Smashing Pumpkins, Vanilla Ice, Mario Lopez & Mary J. Blige

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Jul. 15-16, 9pm The Fillmore 1805 Geary, San Francisco 415.346.6000 $25 BUY TICKETS The Smashing Pumpkins SIAMESE DREAM: 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 monsterously complex drumming toward a lighter, orchestral and 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..

Wed. Jul. 11-12, 14, 6:30pm San Jose Skate 397 Blossom Hill Rd., San Jose 408.226.1155 $8

Battle of the Bands EPIC BATTLE: Pinup Productions is hosting its third semi-annual battle of the bands contest at San Jose Skate. This week alone, 18 bands will perform on three separate nights. Show up Wednesday to catch Point of View, Expose the Flaw, Good for You, Ruptured and The Holdup. Lace up on Thursday for Desoulations, The Benefits, Alert the Armory, A Love Like This, Trouble in Paradise and Weslester. Come down Saturday for Suburbs vs. Cities, Starving Millionaires, Stoic Nai, Pericardium, A Class Act and Days Into Years.

Wed. Jul. 11, 8pm Slim's 333 11th St., San Francisco 415.255.0333 $14-$16 BUY TICKETS

Mad Caddies HORNY ROCKERS: Mad Caddies are upbeat rockers from Santa Barbara. With a trombone and trumpet accompanying the guitar and drums, Mad Caddies have a distinctive reggae punk-ska sound that is never dull. The band has played everywhere from Japan to Canada. Five full-length records and a huge assortment of songs to choose from ensure that this show will be as unique as the band itself. For the kicker, Cobra Skulls and Starving Millionaires open this all-ages show.

Thu. Jul. 12, 9pm Slide 430 Mason St., San Francisco 415.421.1916 $15

Moby MOBY DICK: For all who aren't up on the life and times of Moby, take note that Herman Melville, who wrote Moby-Dick, was the great-great grand uncle of Richard Melville Hall, the musician now known as Moby. Still with us? The indie-artist is currently working on a new album due out sometime in September, so this show's DJ set might be a chance to hear of his new material if he steps away from the turntables. Plus, Moby's next stops include Venice and Milan, which are a lot farther away than San Francisco. Unless you're looking for an excuse for an Italian vacation, catch him at Slide.

Thu. Jul. 12, 8pm Cafe du Nord 2170 Market St., San Francisco 415.861.5016 $12

Cary Brothers SINGULAR SENSATION: Cary Brothers finally has a full-length album out after releasing two EPs, one in 2004 and another in 2005. Brothers, a singer/songwriter from Nashville, is probably most famous for his song "Blue Eyes," a pretty ballad that skyrocketed to mainstream popularity following the release of the Garden State soundtrack. With Vega 4 and Mother Mother also in the lineup, indie fans have a show worth checking out.

Thu. Jul. 12, 5:30pm Plaza de Cesar Chavez Downtown San Jose 308.279.1775 x42 Free

The English Beat SKA IN THE PARK: It's not always easy keeping up with the English Beat, given that they are now a reunion version of the original ska revival act. Known for hit singles like "Mirror in the Bathroom," Beat alumni went on to form some successful bands in the '80s, including General Public ("Tenderness"), Fine Young Cannibals ("She Drives Me Crazy") and Big Audio Dynamite ("Rush"). The current stateside incarnation of the English Beat is comprised of singer Dave Wakeling, Andy Cox, David Steele, Everett Moreton, Ranking Roger and Saxa.

Thu, Jul. 12, 10pm The Caravan Club 98 Almaden Ave, San Jose 408.995.6220 No Cover

Whiskey Avengers SKA & BOOZE CRUSADE: If your soul needs a little revival after Hump Day, hit The Whiskey Avengers show at The Caravan tonight ... trust us, a little booze and some uplifting, riotous tunes from these local hip-hop punkers and you'll be as good as new. Plus, your liver will be more than prepared for an extended weekend. Hailing from all parts of the Bay and veterans of other bands, Whiskey Avengers are a tight outfit that blend the old-school island stylings of roots reggae and Jamaican ska with a positive but edgy attitude that simply rocks.

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Fri. Jul. 13, 9pm Vivid 8 S. First St., San Jose 408.279.4444 Usual Cover Mario Lopez @ Vivid SAVED BY THE BELL: Finally, a real celebrity known for his acting skills on Saved by the Bell, his charismatic hosting of entertainment news program Extra and his amazing dancing on Dancing With the Stars. Mario Lopez brings his dimples to Vivid for a VIP party. Advance tickets can be purchased to party in the lap of luxury with Lopez while he gets his drink on. Perhaps a lucky someone will have the chance to experience Lopez's dancing skills first hand, with Vivid's Top 40, hip-hop and Latin house bumping all night long. Who doesn't want to party with Slater?

Fri. Jul. 13, 9:30pm Taste Ultra Lounge 87N. San Pedro St., San Jose 408.885.1016 Usual Cover

Ladies Night @ Taste THE FEELING'S RIGHT: Right after Taste Ultra Lounge's new Friday happy hour (from 5-8pm), the ladies can get pampered to their hearts' content. Champagne and wine tasting get the girls loose while free beauty giveaways and freebies are handed out until 11pm. Every lady's favorite eye candy, a male review show put on by the Men of Exotica, will give the women a little something to watch. DJs Don Lynch and Leslie Perez heat things up on the turntables. Book your bed and bottle service and show up before 11pm to get those giveaways, champagne, food and more.

Fri. Jul. 13, 6:30pm Lion & Compass Restaurant 1023 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Sunnyvale 408.745.1260 $10

Lucky Friday the 13th Party for Young Singles JASON DOES SUNNYVALE: Everyone gets lucky on Friday the 13th. Isn't that how the superstition goes? Check all phobias at the door and enjoy meeting singles in their late '20s to early '40s on a nice Friday night out. The cover includes light appetizers and entry into the mixer game, which makes it easy to meet new people. Won't it be a great story later on of how you met your special someone at a Friday the 13th party, somehow managing to avoid the killer in the hockey mask slashing everyone else to bits? Pull out your dancing shoes and dress to impress--it's time to enjoy the relaxed singles atmosphere at the Lion & Compass Restaurant.

Fri. Jul. 13, 9pm Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge 99 E. San Fernando St., San Jose 408.998.9998 Usual Cover

Flirt @ Fahrenheit EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY: Head on over to Fahrenheit for a fantastic fusion meal and happy hour with live music from 5-8pm and bypass the cover for a night at the club. But even if you can't roll up until later in the night, you won't be let down. Just like the fusion cuisine at the ultra lounge, Flirt features a fusion of dance, house, rock and hip-hop spun by DJ David Savior. Get down and dirty while you're getting' all flirty this Friday night at Fahrenheit.

Fri. Jul. 13, 9pm The Blank Club 44 South Almaden Ave., San Jose 408.29.BLANK $10

Kung Fu Vampire SOMEBODY SCREAM: Reanimated and revamped, Kung Fu Vampire swoops back into the San Jo scene tonight with fangs fully bared. Any ties to KFV's jazz-infused past have been severed by a new commitment to the gothic hip-hop arts, right in line with the dark visions of the head vamp. This local outfit has played such high-profile venues as the Playboy Mansion and the Saw III movie premiere. While KFV's sound has always flown far outside of conventional musical realms, the ghoulish horror-core remains as mind-bending and undead as ever.

Fri. Jul. 13, 9pm Agenda Lounge 399 S. First St., San Jose 408.287.3991 Usual Cover

DJ Rated "R" @ Agenda DOUBLE VISION: We don't know how DJ Rated "R" got his restricted rating--Sexual content? Graphic violence? Profanity?--but we do know that his stylish house and underground R&B is best enjoyed by the 21-and-older crowd with a few cocktails in the lounge. On the main level and patio, DJ Brotha Reese gives you '70s and disco for a funky Friday you'd be hard pressed to beat in San Jose's other ultra lounges. With two entirely different DJs spinning two different styles on two different floors, you'll be seeing double all night long.

Sat. Jul. 14, 8pm Red Devil Lounge 1695 Polk St, San Francisco 415.921.1695 $20

Vanilla Ice KEEPIN' IT "REAL": After he tried to denounce his '90s image on VH1's Surreal Life, rapper Vanilla Ice realized he'd make a lot more money not by distancing himself from the past, but by feeding off the fame. Or maybe he just decided that "Vanilla Ice" is cooler than his real name, Robert Matthew Van Winkle. Now that he's between VH1 reality shows, having done three already, Vanilla Ice is hitting several clubs throughout the country. Despite being the butt of jokes since his 1990 single, "Ice Ice Baby," Vanilla is a Grammy-nominated and American Music Award-winning rapper. Supposedly relying solely on his music and "no image" these days, Vanilla Ice vows, "From this point on, I will keep it real." Riiight.

Sat. Jul. 14, 7pm Salinas Sports Complex 1034 N. Main St., Salinas 831.775.3100 $40-$125

Mary J. Blige RODEO GAL: How promoters got Mary J. Blige to the Salinas Rodeo is a mystery, but nonetheless, the recent three-time Grammy Award winner will take the stage on Friday in all her ghetto fabulousness. The R&B diva is on fire after her 2007 Grammy clean up, not to mention the nine Billboard awards and two American Music Awards she amassed in 2006. Her 2005 album, Breakthrough, couldn't have been more aptly titled--the Yonkers, New York native graced the top of the charts upon the album's release. Soon, she had a slew of hit singles and the adoration of fans worldwide--not too shabby for a girl who recorded her first demo in a karaoke booth at the mall.

Sat. Jul. 14, 8pm Campbell Recital Hall Stanford University 650.736.0324 $18-$36

Alan Broadbent Trio UNSUNG JAZZ HERO: The Stanford Jazz Fest rolls into its third week with jazz pianist Alan Broadbent. Widely considered one of acoustic piano's unsung heroes, Broadbent's impeccable musicianship and diverse improv repertoire have thrilled jazz audiences since the early '70s. After graduating from the prestigious Berklee School of Music, his talent earned him top-drawer positions with jazz legends like Chet Baker, tenor saxmen Wayne Marsh and Gary Foster, and later Natalie Cole and Scott Hamilton, to name a few. Now Broadbent is forging an illustrious career of his own, releasing a handful of critically acclaimed albums as a soloist. The master jazz pianist and his trio arrive in Silicon Valley for a show at Stanford's Campbell Recital Hall.

Sat. Jul. 14, Noon Monte Cristo Cafe 4 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco 415.362.0646 $10-$20

French Bastille Day Celebration FRANCOPHELIA: French Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789 during the French Revolution. Drinking in San Francisco during the day has become a Bastille Day tradition and is probably the best way to pay tribute to one of France's largest holidays. In addition to being located at a premier San Francisco French restaurant, DonovanSF has put together a great entertainment lineup. Rock singer and guitarist Chris Clouse and DJ Donovan unite for a unique dancing and listening experience as they are accompanied by several other DJs throughout the day. A French cabaret show with sexy burlesque dancers is also scheduled for later in the evening. Enjoy champagne and fine French cuisine all afternoon at this upscale daytime and nighttime event.

Sat. Jul. 14, 8pm UC Berkeley Greek Theatre Gayley Rd. and Stadium Way, Berkeley 510.642.9988 $40 BUY TICKETS

Incubus SWEET SIXTEEN: After 16 years as a band, Brandon Boyd, Mike Einziger, Jose Pasillas, Chris Kilmore and Ben Kenney still have enough chemistry to send their sound waves to the far reaches of Berkeley's Greek Theatre and beyond. From older hits like "Are You In?" and "Drive" to newer ones like "Anna Molly" and "Dig," Incubus has the chops to keep old and new fans on their feet throughout the performance. A warm July night makes the Greek Theatre perfect for watching this epic band perform under the stars.

Sat. Jul. 14, 8pm Paramount Theatre 2025 Broadway, Oakland 208.998.TIXS $45.50-$85.50 BUY TICKETS

Earth, Wind & Fire SHINING STARS: Boasting 20 Grammy nominations (including six wins) and nearly 40 years of R&B, funk and soul under its belt, Earth Wind & Fire has plenty to offer the crowd at Oakland's Paramount Theatre. In 1995, the band was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, commemorating hits like "September," "Shining Star" and "Boogie Wonderland" that made Earth Wind & Fire a legendary group. This Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band is still keeping the soul and funk alive.

Sat. Jul. 14, 9pm Johnny V's 31 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.947.8470 $5

Sik Luv and The Cold Hearted Dames GREASER SET: Bay Area cow punks and rockabilly rebels to the core, the members of Sik Luv set up at Johnny V's for a Downtown hootenanny full of beer guzzlin', bass slappin' and lightning fast guitar licks that sound like the devil is riding frontman Lonewolf McCool straight to the bowels of hell. Nana slaps that upright bass with a fury while crooning out classic psychobilly tunes, and songs about interstellar hot rods, lovin' til the grave and over-medicating your significant other. Recently, some of the most belligerent beauties in San Jose, the Cold Hearted Dames, have been added to Sik Luv's lineup. No one knows exactly what will go down when this crew fills up Johnny V's.

Sat.-Sun. Jul. 14-15 Japantown, San Jose Free

San Jose Obon Festival JAPANTOWN PARTY: What is Obon? Here's the skinny: it's a 500-year-old Japanese Buddhist holiday held to honor departed spirits, though not in the solemn way you might expect (note the word "festival" in the title). Instead, participants gather with family to dance and feast to remember and appreciate the lives of loved ones gone. This year's festival features Bon Odori folk dancing, live music and Taiko drumming, as well as carnival games and delicious food, plus 800 expected participants and hundreds of spectators. Watch out for the bingo tent and some of the most serious bingo players ever encountered.

Sun. Jul. 15, 7:30pm Mountain Winery 14831 Pierce Rd, Saratoga 408.998.TIXS $45-$65 BUY TICKETS

Pat Benatar SHE IS THE WARRIOR: A classy performer, Benatar has repeatedly proven that she hasn't lost the hard-rock pedigree that made her an icon in the '80s. By sharpening and redefining her sound, her material has gracefully withstood time and taken on an increasingly sophisticated sense of depth and maturity that makes it still sound fresh today. Benatar seduces her crowds while the interaction with her long-time hubby and guitarist, Neil Giraldo, only adds to the enjoyment of her stage performance.

Sun. Jul. 15, 8pm Mezzanine 444 Jessie St., San Francisco 415.625.8880 $35-$40

Psychedelic Furs OLD-SCHOOL NEW WAVE: Take a trip back to the psychedelic '70s with the Psychedelic Furs, Alarm and the Fixx at San Francisco's Mezzanine on Sunday night. Though the band's members have changed significantly since its formation in 1977, Richard Butler, Tim Butler and John Ashton still keep the Psychedelic Furs as trippy as ever, and with enough chemicals you'll never know the difference. The band gained recognition in the late '70s with a killer combo of punk and psychedelic rock that infused guitar licks with saxophone solos and raspy vocals. The audience will certainly span all ages, so come in whatever state of mind you need to be in to enjoy these crazy old-school New Wave acts.

Mon. Jul. 16, 7:30pm Mountain Winery 14831 Pierce, Saratoga 408.998.TIXS $55-$90 BUY TICKETS

Willie Nelson FRIENDS AND FAMILY: Willie Nelson is like those old jazz and blues greats who tour forever and never lose their touch. He's a widely recognized national treasure. Now 74, the years may show in the lines of his face and they might make his voice break just a little bit now and then, but they have yet to adversely affect his guitar playing. At recent shows, Nelson's been attacking his old guitar, Trigger, with a vengeance and the sound he gets from that scarred and battered instrument is as unique as his voice. One of Nelson's most remarkable gifts is his ability to capture and convey honest human emotion through song and his generous, well-paced concerts are equally lively, mesmerizing and unforgettable. The country legend performs with friends and family.

Sun. Jul. 16, 8pm Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium 307 Church St., Santa Cruz 408.998.TIXS $40.50

Ani DiFranco IF OPRAH WAS PUNK: Ani DiFranco is a slam poet in musician's clothing. She traverses the gap between spoken word and flowing melody with a unique style of finger picking and a love of alliteration and punctuated verse. The folk-punk singer-songwriter has taken a guitar and a few words of wisdom and run with them, cranking out dozens of self-produced albums on her independent record label, Righteous Babe Records (home to artists including Andrew Bird and Drums and Tuba). Instead of in-your-face media coverage, DiFranco, an outspoken bisexual, has gained popularity through word of mouth, touring constantly and releasing at least one album a year since her self-titled debut in 1990. After a nationwide tour last summer in support of her 16th studio album, Reprieve, DiFranco tours to promote this year's offering, Canon, hitting Santa Cruz after appearing earlier in the week at The Warfield.

Tue. Jul. 17, 8pm Great American Music Hall 859 O'Farrell St, San Francisco 415.885.0750 $22

The Polyphonic Spree UPBEAT SYMPHONY: The Polyphonic Spree describes itself as "choral symphonic rock" due to the band's unique mix of instruments and vocalists. With nearly 30 members, each tour has a slightly different composition. Generally, the touring band is a 10-person choir with all the basic instrumentation of a symphony, including a French horn and a harp. The band released its third album last month, adding to the creative and unique sound that was found on The Beginning Stages of... and Together We're Heavy, released in 2002 and 2004, respectively.

Tue. Jul. 17, 7:30pm Foothill College Los Altos Hills 408.250.2444 Free

Tony Shepperd MIXING IN THE BOX: In fewer than 10 years, technological advances in music production have revolutionized the music industry. What was once only possible to do in an expensive studio can now be done in the comfort of your own home. Software such as Apple's Logic Pro and DigiDesign's ProTools have made it economical for do-it-yourself musicians to record and mix their own music. But just because it's possible doesn't mean that it doesn't take skill and know-how to do it right, and that's where Tony Shepperd comes in. Tech Breakfast is hosting a free seminar on mixing taught by Shepperd, who has done work for bigshots like Elton John and Madonna. This is an outstanding opportunity for closet mixers to get a better lay of the land and brush up on their mixing chops.

coming up

Thu. Jul. 19, Noon Shoreline Amphitheatre 1 Amphitheater Parkway, Mountain View 408.998.TIXS "Free" BUY TICKETS

Ozzfest METALHEADS: Good old-fashioned metal is slated to slam the Shoreline at this year's Ozzfest. Although tickets were originally supposed to be free, when greedy scalpers jumped in, 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 a unique way to growl into microphones, pound double-bass pedals and generally rock 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.

--This week's newsletter by: RO, AL, DB, GW, MC, PD & GS

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