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Monday, September 3
The Brian Jonestown Massacre
The Independent
628 Divisadero St, San Francisco
415.771.1422
Mon-Tue - 8pm; $20
Whether he likes it or not, Anton Newcombe will forever been known as the marginally functional but mostly insane (and often violent) genius behind the psychedelic rock band the Brian Jonestown Massacre, because that's how he came across in DIG!, an enthralling rock documentary that chronicles the parallel paths of two like-minded bands, the Dandy Warhols and the BJM, with one skewing toward success and the other careening toward destruction. Newcombe describes the documentary's portrayal of him as "Jerry Springer-esque" and "miscontextualized," but come on—it made him look like a freaking ROCK STAR. The boy genius is out on the road again with a new band and some recurring members of previous iterations. (MC)
Saturda7, August 25
matisyahu
Matisyahu (Hebrew for Matthew) was born and raised in a Jewish family but embraced Orthodox Judaism during a trip to Israel when he was 16. He experienced a profound spiritual calling and chose to share this journey through a unique combination of reggae rock laced with spiritual lyrics. His first music break came in 2005 when he joined Trey Anastasio onstage at Bonnaroo, and since the release of Shake Off the Dust ... Arise (2004) and Live at Stubb's (2005), Matisyahu's star has been steadily rising. YOUTH (2006), a studio album produced by Bill Laswell, mixes ancient and modern sounds with ideas promoting peace, unity and the power youth can wield. Living by the Hebrew aphorism that "music is the quill of the soul," Matisyahu advances communication and provokes thought
with his unique musical talent. Catalyst; $35 adv/$35 door; 9pm. (Meribeth Malone)
Napa
Comedy Tonight
The San Francisco International Comedy Competition, which boasts past winners Robin Williams, Ellen DeGeneres and Dane Cook, serves up the laughs this Saturday in a showcase of four past competition alumni. The exact lineup is a secret, but any festival that churns out both Dana Carvey (1977's top dog) and Patton Oswalt (1993's champ and master of off-the-wall insight) can be trusted to deliver bona fide side-splitters. Hang on to your guts with host Danny Bevins this Saturday, Aug. 18, at Napa Valley Opera House. 1030 Main St., Napa. 8pm. $35. 707.226.7372.
