This week is the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival in Golden Gate Park. It’s the best thing that ever happens in this town. You will go to this, but there are a few things going on at night that are pretty good, too. Check them out:
Tuesday, September 29th
Kailash Kher, Cheb i Sabbah at The Fillmore, 8 PM
Kailash Kher is the host of Indian Idol. If that isn’t reason enough to see him, he is also one of the vocalists that inspires AR Rahman, one of the greatest living composers. This is a rare opportunity to see one of the originators of Sufi music perform live, so don’t miss out!
The Postmarks, Brookville at Hotel Utah Saloon, 8 pm
Mason Jennings, Crash Kings at Great American Music Hall, 8 PM (Also 9/30)
Wednesday, September 30th
Kylie Minogue at The Fox Theater – Oakland, 8 PM
OMG!! Kylie Minogue is playing a theaters in America!!!! Super disco adventure!!! (Also playing 10/01- which is the show I’m going to) After 22 years in the business, she’s finally playing our fine country. Now I don’t have to fly to Australia.
Works Progress Administration, Molly Jenson at The Independent, 8 PM
Thursday, October 1st
Gillian Welch at The Fillmore, 8 PM
Spooky and dark classic American folk music. Her voice sends shivers in your soul. If you want your heart to melt, this is the place to do that. (Also appearing at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 10/3 at 5:25)
Datarock, Esser, Kav at Slim’s, 8:30 PM
Friday, October 2nd
Paramore, Paper Route, The Swellers at The Warfield, 7:30 PM
Note: This show has been rescheduled for November 10th. Tickets can be refunded at point of purchase, but I understand that you won’t do that.
Paramore are that band that your little sister likes. They are a modern punk band with a bit of a Christian idealolgy. On paper, they are pretty wretched. In actuality, they are the purest rock band on a major label working today. Pure rock ‘n roll goodness.
TSOL, Oppressed Logic, Everything Must Go, Disciples Bum City Saints at 924 Gilman St, 8 PM
Saturday, October 3rd
The Horrors, Japanese Motors, Rocket at The Independent, 9 PM
The Horrors are a great horror-punk band from England. It will be a great night to pull out your 20 eyelet Doc Martins that you’ve had in storage since 1995 and have a good time.
Miike Snow, Jack Penate, Loquat at Bottom Of The Hill, 9 pm
Sunday, October 4th
John Doe & The Sadies, The Brothers Comatose at Annie’s Social Club, 8 PM
John Doe is playing with his band The Knitters at Hardly Strictly at the same time as Neko Case, whose back up band is The Sadies. So, if you can’t decide, or don’t want to deal with the big crowds and the cold temperatures, check them out that night at the greatest club in San Francisco. And, who knows who might drop in? (Hereby starting the Neko Case is playing Annie’s Social Club rumour.)
Monday, October 5th
Jolie Holland, Michael Hurley at The Independent, 8 PM
Jolie Holland is one of Tom Waits’ favorite songwriters. She is great and eclectic.
Project, Classical Evolution at Cafe du Nord, 8 PM
So, I would like to point out to anyone thinking of seeing The Horrors that they look much better than they sound, and you might rather wear your 20-eye doc martens over to Leisure where you can karaoke your favourite brit pop or punk song from 1995 Saturday night.