Birthday blowout
WMNF's 29th Birthday Bash finds the community radio station taking chances with a lineup largely consisting of young acts that listeners might not recognize. As in the past, the roster —14 bands spread across three stages at the Cuban Club — includes national and local artists repping a variety of styles. Headliner Toubab Krewe is an instrumental act based in Asheville, N.C. Popular on the jam circuit, the quintet augments its roots rock with West African flourishes like kora (21-string harp-lute), kamelengoni (12-string harp-lute) and soku (Malian horsehair fiddle). For those looking for more traditional sounds, check out Austin singer/songwriter Carolyn Wonderland, who's also a mean slide guitarist. Neoclassic reggae outfit Tribal Style is among the local bands on the lineup. The fest will take place in conjunction with Earthdance/Prayer for Peace, which means a drum circle (bring your percussion instrument of choice) from 5:30 to 7 p.m., when attendees are invited to join a worldwide prayer for peace.
WMNF Birthday Bash: Toubab Krewe w/Carolyn Wonderland/Suenalo/The Dedringers/Wild Sweet Orange/The Explorers Club/Edison Shine/Christie Lenee and Funkgrass Groove/Raiford Starke/The Bird Street Players/Tribal Style/Hybrid Groove/Go-Go Nads, 6 p.m. Sat., Sept. 13, Cuban Club, Ybor City; $23 advance, $10 (ages 12-20), $28 door.
Good Grammer
Formerly of the acclaimed folk duo Dave Carter and Tracy Grammer, the latter was forced to continue alone after her duet partner (and songwriter) died on the road of a massive heart attack in 2002. Grammer proved to be a capable scribe, though, on her 2004 solo debut EP, The Verdant Mile. The title track honors Carter in a touching manner that smartly sidesteps cliché. Grammer's 2005 full-length, Flowers of Avalon, is a collection of previously unreleased Carter tunes. Last year, she released the EP Book of Sparrows, which includes songs penned by Carter, Tom Russell ("Blue Wing") and Paul Simon ("April, Come She Will"). The singer doesn't have the most dynamic voice, but it's expressive. She typically accompanies herself on guitar but also plays violin.
Tracy Grammer, 7:30 p.m. Mon., Sept. 15, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Tampa, $25.50.
Sonic math
Nationally recognized Orlando duo Yip-Yip — Jason Temple and Brian Esser — have spent the past seven years specializing in a progressive brand of electronica that's decidedly experimental and aimed squarely at the ADD set. The twosome use myriad keyboards, samples that often recall vintage Nintendo and distorted sax to create songs that pummel the listener with flurries of sharp, fractured sonics. There are discernible patterns to the music, but it's like algebra for the ears, which means you'll probably either love it hate it. Either way, the duo can't be accused of noodling: Yip-Yip's latest CD, Two Kings of the Same Kingdom, includes 12 songs and clocks in at under 25 minutes.
Yip-Yip, w/Uh Oh Spades/Chapstick Cap/Black CraAow/Alien Overmind, 8 p.m. Fri., Sept. 12, Transitions Art Gallery at Skatepark of Tampa, Tampa, $6.