Ozzfest, The Fray, Tegan and Sara, Dramarama & The Beach Boys
 PICK WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE UPCOMING
| editorialpick |
Thu. Jul. 19, Noon
Shoreline Amphitheatre
1 Amphitheater Parkway, Mountain View
408.998.TIXS
"Free"
|  |
Ozzfest
IN OZZ WE TRUST:
Good old-fashioned metal will slam the Shoreline at this year's Ozzfest. Although tickets were given away for free, when greedy scalpers struck, the free tickets were scooped up and now have to be bought in auctions online. Rocking the main stage this year are Ozzy Osbourne, Lamb of God, Static-X and Lordi. Each band has its unique way of growling into microphones, pounding double-bass pedals and generally rocking as hard as humanly possible. Hatebreed, Behemoth, Nick Oliveri and Mondo Generator rotate on the second stage with at least seven other bands. Don't forget to don your favorite black shirt, show off as much ink as possible, and hydrate yourself before heading to this all-day celebration of heavy metal.
|
|
| |
 |
Jul. 18 through Aug. 1
The Fillmore
1805 Geary, San Francisco
415.346.6000
$25
BUY TICKETS
| |
Smashing Pumpkins
PUMPKIN HEAD:
Among the pantheon of misheard lyrics, the chorus on The Smashing Pumpkins' first song ("I Am One") on their first album, Gish, is still a bit of a mystery. To my ears, the lyric databases are way off, claiming, for instance, that the vampirish Corgan's vibrating metal coil of a voice is shouting, "See you, don't you just want to/ See you, I am one." Besides the fact that it doesn't make any sense, the line sounds nothing like Corgan's unintelligible wail (he clearly sings, "Sail, downdididdlewahoo/ Sail, I am one"). But like many Pumpkins songs, the occasionally recognizable lyrics are just a cherry on top of emotionally satisfying hard rock songs. Maintaining a subtle space-rock aesthetic throughout the years, the Chicago-based alt-rock band progressively moved away from Corgan's squealing guitar solos and Jimmy Chamberlin's monstrously complex drumming toward a lighter, starry-eyed feel, until the band dissolved altogether in 2000. The Smashing Pumpkins are celebrating the release of their reunion album, Zeitgeist, with a residency at the Fillmore and a performance at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium on July 20.
|
 |
Thu. Jul. 19, 5:30pm
Plaza de Cesar Chavez
Market St. and Park Ave.,
San Jose
Free
| |
White Album Ensemble
LET ABBEY ROAD BE:
Can anyone deny the greatness of the Beatles' Let It Be and Abbey Road albums? Maybe, but it would be tantamount to launching an assault upon rock & roll's most celebrated heroes. Let It Be and Abbey Road laid the foundation for more subgenres of rock than Elvis, Robert Johnson and Chuck Berry combined. And since the group had quit touring by the time these musical gems were being constructed, no one can say they saw the original mop tops perform them live. But we've got the next best thing. The Santa Cruz-based White Album Ensemble prides itself in performing Beatles hits with astounding accuracy. Not a note will be missed this Thursday when they perform as part of the Metro Music in the Park series.
|
Thu. Jul. 19, 7pm
Berkeley Community Theatre
1930 Allson Way, Berkeley
408.998.TIXS
$35
| |
Sonic Youth
ETERNAL YOUTH:
The last 20 years of rock & roll owe quite a debt to Sonic Youth. Influencing the early grunge scene populated by bands like Nirvana and Mudhoney, as well as impacting the later indie-pop movement, the East Coast quartet's contributions to modern rock are unquestionable. All the glitz and glam that characterized the '80s hair band era came crashing down thanks to the avant-garde rock explorations by bands like Sonic Youth, and frankly, I couldn't be more appreciative. Sonic Youth represents all the weirdness and unconventionality we West Coasters hold sacred. Longtime fans take note--Thursday's performance features an entire set devoted to the band's classic 1988 album, Daydream Nation, so get ready to re-live the glory days of '80s indie-noise. Opening are Robedoor and psychedelic rockers Pocahaunted.
|
Thu. Jul. 19, 9pm
Hunters
349 S. First St., San Jose
408.947.1975
Usual Cover
| |
Huntress @ Hunters
THE HUNTED:
Hunters--San Jose's newest upscale gay bar and club--is throwing an event for all the "huntresses" in the South Bay. Lavender Liaisons, a group that fuels lesbian matchmaking in the South Bay, will be hosting the event with hors d'oeuvres and dancing. Drink specials will loosen things up with $3 X-Rated Martinis and $2 beers. Extending the ladies' night theme, go-go girls will grace the stage. If you haven't had the chance to visit this hot new nightspot, now is the time.
|
 |
Fri. Jul. 20, 10pm
Blue Lagoon
923 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz
831.423.7117
$6
| |
The Huxtables
LOSERS' NIGHT OUT:
For a long time, I wondered why there couldn't be a band that could take songs I loved growing up in the '80s and make them seem cool. Like the Outfield's "Your Love." Or that one Dramarama song. I won't let the supermarket have them! A lot of punk bands who feel the same way have tried to help out by recording covers of these neglected classics at triple-speed. Great, except that that's cheating. The Huxtables don't cheat. They write their own songs with that same epically pop '80s sound--only they're so much cooler. Like their new song, "Chiro," which to me is the Cars riff they were always meant to write. Sonically, the little Cosby children are all grown up. But another new song, "Dog Arena," grounds them in the geeky, weird and funny world that they first took fans laughing and dancing to in songs like "Dungeonmaster," "Han Solo" and "Losers Night Out."
|
Fri. Jul. 20, 7:30pm
Montalvo's Garden Theatre, Villa Montalvo
15400 Montalvo Road, Saratoga
408.998.TIXS
$20-$50
| |
Mavis Staples
STAPLE SINGER:
The latest artist to be taken under Ry Cooder's wing, Mavis Staples deserves to be back in the limelight. To begin with, as a member of the Staple Singers, a family R&B vocal group, she contributed to classics like Stephen Stills' "For What It's Worth" and The Band's "The Weight," and the family scored hits of their own with "I'll Take You There" and "Respect Yourself." Staples' smoky, earthy voice is used to maximum effect on her new album, We'll Never Turn Back, produced by Cooder, and sounding like the soul-and-gospel cousin of Bob Dylan's recent recordings, which strike that difficult balance of sounding both raw and perfect. Do yourself a favor and look up the 69-year-old veteran's new album on iTunes and sample the first song, "Down in Mississippi," with the volume cranked. Now be honest--wouldn't you want to hear that live? Mmm hmm, that's what I thought.
|
Fri. Jul. 20, 9pm
Caravan
98 Almaden Ave, San Jose
408.995.6220
Free
| |
Sk8fest Preview
SCREAMFEST:
Looks like the skate punks are losing their minds in bands like Klinefelter and Psychosomatic--but that's a good think for the punk-rock world. Last Rites and Back Stabbath join the bill for a full evening of skate punk and hardcore screaming as a preview to Sk8fest, held the following day at Howard Park in Ione. If you're really just interested in the breakneck-paced punk, then the Caravan is calling your name for a night of free in-your-face rock that might just scar you for life.
|
Fri. Jul. 20, 8pm
Ruby Skye
420 Mason St., San Francisco
415.693.0777
$15
| |
Sander Van Doorn
DJ OF THE PEOPLE:
The self-proclaimed "Peoples' DJ," Sander Van Dorn is set to enchant the perpetually popular nightclub with his own trance music, all of which he writes, produces, and engineers. The Holland-born Van Doorn's only goal is to please the audience, so don't expect anything close to disappointment at this event. Trance alums Syd Gris, Alain Octavo and Jonathan Williams also spin progressive beats including house and techno.
|
Fri., Jul. 20, 7pm
Bottom of the Hill
1233 17th St., San Francisco
415.621.4455
$12
| |
The Lawrence Arms
ASIAN MAN FEST:
For the formal celebration of the 11-year anniversary of garage-run Asian Man Records--yes, it's really run out of a garage--the label's bands, Dan Potthast, Andrew Jackson Jihad, the Hot Toddies, Shinobu and Pteradon, gang up to play a showcase at Bottom of the Hill, with The Lawrence Arms headlining. The label prides itself on its open policy of not having actual contracts (the garage thing having a lot to do with this) and allowing its bands to sign with other labels. Indie rock band The Lawrence Arms, folk-punk band Andrew Jackson Jihad, punkers Shinobu and fun pirate rockers Pteradon all pay tribute to the unrefined record label. Rousing rock and lots of love are sure to make this show a very lively event.
|
Fri. Jul. 20, 9pm
Splash
65 Post St., San Jose
408.993.0861
Ususal Cover
| |
Club Furia @ Splash
VIVE LA CLUB FURIA:
Legions of beautiful men will dance to the sexy sounds of Latin beats mixed by DJ Eclipse and DJ Insanity on Friday as Splash hosts Club Furia. Florida's DJ Eclipse spins hardcore beats laced with seductive Latin flavor, while DJ Insanity spins techno and house with a Latin essence as well. Splash is one of the premier gay nightclubs in San Jose and is rich with history, sitting in one of San Jose's oldest buildings. Splash entices packs of San Jose's ready-to-dance gay crowd, so come before 10pm for a better price at the door.
|
Fri. Jul. 20, 9pm
Vivid
8 S. First St., San Jose
408.279.4444
Usual Cover
| |
Bikini Bash @ Vivid
HOMETOWN HOTTIES:
For those looking to see some of the hottest women in California compete in bikinis, Vivid nightclub's Bikini Bash is the place for you. Maxim magazine's "Hometown Hottie" semi-finalist Nicole Craner hails from Campbell and is featured in this flirty event where the ladies compete for cash and prizes. Myke Famous hosts the party as DJs spin top 40, reggae, hip-hop and Latin house to keep the club on its feet. There's a free guest list before 11pm, so your cash can go directly to toward your bottle service fund. Or you could buy one of the beautiful competitors a drink and hope it's your lucky night.
|
 |
Sat. Jul. 21, 11am
History Park
1600 Senter Rd., San Jose
408.287.2290
$10
| |
Rock & Rumble
HARLEY ROCK:
Fire up those Harleys and head to San Jose's History Park for the first annual Rock & Rumble extravaganza, presented by 107.7 The Bone. Expect to see plenty of other shiny hardtail-hogs, as the event is co-sponsored by the Bay Area's own Harley Davidson specialists, Hardtailz. Local rockers will take the stage in a battle of the bands contest, and the 2007 Bone Rock Girl will be making the guys drool. If that's not enough, try your luck at the High Roller Casino for a chance to win an $11,000 rolling chassis. And the best part is that all the beer-swilling rock & roll festivities help raise money for the Pacific Autism Center for Education, so don't worry about having to come up with a good excuse to go.
|
Sat. Jul. 21, 9pm
The Catalyst
1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz
831.423.1338
$21-$25
BUY TICKETS
| |
Ryan Adams
POLARIZER:
Ryan Adams is one of the most polarizing figures currently making popular music. To some, he's an immense talent fixated on squandering his potential; to others, an overrated pretty boy with severe drug problems. In a recent interview with the New York Times, Adams waxed positively lyrical about his drug intake, which is approaching legendary proportions. Nevertheless, it seems unlikely Adams will crash and burn in the manner of rock's greatest self-destructors. The hit-and-miss quality of his work, whipped out between public wrestling matches with his demons, is more Steve Earle than Gram Parsons and Kurt Cobain. And just like Earle back in the early '90s, Adams may be on the path to a career rebirth, cleaning up his act and releasing Easy Tiger, the best work he's done in years. If Adams is on the comeback trail, this is a promising start. He will also be performing on Monday, July 23, at Herbst Theatre in San Francisco, and on Tuesday, July 24, at Berkeley Community Theatre.
|
Sat. Jul. 21, 9pm
Café du Nord
2170 Market St., San Francisco
415.861.5016
$20
| |
Dramarama
REINCARNATION:
Dramarama has been around since 1982, but this is not a has-been band. Following a nine-year hiatus, the band reunited in 2003 after appearing on VH1's Bands Reunited reality show--arguably reality television's first positive contribution to the world. Dramarama's newest album, Everybody Dies, released in 2005, has brought the band back to life. Hidden beneath the pop-rock sound are explorations of profound mysteries, as in lyrics like "Every single second something dies/ And nobody comes back to say how great it is/ That's just how great it is." Check out Dramarama at Café du Nord for more insight from these reincarnated rockers.
|
 |
Sun. Jul. 22, 7pm
Little Fox Theater
2209 Broadway, Redwood City
650.369.4119
$16-$18
| |
Asylum Street Spankers
SPANK YOU VERY MUCH:
Well, they've cleaned up their act. Once famous for their all-acoustic, no-electricity-required performances, this long-lived and flexibly bordered Texas country, bluegrass and blues group (CBGB for short) have added mics and amps. The latest recording is a kid's album, Mommy Said No!, in which the scintillating, multi-talented vocalist Christina Marrs celebrates momhood ... instead of the pleasures of baby-making, as may have been the case in the past. Like, for instance, Marrs' "Pussy Cat Song," an ambiguous party-record tune originated by Connie Vannett. But there's a war on now, dammit, and it's no time for pussies: their country is calling. With husband stringed-instrument wiz Wammo by her side, Marrs and the gang have turned their ardent taste for sex and sin to more edifying material: glimpse, upon YouTube, their wholesome vaudeville number "stick a yellow ribbon on your SUV," instructions on how you can support the troops while soaking up gasoline like there's no tomorrow.
|
Sun.-Mon. Jul. 22-23, 8pm
Brava Theater Center
2781 24th St, San Francisco
408.998.TIXS
$25
| |
Tegan and Sara
TWIN SET:
With a fifth album due out July 24 titled The Con, Tegan and Sara are selling out almost every one of their shows, including the two at San Francisco's Brava Theater on Sunday and Monday. The twin sisters' new material maintains the upbeat spirit of their last album, but they have added another spoonful of fierceness. Perhaps it was Rise Against--who has Tegan contribute her vocals to their new album--that influenced the girls. These girls are irresistible, so if you can score tickets or already have them in your paws, enjoy the Brava Theater shows.
|
 |
Mon. Jul. 23, 7pm
Kuumbwa Jazz Center
320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz
831.427.2227
$22-$25
| |
Ravi Coltrane
ON THE COLTRANE:
Saxophonist Ravi Coltrane may never be able to completely step out from under his father's shadow, but when your dad is one of the most significant jazz musicians of all time, those are the breaks, kid. But this is no reason to underestimate or minimize the junior Coltrane's talents. Coltrane is proud of his lineage and has no qualms about pointing to his father's work as a profound influence on his musical development, but he is without a doubt his own man. Closing in on nearly two decades in the music business, the tenor and soprano saxophonist actually did not apply himself to the family vocation of jazz until his early 20s, but quickly established his own name following a hard-bop route, all while paying tasteful yet sparing tribute to his father's work.
|
Mon. Jul. 23, 7:30pm
Mountain Winery
14831 Pierce Rd, Saratoga
408.998.TIXS
$37-$52
BUY TICKETS
| |
John Hiatt
GRAMMY WINNERS:
With a collection of songs that run the gamut from New Wave to country, singer/songwriter John Hiatt is the man behind some of the hits of Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Mandy Moore, Iggy Pop and several other well-known artists. Hiatt has been nominated for 11 Grammy Awards and won numerous other awards in the music industry. His country-folk rock will be a welcome respite from the busy summer. To make this evening more enticing, Shawn Colvin will also perform. Known best for her Grammy award-winning single, "Sunny Came Home," Colvin will bring out the acoustic electric guitar to jam on songs from her four albums since A Few Small Repairs. With two Grammy Award-winning artists at the Mountain Winery on Monday night, it's a great opportunity to head out and get a breath of fresh air infused with excellent music.
|
 |
Tue. Jul. 24, 7pm
HP Pavilion
525 W. Santa Clara St.,
San Jose
408.998.TIXS
$39.50-$72.50
BUY TICKETS
| |
American Idols Live
POP TARTS:
With more than 15 American Idol alumnae having produced records in the six years since the show began, many of which spawned No. 1 singles, it's safe to say the American Idol franchise will continue far into the future. This year's top 10, including winner Jordin Sparks and runner-up Blake Lewis, dance all over the HP Pavilion stage on Tuesday with copious group covers featured on the show and solos from Sparks and Lewis. This season's contestants were a bit on the weak side, with no Carrie Underwood or Kelly Clarkson in sight, but Sparks has enough pop diva potential to make a name for herself, so long as she isn't solely spoon-fed saccharine-sweet ballads. Lewis isn't the strongest vocalist, but compared with today's pop stars--Good Charlotte, Nickelback, Linkin Park (stop me if you've heard this one before)--he'll surely be able to hold his own on the national stage; hell, the boy was friends with Maroon 5 and Sir Mix-a-Lot prior to Idol, so he had ins long before America voted in approval of his beat boxing skeelz. This year's top two are joined by fellow contestants Sanjaya Malakar (for president, '08), Gina Glocksen, Phil Stacey, Melinda Doolittle, Chris Sligh, Chris Richardson, Haley Scarnato and LaKisha Jones.
|
 coming up |
--This week's newsletter by: RO, AL, DB, GW, SL & MC
SEARCH UPCOMING MUSIC EVENTS METROACTIVE CLUB GALLERY MUSIC CALENDAR PICKS BAY AREA TICKETS
|
