WHAT: State Champion, Arms & Ingram
WHERE: Cowboy Monkey (Free)
WHEN: Tuesday, November 16 at 11:30 p.m.
State Champion comes from Louisville and they feel like it — in a very good way. Their shambling sound channels the Replacements with a lot more Americana. Though I’ve only got through their new album Stale Champagne once, it was a pretty startling first listen. Arms & Ingram is a new project made up of two local musicians, though who is a bit of a mystery. This puppy is totally free, so why not?
WHAT: LMFAO, DJ Luniks, Milk & Cookies
WHERE: 88 Broadway ($25)
WHEN: Wednesday, November 17 at 10 p.m.
This has got to be one of the worst band names ever, but that doesn’t stop them from being a phenomenally popular dance outfit. Sometimes I’m impressed with how innovative and mind-bending dance/electronic music can be. And sometimes I’m not. But fun and booze and beats. Spring break comes early this year, kids.
WHAT: Monte Montgomery, Delta Kings
WHERE: Canopy Club ($12 Advance)
WHEN: Thursday, November 18 at 7 p.m.
Monte Montgomery breaks down the typical classical guitar/blues guitar division by building an impressive sound that sort of exists in a world between the two, without sounding forced. As is always the case with someone who has been named one of the “50 greatest guitarist” by someone or other, you can spend a lot of time dissecting his fretwork or you can just enjoy a maestro at work. The Delta Kings have also been known to work the frets.
WHAT: Gold Motel, Great Life
WHERE: Mike n’ Molly’s ($7)
WHEN: Friday, November 19 at 10 p.m.
Gold Motel last played around here during Pygmalion, but this time the focus is squarely on their big pop sound. Lead singer Greta Morgan used to be in Hush Sound. I have no idea what that is, but the internet seems to think it’s important. Great Life is the brand new band formed by four members of Sunset Stallion. This is their first show ever. Should be fun.
WHAT: Emerald Rum
WHERE: The Blind Pig (Free)
WHEN: Sunday, November 21 at 5 p.m.
Now that the weather is getting colder, drinking a nice beer and listening to traditional Irish music sounds like a damn fine way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Emerald Rum has been doing this for six years now, and they’re pretty magnificent to watch these days.