I am amazed by the amount of the amount of dust that I’m still finding in places after Outside Lands this year… Yes, it was good fun, but it’s time to enjoy some music indoors, over concrete. And, well, we’ve got a wonderful week of excellent music on our docket.
Thursday, August 16th
Cherry Poppin’ Daddies at Yoshi’s – SF
Remember about 10 years ago when all of the ska bands that were once punk bands became swing bands? Well, that scene was actually more fun than you remember it.
Friday, August 17th
Geographer, Sister Crayon at The Lodge At The Regency Ballroom
Our friends at WillCall (actually, we don’t know anyone at WillCall, but it sounds good, doesn’t it?) are putting on their first show. And, well, it’s pretty good. We have two local favorites taking over The Lodge at The Regency Ballroom: retro new wavers Geographer and and dark synthers Sister Crayon. Not only do you get to support a brand app helps guide your show going, but you also support local music.
Howlin’ Rain, Strange Vine at Rickshaw Stop
Saturday, August 18th
Lee Fields & The Expressions, Hard French, Top Cap & Miles Ahead at The Independent
DapTone Records might be the last great record label. They’ve done an amazing job at resurrecting the careers of classic soul artists they never quite made it out of their local scene. And now, artists that barely made any money in their heyday are now selling out venues all across America. It proves that, if you are talented enough, and you keep trying, you will live out your dreams. Lee Fields put out his first record in 1969. He continues to remain badass, and now the rest of America can feel his baddassedness.
Peter Murphy, OURS at The New Parish
Sunday, August 19th
Diana Krall at Davies Symphony Hall
Yes, she’s a pretty blonde girl that sings and plays jazz piano. There are a lot of those, I know. It’s hard to explain what’s so great about her, other than the fact that she has that “it” factor that everyone else is missing. She is also married to, arguably, the coolest man ever living: Elvis Costello.
ZZ Top, The Cult, The Stone Foxes at Sleep Train Pavilion – Concord
Monday, August 20th
Polica, Supreme Cuts at The Independent
Former Gayngs vocalist Channy Leanagh has a brand new project, and it’s got far more buzz going than Gayngs ever had. This amazing fusion of world music, soul, and trip hop will be one killer show. Don’t miss them at The Indy, because next time they won’t be playing such a small place.
Wednesday, August 22nd
Jello Biafra & The Guantanamo School Of Medicine, Le Plebe, Fracas, Pins Of Light at Oakland Metro Operahouse
So, next month, a band called Dead Kennedys is playing a place called The Regency Ballroom. It’s a fine venue, but, well, the most vital component to Dead Kennedys won’t be there. Instead, you should go see Jello Biafra & The Guantanamo School of Medicine. Because at this show, the lead singer will know all the words, unlike at the current singer for Dead Kennedys.
AM & Shawn Lee, Nino Moschella at Cafe du Nord
