Thursday, June 26th
Veruca Salt, The Echo Friendly at The Independent
Veruca Salt released two fine pieces of fuzzy guitar pop goodness in the mid 90s. It’s been far too long since Louise Post and Nina Gordon have put collaborated on a project, but the new Veruca Salt record is another classic piece of Alternative Nation era rock goodness. Kennedy would be proud!
Southern Culture On The Skids, Aloha Screwdriver at Great American Music Hall
Friday, June 27th
Lee Fields & The Expressions, Gavin Turek, Gene Washington & The Ironsides at The Fillmore
Lee Fields is currently on his 45th tour. Seriously. He’s been an active player in the R&B world since 1969, consistently putting out powerful records filled with more soul than a DSW. He’s a dynamic live performer like no other, and this is going to be a delirous, sweaty affair of pure goodness.
Tim Cohen’s Magic Trick, Cocktails, Violent Change, Big Tits at Bottom Of The Hill
Saturday, June 28th
Devo at The Fox Theater – Oakland
Devo always were one of the most innovative bands to ever gain mainstream recognition. They recently re-issued Hardcore Vol 1 & 2, a collection of very early demos and singles. These recordings are still light years ahead of what any band is doing today, and they are nearly 40 years old now! At this show, the band will be spotlighting these early recordings. So, sorry, you aren’t hearing “Whip It” tonight. Instead, you will be blown away by one of the most important bands of the rock n roll era.
The Bangles, Rain Parade at Slim’s
Monday, June 30th
The Winery Dogs at Yoshi’s – San Francisco
The San Francisco Yoshi’s has been sold, but the music will continue. I haven’t heard yet if they plan to paint the walls when they change their name, but after this show, they’ll at least have to put a new cover on, because this band will rip the roof right off of the place. A throwback rock n’ roll supergroup of Billy Sheehan, Richie Kotzen and Mike Portnoy, this is a hard rock band in every sense of the word. Bluesy, aggressive, and loud, this is the kind of music The Black Keys and Jack White think they’re making. Want to see the real thing? Come out to Yoshi’s San Francisco while you still can!
Sharon Van Etten, Jana Hunter at The Independent
Future, Rico Love, Que at The Regency Ballroom
Tuesday, July 1st
Queen + Adam Lambert at SAP Center in San Jose
Freddie Mercury was one of the greatest frontman of all time. Sadly, we will never get to see him live. Nonetheless, Queen had an amazing body of work that deserves to be heard live. So guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor have drafted former American Idol runner up Adam Lambert to handle vocals. Lambert is a mighty fine singer in his own right, and, by all reports, has been holding his own nicely on this tour. This is going to be well worth your money and the time it takes to get to San Jose to finally see the band you wished to see live since you were a kid.
Wednesday, July 2nd
Zapp at Yoshi’s – Jack London Square
Zapp were one of the most influential bands of the funk era. Hip hop would not sound the way it does if Zapp’s innovative electro funk didn’t take the world by storm. This is going to be one epic and amazing dance party that is not to be missed.
Ema, Mas Ysa at The Independent
