THURS 24
Chuck Brodsky A top-notch folk rocker from N.C. whose cheeky songwriting touches on life, culture and baseball, like his tune "Dock Ellis' No No," about the Pirates pitcher who threw a no-hitter after a night of tripping on acid. (Craftsmen House Gallery, St. Petersburg)
Norma Jean w/Stick To Your Guns/Impending Doom/Of Legends Georgia-based Christian metalcore outfit Norma Jean push the limits of heavy with mesmerizing melodies and aggressive ambition, their sound earning them comparisons to the likes of Pantera and Tool. (State Theatre, St. Petersburg) —Valerie Quintana
Superhumanoids w/The Pauses/Empire Cinema/Lions After Dark On their second EP, 2011's Parasite Paradise, LA foursome Superhumanoids serve up dynamic electro rock with dreamy retrofied garage pop overtones and a shiny New Wave glaze, the vocals trading between the silvery femme-sweetness of Sarah Chernoff (keys) and the tender male-huskiness of Cameron Parkins (programming, synths). (The Local 662, St. Petersburg)
Jazz Songbirds: Denise Moore, Whitney James, Sasha Tuck During this Women's History Month multimedia concert, three local jazz chanteuses pay tribute to their favorite female artists — Anita O'Day, Joni Mitchell, Carmen McRae, Nancy Wilson, Shirley Horn and Ella Fitzgerald. (Palladium Theater, St. Petersburg)
Paul Barrere & Fred Tackett Two Little Feat musicians — slide-savvy lead guitarist/singer Barrere, and guitarist, mandolin player and trumpeter Tackett — partner up for their latest tour as an acoustic duo. Expect performances of songs from the Little Feat catalogue along with select solo fare by both musicians. (Capitol Theatre, Clearwater)
Rachel Goodrich w/Sons of Hippies A singer-songwriter with a natural knack for charming the pants off her fans, Miami native-turned-LA dweller Rachel Goodrich is among my favorite purveyors of quirky, infectious folk pop. This year is turning out to be a great one for Goodrich, whose self-titled second LP was produced by Grammy-nominated Greg Wells (Katy Perry, Rufus Wainwright), released this February via her own Yellow Bear imprint to much critical praise, and has been used in TV spots ranging from MTV's My Life as Liz and HBO's Weeds to commercials by Crayola and Blackberry. The mistress of "shake-abilly" sings in a big, velvety-rich soprano and plays guitar along with a myriad of other instruments. Her bright and buoyant sound is infused with Vaudeville-inspired and Latino-flavored instrumental embellishments on kazoo, xylophone, ukulele, charango and percussion (hand-claps and whistling included), and she delivers pert ironic lyrics like "I fell in love with your face, honey, not with your heart" amidst the odd nonsensical ba-ba-ba's, na na na's and other cutesie vocal outbursts. A definite must-see. (Crowbar, Ybor City)
FRI 25
Starfucker / Casiokids w/BLORR/Easybreezy Two synth-pop groups repped by Polyvinyl Records team up for a U.S. tour. Portland-based Starfucker (Strfkr) dishes out moments of sticky bliss and electro-melancholy, the breathy-sighing vocals occasionally interspersed with samples of Alan Watts waxing intelligent on one topic or another; this tour supports their second full-length, Reptilians. Roving party band Casiokids hail from Norway and their New Wave Afro-beat sound is marked by analog keyboard melodies, out-there samples, lyrics sung their native language, and the unexpected aural textures of cello, melodica, cassette-recorder and congas. High-spirited live shows incorporate video projections and shadow puppetry. (Crowbar, Ybor City)
Modern Skirts w/Morningbell/The Pauses What started out as the solo bedroom recordings of Modern Skirts lead singer Jay Gulley became the framework for the band's 2011 self-released third LP, Gramahawk. The Athens, Ga. musicians deviated from their piano-driven sound into darker-tinged, lo-fi pop territory, the album marked by kooky vocal harmonies, fuzzed-out synthesizers and irreverent lyrics touching on DUIs, first date plans, "Jane Child" — an ode loosely dedicated to the 1980s one-hit wonder — and various other topics. Gainesville psyche-pop outfit Morningbell supports along with Orlando's electro-rock threesome, The Pauses. (New World Brewery, Ybor City)
The Avett Brothers Fronted by brothers Scott and Seth Avett (on banjo and guitar, respectively), and rounded out by bassist Bob Crawford, the 10-year-old acoustic North Carolina trio incorporates elements of Southern rock, roots pop, country and bluegrass into their emo-Americana folk rock sound. The Avetts have attracted a devoted following with their nakedly honest, emotionally resonant songwriting and have kept fans coming back for more with blazing punk rock-spirited performances. In 2009, the Avetts dropped their Rick Rubin-produced major label debut, I and Love and You; this tour supports their 2010 live release. (Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater)
Young the Giant w/Kitten/Yello Capello "My body tells me no, but I won't quit, 'cause I want more!" howls singer Sameer Gadhia jubilantly in the second track off Young the Giant's 2010 eponymous debut. Gadhia told Spinner in July that "My Body" reflects the quintet's mix of youthful energy and naive but optimistic determination. "It captures a sense of passion, urgency and excitement that we've felt throughout the writing and recording process over the past two years." Their anthemic rock is brightened up with summery melodic tendencies as inspired by their Newport Beach hometown. (Orpheum, Ybor City)
Peter Murphy His ominous baritone was the gothic touchstone of the Dark Wave post-punk movement during his tenure as the frontman of the Bauhaus, though aside from a brief reunion and lone release with the band in 2008, British musician Peter Murphy has been rolling solo since 1986, when he released his first full-length, Should the World Fail to Fall Apart. On this tour, he's promoting album No. 9, aptly titled Ninth. (State Theatre, St. Petersburg)
SAT 26
Sensory Overload 6 w/The Sunshine Factory/Lighthouse Music/Infinite Groove Orchestra CL's six installment of our multi-sensory multi-media arts event features live music provided by three diverse acts — the fuzzy, ethereal-pysche shoegaze of Alabama's Sunshine Factory; the dark experimental rock of St. Augustine outfit Lighthouse Music; and the funkadelic space jazz of local four-piece Infinite Groove Orchestra. (Children's Museum of Tampa, Tampa)
!!! [Chk Chk Chk] The NYC-based dance punk group led by singer Nic Offer released their first album in three years last August, the dark, pulsating bass groove-and-beat-driven Strange Weather, Isn't It? While I wasn't a big fan — it's a bit too one-note after the electric disco-funk thrill of 2007's Myth Takes — the band kills it live and will get you sweating less than two songs deep into their set. (Czar, Ybor City)
Chris Duarte Group w/Eric Culberson The Texas-based Stratocaster-slinging singer and songwriter produces hard-driving Southern blues rock infused with '70s-style funk 'n' jazz. He's currently on the road with his power in support of his 10th full-length release, 2010's Infinite Energy. (Skipper's Smokehouse, Tampa)
Big John Bates and the Voodoo Dollz w/Ben Prestage Vaudeville-themed blues entertainer Big John Bates and posse perform Southern roots ditties with a gothic twist. The carnival-esque live shows feature Bates and Brandy "Bones" Anderson on lead vocals and accompanied by a troupe of burlesque dancers who perform with switchblades and fire. (The Local 662, St. Petersburg) —VQ
Int'l Gasparilla Film Festival After Party w/The Scissormen After the screening of BIG SHOES: Walking and Talking the Blues — the new film by award-winning roots music documentarian Robert Mugge — featured subjects The Scissormen perform an after-party of their gritty Mississippi Delta and hill country blues. The Nashville two-piece is led by Ted Drozdowski, who's known for his mastery of slide guitar and his ability to use pretty much anything as a sliding tool — a Razor scooter, a flame thrower, boots, a pistol, a full plate of spaghetti, etc. Legendary producer Jim Dickinson called their music "acid blues for the 21st century." (New World Brewery, Ybor City)
Citizen Cope Acoustic The Tennessee-born, New York-based Clarence Greenwood performs his style of soulful folk-blues as Citizen Cope, his raspy mellow vocals offering up heartfelt lyrics against rhythmic guitar-driven songwriting. His latest album, The Rainwater LP, dropped last year. (Jannus Live, St. Petersburg) —VQ
SUN 27
Scythian w/Holy Ghost Tent Revival Voted "Best Band" by readers of the Washington City Paper — CL's DC-based sister publication — Scythian is world fusion four-piece that incorporates gypsy, bluegrass, Klezmer, Celtic punk and folk music into their sound. The classically-trained musicians who make up the band — Ukrainian brothers Alexander and Danylo Fedorkyka (the former on fiddle, mandolin and harmonica, the latter on rhythm guitar and accordion), bassist/fiddler Josef Crosby and percussionist/drummer Mike Ounallah — are putting the finishing touches on a new studio album, American Shanty, due this spring. (Skipper's Smokehouse, Tampa)
Of Mice & Men w/I Set My Friends on Fire/Sleeping With Sirens/The Amity Affliction After Austin Carlile was expelled from Attack Attack!, he formed Of Mice & Men with New Zealand bassist Jaxin Hall in mid-2009. Their 2010 self-titled debut on Rise Records showcases the band's screamo attitude, harsh in-your-face vocals and chaotic screams mixed with standout breakdowns and hardcore guitar-riffing hooks. (State Theatre, St. Petersburg) —VQ
Daedelus w/Tokimonsta/Shlomo Fresh off his set at Ultra Fest in Miami, natty-dressing Ninja Tune producer/instrumentalist Daedelus brings his electro-experimental IDM sounds to town along with a selection of guest vocalists from his new Bespoke LP. Fellow LA producer Tokimonsta supports with her psyche-worldtronic sounds. (Honey Pot, Ybor City)
MON 28
Morning Teleportation w/Nicos Gun/Sleepy Vikings The most recent signee to Glacial Pace Recordings — the label headed up by Modest Mouse's Isaac Brock — is Morning Teleportation, a Portland-based electro-psyche rock four-piece that just dropped their first album, Expanding Anyway, a few weeks back. Brock also personally produced the LP, which is vaguely MM reminiscent in its frenetic pacing but diverges into brighter sonic territory with guitar textures that jump from picked-plucked Afro-jangly melodies to pedal-effected riffage to full-blast wailing solos; analog synth and keyboard flourishes; and the darting, flash-fast lyrical delivery of vocalist Tiger Merritt. (New World Brewery, Ybor City)
TUES 29
Blues Benefit for Mike Delaney Bay area blues guitarist and saxman Mike Delaney has been playing around town since the 1970s, and has worked with Eddie Kirkland, Diamond Teeth Mary and Steve Arvey among others. Since 2006, Delaney has endured diabetic complications that led to five operations and the loss of six toes, most recently in February. This show featuring members from his two bands, The Backbreakers and the St. Pete Blues Allstars, raises funds to go toward his escalating medical and living costs. (Dave's Aqua Lounge, St. Petersburg)
ALSO THIS WEEK
Wormrot w/TOMBS Thurs., March 24, Transitions Art Gallery @ Skatepark of Tampa, Tampa
Grand Prix Rev-Up Party w/Alter Eagles: The Definitive Eagles Tribute / Crossroads: Eric Clapton Tribute Thurs., March 24, Jannus Live, St. Petersburg)
Lucas Silveira (The Cliks) w/Hunter Valentine/Sick of Sarah Thurs., March 24, Orpheum, Ybor City
Baker Bruce Band Fri., March 25, Gulfport Casino, Gulfport
Matt Stillwell Fri., March 25, The Round-Up, Tampa
DJ Neil Armstrong Fri., March 25, The Kennedy, Tampa
Hellbound Glory w/Blind Buddy Moody Fri., March 25, Dave's Aqua Lounge, St. Petersburg
Swamp Logic Fri., March 25, Dunedin Brewery, Dunedin
Vodkanauts w/Stolen Idols Fri., March 25, Skipper's Smokehouse, Tampa
Two Irish Troubadours Fri., March 25, Palladium Theater, St. Petersburg
Fayuca w/Groove Stain/Ovni Sound System/Resinated Fri., March 25, The Local 662, St. Petersburg
Pretty Lights Fri., March 25, House of Blues, Orlando
John Q Fri., March 25, Hideaway Cafe, St. Petersburg
COPE Fri., March 25-Sat., March 26, Ringside Cafe, St. Petersburg
Signals From Satellites / Marc Ganancias / Y Los Dos Pistoles Sat., March 26, Stoney's Lounge, Tampa
John Gold / World Stands Aside / Yellow Capello / A Play on Words Sat., March 26, Crowbar, Ybor City
Rock School Blowout Sat., March 26, Riverwalk, downtown Tampa
Engelbert Humperdinck Sat., March 26, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater
The Crystals Sat., March 26, PHCC Performing Arts Center, New Port Richey
Nelms/Chavers Band Sat., March 26, Dave's Aqua Lounge, St. Petersburg
Dervish Sat., March 26, Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, Tarpon Springs
Collie Buddz w/New Kingston/Los Rakas Sat., March 26, State Theatre, St. Petersburg
Peppino D'Agostino & Stef Burns Sun., March 27, Largo Cultural Center, Largo
Rick Ferris / Peace Trio Sun., March 27, Sweetwater Organic Community Farm, Tampa
Blind Buddy Moody w/Lee Pons Sun., March 27, Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe, Tampa
Baths w/BRAIDS/Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt/Gobble Gobble Mon., March 28 Will's Pub, Orlando
Smokehouse Rats Tue., March 29, Skipper's Smokehouse, Tampa
Sebadoh Tue., March 29, The Social, Orlando
UPCOMING
All Time Low w/Yellowcard/Hey Monday/The Summer Set April 1, House of Blues, Orlando
Janis Ian April 1, Capitol Theatre, Clearwater
House of Pain 20th Anniversary Tour w/Sozay/Big B/Slaine April 2, State Theatre, St. Petersburg
Surf City w/Alias Punch/Cassolette/The Equines April 2, Orpheum, Ybor City
98Rock Fest w/Stone Sour/3 Doors Down/Theory of a Dead Man/many others April 2, St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa
Funk Fest w/Charlie Wilson/Bobby Brown/KEM/Keith Sweat/MC Hammer/many others April 2-3, Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg
Further feat. Bob Weir & Phil Lesh April 5, UCF Arena, Orlando
Lil Wayne w/Nicki Minaj/Rick Ross/Travis Barker/Mix Master Mike April 6, Amway Center, Orlando
Tornado Rider April 6, Market on 7th, Ybor City
moe. April 7, The Ritz Ybor, Ybor City
Pato Banton & The Now Generation w/Rasta Rafiki April 8, Skipper's Smokehouse, Tampa
Tampa Bay Blues Festival w/The Robert Cray Band/Jonny Lang/Tab Benoit & the Voice of the Wetlands Allstars/Irma Thomas/Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue/many others April 8-10, Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg
This article appears in Mar 24-30, 2011.