From Katy Perry to Talking Heads, a Local Blogger's Musical Propensities

A longtime Bird Rock resident and the mind behind hyperlocal blog Bird Rock Fab, Noël Ehlers is known to have an eye for things going on in her neighborhood. On top of that she also has an ear for music, including local acts performing at local venues like and The Turquoise in North Pacific Beach.

In addition to working as a communications project manager and blogging, this busy mom of three also identifies as someone who is passionate about music. "I remember my first live show at Humphreys by the Bay," said Ehlers. “My friends and I got dropped off by our parents to see Australian band Men At Work. It was thrilling.”

Growing up in the area and attending San Diego State University, Ehlers has also had the opportunity to see our local music scene evolve and grow over the years. She recalls going to shows at the SDSU Open Air Amphitheater and Back Door before venues like The Casbah entered the rotation.

Since moving to Bird Rock in 1996, Ehlers has seen exciting developments including live music coming to local spots like Beaumont's and . "My family and I were thrilled when Beaumont's opened and started featuring live music," said Ehlers. "It's fun for the kids and it lets us support local artists."

The advancing musical offerings right in her neighborhood continue to excite Ehlers, who has been blogging about her Bird Rock home since 2007. Citing the availability of more genres than ever before, she said, "We're getting to see everything from jazz and blues to reggae and cover bands.” Not too shabby for a few blocks worth of La Jolla Boulevard.

In talking with Ehlers, it’s apparent that her enthusiasm for good tunes rubs off. Case in point, her 18-year-old son, Cole, is a bass guitarist who studied with Tony Muhammad at and continues to take classes at . And, 9-year-old daughter, Jamison, loves to sing, although it seems she finds her mom's guilty pleasure in music somewhat less than inspiring. Check out the Q&A below for more:

Full Name: Noël Ehlers

Occupation: Communications Project Manager and hyperlocal blogger

In a word, sum up your taste in music: “Indie rock: I’m a Gen-X’er at heart and love anything from Elvis Costello and Coldplay to new groups like Foster the People.”

What is your castaway disc (the one CD or album you would take with you to a deserted island)? We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. by Jason Mraz. “It’s soulful and sunny with an easy sound that I never tire of.”

Favorite live music performance—artist, venue, year: Madonna, SDSU Open Air Theater, 1985. “This was her show on The Virgin Tour which was very revolutionary and controversial back then. It was pretty groundbreaking at the time and you kind of felt like you were a part of history being there.”

If you were an instrument, what would it be and why? “So, I’m biased. I would be a bass guitar because that’s what my son Cole plays and I love to hear him perform. It’s also the instrument I hear him discuss the most.”

Your guilty music pleasure: “Totally Katy Perry. It’s my 9-year-old daughter’s favorite artist, but when I listen she tells me to like my own music. She doesn’t like it if I run around the house singing ‘Firework.’ ”

What would your theme song be? “This Must Be the Place” by Talking Heads. “It just reminds me of family, friends, home and all the things I value. I just get very, very nostalgic when I hear that song.”

Name the three artists getting the most airtime on your iPod right now:

1. Adele

2. Phoenix

3. Maroon 5

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