Star Wars! Star Wars! Star Wars! Star Wars! Can you believe it? It’s difficult to believe! But it’s here! This week! B… [cough]… it’s… it’s been… a long time since it was possible to look forward to a Star Wars anything. It’s here! Extraordinary feelings.
Now, let’s talk about what’s coming up this week. Let’s preview. Hyperdrive go!
• Friday, December 18
Beach House at The Fillmore, San Francisco (also 12/18 & 12/19)
Beach House released one of the 2015’s best albums, “Depression Cherry,” an assured dream-pop exhale as soft and suffocating as velvet on the mouth. The words “there is no right time” left shimmering in the air. Then, they released a second unexpected album, “Thank Your Lucky Stars.” A very impressive year for these guys.
• Saturday, December 19
Death Angel at Slim’s, San Francisco (also 12/19)
Bay Area thrash stalwarts Death Angel hold court for two nights at Slim’s. Live album title? “The Bay Calls For Blood.” Nuff said.
Fishbone at the Independent, San Francisco
Fishbone cannot be stopped.
• Sunday, December 20
Cheap Trick at City National Civic, San Jose
If you have a band, what Cheap Trick can teach you is that you should tour Japan if you have the opportunity. Also? Branding works.
• Monday, December 21
Kid Cudi at The Masonic, San Francisco
• Tuesday, December 22
Dave Koz, Jonathan Butlier, Candy Dulfer, Bill Medley at Center for the Arts, Santa Rosa
Smooth holiday saxophone songs, like a festive Riker in your ear.
• Wednesday, December 23
Simon Russell with Timm Walker, William Allums, Frank Bohan at the Empress Theater, Vallejo
In tribute to the East Bay’s fondly-recalled blues club Eli’s Mile High Club.
• Thursday, December 24, Christmas Eve
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Ensemble at Slim’s, San Francisco (two shows)
