It’s the week before Noise Pop, so you might think “lemme get some rest,” but no! The world of live music in the Bay Area will never let you rest. Get out there and see some shows, because the band that wrote the best song ever is playing this week, and local heroes are all over town, playing farewell shows, covering classic artists, and generally being amazing.
Thursday, February 21
Coheed and Cambria with Between the Buried and Me and Russian Circles at The Warfield
Is anything more in the spirit of classic progressive rock excess than a band who’s catalog tells a story that’s accompanied by a comic book? Actually, that goes a little far even for my prog rock loving self. Coheed and Cambria have a big following on their own, but they’re also beloved by the entire heavy prog community, so you’ll also get the chance to see a couple of fantastic openers as well.
Kronos Quartet at Yerba Buena Center For the Arts (Also on Friday, Feb. 22)
The Kronos Quartet scoff at other groups being called progressive anything. This is truly progressive music.
Friday, February 22
Wallpaper. with Con Bro Chill and Jhameel at Slim’s
Every single of one the band’s shows is a blast of insane dancing joy. Don’t get fooled by other people claiming to be party rock. Wallpaper is the original party rocker. Well, the pre-party rocker at least.
Con Brio with Justin Ancheta Band at The Independent
Some would think that this is the “unchill” version of Con Bro Chill, but it’s a completely separate band playing across town on the same night. And this a farewell show for Xandra Corpora, the lead singer of the band. So this is a classic “last chance to see.” So don’t miss it.
Saturday, February 23
Radiohead’s Kid A Undercover at The Rickshaw Stop (also 2/24 and 2/25)
This is a performance of Radiohead’s Kid A done by local musicians such as DRMS, Battlehooch, Kid Beyond, Bells Atlas and others. They sold out one show, added another, and sold that out. So they added a third one, and that one sank into the swamp! This will be worth going to see for “Idioteque” alone, to make sure the performer dances properly. (Kid A and Spinning Platters Trivia: Our site got it’s name because I wanted something that sounded “Like Spinning Plates.”)
Brandy & Friends at The Paramount Theater
Where’s Monica now? Is she one of the friends?
Sunday, February 24
Alan Parsons “Live” Project at The Uptown Theatre Napa
Why does the “Live” need to be in quotes here? Did you think they were simply going to go up on stage and play the album like some sort of Prog DJs? I wonder if Michael Jordan will come out during “Sirius” at this show. Is he in town?
The Residents at Bimbo’s 365 Club
I’ve only seen The Residents once, and they didn’t have their eyeball masks. I felt cheated.
Monday, February 25
Surfer Blood at Brick & Mortar Music Hall
Aw man, sold out? You should just go ahead right now and buy tickets for their return engagement, opening for Foals at The Fillmore in April.
Carrie Underwood with Hunter Hayes at Oracle Arena
My brother actually watched an entire season of American Idol because of her. This is my favorite song of hers. (Did you know I had one of those?)
Tuesday, February 26
Kishi Bashi with Shugo Tokumaru and Tall Tall Trees at Great American Music Hall
You’ve definitely heard the song in the video below. Does it make you want to buy a tech product?
The Used with We Came As Romans, Crown the Empire and Mindflow at The Fillmore
You’d think I would hate a band like The Used, a band whose lead singer is more famous for shaking his butt than actually, you know, singing. But I’ve seen this band a handful of times, and have been entertained every time. Could they be a underrated and unfairly dismissed rock band? I think so.
Wednesday, February 27
Petty Fest at The Fillmore
The list of acts playing this tribute to Tom Petty is astounding. Har Mar Superstar? Now that’s something worth seeing. Oh yeah, also Boz Scaggs and Father Guido Sarducci, among other local legends. If you like Tom Petty, you should be at this event.
Dionne Farris with Russell Gunn at Yoshi’s SF
If the world is going to remember you as a one-hit wonder, you may as well have one this good.
