The Lumineers. Photo courtesy of the band’s Facebook page.
Monday, September 17: Jonny Lang and Buddy Guy at Potawatomi’s Northern Lights Theater, 8 p.m. ($60-$75)
This Northern Lights Theater show enacts a pairing of two modern blues legends, both old and (comparatively) young. If the prospect of seeing the all-grown-up stylings of former child prodigy Jonny Lang in person isn’t enough to bring you to the casino, surely seeing Buddy Guy is. The pair will also play a Wednesday show at the same venue. (1721 W. Canal St., PaysBig.com)
Also: Matthew Sweet and Summer Twins at Shank Hall, 8 p.m. ($25) – (1434 N. Farwell Ave., ShankHall.com)
Tuesday, September 18: Big Business at Shank Hall, 8 p.m. ($10) – (1434 N. Farwell Ave., ShankHall.com)
Wednesday, September 19: Plateus and Colleen Green at Cactus Club, 9 p.m. – (2496 S. Wentworth Ave., CactusClubMilwaukee.com)
Also: Jonny Lang and Buddy Guy at Potawatomi’s Northern Lights Theater, 8 p.m. ($60-$75) – (1721 W. Canal St., PaysBig.com)
Thursday, September 20: Wanda Jackson at Turner Hall, 7 p.m. ($20)
Since 1954, Wanda Jackson has been delighting crowds with her distinct combination of country and rock ‘n’ roll, releasing more 45s and full-length albums than we can count. Now pushing 75, “The Queen Of Rockabilly” has shown few signs of slowing down, collaborating with producer Jack White on heralded 2011 release The Party Ain’t Over and with Justin Townes Earle on the forthcoming Unfinished Business. Special guest Daniel Romano opens. (1032 N. 4th St., PabstTheater.org)
Also: Dinosaur Feathers and Crappy Dracula at Linneman’s Riverwest Inn, 9 p.m. ($5)
Friday, September 21: Phil Vassar at The Rave, 8 p.m. ($28)
Not many country artists make a point of playing at The Rave. Then again, Phil Vassar isn’t your typical country artist. The pianist’s best-known songs are ones he’s written for other musicians. That’s not to say his catalogue is devoid of contemporary hits that are widely recognized by country fans everywhere. Go see some ivories be tickled during what The Rave is calling “an intimate evening with Phil Vassar.” (2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., TheRave.com)
Also: Nervous Curtains, Catacombz, and Stable Planets at Riverwest Public House, 9 p.m. ($5) – (815 E. Locust St., RiverwestPublicHouse.WordPress.com)
Saturday, September 22: Ani DiFranco at Pabst Theater, 7 p.m. ($35)
Ani DiFranco is one of those names that are bigger than their particular genre. Whether or not you’ve ever heard so much a note of her music, it’s a safe assumption you’ve heard of DiFranco. However, those who have heard her play are privy to the songstress’ wide-ranging and voluminous 20-plus release catalog, well-stocked with songs capable of cutting and cradling, of revolution and of romantic reverie. The folky feminist takes the stage following a performance from a special guest. (144 E. Wells St., PabstTheater.org)
Also: Swans, and Xiu Xiu at Shank Hall, 8 p.m. ($25) – (1434 N. Farwell Ave., ShankHall.com)
And: Shpongle at The Rave, 9 p.m. ($20) – (2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., TheRave.com)
MUSIC NOTES SHOW OF THE WEEK
Sunday, September 23: The Lumineers at Riverside Theater, 7 p.m. (SOLD OUT)
Initially booked to play the smaller, more intimate confines of the Pabst Theater, the unforeseeable popularity of the Colorado-based folk rock trio found The Lumineers getting promoted to the more-spacious and higher capacity Riverside Theater – which the band proceeded to sell out. If you were among the fortunate… well, many to take a shining to The Lumineers (and commercial staple single “Ho Hey”) while tickets were still available, you’re in line for one hell of a show. The Commettes open. (116 W. Wisconsin Ave., PabstTheater.org)
