CHECK ONE, TWO: ‘Tis the season for great parties, ugly sweaters, and a whole lot of killer live music. As in years past, the holidays are bringing with them loads of sonic goodies, whether they be local legends heading home and plugging in or traveling acts looking to soak up SoCal’s dependably unseasonable sunshine. And this week is certainly no exception. This Saturday, December 3, New Noise Santa Barbara and Notes for Notes join forces for Holiday Sound Check. The now-annual event (which successfully took over the San Marcos Building courtyard last December) is relocating to the weather-proofed Contemporary Arts Forum for year two. They’re also inviting back headliner, party starter, and Santa Barbara dweller Martin Gore, who’s lined up to deliver a legendary deejay set. (DJ Matty Matt will open the show.)
While catching a Depeche Mode member performing at a 200-cap venue space is sure to excite most, it’s the night’s “big picture” that I’m all about plugging. This year, the Sound Check is benefiting two more-than-worthy causes: Notes for Notes’ ever-expanding youth recording studios, and the reopening of The Living Room, the soon-to-be-completed all-ages, drug- and alcohol-free venue in Santa Barbara.
“The Holiday Sound Check was such a success last year we would be crazy not to do it again,” said Notes for Notes founder and director Philip Gilley in a recent press release. And we couldn’t agree more. The second annual Holiday Sound Check kicks off this Saturday, December 3, at CAF (653 Paseo Nuevo) at 7:30 p.m. The event is 21+. Call 966-5373 or visit newnoisesb.com for tickets and event info.