I think we can all agree that this is a weird week. Heavy on legends, but plenty of places where you can experiment, sonically. Please, have fun with it!
Thursday, September 27th
Third Eye Blind, Judgement Day, Classical Revolution Orchestra, Musical Art Quintet, and more at Great American Music Hall
This event is also being touted as Stephan Jenkins’ birthday party. This show is way bigger than simply a classic Bay Area band playing a classic Bay Area venue. This show is really devoted to the Classical Revolution Orchestra, and this group will be backing no fewer than 5 bands this evening, adding their trademark chamber music sound to acts such as our good friends Judgement Day and 90’s alt rock giants Third Eye Blind. And, all proceeds go to keeping the Classical Revolution Orchestra alive and well.
Moggs, Keiki, Goldring/Thompson at Hemlock Tavern
This mind melting noise duo comprised of former underwear models from Stockton are nearly impossible to Google. So, please, just go to this show. It’s only $7. You won’t be upset by that decision.
Friday, September 28th
Foxtails Brigade, Body Parts, Twin Steps, Family Folk Explosion at Uptown Nightclub
Anton Patzner gets two shout outs two days in a row from us. Because, not only is his amazing string metal trio Judgement Day playing on Thursday, but his folk project, led by vocalist Laura Weinbach, is playing Uptown the very next night! This is another excellent show, full of local talent that should not be missed!
Father John Misty, Jenny O. at The Independent
Saturday, September 29th
Harmony By The Bay Festival at Shoreline Amphitheater
This is the inaugural year of this music festival, which is sort of reminiscent of the first year of Wanderlust: an eclectic array of musical acts, as well as yoga and eco-consciousness raising. Of course, the main reason to attend is the music: headlining is The Shins, the popular indie rock band from New Mexico. The better reason to go, however, is for the amazing openers, including the Paul Simonesque Givers (who put out my #2 favorite record of 2011), Gotye duet partner Kimbra, reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, and bluegrass heroes Allison Krauss + Union Station. Should be a fun day!
Aimee Mann, Field Report at The Fillmore
I’ve always had a great affection for Aimee Mann, but this really wins over everything. And, please, follow her on twitter: https://twitter.com/aimeemann
httpV://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XA1cX-wgMdM
Sunday, September 30th
The Gaslight Anthem, The Soft White Sixties at The Fox Theater – Oakland
Bruce Springsteen and Eddie Vedder both approve. This New Jersey rock band is one of the finest pure rock bands playing today. Go out and pound your fists in the air to some pure joy.
Hot Water Music, Dead To Me, Heartsounds at Slim’s
Monday, September 1st
Garbage, Screaming Females at The Warfield
Garbage’s big comeback this year is yielding excellent results. The band has been sounding better than ever live, and their new record is excellent. They are even gutsy enough to bring along Screaming Females as an opener, one of the most blistering and aggressive live acts touring today. They have no choice but to destroy at this show.
Deerhoof, Buke and Gase, Raleigh Moncrief at Slim’s
Tuesday, September 2nd
Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, Foxy Shazam, Electric Sister at The Fox Theater – Oakland
We all know that Guns N Roses these days is merely Axl Rose trying to reclaim lost youth. Slash, however, shows up on time, plays what you wanna hear, and does it well. The one thing better than Slash? Foxy Shazam. Pure chaotic rock energy. One of the best live shows in the world. I don’t get how Slash is going to follow them.
Peter Gabriel does So at HP Pavilion – San Jose
Wednesday, October 3rd
An Evening With Melissa Etheridge at The Fox Theater – Oakland
