Tuesday, Feb. 1: Aunt Martha at Up & Under Pub, 7 p.m. (FREE)
The pride of the tiny New Hampshire town of Wilmont, Aunt Martha has embarked on a multi-state tour. The stripped-down folk band grants Milwaukee a night of enjoyable-yet-sullen musical renderings just days before they’re to record a Daytrotter Session (a telling sign of promise in the realm of indie rock). If you’re bored and in need of live music, not only is this pretty much your only option, but attendees can also pat themselves on the back for supporting an unestablished touring act. (1216 E. Brady St., TheUpAndUnderPub.com)
Wednesday, Feb. 2: Lyle Lovett & John Hiatt at Pabst Theater, 8 p.m. ($65)
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 continues his music legend by teaming up with accomplished rock guitarist John Hiatt. (144 E. Wells St., PabstTheater.org)
Thursday, Feb. 3: Cold Sweat and the Brew City Horns at Mitchell Park Conservatory, 6:30 p.m. ($6.50)
There’s really nothing quite like hokey local funk being played in a self-sustained ecosystem. I’d even pay as much as $6.75 to see this. (524 S. Layton Blvd., County.Milwaukee.Gov)
Friday, Feb. 4: Mason Jennings at Turner Hall, 8 p.m. ($17.50)
For a man of 35, Mason Jennings has the musical resume of a rocker twice his age. The Hawaii-born, Pennsylvania-raised and Minnesota-exiled high school dropout totes with him to Turner Hall his extensive catalog of popular albums, his finely-tuned activist voice and all the stage presence you can expect from a singer/guitarist who’s been putting out albums for almost half his life. The Lower 48 opens. (1032 N. Fourth St., PabstTheater.org)
Also: Group of Altos and Cages at Cactus Club, 10 p.m. (2496 S. Wentworth Ave., CactusClubMilwaukee.com)
MUSIC NOTES SHOW OF THE WEEK
Saturday, Feb. 5: The Decemberists at Riverside Theater, 8 p.m. (SOLD OUT)
Standing shoulders above a great lineup of Saturday shows and a solid week of music altogether is Portland-based The Decemberists. The once-indie darlings have watched their popularity increase exponentially and, all along the way, the band’s sustained quality and dynamic lyrics have warranted the band’s now-mass appeal. They’ll stop by a jam-packed Riverside Theater to tour in support of their heralded days-old album The King is Dead. Special guest Mountain Man starts things off. (116 W. Wisconsin Ave., PabstTheater.org)
Also:
.357 String Band (with openers The Fatty Acids and The Zebras) at Turner Hall, 8 p.m. ($10) – (1032 N. Fourth St., PabstTheater.org)
Holy Shit! (with openers The Boy With Bosoms and Sprout) at Cactus Club, 10 p.m. – (2496 S. Wentworth Ave., CactusClubMilwaukee.com)
Less Than Jake (with openers The Supervillains and The Dopamines) at The Rave, 7 p.m. ($16) – (2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., TheRave.com)
Will Phalen & The Stereo Addicts (with openers Paper Thick Walls, Curtis Evans & Our Friends Electric and Flojo) at Mad Planet, 8 p.m. ($7) – (533 E. Center St., Mad-Planet.net)
Sunday, Feb. 6: SUPER BOWL!!! No event tops this. Just listen to “Aaron Rodgers Rock ‘N’ Roll” a bunch, and you’ll be covered musically.
