With FYF going on down in LA this weekend, we’re getting a decent spillover of excellent shows up here in the Bay Area. Though not quite at Fauxchella levels, it’s nice to have a Faux Your Festival going on right now. And since your regular host for this column, Dakin Hardwick, will be enjoying himself at the real thing, I’ll be guiding you through your options for our fake version.
Thursday, August 30
Bela Fleck and the Marcus Roberts Trio at Yoshi’s SF (also Aug 31-Sept 1)
You just never know what Bela is going to do, so if he shows up to play with a classic jazz trio, heck, why not go? I mean, Bela is about to say in this video that it was “fucking great” — you can hear the f start, but then he catches himself.
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart with A B & the Sea at Rickshaw Stop
I don’t care for either of these band names, but the bands are good.
Friday, August 31
Refused with Sleigh Bells at The Fox Oakland
The biggest show this spring is now being somewhat ignored. What the heck? Listen to this, and tell me you shouldn’t be there.
Huey Lewis and the News at The Mountain Winery
This one’s for Megan.
Saturday, September 1
Yeasayer with Daughn Gibson at The Fox Oakland
Yeasayer just keep staying awesome. Their sound is so different than it was in the beginning, but no amount of sonic experimentation can disguise songwriting chops, and these guys have it in spades.
Foxtails Brigade with Yesway and Whiskerman at Bottom of the Hill
We like all of this.
Sunday, September 2
The Old 97’s with Those Darlins and Rhett Miller at The Fillmore
Yes, that’s Rhett Miller opening for Rhett Miller’s band. He’s a busy guy tonight. You can decide which project you like better. I vote for Old 97’s. Most other must as well, thus why they’re the headliner.
John Hiatt & The Combo at The Napa Uptown
Monday, September 3
Hiero Day featuring Hieroglyphics, Blackalicious, Planet Asia, Equipto, Z Man and more
A free street festival in downtown Oakland starring the best hip-hop acts the East Bay has to offer. I said free, right? Don’t miss this. It will be an extremely inappropriate warm-up for my evening show, but it’s at least super close by.
Beirut at The Fox Oakland
Swaying to the sweetness.
Tuesday, September 4
The Heavy with The Silent Comedy at Slim’s
Oh crap, The Heavy are doing the SF-to-San Jose combo this week, so this gives you two chances to this killer band live. Bring an extra face for when yours is melted off.
Big Business with Federation X and Pins of Light at Bottom of the Hill
Big, heavy rock. Yeah.
Wednesday, September 5
Fucked Up with Ceremony at Slim’s
Wear good shoes to this show because your feet will get stomped on a’plenty. You may get tossed into one of Slim’s famous poles, and YOU’LL LIKE IT! This will be a hot, sweaty mess. Wouldn’t miss it for the world.
The Heavy at The Blank Club in San Jose
Why didn’t you go last night? GO!
