It’s another good week for rocking… We have a known recluse doing a rare tour, a bunch of holograms of rappers, an R&B singer that cannot allow more than two e’s in one word, a bay area classic rock double header, and half of Bikini Kill. Not bad, if I say so myself!
Thursday, September 12th
Adam Ant, Prima Donna at The Regency Ballroom
Adam Ant spent nearly a decade shying away from the public while coping with his own mental and emotional issues. Happily, he made a huge comeback last year playing shows in the USA for the first time in a very long time, bringing his quirky interpretation of glam rock to the masses. He is doing one more round of gigs to make sure nobody was missed from last time. He might not to do it again for a long while afterwards, so don’t miss this show.
Julia Holter, Nedelle Torrisi at Great American Music Hall
Friday, September 13th
The Weeknd, Banks, Anna Lunoe at The Greek Theater – UC Berkeley
The Weeknd is an R&B singer that has managed to create a blend that is equal parts sexy and scary. His music is briliantly dark and chilling, with just enough soul and sex appeal to warm you up a bit inside. If you are looking for the best make out show of the week, this is it. Please bring mints.
Foxtails Brigade, Bells Atlas, The Spencer Owen Time Share at Hemlock Tavern
Saturday, September 14th – Sunday, September 15th
Rock The Bells at Shoreline Amphitheater
The best traveling music festival in the US is now in it’s 10th year, and they may have come up with their best line up yet! We have 2012’s most critically acclaimed artist Kendrick Lamar headlining two days of music spanning nearly the entire spectrum of hip hop! We have 80’s originators Rakim, E-40, and Too $hort. We have 90’s legends Wu Tang Clan, Bone Thugs n Harmony and KRS-1. We have backpack movement icons Deltron 3030 and Dilated Peoples. And, of course, we have some of the most gifted MC’s of today: Kid Cudi, Earl Sweatshirt, Tyler The Creator and many, many more. Three stages of the best hip hop has to offer. It’s an excellent deal!
Monday, September 16th
Journey, Tower Of Power at America’s Cup Pavilion
There are two types of people in this world: People who love Journey and people that are too embarrassed to admit that they love Journey. Which category do you fall under?
Tuesday, September 17th
The Julie Ruin, La Sera at Slim’s
The #1 one band I most want to see reunite is Bikini Kill. The Julie Ruin gets us halfway there, since it features Kathleen Hanna and Kathi Wilcox. If only we were so lucky to get the other half. However, this still will be an amazing show! The Julie Ruin’s debut record is an amazing collection of guitar based dance punk jams that will leave you dripping with sweat. In a good way.
Stars, Trails and Ways at Great American Music Hall
Wednesday, September 18th
Bear Lincoln, Posole, Drew Southern, West Night Core at The Uptown Night Club
San Francisco’s Posole are well on their way to becoming something bigger than the bay. Their blend of traditional latin tones and indie rock is very, very pleasing to the ears. They are playing a for free at one of my favorite Oakland night spots.
Hanni El Khatib, Bass Drum Of Death at Great American Music Hall
