's first-ever online battle, we at 209Vibe.com discussed whether or not we should limit voting. We're not dumb - we obviously knew that not limiting voting would leave it open to abuse.

PHOTOS: Danny Glover in Stockton

Posted June 29 at 09:50 AM

Stockton probably could use Sgt. Murtaugh much more than it needs more alternative health products. The city could use the no-nonsense commitment to law and order shown by Danny Glover’s “Lethal Weapon” character. Unfortunately, though, Glover’s quiet stop in Stockton June 27 did not mean Murtaugh was coming to town.

REVIEW: The Sax Pack

Posted June 29 at 09:11 AM

Walking into the Bob Hope Theatre June 26 was like stepping into a smooth jazz haven. Several jazz acts were in town for a show.

REVIEW: The Bowmans

Posted June 26 at 03:30 PM

Brooklyn-based The Bowmans played a crowd-pleasing set June 24 at the Blackwater Café in Stockton. They kicked off the show with “On The Road"...

Battle coming soon!

Posted June 24 at 01:58 PM

Get ready for the 209's first online battle of the bands. 209Vibe.com and OneEightyMusic are teaming up to launch the battle later this week...

La Circa at Warped

Posted June 20 at 08:10 AM

Stockton screamo act La Cira has won a spot on the bill for the June 21 Warped Tour show in San Francisco.

Talent show

Posted June 17 at 02:33 PM

A local organization is hustling to sell tickets for the Kids for All / Can You Bring It talent show July 11 at the Scottish Rite Cathedral...

Greyspace

Posted June 14 at 08:48 AM

It's past time to recognize Greyspace as one of Stockton's best and most exciting bands. They're talented musicians who put on a funky, fun, high-energy show...

The Underground closes

Posted June 13 at 06:14 AM

The Modesto Underground, a church-based venue that hosted some of the area's biggest hardcore and screamo shows, has shut its doors...

Benefit for fire victims

Posted June 11 at 12:06 PM

A wildfire quickly and cruelly ripped through a Stockton neighborhood on June 10, destroying buildings and leaving dozens of families homeless. Now the Stockton arts, music and entertainment community is coming together to seek your help for those families in their time of need...

The Vibeys!

Posted June 10 at 09:02 AM

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the first-ever Vibeys presentation: a blog giving fictional awards to the top short films in the first International San Joaquin Film Festival...

Indie summer

Posted June 6 at 08:28 AM

Recent local performances by Sean Kingston and A Skylit Drive show reflect how the concert industry, and the music business overall, has been turned upside-down in recent years. The musicians who draw the most fans for concerts are no longer just those who sell the most CDs and top the Billboard charts...

Film Fest

Posted June 5 at 10:15 AM

Admittedly, I was a bit skeptical. A film festival? In Stockton? During my three years here I’ve seen some try independent film series in the city only to have them fail miserably. But that was before Sophoan Sorn...

Loungin'

Posted June 3 at 12:37 PM

You’ve probably noticed a significant change in the local nightlife scene if you’ve driven on Pacific Avenue in north Stockton recently. Brandenburg’s 276 is no more...

Millionaires show canceled

Posted May 28 at 04:42 PM

The Millionaires' show set for May 29 at the Stockton Empire Theatre has been canceled. Additional details were not immediately available.

Gabba Gabba Hey!

Posted May 27 at 04:18 PM

Children’s television just got way cooler. If there was any question as to where indie music has gone, it’s moved to Nickelodeon...

The Hookup!

Posted May 26 at 08:19 AM

Looking for a new bassist? Hoping to book shows in the 209? Searching for a band to play at your event? Post the info on the Hookup...

R.E.M. in the 209

Posted May 25 at 08:41 AM

Remember when R.E.M. performed in the 209? Bassist Mike Mills does. In the latest edition of "Rolling Stone," Mills recalls the band's 1984 shows during the two-day Mountain Aire Festival in Angels Camp...

Big Air Jam act on "Idol"

Posted May 22 at 11:33 AM

It's no secret that I despise "American Idol." The show offers a cheap shortcut to fame for mundane mainstream acts; there are other, more hard-working, more creative musicians out there who deserve the attention...

What is Profile Image Not Set?

Posted May 21 at 04:07 PM

Here's some info about photos, event posters and the homepage player on 209Vibe 2.0, which launched May 19...

MyCalTrans

Posted May 21 at 02:23 PM

Does it remind anyone else of Dunder Mifflin's social networking attempts on "The Office"?

REVIEW: Dahlak at Delta College

By Phalary Long / 209Vibe street teamPosted May 12 at 08:13 AM

Spoken word poet Dahlak took the stage May 8 at San Joaquin Delta College and told the crowd to get ready for some funk...

Landmark show for Stockton

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted May 10 at 06:25 AM

You probably missed the big picture if on Friday night you were in Janet Leigh Plaza, and that's perfectly fine. You won't supposed to be thinking about city politics and the state of local music as you bobbed your head to Greyspace, Neglected and the Icarus Jones Collective.

The 209: Romie Rome

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted May 8 at 05:25 PM

You never know where you’ll find the next big thing in music...

Arts, diversity and a survey

Ian Hill / 209VibePosted May 7 at 06:06 PM

I spent the last few minutes writing a long blog on my skepticism of the online arts survey now being conducted for the Haggin Museum and the Stockton Symphony. Then I took a deep breath, re-read what I had written, and deleted it all.

209Vibe.com announcement!

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted May 6 at 09:01 AM

We at 209Vibe are very pleased to announce the coming release of 209Vibe.com version 2.0...

REVIEW: Sean Kingston at the Empire

Jessica Murillo / 209Vibe street teamPosted May 4 at 01:29 PM

Sean Kingston headlined the Empire Theatre May 3, his third stop in Stockton in the past seven months. And while the R&B singer put on a fast-paced, high energy show, not many fans were there to see it...

Is Stockton hip-hop dead?

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted May 4 at 07:31 AM

One of the best parts of my job over the past three years has been writing about Stockton rap. When I first arrived the scene was energetic and alive with young artists hungry to make it big, and they worked hard to earn the spotlight.

REVIEW: Screamo and melodic hardcore at 180

Jordin Harris / 209Vibe street teamPosted April 28 at 11:50 AM

La Circa, The Glorious Fall and Consider the Thief took the stage April 25 at Lodi's newly-christened 180, formerly the 180 Teen Center. Despite the name change, the show still drew a mostly teen-age crowd who came to check out La Circa...

Lodi guitarist gets radio spins

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted April 28 at 10:53 AM

"Smooth Urban Night," the title track from the new album by Lodi guitarist Travis Vega, began receiving spins today on the Modesto-based smooth jazz station...

Stockton native gets attention with new album

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted April 28 at 09:42 AM

The Savage Sun, a Stockton native now spending time in St. Louis, recently received some press in Monterey for his latest album, "The Art of Being Alive." Check out the story...

/209Vibe

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted April 28 at 06:17 AM

We've always emphasized that 209Vibe isn't just a Web page or a newspaper - it's a movement. And as a movement, we try to be anywhere you can find supporters of local music and entertainment...

Reviews, criticism and genres

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted April 26 at 08:14 AM

209Vibe street team member Jordin Harris has been ruffling some feathers lately with her reviews of local hardcore shows...

REVIEW: Drew Grow

Sam Juneman / 209Vibe street teamPosted April 25 at 04:04 PM

Drew Grow, one of Portland, Oregon's hidden talents, played an epic show April 24 at the Blackwater Café in Stockton...

Remember hyphy?

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted April 24 at 07:08 PM

You know, that crunk-like hip-hop subculture that started in the Bay Area, stirred controversy in Stockton and Modesto and appeared ready to take over the country in 2006 and 2007 only to fizzle out?

Poetry and art

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted April 24 at 09:11 AM

It's interesting how a poem can sum up your feelings on an issue. Case in point: California poet laureate Al Young's "Blues My Naughty Poetry Taught Me"...

The next great Stockton band?

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted April 19 at 08:06 AM

It's the morning of April 19 - the midpoint between last night's Second String Quintet official CD release show and tonight's Icarus Jones unofficial CD release show (aka indie fest hip-hop night) - and I am basking in the glow of Stockton music...

Big ups: L'Jay

Ian Hill / 209VibePosted April 18 at 04:34 PM

Big ups to Stockton R&B singer L'Jay, who's been selected to perform in a showcase for a major label rep...

The 2-90: Frank Caliendo

Blythe Nelson / 209Vibe street teamPosted April 16 at 09:38 AM

Here are 90 words on Frank Caliendo's recent performance at the Bob Hope Theatre…

Want 209Vibe to write about you?

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted April 13 at 08:20 AM

Looking to be the focus of a story on 209Vibe.com or in the 209Vibe newspaper? Here's how you can help make that happen...

Naming your indie band

Dan Faughnder / 209VibePosted April 7 at 06:08 AM

I just saw the line-up for Lollapalooza and I’ve never been angrier to not be in Chicago. The show will be an indie kid’s dream...

Stockton coming back

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted April 4 at 12:31 AM

During the past week, while you were shakin’ it, laughing hysterically or bobbing your head to the beat at local events, the Stockton entertainment scene was passing a significant test...

The Apocalypse is here

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted April 4 at 12:29 AM

New Kids on the Block are trying to make a comeback. Where's Nirvana when you need them?

Musicians wanted

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted March 20 at 10:36 AM

The San Joaquin Delta College online student radio station is asking local artists to submit music for broadcast...

Sean Kingston returning to Stockton

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted March 19 at 11:40 AM

Teen superstar Sean Kingston is returning to Stockton. Sean will be performing all his hits in the up-close-and-personal Stockton Empire Theatre...

Haters' challenge

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted March 19 at 05:32 AM

The Internet creates a forum for anonymous hate by giving users the terrible luxury of posting derogatory comments without having to stand behind their words...

St. Patty's Fest

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted March 17 at 09:11 AM

For the Stockton police, it was uneventful. That meant it was a great event for everyone else who attended. The second downtown Stockton street festival March 15 was a success...

Rebelution, hip-hop awards and haters

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted March 14 at 11:19 AM

Those are three topics that have been in the local entertainment news lately. Here's a look at what's been going on...

Reality check: Paragary's

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted March 10 at 10:16 AM

There's been so much hype about Paragarry's that you'd think Tavern on the Green was opening in downtown Stockton. But don't believe the hype...

ASD not sold out

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted March 7 at 03:06 PM

A Skylit Drive's 209Vibe-sponsored performance March 7 at the Stockton Empire Theatre is NOT sold out, despite the rumors you may have heard. So come to the Empire and check it out!

Contemptus is no more

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted March 7 at 02:31 PM

One of the biggest local bands - at least on MySpace - has called it quits. When it came to Stockton-area bands, Contemptus was second only to A Skylit Drive in number of MySpace friends. Here's the farewell Contemptus posted on its MySpace page in late February...

Musicians Wanted

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted March 6 at 02:33 PM

The Downtown Stockton Alliance needs musicians and entertainment for Art Walks on the second Friday of each month. Over 1,000 people come to this event monthly and many musicians have earned paid opportunities as a result of this event...

Vicente, Apollo Night and Chuck D.

Ian Hill / 209VibePosted March 3 at 04:55 PM

All three have made news in the 209 music and entertainment scene recently. Here's a look at what's been going on...

Stockton vs. Wikipedia

Ian Hill/ 209Vibe editorPosted February 24 at 04:48 AM

Stephen Malkmus continues to prove why he's among the best musicians to grow up in Stockton. His latest album with the Jicks, "Real Emotional Trash," received four-and-a-half stars in the latest edition of Rolling Stone. But if you had checked out the Stockton entry on Wikipedia before this January, you might not have realized Malkmus' Stockton ties. That's because he wasn't mentioned on the page...

Living vicariously through Jackie Greene

Dan Faughnder / 209VibePosted February 19 at 03:13 PM

Sometimes I wish I was older, but most of the time, I fully appreciate my youth. Last night was one of those latter times...

My209 launched!

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted February 10 at 07:47 AM

209Vibe is very happy to announce the launch of My209 - the area's FIRST network joining local artists with music and entertainment fans!

Talib FAQs

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted February 5 at 01:30 PM

Whenever 209Vibe announces a big rap show, local fans and rappers repeatedly hit me up with the same two questions. For the sake of expediency, I'm going to answer both questions here.

Coming this week to 209Vibe!

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted February 3 at 05:26 PM

209Vibe is back after experiencing some technical difficulties Sunday, and we're getting ready for another big week. On Wednesday we'll be proud to announce one of the biggest 209 concerts...

Event City Haters

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted February 1 at 04:04 PM

The haters were quick to pile on consultant Roger Brooks this week after he said Stockton should work to brand itself as "The Event City." They missed the point...

Avatar photos

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted January 25 at 11:45 AM

If you've recently added an artist's profile and you're wondering why your avatar photo isn't appearing, please be patient...

Maintain your 209Vibe profile!

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted January 22 at 04:29 PM

209Vibe artists: now you have the power to update your 209Vibe artist profile and add photos and music to the site...

Profile update

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted January 19 at 09:46 AM

We hit a small snag with our user profile system that's set us back a few hours from our original expected launch. The system should be up today, Jan. 19. Keep checking 209Vibe.com for updates!

IMPORTANT 209VIBE NEWS!

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted January 18 at 05:39 PM

209Vibe.com will be down for a few hours late tonight, Jan. 18, while we add our long-awaited user profile and music and photo upload features!

209Letters

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted January 15 at 02:55 PM

Got something to say about entertainment, culture or life in the 209? Express it in a letter to 209Vibe. We'll begin running letters to the editor in the February edition of the 209VIbe newspaper.

New site for the Blackwater

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted December 29 at 04:53 PM

In the dark days before 209Vibe, it wasn't always easy to keep track of what was going on in the local music scene. You typically had to dig through MySpace or other Internet sites to find information about area shows...

Tag the graffiti trailer!

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted December 17 at 02:20 PM

Want to make your mark on the ultimate graffiti target? The city of Stockton is seeking young artists to decorate its three graffiti trailers. The catch, of course, is that the designs must have an anti-graffiti message...

Candy Shop open

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted November 30 at 04:42 PM

Da Candy Shop owner Darcel Jackson said that rumors that the club would be closing after Nov. 30 are untrue.

Epilogue: Snoop

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted November 7 at 10:18 PM

Ralph Lee White's contention that Snoop Dogg is still coming to Stockton is both dangerous and bad for the local hip-hop scene...

Whirlwind

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted November 7 at 07:13 AM

Stefani, Wyclef and Snoop. Oh, my. It's been a whirlwind week here at 209Vibe as some of the biggest names in pop and hip-hop have come to Stockton.

Vote!

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted October 13 at 01:50 PM

Local music fans can now vote for their favorite artsts on 209Vibe! Just head to that artist's profile and click on the small thumb icon in the corner of their main photo...

209Music player

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted October 9 at 02:05 PM

Check out the top of the 209Vibe.com homepage and you'll see our newest feature - the 209Music player. It is the first online music player featuring the work of a variety of artists from the 209...

209Update

Ian Hill / 209Vibe editorPosted October 4 at 09:19 PM

The buzz continues to grow around 209Vibe. More local residents and music fans continue to visit the site daily to check out what's going on in the area's entertainment scene...

209 Unity

Ian HillPosted September 21 at 06:15 AM

This site is open to all musicians from the 209, including Modesto. Together, we can all help build up the 209.

Site update

Stefan GomezPosted September 20 at 03:37 PM

209Vibe is continuing to grow and improve. We're making changes to many site features to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. Here's a look at what's coming soon...

What about Modesto?

Ian HillPosted September 19 at 05:38 AM

A question for 209Vibe fans: when it comes to musicians, where do you think we should draw the line? Should we limit the site to San Joaquin County artists only, or do we allow Modesto performers to post their profiles as well?

Share your photos on 209Vibe

Brea JonesPosted September 17 at 03:26 PM

If you're out in the 209, snap some pictures and show off your photography skills or your 209 pride on our homepage photostream. We want pictures of people at bars, events, restaurants or anywhere people hang out in the 209...

The countdown is on

Brea JonesPosted September 13 at 11:36 AM

The 209Vibe launch party at the Stockton Empire Theatre is only 15 days away, and we're hard at work here tweaking the site and editing the profiles and photos you've been submitting to us. We'll be sending you email and MySpace messages if we have any questions.

Your music. Your entertainment. Your 209.

Ian HillPosted August 31 at 05:23 PM

You can't miss the new Stockton when you're downtown. A decade ago the land between Weber Avenue and Fremont Street around El Dorado and Center streets was mostly parking lots and overgrown vacant fields.

Local music quiz

Ian HillPosted August 31 at 05:20 PM

Stockton promoter Middagh Goodwin called yesterday to say he had good news and bad news about the lineup for the Sept. 28 209Vibe.com concert at The Blackwater Café, which he is booking.

Childish comments a no-go on 209Vibe

Ian HillPosted August 31 at 05:17 PM

Now that 209Vibe.com is live I'll be using this blog to occasionally give you a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like running the site. The last two weeks have been pretty hectic here as the 209Vibe.com team has been building content and wading through some of the bugs and issues that come with any new site.

Gwen Stefani, part one: Big ups to Jill Roda

Ian HillPosted August 25 at 12:20 AM

As a journalist you often have to approach people you’ve never met and ask them questions they may have no interest in answering. (Some of the questions Record reporters have asked in the past year: “Which fall activities are you looking forward to?” “Has the deadly outbreak of e-coli stopped you from eating spinach?” “Do you say ‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘Happy Holidays’?”) It requires more maturity, guts and self-confidence than you’d think, as you never know if you’re going to get an answer, be cursed at or ignored.