Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 18th
Icona Pop, K. Flay, Sirah at The Fillmore
There have been very few excellent pop records to come out this year. However, Icona Pop’s This Is… has everything you need in a great pop record. It’s bubbly and energetic, and one of the freshest things I’ve heard in years! And reports from their set on Valentine’s Day at Rickshaw Stop earlier this year is that they are a live force to be reckoned with. I’m quite excited about this gig, and you should be, too!
Thee Oh Sees, Ty Segall, Synthetic ID, Breakarts at Great American Music Hall
Thursday, December 19th
Good Riddance, Cobra Skulls, Western Addiction at Bottom Of The Hill
Santa Cruz has a bit of a reputation for being somewhat “hippy.” Good Riddance have been rebelling against that mindset in their hometown for nearly 30 years, playing a hooky brand of pop-punk that is equal parts fun and furious. Plus, shows by them are a pretty rare occurrence these days, so don’t miss this gig.
Third Eye Blind at The Fillmore
Friday, December 20th
Bobby Joe Ebola & The Children Macnuggits, Dog Party, Dark Beach, False Puppet, The Blondies, Party Bus at 924 Gilman St
Bobby Joe Ebola are legends in this town. I don’t need to tell you to go see them. However, Dog Party are pretty amazing. They are a two piece teenager sister duo that are doing some of the meatiest garage punk in Northern California these days. Give them a few years, and Thee Oh Sees will be quacking in their boots.
Icewater, Eleanor Friedberger, Michael & The Strange Land at Cafe du Nord
Saturday, December 21st
The Vandals, Emily’s Army, The Blast at Slim’s
The Vandals’ Oi! To The World is, put simply, the best Christmas record to come out of the 90’s punk rock revival. And that’s the only reason you need to go to their annual Christmas show at Slim’s.
Jeremih, Mario, Sevyn Streeter, Adrian Marcel, Netta Brielle at The Warfield
What else do you give for Jesus’ birthday?
Sunday, December 22nd
Andrew WK, Lonely Avenue, Maxx at Assembly – Sacramento
This is a very special event, as Andrew WK is bringing his One Man Holiday Party Tour to the West Coast for the first time ever. Sadly, the closest show to us is in Sacramento. So find some friends to carpool with and head up to Sac to party this holiday.
Nobunny at Eli’s MIle High Club
Monday, December 23rd
Natasha Miller’s Annual Holiday Concert at Yoshi’s – San Francisco
Tuesday, December 24th
Brian Setzer Orchestra, Firebird at The Warfield
I’m still upset that the Stray Cats reunion of 2007 skipped the Bay Area. Nonetheless, Setzer’s big band is still a great show full of rockabilly, swing, and all kinds of fun. This gig is on Christmas Eve, so it’s safe to assume that it will be filled with Setzer’s take on the music of the holiday season, as well.
