The Phenomenauts

Santa Cruz Blues Festival

Kristy Krüger

Harry Connick Jr.

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Sat. May 26, 9pm The Blank Club 44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose 408.292.5265 $8 The Phenomenauts, Sik Luv, Jonny Manak & The Depressives ROCKET ROLL: Like a bat out of hell, the Phenomenauts fly into San Jose from Oakland to tear apart the Blank Club. The band melds together pop punk, rockabilly and New Wave with rock into a style they lovingly call "Rocket Roll," which may or may not have something to do with the rolls of toilet paper they send streaming (via the "Streamerator 2000") out into the audience at their shows. The Phenomenauts could pack the club by themselves, but Sik Luv will also be contributing psychobilly-charged rock to the night that may or may not quickly turn into drunken debauchery. Jonny Manak and the Depressives are joining the bill as openers with their raucous punk rock. It's going to be balls-to-the-wall rock from three of the best Bay Area rock bands. (Alanna Lee)

Wed. May 23, 9pm VooDoo Lounge 14 S. Second St., San Jose 408.286.8636 $5

Peaceable Jones, Vile Conundrum & others NO DAMN DJs: Hailing from not-so-distant Modesto, Peaceable Jones sticks to a fail-safe recipe of garage rock rolled up with punk and lit up with classic rock. The band plays the VooDoo Lounge with Vile Conundrum, 6 Days to Nowhere and Suffer Tree. Suffer Tree brings loud metal-tinged rock to the table, as does 6 Days to Nowhere. Forget about hip-hop and club nights at VooDoo, this show is going to blow the doors off with fast-paced metal and rock.

Wed. May 23, 8pm San Jose Center for the Performing Arts 255 Almaden Ave., San Jose 408.998.TIXS $50 - $70

John Legend LIVING UP TO IT: What's in a name? For contemporary R&B icon John Legend, the answer is, well, everything. There's no question that the child prodigy turned five-time Grammy winner lives up to his superstar surname--just ask Kanye West and Snoop Dogg. Both rappers appeared on Legend's debut album, 2005's Get Lifted, which promptly rose to No. 5 on the Billboard charts. And don't think the album's success was a fluke. Born John Stephens, Legend was impressing his church congregation by the time he was 5, playing piano and singing gospel. Kinda makes you wonder if you wasted too much time playing with your sister's Barbies, huh? By the time he was a teenager, Legend emerged as a sought-after studio musician, collaborating with big-name artists Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, Twista, Janet Jackson and Kanye West. Now touring to support his latest album, Once Again, the 29-year-old showcases the lush vocals and dazzling keyboard skills that have turned him into a true R&B legend.

Wed. May 23, 8pm Ruby Skye 420 Mason St., San Francisco 415.693.0777 $20

Fishbone & the Expendables BONIN' IN THE BONEYARD: Frenetic and heavy alt-ska rockers Fishbone are set to attack Ruby Skye tonight for a show that's sure to send the usual frou-frouer-than-thou masses at the venerable San Francisco club reeling. They're setting up with Santa Cruz favorites the Expendables, who kick out a tight Nor-Cal blend of rock and reggae with healthy doses of metal and punk fury. The Expendables rip like the swells in their hometown , with heavy beats and blazing guitars, always leave you wanting more.

Wed. May 23, 9pm Smoke Tiki Lounge 152 Post St., San Jose 408.292.4266 No Cover

Whiskey Avengers ISLAND VIBE: The Whiskey Avengers take over Downtown's island bar paradise, Smoke Tiki Lounge, to kick the summer into high gear. Hailing from all parts of the Bay and comprised of veterans of other bands, the Whiskey Avengers blend the old-school island stylings of roots reggae and Jamaican ska with a positive attitude that simply rocks. The lovable combination of punk and reggae will definitely give your soul a little mid-week revival if you roll on in ... trust us. A little booze and some uplifting, riotous tunes from these local hip-hop and ska punkers and you'll feel good as new.

Thu. May 24, 7pm Good Karma 37 S. First St, San Jose 408.294.2694 Free

Kristy Krüger Even if she weren't a gifted alt-country singer/songwriter, Kristy Krüger 's current tour would still be impossible to ignore. She calls it "a 50-state memorial tour in remembrance of her brother, Lt. Col. Eric Krüger." He was killed in by an IED in Baghdad the day after he got there, so his sister Kristy has made it her mission to visit every state of the country for which her brother was killed. But despite the heavy premise of her tour, Krüger 's music is rich with all kinds of emotion--including heartbreak--and is tastefully sophisticated in both arrangements and lyrical phrasing. The slow, alternating bass on "Little Pollyanna" swaggers drunkenly into Krüger crooning, "No I don't care if it shows anymore / Don't really know what I should smile for / Too late for me, I've made up my mind / And I don't wanna see no sunshine." It's a striking little anvil of a song from her drearily titled latest release, Songs From a Deadman's Couch, which locates the young singer somewhere between Jenny Lewis and Cat Power on the indie Americana spectrum, a scientific instrument made out of glue and stardust that I keep at my desk. (Mike Connor)

Thu. May 24, 7pm The Catalyst 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831.423.1336 $25 buy tickets

Skinny Puppy MORE RABIES: After nearly three decades of work in the industrial music sector, Skinny Puppy is back and better than ever, continuing to expose the duplicitous nature of power on their latest release, Mythmaker. Since their inception in the outlands of Vancouver in '82, Skinny Puppy has pushed the proverbial envelope, always challenging the listener to re-explore the established conceptions of control. Utilizing more electronics than an uber-sale at Fry's, Skinny Puppy is to industrial music what oxygen is to naturally sustained life. Skinny Puppy hits the Catalyst tonight.

Thu. May 24, 7pm Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge 99 E. San Fernando St., San Jose 408.998.9998 $10

Young Single Professionals Party HIPSTER MIXER: Many professionals find it difficult to have a prosperous career and still have the time to go out and find someone to date. This Young Single Professionals Party makes it easy to find all the singles in their late 20s to early 40s. The $10 cover charge includes a mixer game that will make it even easier to meet all those fine single men and women. Complimentary appetizers will be available during the first hour and the cover includes admission to the dance party later that evening and the private lounge upstairs. Looks like this could be the perfect party to find a special someone to spend the long weekend with.

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Fri. May 25, 10pm Agenda 399 S. First St., San Jose 408.287.3991 $10 2 Live Crew NASTY AS THEY WANNA BE: 2 Live Crew was just another rap group from California that quickly relocated to Miami when one of its singles ("Revelation") hit big in Florida. While basking in the sun, they struck upon their modus operandi: an epic, Bambaataa-sized, 808 synth-bass drum pattern coupled with ribald rhymes and Mr. Mixx's super-fast (yet funky) laceration scratch. They were an unlikely hit in the underground with "Throw The 'D," "We Want Some Pussy" and "Move Something" before striking pay dirt with a tear-da-club-up anthem "Me So Horny." The chorus resonated from coast to coast, signaling a shift away from hip-hop's Bronx toward the South. "Me So Horny," which notoriously sampled a prostitute from Full Metal Jacket, cemented 2 Live's reputation as the kings of kink, with manager Luther Campbell fulfilling the Larry Flynt role. Today, the 2 Live Crew is whittled down to just one: Chris "Fresh Kid Ice" Wong Won.

Fri. May 25, 9pm The Catalyst 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831.423.1336 Usual Cover buy tickets

Jade of Days ALT-ROCK BATTLE: Enthralling audiences since 2004 with an intriguing meld of musical genres, Jade of Days brings their unique brand of alt-rock to the Catalyst tonight for the YMM Battle of the Bands finals. Splendid vocal tapestries woven by lead singer Dana Kelley drape the focused riffs of guitarist Paul Borges, while bassist Nelson Medeiros and drummer Junior Medeiros lay down a solid rhythmic foundation. Unpredictable melodies complement thoughtful lyrics to create asound that is imaginative and free. See for yourself--Jade of Days reaches a musical equilibrium mature enough to warrant breakthrough success and mainstream exposure.

Fri. May 25, 10pm The Caravan 98 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose 408.995.6220 No Cover

Rivals SONIC JUGGERNAUT: Rivals are the hard-hitting punkers from Gilroy who have been consistently breathing new life into the local music scene and theyeasily top the list of outfits to catch. This quartet rips out anarchist anthems loaded with so much sonic intensity that you'd swear the amps are gonna blow after one set. With the way the Rivals have been playing over the past year, it's not going to be much longer that you can get a free taste of their blazing brand of underground punk, so make sure to mark the calendar for this show at the 'Van.

Fri. May 25, 8:30pm The Independent 628 Divisidaro St., San Francisco 415.771.1421 $15

Louis XIV & Audrye Sessions INDIE ROYALTIES: Planning to release an album at the end of summer, Louis XIV is touring to get their name fresh in fans' minds. They're known for playing ragged indie rock with upbeat catchy guitar and sexual lyrics laced with double entendres. The raw sound of the San Diego foursome is undeniably loveable and completely obnoxious--fake British accents?--at the same time. I have it on good authority that they're actually pretty cool cats despite what their lyrics may indicate. Opening the show is Bay Area indie rockers Every Move a Picture and Audrye Sessions.

Fri. May 25, 8pm San Jose Center for the Performing Arts 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose 408.998.TIXS $36 - $75

Harry Connick Jr. THE NEW BLUE EYE: Hailed as the new Sinatra, Harry Connick Jr. got his first big break with the surprise success of his soundtrack for the queen of romantic comedies, When Harry Met Sally. After engraining himself into America's consciousness (unless you haven't had a date in the last 18 years) by crooning love songs for Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan's '89 blockbuster, Connick Jr. released two albums that did well--really well. The all-instrumental album Lofty's Roach Souffle impressed jazz critics, while the standards on We Are In Love appealed to the mainstream audience, earning the 22-year-old a Grammy and double-platinum status. With his career on the rise, Connick Jr. continued to dish out the hits while doing what any worldwide celebrity would do: become a movie star. Arriving in Hollywood, the young jazz singer found himself a starring role in 1995's Copycat as well as a brief appearance in 1996's mega-hit, Independence Day. Aside from the silver screen, Connick's adventurous side led him to delve into funk and big band music, all of which attained commercial success and critical acclaim. And in case you were starting to get jealous, take note of the fact that the man's a praiseworthy humanitarian, organizing and performing in a nationally televised benefit concert for victims of Hurricane Katrina. See the man who's spent more time at the top of the charts than the Rolling Stones (sorry Mick) tonight at the San Jose Center for Performing Arts. (Garrett Wheeler)

Fri. May 25, 9pm Johnny V's 31 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.947.8470 $5

Diamond Lane HAIR METAL: Some little boys take up instruments to become rock stars, but they very rarely appear on the music scene in full rock star form; Diamond Lane seems to have succeeded in bringing their childhood fantasies to life. The trio is all about glam hair metal--lead singer Brandon Baumann certainly has the hair to fit the part--with influences including Motley Crüe, Metallica and Pantera. With more energy than Richard Simmons on speed, Diamond Lane takes rock metal to the next level with plenty of head banging, shredding and perhaps some rock kicks if there's enough room at Johnny V's. Getting the crowd loose and ready tonight is local powerhouse Currency .357. To relive music of another era, head to Johnny V's.

Sat. May 26, 9pm The Vault Ultra Lounge 81 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.298.1112 Usual Cover guest list

Andy Caldwell JET SETTER: One of the hottest DJs in the house scene right now, Andy Caldwell returns to his Bay Area roots--he now lives in L.A.--to rock Vault Ultra Lounge with his eclectic dance music on Saturday night. When rave was exploding in San Francisco, Caldwell was there to ride the wave with some vinyl and turntables. Now he's a DJ, producer and songwriter traveling the world to clubs that are booking him months in advance. As usual, the Vault has bottle service and some of the best looking people in the South Bay.

Sat. May 26, 9pm C&J's Sports Bar 1550 Lafayette St., Santa Clara 408.423.9013 No Cover

NVS FACE OFF: It's become clear where all the free punk shows moved when San Jose venues started charging: Santa Clara's dive bars. C&J's Sports Bar takes on their dive bar duty of hosting local bands that still know how to rock out like real punks. NVS will give the crowd a taste of a little bit of everything from metal and pop to punk rock. Cerro Victoria plus Monster Pete and the Chiefs round out the bill with even more rock. It hasn't always been the case, but it seems that C&J's is the place to be lately for getting your face rocked off free of charge. Save that cover charge cash and bring it to C&J's for an extra drink and free music.

Sat. May 26, 8pm The Fillmore 1805 Geary, San Francisco 408.998.TIXS $38.50 buy tickets

Marianne Faithful WELL SEASONED: The ups and downs of leading roles and drug addictions are what many remember of Marianne Faithfull's four-decade-long acting and musical career. For others it was the English singer/actress' role in Sofia Coppola's 2006 version of Marie Antoinette. Whatever image comes to mind when thinking of Faithfull (besides chastity belts), let it be erased with the woman she has become musically. Instead of the sweet voice the singer had 20 years ago, she now utilizes her gravelly voice to emanate emotion and soul. Regardless of her image, the Fillmore will be an amazing venue at which to catch this performer, allowing the audience to capture one of the most seasoned artists to roll through San Francisco in ages.

Sat.-Sun. May 26-27, 10am Aptos Village Park 100 Aptos Creek Rd., Aptos 831.479.9814 $20 - $190

Santa Cruz Blues Festival ETTA'S BLUES: After Booking the likes of B.B. King, Ray Charles, Buddy Guy and Los Lobos in recent years, it seems as though the Santa Cruz Blues Festival raises the ante each year with increasingly impressive lineups, drawing world-class performers to the Santa Cruz area who may not have appeared in town in decades. This year's may be the most well-rounded yet, drawing together respected outfits such as Little Feat and Los Lonely Boys, and a handful of up-and-coming artists who are taking the blues into unexpected new territory. Headlining this year is the legendary Etta James. There are few jazz or soul performers of the past five decades with the marquee value or the cultural impact of the soul diva. Beginning with her '50s work with Johnny Otis and the Peaches, James has paved the groundwork for any number of soul archetypes--the sassy, brassy woman, the firebrand performer, the singular blues belter who hits the stage and lays it down just like it is. There are few performers that equal James' stature in American music, or who have lived--and emerged intact--from such a storied life or tumultuous career. (Paul Davis)

Sun. May 27, 8pm The Catalyst 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831.423.1336 $15 buy tickets

Good Riddance SO LONG, AND THANKS: This weekend, one of the hardest hitting and socially conscious local punk outfits, Good Riddance, is walking away from their career--one that helped return a political edge to punk rock. They're calling it quits, but this Santa Cruz foursome is not being forced out, nor is it just fading away. Catch the last show from these local politi-punks at their hometown digs at the Catalyst. We guarantee a punk rock show like you've never seen before. For more on Good Riddance, read the full article here.

Sun. May 27, 7:30pm HP Pavilion 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.998.TIXS $55-$95 buy tickets

Chayenne FROM CHICO TO MUCHACHO: Before there was Ricky Martin, there was Chayenne. Call him the original Latin heartthrob, if you will. Sexy as sin, with a voice smoother than silk, this Puerto Rican teen idol began his career at the tender age of 11 singing in Los Chicos, a Latin (you guessed it) boy band. The group's goal: rival the biggest act in Spanish pop, Menudo. Unfortunately for Chayenne, Los Chicos never came close to their mission of conquest, though they did manage to land a gig on a made-for-TV movie and release a handful of albums. Following the their breakup in 1984, the band's members went their separate ways, and Chayenne was able to launch himself into a formidable solo career. As the brown-haired bombshell grew from chico to muchacho, his vocal capabilities improved and his physique became more, umm, chiseled. In 1989, Chayenne produced a hit song to go along with his movie-star looks in the pop-ballad "Fiesta in America," which earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Pop Performance. Through the '90s, the handsome balladeer released a slew of hit records, cementing his status in the hearts of chicas y senoritas everywhere. Catch the Puerto Rican hottie at the HP Pavilion tonight.

Sun. May 27, 11am Union Point Bar 14201 W. Highway 4, Discovery Bay 209.948.4294 $10

Get Loose III BANDS AND BOATS: Kick your summer off right with a party as out-of-control as your freshman year spring break. Held in the breathtaking coastal region of Discovery Bay, Get Loose III is a music and action sports festival. Pro wake-boarders hit the water to showcase how much bigger their cojones are than yours, while local bands rock out live onstage. And don't forget the DJ dance party--it's going to be hotter than your girlfriend's new bikini. Show off your sleek new boat, or rent one and pretend it's yours, because this party is going to be straight-up poppin', Bay Area style.

Sun. May 27, 9pm VooDoo Lounge 14 S. Second St., San Jose 408.286.8636 Usual Cover

Hip-Hop Showcase SHOUT OUT: When I say hip, you say hop--get ready y'all, it's time for some lyrical madness tonight at the Voodoo Lounge. Everyone knows the Bay is home to some of the baddest hip-hop in the world, and some of that talent will be on display starting at 9pm. Watch local MCs E-sik and Harmonize bust rhymes all night, with DJs Audio Dru and Tarzan scratching and mixing beats. And if that's not enough, come ready to rock the stage because it's open mic all night. If you've got skill, lets see it yo! Get hyphy Bay Area style, tonight at the Voodoo Lounge.

Sun. May 27, 9pm Splash 65 Post St., San Jose 408.993.0861 $10

Therapy FREUDIAN SLICK: San Jose's premier gay nightclub Splash brings you Therapy, a Sunday night DJ dance party that will ease your mind better than any shrink ever could. DJs Ricky Preston, Harry Who and MJ Gamez spin house music downstairs while Mark Johns and Jeff Jagged knock '80s electrofunk in the lower half of the club. And if that's not enough, Mark Johns will trip you out with his visual show that's going to be pure psychedelia. Be sure to arrive early--this party is going to bring the crowds for sure!

Sun. May 27, 9pm Vivid 8 S. First St., San Jose 408.279.0444 Usual Cover

Mayhem CONTROLLED CHAOS: Karma magazine presents Mayhem, a summer kickoff party at Vivid. DJ Scene comes all the way from Vegas to spin hip-hop and dance hits--the guy's got his own show on XM radio, so he's gotta be pretty sick. Also mixing it up tonight is Vivid resident DJ Devious Dave. With $2 drink specials until 10pm, you'll have plenty of time to get your buzz on, so get ready to shake it up at a party that ought to be pure mayhem.

Mon. May 28, 7pm JJ's Blues 3439 Stevens Creek Blvd., Santa Clara 408.243.6441 No Cover

Dog House Riley, PRO Jam, Dennis Dove MEMORIAL BLUES: For a great way to finish off a wild Memorial Day weekend, head to JJ's Blues in Santa Clara, the only--and original--JJ's location. The doors open at 6pm and performances start around 7pm and 9pm. Local blues and rock band Dog House Riley is headlining on Monday night, and vocalist Peter Stanley--no relation to Paul--leads the guitar, harmonica and percussion group. Time to honor our vets with some good ol' American blues.

Mon. May 28, 9pm Quarter Note 1214 Apollo Way, Sunnyvale 408.732.2110 No Cover

Jam Session JAM ON IT: Take a load off and stop by the Quarter Note on Monday night to get a taste of what local musicians are jamming about. There's no telling what the mood will be for any given night, so just hope for the best or bring your own equipment and join in,but it might be better to get a feel for the crowd before hopping into the jam session. If worse comes to worst, there's still a pool table and a full bar to keep everyone entertained. It's no Memorial Day barbeque, but the Quarter Note still has plenty of cold beer.

Tue. May 29, 9pm VooDoo Lounge 14 S. Second St., San Jose 408.286.8636 Usual Cover

Kid Guch & Company w/ DJ Marc Stretch GET HYPHY: Get stupid, y'all--the Bay Area is back with San Jo's hip-hop posse, Kid Guch & Company. The Kid and the Guch will bust rhymes all night with their full instrumental band, as well as the Valley Joe's DJ Marc Stretch. Don't miss these lyrical masters as they showcase the latest innovations of the hyphy movement combined with roots-style hip-hop. Creative, innovative and always fresh, Kid Guch & Company represent the Bay Area rap scene to the fullest, and in the land of the sideshow, that's no small thing.

Tue. May 29, 9pm The Independent 628 Divisidaro St., San Francisco 415.771.1421 $12

Loney, Dear w/ Great Northern SWEDISH LULLABY: Swedish singer-songwriter talent Lonely, Dear is a must see for fans of acoustic folk rock in the vein of bands like Iron and Wine and Ben Gibbard. These mellow guitar strummers echo '60s Dylan, but lyrics that capture modern-day nuances dust off the timeless beauty of the folk tradition. Also appearing tonight at the Independent is Great Northern, an L.A.-based indie rock group with a sound so gentle it could put a baby to sleep. Soft and delicate, the southern-Cali foursome seems to revel in the slothful mood of a night-time lullaby. Sit back, relax, and let these soothing musicians caress your poor, oh-so-stressed-out soul.

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Tue. June 5, 7:30pm HP Pavilion 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.998.TIXS $49.50-$59.50 buy tickets

John Mayer w/ Ben Folds IT'S GOOD TO BE MAYER: With Jessica Simpson (again) out of the picture, the legions of young girls who inevitably flock to John Mayer's concerts can once again scream at the top of their lungs, their echoes bouncing off the walls like a torturous game of Pong, and flash their prepubescent boobies at Mayer from afar, rejoicing in the bluesy pop artist's onstage gyrations by fainting and causing extra (yet pleasurable) work for the HP Pavilion's security staff. Piano man Ben Folds opens and may shock a few with his version of Dr. Dre's "Bitches Ain't Shit."

Thu. June 7, 5:30pm Music in the Other Park St. James Park, First & St. James Sts., San Jose 408.279.1775 Free

Eek-a-Mouse LET THE SUMMER BEGIN: Eek-a-Mouse is a two-time performer at Music in the Park--in 2002 and 2004--so it's appropriate that he kicks off the outdoor concert series with laid-back reggae. In the early '80s, Eek-a-Mouse made a name for himself in his homeland of Jamaica. His style of reggae includes an element known as singjaying that amounts to a combination of deejaying and singing all rolled together. The Mouse still tours all over the world playing about 200 shows a year to faithful reggae lovers. Because Music in the Other Park is presented by Dos Equis beer, there will be plenty of the golden stuff flowing. Metro newspapers and J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines are also on the list of sponsors for this free event. Bring a blanket and a picnic basket and make a date out of it or just go and enjoy Downtown San Jose giving back.

----Capsules that were taken from the Metroactive Club Newsletter were written by: RO, AL, GW, MC, CT & PD

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