Tuesday, Nov. 16: Green River Ordinance with Miggs at The Rave, 7 p.m. ($10)
Green River Ordinance’s music finds its niche between the power-pop musings of Matchbox Twenty and the more roots-tinged pop of Counting Crows with a dash of Switchfoot for good measure. Although this is by no means uncharted territory (or generally tolerable), there is a certain earnestness to the band’s sound that makes it work. (2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., therave.com)
Also: A Day to Remember with Underoath, The Word Alive and Close Your Eyes at The Rave, 7 p.m. ($22.50)
Angry, loud, up-tempo rock will never go out of style because there will always be a certain appeal to watching an angry dude screaming at the top of his lungs over booming drums and distorted guitars. That’s what this show is, and that is why it will most likely be a pretty good time. (2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., therave.com)
Also: Graham Colton with Bascom Hill at Shank Hall, 8 p.m. ($15)
If you’re looking for the complete opposite of an angry dude screaming, maybe Shank Hall should be your destination of choice this night. Singer-songwriter Graham Colton keeps it on the positive tip with a collection of alternative acoustic anthems that attain a surprising level of depth and nuance.
So even though he might look it, this is not that D-bag from your college dorm who was always trying to bag the ladies by rattling off the three Dave Mathews Band songs he knew on acoustic guitar. No buddy, I don’t want to “jam” with you. (1434 N. Farwell Ave., shankhall.com)
Wednesday, Nov. 17: Here Comes The Night with Sleeper Lake and LeAnna Eden at Art Bar, 9 p.m. (FREE)
Three cool local artists kicking it at a cool local venue.
For free.
Go. (722 E. Burleigh St., artbar-riverwest.com)
MUSIC NOTES SHOW OF THE WEEK
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| Circa Survive. Photo courtesy Circa Survive. |
Thursday, Nov. 18: Circa Survive with Dredg, Codeseven and Animals As Leaders at The Rave, 7 p.m. ($15)
Although Circa Survive has been making noise as of late with its brand of neo-emo-core, the real treat on this tour is Dredg. The northern California-based group continues to crank out beautifully dynamic, atmospheric albums that give you faith that quality guitar-driven rock is far from a lost art form.
Reunited rockers Codeseven and stupidly talented Animals As Leaders open the show. Check this show out if for no other reason than basking in the warming glow of the virtuosic 8-string guitar playing of Animals’ Tosin Abasi. (2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., therave.com)
Also: They Came From the Underground at Landmark Oriental Theatre, 7 p.m. ($9.50)
Throughout the late ’80s, Milwaukee filmmaker Mark G.E. took it upon himself to document what would become the advent of alternative music for his Joy Farm television show. The eventual result of this act of dedication and foresight is the documentary film They Came From the Underground, which will be featured at a one-time-only screening at the Landmark Oriental. Featuring rare live footage of alternative legends Red Hot Chili Peppers, They Might Be Giants, Violent Femmes and Sonic Youth among others, this is not one to miss. (2230 N. Farwell Ave.)
Also: Futurebirds with Johnny Corndawg and Chaperone at Cactus Club, 10 p.m. ($10)
(2496 S. Wentworth Ave., cactusclubmilwaukee.com)
Friday, Nov. 19: Delta Spirit with Darker My Love and The Fling at Turner Hall, 9 p.m. ($10)
There’s certainly no shortage of bands currently traveling down the Americana-roots highway. But Delta Spirit has thrown Neil Young’s storytelling and Springsteen’s anathematic songwriting into the trunk and is flying recklessly down the highway in a whiskey-fueled rage.
Safe? No. Awesome? Yes. (1032 N. Fourth St., pabsttheater.org)
Also: Powerman 5000 with No Conviction at The Rave, 8 p.m. ($16)
I have a couple dozen bright orange two-drink minimum tickets to this show that I picked up off the ground outside of The Rave last week. If anyone is interested, call me. (2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., therave.com)
Also: Ike Reilly Assassination with Michael McDermott at Shank Hall, 8 p.m. ($10 advance/$12 door)
(1434 N. Farwell Ave., shankhall.com)
Saturday, Nov. 20: Kneel to Neil: A Neil Young Tribute at Linneman’s, 8 p.m. ($10)
It’s time for some of Milwaukee’s premier musicians to again pay tribute to the great flanneled troubadour at the sixth-annual Kneel to Neil. The show benefits The Bridge School, which assists children with severe physical and communication impairments, and local radio station WMSE. (1001 E. Locust St., linnemans.com)
Also: King’s Horses with Zebras, Whales and Canyons Of Static at Cactus Club, 9:30 p.m.
(2496 S. Wentworth Ave., cactusclubmilwaukee.com)
Also: The Cult with The Black Ryder and Carbellion at The Rave, 8 p.m. ($24.50)
(2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., therave.com)
