Johnny Rad Fest summed up in three words (in no particular order): rock, skate, booze. 2010 marks the third year of the festival that merges garage/punk music with competitive skating and recreational drinking and this year will likely be the biggest so far.

The four day festival spreads debauchery across San Diego, starting with day shows at Two Roses Tattoo. Thursday night marks the beginning of the evening shows and Tower Bar will play host, while Friday and Saturday night will go down at the Ken Club.

For those not in the know, Johnny Rad Fest is molded in the likeness of the legendary 80’s skate flick, The Search for Animal Chin – the fest is named after Johnny Rad of Johnny Rad and the Air Jordans.

To get your rock, skate or booze on, here’s a handy-dandy list of what’s going down and where:

Thursday July 22 @ Tower Bar

4757 University Ave.

DJ Mikey Ratt

The Deep Ones  9:30 – 10:15

Grand Tarantula  10:30 – 11:10

The Embalmers  11:20

The Grids  12:15 – 12:55

The Dissimilars  1:10 – 1:45

Friday July 23 @ Ken Club

4079 Adams Ave.

DJ Horsepussy

The Kabbs  9:30 – 10:15

Wax Idols  10:25 – 11:05

The Boy Toys  11:15 – 12:00

Nobunny  12:05 – 12:50

The Zeros  1:00 – 1:45

Saturday July 24 @ Two Roses (Day Show)

2181 Logan Ave.

Heavy Cesna  3:300 – 4:00

Chango Rey  4:00 – 4:45

(Launch Ramp Contest  5:00 – 5:30)

Slab City  5:00 – 5:30

(Wall Ride Contest  6:15 – 7:00)

The Fast Takers  6:15 – 7:00

Typical Culture Video Premiere  8:00 – 8:30

Saturday July 24 @ Ken Club

4079 Adams Ave.

Strychnine DJs

Stalins Of Sound  9:30 – 10:00

Jungle Fever  10:15 – 10:50

Half Rats  11:00 – 11:50

Tokyo Electron  12:00 – 12:50

The Spits  1:00 –1:50

As it turns out, Borat wasn’t completely full of sh*t. Although yours truly couldn’t point it out on a map (I would SO lose the final round of “Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego?”), Kazakhstan actually DOES exist. Being that it is so far away from the watchful gaze of American interest, it’s the perfect place to attempt some less-than-Kosher business practices.

Enter Philip Morris:

Earlier this month, the world was made aware of Kazakhstan (for perhaps the first time since Borat) and more to the point – made aware of child labor in the name of big tobacco. The folks behind Marlboro admitted that children as young as 10 were subject to long, hard (that’s what she said) hours in tobacco fields. Philip Morris has been cultivating tobacco in Kazakhstan for sales made in Russia and former Soviet states for some time now. It’s unknown just how long this has been going on for but what we do know is that there are 72 documented cases of child labor abuses stemming from this discovery.

As if hard labor for next to nothing weren’t bad enough, there are also serious health risks for the laboring children. In the average workday, these kids are exposed to as much nicotine as contained in 36 normal cigarettes. Furthermore, children are at higher risk (due to lower body weight) for contracting Green Tobacco Sickness, where nicotine is absorbed through the skin from contact. The sickness causes nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle weakness and dizziness.

Authorities place the blame equally on Philip Morris and the Kazakh government. Since it was discovered that children were allowed to work 11 to 13 hour shifts, some progress has been made but Human Rights watchdogs aren’t fully confident that child labor has come to a full halt in Kazakhstan’s tobacco fields just yet.

Congratulations to Hotel St. George for being voted by YOU as Commune’s Featured Local of the month. I met up with the hilarious lead singer Matt Binder to congratulate him and the rest of the guys on winning and to see what they have going on.

1. How long have you guys been playing together and how did you come up with the name Hotel St. George?
The band started a little over two years ago when I (Matt) met Erik while doing a ride along with a SDPD officer. It was part of a probation program that I was on for when I got busted impersonating a real police officer.  It’s a long story but the short version is that a friend of mine and me had rented some police uniforms and then went out to bust up high school parties for kicks and to take their kegs, pot, whatever else we could find. Anyways, it was a long time ago and we’re much more mature and wiser now.

Anyways, Erik had had a break in at his apartment and we went to investigate. Some of his musical equipment was stolen and that got us talking about music and then boom; we started a band.

We named the band Hotel St. George because that is where Simon lost his virginity.
2. How would you describe your music?

Each member has their own influences and inspirations that are splattered across a canvas.  We put all of those styles into a song and then work collectively to mold a personality for the song.  Garage, punk, shoegaze, pop, rock, electronic, and even metal influences come into various parts of the music to really push ourselves into different and new directions.

Check out the new HSG music video “little childrens bones” below.

3. What’s one interesting fact about each person in the band?

Erik won’t disclose any facts about himself; something to do with government clearance for his job.

Brian is so bad but tastes and smells great.

Matt is missing the pinky toe on his left foot; the result of dropping an antique bathtub on it.

Simon subsides on a strict diet of less than 1000 calories a day.

4. Have anything exciting coming up that people should keep their eye out for?

We are going to be at U-31 for the North Park Music Thing this year.  Since most of us live in North Park we are really excited to not have to go far.   Right after that show we are going back to the studio to record some brand new songs whose desired effect is to end world hunger.

5. What’s your favorite thing about Commune?

We love our girl Jenny!

[haha thanks for the shout out guys =) ]

6. Why do you think it’s important to take a stand against Big Tobacco?

I suppose the biggest bummer about Big Tobacco is that they target teenagers. Teenagers are very stupid and impressionable so it’s not really fair to court their money. I mean if I can trick them into thinking that I’m a cop than I can only imagine how easy it would be to get them to smoke. It would be interesting to devise a policy where Big Tobacco would have to relinquish all the revenue generated from people that started smoking before they reached a legal age to smoke. It would be impossible to enforce but it’s a nice idea, regardless.

Congrats again to all the guys in Hotel St. George for winning Commune Featured Local and thanks to everyone who voted.

For More on Hotel St. George click here to visit their myspace page and here to add them on Facebook.

If you would like to be part of Commune Wednesdays and stand up for a smokefree scene, contact us at jointhecommune@gmail.com or www.jointhecommune.com.

Congratulations to Jason Feather for being voted by YOU as Commune’s Featured Local of the month. I met up with Jason to congratulate him on winning and also to get the dirt on what he has going on.

1. How would you describe your art?

My work reconciles street art with clean-lined craftsmanship by using a mix of styles, mediums, and techniques.

2. What inspires you?

I rarely draw my material from a single source. My inspiration comes from a multitude of fields, from street art and graphic
design, to modern architecture, technology, music, and magazines and sometimes, my good friend, Jameson.

3. Where can people find your art? Any upcoming shows or cool things you are
working on?

I try to get involved with as many projects as I can around San Diego. Through Art Kills Artists, I am able to expose my work, as well as the work of other artists, in locations such as gallery aka, located inside Disconnected Salon, True North Tavern, U31, The Mission, etc. I am also the resident painter at Voyeur, and I¹ve designed a number of storefronts around town. For upcoming shows, visit Jfeather.com or ArtKillsArtists.com.

4. What is your favorite thing about Commune?

I like Commune¹s alternative approach to the fight against big tobacco. Incorporating a combination of music and art allows for an event that is not only creative, but also interactive and informative.

5. Why do you think it¹s important to stand up against tobacco corporations?
I think it’s important to stand behind anything you believe in.

Check out Jason’s limited edition Commune poster design taking a stand against big tobacco here.

For More on Jason Feather check out Jfeather.com and ArtKillsArtists.com.

If you would like to be part of Commune Wednesdays and stand up for a smokefree scene, contact us at jointhecommune@gmail.com or www.jointhecommune.com.

On May 26^th Commune rocked the Whistlestop for another exciting month of local art, music and fashion.   DJ Francey Pants started the night off with her French pop, classic soul and vintage garage rock tunes and kept the crowd dancing throughout the night.  Sunday Times took the stage and got the crowd movin’ and shakin’ while they rocked out and we all celebrated lead singer, Junior’s bday.  Our artist for the evening was DVICE, a San Diego native, who filled the walls with vibrant prints and brought out beautiful new faces to our monthly event.  His anti-big tobacco poster and tee brought humor and light to the fact that Tobacco Companies kill people. Click here to check out his design.  Throwback was our vintage trunk show for the evening and cosmic soul sisters Jenea and Sarah brought out beautiful vintage pieces from their two online stores: Dollyrocker Vintage and Love Street Vintage. Thanks to Dana Chavarria everyone who made it out can check out his or her beautiful face on our events page. Thanks to everyone who made it out and we hope to see you all  June 3oth @ Whistlestop!

Wow. Did anyone catch this recent video tearing its way through the net? This 2-year-old kid in Indonesia sucks down a cig for the camera. He is reportedly the son of a fishmonger who gave his son his first smoke at just 1 and half years old. The toddler allegedly smokes 40 cigs per day and throws terrible tantrums if his parents don’t give him his cancer sticks.

When I was two, I was into He-Man and PB&J sandwiches with the crust torn off. This kid’s diaper probably looks like an ashtray.

Congratulations to The Dead View Project for being voted by YOU as Commune’s Featured Local of the month. I met up with Mikey to congratulate him on winning and also to get the dirt on what he has going on.

1. When did you start The Dead View Project and where do you draw inspiration?
First off I would like to thank my friends, family and all the supporters. I started The Dead View Project in ‘07.  The idea came from old horror flicks that I enjoyed, but I could never find a cool shirt with any good designs. So, I started making my own.  For the love of films, art, and music TDVP started.  Most of the ideas come from pop culture and all things dead, I try to bring “Dead life to Real Life.”

2. How did you come up with the name?

It’s kind of funny how I started and got the name.  I was working on another clothing company and just really wasn’t feeling the style.  So, I started on another project just out of boredom.  Dead View clicked in my head.  Dead View just being a different view of the dead and just appreciating horror films and art.  The first design I made was from a Peter Jackson film called Dead Alive, a must see.  After that design I knew what path I wanted to go.  That’s how the Dead View Project came along… trying to be the next dead thing!

3. Where can people find your stuff? Any upcoming shows or cool things you are working on?

If you’re wondering where you can grab some TDVP gear, check out our online store thedeadviewproject.bigcartel.com.  We are working on some shows and trying to get in some local shops, so keep your eyes and ears open.  On a side note, check out Grieves and Budo and Pierce and Veil, two new additions to TDVP family. Great music, good friends!

4. What is your favorite thing about Commune?

We think the concept of Commune is pretty rad; bringing music, art and culture together with a meaning is awesome.

For More on The Dead View Project check out thedeadviewproject.bigcartel.com.

If you would like to be part of Commune Wednesdays and stand up for a smokefree scene, contact us at jointhecommune@gmail.com or www.jointhecommune.com.

Congratulations to Dion Terry for being voted by YOU as Commune’s Featured Local of the month! I met up with Dion to congratulate him on winning and also to get the dirt on what he has going on.

1. How would you describe your art?

My art borders random aspects of what is created during the daily consciousness of human thought that exist when people stare at something for too long. Meaning, when I’m finished with a painting I’m already thinking of projects 2 or 3 series ahead of what I’ve accomplished. As for now, my art consists of giving the bird subject a presence of stature, a simple personality that completes the painting.  But the origin of my undernourished relentlessness to paint was of the advice from two well-established artists named Frank Gonzales from NYC, and Richard Salcido who is from San Diego. They simply told me to just paint birds.

2. What inspires you?

Honestly, my girlfriend Tassia. She gives me ideas and I figure out how I can spin her inspiration and we toss ideas back and forth. She’s my live in muse.

3. Where can people find your art? Any upcoming shows or cool things you are working on?
Yeah, people can find my art hanging at Guru Tattoo in Pacific Beach and at Feelit Boutique in downtown San Diego.  I also attend the Hillcrest farmer’s market and the OB farmer’s market from time to time. As for upcoming shows, I have ideas, but you might find me on the streets or Frankfurt and Amsterdam in the next month slinging shit.

4. What is your favorite thing about Commune?
I love how Commune gets so many creative people together to show off their talents. San Diego, as a community lags in the art department. San Diego is sleepy. Who in our demographic likes traditional watercolors and boring art school trained oil paintings of landscapes? The Commune keeps it fresh like Kool N the Gang.

Why do you think it’s important to stand up against tobacco corporations?
If you’ve been under an orca-sized hooker for the last decade somewhere near Borrego Springs, and were recently freed from her clutches during the last earthquake… then you have some serious emendations of thought awaiting you. The truth of what exist when it comes to the pandering from tobacco companies is unreal. Tobacco corporations are evil. Don’t smoke.

For More on Dion Terry check out his myspace.

Congrats again to Dion Terry and thanks to everyone who voted.

If you would like to be part of Commune Wednesdays and stand up for a smokefree scene, contact us at jointhecommune@gmail.com

Commune packed Bar Pink Wednesday March 31^st.  In fact, for those of you keeping track it was our highest attended event thus far but who’s counting… oh wait, we are!  The evening’s festivities began with one of our favorite DJ’s, DJ Peso.  He might be your favorite too because he recently won Commune’s featured local.  Our favorite tunes of the night included Maneater by Hall and Oats and a little NKOTB.

Our band of the night, Buddy Akai, took the stage and the crowd went wild.  We were stoked to hear Memo shout “Fuck Big Tobacco” in support of our stand against big industry and our fight for a smokefree scene.  Buddy Akai put on an explosive show and got the whole bar dancing to their electro-inspired beats.

Our trunk show of the night featured the best accessories you can find in the neighborhood.  Corine brought her hammered pieces, featuring her handmade silver and gold inspirational messages on the most delightful bracelets we’ve ever had the pleasure of wearing.  Natalia trekked all the way down from LA to share her latest n.om collection featuring her signature feathers, precious metals and of course lots of love.

Not to be out done The Style Shark, Ben DeCamp swam through the crowd capturing the scandal and style of all those who attended.  Check out his photos of the night and see just how sexy this Commune was.

Chantel Paul brought to life the disturbing 1996 quote by a tobacco executive who said “At some point they learn to crawl,” when asked how infants avoid second hand smoke. Check out her chilling photo.

Stay tuned for April’s event Wednesday the 28^th at the Whistlestop.  See you next month!

O how I adore summer, I mean spring, I mean the end of fall.. forgive me I get confused.  Weather, like unisex bathrooms, is so ambiguous in San Diego, that you can never tell from one hour to the next whether you should rock the vegan-leather jacket, throw the tunic sweater in the side bag, or say F it and go all “long-cotton-tank” with colored tube bra as the only barrier from nudity. I am a big fan of the tube bra, but that’s just me being semi perverted. Regardless of the perversion, we all feel that SD is ready to warm up and stay up; Mother Earth has filled up our coastline with its yearly prescription of warm weather Viagra and we are ready to ride, ride, ride!

Besides the warm sensations of approaching summer, my mind is a buzz with the fuzzy apprehension of spring’s new fashion lines. One of my fav, fav, favorite boutiques Mimi and Red, has launched their store on the big bad web. Mimiandred.com now features new pieces that you can find in the North Park store, plus extras. Having their own website allows us busy shopaholics to relish in our addiction just a little more. So thank you Mimi and Red, you’ve just made many people re-think their online shopping budget for the month. Already having made a significant dent in my bank account on Mimi and Red’s new site I shall share some of my favorite fixes, I mean purchases.

Often times I will go into a store with the sole intention of buying an item that is necessary for some function and will come out with only accessories. Such a dilemma almost claimed me in my first visit to Mimiandred.com. Nashelle Nameplate Necklace was the piece that stole my heart and half of my budget (it was a small budget for that day). The piece compliments the chest very well, at least my chest, which is 99% of the reason I bought it. If you’re not looking to load up on gorgeous chains, and need something that can work for work and play then you must check out the Jack Susan Dress. This navy-colored gem paired with a fitted blazer could easily take you into the office at the top of your game; add a push up bra, nix the blazer dawn some shiny accessories and viola you’re ready for the club/ beer bar! No matter where you are you’ll be styling. If you’re as stoked about continuous sunshine then you must pick up Mimi and Red’s Haven Amy Romper in coral multi print. This light-airy piece is perfect that in between weather, and also for showing off your killer stems (if ya got’em show’em). The print is mad fun and busy, which for many of us is the quintessential combination.

Regardless of what you are looking for, you’ll find something unique at Mimi & Red, and now you can find it in the comfort of your home or office cubicle. Shop safely friends.

Other Items you may enjoy….

For more great items check out Mimi and Red in North Park (3032 University avenue San Diego, CA, 92104) or online at mimiandred.com.