Monday, Sept. 27: U.V. Race, Total Control, Death Dream at Cactus Club, 9 p.m.
If the Packers/Bears game doesn’t pique your interest, you’re probably the type of person who fancies Australian surf rock. If that’s the case, Cactus Club has you covered. Melbourne-based U.V. Race, along with fellow Aussie band Total Control takes the stage for one of the final shows of their U.S. tour. Death Dream opens. (2496 S. Wentworth Ave., cactusclubmilwaukee.com)
Wednesday, Sept. 29: Gayngs, Glasser at Turner Hall, 8 p.m. ($18)
Whether it’s the immensely popular Bon Iver, the Badger State super-band Volcano Choir or even an unlikely collaboration with Kanye West, it seems as if everything Eau Claire-stationed music man Justin Vernon touches turns to gold. The Midwestern Midas also anchors Gayngs, a heralded new collective. Vernon and the group’s 22 other band mates selected Milwaukee as one of its mere 10 fall tour stops. Don’t miss this opportunity to catch the unique pop project on its maiden outing en route to an “Austin City Limits” television appearance in October. Glasser opens. (1032 N. Fourth St., pabsttheater.org)
Thursday, Sept. 30: Bone Thugs N Harmony at The Rave, 8 p.m.
Cleveland hip-hop outfit Bone Thugs N Harmony found mainstream success with 1995 release E. 1999 Eternal, which included hits suchs as “1st of tha month” and “Tha Crossroads.” Modest notoriety sustained through subsequent albums but nothing close to that of E. 1999. Forgetting their blatant misspelling of “the,” Bone Thugs are wise – as they will perform the 15-year-old hit album in its entirety, with the backing of a whole band. Lesser groups would focus on songs written in the current century, in an effort to resist admitting they presently exist solely as a novelty. (2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., therave.com)
Friday, Oct. 1: Drive By Truckers at Pabst Theater, 9 p.m. ($25 advance, $28 day of show)
The seasoned and wildly popular Drive By Truckers come to town Friday to kick off Farm Aid festivities a night early. The alt-rockers bring their three-guitar onslaught and catchy Southern fried hooks to the Pabst Theater for a special VIP event that also features Milwaukee Brewing Company beer as well as food from Beans & Barley and Outpost. Henry Clay People opens. (144 E. Wells St., pabsttheater.org)
MUSIC NOTES SHOW OF THE WEEK
Saturday, Oct 2: Farm Aid at Miller Park ($39.50 to $97.50)
Because the Brewers won’t be using Miller Park this October (yet again), others capable of producing hits may as well get some use out of the stadium. The 25th-anniversary event, which benefits family farmers, boasts an impressive lineup, including: Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews, Norah Jones, Jason Mraz, Band of Horses and so many others. It’s an all-day music extravaganza in a seldom-used music venue that benefits a good cause. What other reasons do you need to go? (One Brewers Way, farmaid.org)
Sunday, Oct. 3: Broken Social Scene, Pabst Theater, 8 p.m. ($25)
Canadian collective Broken Social Scene returns to both the Pabst Theater and the stage in general after a few year absence. The layered legion of indie rockers are touring in support of recent release Forgiveness Rock Record, its first full length album in five years. A myriad of horns, woodwinds, string instruments and an altogether unique musical experience await you. The Sea & Cake opens. (144 E. Wells St., pabsttheater.org)
