Yes, all of our friends are enjoying SXSW this week. That doesn’t mean that we can’t party up here! Let’s have a better time than them without the chaos or terrible beer selection!
Thursday, March 14th
Fishtank Ensemble, MWE at Cafe du Nord
Fishtank Ensemble are a combo from Oakland that play an exciting musical gumbo the brings together elements of gypsy, klezmer, flamenco, Japanese folk music and whatever else is left. They put in a fantastic and unique performance that is perfectly designed for a classic performance hall like Cafe du Nord.
The Odd Numbers, RS2, Solid Sound at Thee Parkside
Friday, March 15h
Stephen Wright at The Regency Ballroom
Steven Wright’s power is in stringing together non sequitors artisianally weaponized inside his oblong skull. He’ll disrupt your brainwaves with a single monotone whisper. “Imagine Pulitzer Prize-fighting?” He is delightful. His stagework is the endpoint in the victory of content over style. When I saw him perform live, my face hurt from laughter as I walked out of the venue. (Christopher Rogers)
Martha Wainwright, bErn at Swedish American Hall
Some would argue that Martha Wainwright is the Maggie Gyllenhaal to Rufus Wainwright’s Jake Gyllenhaal, but that’s too simple, right?
Right?
Saturday, March 16th
La Plebe, Blackbird Raum, Vktms, The Fucking Buckaroos, Unko Atama, Girl-Illa Biscutts (tribute), Ruleta Rusa, Bad Coyotes, Bankrupt District at Thee Parkside
La Plebe play boistrous bilingual ska-punk and they want to change the world for the better. Like a cross between Fugazi and The Voodoo Glow Skulls — and I say that admiringly. Hop into the mini circle-pit at Thee Parkside and swirl around happily with like-minded folk. (Christopher Rogers)
Brilliant Colors, The Mantles, Scrapers at Hemlock Tavern
Sunday, March 17th
Gee Vaucher’s “Angel” at The Emerald Tablet
Gee Vaucher was a founding member of the English anarcho-punk band Crass, one of the most important and influential bands of the first wave of punk. It is a documentary about a young girl as she approaches the end of her schooling career. That alone would be reason for attending, however, this event will feature a very rare, once in a lifetime chance to enjoy a Q+A with Vaucher and fellow Crass member Penny Rimbaud in a very intimate setting.
Michelle Shocked at Yoshi’s – San Francisco
Monday, March 18th
Black Lips, Night Beats at Great American Music Hall
Words can’t describe Black Lips. Just listen.
Tuesday, March 19th
Bajofondo at Bimbo’s 365 Club
Bajofondo, formerly known as Bajofondo Tango Club, is the brainchild of Oscar-winning film composer Gustavo Santaolalla, the man behind the score to such films as Babel, Brokeback Mountain, and Amores Perros. With this project, he’s taking traditional sounds from Argentina and kicking it up a notch by adding EDM and Hip Hop elements to the mix. So, there is something for every type of dancer in the room at this gig!
Wednesday, March 20th
Chelsea Light Moving, Grass Widow at Great American Music Hall
The last two visits from Thurston Moore have been slightly subdued affairs. This new project of his, however, brings back the noise of his Sonic Youth era output. In fact, until Moore and Gordon get back together, this may be the closest we have to actual Sonic Youth.
Anti-Flag, Dead To Me at Oakland Metro Opera House
