The Game, Paul Oakenfold, Velvet Shop & Rock Herpetology

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Sun. Feb. 4, 2pm Scores Sports Bar & Grill 417 S. First St., San Jose 408.292.6754 $10 Super Bowl Sunday @ Scores GAME DAY PARTYING: The biggest Super Bowl party in town is happening at Scores Sports Bar & Grill in Downtown. Starting at 2pm, Scores will be cooking up mad amounts of food to get your game day munchies on along with drink specials that'll last well after the last whistle is blown. Speaking of after the game, stick around Scores and Club Raw for a huge slate of local DJs spinning hip-hop, house and old school 'til last call. Did we mention--for those of you that haven't been to San Jo's booze and babes sports-topia--that Scores has more TVs, including some massive big screens, than just about any bar you're likely to find? So, put down the bag of stale chips, get your ass off the ratty old couch and catch the big game in style down at Scores...you'll thank us later.

Wed. Jan. 31, 9pm The Blank Club 44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose 408.292.5265 No Cover

Songs for Snakes, Ryan Mudd & the Stuff, w/ The Slow Poisoner NO COST VARIETY SHOW: With a hard driving blend of indie power and punk chops, Songs For Snakes from San Francisco hit the Blank tonight. Songs For Snakes rip out kick ass tunes full of melodic riffs overlaid by lyrical intensity producing songs that hold fast in the cotton of your head and refuse to leave. SFS shares the stage with the amped up garage punk of Ryan Mudd & The Stuff along with the surrealistic one-man roots rockabilly machine, the Slow Poisoner for probably one of the most diverse shows of musical selection that we've ever seen. Grab a beer or five, sit back and enjoy this one of a kind sonic ride at the Blank tonight for the amazing price of free.

Wed. Jan. 31, 9pm Ruby Skye 420 Mason St., San Francisco 415.693.0777 $25 BUY TICKETS

Paul Oakenfold PERFECTO: The daddy of Trance and Guinness Book world record holder--seriously--Paul Oakenfold, the master of the mix, is going to tear up the City and leave a ton of bass-heads groaning on Thursday. Anything we could say about Oakenfold here--seeing as how is just about as famous a DJ as you can get--would be superfluous. You know who he is and what he can do with a couple of turntables, so if you're looking for the concert of the week to impress your friends with; hit up Ruby Skye because this is it.

Wed. Jan. 31, 7pm The Fillmore 1805 Geary, San Francisco 408.998.TIXS $35 BUY TICKETS

The Game IT'S ALL ABOUT: Coming straight out of Compton, The Game is invading San Francisco with his hip-hop and rap attack. The rapper, known for his partnership--and occasional feud--with fellow rapper 50 Cent, The Game is proving that he can succeed on his own and be even bigger, better and badder than other rappers out today. LeMarvin will be opening for The Game with his soulful hip-hop influenced by his Oakland birthplace and childhood in Inglewood. Signed on Motown Records, LeMarvin is an artist with true talent who is showing the public, like The Game, that he doesn't need to ride the coattails of a bigger name to make one for himself. The show will be off the hook with so much talent on one bill, so don't miss it.

Thu. Feb. 1, 9pm Slim's 333 11th St., San Francisco 415.255.0333 $21 BUY TICKETS

NOFX LEFTY PUNK: Fat Mike and the gang are hitting Slim's tonight for the last gig in a string of shows in the City. NOFX has been kicking the punk scene in the ass since '83 and, after some 20 years of political and socially tinged comedic hardcore skate punk, the SF quartet doesn't show any signs of letting up. The band is heading for an Australian tour right after these hometown shows in support of their two '06 releases, Never Trust a Hippy and Wolves in Wolves' Clothing, both of which are filled with killer punk anthems from the left side of the aisle. Strike Anywhere opens again for NOFX tonight with Black Fag as the venerable punkers close out their SF mini-tour and head Down Under.

Thu. Feb. 1, 9pm Cuccini 72 N. Almaden Ave., San Jose 408.287.1737 Usual Cover

Thriven Thursdays @ Cuccini LATE WEEK PROSPERING: The new 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.

Thu. Feb. 1, 10pm The Caravan 98 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose 408.995.6220 No Cover

The Fourfits REVVED UP CLASSICS: Yeah, we know that the Fourfits just played last weekend over at Johnny V's, but that turn was so damn good that these local retro garage rockers deserve another shout out. Gritty, blues based rock, The Fourfits don't need to put any fluff or frills around their guitar driven brand of rock...just reckless abandon, solid musicianship and a desire for simpler times when the phrase "sex, drugs and rock 'n roll" actually meant something. So, if you missed this intense quartet last weekend, run on down to the wayward digs of the Caravan, belly up to the bar and be prepared to have your freakin' head blown off by these amp junkies.

Thu. Feb. 1, 10pm Whisper 535 Florida St., San Francisco 415.252.9442 $10

Decadence @ Whisper FOR THE BIRDS: Celebrating the birthday of the Ten15 Club mascot, Mystic the parrot, Whisper will be dedicating their Thursday night Decadence event to the bird. The two-floor lounge and dance club will be featuring DJ Rich Era and music by Audio Distortion, Slick D and a special surprise guest. Drink specials will be going all night long but be careful not to give any to the bird as we've heard that booze and flying don't really mix too well if you're the one doing the piloting. Vanity SF and Team Soto will be putting this event on for all the party people in the Bay Area. Expect the night to include dancing, drinking and devilry.

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Fri. Feb. 2, 9pm Taste Ultra Lounge 87 N. San Pedro St., San Jose 408.885.1016 Usual Cover The Velvet Shop THAT'S SOME NICE MATERIAL: Every different room at Taste Ultra Lounge will be featuring a unique sound for tonight's return to the scene of the Velvet Shop. For more than 12 years, The Velvet Shop has been the premiere event to hear the best house, funk, electro DJs without leaving your South Bay backyard. The main room of Taste will be going off with visuals and house music spun by Hipp-E, Rick Preston, M3 and MJ Gamez while soul, old skool and R&B will be heating things up with Wen Davis and DJ Solarz elsewhere. Plenty of sexy ladies will be on the dance floor getting down and dirty. There's something for everyone, so "Shut up and funk it" at Velvet Shop.

Fri. Feb. 2, 9pm The Blank Club 44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose 408.292.5265 $8

Shepherd's Gate, Modern Ruinz & Flexx Bronco TWISTED METAL: The show tonight at the Blank is about as loud and liquored up as anything you've ever witnessed or heard of before. Taking the stage tonight are the speed thrash metal sounds of Shepherd's Gate and Modern Ruinz with one of the hardest partying and fastest playing noise polluters in the music biz, Flexx Bronco. Modern metal has gotten away somewhat from the speed that was once the hallmark of the genre, but with bands like Shepherd's Gate and Modern Ruinz taking over the bent tiller on that lumbering boat, it won't be long until metal is once again a gleaming new machine. Plus, you get the souped up hardcore garage rock of Flexx Bronco who rip out classic rock and roll of the lost variety and would probably just as well crack you over the head with their instruments as play them.

Fri. Feb. 2, 9pm Vault Ultra Lounge 81 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.298.1112 Usual Cover

Red & White Valentine's Ball @ Vault HAPPY HUNTING: Don't spend Valentine's Day alone; find a Valentine early at tonight's Red and White Valentine's ball at Vault Ultra Lounge. DJ Danny Brown and DJ Slick D will be spinning for the overabundance of hot ladies on the dance floor and the beautiful hosts will be making sure everyone is having a good time. The gentlemen of Hitch Entertainment and ladies of Top Notch will be handing out goodies at 11pm for those who get there early. Celebrate the V-Day early with Vault and no one has to spend it alone.

Fri. Feb. 2, 8pm Various Locations SoFA District, San Jose Free MORE INFO

South First Fridays ARTISTIC STROLLING: The monthly get-together and showcase presented by the art galleries on South First Street in downtown San Jose marks the beginning of the month with a night of openings. MACLA hosts the opening reception for its newest show, Domestic Alchemy, a group show with pieces by four Bay Area artists, with music by Chatos 1013; Anno Domini debuts a solo exhibit by painter Daniel Jesse Lewis (pictured), with a reception that features music by Erik Gergis; the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles shows off three new fiber-art shows, including one by local hero Bob Freimark, with music supplied by the Attack Band. And busting the bounds of geography, Kaleid Gallery, (88 S. Fourth St.) features works by local artists Deborah Mills Thackrey and Everett Taasevigen with musical performances by Deathat and Good Hustle. Also, if you're over in Japantown, Art Object Gallery, (592 N. Fifth St.) is participating as well. So, put on your walking shoes and get some culture in before clubbing. To see a sneak preview of Lewis' work, click here.

Fri. Feb. 2, 9:30pm Moe's Alley 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz 831.479.1854 $12

The Mermen MAVERICK ROCK: Fueled by high-octane surf guitar licks melding with '60s style futuristic psychedelia, The Mermen wholly distinguish themselves from other disciples of the legendary Dick Dale. The Mermen are fearless on stage redefining surf rock with a healthy dose of Sonic Youth style reverb and alt tinged lyrics. The Mermen play like they ride, if it's possible to shred a wave for over an hour, ripping out experimental surf-based sets more akin to the single-minded narrative concerts of Pink Floyd and The Who, but with the sonic euphoria of the Nor-Cal surf culture.

Fri. Feb. 2, 10pm The Caravan 98 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose 408.995.6220 No Cover

The Quirx SONIC LABORATORY: The Quirx weird ass blend of experimental punk, jazz and rockabilly is like nothing you've ever heard before. All veterans of the Bay Area punk and rockabilly scenes over the years, the Quirx kick out an intense sound that, in one chord change, can sonically send you to the farthest depths of musical outer space and then rip you right back to more earthly bound punk riffs. Catch the Quirx setting up at San Jo's best dive bar tonight with a couple of outfits from SF, Goofball and Girl Band, so cruise by the Caravan to hear the cool sounds and see the scene that your mom warned you about.

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Sat. Feb. 3, 9pm Johnny V's 31 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.947.8470 $5 Circe Link MODERN SONGBIRD: Channeling the both the jazz songbirds and country legends of old, Circe Link blends together blues, jazz, folk and country sounds that pay tribute to their roots while still cutting a new swath in the modern musical landscape. Circe Link artfully hits a certain edge that's at once poetically melodic in scope and nostalgic in style without being a one trick flashback pony. Kicking it live with a myriad of talented musicians, Circe Link aurally sends your eardrums back with her retro sounds with enough punch of the modern appeal to knock your head back. Sped-up rockabilly riffs from Oakland's Royal Deuces get things going before Circe commands the stage.

Sat. Feb. 3, 10pm The Caravan 98 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose 408.995.6220 No Cover

Wiggle Wagons 10-GALLON METAL: They say that Saturday night's all right for fightin', well, when the Wiggle Wagons pull their country shred convoy into the likes of the Caravan, Saturday night takes on a whole 'nother scope. Oh, they'll probably be some fightin' (all good natured) going on, but it'll be coupled with booze, blazing guitars and driving bass lines that help tell the hard luck tales with soulful Southern pride of the Wagons. This local outfit rips out buzzed up country tunes with the full-blown angst of punk tempered by the love of whiskey, women and welfare. Presenting a near perfect sonic fit for the gritty corner of the 'Van, a Wiggle Wagons show is akin to a liquored up hootenanny with better music.

Sat. Feb. 3, 8pm Bimbo's 365 Club 1025 Columbus Ave., San Francisco 415.474.0365 $20

M. Ward FOR THE LOVE OF INDIE: Even for a non-fan, it's hard not to recommend indie darling M. Ward, whose exquisitely crafted country folk songs echo the newfangled retro tunes of Devendra Banhart. Ward's latest album, Post-War, is lush with musical accompaniment, but still gives plenty of time in the spotlight to his singular scratchy, blues-tinged voice, which is often recorded so that if his epiglottis so much as twitches, you hear it. And you like it, don't you, M. Ward lover? Victoria Williams also performs.

Sat. Feb. 3, 8:30pm The Independent 628 Divisadero St., San Francisco 415.771.1422 $22

North Mississippi Allstars BAYOU BLUES: Already have plans tonight but you really want to see the North Mississippi Allstars? That's okay because Saturday is night two for the NM Allstars at The Independent. Friday night they play with the Eric McFadden Trio and tonight Samantha Stollenwerck graces the stage as the opener. The NM Allstars play modern country blues and rock 'n roll that has brought them a Grammy nomination for "Best Contemporary Blues Album." The band has opened for Kid Rock and John Hiatt over the years and is now headlining their own tour across the nation.

Sat. Feb. 3, 9pm Brookdale Lodge 11570 Hwy. 9, Brookdale 831.338.6433 $10

The Miggs CASH IN HAND: For a few years now, The Miggs have been riding their next big Bay Area thing buzz all around the country hitting the bar circuit everywhere from big cities to podunk towns. The San Francisco quartet hits the mountains tonight for a show at the Brookdale Lodge. These guys sport throwback tunage reminiscent of the alternative guitar driven rock of the '90s--melodic, honest and authentic. With airplay on KFOG, an appearance on MTV2's On The Rise and the ever-important background music spot on The O.C., it won't be long before the relentless touring of The Miggs shows heavily in their pockets.

Sat. Feb. 3, 9:30pm Moe's Alley 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz 831.479.1854 $15 BUY TICKETS

Lavay Smith and her Red Hot Skillet Lickers SWING STYLE MAVEN: One of the best bands to come out of the retro-swing movement, Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers are the real deal. Experienced musicians that are truly schooled on the jump jazz and swing styles of the heyday, the Red Hot Skillet Lickers perfectly compliment the smooth and sultry vocal stylings of Lavay. A mainstay of jazz, blues and swing festivals the world over Lavay Smith and company can turn even the most stodgy stuffed shirt into a swinging hep cat with one lick.

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Sun. Feb. 4, 1pm Mission Ale House 97 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.292.4058 No Cover The Whiskey Avengers @ Mission BEATS YOUR PAD: The big game today--and subsequently Peyton Manning's championship due--are probably what's on everybody's mind, but here's something else to wrap your head around. At Mission Ale House today before the Super Bowl, the Whiskey Avengers are setting up on the back patio to mark the long awaited return of live music to one of our favorite watering holes. Hailing from all parts of the Bay and veterans of other bands, The Whiskey Avengers are a tight outfit that blends the old-school island stylings of roots reggae and Jamaican ska with the positive, but edgy attitude that just simply rocks. Also, Mission will be serving up crab leg and barbecue platters as food specials and the bartenders will be serving up drink specials all day so you can kick back in comfort and catch the game on one of Mission's many TVs.

Sun. Feb. 4, 9pm Johnny V's 31 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.947.8470 $5

Ice Age Cobra COOL, SMOOTH AND DANGEROUS: Throwback garage rock is making a serious comeback in the live music scene, so with any luck the emo strain has run its course and we can get back to some roots were rock and roll actually meant something. Straight out of Seattle via Spokane, Ice Age Cobra is leading their own NW charge back to a purer for of rock that incorporates the sounds of classic rock revolutionaries channeled and cranked through the beauty of modern amplifier technology. Legendary around Seattle for their raucous live shows, this dynamic three-piece outfit--comprised simply of Jordan West on guitar, Brad Kaufman hitting bass and Metch Brasch pounding the kit with all three sharing vox duties--has more than enough rock swagger to almost revamp the modern sonic landscape single-handedly. No Comply and Mania open.

Mon. Feb. 5, 9pm Johnny V's 31 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.947.8470 $5

Withdrawal REHAB SESSIONS: Withdrawal plays that edgy and ambient alt rock that highly experimental in its scope, but wholly accessible for wider consumption. Kicking five strong out of Fullerton, Withdrawal charts new indie waters in the choppy musical seas managing blasts of sonic mayhem between calmer passages of lyrical brilliance. Oscillating between guitar driven fury and haunting narratives could be daunting for bands of lesser mettle, but Withdrawal pulls in the never-ending influx of powerful emotions and channels all that energy through a cranked amp; easily one of the better bands hitting the scene today.

Tue. Feb. 6, 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.

coming up

Wed. Feb. 7, 8pm The Fillmore 1805 Geary, San Francisco 408.998.TIXS $35 BUY TICKETS

The Roots PHILLY BORN: The legendary Roots crew--who are so far above and beyond any hip-hop artist today and not only for their strict dedication to actually playing instruments and never sampling somebody else's work--make their way back to the Bay tonight. The last time we saw the Roots, the highly influential and critically acclaimed jazz blended hip-hoppers were headlining the Dew Action Sports Tour at HP, but now you can catch MC Black Thought, ?uestlove, Hub, Kamal Gray, F. Knuckles and Cpt. Kirk Douglas droppin' riffs, beats and dope rhymes in their natural on-stage digs.

Fri. Feb. 9, 9pm The Blank Club 44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose 408.292.5265 $12

Swingin' Utters OLD SCHOOL SF PUNK: Hell, anytime you get a chance to see the Swingin' Utters live, you've got to clear the calendar and make that show. So, in the interest of communal good times, loud ass folk-punk, beer and the undeniable kick of these pure punk revivalists, we're letting you know way in advance about this show at the Blank. With so many side projects--like Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, Filthy Thievin' Bastards and Druglords of the Avenue--continuously in the works, touring and blowing amps across the world, it's rare that the Swingin' Utters get a chance to play together. So, take the above recommendation to heart and we'll see ya on the 9th.

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

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