Heyo-
Wow, so the week's almost over again huh? It's about time the Showy went out. I'm nothing if not punctual. I hear it's right next to godliness, or is that something else...?
Either way the music this weekend is absurd. I'm gone Saturday and Sunday which means I'll just have to rock out Thursday and Friday. Which brings me to the subject of this Showy...
Thursday night offers a rare chance to see one of the most amazing drummers on the west coast. He's Kevin Sawka and he usually plays with a live drum n' bass band called Siamese. This guy is an absolute nut, you'll hear how fast the rhythm is and look at his hands and you still won't have any idea what's going on. He also keeps a bunch of electronic toys in his kit which makes the effects and sounds that he blasts out just otherworldly. He's at the Boom Boom Room on Thursday night with two other off-the-wall players and all for the low low price of $7 damn dollars. Go, stupid.
On Friday I get to see my personal hero, bassist Victor Wooten. The word bassist doesn't even fit the guy. It just sounds like an understatement. Virtuoso electric bass super-being is an understatement. If you've seen the man you'll know what I'm talking about. The things he does on that instrument (which is quite near to my heart I'll add) always strikes me as feeling supernatural. It's uncanny, he's just that good. If you want to come and marvel he is with his funky band at the Fillmore Friday night. I'll be up front.
If neither one of these gigs sound like the bee's knees to you, don't worry... there are plenty of options this weekend...
|||||| THURSDAY 5/5 ||||||
Mobile Holmes Happy Hour @ Bruno’s $FREE
It’s live downtempo grooves from the Jazz Mafia crew. To get double happiness, look no further.
Arisawkadoria @ Boom Boom Room $7
I’ll be at this one for sure! It’s-a gonna be naaasty. This sick trio has Kevin Sawka (the drummer-superhero of Seattle live drum n’ bass outfit Siamese) who can slam skins faster than anyone I have ever laid eyes on. Rounding out the band are Joe Doria (organ, Skerik’s Septet) and Ari Zucker (guitar, Acidophilus Culture). This promises to be off the wall. Looks like it’s going down late: 11pm-2am or something like that.
Crossfire Crew @ Bruno’s
It’s Cinco de Mayo with a tasty new Jazz Mafia concoction. The Crew does world-beat percussion crossed with hot break-beat jazz. Zowie.
Steve Kimock Band @ the Fillmore $25
Guitarist Steve and his band are giants in the jam world, and they’ll be rocking groove that got them there for one night at the Fillmo’. Get this: They’re doing an all-request-show. Yep, their entire night will be by request from the crowd and nothing else.
|||||| FRIDAY 5/6 ||||||
Victor Wooten @ the Fillmore $20
I’ll be there front and center to gaze up at my hero. Victor (of Bela Fleck fame) is the best damn bass player I’ve ever seen, and if I never see anyone better I will die a happy bassist (or former bassist these days). There is absolutely no one who plays the big stringed instrument like he does, and he’ll be bringing his brothers with him to back him up. I’ve seen his gigs go anywhere from straight funk to kind of hip-hop-ish, so you never quite know what’s gonna happen.
Frequinox @ the Independent $20
Awwww shit, it’s the return of this funky big supergroup. Life sure is good when you can see Robert Walter (organ, 20th Congress), Stanton Moore (drums, Galactic), Robert Mercurio (bass, Galactic), Will Bernard (guitar, motherbug), and Donald Harrison (sax, Headhunters) all funkin’ it up on one damn stage. It’s a little boogaloo, a little ‘Nawlins, all funk and all hot hot hot. Friday & Saturday shows. Kyle Hollingsworth opens.
http://www.jambase.com/headsup.asp?storyID=5489
Umphrey’s McGee @ Great American Music Hall $16
Here is yet another smokin’ hot show to boggle your decision-making abilities this weekend. Umphrey’s is one of the best touring jam rock bands in the country, and you know they’ll throw down at the Great American. They draw from funk, jazz, psychedelic rock, and even some live electronica and mix it up with searing guitar licks and dynamic compositions. They’re just awesome, go dig it Friday, Saturday, OR Sunday night. Conspirator opens up.
Broun Fellinis @ Bruno’s $7
This trio of SF veterans rock their improve avant-acid-jazz with a soulful flavor coming from the roots of R & B.
http://www.wireonfire.com/brounfellinis/brounfellinishome.html
SambaDa @ El Rio $5
One of the hottest funky samba bands to ever rock this little town plays El Rio on the cheap.
Al Howard & K23 Orchestra | the People @ Ashkenaz (Berkeley) $12
Al is an excellent lyricist, freestyle rapper, and vocalist and he leads his 5-piece band in excursions through the land of funk, hip-hop, jazz, latin, and afrobeat just to name a few.
http://www.alhowardk23.com/home.htm
|||||| SATURDAY 5/7 ||||||
Fareed Haque Group @ Boom Boom Room $15
This man defines the word virtuoso. His brilliance on guitar (usually with Garaj Mahal) is undeniable. He’s incredibly technical and has a mind that can create improvisational brilliance at every turn. He brings his funky band and special guests with him for this rare rare night in San Francisco.
Frequinox @ the Independent $20
See above. Friday & Saturday shows. Papa Mali opens.
http://www.jambase.com/headsup.asp?storyID=5489
Umphrey’s McGee @ Great American Music Hall $16
See above. Friday, Saturday, Sunday shows.
|||||| SUNDAY 5/8 ||||||
Very Special Event @ the Connecticut Yankee $20
Word on the street (thanks Tom!) is that there is a member of Widespread Panic doing an under-the-radar show at the Yankee. The price is right for such an event, I would definitely check it out but I’ll be out of town. If you go let me know. Sounds like it could be an intimate and amazing night of music.
http://theyankee.com/livemusic.htm
Umphrey’s McGee @ Great American Music Hall $16
See above. Friday, Saturday, Sunday shows.
|||||| MONDAY 5/9 ||||||
Taarka @ 12 Galaxies $10
This quartet calls their music ‘seismic gypsy hypno-jazz. Hmmm. Whatever it is, it’s authentic, rootsy, inventive string music taking from jazz, folk, and bluegrass and it feels pretty damn good too.
|||||| TUESDAY 5/10 ||||||
Shotgun Wedding Quintet @ Bruno’s $6
One of the best gigs in the Jazz Mafia family, SWQ is hip-hop-centric with a nice healthy funky jazz root. Stella Artois is just two bucks so you can feel extra special on Wednesday morning.
http://www.shotgunweddingquintet.com/
The Ritual & Friends @ 12 Galaxies $5
Led by keyboard wizard Jordan Feinstein, the Ritual cooks the funky jazz and they definitely have no shortage of great locals to bring with ‘em (think ALO for one…)
|||||| WEDNESDAY 5/11 ||||||
Sound Tribe Sector 9 @ DNA Lounge $15
This is pretty wild. Here’s the description from Sound Tribe’s website: STS9 is pleased to bring their LIVE PA SET to the DNA Lounge! STS9 breaks down to it's electronic core. Much like the first set of STS9's Halloween show at San Francisco's Fillmore in 2004... it's a way for STS9 to break free from the usual and express a different side of the music they make together allowing for a more intimate setting.
Melvin Seals Rhythm Factory @ 12 Galaxies $15
This man is a Hammond organ institution. Word is he continues to rip it up and joining him is legendary bassman Bobby Vega and funky guitarist Chris Rossbach. This should be a hot one.
http://www.melvinsealsmeltingpot.com/
Funky Beulah @ Madrone Lounge $4
Straight-up funk from these up and coming cats. Great venue, great price.
http://www.madronelounge.com/calendar.php
Okay, another McShow down. Check out all of this awesome upcoming shizzle. If you catch the Boom Boom on Thursday or the Fillmore on Friday I’ll see you there. If not stay funky God dammit and see live music! The world is counting on you!
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