This list simply goes to show you that there is no such thing as a slow week in the bay area for shows…. We have two legendary punk bands playing in SF, plus a slew of other odds and ends that insure that nobody’s musical taste will go unaccounted for. So, do yourself a favor and go to a few shows this week. You’ve worked hard and deserve it!
Thursday, May 17th
Ane Brun, Gemma Ray at Great American Music Hall
Swedish singer/songwriter Ane Brun rarely makes her way to the US, therefore you rarely get a chance to see her, let alone in the intimate confines of Great American Music Hall. This set is sure to be a delight, and you really shouldn’t miss this, because you may never get it again.
Suckers, Young Man, Vanaprasta at Bottom Of The Hill
Friday, May 18th
The Avengers, Erase Errata, Carletta Sue Kay at Cafe du Nord
No, this is not a gang of superheroes put together by the big money machines of Marvel Comics in an attempt fuse the fanbases of largely unrelated comic book heroes. This also isn’t a live performance by by the classic UK Spy series from the 1960’s. Nor is it a screening if the 1998 American film based on this TV show. Nope, this is a live performance by Penelope Houston and Greg Ingraham, the leaders of the legendary bay area punk band The Avengers. And they will melt your face off, 1977 style. Pure, blistering political punk rock they way it should be done. Opening is another bay area legend- the post punk styles of Erase Errata.
Lee Fields & The Expressions at Brick & Mortar Social Club
Saturday, May 19th
Best Coast, JEFF The Brotherhood at The Fox Theater – Oakland
It’s easy to dislike Best Coast before listening to a single note. They got to be very popular very quickly, and nobody likes that. With this band, however, it’s important to look past the hype and concentrate on the actual songs. Their brand of jangly pop music is infectious, and few bands in this form have reached this level of success, and it takes a lot more than a really gifted publicist to bring this music to the big theaters.
Black Sabbath’s Paranoid as interpreted by 50 Bay Area Musicians at The Independent
Sunday, May 20th
Pansy Division, Swann Danger at Cafe du Nord
Cafe du Nord isn’t exactly the punkiest of venues in the bay area. So, it’s kind of surprising that this swank Market St club is getting gigs from both The Avengers and Pansy Division this week. It’s kind of nice that these legends get to play the fancy venues for once. Pansy Division have been going strong since the early 90’s, as one of the few openly gay punk bands traveling across the US, playing catchy and funny songs.
Monday, May 21st
Sparta, Ki:Thoery at The Independent
I know that we are all upset that At The Drive In don’t seem to be playing in SF anytime soon. The Mars Volta seem to be shy about booking tour dates, as well… The good news is, however, that Sparta are playing, and they rarely come around these days. This melodic, emotive rock music will surely sate your need for El Paso rock n roll.
Stomacher, The Soonest, Anadel at The Elbo Room
Tuesday, May 22nd
Dum Dum Girls, Tamaryn, Young Prisms at Slim’s
The older I get, the more I like this genre of music known as “shoegaze.” The Dum Dum Girls managed to do the “loud & swirly” sound very nicely, adding a lot of personality and a bit of girl group harmonies to the mix. Their live show is also one of the best live sets of any band in their genre, so this is definitely a gig not to miss.
Fear Factory, Shadows Fall, The Browning, The Devastated, Legacy Of Disorder at The Regency Ballroom
Wednesday, May 23rd
Spiritualized, Nikki Lane at The Fillmore
Spiritualized mastermind J Spaceman has had a bit of a difficult run for the last few years. His been fighting both addiction and liver disease, and has come out of it with two of the strongest Spiritualized albums to date, incorporating elements blues and gospel with his experimental, space rock. To make things even better, opening the show is country chanteuse Nikki Lane, who will definitely confound the Spiritualized fans in a way that they would’ve never imagined. (Please note: the 2nd video down is NSFW)
Grass Widow, Broken Water, Wild Moth, American Splits at The Luggage Store Gallery
