M.I.A., Ween, Kelly Clarkson, Feist & Cool Kids Party

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Fri. Nov. 9, 8pm The Catalyst 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831.423.1336 $19-$24 buy tickets Barrington Levy DANCEHALL: One of the leading purveyors of dancehall music, since the late '70s Barrington Levy has become perhaps the genre's most identifiable figure. Levy's amalgamation of the rapid-fire rhythms of dancehall and the soul of roots reggae made him an instant star in his native Jamaica' but it wasn't until the early '80s that he was visited by worldwide fame. Since then' Levy has veered between two different personas' one the dance and party-hearty toaster known for songs such as "Collie Weed'" and the other the soulful loverman crooning duets like "Moonlight Lover" and "My Love." Levy's string of hits came to an end in the early '90s' but he's remained a crucial icon of dancehall reggae and cemented his legendary status in the two decades since' still turning out vital tracks and teaming up with those he's influenced' including Snoop Dogg and the Long Beach Dub All-Stars.

Wed. Nov. 7, 7pm The Fillmore 1805 Geary, San Francisco 408.998.TIXS $25 buy tickets

M.I.A. COMING BACK WITH POWER: Much has been written already about the staggering patchwork of global sound on M.I.A.'s new album' Kala' and rightfully so. Not since the heyday of Afropop king Fela Kuti—1977's Zombie' maybe-has a record sounded so goddamn international. Maya Arulpragasam was born in London' was in and out of her parents' homeland Sri Lanka and lived in India' as well. None of that was all that obvious musically on her post-electroclash first album' but Kala is literally all over the map. Kuti himself would be impressed by her fusing of pan-African influences with the current British rapgirl zeitgeist; she also samples Sri Lankan films' and even includes her own version of an '80s Bollywood tune' "Jimmy." But there's something else going on here' too-Kala practically charts a history of alternative rock. Arulpragasam has ripped her pages straight from the Sex Pistols' playbook: she doesn't cover the songs of her heroes on this album so much as rip them to shreds and rebuild them into new classics that are unmistakably and completely hers.

Thu. Nov. 8, 9pm The Vault Ultra Lounge 81 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.298.1112 $10 guest list

Rhythm Ritual COMFORT ZONE: The Rhythm Ritual continues this Thursday night to the tunes of resident DJs David Harness, Jeno, Arturo Garces, Gabriel Black, David Q and Jesse Martinez spinning house, disco, '80s and funk. Get there before 10:30pm and you skate in for free.

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Fri. Nov. 9, 9:30pm The Blank Club 44 S. Almaden Ave, San Jose408.885.1016 $7 Mute Angst Envy DARK HORSES: Breaking out of their nine year hiatus to join forces once again, the boys from Mute Angst Envy released South 11th Street a few years back, and the responses were nothing but positive. The San Jose-based quartet attracted a devout fan base and a local indie label, both drawn to the band's darkly melodic sound and wavering style, with songs that range from mood-driven exploration to heavy rock solidarity. The Common Men and Moon Cadillac also perform.

Fri. Nov. 9, 9:30pm Taste Ultra Lounge 87 N. San Pedro St. 408.885.1016 Free for guestlist before 11pm guest list

Ladies' Night GOOD TO BE A GIRL: This is ladies night, and the feelin's right, so don't miss the female-friendly bash at the super suave Taste Ultra Lounge. Ladies, get ready for what Taste calls the five M's—make-up, massages, mini-manicures, martinis, and of course, men. And yes, the dance party goes down courtesy of South Bay DJs Don Lynch and LP. Sound like heaven? Grab a flier and get in free before 11pm.

Fri. Nov. 9, 9pm Vivid Nightclub 8 S. First St, San Jose 408.279.4444 guest list

Ring Girl Competition CALL TO LEGS: Attention hotties: ever wanted to be a ring girl? You know, the chick that struts around the fighting ring holding the giant number above her head? Well, here's your chance to live the dream. Mixed martial arts legend Frank Shamrock hosts this Strikeforce casting call in which winners receive contracts to be official ring girls. If you're feeling a little put-off by the whole competition thing (or you're a dude), don't worry—it'll be pure entertainment watching the ladies do their best to win over the judges.

Fri. Nov. 9, 9pm Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge 99 E. San Fernando, San Jose 409.998.9998 $10 guest list

The Cool Kids Party COOL RUNNINGS: Even if you were a loser in high school, it's never too late to turn the tables on coolness. Just head to Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge's Cool Kids Party—you'll be as rad as Slater from Saved by the Bell. Hosts Rochell and Rory keep the party crackin' while hip-hop DJ Zhaldee makes a much-anticipated return to the Bay Area. Throw on the pimp shirt and get ready to chill the crowd with your super-cool vibe.

Fri. Nov. 9, 8pm Johnny V's 31 E. Santa Clara St, San Jose 408.947.8470 $5

Hukaholix ISLAND FEVER: Log on to their Myspace page and you'll be greeted by a giant weed leaf, but there's really nothing chill about these stoners despite the fact that they hail from Oahu, Hawaii. Apparently the "aloha spirit" didn't rub off on the hardcore trio, who revel in a gritty form of punk rock madness. Breakneck tempos, screaming vocals, and pissed-off lyrics define the angry islanders' sound. If you're the gnarly moshing type, or you just like to get a little taste of rebellion on your night off, check out the Hukaholix.

Fri. Nov. 9, 7pm Nob Hill Masonic Auditorium 1111 California St, San Francisco 408.998.TIXS $35 buy tickets

Feist INDIE POP: Former Broken Social Scene chanteuse Feist has had the kids going nuts with the release of The Reminder, a twee gem of understated pop, cabaret grandiosity and Harry Smith Anthology folk obscurantism. Her solo work is rather removed from the sound of the Canadian indie pop collective that first brought her to the public's attention, as The Reminder finds Feist indulging in songwriting studies in miniature. They're minimal and sparse pieces that are buoyed along by a transfixing voice that somehow manages to evoke both Cat Power and Billie Holiday—all without any sense of artifice or calculation.

Fri. Nov. 9, 7pm Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium 307 Church St, Santa Cruz 831.420.5260 $26.25-$31.50 buy tickets

Ween PUSH THE LITTLE DAISIES: For all the painstaking (yes, painstaking!) thought we rock critics put into our day-to-day practices, it's bands like Ween who seem to totally undermine everything we do by shouting "Stop! You're taking this rock & roll thing way too seriously!" And in a strange and ironic sense, they're absolutely right. After all, it was Frank Zappa who announced that "all the good music has already been written by people with wigs and stuff," but still, it's rock & roll we crave today, not Beethoven's Ninth. Taking a lesson from Zappa's satirical quirks and comedic style, Mickey Melchiondo and Aaron Freeman started Ween as teenagers, fueled by a talented grasp on the musical spectrum and a love for psychedelic drugs. The result was a wildly mocking outtake on rock music's conventional forms. You may laugh, you may cry, or you may just wonder what the hell is going on-it's all the same to these merry pranksters.

Sat. Nov. 10, 7:30pm San Jose State Event Center 290 S. Seventh St, San Jose 408.924.6333 $39.50 buy tickets

Kelly Clarkson AMERICAN IDOL: America voted her No. 1 on the inaugural season of American Idol, and Kelly Clarkson has returned the favor with three Top 10 singles on three solid pop-rock albums, including 2004's multiplatinum Breakaway. The Texas native won American Idol in 2002 at the age of 20, beating out Justin Guarini for the prized title, and has since earned Grammys for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album in 2006. Pop pianist Jon McLaughlin opens.

Sat. Nov. 10, 9pm Vivid Nightclub 8 S. First St, San Jose 408.279.4444 guest list

Winter Bikini Bash A BIT NIPPLY: Heat up the chilly South Bay night with Vivid Nightclub's Winter Bikini Bash. We all know there's nothing hotter than a bikini model, so warm yourselves by the fire guys, because an entire slew of them will be showing off the latest fashions by Bettie Bad Ass Bikinis. Party like a rap star—the kind in the music videos.

Sat. Nov. 10, 6pm The Venue 4 New York Ave, Los Gatos $10

I Am Ghost GOTH GODS: Image may not be everything, but it can certainly get one to the airport or press conference in style. Santa Cruz native and one-time Hollywood graphic designer Steven Juliano founded the fledgling O.C. Goth-punk sextet I Am Ghost with a distinct image in mind. By partnering a dark, much-considered look with a sound that can be cinematically dramatic or hard and loud, I Am Ghost's twin guitar and violin-draped music presents a ready-made miniworld like those found in the comic books Juliano read and drew in high school. And it translates both sonically and visually. 5606 also performs.

Sat. Nov. 10, 6pm Campbell Heritage Theater 1 W. Campbell Ave, Campbell 408.866.2700 $49 buy tickets

Sergio Mendes TIMELESS: The Brazilian pop star is best known for his commercial dominance in the mid-'60s, but in reality, Sergio Mendes never receded into the kind of obscurity most musicians find themselves facing decades after their original rise to success. How did he do it? By staying fresher than a vine-ripened tomato. His latest release, Timeless, successfully lives up to its name, and with the kind of guest performers he was able to gather for the album, it's no wonder Mr. Mendes is once again feelin' the love of contemporary audiences. The Black Eyed Peas, India.Arie, Erykah Badu, Stevie Wonder and Justin Timberlake all managed to find themselves in on the collaboration, bolstering Timeless toward yet another Mendes triumph.

Sun. Nov. 11, 7pm Little Fox 2209 Broadway, Redwood City 650.369.4119 $18-$20 buy tickets

Eliza Gilkyson MUSIC FOLK: When your dad's a successful Hollywood songwriter, your brother's in a reputable rock band, and your sister's a record exec at Warner Brothers, chances are you're going to wind up in the music biz. And as fate would have it, that's exactly where Eliza Gilkyson found her calling. Preferring the subtle strums of the acoustic guitar, Gilkyson emerged in 1987 with her album Pilgrims, which found marginal success in folk-rock circles. It wasn't until her 2000 release, Hard Times and Babylon, that the singer/songwriter achieved commercial visibility, landing her immediate radio play and an improvement in record sales. Though she's never had the kind of success her father Terry enjoyed, Eliza's keen songwriting ability found her a loyal fanbase, some of which will surely be present this Sunday.

Mon. Nov. 12, 8pm Nob Hill Masonic Auditorium 1111 California St, San Francisco 408.998.TIXS $55.50-$95.50 buy tickets

Julio Iglesias TO ALL THE GIRLS I'VE LOVED BEFORE: Papa Bear Iglesias—father to Enrique and Julio Jr.—is back on the scene, continuing his reign as the best-selling Spanish singer of all time. With James Bond-caliber charm, this Latin crooner took the world by storm in the '80s, scoring some of his biggest hits in the form of duets with singers like Willie Nelson ("To All the Girls I've Loved Before") and Diana Ross ("All of You"). At 64, Julio Iglesias is successfully working the Sean Connery/Jack Nicholson sexy older man thing, even though his style (and music) hasn't really changed since his '80s heyday. But hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?

Tue. Nov. 13, 7:30pm Montalvo's Carriage House Theatre 15400 Montalvo Rd, Saratoga 408.961.5800 $30-$40 buy tickets

Suzanna Vega DO DO DO DO: Hailed as the prominent female singer/songwriter to emerge out of the late '80s/early '90s folk wave, Suzanne Vega helped pave the way for the Lillith Fair generation to do its neo-feminism thing. Poignant lyrics, a sparkling voice and diverse musical arrangements were her tools of choice, earning her a level of commercial success that would compel record companies to continue financially investing in the genre. Though Vega's stardom would eventually simmer, her message continued to clear a path for artists like Tracy Chapman and Sinéad O'Connor.

Tue. Nov. 13, 9pm Moe's Alley 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz 831.479.1854 $10-$12 buy tickets

Heavy Trash TRASH EXPLOSION: Like a team of mad scientists bent on creating an evil breed of half-man half-beast, New York duo Jon Spencer (of the eponymous Blues Explosion) and Matt Verta-Ray join forces to form Heavy Trash, a band that melds traditional roots music with the gritty sounds of punk. The resulting hybrid is a rambunctious and rough-shod gallop over the building blocks of rock & roll-something purists will never quite grasp. But the rest of you avant-garde sympathizers will surely appreciate the contrarian nature of Heavy Trash, a group that proudly declares to have destroyed and rebuilt several American roots genres, including blues, rockabilly and honky-tonk. Deconstructive? Yes. Innovative? See for yourself.

coming up

Mon. Nov. 19, 8pm San Jose Center for the Performing Arts 255 Almaden Blvd, San Jose 408.998.TIXS $35.50-$55.50 buy tickets

Jewel YOU WERE MEANT FOR ME: Jewel Kilcher grew up in Alaska in a house without indoor plumbling, spent her teenage years studying music and busking around the country and recorded her first album, Pieces of You (some of which was recorded live at a coffee shop), when she was only 19-a gritty start for a songwriter who would become a staple of adult contemporary radio. Jewel's poppy folk songs and warbling voice climbed the charts and stayed there, at least until 2003 when she put out a dance-pop album called 0304, restyling herself as a Mariah Carey-esque diva. Not sure what she was thinking, but she fixed it on Goodbye Alice in Wonderland, a return to folk form. Her performance at SJCPA is a solo acoustic show.

Sun. Dec. 9, 7pm Little Fox Theater 2209 Broadway, Redwood City 650.369.4119 $18-$20 buy tickets

Jonathan Richman ROADRUNNER: I worry about Jonathan Richman. I know we all like to think of him as Happy Happy Fun Man, singing songs about Little Dinosaurs and Leprechauns and parties in the USA, but there's that other side of him, too--the forlorn, brooding Jonathan Dark Half that reaches all the way back to songs like "Hospital" and "Don't Let Our Youth Go to Waste" from his Modern Lovers years. You can usually see a little bit of this in concert, when Jonathan stares out with a hangdog expression that says, perhaps, "Man, it really was great dancing at the lesbian bar. I sure miss it. A lot." It's just that you're having such a great time at his show that you assume this apparent pathos is really only meant to be entertaining and cute. Is Jonathan in a funk? It's hard to tell when the show itself is still so relentlessly fun.

--This week's newsletter by: GW, MC, CT, SP

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