Wednesday, March 23: Rural Alberta Advantage with James Vincent McMorrow and Dinosaur Feathers @ Mad Planet, 8 p.m. ($10)
Kudos to the Muzzle of Bees and WMSE 91.7 for continuing to bring some of the most intriguing up-and-coming bands to Milwaukee for our benefit. Rural Alberta Advantage has been garnering a ton of buzz recently in advance of the release of its new Saddle Creek Records album, Departing. With a decidedly understated and honest approach to songwriting, the band has tapped into its Canadian roots resulting in a stripped down indie pop sound with an edge. (533 E. Center St., Mad-Planet.net)
Thursday, March 24: The Jeanna Salzer Band at The Jazz Estate, 9:30 p.m.
Jeanaa Salzer’s pop stylings have earned her the titles of Shepherd Express Best Acoustic Musician and Female Vocalist along with comparisons to such elite songstresses as Annie Clark and Regina Spektor. But it is the unique touches and flair for musical intricacy that sets this truly underrated hometown talent apart. (2423 N. Murray Ave., jazzestate.com)
Also: Yanni at Milwaukee Theatre, 7:30 p.m. ($38-$78)
Be sure to let your mom know about this one. And would it kill you to come home and visit once in a while? (500 W. Kilbourn Ave., milwaukeetheatre.com)
Also: Astronautalis with SIMS and Fresh Cut Collective at Cactus Club, 9:30 p.m. ($10)
(2496 S. Wentworth Ave., CactusClubMilwaukee.com)
Friday, March 25: Amos Lee at The Riverside, 8:30 p.m. ($25/$30)
Although Amos Lee doesn’t really break any new ground with his sentimental, country-tinged brand of singer-songwriter folk, there is no denying the beauty and power of his voice. That alone is worth the price of admission. (116 W. Wisconsin Ave., PabstTheater.org)
Also: Stone Sour, Theory of a Deadman, Skillet, Art of Dying and Halestorm at The Rave, 6:30 p.m. ($35)
Do you long for all of the mediocre musicianship, obnoxious nasally vocals and overall douchebaggery of a Nickelback show without the exorbitant cost? Well, have I got a show for you! (2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., TheRave.com)
King’s Horses (CD Release) withTerrior Bute, Zombie Chickens From Outer Space and Owner Operator at Cactus Club, 9:30 p.m. ($7)
(2496 S. Wentworth Ave., CactusClubMilwaukee.com)
MUSIC NOTES SHOW OF THE WEEK
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| Volcano Choir. Photo courtesy Cameron Wittig. |
Saturday, March 26: Volcano Choir with Mystery Palace at Turner Hall, 9 p.m. ($14)
Composed of some of the busiest, most ambitious musicians the state of Wisconsin has to offer, Volcano Choir has been all over the globe as of late. But the supergroup consisting of Justin Vernon of Bon Iver and Milwaukee’s Collections of Colonies of Bees returns home to bring the tunes off of last year’s Unmap to life on the Turner Hall stage. This one is not to be missed. (1032 N. Fourth St., PabstTheater.org)
Also: 1956 with All the Way Rider and Disguised As Birds at Club Garibaldi, 10 p.m.
Milwaukee’s 1956 is one of those bands that doesn’t really surprise you with anything. They just keep on cranking out loud, intensely enjoyable, alternative-tinged hard rock tunes and bringing quality out-of-state bands to the Milwaukee scene. Tonight’s guest is All the Way Rider from Minneapolis, composed of former members of Align. (2501 S. Superior St., MySpace.com/ClubGaribaldis)
Also: Insane Clown Posse with Twiztid, Blaze Ya Dead Homie, Anybody Killa and Boondox at The Rave, 5 p.m. ($27)
If you still want to go to this show after reading that lineup and ticket price, you may need help. (2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., TheRave.com)
Also: John the Savage with Death Dream, Absolutely and Animal Lover at Cactus Club, 9:30 p.m.
(2496 S. Wentworth Ave., CactusClubMilwaukee.com)
Sunday, March 27: Nathaniel Rateliff with Chris DeMay and Hello Death at Club Garibaldi, 7 p.m. ($10)
If the somber, lovelorn singer-songwriter shtick is starting to get old to you, I can totally feel your pain. Or maybe you’re just not listening to the right somber, lovelorn singer-songwriters? Denver’s Nathaniel Rateliff certainly fits the aforementioned description but with exemplary musicianship and beautifully layered harmonies accompanying him, Rateliff sets himself apart from the rest. (2501 S. Superior St., MySpace.com/ClubGaribaldis)
