The first of 400,000 outdoor music festivals of the Summer start this week, but there is plenty of other rocking for you, so good luck and make some excellent live music decisions.
Thursday, May 24th
Tenacious D, The Sights at The Fox Theater – Oakland
People think that I look like Jack Black, and that bothers me. Especially since these guys are very good, and I can’t like them due to this fact. Well, since you don’t have this issue, you can freely enjoy one of the best comedy rock bands in the business.
Carneyball Johnson at Brick & Mortar Music Hall
Friday, May 25th
The Avengers, The Bananas, Toys That Kill, The Fleshies, Terry Malts at The New Parish
This killer 5 band bill features some of the finest in local punk bands. Of course, the headliner is one of the greatest punk bands to ever some from the bay area, just to remind the kids as to how it’s done.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at Craneway Pavilion
Allison Krauss + Union Station at Mountain Winery – Saratoga
Saturday, May 26th
I Love This City Festival at Shoreline Amphitheater
Yes, the name of the festival is “I Love This City,” and it was moved from San Francisco to Mountain View… And, although San Francisco is great, Mountain View is where Google is based. And if I don’t “love” Google, I may get assasinated, so I get why this change was made. Anyways, in the midst of a bunch of generic electronic DJ’s, we have some true innovators like James Murphy, Cut Chemist, The Crystal Method, and Holy Fuck playing, which is a great way to spend a day.
Amy Miller, Keeler Dan Curtice, Dan Humke, Maria Daskalakis, Stroy Moyd at The Purple Onion
Sunday, May 27th
Danzig w/ Doyle, KYNG, Monstro at The Warfield
Jerry Only owns the name “The Misfits.” He tours under this name, and plays the music of the band, but in reality, he’s just the bassist. Although we can all dream of a day when the original band will bury the hatchet and get back together, this show is the closest we are ever going to get. This show promises to be a Misfits-focused set with some Danzig solo work, which means you will enjoy a side of “Mother” with your “Astro Zombies”
Ceremony, Whirr, Gun Outfit, ++++, Big Kids, Pop 1280 at The New Parish
Monday, May 28th
The Roots at The Regency Ballroom
The Roots are the more than the best live band in hip hop. The Roots are the best live band in any genre. Since taking over as house band for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, their live shows are few and far between, so you really shouldn’t miss this show. You never know when you will get to see them again.
Tuesday, May 29th
Cockney Rejects, The Old Firm Casuals, Harrington Saints at Thee Parkside
The last thing I expected to happen in 2012 was this sudden resurgence of classic British Oi! bands. Cockney Rejects have been starting fights with their loud, angry, and surprisingly catchy brand of punk rock since 1978, and are heading into this Potrero Hill dive to start w few more drunken brawls.
Wednesday, May 30th
Kurt Vile & The Violators, Black Bananas, True Widow at The Fillmore
Kurt Vile is one of my favorite songwriters, and his band The Violators is one of the tightest bands in the business. Black Bananas is the latest project from legendary Royal Trux frontwoman Jenny Herrema, and their noisy, garage rock glory is merely an extension of that classic band. Put the two together, and you’ve got a great reason to go out on a Wednesday night!
Wintersleep with French Casssettes and Love Axe
Who doesn’t love Canadian rock?
The Australian Bee Gees Show at Y0shi’s – SF
