An Ostrich of a Different Color

Yellow Ostrich

Monday, March 5: Whitehorse at Shank Hall, 8 p.m. ($10)
It’s a story as old as time, really. Two accomplished and attractive Canadian solo folk artists join forces to form a single project that’s even more pleasing to both the eyes and ears. If pizza, backrubs and a complimentary bouquet of roses were included with the cover charge, this would be a near-perfect evening for all senses. Nora Collins opens. (1434 N. Farwell Ave., ShankHall.com)

Also: Roger Hodgson at Potawatomi Northern Lights Theater, 8 p.m. – (1721 W. Canal St., PaysBig.com)

Tuesday, March 6: Sigmund Snopek @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn, 9 p.m. (FREE)
If Tuesday night in Milwaukee music was a Choose Your Own Adventure book, Sigmund Snopek would be the near-inevitable outcome of being trapped in a haunted house… in a good way. Somehow. (1001 E. Locust St., Linnemans.com)

Wednesday, March 7: Gomez at Pabst Theater, 7 p.m. ($20)
English rock act Gomez is a difficult band to put one’s finger on. Admittedly, four contributing songwriter, eight albums and 15 years together make for a little wiggle room in any band’s catalog. The seasoned indie rock—and blues … and folk … and alternative, psychedelic and you name it—outfit drops by the Pabst along with the opening support of Canadian group Hey Rosetta! (144 E. Wells St., PabstTheater.org) 

Also: Evan Christian at The Jazz Estate, 10 p.m. – (2423 N. Murray Ave.)

Thursday, March 8: Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt at Pabst Theater, 7 p.m. ($55)
Although probably best known as Julia Roberts’ ex-husband, Lyle Lovett has also dabbled in music a tad. Some 30 years, 13 albums, four Grammys, a couple acting roles and one storied career later, the canonical country crooner adds to his music legend by teaming up with accomplished rock guitarist John Hiatt. (144 E. Wells St., PabstTheater.org)

Also: Colin Hay and Grace Weber at Turner Hall, 6:30 p.m. ($25) – (1032 N. 4^th St., PabstTheater.org)

And: King’s Horses, Les Jupes and Hello Death at Riverwest Public House, 9 p.m. ($5) – (815 E. Locust St., RiverwestPublicHouse.WordPress.com)

Friday, March 9: Sleepcomesdown at Frank’s Power Plant, 9:30 p.m. ($6)
Trusty locals Sleepcomesdown has long held a soft spot in the heart of the scene by way of its catchy auxiliary rock stylings. But its Elusive Parallelograms — fresh off the release of its pleasing EP HABITS — that renders this event especially worthy of you consideration. Vaudevileins and Moss Folk further add to this enticing local affair. (2800 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., FranksPowerPlant.Angelfire.com)

Also: Catacombz at Riverwest Public House, 9 p.m. ($5) – (815 E. Locust St., RiverwestPublicHouse.WordPress.com)

And: John Prine at Marcus Center for Performing Arts, 8 p.m. ($45) – (929 N. Water St., MarcusCenter.org)

And: Astronautalis, Busdriver, and Jel at Cactus Club, 10 p.m. – (2496 S. Wentworth Ave., CactusClubMilwaukee.com)

MUSIC NOTES SHOW OF THE WEEK
Saturday, March 10: Alabama Shakes at Pabst Theater, 7:30 p.m. ($10)Alabama Shakes is a band on the cusp of great things. In three years time, the Georgia-bred band has stolen shows and captivated unsuspecting crowds with its soulful, Southern-tinged rock ‘n’ roll. A recent Conan appearance and radio love for the catchy single “Hold On” from forthcoming debut LP Boys & Girls has Alabama Shakes outgrowing its own skin — and quick. Anyone with the foresight to fork over a 10-spot months ago will be the beneficiary of underpaying to see one of indie rock’s most burgeoning acts on its uptick. Milwaukee’s own Herman Astro opens. (144 E. Wells St., PabstTheater.org)

Also: Drugs Dragons and Head On Electric at Circle-A Café, 8 p.m. – (932 E. Chambers St., Circle-A-Café.org)

Sunday, March 11: Yellow Ostrich at Cactus Club, 9 p.m. ($10)
Though now nestled in the hip and music-rich confines of Brooklyn, Yellow Ostrich mastermind Alex Schaaf hails from Wisconsin border town Prairie du Chien. Not unlike a fellow Western Wisconsin resident, he, too, is making a name for himself in indie rock circles with his knack for creative production. In Yellow Ostrich, Schaaf expertly toes the line of being wholly original without relying on gimmicks to do so, he records raw and homespun EPs while still managing to impress with tremendous vocal loops and solid instrumentation. Before laying waste to an unsuspecting SXSW crowd next week, Yellow Ostrich will play its second Cactus Club show in the last four months. If you missed Schaaf and co. last time out, make a point of catching the up-and-coming project this time around. 1, 2, 3 and Adam Helwin open. Check back later this week for an extended preview of this show. (2496 S. Wentworth Ave., CactusClubMilwaukee.com)

Go here to win tickets to see 1, 2, 3 open for Yellow Ostrich.

Also: Buckwheat Zydeco and Leroy Airmaster at Turner Hall, 6:30 p.m. ($20) – (1032 N. 4^th St., PabstTheater.org)

And: Hot Tuna at Pabst Theater, 7 p.m. ($29.50) – (144 E. Wells St., PabstTheater.org)