This week in The Bay Area we have refusals, memoirs, and those who wear purple. We have clowns, the dead, and war. Should be a pretty good time.
Now, let’s get to the previews. Preview time now. Let’s preview and then we’ll be ready for the week. Previews, starting now.
• Monday, May 23, 2016
Dead & Company at the Fillmore, San Francisco (FREE)
This is that special free concert that The Dead had planned as a “pay it forward” sort of gig. Advance tickets are already gone, but speaking of good deeds, you may be able to find a free ticket on craigslist or at the venue.
• Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Titus Andronicus at The Fillmore, San Francisco
One of the most stirring, wildly energetic bands of the modern times, Titus Andronicus are bringing their brand of epoch-sized anthemic punk rock on its second run of their tour for The Most Lamentable Tragedy, a 2015 punk rock opera of a double record that is as crazed as it is thought-provoking. Catch them with La Sera (headed by Katy Goodman of Vivian Girls) tomorrow at The Fillmore! – Jonathan
Blonde Redhead at the Independent, San Francisco
Music for people who like bands who are described by reviewers as “angular.” Restless experimental post-pop music for post-pop people.
• Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Dave Dictor reading from his book “Damaged Civilization” at Pegasus Books, 2349 Shattuck, Berkeley
Dave Dictor was in the seminal punk band MDC. Now he has written a memoir about being a punk in the 1980s, back when insulting John Wayne equated blasphemy to normal citizens.
Braids, Morgan Greenwood at Swedish American Hall
Tripadelic trio from Canada are going to give your brain a nice swim in their delicate insanity.
• Thursday, May 26, 2016
Refused, The Coathangers, Plague Vendor at The Fillmore, San Francisco
A desperate attempt to make meaningful music. In this effort, where so many have failed, Refused succeed.
• Friday, May 27, 2016
Gogol Bordello at the UC Theater, Berkeley
Speaking of bands that desperately make meaningful music, Gogol Bordello visit themselves upon the stage in Berkeley this week. Wear purple, and your dancing shoes. If you have purple dancing shoes, well, then this is the concert for you.
• Saturday, May 28, 2016
Insane Clown Posse, Young Wicket, NinjaLOC at the Metro, Oakland
The United States Of America has a long and rich tradition of face-painted entertainers. There have been Alice Cooper and Kiss, GWAR and the Insane Clown Posse. Yes, when you zoom out far enough, you can see that ICP are part of the USA’s cultural heritage. Expression is one of the things that makes this country qualitative. (Beware of and expect to sprayed with Faygo soda at the concert. You will get wet. U.S.A. U!S!A!)
• Sunday, May 29, 2016
War, Los Lonely Boys at Mountain Winery, Saratoga
It’s a pretty strong move to call your band War. Even stronger to ride that name across cultural lines for decades. An impressive run.
