When The Lights Go Down In The City
SFist is thankful that San Francisco has the greatest live music venues in the country, despite the bad news SFist Isaac gave us about the closure of seminal Lower Haight club The Top. If you're looking for an excuse to get away from visiting relatives, or a fantastic place to take them for some entertainment, read on for our suggestions.
Tonight you can get your punk rock served up stadium-style with hometown boys Green Day at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. We don't know what it is about Billie Joe Armstrong and eyeliner, but we like it. That, plus the fact that their latest release American Idiot is the first Green Day album we don't feel too old and crotchety to listen to.
Nothing aids your holiday digestion better than some Hawaiian tunes. Head to the Odeon Bar on Thursday night for the Wink 'n' Yoni Show featuring Nice Pants. Wink 'n' Yoni specialize in Don Ho classics and "island versions" of your favorite Nirvana and Pixies songs. Openers Nice Pants are a violin and ukelele duo, which sounds like an interesting combo to us.
After you've slept off the effects of your stuffed turkey/green bean casserole/holiday pie binge, get yourself out of the house on Friday night to see A.C. Newman at Slim's. A.C., also known as Carl, was a member of The New Pornographers and Zumpano before releasing his excellent solo album The Slow Wonder on Matador. Click here to download 2 songs off the album, then be a responsible consumer and buy the album. Other options for Friday night include the Avengers and Von Iva at Cafe du Nord, the raw garage sounds of Groovie Ghoulies at Bottom of the Hill, and an early show by Drag City recording artist (smog) in the Hemlock Tavern's tiny back room. Members of Hemlock's email list know that tickets went on sale yesterday; try to buy them at the venue if they're not already sold out. If you're in the mood for some bass-rumbling, crowd-pleasing hip-hop, head down to The Independent to see local hero Lyrics Born, whose song "Callin' Out" was #1 on Live 105 for over a month this fall. Also performing is the lovely and talented Joyo Velarde, a classically trained opera singer turned R&B goddess.
Starting on Saturday, Bimbo's offers up indie rock all weekend long with two shows by The Album Leaf and Pinback, touring in support of their latest album Summer in Abaddon. You also have your choice of dates to see local icon Michael Franti & Spearhead, either Friday or Saturday at Fillmore. If you're in the mood for some good-time reggae music, catch Eek-A-Mouse at Slim's on Saturday night.
Musicians from the Nordic countries take over the city on Tuesday night. Get down to the Warfield for a headlining set by Finland's goth rock phenomenon H.I.M. Some fans love H.I.M. for their music, other fans just love how frontman Valo is so very easy on the eyes. Don't miss the opening sets by rock veterans Monster Magnet and Auf Der Maur. SFist Alex recommends Sondre Lerche at Slim's: "If you haven't already seen Sondre, don't miss this chance to rock out to the best thing to come out of Sweden since their tasty meatballs. If you have already seen him, well, you know."
Fiery-haired siren Neko Case graces our fair city next Wednesday and Thursday at Bimbo's. We've already recommended her latest solo release The Tigers Have Spoken. Now's your chance to hear it live.