This weekend finally sees the first music festival of the season, the young but promising Winter Music Festival, popping up at venues all over town. Check out at least one of those shows this week so that SF Indie and Talking House Records feel your love. Plus, you’ll be supporting local music more than once a year, and that should make you feel warm all over. As to which shows to see? Read on, music lovers!
Wednesday, January 27
Patti Smith, Herbst
Patti Smith, early punk rock’s answer to Bob Dylan, will be conversing with Salon.com’s Kevin Berger about, well, everything. She is an intellectual that has spent time with nearly every important figure of the 20th & 21st century, and has more than enough stories that will be told rather eloquently.
The Cribs, Jemina Pearl at Bimbo’s
Thursday, January 28
The Soft Pack at The Rickshaw Stop (Also at Amoeba Berkeley tonight)
Couldn’t get tickets to see Phoenix at The Fillmore, and the only reason you really cared was because you wanted to see the opening band? Well now you get two chances to see them! See a full set at Rickshaw Stop on Thursday night, or catch them on Wednesday the 27th at Amoeba in Berkeley.
The Bowerbirds with Julie Doiron at The Independent
Polysics with The Okomoniks and The Chop at Bottom of the Hill
Friday, January 29
Mos Def at Shattuck Down Low
You think I can fill the dance floor at Shattuck Down Low on karaoke nights with a killer rendition of “Mr. Roboto” or “A Little Respect?” Well, you’d be right. But I’m talking 12 drunk friends of mine. Want to see the Shattuck Down Low dance floor really packed? Go out there on Friday night. (I’m shocked that tickets are still available for this. They might not be by the time you read this, so don’t get mad at me please. )
Saturday, January 30
Battlehooch with Judgement Day and The Hot Moon at Bottom of the Hill
Battlehooch says they play crazy party prog. I don’t know. I know I saw them open for someone and liked them enough to have their CD in my car. That’s worth a lot in today’s world. And I also recommend seeing Judgement Day, masters of string metal, whenever possible; there’s no other band like them.
Nick Jonas & the Administration at Zellerbach Auditorium
Ticket prices for many locations on this tour have been dropping precipitously on Stubhub, down to $1 in some locations. The Wiltern shows earlier this week were as low as $6 at the time of writing. Keep checking the Berkeley show on there, and you may be able to see a Jonas Brother for less than $10.
Sunday, January 31
Catherine Feeny at Yoshi’s – SF
Oregon via Norfolk’s Catherine Feeny has been on the verge for a number of years now. Her catchy “Mr Blue” was featured in many films & TV shows, but she has managed to stay under the radar for a number of years. Her late show performance at Yoshi’s should be full of pop goodness.
Monday, February 1
Mates of State with Rubies at Cafe Du Nord (SOLD OUT)
Probably worth getting there really early and hoping for last minute ticket releases. You’ll notice two things at this show: fans of this band LOVE them, and it will be so crowded up front, you probably won’t get to see the best part of the show, watching the joyful chemistry between the two of them. So probably worth getting there early, possibly worth waiting until next time. (Also appearing as part of SF Sketchfest on 1/31)
Tuesday, February 2
Do Make Say Think with The Happiness Project and Years at Great American Music Hall
Because the world needs more instrumental post rock, and because you don’t go to enough shows at Great American Music Hall, you should head out to this one.
