Now, with even less advance notice (Afrobeat tonight)

In my never-ending quest to bring you live music selections with as little advance notice as possible, I give you this. Happy Friday!

|||||| FRIDAY 5/22 ||||||

NOMO @ Bottom of the Hill - $12
A tip from someone I trust (thanks Wendy!) has me convinced this is where I need to be tonight. And by 'I' I mean 'you' of course. Nomo is a full horn and percussion Afrobeat crew out of the Midwest that has a unique electronic influence and an innovative, concept-driven approach to their compositions. Word on the street is that they completely destroyed a room in Seattle earlier this week, and with tonight looking like the only chance to catch them in SF in the foreseeable future, I'm gonna go dig 'em. There are two openers that sound interesting too..
http://www.myspace.com/nomomusic

Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives @ Great American Music Hall - $25
If I weren't going to go see NOMO, this is DEFINITELY where I'd be. After hearing a live album from Marty I can say his music is some of the sweetest, most authentic, most genuinely delicious bluegrass I've heard in quite some time. His latest album has him teaming up with Johnny Cash, Lester Flatt, Steve Earle, and Old Crow Medicine Show, and if that doesn't give you an idea of the man's chops, I don't know what will.
http://www.martystuart.net/

Realistic Orchestra Stevie Wonder vs. James Brown Tribute @ Shattuck Down Low (Berkeley) - $10
This was absolutely incredible at the Independent, so all you East Bay cats get out to the show tonight! I heard more than once last week that this was the best night some folks had ever seen from the Jazz Mafia, and with their caliber of musicianship, that's sayin' something. It's a 30-piece ensemble (with several amazing vocalists) blasting out insanely tight and rockin' renditions of the music of perhaps the two greatest men that funk has ever known. A force to be reckoned with, and a show not to miss.
http://www.jazzmafia.com/


|||||| UPCOMING ||||||

5/25 - Flight of the Conchords @ Berkeley Community Theater
5/25 - Jazz Mafia Miles Davis 'Birth of the Cool' Birthday Tribute @ Yoshi's SF
5/29 - Garaj Mahal @ Cafe du Nord
5/30-5/31 - Moe. @ Fillmore
6/5 - Del Tha Funky Homosapien @ Fillmore
6/12 - Skerik, Wil Blades, Will Bernard, Scott Amendola @ Starry Plough, Berkeley
6/17 - Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey @ Elbo Room
6/18 - Zap Mama @ Bimbo's 365 Club

Battles... Epic. Battles...

And you thought you'd gotten rid of me!

Yet, like the pluckiest of cartoon villains, Showy McShow emerges from the shadows of obscurity to terrorize the populace once more! And by 'terrorize' I mean 'tantalize'—with music selections the likes of which you'll not find in any city, anywhere. Cartoon or otherwise.

Which brings me to this week's stellar music, and the battles contained therein. Like Peter Griffin and the Guy in the Chicken Suit, they will be epic struggles of musicality that will make you laugh, cry, jump, jive, and most likely spill your drink on you and those around you.

Wednesday night's battle is just what I'm talking about. Following Drive Your Bike to Work Day, I'll be sneakin' on down to the Independent to witness a fictitious bout that will dominate the funky history books. The 20-piece REALISTIC ORCHESTRA will render their take on James Brown vs. Stevie Wonder in tribute of these legends' birthdays. These gigs have always been a knock-your-argyle-socks-off good time, and this year the band has a room that will actually hold 'em. Come join the celebration! And wear eye protection, I cannot stress this enough.

Then the struggle continues on as SOULIVE will attempt, rope-a-dope style, to dance you into submission on Thursday and Friday. I'll be there Friday, as Soulive is truly one of the best funky bands on this cartoon planet, to witness their crushing funky force. They've been away too long, but this time, they're bringing horns...

With Charlie Hunter, Nino Moschella, the Avett Brothers, and two weekend festivals all battling for your attention and booze money, this week will quickly turn into a war of attrition.

But you're not new. You're used to this shit. This is San Francisco dammit. Ain't gonna faze you. When you're livin' the Showy life here in SF, you've just gotta suck it up, put on them dancin' shoes, and fight the good fight. I'll see you down front. With eye protection.


|||||| TUESDAY 5/12 ||||||

Sara Watkins @ Swedish American Music Hall - $20
As 1/3rd of Nickel Creek, Sara has repeatedly turned my knees into Jello with her stunningly sweet voice, virtuoso fiddle playing, and incredible compositions. With Nickel Creek on break, Sara has pulled together what I'm certain will be a phenomenal band doing her own material for a rare night in SF.
http://www.sarawatkins.com/

Allman Bros Band @ Fox Theater, Oakland - $58.50 (SOLD OUT, Craigslist?)
Tuesday and Wednesday shows. Truly the original (and best) southern blues-rock jam band, the Allmans have always floored me every time I've seen them. Sure it helps to have the searing guitar licks of young Derek Trucks, but Gregg Allman, Warren Haynes, Oteil Burbridge, and Butch Trucks are all powerhouse veterans in their own right. Saturated with soul, don't for a second thing the Allman Brothers are a nostalgia act. They'll rock the hell out of the Fox Theater for sure.
http://www.allmanbrothersband.com/


|||||| WEDNESDAY 5/13 ||||||

James Brown vs. Stevie Wonder Realistic Orchestra Tribute @ the Independent - $15
Join me for what is sure to be an EPIC MUSICAL BATTLE for the ages. The 20-piece wall of sound known as the Realistic Orchestra is combining birthday tributes for James and Stevie into one night of musical insanity at the Independent. They have several stellar vocalists who will render their unique takes on these two icons, and they'll be backed by twenty of SF's very best funk players. These gigs have consistently been the hottest of Jazz Mafia events over the years, with the only problem being that Bruno's was just too damn small to hold 'em. With that problem solved, it's time to get to the Independent and help the crew celebrate the musicians that make Showy life worth livin'!
http://www.jazzmafia.com/news/4th-annual-stevie-wonderjames-brown-b-day-tributes/

Allman Bros Band @ Fox Theater, Oakland - $58.50 (SOLD OUT, Craigslist?)
Tuesday and Wednesday shows, see above.
http://www.allmanbrothersband.com/


|||||| THURSDAY 5/14 ||||||

Soulive @ the Independent - $22
Thursday & Friday shows (join me Friday). Maaaaan oh man am I glad these guys are back! I've been in Soulive withdrawal for a good couple years now, and the methadone treatments just ain't cuttin' it. No substitutions will suffice, I need that FUNK. Soulive is so raw and hard-hitting, I've had a musician friend describe them as heavy metal jazz. And as if the jaw-dropping drums, keys, guitar trio of the brothers Evans and Eric Krasno wasn't enough, they have a smokin' horn section for these gigs featuring none other than original Soulive sax machine Sam Kininger. I'm going Friday and I am STOKED.
http://soulive.com/

Charlie Hunter w/ Terrence Higgins @ Yoshi's SF - $20
Thursday, Friday, Saturday shows. I'm tempted, can't go Friday... Charlie Hunter, man-wonder of the eight string guitar, who can play bass lines with his thumb and solo over himself with his fingers, is known and loved by anyone who has witnessed and tried to wrap their head around what he does. For these three Yoshi's nights, he's teaming up with New Orleans' Dirty Dozen Brass Band percussionist Terrence Higgins in what is sure to be an utterly unique evening of stellar music.
http://www.charliehunter.com/


|||||| FRIDAY 5/15 ||||||

Soulive @ the Independent - $22
Thursday & Friday shows (join me Friday). See above.
http://soulive.com/

Charlie Hunter w/ Terrence Higgins @ Yoshi's SF - $20
Thursday, Friday, Saturday shows. I'm tempted, can't go Friday... See above.
http://www.charliehunter.com/

Nino Moschella w/ the Park @ Elbo Room - $10
A soul singer and composer, Nino is absurdly talented and authentic. He's seriously the only person I've seen in recent memory that actually conjures the spirit of Stevie Wonder to the very stage where he's standing... and manages to make the specter of the man smile and roll his head. Okay, so that's a ridiculous description, but seriously Nino is amazing. East Bay funk veterans the Park will be backing him up and if you must miss Soulive (which I do not recommend you do), then you'd better be here.
http://www.ninomoschella.com/

the Avett Brothers @ Fillmore - $25
Friday & Saturday shows. It really is an experience to rock with a band that so seamlessly blends the best things about folk and punk into one hot, dirty, sweaty show. They will blast the hell out of the joint, and they'll do it with a rootsy Americana character that just sucks you in and makes you feel like dropping everything and drinkin' whiskey on the porch 'til the end of yer days.
http://theavettbrothers.com/


|||||| SATURDAY 5/16 ||||||

SF Oyster Fest (Greyboy Allstars, Poor Man's Whiskey, Shantytown, and Franti I guess) @ Fort Mason - $23
Even if you do have to put up with the serious mediocrity of Michael Franti, $23 is a hell of a deal to catch the kings of funky jazz—the Greyboy Allstars. Been wondering about Poor Man's Whiskey, a local Americana bluegrass outfit that's been playing some big gigs lately. And Shantytown is a great little folk/bluegrass based jam outfit. Not a bad place to be on a Saturday afternoon... but I'd leave before Franti...
http://www.oreillysoysterfestival.com/

Life is Good Festival (ALO, Martin Sexton) @ Golden Gate Park Speedway Meadow - $FREE
OK, so if you click the link you'll fall into a silly world of happy hippie nonsense. BUT, you can't argue with some solid talent for free, and that's just what this Festival is serving up. Folks tell me Martin Sexton is quite a performer with talent and powerful authenticity. ALO hasn't changed much, which is why I don't go too far outta my way to see 'em these days, but they've always been a quality jazz-influenced jam band with tight playing and a great sense of humor. Again, not a bad way to spend a Saturday afternoon...
http://www.lifeisgood.com/festivals/2009-festivals-locations/san-francisco-festival.aspx

the Avett Brothers @ Fillmore - $25
Friday & Saturday shows. See above.
http://theavettbrothers.com/

Charlie Hunter w/ Terrence Higgins @ Yoshi's SF - $20
Thursday, Friday, Saturday shows. I'm tempted, can't go Friday... See above.
http://www.charliehunter.com/


|||||| UPCOMING ||||||

5/20-5/21 - Sex Mob @ Yoshi's SF
5/25 - Flight of the Conchords @ Berkeley Community Theater
5/29 - Garaj Mahal @ Cafe du Nord
5/30-5/31 - Moe. @ Fillmore
6/5 - Del Tha Funky Homosapien @ Fillmore
6/12 - Skerik, Wil Blades, Will Bernard, Scott Amendola @ Starry Plough, Berkeley
6/17 - Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey @ Elbo Room
6/18 - Zap Mama @ Bimbo's 365 Club