Tenacious D, Pete Tong, The Toasters, Atreyu & Dungeon Masters

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Fri. Nov. 17, 8pm The Catalyst 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831.423.1336 $22 BUY TICKETS Del the Funky Homosapien EVERYDAY DOPE: Before Del the Funky Homosapien, Nor-Cal hip-hop was stuck in a gangsta rap quagmire that solely explored such mentally challenging topics as the rollercoaster relationship between pimps and hos, shooting and killing, thug life and getting high off the chronic. But after Del hit in the early '90s with his debut, I Wish My Brother George Was Here, he proved that MCs could drop dope rhymes over slick beats about everyday situations that didn't involve one stitch of some real or imagined modern day gangster lifestyle. This undeniable impact on modern hip-hop spawned an underground scene with lyrical street poets hitting each other with funny, funky and tripped-out shit rather than bragging and boasting about their new set of spinners or other such mundane musical topics. Del's a founding member of the Hieroglyphics crew, a collaborator of Gorillaz and will go down in the hip-hop annals as one super-fat dope MC that wasn't afraid to rap about the scourge of couch surfers and repellant body odor.

Wed. Nov. 15, 8pm The Improv 62 S. Second St., San Jose 408.280.7475 $15

Joey Diaz @ Latino Comedy Show PASS THE SALT: Joey "Coco" Diaz is like that lovably offensive, R-rated uncle that mom tried to keep you away from around the holidays firing off jokes in rapid succession until egg nog shoots out your nose. He's only been in the biz 12 years but has already hit nearly every venue on the comedy circuit, been in movies--he stood up for Spidey on the train--TV, and now Diaz headlines the second installment of the Latino Comedy Show at the San Jose Improv with Rick Martinez, Robert Zapata along with San Jose's own "Crazyboy" Marvin.

Wed. Nov. 15, 8pm The Fillmore 1805 Geary, San Francisco 408.998.TIXS $28.50 BUY TICKETS

Frank Black ALTERNATIVE KING: The once and future front man of the Pixies, Frank Black hits The Fillmore with his blazing punk fueled guitar riffs blended with a pop inspired narrative which has kept Black's name forever buzzing in the alt rock circles. Black's solo career, while musically satisfying, hasn't produced the success of his Pixies career, but they've been working on some projects together as of late and, if you fly around alt-punk-pop circles regularly, then you know there's always talk of a Pixies reunion. This, however, is Frank Black and Frank Black alone, which is plenty for any diehard alt fan.

Wed. Nov. 15, 8pm The Warfield 982 Market St., San Francisco 408.998.TIXS $32.50 - $36.50 BUY TICKETS

Pink Martini SHAKEN, STIRRED AND JUMPIN': The 12-strong throwback to the Golden Jazz Age, Pink Martini, rolls into The Warfield tonight. Seeing these self proclaimed musical archeologists live is like getting a history, music and language lesson all rolled into one groovin' show as these classically trained musicians are well versed in everything from Samba and Afro-Cuban rhythms to straight ahead jazz and jump to classic orchestra to trip-hop. Hailing from their homebase in Portland and playing sold-out concerts across the world, Pink Martini has such massive following that they've had to give up the smoky speakeasy bar gigs for full blown symphony halls, in the process playing with nearly every chamber orchestra in the world.

Thu. Nov. 16, 9pm 12 Galaxies 2565 Mission St., San Francisco 415.970.9777 $12

The Toasters CULPRITS FOUND: The Toasters have been playing American ska since the early '80s, in the process creating the impetus for bands like the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Reel Big Fish and Less Than Jake. The Toasters first dropped the two-tone ska bomb on New York in 1983 and their relentless touring in the past 23 years is the stuff of legend; they've played the world over and continue to put out the same tight, chunky and groundbreaking riffs that had people dubbing The Toasters both "the Miles Davis of ska" and "the Ramones of ska" alike. San Francisco's own futuro-punks, The Phenomenauts, open.

Thu. Nov. 16, 9pm Toon's 52 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.292.7464 $10

Astro Zombies FAIRE CUL SEC: Telling you about a psychobilly band from France may, at first, seem like we're totally f-ing with you, but The Astro Zombies are indeed from Burgundy, France they do indeed play psychobilly and--even though the whole notion may appear to be a bit oxymoronic--they do indeed tear it up. The Astro Zombies have blazed through Europe and this current tour is their first foray across the pond. So, if your only encounters with French culture is wine, cheese, fries and the quasi-lunatic rantings of Jacques Chirac, head down to Toon's and catch the French rockabilly invasion.

Thu. Nov. 16, 9pm Mezzanine 444 Jessie St., San Francisco 415.640.6484 $20

The English Beat NEW WAVE BRITS: As one of the earliest new wave ska revival groups, The English Beat scored some monster commercial success in the early '80s due to their energetic sound and the fact that a fledgling MTV played "Save it for Later" and "I Confess" relentlessly. The English Beat actually disbanded around '83 with two of the members later forming Fine Young Cannibals, but they've pretty much regrouped--well, minus those with the affinity for maddening pop songs and cannibalism--introducing a new generation of fans, treading the black emo waters, to what old-school pop sounds like.

Thu. Nov. 16, 8pm Cafe du Nord 2170 Market St., San Francisco 415.861.5016 $10

dredg SONIC LAB: Not quite prog-rock and not quite metal, dredg is the local scene's gift to complex and cacophonous rock, on the harder side, but with a distinct symphonic and orchestral bent. dredg skillfully navigates rock's experimental waters, continually pushing their sound further into uncharted musical territory. Their latest offering to the aural senses of the public is Live at The Fillmore and this dredg show is an almost acoustic benefit concert for Music for America--unfortunately the only Nor-Cal show in support of the album that was fully recorded here--with Division Day getting things started, a poetry reading by Daniel Stessen and an art show featuring the works of Manny Silva.

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Fri. Nov. 17, 9pm The Blank Club 44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose 408.292.5265 $8 Jade of Days ALT-ROCK VISIONS: Jade of Days play the style of music that, when you hear the first chord drop, pick up the blazing guitar and the driving bass and drums then hear vocalist Dana Kelley's delicate lilting voice over the beat, you think to yourself that this is what every alt band should sound like. Kelley's melodic and emotional vocal chops perfectly compliment the amazing musicianship of guitarist Paul Borges, bassist Nelson Medeiros and drummer Junior Medeiros--the sound is clean, amazingly harmonized and spans musical styles ranging from hard hitting punk inspired choruses to driving rock solos to intelligent alt indie numbers that meld into a sound rarely heard these days. Seriously, Jade of Days is so tight and so good; they should all quit their day jobs. Point 3, Atomic Mint, Phoenix Rising and San Jo heavy hitters Otto round out the bill.

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

Beerlords ANARCHY IN THE SJ: When these raucous Sacto punks roll into town there are a few things you have to remember. One, start preparing your liver early and utilize some sort of training program like drinking calisthenics. Two, start listening to your favorite band at a higher volume than normal to prepare your eardrums for one of the loudest sonic assaults your poor tympanic membrane is likely to encounter. Three, roll into the venue a little early--in this case Johnny V's--to secure a good spot. Four: thoroughly apply points one through three and hope the joint doesn't run out of liquor 'cause there might be a riot. The Beerlords play with the Miscreants and The Fourfits.

Fri. Nov. 17, 7pm San Jose Civic Auditorium 145 W. San Carlos St., San Jose 408.998.TIXS $25 BUY TICKETS

Atreyu FALKOR COULDN'T MAKE IT: Atreyu, who exploded onto the Orange County metal and hardcore scenes back in '02, hasn't stopped blazing an amp-destroying trail through the musical wastelands of tomorrow since hitting with their first mind-bending release, Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses. Since that initial sonic bomb, Atreyu--taken from the character in the Neverending Story--has rocked the Warped Tour and Ozzfest in the process redefining the term overnight success. Their latest, A Death-Grip on Yesterday, sees the band toning down the screamcore a bit in favor of more melodic vocals flying above the same hard driving licks. Atreyu's World Championship Tour hits the San Jo Civ tonight with opening support from Every Time I Die and Chiodos.

Fri. Nov. 17, 9pm Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge 99 E. San Fernando St., San Jose 408.998.9998 Usual Cover

Chris Clouse INDIE REVIVAL TENT: Chris Clouse is no modern day coffeehouse beatnik folk singer and as his musical prowess grows, so does his following. Playing everything from fiddle to electric guitar and melodiously blending them with house style break drumbeats, Clouse gets his hooks into the crowd right from the first chord. This show, Clouse teams with DJ collaborator Zhaldee and when the two are together it sounds like a toned high-five between two seemingly variant musical styles. Clouse always sells out Fahrenheit and, seeing as how this show is also a CD release party, telling you to cruise in early would be superfluous.

Fri. Nov. 17, 9pm Ruby Skye 420 Mason St., San Francisco 415.693.0777 $15

Pete Tong BEAT TRAVELER: One of the best-known globetrotting DJs in the world, Pete Tong, hits the decks at Ruby Skye to show SF some old-school house love. Tong began DJ-ing at a time when arena and glam rock was yet to be usurped by new wave and the whole DJ heavy club thing was just a glimmer in some distant raver's eye, taking the burgeoning Chicago house scene back to the UK and has been ripping up the London airwaves ever since. This gig hits at 9pm with DJ John Early and Friz-B getting the turntables ready for Tong who'll most likely rock it until the wee hours.

Fri. Nov. 17, 10pm C & J's Sports Bar 1550 Lafayette St., Santa Clara 408.247.4027 No Cover

The Devil Himself & Dirty Bangs WHO'S RUNNING HELL: Treading on alternative metal and indie roads, the Dirty Bangs kick out a post-punk style, hard driving sound that hits loud and melodic simultaneously with garage sensibilities. They'll be ripping it up at C & J's tonight with fellow sonic pushers The Devil Himself that headed down the same path as the Bangs but opted for more rugged terrain hitting the harder avenue of metal-core that just rips you the bone with blazing guitars, pounding bass lines and screaming vocals. The scene at C & J's in Santa Clara is definitely on the way up--especially throwing bands like The Devil himself and the Dirty Bangs up on stage--so cruise in while there are still shows for penny pinching rock fans.

Sat. Nov. 18, 9pm Johnny V's 31 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.947.8470 $5

Relic DUNGEON MASTERS: Last week we sort of made fun of certain metal bands and their affinity (read as fanatical if somewhat delusional) for medieval Dungeons and Dragons themes and imagery...and then we heard that Relic is coming to town. Relic, seriously, embodies the aforementioned metal mythos to a tee. They all profess warrior names, pump the band's mythological stature and even go as far as to play in pseudo armor--we know, we know. However, what Relic does bring to the table, besides endless quizzical hilarity, is amazing operatic musicianship and an underlying epic theme that belies their penchant for playing dress up.

Sat. Nov. 18, 9pm The Fillmore 1805 Geary, San Francisco 408.998.TIXS $55 BUY TICKETS

The Meters ORIGINALS OF FUNK: The Meters are, decidedly, the progenitors of funk having virtually invented the genre in the late '60s and grooving in nearly every city and with every act until their unfortunate breakup in the late '70s. After that intital devastating blow to the musical world, frontman Art Neville, Leo Nocentelli, George Porter Jr. and the incomparable Zigaboo Modeliste went their separate ways until, at fan insistence, they graciously played together again. The original Meters finally blessed the funk world by permanently reforming after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita ripped through their native New Orleans and, even though it took that sad event to get the best funk band ever back together for good, we're all appreciative.

Sat. Nov. 18, 10pm 1015 Folsom 1015 Folsom St., San Francisco 415.431.1200 $20

Dimitris Mykonos SOUND ODYSSEY: World-renowned and a major player in the San Francisco house scene, 1015 resident Dimitris Mykonos rips up the decks tonight in his home digs. DJ Dimitris lays down his 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. Also hitting the decks in an all local turntable throwdown are DJ Taj, Mystre, DJ Mita and DJ Flame laying the beat tracks 'til 7am.

Sat. Nov. 17, 8pm Bimbo's 365 Club 1025 Columbus Ave., San Francisco 415.474.0365 $20

Super Diamond NEIL ON THE ROCKS: Every certified superstar deserves to have a tribute band, someone that's a little more accessible, pumps up their song's intensity and is a little more affordable to see live; since '93, Super Diamond has been paying musical tribute to the living legend of Americana rock and roll, Neil Diamond and, after more than a decade channeling the Jazz Singer, their following is almost as large as the original. Plus, as anyone who's been to a Super Diamond show can attest, it's a serious musical party and you're probably not going to be rubbing elbows with too many revelers outside your own generation.

Sat. Nov. 18, 8pm The Canvas Gallery 1200 9th Ave., San Francisco 415.504.0060 $15 MORE INFO

PAC presents: Collabo CULTURAL EXPANSIONISM: The Pacific Art Collective's monthly mash-up of cutting edge music and art travels to The City tonight for another mind-bending installment of Collabo. Live musical performances at this edition include sets from Lunar Heights, Goodword and Aluna with a head to head match-up between Mochipet and Mophono on the center stage and backdrop beats provided by Duserock. Of course, Collabo wouldn't be the best blend of art and music without the live painter exhibitions featuring over 20 distinctive Bay Area artists showcasing their artistic chops and throwing down a little palette culture.

Sun. Nov. 19, 6:30pm The Cave 2165 Lucretia Ave., San Jose 408.972.1639 $8

Stellar Corpses MESSAGES FOR CHILDREN: One of the raddest psychobilly bands in the Bay Area, the Stellar Corpses rip it up at the Cave tonight and this all-ages venue will probably never be the same. Greased up and laying down blazing guitar licks with the machine gun rat-a-tat-tat of the stand up bass, the Stellar Corpses blast out sin-laden odes to evil rock and roll that could make the dead rise up and join the fray. However, since The Cave is an all-ages venue and we wouldn't want to fully corrupt the Valley's little hellbilly punk youth just yet, the Corpses will probably be on their best behavior, but you know their sound will still be full blown devil rock.

Mon. Nov. 20, 8pm Bill Graham Civic Auditorium 99 Grove St., San Francisco 408.998.TIXS $39.50 BUY TICKETS

Tenacious D CHEERS FOR BLUBBER: Tenacious D is what you get when you combine two overweight regular guys with an affinity for '70s era metal and rock, absurdist humor that borders on gifted hilarity, throw in a couple of acoustic guitars, shake thoroughly and place them on stage in front of microphones and thousands of screaming fans. The self proclaimed "Greatest Band in the World" of Jack Black and Kyle Gass hit the Bill Graham Civ with their musical chops and comically obscene schtick undiluted from major label execs and movie producers to kick ass, rock hard and take names (not to mention phone numbers) from the fairer sex. Ironically enough, the self-proclaimed "Worst Stand-up Comedian" in the world, Neil Hamburger, pulls opening duties.

Tue. Nov. 21, 10:30pm Tres Gringos 83 S. Second St., San Jose 408.278.9888 No Cover

Starving Millionaires BETTER THAN WELL-FED PAUPERS: Kicking out witty punk infused rock with heavy reggae dub rhythms and vocals, the Starving Millionaires hit with a three-strong blowout full of up-tempo swagger. These local boys have been stirring the pot lately with a host of gigs and even breaking the through the wizard's curtain onto mainstream airwaves. Fueled by the requisite rock combo of booze, smarts and slightly subversive angst, it won't be long before these free shows involving the Millionaires are rare glimpses of their pre-bourgeois asses. Ribsy's Nickel, straight from Santa Cruz and riding high on the alt-reggae rock and surf style grips on Nor-Cal counter culture plug in first.

Tue. Nov. 21, 7pm Slim's 333 11th St., San Francisco 415.255.0333 $15 BUY TICKETS

Story Told ALTER-NET: Story Told is almost the perfect marriage of life in Silicon Valley. These local alt-rockers hit with a powerful lineup of driving guitars, melodic vocals and sexy bass lines that meld with near-symphonic keyboards and surging drums to create a mold breaking sound. Now, blend that with the tech savvy of cutting edge internet action to connect with other musicians and fans through interviews, videos, streaming web chats and basic, uh, storytelling that's played throughout their stage shows and the perfect marriage line above should become abundantly clear. This show at Slim's sees Story Told duking it out in round two of the Bodog Battle of the Bands.

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Sat. Nov. 25, 10pm The Caravan 98 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose 408.995.6220 No Cover

The Shltkickers DIVE BAR TWANG: The Shltkickers are back and you all know that means loads of booze and rampant uncivilized behavior--but, heck, that's why we love 'em. These urban hillbillies always throw down a rocking hootenanny spitting out banjo licks and singing about drunken infidelity while shotgunning a can of Hamms and this special show at the 'Van is sure to be one of the more raucous in their ever-growing urban cow-punk legend.

Sat. Dec. 2, 9pm The Blank Club 44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose 408.292.5265 $10

Day One Symphony AURAL THERAPY: One of the most talented bands ever to come out of San Jose, Day One Symphony plays a triumphant homecoming show this fine December evening at The Blank. For those of you attuned to the local scene, you'll remember that DOS was involved in a devastating hit and run accident earlier this year that had a major impact on the band's career. This show sees a rejuvenated Day One Symphony--tight, melodic and ambient alt-rock experimentalists--hitting their hometown again for the first time and all of us involved in the local scene here in San Jo and the entire Bay Area are indebted.

--This week's newsletter by: RO & AR

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