As surprising as it may sound, there is music other than Warped taking place this weekend. Here are the highlights.
FRIDAY, JULY 23
[pictured right] w/The Beauvilles/Clock Hands Strangle/Wilbur From the swaying alt rock melodies of “Desert Woman” to the synth-shaking disco funk of ““Don’t Mess With A Texan,” Big Emotion finds Lakeland ensemble Mouse Fire re-imagining their sound as a threesome with guitarist Shane Schuch taking over frontman duties after the departure of singer Joey Bruce. Their second album tastefully blends crunchy riffage and prog-style soloing, made-for-hip-shakin’ bass grooves, whizzing and whirling synths, tight upbeat tempos, and tender pop-saccharine vocal harmonies. The band concludes their national tour with this home turf CD release show. 8 p.m., Crowbar, Ybor City, $8 (includes one free PBR while supplies last).
Dirty D's Zombie Riot w/The Hamiltones/Sons of the Working Class/Dead Cat Lounge/Boney Fiend/The Dead Popes A horror-themed evening of rockabilly headed up by newish local trio The Hamiltones, who describes their sound as “electrocution boogie, voodoo swing, monster be-bop, lost-country-twang-a-billy-punk-a-woogie.” Costumes are encouraged. 9 p.m., Pegasus Lounge, Tampa, free admission.
Stan Hunter and his Jazz Trio The next concert staged as part of the Palladium’s B3 summer spectacular series features Hammond master Stan Hunter with guitarist LaRue Nicholson and drummer Walt Hubbard. 8 p.m., Palladium Theater, St. Petersburg, $18-$20.
George Porter Jr. [pictured left] w/Wordlwide Zoo An active New Orleans music scene staple since he formed The Meters with Art Neville in the mid-1960’s, bassist and singer George Porter, Jr. has played in numerous funkified rock projects over the years in the midst of that group disbanding and reforming a dozen years later as The Funky Meters. He’s also a much-called-upon session artist; he’s recorded with Paul McCartney, Tori Amos, Patti Labelle, David Byrne and Warren Haynes, among many others. This tour he’s backed by a scaled-down line-up of his Runnin’ Pardners Band. 8 p.m., Skipper's Smokehouse, Tampa, $15.
This article appears in Jul 22-28, 2010.