GREAT NEWS! Your Gaslamp Insider has decided to UN-Cancel the traditional Memorial Day Music Festival in the Gaslamp Quarter. Quite simply, we love it and want to do it, whichever way we can! So we've lined up 25+ fabulous Gaslamp venues to host live bands all day and we're throwing in some Art, Fashion and Dining to make it great! We won't close the streets this time, so no tickets will be required. Hooray for a FREE festival for you to enjoy here in our lovely & historic entertainment destination. From smooth beats to funky scats, the Gaslamp Music & Arts Festival will celebrate live music this Memorial Day weekend - Saturday May 26, 2012. Various Gaslamp Quarter businesses, along with the Gaslamp Quarter Association 
(GQA), are pleased to host the inaugural Gaslamp Music & Arts Festival from 1:00pm to 9:00pm. This event will feature live entertainment, dining and interactive art demonstrations hosted at more than 25 venues throughout the Gaslamp Quarter.
This free celebration invites residents and visitors alike to revel in the vibrance of Downtown San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter while supporting local community businesses. Participating locations will offer an opportunity to enjoy an eclectic collection of national, regional and local bands – offering everything from Latin Jazz to Irish Rock, rockabilly to flamenco, reggae to acoustic music – and interactive art demonstrations. Alexander Salazar Fine Art will curate a show of their Artists in Residence at many cool hotspots. There will be free admission throughout the event with a minimum purchase of food or drinks in several participating restaurants and bars.
Contributing restaurants, bars, lounges, and retail shops include: barleymash; The Blarney Stone Pub; Café Sevilla; Croce’s Restaurant & Jazz Bar; Dick’s Last Resort; Dublin Square Irish Pub & Grill; Fred’s Mexican Café; Gaslamp Speakeasy (Hennessey’s Tavern); Gaslamp Garage; Goorin Brothers; Hard Rock Cafe, Henry’s Pub; Industry Showroom; Jimmy Loves; Jolt’n Joe’s; La Fiesta Mexican Cuisine & Lounge; Madame Cora’s Marble Room; Michael J Wolf Fine Arts; Patrick’s Gaslamp Pub; TGIFriday’s; The Field, Authentic Irish Pub & Restaurant; The Lime, Tequila Bar; The Stage – Rock Bar & Grill; The Tipsy Crow; Toscana Café; Urban Bar & Grill; Whiskey Girl; and more. Many of these locations are 21 and up only with valid ID, though several locations will offer entertainment and attractions for all. Expect the spontaneity that only live music and art can bring. For more information on the Gaslamp Music & Arts Festival, visit it's webpage which we will continually update as things progress
May Gray? June Gloom? Sometimes San Diego gets a little socked in with a cloudy coastal condition. It's not the worst thing that could happen. This gives us time for afternoon naps that don't make you feel guilty for missing the sunshine and helps us catch up on our reading. Your Gaslamp Insider suggests you read up on all of the great upcoming activities coming to the Gaslamp Quarter, of course! This district rarely sleeps.
The Staff that works within the many Bars, Nightclubs and Restaurants of the Gaslamp Quarter are buzzing right now about our upcoming GQA Hogue Golf Tournament. We honor Gaslamp pioneer Michael Jon Hogue each year by hosting a serious "Hookie Day" where our hard working folks ditch their aprons, cover their shifts and spend a day together out on the links. Since we are such a hospitable bunch, we make sure there are a lot of fine sampling opportunities available on the course and well, sometimes it ends up more party than serious Golf match. That's not to say serious bragging rights are not on the line. Winner hoists the "Gaslamp Cup" at their home bar after the event. If your job involves positioning your brand in front of this amazing group of Gaslampers, contact us about a few remaining opportunities to be featured as a Dinner Host, Cart sponsor or maybe run a great contest feature >
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Cinco de Mayo is next! Whether you wish to feast on Guacamole or slurp Margaritas the Gaslamp has hot spots for you. The best parties are listed on our Cinco Page and look for caliente eats on the Mexican and Latin Cuisine page. The neighborhood is also gearing up for Mother's Day, coming up on May 13th and we've got an abundance of Brunches and Dinner Specials for those of you looking to impress Mum. Scope our guide and find something that works for your family. If the Gaslamp Insider's mum was in town The Gaslamp Quarter Wine Walk would be on the agenda. This fun Sunday afternoon stroll stops at 3 wine bars for an assortment of history, vino and small bites. You get a sample of the historic Gaslamp Quarter’s seedy past, and a taste of the wine history of San Diego and California. A little bit wine helps the history the go down!
IMBIBE
Wine afficinados should also look into our weekly wine features! We count on a few of our vine-centric locations for a change-up every week. Don't miss out on The Wine Bank's Pacific Northwest Wine Tasting on Friday, May 4th 6-8pm and Vin de Syrah hosts a sampling on both Friday & Saturday nights from 8-9 pm. This week their theme is Wines like Arnold! Highly likely it means Big, Strong and from Austria. Mid-week you'll find Wine Wednesday is the night to “Wine-Down” with half off select bottles of wine at The Gaslamp Strip Club. Enjoy a deal on a bottle of wine while you grill your steaks. A perfect pairing
The Craft Brewers Association is here in town and what better way to honor these artisans than by drinking up some of their fine products "Tap That Cask" features Karl Strauss' cask conditioned WRECK ALLEY Imperial Stout this week at the Tipsy Crow. Stop in on Tuesday, May 1st at 7pm for the freshest draft of the day followed by Live Music from 8-10pm with Bosen & Suede!
One of our favorite Irish Pubs is hosting a fun Whiskey Tasting event this month. The Field Irish Pub's Redbreast Whiskey Tasting Dinner will be on May 15th, featuring 4 courses with varied Redbreast pairings like their 12 year, 15 year and the Cask Strength. Only $35 but reservations are required - 619.232.9840
FEAST
Heartbroken that you're missing the New Orleans Jazz Festival this week? Stop at Lou and Mickey's Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge instead. They have a New Orleans style shrimp dish on their menu that is SO GOOD and SO TASTY, it might help you forget a little bit. Cravings for other Southern-Style cuisines can be satisfied near Gaslamp as well. Stop by The Crab Hut up on Broadway at 5th Ave and sample their Louisiana Crawfish Kitchen. They brag on their authentic Crawdad Etouffee, a variety of Seasoned Boils, Fresh Oysters and great selection of Craft Brews.
True Fish-heads know that May also means Wild Alaskan Salmon season. This is the time of the year that the famed Copper River shares her bounty! Seek out the incredibly deep colors and unique flavors of Wild Sockeye or the delicate flavors of the rare White King Salmon. Blue Point Coastal Cuisine will present these beautiful fish in three different and enticing preparations throughout the month of May. Selections are limited and will change throughout the month according to availability.
ROLL WITH IT!
Laugh till it hurts here in the National Historic District. We have funny factories! The American Comedy Club is bringing in some big, fun names this spring. How about giggling it up with Andrew Santino, Felipe Esparza, Johnny Sanchez or Harland Williams? This 6th Avenue location is starting up their open mike nights this month too. All you bathrobe comedians better start working on your schtick! Tipsy Crow hosts intimate comedy shows in their underground lounge every couple weeks. Try the Gaslamp Comedy Show on Thursday, May 11, 2012 to see Alonzo Bodden or on Fri, May 18th for a Mal Hall showcase.
Speaking of pain. . . We have a great selection of places that show all of the professional Boxing and UFC action. Find a spot to punch-in for the Mayweather vs. Cotto fight, this Saturday 5/5, or future events like the UFC 146, Dos Santos vs. Mir on Gaslamp.org’s very own Sports Page.
AQUIRE
If the words Tabriz, Kashan and Baloochi mean anything to you then you'll want to know about these fabulous Handmade imported rugs with exotic names being deeply discounted at the "Sale of Lifetime" at the 4th Avenue Rug Gallery. Stop in and see Cynthia. Save 30 to 75% on Arman imports for a limited time.
Summer is fast approaching. You'll need to protect your eyes from the sun but look cool doing it. A stop at Eyes on Fifth, and a review of their exclusive collection of unique sunglasses should help. Their staff are experts on selecting the right look for your face. Let them help! Pit stop on the same block at nearby Mac Cosmetics and Jaques LeLong's Mango to find the look and outfit that match your new facade perfectly. Polish off the look with some fantastic accessories at Bubbles Boutique. AND . . If just looking good isn't enough we have some spas and special services that will tackle your insides. Visit one of our Spa & Salons like the indulgent Rock Spa at the Hard Rock Hotel for some deep tissue massage. You'll be in prime shape!
Special Thanks to Tim Cantor Gallery for this months Artwork, featured above. The Cantor Gallery is a must see location on our Tour of Fine Art Galleries!
Gaslamp Insider Previous Posts >
Spring is in the Gaslamp air and we couldn't be happier about it. This time of year brings baseball season and sweet sunshine our way. Gotta love San Diego. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of this fantastic 
time of year!
On Deck! It's the San Diego Padres! Petco Park is officially open for business. They'll set the stage for America’s favorite pastime through October with any luck. Having our ballpark directly across the street sets us up nicely for what we like to call “Urban Tailgating” We have an unbelievable selection of fun and friendly places for a quick snack or a cold beer before the first pitch. On the other side of nine innings, all of our fine venues will still be here dishing up great eats and tasty beverages so you’ll find us perfectly positioned for all your dining and entertainment needs. Game Day Guide
Great weather makes all of us happy in the Gaslamp, especially folks that work in the places that have magnificent outdoor patio dining and fantastic rooftop lounges. Gaslamp’s amazing dining scene is loaded up with a wide variety of restaurant types and cafes with tantalizing tasty cuisine. The thing that many of these cool eateries have in common is a sweet outdoor patio where you can “See and Be Scene”. You’ll have all the delicious dining options, a great view for people watching and . . . . all the atmosphere you could want. Cruise up one of our famous streets and discover a gem by inspecting the menu boards that entice customers as they pass by. For gorgeous outdoor lounging check our recap on rooftops! We have a great feature on our best locations adjacent to the stars.
Our shops and boutiques are ready for the weather change. The gear in the windows has rotated from Ski Wear to Sundresses. We have a cool group of independent shops & boutiques that are blooming! If you’re the one in your group that has to have the unique finds and one-of-a-kinds – check here. Folks that love to shop AND love their cell phones and tablets will flip for our new Google Map tours. We organized a series of tours that folks can quickly download into their personal devices. These GMap Tours are ready to go – got get’m!
Speaking of Tours . . . this is also a great time of year to stroll or Roll through our National Historic District. Check out our beautifully detailed Victorian buildings on a hosted walking tour with tidbits of History or nibbles along the way. We have several great tour providers that will show off the district for you. Try the amazing Segways offered by Another Side of San Diego Tours and enjoy the fun of the new technology while taking in all of the great sights in our unique neighborhood.
BEST BETS for APRIL 2012 >> 
MUSE:
Alexander Salazar Fine Arts always has a host of great events. This week it is High school students from across San Diego that will enjoy his hospitality. Their Rock Out for Hunger event is on Sat 4/28! It's a benefit for the Hand's Up Youth Food Pantry featuring Art, a Live band and a DJ at one of Gaslamp's Finest Galleries, 7:30pm
Exclusive Collection's Historic Gaslamp Gallery at 568 5th Avenue hosts Artist appearances frequently. Their Masterpiece Monday event on 5/7 will host Daniel Ryan in studio from 6 to 8 pm and Walfrido Garcia makes an appearance on Friday 5/4 from 7-9pm
Michael J Wolf Fine Arts is pleased to announce the showing the original works of Lisabel, an accomplished artist from Montreal, Canada. View her works and peek at the limited edition giclee print of artist David O'Keefe's art masterpiece, "La Famiglia", Godfather fans will want to make Mr. Wolf an offer he can’t refuse.
IMBIBE:
Wine Not? Stop into the Wine Bank to do some sampling of their favorite vintners. They're featuring Spanish Wine Tasting on 4/28 from 3 to 5pm. You could pop in on your way to the Spanish Hideaway . . .Cafe Sevilla just next door and complete the experience with some Paella or Empanadas, Flamenco music and maybe some samba dancing downstairs in the nightclub afterwards
Also on Friday (& Saturday nights too) from 8-9 pm | Vin de Syrah's in-house sommeliers start pouring the wine and no two tastings will have the same experience. This weekend? "Red blends". They promise that this ALL RED tasting will leave you salivating!!
NOURISH & MINGLE:
Dine out for Life! Any excuse to dine out is a good excuse but throw in a great charity and it's like the cherry on top. This Thursday 4/26, you can dine at some great Gaslamp locations and a portion of the proceeds will support San Diego's "The Center." Known for backing a variety of AIDS service organizations and prevention efforts The Center's Dining out for Life event makes a night of it once a year.
Small Plates, Big Pours! Set up at the bar within Flemings Steakhouse and take your pick of pairings in their newest special. Select one of seven options like Petite Lamb Chops, Seared Ahi Tuna or New Bedford Scallops and match it up with a feature from their wine list specially chosen compliment the flavors. Just $24.95 Nightly
Analog Bar is excited about a recent revamp. Highlights include a new Happy Hour, a new Dinner Menu and changes to their offerings for Sunday Buffet Brunch! First up? Check them out for HH > Tues-Fri 5-7PM: $6 Specialty Drinks & 1/2 off select appetizers like Loaded Skins, Bacon-Wrapped Dates, Brussel Sprouts & Sweet Potato Fries.
Escape a while Baja Style! Enjoy Puerto Nuevo Lobster Tails right here in Gaslamp. Split, Seasoned and Flash Fried with all the trimmings, only $29.99! Rockin Baja Coastal Cantina recipes are favorites of the locals who love the Baja-Mex So-Cal mix. Hit them on game days too. Mon-Fri 3 to 6pm and 9pm to Close, the Bar area hosts $3 Outrageous Tacos & 14 oz drafts.
The legendary and irresistible Oyster is presented in a variety of sumptuous fashions by the Award winning team at Blue Point Coastal Cuisine each April. OYSTERFEST promises Asian, Spicy Thai, Rockefeller as well as traditional On-the-Half-Shell delicacies paired with superb Champagnes by the Glass. They also feature fresh oysters during their nightly Lose the Blues Happy Hour and offer other great shellfish during their Sunday Night Seafood Feasts.
ACQUIRE:
Just in!!!! Dolcetti has fresh new Spring La Mer watches! Such fun colors and styles! Also check their Socks, Bowties & Tie Suspenders. Gaslamp places have the BEST stuff to make all your outfits dapper! Better get shopping!
Heavenly News! Our favorite cupcake house is introducing GIRL SCOUT THIN MINT! In celebration of 100 Years of Girl-scouting this choco-minty treat will be available in their bakery case every day through April. Heavenly Cupcake is on the corner of 6th & Island Ave - Go find it!
Also on my radar this week are Stunning Glass Bowls from Artisan Rob Morey at Shorelines Gallery. Too pretty! And. . . .The epitome of a Can-Can light from Urban Lighting. Oh La La Lighting!
INTERACT:
Intervention at the Hard Rock Hotel, Five Ten at Side Bar & Revive at Stingaree's at Guesthouse all have kicked off for the season – that means it's SUNDAY FUNDAY Season. Party on Playaz! More on Gaslamp's white hot nightclub scene in Gaslamp After Dark
Tipsy Crow's Tap that Cask Event will highlight Mission Brewery's cask conditioned Shipwrecked Double IPA this week. Thirsty types will not want to miss out on that, Tuesday 4/24, 7pm. They also host the Gaslamp Comedy Show this week. Stop by on Thursday, 4/26 for this hilarious evening Hosted by Mal Hall and featuring both Yassir Lester & Brent Morin - 7:30pm
EXPLORE:
The Double Deuce has their Spring Concert Giveaway party this Friday 4/27! If you'd like have a great night trying to win tickets to the big Sugarland concert you'll need to come out and try this rollickin' roadhouse style bar. They even have the bull to ride!
"They're all going to laugh at you" - Not as scary as it sounds when your goal is opening a new comedy club. Laugh they will. The new American Comedy Club on 6th Ave is bringing in some big big names to launch their inaugural season - Look for the wry with a twist of silly on the side, Drew Carey (April 27 & 28th) and many more big names this spring!
UNWIND:
Spring Fling!! With Spring right around the corner, it’s time to start getting that body in shape from head to toe!! Artesia Spa & Salon will host their "Spring Fling" on April 25th from 5-8pm. The event features food, drinks, music, mini treatments, product discounts, raffles and more!!
Regardless of which springtime activity you choose to indulge in, the Gaslamp makes an excellent host. This is true any time of year but there’s no time like the present. Enjoy the blue skies, bright days and crisp nights. . . They make the perfect backdrop for everything we have lined up for you here in downtown San Diego! Cheers.
Love the Gaslamp? Want more Gaslamp Insider Blog? CLICK HERE for previous issues!
