As Fall creeps closer and closer, we’ve finally reached the start of heavy tour season for 2016/2017, and its about damn time. Last week saw Marathon open up its doors from a Summer hiatus, and next week will see virtually every venue around town in the throes of Americana Fest, but those are neither here nor there. This week’s slate of shows will see some local favorites get together and tribute Harry Nilsson, Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince pack out Marathon, and a two-night farewell from the All-Father of modern pop music, Brian Wilson. Here are just a handful of the solid shows happening this week in and around town.
A Night of Hary Nilsson: Lay Down Your Arms at The Basement East, 9/14
When you have a bill featuring everyone from Aaron Lee Tasjan to Caitlin Rose to Erin Rae to Ron Gallo to Tristen, then you know you’ve got yourself a show for the ages. Add that to the fact that the aforementioned folks are playing the tunes of everyone’s favorite rascal Harry Nilsson, now you’ve got yourself a show that you’ll be more than sorry if you miss it. Show at 8. $10 DOS.
The Kills at Marathon Music Works, 9/14
If Harry Nilsson isn’t necessarily your bag, then feel free to check out the hard rock sensibilities of Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince as they perform in support of their most recent release as The Kills, Ash & Ice. Definitely a different feel than the Harry Nilsson tribute, so if you’re looking for something with a little more crunch, then The Kills at Marathon are your best bet. Show at 8. $28 DOS.
Outlaw Roadshow at Mercy Lounge, 9/14 & 9/15
So let’s say you might not be feeling the Harry Nilsson tribute or The Kills at Marathon, and that you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, and perhaps with a little more twang to it; easy, Outlwaw Roadshow is the show for you. Featuring a fantastic bill of local singer songwriters like Molly Parden, Anna Mae, and bands like Man Relic and Buffalo Rodeo, the Outlaw Roadshow is happening over the span of two days, so you can slip in and out whenever you please between shows. Show at 8. FREE.
Titus Andronicus at The High Watt, 9/15
If you feel like slipping in and out of shows at the Cannery complex, then checking out Titus Andronicus’ set at The High Watt would be a great decision. If you’re feeling a little more post-punk noise rock by way of New Jersey, then be sure to check out Titus Andronicus’ High Watt set for a brooding and bouncing Thursday night. Show at 8. $15 DOS.
Beau James & JR Wyatt at The Basement, 9/15
Americana Fest is still a week away, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a head start on some top of the line Americana and Alt Country from Beau James and JR Wyatt at The Basement. James will be performing in support of his recently released (and excellent) LP, Landmarks while Wyatt plays a duo set with John McNally. Show at 6. $5 DOS.
The Whigs w/The Gills and Reality Something, 9/15 at The Basement East, 9/15
While Beau James and JR Wyatt are playing some Americana music at The Basement, The Whigs, The Gills, and Reality Something are going to be crushing it at the Basement East. This bill is going to crush your ear drums and blast you with some sweet sweet rock n roll, with many a chance for a good time. Show at 8. $12 DOS.
Jamie Lidell w/Curtis Harding and DeRobert & the Half Truths at The Basement East, 9/16
Two straight nights of solid shows at The Basement East is nothing new, but this week sees two unrelated shows really laying it down thick (in a good way). Where Thursday night’s set is a little more rock n roll, Friday night’s is all about soul. Cool crooner Jamie Lidell is bringing the rock to soul transition, but Curtis Harding and DeRobert are all soul, all day long. Show at 8:30. $3 DOS (with RSVP).
Guitar Wolf w/Hans Condor and Step Sisters at Exit/In, 9/16
Ever heard of Guitar Wolf? No? Well here’s the low down – they’re the greatest garage rock band to come out of Nagasaki, Japan. Compound that with the fact that local shredders Hans Condor are on the bill, and that’s all the reason you need to show up (at least in my book). Show at 9. $15 DOS.
Brian Wilson at Ryman Auditorium, 9/16 & 9/17
Both of these shows are sold out, so if you haven’t gotten a ticket, my apologies for making you relive your shame. That being said, this is bound to be one of the more melancholic/nostalgic Ryman shows of the year, as this tour will likely serve as Wilson’s farewell tour from public life. SOLD OUT.
Pete Yorn at Exit/In, 9/17
If you didn’t get a ticket to Brian Wilson at the Mother Church but you still want to see a long time troubadour of the road perform, then take a chance on Pete Yorn. He’s been operating between the margins of the small and big time for nearly 20 years now, but that doesn’t carry any weight in terms of seeing his live show, which is exceptional. Show at 8. $30 DOS.
Lockeland Springsteen 