A quick breakdown of this weekend’s most worthy concerts beginning with Thursday, ’cause that’s when the weekend really starts, right? For a more comprehensive schedule, check out our Upcoming Concerts page.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18
Kiss Kiss [pictured left] w/The Venetia Fair For such fronting such a young band, Kiss Kiss singer, keyboardist and visionary leader Josh Benash has endured more issues than your average tortured rock star, from a polyp and nodule on his vocal cords that left him mute for several months, to 17 or so lineup changes, and the over-extended recording process that resulted from both. His NYC-based band’s sophomore album and 2009 release, The Meek Shall Inherit What’s Left, brings a blacker shade of dark to the orchestral rock, with dramatic string arrangements and symphonic crescendos, affected vocals yearning to new heights, and electro avant garde freak outs. 9 p.m., Crowbar, Ybor City, $7 (ages 18 and up).
Rebelution w/Soja/Zion I Hailing from California’s hotbed of reggae rock is Rebelution, a foursome that brings a mellow funkiness to their sound. The band’s 2009 album, Bright Side of Life, is their first release under their own recently-founded label, 87 Music. Like acts SOJA and Zion-I support them on their current tour. 7 p.m. doors, The Ritz Ybor, Ybor City, $18 (all ages).
The English Beat w/Fishbone In 1978, a declining manufacturing industry left Birmingham with one of the highest unemployment rates in England. The local populace found solace in the grooves of 2-tone ska pioneers The Beat (“English” was added to the name later to avoid confusion with Paul Collins’ The Beat). After disbanding in 1983, guitarist Andy Cox and bassist David Steele went on to form Fine Young Cannibals while frontman Dave Wakeling and vocalist Ranking Roger started General Public. Wakeling has toured as The English Beat with a new roster of musicians since 2004. For this tour, English Beat pairs up with LA’s popular ska punk acts, Fishbone, which is also celebrating three decades of music-making and released their first official DVD, Fishbone Live, last year. 7 p.m. doors, State Theatre, St. Petersburg, $20. –Matthew Spencer
