Monday, May 4: Death Cab for Cutie with The Antlers at The Riverside Theater, 8:30 p.m. ($35.75)
At 17 years old, Seattle-based Death Cab for Cutie has written coming-of-age tales for about how long it takes to come of age. But its recent album, Kintsugi (the Japanese art of repairing pottery), finds lead singer Ben Gibbard at a particular crossroads. Longtime producer and bandmate Chris Walla has left the band behind and the album is essentially a break-up record about his recent divorce to Zooey Deschanel. So, expect the show to be more downtrodden than the band’s last stop at The Riverside Theater when the band toured with an orchestra, which was in support of 2011’s sweeping Codes and Keys. (116 W. Wisconsin Ave., PabstTheater.org)
Tuesday, May 5: Alejandro Escovedo & The Sensitive Boys with Sam Llanas at Shank Hall, 8 p.m. ($25)
Mexican-American singer-songwriter Alejandro Escovedo returns to Milwaukee for an intimate performance on Tuesday night with his backing band The Sensitive Boys. Escovedo played in punk bands The Nuns and Rank and File in the ‘70s and ‘80s before embarking on a successful solo career in the ‘90s. Music magazine No Depression awarded the singer Artist of the Decade in 1998. And even at 64 years old, Escovedo is still going strong. (1434 N. Farwell Ave., ShankHall.com)
Also: The Waterboys at Turner Hall Ballroom, 8 p.m. ($29.50) – (1032 N. 4th St., PabstTheater.org)
Wednesday, May 6: Evan Christian at the Jazz Estate, 9 p.m. ($5)
Wednesday may be a slow day on the city’s music calendar, but it opens up the opportunity to see a steady Jazz Estate performer. The musical chameleon Evan Christian works in a variety of different genres—soul, blues, reggae—and seamlessly transitions among them. If you somehow haven’t checked him out yet—he’s constantly playing out, whether it’s at an established music venue or smaller bars and cafes—tonight’s a great night to see him. (2423 N. Murray Ave., JazzEstate.com)
Thursday, May 7: Iron Chic with Spraynard and estates at Cocoon Room, 8 p.m. ($10)
Even though their moniker sounds like the ‘80s professional wrestling mega-heel Iron Sheik, Long Islanders Iron Chic forgo the grappler’s painful camel clutch finishing hold and instead rely on sweeter tactics like slick, fun pop-punk to subdue its listeners. Opening the show is Milwaukee’s own estates, who celebrate the release of their sophomore album It’s Great To Be Alone later this month. Pick up a copy of this month’s magazine for a review of the record. (820 E. Locust St.)
Also: Hatebreed with Beyond Threshold and Product of Hate at The Rave, 7:30 p.m. ($16.50-$119) – (2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., TheRave.com)
Friday, May 8: Pianos Become the Teeth with Loma Prieta and Gates at Cactus Club, 8:30 p.m. ($12)
On the band’s Epitaph debut, 2014’s Keep You, it came as a surprise Kyle Durfey, lead singer of Baltimore’s post-hardcore five-piece Piano Become the Teeth, could actually sing. On the two previous albums, Durfey viscerally screamed the words. On Keep You, Durfey showed his restraint and his vocal range. The stylistic change understandably irked older fans, but his strikingly personal lyrics still grab your attention. (2496 S. Wentworth Ave., CactusClubMilwaukee.com)
Also: The Living Statues with Eagle Trace at Shank Hall, 9 p.m. ($5) – (1434 N. Farwell Ave., ShankHall.com)
And: The Joe Hill 100 Anniversary Tour featuring Anne Feeney, Jan Hammerlund, Bucky Halker, Lil Rev and JP Wright at Walker’s Point Anodyne Coffee, 8 p.m. ($10) – (224 W. Bruce St., AnodyneCoffee.com)
Saturday, May 9: Ginuwine with Tank and RL at The Riverside Theater, 8 p.m. ($35-$45)
Saturday night’s R&B showcase of Ginuwine, Tank and RL at The Riverside Theater is billed as “One Night Stand (A Mother’s Day Edition),” which is such an unfortunate name. But moving past that blunder, the three sultry singers should provide some, um, sensual performances. You may remember Ginuwine’s “Pony,” Tank’s “Sex Music” or RL singing Next’s “Too Close.” Also of note, Tank sports a small Milwaukee connection—being born here before moving to Washington D.C. (116 W. Wisconsin Ave., PabstTheater.org)
Also: Vacation with Mexican Knives, Tenement, Fox Face and The Midwest Beat at Cocoon Room, 7 p.m. ($7) – (820 E. Locust St.)
And: Five Finger Death Punch with Avatar and 36 Crazyfists at The Rave, 8 p.m. ($37-$47) – (2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., TheRave.com)
And: Tech N9ne with Chris Webby, Krizz Kalio, Murs, King 810 and Zuse at The Rave, 8 p.m. ($26.50-$119) – (2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., TheRave.com)
Sunday, May 10: Dead Soldiers with Whips, Chimp Eats Banana and DJ Why B at Boone and Crockett, 5 p.m. (FREE) – (2151 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., BooneAndCrockettMKE.com)
Also: WORK with Stomatopod at Circle A Cafe, 8 p.m. ($5) – (932 E. Chambers St., Circle-A-Café.org)
