I know that it’s pretty rainy out here in the Bay Area, and also very cold, so going to shows is a tough thing to do, but I think that these options are worth braving the elements!
Thursday, December 9th
The Temper Trap, Sleigh Bells, The Limousines, A Silent Film (Club NSSN; Live 105) at Mezzanine
For a mainstream, commercial radio station, this show is surprisingly eclectic and interesting, and about as far away from rock n roll as you can get. This is going to be a high energy party, and an excellent reason to go out on a school night.
Little Teeth, Blackbird Raum, Future Twin at Hemlock Tavern
Friday, December 10th
Peter Hook & The Light perform Unknown Pleasures at Mezzanine
There has been a lot of negative said about this show, primarily with former bandmates calling it a cash in. Well, yes, Peter Hook is bound to make a lot of money off doing a tour where he plays only Joy Division songs. But, when it comes down to it, we are never going to hear Ian Curtis sing live in America, for obvious reasons, and Peter Hook was the 2nd most important part of that band. So, with this show, you are going to hear some of the greatest songs ever written, and it will be beautiful and cathartic.
Smashing Pumpkins, My Chemical Romance, Phoenix, The Black Keys, Broken Bells, Finish Ticket (Live 105’s Not So Silent Night) at HP Pavilion
Saturday, December 11th
The I Am Donald Tour w/ Donald Glover + Childish Gambino at Slim’s
Donald Glover is a stand up comedian that also appears on the TV show “Community.” Childish Gambino is a rapper that really likes the ladies. I’m pretty sure that neither of them will appear on stage at the same time. In fact, I think they might be the same guy. I just don’t know for sure.
The Dandy Warhols, Blue Giant at The Regency Ballroom
Sunday, December 12th
Jon Anderson at The Regency Ballroon
Gordon Elgart writes: Jon Anderson markets himself as “The Voice of Yes,” but he really should be calling himself the Heart and Soul of Yes. As an unabashed Yes fan, I can’t even imagine a Yes without him. I’ll always remember a radio interview he did when I was in high school (where he was interviewed in a tee-pee) talking about the importance of crowd energy to his performance. That stuck with me, and has colored the way I feel about live music. Two years ago, I happened to be in London with a free night. He was playing a show in Bilston, near Wolverhampton, a place described to me as “The Stockton of England.” One three-hour train ride, twenty-minute bus ride, and a thirty-minute walk later, I was in a sketchy motel in the middle of nowhere with a ticket to his show. And hours later, when a bunch of “geezers” and I were singing classic songs with Jon, the weird journey was worth it. It’s a much easier journey to The Regency Ballroom, so I hope to see a packed room full of Yes fans of all ages, ready to sing along.
Anais Mitchell presents the music of Hadestown featuring Thao Nguyen, Sean Hayes,John Elliott & the Hadestown Orchestra at Great American Music Hall
Monday, December 13th
Tame Impala, Stardeath & White Dwarfs at The Independent
This is one of those fuzzy psychedelic dream shows. Try to stay off the LSD and have a good time!
Tuesday, December 14th
Low, Charlie Parr at Great American Music Hall
In 1999, the band Low released a stunning EP of dark and haunting Christmas songs. Eleven years later, they finally are touring this amazing release!
1919 silent film ‘Sir Arne’s Treasure’ with live film score by John Darnielle (The Mountain Goats) at The Castro Theater
Wednesday, December 15th
Del The Funky Homosapien w/ Live Band, Simple Citizens at Yoshi’s
Del The Funky Homosapien is Ice Cube’s nutty little cousin. He has mad mic skills, and will blow your mind in this tiny venue!
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