Yup. Two Sleater-Kinney shows this week. You’ve waited almost a decade for this. Other stuff is happening, too, but none of that actually matters.
Thursday, April 30th
Buck 65, Astronautalis at The New Parish
It’s been a while since we’ve last got to enjoy the intelligence and humor of Nova Scotia’s finest MC, Buck 65. He puts on a high energy and fun show, and since he doesn’t make his way below the border often, this is a very special gig.
Tennis, The Shilohs at The Independent
Friday, May 1st
Lightning Bolt, Liturgy, Peacers at The Chapel
Lightning Bolt’s reunion is, happily, continuing onward with even more epic, face melting instrumental brutality. These shows have been insane bursts of sonic ferocity, and with support by Liturgy & Peacers, you may actually need to get your ear drums replaced afterwards!
La Plebe, Get Dead, Oc45, Neutralboy! at the Bottom of the Hill
Other bands might want to be the band that San Francisco wants, but La Plebe is the band that San Francisco needs – passionate, cause-driven, and here to make you dance your butt off. (CMR)
The Decemberists, Lucius at The Greek Theatre – UC Berkeley
Saturday, May 2nd
Sleater-Kinney, THEESatisfaction at The Masonic
Sometimes all you gotta say is that the greatest American rock n roll band is playing their first Bay Area show in nine years, and that should be enough to get you out, right? Maybe add to that fact that their latest record might be the best rock record of the decade, and every show on this tour has been full of passionate energy that leads to a sonic catharsis unlike any other band ever? A lot of people are complaining that this show is the same night as the Pacquiao – Mayweather fight. Why would you want to watch some middle aged millionaires dance around a square when you can enjoy some true passion?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLwD1to3dZU
Matt & Kim, Waters at The Warfield
Not going to see Sleater-Kinney because you bought tickets to Matt & Kim? I’m OK with that.
Full Of Hell, The Body, Kowloon Walled City, Disgust, Children Of God, Heathen Plague at 924 Gilman Street, Berkeley
Kowloon Walled City are playing a lot of local gigs lately. That’s awesome. They’re one of the best heavy bands around the bay right now. Their slabs of earthquake-inspired heavy rock will be available for admiration at Gilman this week. (CMR)
Cartoon Violence, The Koopas at Homestead Bowl, Cupertino
Star Wars-themed concert at a bowling alley? Yes. If you know the correct answer to who-shot-first, then this is the concert for you. (CMR)
Sunday, May 3rd
Sleater-Kinney, Ian Rubbish at The Masonic
OK. You messed up and didn’t go last night? That’s OK. You’ve got a second chance. This time with bonus Fred Armisen!
Pianos Become The Teeth, Loma Prieta, Gates, The American Scene at 924 Gilman
Monday, May 4th
Cold Beat, Lie, Fish Breath, Ko’Ban at Hemlock Tavern
Losing Grass Widow was definitely a very, very sad day for the SF music scene. Happily, Hannah Lew has pieced together a pretty spectacular new project, exploring some darker tones than her old band. Cold Beat even have the amazing Bianca Sparta of Erase Errata on drums! This seems as good a time as any to go out on a Monday.
Manic Street Preachers, Cate le Bon at Bimbo’s 365 Club
Tuesday, May 5th
Joan Armatrading, Casey Frazier at The Regency
Yes. Legendary folk singer Joan Armatrading is still alive. Still sounds great.
Wednesday, May 6th
An Evening with Helmet at The Independent
Helmet weren’t quite metal. They weren’t quite “alternative.” They were their own thing back in the 90’s- part of an group of really heavy bands that were also a little bit weird that managed to gain some commercial success. Alongside Faith No More, Tool, and Primus, Helmet helped prove that you can be both a heavy player and a heavy thinker. Tonight we get double the Helmet! They will be playing the groundbreaking record Betty beginning to end, as well as an additional set of hits.
The Rentals, Rey Pila, Radiation City at The Chapel
