This particular weekend offers an interesting mix of local and national talents, many of which are playing unheralded venues scattered about the Metroplex. The mix of genres represented in our area in the coming days is quite remarkable.
First off the shows that were already covered in print or online.
Tonight's a full plate to be sure: The Peaches/Drums of Death show at The Granada should prove to be an ear- and an eyeful; up in Denton, the triple-bill of Viva Voce/Cut Off Your Hands/Robert Gomez should keep a person occupied well past midnight.
And, on Sunday, former Talking Head main man David Byrne brings his multi-cultural, dance theater experience to the haughty confines of the Majestic Theater.
There's tons more, though. So let's jump!
International Waters, Wine and Revolution
Friday, June 12, at The Cavern
Hailing out of Austin, Mitch Calvert and the rest of the spry quartet
known as International Waters have only a solitary single under its
belt, but the "Flashes" 7-inch is a snappy amalgam of brit-pop and
alt-rock. This is definitely a band worth getting into before all the
critical kudos start rolling in. Another anglophile-inspired unit out
of Austin, Wine and Revolution, open up what should be a pleasant
experience for all involved.
King Bucks, Airline, Here in Arms
Friday, June 12, at City Tavern
Danny Balis' country outfit, The King Bucks, just seems to be getting
better and better each week, but Airline may well be the hidden gem on
this bill as well as in our local scene. The band is working on a
follow-up to last year's excellent Farewell Republica and its brand of
alt-country incorporates some shoegazing properties making for a truly
unusual sound. Here in Arms, meanwhile, kicks things into more of a Springsteen realm. The one thing tying all these bands together, though? Drummer Chris Carmichael, who plays in all three of the acts, and put together this bill of his bands as a way to celebrate his birthday, which took place yesterday.
Jonathan Byrd
Friday, June 12, at Uncle Calvin's Coffee House
North Carolina's Jonathan Byrd plays country/folk of the old school
variety. Most discussions of Byrd's sturdy songs usually begin with
Haggard and ends with Cash. Byrd's the real Americana deal, and an
intimate venue like Uncle Calvin's is sure to bring out the best in him
and his top notch band.
Oliver's Army
Friday, June 12, at Lee Harvey's
Cover/tribute bands are certainly not uncommon to our area, but this
long-running combo diverges from the path of most by digging deep into
its particular subject. Spanning nearly everything that Costello has
released (and that's a hell of a lot), this bunch of locals could well
be the top plagiarizers in a crowded field.
The Phuss
Friday, June 12, at Skillman Street Pub
This relatively new local duo caught my attention a few weeks back.
Like the White Stripes and Black Keys, The Phuss make a whole hell of a
racket for just two people. The band just finished up its debut EP and
this is as good a time as any for folks to check out a band taking baby
steps.
Malford Milligan
Saturday, June 13 at The Prophet Bar
Now living in Milwaukee, Malford Milligan gained most of his reputation
fronting Austin's noted Storyville back in the '80s. Having worked with the
likes of Eric Johnson and Alejandro Escovedo, Milligan's soulful vocals
and dynamic stage presence set him apart, from, well, just about
everyone. At 50, he's lost none of what made him great back in the day.
Gaelic Storm
Sunday, June 14, at House of Blues
This highly regarded Celtic band from California seems to make its way
to our area a couple of times a year, but that's not a bad thing at
all. Those yearning for some fast paced jigs and reels will find plenty
during what ought to be a feisty Sabbath night performance
Todd Sarvies
Sunday, June 14, at Club Dada
This singer/songwriter from St. Louis looks all sensitive, but has
more in his bag of tricks than moody looks and a well-trimmed beard. As
the frontman for John Boy's Courage, Sarvies has gained renown in the
Midwest for his novelist-like narratives and passionate vocal delivery.
Performing in Dada's Listening Room, Sarvies should be able to channel
some serious karma.
And, as always, if you've got more shows worth looking into, post them in the comments below
