Music Music Music Shows: April Picks
Sometimes in the middle of the day you find yourself sitting in your cubicle watching YouTube videos of cute animals instead of working (or so I hear from people who have gainful employment) and wishing you had evening plans to look forward to. Here are a bevy of musical events that are definitely worth your while, whether you want to dance, find a date, or sit sadly in the corner of a bar listening to pleasant sounds. Mark up your calendars with these dates and I promise the workdays on which they fall will pass a lot faster. In chronological order:
Check out Rogue Wave keyboardist Steve Taylor’s solo project. His 5-piece band lineup will include Alexi from The Botticellis and Little Wings!
Friday, April 8, 8:30pm
Or, The Whale, Chamberlin, and Steve Taylor (CD release)
Rickshaw Stop
155 Fell St. $10/$12 More info:
Facebook invite
I’ll take any excuse to be a snob and not feel bad about it. Snob Theatre’s April lineup includes comedians Will Franken, Mary Van Note, Jules Posner, and Natasha Muse (with special guest) and musical guests Il Gato, Sonny Pete (from Birdmonster), and ” a Very Special Guest.” Special guests abound!
Friday, April 8, 10pm
Snob Theater
The Dark Room Theater
2263 Mission Street, between 18th and 19th
$10
More info: Facebook invite
Have you checked out these FREE shows at the Burrit Room @ the Crescent Hotel? If not, SMiLE presents one on Saturday featuring Altars, Wax Idols, and the Aerosols.
Saturday, April 9, 9pm
SMiLE! presents ALTARS! WAX IDOLS! THE AEROSOLS! FREE SHOW!
The Burrit Room @ the Crescent Hotel 417 Stockton St. @ Sutter
FREE!
More info: Facebook invite
Shameless self-promotion: I’m opening for Icelandic singer Ólöf Arnalds, whose new album “Innundir Skinni” features Björk. Her voice has been called “otherworldly” by The New York Times, “stunning” by SPIN, “bewitching” by Rolling Stone, “remarkable” by the NME, “ethereal” by Vanity Fair and “impossibly lovely” by Paste.
Tuesday, April 12, 9pm
Ólöf Arnalds & Chloe Makes Music
Café Du Nord
2170 Market St.
$12/$15
More info: Facebook invite
I am SUPER excited about this show: Loving Cup Presents: The Blank Tapes, Little Wings, Kacey Johansing, and Rad Cloud at GAMH! A rare chance to see 4 of the awesomest local bands all performing together on a legendary stage. Do it.
Friday, April 15, 8pm The Blank Tapes / Little Wings / Kacey Johansing / Rad Cloud
Great American Music Hall
859 O’Farrell St.
$13
More info: Facebook invite
This Foxtails Brigade album release show is SURE to be entertaining. Laura Weinbach, leading lady of Foxtails Brigade, puts together nothing less than a variety show, complete with comedians and a fashion show. With comedian Brent Weinbach, and singer Rachel Fannan (formerly of Sleepy Sun, and is NOT to be missed, in my humble opinion).
Sunday, April 17, 8pm Foxtails Brigade Album Release Party
Swedish American Music Hall
More info: Facebook invite
$10/$15
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To make matters difficult, that same night one of my all-time favorite performers will be at the Great American. Hauschka is a prepared pianist hailing from Germany. He “prepares” the piano strings with ping pong balls, chopsticks, Mardi Gras beads, cellophane, etc. so that when he plays the piano it sounds like piano plus percussion plus bass plus so much more. It is a rare opportunity to see true showmanship and musicianship together. He’ll be accompanied by a string quartet from the Magik*Magik Orchestra. Check out these photos I took of his show last year!
Sunday, April 17, 8pm
Hauschka (w/ the Magik*Magik Orchestra)
Great American Music Hall
859 O’Farrell St.
$18
My lovely friend Jen Grady is coming through town to perform as her new cello/wurlitzer duo, You Are Plural. They are opening for the Felice Brothers at GAMH. This show will be AMAZING.
Thursday, April 28, 8pm
Felice Bros/You Are Plural
Great American Music Hall
859 O’Farrell St.
$21
