Metro editors' picks:  Feist Nicholas Payton Quintet Classical Moves Scissors for Lefty El Dia de San Juan Festival
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Wed. Jun. 20, 8pm
San Jose Skate
397 Blossom Hill Rd., San Jose
408.226.1155
$8
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STILL A BFD:
In case you missed BFD this year, one of the surprise highlights of the alt-rock festival turned out to be San Francisco's own indie-rock quintet Scissors for Lefty. The band seemed to defy the apparently somber attitudes of many of the younger artists and actually appeared to--dare I say it--have fun, and the positivity worked wonders. Recently scoring a big-time record deal with U.K.-based label Rough Trade, Scissors for Lefty is seeing signs of hope in terms of commercial success, achieving radio play on local radio station Live 105, as well as amassing a rapidly growing fan base. Upbeat pop rhythms are both edgy and playful, while melodies reminiscent of European dance rock mix well with driving guitar riffs associated with bands like the Strokes and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. The Holdup, Pericardium, Stereo Chromatic, Forever Temporary and Days Into Years also perform at this all ages show. (Garrett Wheeler)
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Wed. Jun 20, 9pm
VooDoo Lounge
14 S. Second St., San Jose
408.286.VODO
Usual cover
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Primal Jaimal
VOODOO PASSION:
Downtown San Jose might not be the same after Primal Jaimal's slamming drums, wailing guitars and raspy vocals rock the VooDoo Lounge. Led by Jaimal Lovitt on guitar and vocals, this Santa Cruz band delivers an intense live show. Jaimal is known for passionate, first person lyrics that he often yells. Putting in a few extra stretches before the show might not be a bad choice, because standing still or sitting is not recommended. Dimidium, Ideal Machine and Arcane University join Primal Jaimal in the lineup.
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Thu. Jun. 21, 5:30pm
St. James Park
First & St. James Streets, San Jose
Free
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Sugar Minott
SWEET SOUNDS OF SUMMER:
Come soak up the irie vibes as the Metro Music in the Other Park series continues with roots reggae icon Sugar Minott. The Jamaican-born reggae star is considered to be one of the greatest contributors to the dancehall genre, and few would deny the irresistible nature of the vocalist's pop-inclined melodies. After dabbling as a sound engineer and DJ in Kingston's burgeoning reggae scene in the late '60s, Minott finally decided to take up the mic, joining the African Brothers roots trio alongside Tony Tuff and Derrick Howard. By 1974, the group had caught the attention of the major reggae label Studio One, but the success was short lived as the band parted ways following the release of their first single, "No Cup Broke." However, Minott's talents were clearly remarkable, as his unique vocal style and songwriting prowess prodded the label to keep Minott as a solo act and release his first hit single, "Vain." The song became a smash on the Jamaican club circuit, and Minott's revolutionary dub-style dancehall sound would soon be immortalized. Catch the mastermind of pop-reggae for free Thursday at St. James Park.
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Thu. Jun. 21, 8pm
Rio Theatre
1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz
831.423.8209
$20
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Sierra Leone Refugee All-Stars
LIVE LIKE A REFUGEE:
Throughout the history of pop and rock music, there have been many Westerners who aggressively flirted with the words and sentiments of revolution, donned in pop-couture guerrilla-fighter outfits and spouting ill-informed agitprop. Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars have little place for that sort of faux-insurgency posturing--they're just grateful to find a little peace. Despite all that the Refugees have endured, and the continued struggles of the people of Sierra Leone, the music of the Refugee All Stars looks forward, not backward, in sheer exultation. There is cause to celebrate--after all, and despite the hardships, "there is peace."
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Thu. Jun. 21, 8pm
Britannia Arms: Cupertino
1087 De Anza Blvd, Cupertino
408.252.7262
Usual cover
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Kinetic Chain
EVOLUTION OF ROCK:
There's no such thing as too much of a good thing when it comes to the rockin' and rough poppy punk of Kinetic Chain. Opening the show will be at least two screamo-emo-hardcore bands, Living for the End and Switch Syndrome. This is where normally they get dissed for being floppy-haired rockers, but they're actually pretty good. These bands have evolved past hardcore, so that now the singers can actually sing intelligibly. The Thursday night blend of bands will probably draw a mixed crowd of those interested in good alternative rock and those who just want to get the weekend started early.
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Fri. Jun. 22, 9pm
The Blank Club
44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose
408.292.5265
$8
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The Mumlers
SOFT CELL:
Think local indie-rock is dead? Well think again, because San Jo's very own sentimental soft-rockers, The Mumlers, are turning heads and ears with their unique style of indie-folk music. Deploying an eclectic barrage of non-trad instruments, which include the French horn, cello, glockenspiel, euphonium and Wulitzer organ, The Mumlers' sound is at times outlandish, yet surprisingly accessible and largely pop-oriented. Clever lyrics and folk-inspired melodies collide with iconoclastic instrumentation to create a feel that is as appealing as any Modest Mouse tune, and front man William Sprott's sprawling vocals are pleasantly weary in the fashion of a young Tom Waits. With a rising fan base and a fresh approach to the folk tradition, The Mumlers are more than worthy to fulfill your Friday night entertainment pursuits. Also appearing at the Blank Club tonight is electro-pop outfit Settler.
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Fri. Jun. 22, 7:30pm
Mountain Winery
14831 Pierce Rd., Saratoga
408.998.TIXS
$40-$55
BUY TICKETS
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Jonny Lang
BLUES PRODIGY:
Look what happens when a 12-year-old sax player starts going to live shows. After seeing Bad Medicine perform, Lang asked for a guitar for his next birthday. With a few months of lessons from Bad Medicine's guitarist Ted Larsen, lil Jonny was already fronting Larsen's band with his name--Kid Jonny Lang and the Big Band--and his blistering guitar chops. A couple years later, 16-year-old Lang blew minds with his debut solo album, Lie to Me. At the ripe old age of 26, Lang's already big stuff, headlining blues festivals around the country and playing with acts like B.B. King, the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith and Blues Traveler.
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Fri. Jun. 22, 8pm
Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
307 Church St., Santa Cruz
831.420.5240
$37.50-$42.50
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Australian Pink Floyd Show
PROG FROM DOWN UNDER:
Time machines exist! Maybe not literally, but the Australian Pink Floyd Show has been trying for years to trick former (or still practicing) hippies into thinking otherwise. The tribute band recreates Pink Floyd performances of old, right down to the light show and format of the concerts. They typically play an hour of music, break for 20 minutes, play for another hour, and often wrap up with an encore featuring "Comfortably Numb" and "Run Like Hell." So if you're looking for a few hours to forget about today's problems and enjoy some old-school tunes, this throwback show is the one for you.
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Fri. Jun. 22, 9pm
Johnny V's
31 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose
408.947.8470
Usual cover
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Kenny Thomas & The Southern Baptists
SOUTHERN CHARM:
Kenny Thomas and the Southern Baptists want to smack everyone upside the head with angry acoustic alternative rock. Whatever their intentions, the unsigned San Jose band delivers music you might feel more at home listening to in a rocking chair on your front porch while batting mosquitoes away. Kenny Thomas and the Southern Baptists claim to sound like a Neil Young and Elvis Costello hybrid of sorts, but Melia and the Nothing probably wouldn't be the openers at an Elvis Costello show. At Johnny V's you can enjoy a few drinks and leave your bug repellant at home.
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Fri. Jun 22, 9pm
Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge
99 E. San Fernando St., San Jose
408.998.9998
Usual Cover
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Blend @ Fahrenheit
BLENDED, NOT STIRRED:
Get the best of every world with great food, music and vibes at Blend. Plus, if you come early for dinner, you bypass the cover charge at the door which means even more money for drinks in the club. Jaime Gonzalez and DJ As-Is will be on the turntables all night playing a variety of music for dancing. The only thing better than a blended margarita on a summer night is Blend, one of the hippest ultra lounges downtown.
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Sat. Jun. 23, 9pm
The Blank Club
44 S. Almaden Ave., Jose
408.292.5265
$8-$10
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Jimmy's Rubber Groove Birthday Bash
THE GREATEST BAND IN THE WORLD (TRIBUTE):
For those of us guilty tribute band lovers who are always down for the next best thing, Generation Swine, the Bay Area's premier Motley Crue tribute (yes, there is more than one), comes to The Blank Club. These guys sound and look so much like the Crue you'll find yourself banging your head like it was 1985. Replica costumes seem to come right out of the Crue's backstage dressing room and stage show impersonations are freakishly accurate. You'll think you've died and gone to Motley Crue heaven as Nikki Sixx, Tommy Lee and the rest of those sleaziest of rockers appear before your drunken eyes. Re-live the era of excess this Saturday night at the annual Jimmy's Rubber Groove Birthday bash. Also rocking The Blank this evening are Left of Christ, Seize the Night and Los Bastardos de Amor.
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Sat. Jun. 23, 8pm
Dinkelspeil Auditorium
Stanford University
650.736.0324
$18-$36
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WHILE IT COMES as no surprise that the son of a legendary bass player and classical pianist would develop into a musical virtuoso in his own right, it may come as a shock that Nicholas Payton was already spouting tunes on the trumpet at the tender age of 4. While most kids were playing with Legos and learning the alphabet, Payton was impressing adults with his crystal clear tone and complex melodies. By the time he was 9, the New Orleans-born trumpeter was playing horn in the Young Tuxedo Brass Band, but his biggest break came when he was 12, adding yet another page to the book of jazz lore. While his father spoke to trumpet icon Wynton Marsalis on the phone, young Payton figured it was a perfect opportunity to show off his skills, playing his horn for the jazz great. Marsalis was amazed, and would become a key advocate for Payton in the future as the young musician sought out a career of his own. After studying with the elder Marsalis, Elis, Payton began touring Europe with the Jazz Futures II, receiving praise every step of the way and leaving a multitude of devout fans in his wake. With a Grammy award under his belt, and the musical brilliance of a true master of the jazz tradition, the Louisiana kid explores the past and present in a way only a genius could. Come witness a leading student of America's true form of musical expression, tonight at the Stanford Jazz Festival. (Garrett Wheeler)
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Sat. Jun. 23, 9pm
Vault Ultra Lounge
81 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose
408.298.1112
Usual Cover
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Donald Glaude
PURE ENERGY:
From mixing tapes with a Radio Shack mixer in his hometown of Tacoma, Washington, to being considered one of the artists who helped define West Coast House music, you could say Donald Glaude has rightfully earned his status of a world famous DJ. Mixing on an impressive four turntables for 15 years has gained Glaude gigs at venues such as the legendary Underground in Seattle, Washington, and L.A.'s Moonshine. As Glaude hits San Jose's Vault Ultra Lounge on Saturday, he is bound to get the crowd pumped with his eccentric personality and high-energy beats.
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Sat. Jun. 23, 9pm
Vivid Nightclub
8 S. First St., San Jose
408.279.4444
Usual Cover
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Tropical Paradise
TWO TICKETS TO PARADISE:
If you're feeling a tropical vibe this Saturday, Vivid is hosting the fifth annual Paradise. P-One and Devious Dave are dropping hot hip-hop, mash-ups and club hits all night on a massive 20,000-foot dance floor. Vivid has an ultra sexy atmosphere with cabana-style booths and celebrities making an occasional visit. Tropical theme clothes are preferred for this event, but the actual dress code is strictly grown and sexy. Paradise is definitely for the beautiful people who like to dance and have a good time. And for ballers on a budget there is a guest list for arrival before 11pm, so show up early.
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Sat. Jun. 23, 9pm
Roe Restaurant/ Prive Bar & Lounge
651 Howard St., San Francisco
530.416.1768
$15
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Rockstar
PARTY LIKE A ROCKSTAR:
Yes, you too can party like a Rockstar at Roe Restaurant and Prive Bar's gigantic club event "Rockstar," filmed by Playboy Playmate and model Sondra Barker from E! Network's Wild On. With three floors of DJs, including DJ Homicide of Sugar Ray and DJ Cobra from Hollywood, there will be more than enough room to shake what yo' mamma gave ya. RSVP early and get a discounted admission and check out the VIP basement to indulge your inner celebrity. Party with beautiful people and show everyone that you know how to drop it like it's hot.
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Sun. Jun. 24, 9pm
The Attic
931 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz
831.460.1800
$30-$35
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Pegi Young
CINNAMON GIRL:
Neil Young's wife, Pegi, wrote poetry and crafted songs in high school, but the responsibilities of life pushed all that aside. She nurtured a family while building the Bridge School for children who require extra support. She has also been Neil Young's wife for 30 years, and toured the world as a back-up singer. Members of Neil's band recorded with Pegi and reserved a spot for him in the studio, but even though his signature guitar work (plus a bit of sitar and harmonica) grace Pegi's debut album, it's built around her voice, comprised of her songs. The album is equally sad and celebratory, the very quality loved about her husband's music. And to think, all those years she was living just a few feet from an exceptional recording studio. Better late than never.
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Sun. Jun. 24, 11am
Shoreline Amphitheatre
1 Amphitheater Pkwy., Mountain View
408.998.TIXS
$20Ð$30
BUY TICKETS
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VIVA PUERTO RICO:
"Yeaaaah baby, I like it like that!" roars the voice of Tito Nieves on his 1997 dancehall megahit. One of the reigning kings of salsa, Nieves headlines El Dia De San Juan Festival this Sunday at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View. Started in 1978 by the Western Region Puerto Rican Council, the event moves to the Shoreline this year to celebrate everything Puerto Rican. With food, music, dance and other cultural activities, the aim of the event, which honors St. John, the patron Saint of Puerto Rico, is to raise funds for its scholarship fund. Also performing are Primi Cruz, Julito Alvarado, Josue y La Gran Orquesta, the Latin Rhythm Boys and the Cacique y Kongo Bomba Dance Ensemble. (Jesse "Chuy" Varela)
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Sun. Jun. 24, 10pm
Supperclub: San Francisco
657 Harrison St., San Francisco
415.348.0900
Usual cover
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Detention: Official Gay Pride Afterparty
FRENETIC DJ:
Growing up a multicultural Hawaii club scene and becoming known as a star club kid during the late '80s, Keoki has become a world famous DJ since moving to the mainland. With Keoki taking the main turntables, the Supper Club's Detention event is going to be out of this world. To top it off, as an exclusive SF Pride Afterparty, DJ Ricardo and St. John join in on the fun to keep the dancing going all night long. Sexy go-go dancers and giveaways make Detention the ultimate afterparty. And after a day of being so bad, you deserve it.
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Mon. Jun. 25, 9pm
Toon's
52 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose
408.292.7464
Usual Cover
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Gamut Entertainment Dance Party
MANIC MONDAY:
Wondering what to do on a Monday night now that it's summer? Toons has come to the rescue with a Gamut Entertainment Dance Party. Find out what the club is all about, or don't forget about the balloon-filled venue on a night when you'd usually have to worry about work or school the next day. The dance party will have live DJs spinning hip-hop, top 40 and dance favorites. Wear your dancin' shoes because you never know who you might have to challenge to a dance off.
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Mon. Jun. 25, 9pm
The Blank Club
44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose
408.292.5265
No Cover
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Union Jack Off Karaoke
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN:
Even during summer, San Jose has some slow Mondays, but the good news is it gives everyone a chance to re-discover those old standbys. The Blank Club is there for your drinking needs (do these guys ever close?), even on Monday night, with the weekly Union Jack Off Karaoke, which brings Brit-pop, New Wave, glam and punk-rock to life. Forget trying to sing "I Will Survive"--because you won't with that song--and head in for cheap Pabst, no cover and questionable warbling from local drunkards.
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Tue. Jun. 26, 9pm
Johnny V's
31 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose
408.947.8470
$8
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Cold Hot Crash
SCENE CRASHERS:
SCENE CRASHERS: San Francisco natives Cold Hot Crash play alternative rock with pop underpinnings that make them sweeter than candy. The group continues to cut its teeth in local venues in Northern California, reaching fans all around our fair Bay. Joining Cold Hot Crash as openers that look barely old enough to drive, Innocence Again brings a fierce brand of rock. Poor Bailey and If Nobody Knew also perform. Johnny V's is packing them in as usual, and really, what else do you have to do on a Tuesday night?
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Tue. Jul. 3, 3pm
Discovery Meadow
Woz Way at West San Carlos St., San Jose
408.539.2188
$10.49
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Day on the Meadow
GOOD DAY:
Start your Fourth of July celebration early at the fourth annual Day on the Meadow, featuring Fountains of Wayne and They Might be Giants. Also appearing on the main stage are DJ Scotty Boy, Madina Lake and local favorites Kung Fu Vampire. A second stage will showcase even more local San Jose bands and artists. Rock out and enjoy awesome food while supporting EHC LifeBuilders programs for homeless youth.
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Thu. Jun. 21-Mon. Jun. 25
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THE EL CAMINO YOUTH SYMPHONY In keeping with the summertime travel itch, a number of local musical ensembles are preparing for their summer tours by offering farewell concerts for their local audiences. The El Camino Youth Symphony's Bon Voyage concerts provide a chance to hear the group before it heads to the Baltics and Russia, the homeland of El Camino's director, Camilla Kolchinsky. For this program, the symphony is joined by guest soloist Chloe Pang, who will display her talent on Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. Also scheduled are Barber's Overture to School for Scandal and Dvorák's Symphony no. 9 (a.k.a. From the New World). Saturday-Sunday at 7:30pm; Spangenberg Theatre, Gunn High School,
780 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto; $5/$10; 650.213.7111.
SCHOLA CANTORUM Unwilling to take any time off, Schola Cantorum presents a two-month series titled Schola Summer Sings. This week's installment features the large chorus in Poulenc's Gloria and Brahms' Liebeslieder, conducted by Eduardo Mendelievch, late of Creative Voices in San Francisco. Monday at 7:30pm; United Methodist Church, 625 Magdalena Ave., Los Altos; $15; see www.scholacantorum.org for details.
DE ANZA COLLEGE ORCHESTRA For its spring show, the orchestra goes to
the heart of the classical repertoire with Bach's Brandenburg Concerto no. 2
and Orchestral Suite no. 3, Mozart's Horn Concerto no. 1 and Monteverdi's Sinfonie e Ritornelli. Music director Loren Tayerle will do double duty as the lead horn on the Mozart. Thursday at 8pm; Choral Hall, De Anza College, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino; $5/$7; see www.deanza.edu for details. (Michael S. Gant)
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Wed. Jun. 27, 9pm
The Blank Club
44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose
408.292.5265
$8
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U.S. Air Guitar Championships
MULLET AND AXE MASTERS:
So, we were totally okay with Guitar Hero 1 & 2 being smash hits for video game consoles; seriously who cares that a bunch of wannabe rocker dweebs and glass-eyed stoners are doing Eddie Van Halen impersonations in their parents' basement all in the name of living out long-dead fantasies? But creating an entire US tour showcasing mullet-haired masters of the air axe is akin to giving your unconditional blessing of marital consent to your little brother and his virtual girlfriend...But it's happened and now we're just waiting for the new Fox reality show.
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--Capsules that were taken from the Metroactive Club Newsletter were written by: RO, AL, GW, NF, DB, SL, MC, PD & GS
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