Why, yes, that is R. Kelly playing from my computer speakers in the office right now. Which means it must be the weekend. And means I must be running late on posting Good Friday.
My sincerest apologies.
Here are your weekend plans, friends. First up, the shows we've already hyped.
Tonight's kinda crazy, actually. There's the Brutal Juice reunion at Club Dada, for one (catch 'em again on Saturday at the Rock 'N' Roll BBQ at Dan's Silverleaf in Denton). Also: The Flatlanders at House of Blues; Constantines and Crystal Antlers at Sons of Hermann Hall; The Strange Boys, Mika Miko, Bad Sports and Rocket for Ethiopia at Rubber Gloves in Denton; The Helio Sequence will perform at The Loft; and some awards show at the Granada Theater with Damaged Good$, The O's, Play-N-Skillz, RTB2, Mount Righteous, New Science Projects and DJ Sober.
On Saturday, there's the highly anticipated Bonnie "Prince" Billy show at the Granada. And that show with new acts This Old House, Western Giants, Younger Sons and Baruch the Scribe at The Treehouse in Denton.
But, as always, there's more. Jump with us, won't you?
New Science Projects, Dust Congress, Real Live Tigers, Kids of Cons
Friday, June 5, at J&J's Pizza in Denton
New Science Projects' Dale Jones isn't nearly the nutcase he appears to be when he's performing on stage. Which, on some label, kinda sucks. You mean he isn't a real-life zombie re-incarnation of Elvis? Oh well. Still, he must possess some sort of super powers, as he's playing the Granada early tonight and then heading all the way back up to Denton for this, his official release show for his new 7-inch record, Poison Culture.
The Theater Fire, The Baptist Generals, Robert Gomez, listenlisten
Friday, June 5, at Dan's Silverleaf in Denton
It almost pains me how perfect a lineup this is for Dan's and hometown Denton fans, bringing together some of the finest folk acts of the region together (plus Houston's listenlisten) for a show at the best folk venue around. Great slice of booking right there.
Red, Since October
Friday, June 5, at the Door
As Christian rock goes, you can do far worse than Red. As ungoogle-able band names go, though...
The Early Republc, Air Review, Radio Revival
Friday, June 5, at House of Blues' Pontiac Garage
You already know how I feel about The Early Republic. But the band's local opening act tonight, Air Review, is actually a pretty promising jangly pop rock outfit. So far, the band's just got one gig to its name, a performance at the Curtain Club from a few weeks back. Somehow, though, they've managed to develop a little bit of a buzz around their show--enough, at least, so that they're on our radar pretty early in the game (and their debut won't be released until later this summer--August, I think). A risky option, yeah. But at least you don't have to stay for the headliners (zing!)
I Was A King
Friday, June 5, at Hailey's in Denton
I will never understand how a Norwegian jangle rock outfit like I Was A King can perform music that sounds as American (or more American) than most American bands. Oh well. Beyond that, though, I don't know too much about the band. But, whatever, they're Sterogum-approved, so they're probably pretty OK.
George Strait, Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Julianne Hough
Saturday, June 6, a Cowboys Stadium in Arlington
Can't really argue with George Strait. Plus, it's the first show at the new spaceship out there. Should be a zoo. We'll see--writing next week's column on the experience.
Pops Carter's 90th Birthday Party
Saturday, June 6, at The Boiler Room in Denton
Legendary Denton bluesman Pops Carter and his Funkmonsters will be tearing shit up at this show, celebrating Carter's 90th birthday. Which, certainly, is far more than you'll be able to say for me should I ever reach that age. Happy birthday, Pops.
Josh Weathers Band, Burntsienna Trio
Saturday, June 6, at Hailey's in Denton
The DOMA-nominated blues-influenced Josh Weathers Band will be joined on this bill by the rootsy Burntsienna Trio, making for a pretty interesting pairing of sounds. Plus, Burntsienna's Justin Collins is the usual sound man behind Hailey's' board, so you can pretty much bank on it sounding as good as can be.
Bowling for Soup
Saturday, June 6, at The Aardvark in Fort Worth
The commerically successful Dentonites in Bowling for Soup are playing this show to celebrate their 15 years together in the band. I imagine they'll also take the time to remind us all that high school never ends and, also, how things were back in 1985 when suburban moms were cool like us.
J.D. Souther
Saturday, June 6, at Sons of Hermann Hall
The honorary Eagle behind writing a number of Don Henley and Co.'s biggest hits comes, well, right into Henley's neck of the woods for this show that rounds out as good a weekend we've seen at Sons in, like, forever (Alejandro Escovedo, Constantines, this).
Grand Funk Railroad
Saturday, June 6, at Billy Bob's in Fort Worth
Yep, that Grand Funk Railroad. It should be clean outta sight and some kind of wonderful. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeaa-aa-aaa-aaah.
Better Than Ezra
Sunday, June 7, at House of Blues
These guys are still around and touring, as well. Apparently.
Les Claypool, Matisyahu
Sunday, June 7, at the Palladium Ballroom
There will be no marijuana smoked at this show, which features one of the most renowned bassist of all time and the world's most famous Hasidic rapper. None, brah.
Girl In A Coma, Miss Derringer, Here Holy Spain
Sunday, June 7, at House of Blues' Pontiac Garage
San Antonio's Girl in a Coma is a pretty badass all-girl punk lineup--and not just because the band took its name from a Morrissey song. Joining the band on this bill: the similarly female-fronted Miss Derringer, plus the raucous, Toadies-influenced locals in Here Holy Spain.
...and that's your weekend, folks. Feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments.
Oh, and have fun out there.
