Since I’m filling in recommending shows to see this week, I’m changing things up! Some nights, I’ll recommend only one show, meaning if you’re not seeing this, you can stay home, play with the cats, cook dinner for your loved ones, or anything else you feel like doing. And other nights, I’ll recommend many shows, which means if you’re not at a show, you’d better have a darned good excuse! (And if you’re in Vegas this weekend, say hi. Click that cool floating contact bar on the left.)
Thursday, April 28th
IAMDONALD: Donald Glover & Childish Gambino at The Fillmore
We’ve been to this tour before, and we’ll keep going to see him as many times as possible.
Oleta Adams at The Rrazz Room
The ad literally says to “get here” for an evening of musical brilliance. And although she’ll surely play that. I’d be going to hear this:
Friday, April 29th
Mudhoney with Hank IV & Little Queenie at The New Parish
The first time I saw Pearl Jam, Mudhoney opened. I was busy negotiating with scalpers for tickets outside and I missed their set, only hearing them through the brick wall of the arena. That kinda sucked. This will be better.
Ghostface Killah and special guests at The Mezzanine
Ozomatli with Frobeck at The Uptown Napa
Napa is closer than you think. Drink wine, then party with Ozomatli.
Saturday, April 30th
Glasser with Water Borders at The Independent
This was announced just this week, replacing the postponement of this weekend’s TV on the Radio shows. It’s only $10, and is what you should be doing tonight.
Sunday, May 1st
Explosions in the Sky with Papercuts at The Fox Oakland
This is where I’d be if I weren’t going to be miles away from home. Possibly the best “post rock” combo out there, every single one of their songs is full of emotion, proving that lyrics can sometimes get in the way. They’re a very popular band with home video makers on YouTube:
Builders and Butchers with Damion Sumoi & the Minor Prophets and T.V. Mike & the Scarecrowes at Bottom of the Hill
Monday, May 2nd
Here We Go Magic with AroarA at The Rickshaw Stop
Tuesday, May 3rd
Battles with TBA at Bottom of the Hill (SOLD OUT!)
Math rock dance music. Completely freaking awesome. I slept on tickets, so I’ll be in line early hoping to get in.
Pipettes with Agent Ribbons and The Bitter Honeys at The Rickshaw Stop
When Rose Pipette left this band, so did I, which I was told meant that I never liked them in the first place. Not one to let my rock-star crushes get in the way of a good tune, I checked out their new album which updates them from old-style girl group to synth-lounge dance. And it’s still really good.
Hugh Jackman at The Curran Theater
Wait, isn’t this Wolverine? Yeah, he’s going to be singing and dancing. And not wearing adamantium claws. (At least I don’t think so.) And he’s going to look better than any of us while doing it.
The Psychedellic Furs perform “Talk Talk Talk” at Slim’s
Wednesday, May 4th
Frank Turner with Dave Hause and The City at Bottom of the Hill (Tickets at door only)
I saw Frank Turner open a show at The Fillmore a while back, and was floored both by him and how into him his fans were. There’s love in the air when he plays.
Ke$ha with Beardo at The Warfield (SOLD OUT!)
People keep telling me she’s good live. People I trust about this stuff. I’ll be seeing her later this summer; if you can score a ticket to this, you can find out sooner. Her giant hit is pretty undeniably catchy. As a producer, Dr. Luke is awesome at that.
J Mascis with Black Heart Procession at The Independent
I blame Spike Jonze for making me think of golf when I think of Dinosaur Jr.
