Howdy, Bay Area live music fans! I’ve got a great week for you! It’s a good time for you to stop sleeping for a while!
Thursday, August 19th
Hot Hot Heat, the 20-20’s, Hey Rosetta at The Rickshaw Stop
I keep waiting for the infamous “4th Wave” of Ska to hit. Hot Hot Heat were going to be that band to make it happen, and, in fact, I still think that they can. They’ve brought that warm and familiar rhythm to indie rock, and have made it safe to dance at shows again. It’s exciting to see one of Canda’s finest exports in one of the most intimate spots on town.
An Evening With Brandon Flowers at Slim’s
Sorry kids, The Killers aren’t breaking up. And you might want to be prepared to bribe the door guy & the fire marshall, because this one has been sold out for a while.
Friday, August 20th
Pinkerton, The Hot Toddies, As A People at Bottom Of The Hill
I don’t commonly recommend tribute bands, but this isn’t just any tribute band. Pinkerton is a loosely knit group of local indie heroes, including members of the great Judgement Day, performing the music of Weezer, more specifically Matt Sharp-era Weezer. Good stuff, and support act The Hot Toddies make this a complete package of awesomeness.
Jucifer, Tornado Rider at The Uptown Nightclub
Saturday, August 21st & Sunday, August 22nd
Oakland Art & Soul Festival, Uptown Oakland
There are a ton of local music festivals going on throughout the whole summer, but this one seems to get ignored a little bit. Maybe because it’s in Oakland, instead of San Francisco, but nonetheless this shindig is $10 per day if you buy in advance, and for that price you get a nice dose of legendary musicians mixed with a few “WTF? They still play?” artists to keep it interesting. So, grab some sunscreen and spend the weekend with Cake, MC Hammer, En Vogue, Sheila E, Tony! Toni! Tone!, Pete Escovedo, and many more!
Saturday, August 21st
They Might Be Giants at The Uptown Theater – Napa
The smartest pop duo in the history of pop duo’s is giving the bay area a special treat this weekend! First that hit the Uptown Theater in Napa for a full fledged rock performance in the evening, and then on the next day, they are treating us all to a free, family friendly gig in the beautiful Stern Grove.
Rufus Wainwright, Martha Wainwright at The Fox Theater – Oakland (also appearing at The Uptown Theater in Napa 8/22)
Sunday, August 22nd
Rock The Bells 2010 at Shoreline Amphitheater
I’m going to spare you the pain of listing off the entire line up for this gig. I’m just going to tell you that there has never been a better hip hop show booked in history. They’ve trimmed the Rock The Bells tour to only four dates this year, and here’s just a small sampling of the epic greatness you may hear:
Brilliant Colors, Neonates & Rank/Xerox, Dick Dog at brontez’s sugar mountain: 2515 San Pablo Ave, Oakland
Monday, August 23rd
Crowded House, Lawrence Arabia at The Warfield
I can’t say much about this band, other than the fact that they are really good, and it’s pretty awesome that they are playing live again. While you are trying to decide to go, why don’t you listen to “Don’t Dream It’s Over.”
[Editor’s note: When I decided to go, I was thinking of this one:]
Girl In A Coma, Gringo Star, Agent Ribbons at Bottom Of The Hill
Tuesday, August 24th
Bad Brains, Broun Fellinis at Slim’s
It’s hard to imagine, considering how boring hardcore has become, that it was once a truly deep and fascinating form of music. Bad Brains are one of the first, and the best of these bands. And, it’s pretty amazing that they are still playing.
Audacity, Todd C & The Clown Sound, Mill Valley’s Most Honest Men at Hemlock Tavern
Wednesday, August 25th
Peter Case, Betty Soo at Freight & Salvage
Oneida, Jonas Reinhardt, The Lights at Bottom Of The Hill
