Christina Aguilera, Strata, George Clinton & 6-String Skaters

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Sun. Mar. 11, 7pm The Catalyst 1011 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz 831.423.1336 $23/$26 BUY TICKETS Andre Nickatina ORIGINAL BAY GANGSTA: The godfather of Bay Area underground gangsta rap, Andre Nickatina spouts knowledge about life on the streets with the lyrical intelligence and blitzkrieg fast style rarely found anymore. Nickatina is a certified Bay Area rap legend always on his game, never backing down and never compromising with any momentary bullshit movement of the day--holding down fast and true to the fullest extent of the lyrical street laws. Recently voted as the underground hip-hop artist of the year, Andre Nickatina lays down old-school licks better than just about anyone else in the Bay Area scene and keeps the non-conformity dream alive. Catch the legend onstage tonight at the Catalyst with long-time collaborator Equipto.

Wed. Mar. 7, 9pm The Blank Club 44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose 408.292.5265 $8

Deke Dickerson AMERICANA ROOTS: Probably the best Americana roots musician that you've never heard of, Deke Dickerson--a master musician cutting a huge swath over the varying musical styles of the last five decades and blending them into one kick ass show--is hitting the Blank tonight with his legendary double-neck guitar fine tuned for a rocking blowout. Along with his band, the Ecco-Fonics, Deke rips out everything from straight up rockabilly tunes to swing to blues and country with a dizzying versatility that makes him the envy of every guitar slinger that dares to pick up a six-string. The Pendletons and the one-man rockabilly act that you'll be kicking yourself if you miss, the Slow Poisoner, get the stage primed for Deke.

Wed. Mar. 7, 6pm The Attic 931 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831.460.1800 $12-$14 BUY TICKETS

Sebadoh ORIGINAL INDIE-STERS: Pioneers in the movement of the lo-fi indie sound, along with bands like Guided by Voices, Sebadoh was one of the first to use low-fidelity recording for their albums on devices like a four-track machine. The band still performs their original indie sound, a rock that's infused with folk and psychedelic noise-experiments that pioneered alt-rock, before we knew what to call any of it, back in '86. Joining Sebadoh will be The Bent Mustache all the way from the Netherlands. They are they second wave of indie rock that blended more emo into their mix. The indie hipsters that want to experience what real indie is like can get a dose of one of the originals at this Santa Cruz show. Beware, you might have to take off your grossly oversized sunglasses to see the show, but don't worry, no one will make you bathe beforehand.

Wed. Mar. 7, 9pm Moe's Alley 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz 831.479.1854 $5-$7

Warsaw Poland Brothers PLAID PANT PUNKERS: Two-tone revival upstarts, the Warsaw Poland Brothers, hit Moe's Alley tonight just in time for you to get a pre-St. Paddy's fix of their punk-ska-Irish-folk amalgamated sound while not having to navigate green beer addled drunkards around the bar. Hailing from Tuscon, the three-piece rips out a potent mix that induces listeners to drink and dance with equal abandon. The Warsaw Poland Brothers tore through the coast a couple of months ago and, if that show was any indication of the power of punk-ska, these desert kids have a long career ahead...even in those plaid geriatric golfer pants.

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Thu.-Fri. Mar. 8-9, 7pm Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge 99 E. San Fernando, San Jose 408.998.9998 $15 1st Annual Intoxicology Championship COCKTAIL IT'S NOT: Some of the South Bay's most badass bartenders will be battling to the death Thursday and Friday night at Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge--okay, maybe not death, but intoxicology is no light matter. Thursday night will be going down with the mixology championship and music by Brian Bass all night long. Fahrenheit will kick it up a notch on Friday with a flair championship and round two of Brain Bass on the turntables with more house, dance and top 40. The cover charge will be only $15 each night and includes the competition, but if you buy tickets online in advance, both nights together are only $20. On top of all the action, t-shirts and other prizes will be given out all night and you can solidly bet that these ace drink slingers will be bringing it.

Thu. Mar. 8, 9pm Britannia Arms: Downtown 173 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.278.1400 No Cover

INQ w/ Manchester School & Kobalt CLASSIC ALT-ROCK: Search far and wide, but you probably won't be able to find a better show tonight than this one at the Downtown Brit...the fact that it's free is just so much gravy. Headlining tonight is one of the best Bay Area rock bands ripping up the scene today, INQ who kick a signature alt-indie rock vibe that has plenty of classic rock muscle married with more than a passing nod to '70s glam. Also on the bill are retro mod-rockers Manchester School--who sonically recall the best dystopian sounds of the Smiths and Joy Division heydays while still sparking a unique indie flame--and local rockers Kobalt.

Thu. Mar. 8, 8pm Ruby Skye 420 Mason St., San Francisco 415.693.0777 $10

Hybrid ELECTRONICA LIVE: Playing a fully live show, Hybrid brings their world-class talents to Ruby Skye with an allstar line-up. John Graham from Quivver, Peter Distefano from Porno for Pyros and vocalist Charlotte James plus a full band will be giving the crowd an unbeatable electronic performance along with original Hybrid duo Mike Truman and Chris Healings. The two have been making, writing and producing dance music for well over a decade and they have been on countless worldwide tours while also doing remixes for artists like Alanis Morrisette, REM, Moby, Crystal Method and many, many more. Seeing them live--with the expanded lineup--has to be topping this weekend's show list for Bay Area electro-heads.

Thu. Mar. 8, 9pm Cuccini 72 N. Almaden Ave., San Jose 408.287.1737 Usual Cover

Thriven Thursdays @ Cuccini LATE WEEK PROSPERING: The hottest Thursday night party in town, aiming to take care of all your late week needs, is Thriven Thursdays over at the indoor/ outdoor digs of Club Cuccini. Miken Tribe Productions have taken over and they're throwing down the party vibe featuring a who's who slate of local spinners taking care of the beats and the Cuccini bar staff taking care of the drink specials. If you're looking for something fresh to start your weekend off right, shoot on down and get your thrive on.

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Fri. Mar. 8, 9pm Johnny V's 31 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.947.8470 $5 Johnny Manak and the Depressives 6-STRING SKATER: One of the best guitar slingers in the local scene, Jonny Manak & The Depressives are hitting Johnny V's tonight ripping out their signature blazing garage style skate punk. Manak himself has played in more local San Jose bands than just about any one else that comes to mind, his multi-instrumental skills and affinity for the early days of rock that he blends with the speed of punk are practically legendary around San Jose. Guitarist/ vocalist Jonny, bassist Kid Kris and drummer Steve have hooked into a solidly guitar driven sound that pulls in the best retro licks ready to blast your eardrums with a sonic barrage of pure rock 'n roll. The Jonny Manak CD release show tonight kicks off with the Teenage Harlets and the Hysterians opening.

Fri. Mar. 8, 7pm Nickel City Arcade 1711 Branham Ave, Suite A-1, San Jose 408.448.3311 $8

Goodbye Gadget DOLLARS AND NICKELS: Easily one of the hardest working chick (and one dude) bands in the Bay, Goodbye Gadget--formerly Inspect Her Gadget--is not the average girl-punk group. They would easily kick Britney's bald ass to kingdom come if given half the chance. Bringing their gritty amped up rock to Nickel City, Goodbye Gadget will put some sin in arcade city at the show with Ally's Anatomy, Ruptured and The Domino Effect. Expect nothing less than greatness from the local show pros who know how to win over a crowd without having to flash smiles and bat their eyes.

Fri. March 9, 9pm The Blank Club 44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose 408.292.5265 $10

Strata NOT JUST PRETTY FACES: Eager to deliver their hard driving alt-indie power licks to the hometown fans and showcase their awesome new material, Strata comes to The Blank for what is sure to be a sold out show. Strata has been hard at work as of late on their forthcoming sophomore effort, Strata Presents: The End of the World, that sees this tight local four-piece evolving greatly in both sound and scope. Strata still hits a very strong and visceral edge, with the new material driving heavily toward a pop-infused, post-punk modernist bent. The vivid imagery of Eric Victorino's lyrics are scathing and poetic as ever while the elegant and apocalyptic operatic sounds delivered by guitarist Ryan Hernandez, bassist Hrag Chanchanian and drummer Adrian Robison are as tight as they are brutally honest driving their hooks deeper into your head with every listen. This is sort of a homecoming and farewell show for Strata as these local boys are heading out on the road throughout March with two of rocks hottest names, 30 Seconds to Mars and Kill Hannah.

Fri. Mar. 9, 9pm The Fillmore 1805 Geary, San Francisco 408.998.TIXS $39.50 BUY TICKETS

George Clinton and the P-Funk Allstars THE SHIP HAS LANDED: Funk ambassador and undisputed king of interplanetary funk, George Clinton and the legendary Parliament-Funkadelic music machine lands the mothership at the Fillmore tonight for a house that will probably be packed as tight as the stage. Anytime George Clinton and his tricked out band of musicians roll through the Bay, there's a few things you can always count on: a phenomenal performance from the band, everyone shakin' their junk to the best funk you've ever heard, a damn good vibe and copious amounts of blatant spliff rippin' that puts those neo-hippie wannabes down on the Haight to shame.

Fri. Mar. 8, 9pm Taste Ultra Lounge 87 N. San Pedro St., San Jose 408.885.1016 Usual Cover

Promiscuous Fridays @ Taste PROMISCUOUS GIRLS: Who doesn't wonder where all the pretty ladies end up in San Jose? Well there's no more wondering after a visit to Taste Ultra Lounge on a Friday night. The Promiscuous Ladies Night--the night is called Promiscuous, no promises on the flirt status of the ladies--will have special guest DJs David Slick D and Leslie Perez on the turntables all night with the best mash-ups, R&B, dance and old-school in San Jose. Ladies will have a chance to get spoiled until 11pm with make-up giveaways, wine tasting, complimentary champagne, tanning salon giveaways and more.

Fri. Mar. 9, 9pm Vivid 8 S. First St., San Jose 408.279.4444 Usual Cover

Dimitris Mykonos ODYSSEUS OF HOUSE: One of the most recognizable names in house music, Dimitris Mykonos hits the decks at the new club Vivid tonight for their Red Party...and, no, it has nothing to do with Commies. DJ Dimitris lays down signature Euro-house beats, progressive house and trance with a distinct Iberian flavor--what he terms the Mykonos sound--full of elating sensations that has made him a mainstay DJ at the hottest dance clubs and parties in the world. He'll be running solo on the turntables at Vivid tonight, so expect to lose a few calories on the dance floor.

Sat. Mar. 10, 6:30pm HP Pavilion 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.998.TIXS $55-$95 BUY TICKETS

Christina Aguilera MOUSE TRAP: While some of her Mickey Mouse Club female contemporaries seem to be going down in a pantyless and hairless blaze of, uh, glory, Christina Aguilera is riding her proven star power into legit diva status. Despite some early less-than-glamorous and improper allegations made by that bastion of nobility, Eminem, the pop princess continues to collect Grammys like other people collect used coffee cups. It seems her producers opened up the jazz, swing and blues archives to give them a little reworking form Aguilera, but no word yet if a rendition of "Candyman" will make it onto her next Latin album (hombre de dulce, anyone?). Christina Aguilera brings her wide-ranging vocals and probably several footlockers of costumes to the HP Pavilion. In what's sure to be an all out hot and trampy chick ogle-fest, the Pussycat Dolls and Danity Kane also perform.

Sat. Mar. 10, 9pm Johnny V's 31 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.947.8470 $5

This Is My Fist SUGARCOATED PUNCH: Like a benevolent barroom brawl, This Is My Fist kicks with a catchy indie punk sound and bratty lyrics that are classic in their sugarcoated fury, like a black-lined cloud on an otherwise welcoming sunny day. Hailing from the East Bay, This Is My Fist rips into Johnny V's tonight with three other outfits--Shinobu, Bluepoint and the eminently rocking Obsessors--in a show that'll rip your thirtysomething ass back to your glorious teenage years. In uncertain musical times when sounds are either being stripped down and ripped out of the hands of musicians or are getting drenched in sappy "woe is me" platitudes, it's f*cking rad to see a lineup on a single stage that'll rip out punk sounds like they're still hanging in their parents' garage.

Sat. Mar. 10, 9pm Ruby Skye 420 Mason St., San Francisco 415.693.0777 $15

DJ Vibe DECANTED BEATS: The best thing to come out of Portugal since that vintage '45 Graham's we shared with our boss, DJ Vibe makes his first--and probably not last--appearance at Ruby Skye tonight. The Iberian phenom started spinning progressive house on the decks at 15 and hasn't slowed his sonic journey yet. Over the last 20 years DJ Vibe has been involved in launching some of the most important clubs in Portugal that have ultimately changed the club lifestyle in the country. On the turntables all night, DJ Vibe will be spinning his A-game with the help of resident Ruby Skye DJ, Kuze.

Sat. Mar. 10, 9pm Vault Ultra Lounge 81 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.298.1112 Usual Cover

Paparazzi @ Vault w/ Scooter & Lavelle SPINNING PICTURES: By now, all you clubbers know all about the monthly "make ya famous" Paparazzi Party hitting the OG ultra lounge in San Jo, the Vault, but tonight is one that you just can't miss. Renowned So-Cal DJ tandem Scooter and Lavelle set up their decks in the main room, ready to drop their signature 2x4 beat down style that has asses up on the dance floor around the world. Of course some of the best in the Bay behind the lenses will be on hand snapping pics of all the hot action in the Downtown hipster digs and we'll lay our next meager paycheck on the line that you won't find a better DJ fueled swank party this weekend that'll top Paparazzi.

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Sun. Mar. 11, 8:30pm 6 Bars Downtown San Jose MORE INFO 4th Annual St. Paddy's Day Crawl GREEN PARADE: Ahh, what's better than drinking for St. Paddy's Day with hundreds of your instantly Irish brethren? Well, that be celebrating the darned thing twice in one week. The 4th Annual St. Paddy's Day Crawl starts tonight at Smoke Tiki Lounge at 8:30 with a ton of drink specials before heading down the street to the Brit at 9:30. From there, the green-clad parade of revelers head over to the Loft then San Jose Bar & Grill and Tres Gringos en route to wrapping up this Sunday night booze fest over at VooDoo Lounge. Yeah, so it's a week early, yeah it's on a Sunday and if you've got qualms with that, go bitch to the nearest Leprechaun.

Sun. Mar. 11, 7pm Little Fox Theatre 2215 Broadway, Redwood City 650.FOX.4129 $23-$25

Thomas Dolby and the Jazz Mafia Horns BLINDING TECH: So the man last scored a monster hit sometime in the early '80s when most of us were still in diapers, but Thomas Dolby is still a musical icon and still flirting with the extreme techno edge. Thomas who, you say...well, all we've got to say is that without Dolby's "She Blinded Me With Science," hordes of other far less talented musical wannabes would be left out in the cold without this man to steal from. Dolby's newest direction sees the synth-pop master incorporating a full-blown horn section with Dolby acting as a Matrix-esque front man plugged into all manner laptop computers, synthesizers and beat machines, although this tech wiz still has to use his hands instead of slamming a power chord into the back of his skull.

Sun. Mar. 11, 7:30pm Bottom of the Hill 1233 17th St., San Francisco 415.621.4455 $10

Dead to Me SUNDAYS DON'T STOP REAL ROCKERS: Celebrating their homecoming to good ol' San Francisco, Dead to Me headlines Sunday night at Bottom of the Hill. One may not think twice about going to a Sunday night show, but those will simply be missing out on awesome opportunity. Those who do decide to see Dead to Me and Loved Ones--the same thing to some people--will have a grand time getting their faces rocked off with a conglomeration of punk rock with pop and hardcore influences. Several other bands are also on the bill, so there will be no shortage of heart-stopping rock. Don't make excuses about things to do on Monday, true rockers party every night of the week.

Mon. Mar. 12, 8pm Johnny V's 31 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.947.8470 $5

Oi Boys, Cobra Skulls & Prize Country RENO 911: Hardcore punk from the Silver State is running full-throttle into Johnny V's tonight and picking up some pure rock support from Portland along the way. The Oi Boys and Cobra Skulls, both from the "biggest little city on earth" Reno, Nev., rip out two-minute anthems concentrating lyrically on the focal points of all good punk bands: boozing, hard luck, lost love and giving it all a stout middle finger. These two punk rock terrors are setting up with Prize Country, whose raw and gritty riffs--if listened to at optimal amp blowing level--could just about bring rock down from its fabricated aerie back into the hands of the masses. Future of music predictions aside, just know that this is going to probably be the loudest thing heard downtown on a Monday in quite some time.

Mon. Mar. 12, 8:30pm Bottom of the Hill 1233 17th St., San Francisco 415.621.4455 $8

barbarasteele SCREAM QUEENS: Taking their name from the '60s horror film actress, the band "barbarasteele" combines her retro chic and smut in their music with raw soul and an amalgamation of art punk. The indie band is joined by Sistas In the Pit and Catholic Comb on Sunday evening at Bottom of the Hill. The indie show is the perfect way to wind down a weekend before the coming wilder weekend--St. Patrick's Day weekend is right around the corner. The Sunday night show will be barbarasteele's last one in San Francisco for a while before they go to work on their album. Catch the originality and innovation before they fade out.

Thu. Mar. 7-8, 7pm The Fillmore 1805 Geary, San Francisco 408.998.TIXS $28.50 BUY TICKETS

Third Eye Blind and The Up Welling RELEASING GREATEST HITS AFTER RUNNING OUT OF MONEY: Flashback to the mid-'90s and singing along to radio hits like "Semi-Charmed Life" and "How's It Going to Be"--and if you were really cool--making a mix tape straight from the radio of these songs and other favorites. Now is the chance to relive those great memories of the overly happy post-grunge rock right in San Francisco. So take out those mix tapes and brush up on the lyrics before heading to the Fillmore for the Tuesday or Wednesday night shows Third Eye Blind will be playing to promote their collection of greatest hits, "Third Eye Blind: A Collection." Snappy name, huh?

Tue. Mar. 13, 9pm VooDoo Lounge 14 S. Second St., San Jose 408.286.8636 Usual Cover

Kid Guch & DJ Marc Streach TUESDAY NIGHT SPIN: If you're looking for a fresh chill scene to hang at on Tuesday nights, look no further than the VooDoo Lounge where locally famous spinners Kid Guch and DJ Marc Streach command the decks. Kicking out a blend of nu-jazz, hip-hop and drum and bass, Kid Guch and DJ Streach can provide the backdrop for some lounging or dancing while the drink slingers at one of San Jo's premiere bars got your liver covered. So, if you're tired of the same old same old in Downtown, hit up the VooDoo for the funky fresh beaat stew.

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Sat. Mar. 17, 8pm Johnny V's 31 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.947.8470 $5

The F*cking Buckaroos & the Wiggle Wagons GREEN FIELDS: With St. Paddy's Day hitting this year on a Saturday, you know darn well there'll be plenty of places for you to get your drink on at; well, here's one that should skyrocket to the top of your weekend partying list. Setting up at Johnny V's tonight is the crashing, speed-folk bluegrass twang of The F*cking Buckaroos from San Francisco who kick it raw, honest and amped beyond belief; like they just collectively swallowed an oversized jug of whiskey laced with meth. Their frenetic style of punked banjo picking is only tethered by the Buckaroos extremely high quality musicianship and commitment rock. They'll be ripping it up with one of the best San Jo bands around, the Wiggle Wagons, who lay down a country thrash sonic assault that will to blow you straight off your barstool in a blazing hail of liquor, Southern pride and metal laced fury.

Sat. Mar. 24, 9pm The Blank Club 44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose 408.292.5265 $10

Agent Orange SKATE PUNK TIME MACHINE: Arguably one of the most influential bands in the So-Cal punk scene that have been doing it longer and stronger than the rest, Agent Orange, tear up the Blank tonight with the Razorburns and Bad Samaritans. Hard to believe, but Agent Orange released their first album in '81 immediately cementing their status as one of the best hardcore skate punk bands around. While a couple of decades have passed since that defining moment in surf-laden skate punk, Agent Orange still retains the same energy and adolescent discontent as they did oh-so-many years ago.

--This week's newsletter by: RO, AL & MC

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