Tuesday, Sept. 11: American Idols Live @ BMO Harris Bradley Center, 7 p.m. ($27.50 – $63)
In case you didn’t get enough Ford-sponsored group sing-alongs and obnoxious doe-eyed camera stares during the most recent season of American Idol, you’re in luck. Come see all your favorites, including that one awkward Asian kid with glasses and the guy who won and whose song now accompanies every sporting event highlight reel, at the Chips Ahoy! & Ritz Present American Idol LIVE! Tour ’12. Seriously, that’s what it’s called. (1001 N. 4th St., BradleyCenter.com)
Wednesday, Sept. 12: Antibalas with Chalice in the Palace Soundsystem @ Turner Hall, 7 p.m. ($16)
Though certainly not considered mainstream, the genre of afrobeat has seen a growing following in recent years. At the forefront of the upswing is the large Brooklyn-based collective Antibalas. Fusing classic afrobeat with hints of jazz and funk, Antibalas provides an entrancing live show and a fascinating crash course on world music. (1032 N. 4th St., PabstTheater.org)
Also: Tyga with Kirko Bangz, Iggy Azalea, Sterling Simms and Jinsu @ The Rave, 7 p.m. ($25)
(2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., TheRave.com)
MUSIC NOTES SHOW OF THE WEEK
Thursday, Sept. 13: Cream City Soundcheck Celebration featuring RAS Movement, The Fatty Acids and Kane Place Record Club @ Turner Hall, 7:30 p.m. (FREE)
There is no doubting the impact a university can benefit a city culturally. UW-Milwaukee’s documentary film program named doc|UWM has taken to chronicling the local music scene with the series Cream City Soundcheck. The series features local musicians exploring the city’s cultural landscape and performing at one of its many cool venues (the Pabst Theater Foundation is not surprisingly involved). Come be a part of the kickoff party to raise funds for this truly worthy project. (1032 N. 4th St., PabstTheater.org)
Also: August Burns Red with Of Mice and Men, The Color Morale and Overseer @ The Rave, 7 p.m. ($19.50)
(2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., TheRave.com)
Friday, Sept. 14: Minus The Bear with Cursive and Caspian @ The Rave, 8 p.m. ($22)
I’ve made no secret of my man crush on Seattle’s off-beat dance rockers Minus The Bear. These sonic innovators have made a career out of seamlessly blending catchy pop sensibilities with progressive overtones and brilliant guitar wankery, evolving musically with every album. The newly released Infinity Overhead is no different, fusing and building upon the vast variety of styles showcased on the band’s four previous full-length albums. (2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., TheRave.com)
Also: Juniper Tar with Sat. Nite Duets @ Riverwest Public House, 9 p.m. ($5)
(815 E. Locust St., RiverwestPublicHouse.WordPress.com)
Saturday, Sept. 15: Rock The Green featuring Third Eye Blind, Metric, Switchfoot, Imagine Dragons, Fever Marlene, I’m Not A Pilot, Ikarus Down and Evan Christian @ Veterans Park, 2 p.m. ($30)
Though the music lineup doesn’t come across quite as cutting edge as the sustainability-themed festival itself, the second-annual Rock The Green should still provide plenty of eco-conscious good times. One could honestly have a perfectly enjoyable time sticking to the Koss Pedal Power Stage featuring great local acts like Fever Marlene and I’m Not A Pilot. (rockthegreen.com)
Also: Collections Of Colonies Of Bees @ Milwaukee Boat Line, 9 p.m. ($19)
(101 W. Michigan St., MKEBoat.com)
Also: Elvis Costello and The Imposters @ BMO Harris Pavilion, 7:30 p.m. ($24-$65.55)
(200 N. Harbor Dr., summerfest.com/about/bmo-harris-pavilion)
Sunday, Sept. 16: David Byrne & St. Vincent @ Riverside Theater, 7 p.m. ($39.50/$49.50)
What do you get when you combine the genius behind the Talking Heads and the breathtaking artistry of St. Vincent (aka Annie Clark)? Well, it’s pretty much what you’d expect: slightly strange, musically eclectic, and totally enthralling. The duo’s album Love This Giant, which drops Tuesday, September 11, is a testament to just how weird (and magnificent) this unique pairing is. (116 W. Wisconsin Ave., PabstTheater.org)
Also: Rise Against with The Gaslight Anthem and Hot Water Music @ The Rave, 7 p.m. ($37)
(2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., TheRave.com)
