Happy Independence Day! That’s why you are getting the rare list where nearly every band is from the US. And the only English band has an umlaut in it’s name. Alright, enough chatter:
Thursday, June 28th
Everclear, Sugar Ray, Gin Blossoms, Lit, Marcy Playground at Mountain Winery – Saratoga
When people think if the 90’s, they tend to think of bands like Nirvana, The Pixies, Sonic Youth, NWA, A Tribe Called Quest, and so forth… Interesting acts that managed to gain mainstream acceptance while retaining their indie cred. We forget the the most popular bands of this era were these guitar based pop bands whose many hits are now stuck on your head just because you read the names of these bands.
Russian Circles, Deafheaven, And So I Watch You From Afar at Great American Music Hall
Friday, June 29th
Justin Townes Earle, Tristen at Great American Music Hall
He’s the son of Steve Earle and named after Townes Van Zandt. He possesses excellent genes, and uses those genes for good, not evil.
Sonny & The Sunsets at Amoeba Music
Saturday, June 30th
Via Coma, I The Mighty, Atlas at Bottom of the Hill
Melodic pop punk is alive and well, and is even being made in the bay area. Bottom Of The Hill is hosting an evening of the best bands in the genre.
Young The Giant, Minus The Bear, Manchester Orchestra, Little Hurricane at Sharon Meadow in Golden Gate Park
Sunday, July 1st
Slipknot, Slayer, Motörhead, Anthrax, As I Lay Dying, Whitechapel, The Devil Wears Prada, Asking Alexandria at Shoreline Amphitheater – Mountain View
I am not a fan of metal music. I have my moments where I feel the need for some dark, heavy riffs, but generally speaking, it’s a format that I grow weary of easily. That being said- this is the best possible metal bill you will get this Summer. These bands are pure, aggressive, and unpretentious. And, if you don’t listen to Motörhead at least once a month, you don’t know how to live.
The Stone Foxes, Preservation Hall Jazz Band at Stern Grove
Monday, July 2nd
Mates Of State, The Stepkids at The Independent
Remember Mates of State? The sugary, blissful indie pop duo? Well, they are back on tour, playing some of the most intimate venues they’ve played in years. These folks are, consistently, one of the best and tightest live acts in pop music. It would be foolish not to go to this show.
Bass Drum Of Death, DZ Deathrays, Warm Soda at Bottom of the Hill
Tuesday, July 3rd
Colleen Green, White Fang, Pamela at Brick & Mortar Music Hall
Wood Shoppe is a free monthly event where you got free music and cheap drinks. That alone is reason to go. This month, however, is Colleen Green. Although I don’t understand why anyone would move from Oakland to LA, it’s good to have her back for a night. And, for this kind of fuzzed out rock n roll. And, remember, tomorrow is a holiday. So enjoy all the $3 Trumer Pils you wish!
Leftöver Crack at Oakland Metro Operahouse
Wednesday, July 4th
Religious Girls, Tartuffi, Finn Riggins, Battlehooch, Night Call, The Heart & The Hiding at El Rio
El Rio is one of the finest bars in the city, although it is a bit out off the beaten path. But, since it is a holiday in the middle of the week, and El Rio is putting on a little mini festival full of solid local bands, this might be your day to head into the outer Mission, enjoy some great music and fine beverages. On a beautiful summer day.
