The legendary “Rocktober” seems to be starting early this year… September’s show schedule is already full of conflicts and killer shows. Please, read on!
Thursday, September 6th
The Tallest Man On Earth, Strand Of Oaks at The Fox Theater – Oakland
Sweden’s submission to the “new Dylan” contest is a fantastic one. This singer / songwriter can pen a beautiful song, and has a voice that is much more soothing than the aforementioned Dylan. He is also brave enough to fill the 3,000+ seated Fox Theater with simply his voice and a guitar.
This Bike Is A Pipe Bomb, Wild Assumptions, Nasty Christmas at Thee Parkside
Friday, September 7th
Linkin Park, Incubus, MUTEMATH at Shoreline Amphitheatre
These guys are really popular, and the editor in chief really likes them. I, personally, don’t get it. But, then again, I own Ke$ha bootlegs.
Hieroglyphics at Oaklandish
It’s free. It’s part of First Fridays, so get there early. This legendary Oakland hip hop collective seems to be really into free hometown shows. Yes, we are that lucky.
Young Prisms, Mwahaha, Clipd Beaks, Alison Stevenson at The Uptown Nightclub
Saturday, September 8th
Thee Oh Sees, Sic Alps, The Mallard, Break Arts at The Uptown Nightclub
What do you mean you still haven’t seen Thee Oh Sees? They play all the time! Wait- is that why?You always tell yourself that you will hit them up next time? That is awfully foolish. Go see them!
Rock N Roll Adventure Kids, Glitz, Chief, Visions & Tones at El Rio
Sunday, September 9th
Dokken, Spiral Arms, The Butlers, Dedvolt at The Rodeo Club – San Jose
This show was originally booked for The New Parish. Sadly, we will not get to experience the greatest band of all time in Oakland. Instead, only the south bay gets this joy.
New York Night Train’s SOUL CLAP and DANCE-OFF, Shannon & The Clams, Mikal Cronin at Great American Music Hall
Not so much a show as it is a Dance Contest! Yes, you heard me- this is a dance contest with a $100 prize going to the winner. DJ Jonathan Toubin will be on the decks, playing nothing but soul 45’s from the 1960’s. So, even if you lose, you are still winning. However, I’m pretty broke right now, so I will be working to win that $100 prize.
Monday, September 10th
Conflicts galore tonight! I don’t know how we ended up with a Monday night party night, but if you do end up staying home, then there is something seriously wrong with you:
Blondie, Devo at The Warfield
Both of them started out as edgy punk rock bands. Both bands have a vicious sense of humor, and managed to break into the mainstream while still retaining their wit and ethos. They even have managed to retain the majority of their original members! On top of that, they both still put on a spectacular, high energy rock n roll show. This double bill has the best bang for your buck. Do not miss this show!
Swans, Xiu Xiu at The Regency Ballroom
The mere chance at Swan’s Michael Gira joining Xiu Xiu for “Under Pressure” makes this worth while:
The Hives, Fidlar at The Fox Theater – Oakland
What is it about Swedish punk bands? They all dress so much better than other countries’ punk bands.
JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound, Karina Denike at Cafe du Nord
Classic soul revivalism with support by a former Dance Hall Crasher.
Trust, DZ Deathrays, Nightmare Fortress at Mezzanine
Oh yeah, how about some Australian stoner rock?
Tuesday, September 11th
Fiona Apple, Blake Mills at The Warfield
Fiona Apple is coming back pretty hard core. Her latest record is amazing, and she is still one of the most potent live performers to ever hit the stage. This is the most intimate venue that she’s playing on this tour, so it would be quite foolish of you to miss this one.
Hot Chip, YACHT at The Fox Theater – Oakland
Wednesday, September 12th
The Raghu Dixit Project at Yoshi’s – SF
One of the biggest stars in India, as well as one of the few to not come through the Bollywood system, is making his way through intimate clubs in America. Don’t miss Raghu Dixit’s hooky blend of folk, rock, reggae, latin, and middle eastern music in one of the best rooms in the bay area.
Silversun Pickups, School Of Seven Bells, Atlas Genius at The Fox Theater – Oakland
