Twas the week before Christmas, and all throughout the Bay Area clubs, things are looking a bit sleepy. But, fear not! Because there is something high quality in the cards every night for the next 7 days, including a few rare performances by legends!
Thursday, December 16th
Bela Fleck & The Flecktones w/ The Alash Ensemble at The Fox Theater – Oakland
I hate Christmas. I consider it needlessly stressful, and I never actually feel that I’m having fun. That being said, Bela Fleck & The Flecktones are touring in support of their Christmas record from 2008, and it’s one of the most beautiful and weird things ever to be released. It’s one part jazz record, one part bluegrass record, and one part Tuvan throat singing. Yes, they are playing holiday songs, but the arrangements are so far removed from the caroling classics that you would hardly recognize them.
Hank IV, Dead Meat, Civil War Rust at Thee Parkside
Friday, December 17th
D.I., Hounds & Harlots at Oakland Metro Operahouse
D.I. were one of the most underrated of the 80’s hardcore bands. They had great hooks and some of the wittiest lyrics of their scene.
The Hot Toddies, The Soft White Sixties, Switchblade Riot, The Sentinel (Food Drive) at Uptown Nightclub
Killing Joke, The Lumerians at The Regency Ballroom
Saturday, December 18th
The Monsters Of Accordion: Jason Webley, Corn Mo, Renee de la Prade, The Petrojvic Blasting Co. w/ special guest Duckmandu at Slim’s
This show needs no explanation. It also shouldn’t need any encouragement, but this might do the trick:
Cyndi Lauper, Ferocious Few at The Independent
This is kind of cool, too, though!
Sunday, December 19th
Kimya Dawson, Pblo Das, Dave End at 924 Gilman St
Kimya Dawson is an American treasure. She is one of the most gifted songwriters out there and she’s taking a breather from her record that she’s making with MURS to play a few shows.
Monday, December 20th
An Evening With Billy Idol at The Fillmore
Billy Idol totally ripped this place to shreds over the summer. I’m pretty sure he’s gonna rip the place to pieces again.
Halsted, The High Pilots, Poor Bailey at Rickshaw Stop
Tuesday, December 21st
Oakland Active Orchestra, Beep, Jack O’ The Clock at Uptown Nightclub
Did you know that you can catch an amazing 21st Century classical combo for free once a month in Oakland? Well, you do now!
Tricky, Jel & Odd Nosdam at The Independent
Wednesday, December 22nd
Pharoah Sanders at Yoshi’s – Oakland
Remember when John Coltrane sobered up and started going completely crazy? Pharoah Sanders was right be his side on those sessions, helping him push those sonic boundaries. Catch him play a very rare intimate show in Oakland’s most amazing club!
