The Lil Smokies take on SF & burn down the house

The Lil SmokiesBy Benjamin Wallen //

The Lil Smokies with Michigan Rattlers //
Slim’s – San Francisco
April 19th, 2019 //

With spring in the air, Montana progressive-bluegrass outfit The Lil Smokies rolled into Slim’s on a Friday night and graced the Bay Area with some of their sweet sounds.

The intimate venue allowed for a more personal experience as the crowd fed off the energy of the LA-based Michigan Rattlers, who opened the show with their meticulous playing and sent the audience into a frenzy with their heavy-hearted folk rock.

The Lil Smokies, meanwhile, gave us quite a treat to close their headlining set, performing a cover of The Beatles’ 1966 single “Paperback Writer”, the last new song to be featured on the legendary band’s final tour. Nevertheless, the five-piece crushed as it always does and we’re sure glad we were there to witness it. If you weren’t unfortunately, don’t miss either of these acts the next time they visit your town!

Max Frost brings ‘The Gold Rush Tour’ to Slim’s for a fun-filled night with Mikey Mike

Max Frost


Max Frost

By Karina Kristensen //

Max Frost with Mikey Mike //
Slim’s – San Francisco
March 2nd, 2019 //

After turning heads with such hits as “White Lies” and “Adderall” in 2016, Max Frost stopped through SF to showcase a new bag of songs from his 2018 debut album Gold Rush.

Mikey Mike warmed up the crowd at Slim’s, and I mean he really warmed us up. The alt-pop musician performed songs like “Cooler”, “Strange Times” and “Doin’ Me”, all of which have powerful lyrics. But he also had a wheel onstage and brought a few audience members up to spin it. One landed on a dare and had to drink whiskey out of his boot. Another had to drink whiskey out of his belly button. But after another spin, we all got to see Mikey Mike light his chest hair on fire. What could be a better way to get things going on a Saturday night?

Mikey Mike


Mikey Mike

Frost followed and quickly got his fans singing along. The lights onstage were incredible and full of colors — from green to pink to blue. The talented singer-songwriter is a one-man band and moved between keyboards, guitar and drums as he ran sounds and riffs on loop.

One fan of Frost’s near the front of the stage donned a baseball cap with a GoPro attached to it. Frost didn’t hesitate to take it off his hat, put it on and have the camera face the audience. At one point during his set, he brought his acoustic guitar out to play a few songs, including “Die Young”, which sounded absolutely amazing. He thanked us for a fun night and told us what a great start to “The Gold Rush Tour” it had been before his next West Coast show.

Setlist:
New Confessional
$Dreams
Paranoia
Sometimes
Nice and Slow
Eleven Days
Anxious
A$$hole (No Apologies)
Die Young
Stranger to Me Now
Slow Jamz
Put It on Me
Withdrawal
Money Problems
Adderall
White Lies

Encore:
Let Me Down Easy
Irreplacable (Beyoncé cover)
Good Morning

John Maus’ synth work captivates a sold-out Slim’s

John MausBy Norm de Veyra //

John Maus //
Slim’s – San Francisco
January 27th, 2018 //

Synthpop auteur John Maus enthralled a sold-out crowd last Saturday at Slim’s as the Minnesota native and his band blazed through songs from his expanding discography, including several from 2017’s Screen Memories.

Maus is expected to release his fifth LP Addendum later this year, and while his current U.S. tour runs through the middle of February, he’s also slated to be back in California this April for the 19th edition of Coachella.

SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to Hot Chip (DJ set) at Mezzanine 11/22 (WED)

Hot ChipWritten by Chandler Kirkman //

Hot Chip feat. Felix Martin, Joe Goddard//
Mezzanine – San Francisco
November 22nd, 2017 //

Since forming in 2000 and releasing their debut EP Mexico, Hot Chip have remained one of today’s most distinctive and innovative bands with the way they combine indie and dance music in a refreshing manner. In addition to being known for their exciting, upbeat DJ sets and one-of-a-kind live performances, the London outfit has put out six studio albums, two mixed LPs, and both national and international radio mixes.

While Mexico launched the septet to stardom, frontman Alexis Taylor’s dreamy falsettos and Joe Goddard’s gruff vocals, plinky pianos and hypnotic, pulse-like techno beats have drawn more and more fans in worldwide. Each and every Hot Chip show feels unique, as the band’s members reinvent their original studio compositions and form an intense live improvisation that creates an energetic atmosphere.

Over the last 17 years, Hot Chip have performed in front of thousands at major music festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits. The group has also received its fair share of accolades and recognition, including a Mercury Prize nomination for The Warning in 2006, a Grammy nomination for “Ready for the Floor” in 2009 and most recently, two Virgin Media Music award nominations in 2010.

Hot Chip released their sixth and most recent LP Why Make Sense? in 2015, reuniteing them with In Our Heads producer Mark Ralph as they explored a variety of sounds, from 90’s R&B to disco to post-punk.

This Wednesday, celebrate Thanksgiving one day early with a special extended DJ set from Felix Martin and Joe Goddard of Hot Chip. Tickets are available for $20, or you could win a pair of tickets by submitting your full name and email below.

Contest ends this Wednesday at 3 p.m.


Follow Showbams on Twitter for more contest giveaways throughout the week. Be the first to respond to our contest tweets to GO4FREE to these shows:

Baio: November 21st (TUES) @ Rickshaw Stop
Dhani Harrison: November 22nd (WED) @ The Chapel
Lyrics Born: November 25th (SAT) @ The Independent
Swingin’ Utters: November 25th (SAT) @ Slim’s
Louisiana Love Act: November 25th (SAT) @ Great American Music Hall


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SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to Shabazz Palaces at Great American Music Hall 8/18 (FRI)

Shabazz PalacesWritten by Chandler Kirkman //

Shabazz Palaces with Porter Ray, FELA KUTCHii //
Great American Music Hall – San Francisco
August 18th, 2017 //

2017 has been a huge year for Seattle-based experimental hip-hop group Shabazz Palaces. From the minds of Ishmael Butler (aka Palaceer Lazaro) and multi-instrumentalist Tendai “Baba” Maraire, the duo broke onto the scene in 2009 with its first two EPs Eagles Soar, Oil Flows and The Seven New, which were both self-released anonymously. Subsequently, those releases led to Shabazz Palaces’ instant popularity and them signing with the renowned Sub Pop Records as one of the label’s few hip-hop acts.

In 2011, they dropped their debut LP Black Up, which was named as the No. 1 album among local music acts by the Seattle Times. Then in 2014, their second studio album Lese Majesty premiered at Seattle’s Pacific Science Center Laser Dome and went on to be a huge hit with fans. So far this year, Shabazz Palaces have already released two themed albums, entitled Quazarz: Born on a Gangster Star and Quazarz vs. The Jealous Machines, that views modern America as though it were a strange planet.

Influenced by abstract muses, Butler and Maraire often find inspiration in various podcasts, mixtapes, jazz overtones and African percussion, and for their newest albums, utilized that material to tell the story of a protagonist by the name of Quazarz (and played by Butler) who navigates this new planet that feels familiar and terrifying on Gangster Star. Meanwhile, the ensuing Jealous Machines depicts how devices are used as extensions of ourselves and how we have become dependent on them to exist. What makes Shabazz Palaces compelling to listen to is their free-form composition structure that allows the listener to make their own conclusions and mental connections.

This Friday, Shabazz Palaces will perform at The Great American Music Hall with support from Porter Ray and FELA KUTCHii. Tickets are available for $25, or you could win a pair of tickets by submitting your full name and email below.

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.


Follow Showbams on Twitter for more contest giveaways throughout the week. Be the first to respond to our contest tweets to GO4FREE to these shows:

Sleepy Sun: August 17th (THUR) @ The Independent
Your Fearless Leader: August 17th (THUR) @ Slim’s
Pickwick: August 17th (THUR) @ The Chapel
Møme: August 18th (FRI) @ 1015 Folsom
Travis Hayes: August 18th (FRI) @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall
Matthew Sweet: August 18th (FRI) @ The Independent
Vetiver: August 18th (FRI) @ Swedish American Music Hall
Neon Indian: August 19th (SAT) @ Cafe Du Nord
Abbot Kinney: August 19th (SAT) @ Great American Music Hall
Summer Soul Celebration: August 19th (SAT) @ The Chapel
Showga: August 20th (SUN) @ The Swedish American Music Hall
Laetitia Sadier: August 20th (SUN) @ The Chapel


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SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to The Love Boat feat. Autograf, Bag Raiders & Le Youth 2/11 (SAT)

The Love BoatWritten by Molly Kish //

The Love Boat: Autograf (DJ set), Bag Raiders (DJ set), Le Youth //
Pier 3 – San Francisco
February 11th, 2017 //

Join the Crossroads Nightlife crew this Saturday for a sunset cruise featuring DJ sets by both Autograf and Bag Raiders as well as a live performance from Le Youth. Setting sail off Pier 3 along the beautiful Embarcadero waterfront, partygoers will board the iconic San Francisco Belle for a five-hour dance party in the Bay.

Boarding begins at 4 p.m. with opening sets from Dena Amy and Cherry Beach. Once on the Hornblower cruise ship, this lineup of artists will keep you dancing into the early evening.

With the weather calling for clear skies, attendees will be able to take in the sunset from the bow of the boat and views of entire Bay Area. Grab a cocktail from one of the several bars on the ship and cuddle up next to a loved one, or take a chance at finding one while on-board.

Tickets are available for $65, or you could win a pair of tickets by submitting your full name and email below.

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.


Follow Showbams on Twitter for more contest giveaways throughout the week. Be the first to respond to our contest tweets to GO4FREE to these shows:

Midnight North: February 10th (FRI) @ Great American Music Hall
Lonely Hearts Club 2017: February 10th (FRI) @ 1015 Folsom
Cherry Glazerr: February 11th (SAT) @ Slim’s
Pinback: February 11th (SAT) @ Great American Music Hall
Cory Hanson: February 12th (SUN) @ The Chapel
Pinback: February 12th (SUN) @ Great American Music Hall


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SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to Mac Sabbath at Slim’s 1/27 (FRI)

Mac SabbathWritten by Brett Ruffenach //

Mac Sabbath with ArnoCorps //
Slim’s – San Francisco
January 27th, 2017 //

Mac Sabbath are, well, exactly what you think they are.

Remember when Macaulay Culkin did that gauche project called “The Pizza Underground” where, just three short months after the passing of Lou Reed, he made a Velvet Underground cover band singing pizza-themed parodies?

This is like that, only instead of The Velvet Underground, it’s Black Sabbath. And instead of pizza, it’s McDonalds.

Armed with cheeseburger headpieces, smoldering clown heads with laser eyes, a giant purple gumdrop bass player and hilarious fast-food lyrics, Mac Sabbath are certainly one of the most unique live acts coming to SF this weekend.

This Friday, Mac Sabbath will storm the stage at Slim’s after ArnoCorps’ opening set, and this is NOT a show you want to miss. I mean, c’mon … they’ve got clown heads with freakin’ laser beams coming out of their eyes! Tickets are available for $20, or you could win a pair of tickets by submitting your full name and email below.

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.


Follow Showbams on Twitter for more contest giveaways throughout the week. Be the first to respond to our contest tweets to GO4FREE to these shows:

The She’s: January 26th (THU) @ The Independent
The Beatnuts: January 27th (FRI) @ The New Parish
Shy Girls: January 27th (FRI) @ The Independent
Heron Oblivion: January 27th (FRI) @ The Chapel
Lydia Loveless: January 28th (SAT) @ The Independent
The Donkeys: January 28th (SAT) @ The Chapel
Safetysuit: January 29th (SUN) @ The Chapel


Win-2-Tickets

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SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to Lupe Fiasco at 1015 Folsom 11/16 (WED)

Lupe FiascoWritten by Brett Ruffenach //

Lupe Fiasco with The Boy Illinois, RXMN //
1015 Folsom – San Francisco
November 16th, 2016 //

From his explosion onto the rap scene to who he is today, Lupe Fiasco has always been a rapper who will not compromise who he is for the limelight. A Chicago-born emcee who emerged from the “nerd rap” scene and caught the ear of artists like Kanye West and Talib Kweli, Fiasco’s best skill is a remarkably smooth flow over deep, complex lyrics.

Both accessible and robust, Fiasco’s catalog has contributed to the stylings of rappers like Nas and Common while expanding Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five’s famous single “The Message” into a more radio-friendly territory. His career, meanwhile, has been one of constant mishaps and challenges, from botched album releases to ill-conceived pop-crossover efforts to even protests by his dedicated fan base at his label Atlantic Records. Preemptive retirement announcements, canceled shows and a disappointing sequel to his seminal debut LP in 2012 have all held back the CEO of 1st & 15th Entertainment in recent years.

But with the release of his most recent effort Tetsuo & Youth, Fiasco has seemingly gotten his groove back. A fine-tuned production with the smooth-yet-complex lyricism built on dizzying layers of rhyme, double entendre, wordplay and references ranging anywhere between Steve Urkel and a Thomas Pynchon novel. Tetsuo & Youth is a redemption album for Fiasco, and we couldn’t be happier to see him return to his most true form.

Touring in support of Tetsuo & Youth, Fiasco will headline 1015 Folsom this Wednesday with support from The Boy Illinois and RXMN. Tickets are available for $40-50, or you could win a pair of tickets by submitting your full name and email below.

Contest ends this Wednesday at 3 p.m.

Lupe Fiasco - 1015 Folsom


Follow Showbams on Twitter for more contest giveaways throughout the week. Be the first to respond to our contest tweets to GO4FREE to these shows:

Golden Suits: November 15th (TUE) @ Swedish American Hall
Natasha Kmeto: November 16th (WED) @ Swedish American Hall
Matt Costa: November 17th (THUR) @ Slim’s
Joe Budden: November 17th (THUR) @ The New Parish
Ricky Eat Acid: November 17th (THUR) @ Swedish American Hall
Red Fang: November 18th (FRI) @ Slim’s
Sun Kil Moon: November 18th (FRI) @ Great American Music Hall
The Stone Foxes: November 18th (FRI) @ The Independent
Jay Som: November 18th (FRI) @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall
Stones Throw 20th Anniversary Tour: November 18th (FRI) @ 1015 Folsom
Should We Run: November 19th (SAT) @ The Independent


Win-2-Tickets

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SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to Tiga (Live) at The Midway 10/28 (FRI)

TigaWritten by Molly Kish //

Tiga (Live), Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, Martin Buttrich b2b Guti, Edu Imbernon //
The Midway – San Francisco
October 28th, 2016 //

French DJ, producer and world-renowned remix artist Tiga brings his legendary mix of house, electro and UK garage to The Midway, headlining an incredible roster of electronic talent to kick off the Halloween weekend.

Joined by British future house sensation Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, LA-based DJ/percussionist Martin Buttrich playing B2B with latin-jazz/electronic artist Guti, Spain’s own remix master Edu Imbernon and Modular label head Pedro Arbulu rounding out the main room, this party is absolutely stacked.

With a separate lineup gracing the patio that features Margot Lox, Rachel Toro, Elvi and Jill, this night plans to bump into the early morning, delivering up some of the best house sets in the Bay Area this Halloween weekend. Tickets are available for $35-40, or you could win a pair of tickets by submitting your full name and email below.

Contest ends today at 3 p.m.


Follow Showbams on Twitter for more contest giveaways throughout the week. Be the first to respond to our contest tweets to GO4FREE to these shows:

Girrafage & XXYYXX: October 31st (MON) @ Mezzanine
King Khan: October 31st (MON) @ Slims
The Masquerade Ball: October 31st (MON) @ The Chapel


Win-2-Tickets

Enter your name (First and Last) along with your email below. If you win a contest, you’ll be notified on the day the contest ends (details above).

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SF Shows of the Week // GO4FREE to Treasure Island Music Festival night shows

Treasure Island Music Festival 2016 - night showsWritten by Josh Herwitt & Molly Kish //

Treasure Island Music Festival //
Treasure Island – San Francisco
October 15th-16th, 2016 //

This weekend, Treasure Island Music Festival celebrates its 10-year anniversary with some of the biggest names in rock, hip-hop, electronic and experimental music all performing on the island, including headliners Ice Cube and Sigur Rós.

The two-day event has become known for its groundbreaking lineups, picturesque location, ideal layout/production and incredible after-hours entertainment during the nights leading up to the festival as well as after each day of TIMF.

Win a pair of free tickets to a TIMF night show by entering your name and email below.




Dan Deacon: October 13th (THUR) @ California Academy of Sciences // BUY TICKETS

Avant-garde trailblazer and digital mastermind/composer Dan Deacon brings his interactive show (read what some had to say about his show in SF earlier this year here) to the California Academy of Sciences on Thursday night before the festival officially kicks off a little less than two days later.

Contest ends this Thursday at 3 p.m.




BUKU: October 15th (SAT) @ The Independent // BUY TICKETS

Pittsburgh native and Music Technology graduate BUKU (born Robert Balotsky) brings his expertise in sound design and music theory to The Independent after the first day of TIMF with support from Stylust Beats and BOGL.

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.




Deerhunter: October 15th (SAT) @ Mezzanine // BUY TICKETS

Fronted by the compellingly weird Bradford Cox, Atlanta four-piece Deerhunter performed at TIMF last year (read our review here), so while the experimental noise rockers won’t be hitting the island this year, you can be sure to catch them upon your return to the City on Saturday.

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.




Stwo: October 15th (SAT) @ Secret Downtown SF Location (TBA) // BUY TICKETS

After amassing 10 million streams online with his debut single “Lovin U”, 24-year-old French producer Stwo will occupy a secret warehouse (address and information will be emailed only to ticket buyers 24 hours before the event) for this late-night affair.

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.




Kero Kero Bonito: October 16th (SUN) @ Swedish American Hall // BUY TICKETS

Wrap up your TIMF weekend on Sunday night with Kero Kero Bonito at the Swedish American Hall as the British casio-electro trio are sure to perform songs from their forthcoming debut LP Bonito Generation before its release next week.

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.


Follow Showbams on Twitter for more contest giveaways throughout the week. Be the first to respond to our contest tweets to GO4FREE to these shows:

She Wants Revenge: October 13th (WED) at Mezzanine
Malaa & REZZ: October 13th (THUR) at The UC Theatre
Polyrhythmics: October 14th (FRI) at Brick & Mortar Music Hall
Temples: October 15th (SAT) at Great American Music Hall
Andre Nickatina: October 15th (SAT) at Slim’s
The Sonics: October 15th (SAT) at The New Parish


Win-2-Tickets

Pick the show you would like to attend from the dropdown, then enter your name (First and Last) along with your email. If you win a contest, you’ll be notified on the day the contest ends (details above). 21+

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SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to Clams Casino at Mezzanine 9/15 (THUR)

Clams CasinoWritten by Brett Ruffenach //

Clams Casino //
Mezzanine – San Francisco
September 15th, 2016 //

As one of the fastest-rising producers in the world, Clams Casino (born Michael Volpe) has made a name for himself by combining familiar hip-hop rhythms with a unique, ominous sound. With its atmospheric synth and vocal distortions, his groundbreaking EP Rainforest released in 2011 quickly set Clams Casino apart from other crossover producers. Tracks like “Treetop” and “Waterfalls”, for example, best demonstrate his remarkable ability to meld arrangements that use vocal melodies as more of a side dish than the main course.

Over the past couple of years, Clams Casino has continued to hone his style through a trilogy of mixtapes titled Instrumentals, Instrumentals 2 and Instrumentals 3. In July, he released his first official LP 32 Levels, featuring a guest list of up-and-coming producers, hip-hop emcees like Vince Staples and Lil B, and singers such as Future Islands’ Samuel T. Herring and alt-J’s Joe Newman. With bangers (“All Nite”) in addition to brooding, melancholy tracks (“Blast”, “Skull”), Clams Casino’s productions have evolved into a style that cannot be ignored.

Touring in support of 32 Levels, Clams Casino will take the stage in SF at Mezzanine this Thursday with “special guests” billed to join him. Maybe Lil B (aka “The BasedGod”) will grace us with his presence, too?

No matter who joins Volpe, this is not a show to sleep on. Tickets are available for $20-23, or you could win a pair of tickets by submitting your full name and email below.

Contest ends this Thursday at 3 p.m.


Follow Showbams on Twitter for more contest giveaways throughout the week. Be the first to respond to our contest tweets to GO4FREE to these shows:

Travis Hayes: September 15th (THUR) @ The Independent
Junior Toots: September 15th (THUR) @ Slim’s
Kimock with special guests: September 16th (FRI) @ Great American Music Hall
Brainfeeder Afterparty: September 16th (FRI) @ 1015 Folsom
John Doe & Exene Cervenka: September 17th (SAT) @ Slim’s
St. Motel: September 17th (SAT) @ Great American Music Hall
Goapele: September 17th (SAT) @ Mezzanine
Entrance: September 17th (SAT) @ Swedish American Hall
Porches: September 18th (SUN) @ The Independent


Win-2-Tickets

Enter your name (First and Last) along with your email below. If you win a contest, you’ll be notified on the day the contest ends (details above). 21+ only.

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Show of the Week // GO4FREE to Les Sins at The New Parish 8/19 (FRI)

Les SinsWritten by Brett Ruffenach //

Les Sins with Taraval, DJ Nina Sol //
The New Parish – Oakland
August 19th, 2016 //

Chaz Bundick is a busy man. Between writing music for his solo-project-turned-rock-band Toro y Moi, touring around the world in support of their most recent album What For? (read our community review here) and even taking that band to the Trona Pinnacles to record and release their own Pink Floyd-inspired album Live From Trona (watch the live film here), it’s hard to believe Bundick has the time to work on his electronic side project Les Sins.

Conceived in 2010, Les Sins has evolved into an excellent expansion of Bundick’s musical tastes, filling the gaps between a quirky indie-rock singer-songwriter and a foot-stomping electronic producer. His debut LP under the Les Sins moniker, Michael, was released on his own Company Records in late 2014, led by the album’s infectious single “Bother”.

As a DJ, Bundick blends familiar elements of French electronic, pop, house and 90’s hip-hop to create a rhythm guaranteed to keep your body moving. On tracks like “Grind” and “Why”, he demonstrates a deep understanding of how pop, soul, house and disco can mix together, creating a familiar, yet unique sound. Having seen both Toro y Moi and Les Sins perform in the past year, I’d take the latter any day.

This Friday, Les Sins pays a visit to The New Parish in Oakland for a DJ set with support from San Francisco’s own Taraval, a recent signee to Four Tet’s Text Records (you can listen to his debut EP Streetways here), and DJ Nina Sol, an Oaklander known for her eclectic sets as well as her genre-bending style. Tickets are available for $25, or you could win a pair of tickets by submitting your full name and email below.

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.


Follow Showbams on Twitter for more contest giveaways throughout the week. Be the first to respond to our contest tweets to GO4FREE to these shows:

IdleFox: August 16th (TUE) @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall
Chuck Mosley & Friends: August 18th (THUR) @ Great American Music Hall
The Coathangers: August 19th (FRI) @ The Independent
Glen David Andrews: August 19th (FRI) @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall
The Muffs & The Rubinoos: August 20th (SAT) @ Slim’s
Panic Is Perfect & Dangermaker: August 20th (SAT) @ Great American Music Hall
Vetiver (Mollusk Moods special trio set): August 20th (SAT) @ The Chapel


Win-2-Tickets

Enter your name (First and Last) along with your email below. If you win a contest, you’ll be notified on the day the contest ends (details above).

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SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to The Detroiter: Block Party at Heron Arts 7/30 (SAT)

Matthew Dear


Matthew Dear

Written by Brett Ruffenach //

The Detroiter: Block Party feat. Matthew Dear, Shigeto, Lusine, Christopher Willits //
Heron Arts – San Francisco
July 30th, 2016 //

Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival is just a little over a week away if you can believe it, (see our 10 favorite features of the festival here), but to hold you over until next weekend’s festivities at Golden Gate Park, Heron Arts has assembled an impressive lineup of artists for “The Detroiter” summer block party this Saturday.

Located in SOMA on Heron St., the gallery will open its doors and put on a showcase of more than 50 artists from around the globe, curated and brought to SF by Detroit-based Inner State Gallery. Joining the swaths of visual artists will be members of the Detroit-based record label Ghostly International, including electronic music producers Matthew Dear (who founded the label), Shigeto, Lusine and Christopher Willits.

Dear is a musician and artist that cannot be bound to a single genre. With a range of styles, the Texas native has worn a number of hats, from avant-garde electronic producer to house DJ to rock bandleader. He has made a name for himself through his work released under his own name as well as through various side projects like Audion, False and Jabberjaw. The release of Dear’s debut LP Leave Luck to Heaven in 2003 immediately caught the attention of dance and experimental artists alike, most notably receiving praise for his hit single “Dog Days”.

Over the last decade, Dear has continued to expand on his production style, incorporating African-influenced rhythms with elements of ambient noise and pop. This progression has culminated in the form of his most recent album, 2012’s Beams, a bold, unrestrained dance party that brings his vocals and songwriting to a centered, more personal level that are best demonstrated through the gothic vocals and foot-stomping rhythm of “Her Fantasy”. Dear’s prolific career as a producer, songwriter, visual-arts designer and record label executive has established him as a leader in the next generation of Detroit-based electronic music.

Shigeto


Shigeto

Shigeto is a project that would surprise you to learn it’s actually managed by only one person: Zachary Shigeto Saginaw. With a musical style that features hip-hop beats among a dizzying number of ambient sounds and manipulated samples, the Ann Arbor, Mich., native has found a unique place in today’s beat-driven music scene by incorporating his formal training in jazz drumming into his intricately woven sets.

Saginaw gained considerable popularity stemming from his 2013 album No Better Time Than Now, that featured unpredictable, poly-rhythmic tracks like “Detroit Pt. 1” and “Ringleader”. Now, after the release of his 2015 LP Intermission, Shigeto has really hit his stride, expanding the rhythmic possibilities of his style, using the framework of dance music as a petri dish to integrate in his own unique jazz and funk influences. As a producer and as a live performer, Shigeto brings a style to the electronic music scene that is set apart from the rest.

Joining Dear and Shigeto this Saturday afternoon and evening at Heron Arts will be Lusine, an experimental electronic music producer from Texas who now resides in Seattle, and SF-based musician Christopher Willits, who frequently collaborates with Tycho composer/bandleader Scott Hansen. Tickets are available for $35, or you could win a pair of tickets by submitting your full name and email below.

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.

The Detroiter - Block Party


Follow Showbams on Twitter for more contest giveaways throughout the week. Be the first to respond to our contest tweets to GO4FREE to these shows:

Moving Units: July 27th (WED) @ The Independent
Black Milk: July 28th (THUR) @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall
Pam the Funkstress: July 29th (FRI) @ Slim’s
Club Cheval: July 30th (SAT) @ Mezzanine


Win-2-Tickets

Enter your name (First and Last) along with your email below. If you win a contest, you’ll be notified on the day the contest ends (details above).

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SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to Chromeo (DJ set) at 1015 Folsom 7/22 (FRI)

ChromeoWritten by Brett Ruffenach //

Chromeo (DJ set) with Sweater Funk //
1015 Folsom – San Francisco
July 22nd, 2016 //

Chromeo cannot be labeled as one genre, but you know it when you hear it. Having spent the past 15 years blending a mix of funk, electronic, soul and pop into their own unique style, the Canadian duo have reached new levels of fame following the release of their fourth full-length record White Women back in 2014, which could be best described as an exercise in borrowed nostalgia, bringing styles old and new into a highly refined, ass-kicking electro-funk album that peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Perhaps the most compelling thing about the Chromeo live experience is the combination of personas between “Dave 1” (David Macklovitch, brother of DJ and award-winning turntablist A-Trak) and “P-Thugg” (Patrick Gemayel). As the two have refined their late-disco pop style (bringing Hall & Oates to mind for many listeners), they have also built their own dedicated fan base around a self-aware, sexy, macho-yet-vulnerable persona -– perfectly suited for the kind of guy who would successfully use a corny pickup line at a bar only because he knows it’s so obviously corny.

Sporting wayfarers and leather jackets behind instruments popped up by curvy light-up legs, Chromeo truly own their own style and haven’t messed with that formula since the release of their debut album She’s in Control. Now, after touring the world and performing on the main stage at some of the biggest music festivals over the past year, Dave 1 and P-Thugg will bring their electro-funk concoction to 1015 Folsom this Friday for a headlining DJ set.

Sweater Funk will be joining the Montreal duo to get the party started. As a crew dedicated to the craft of vinyl-only dance parties, the SF-based DJ collective have focused on sharing their unique sub-genre of choice, better known as “Boogie,” with the world. Considered “The King of Boogie,” special guest Leroy Burgess will be joining the Sweater Funk crew to kick off what is sure to be a special night. Tickets are available for $25, or you could win a pair of tickets by submitting your full name and email below.

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.

Chromeo - 1015 Folsom


Follow Showbams on Twitter for more contest giveaways throughout the week. Be the first to respond to our contest tweets to GO4FREE to these shows:

CeeLo: July 21st (THUR) @ The Independent
Everyone Is Dirty: July 21st (THUR) @ Great American Music Hall
Phoebe Ryan: July 21st (THUR) @ The New Parish
Robert Ellis: July 23rd (SAT) @ Slim’s
Yoni & Geti: July 23rd (SAT) @ Great American Music Hall
Zigaboo Modeliste: July 23rd (SAT) & 24th (SUN) @ The Chapel


Win-2-Tickets

Enter your name (First and Last) along with your email below. If you win a contest, you’ll be notified on the day the contest ends (details above). 21+ only.

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SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to A Club Called Rhonda feat. DJ Harvey at Mezzanine 7/1 (FRI)

DJ HarveyWritten by Brett Ruffenach //

A Club Called Rhonda feat. DJ Harvey //
Mezzanine – San Francisco
July 1st, 2016 //

Described by THUMP years ago as a “carnival or debauchery,” A Club Called Rhonda (ACCR) is a group who served as a key component in the revival of both disco and house music in Los Angeles’ nightlife scene. With deep care put into each party, ACCR has made a name for itself by bringing sonic and visual artists together to create something different at each event.

This Friday in SF, ACCR will bring its self-proclaimed pursuit of “PASSION. PLEASURE. POSSIBILITY.” to Mezzanine, with the incomparable DJ Harvey headlining the event.

DJ Harvey is your favorite DJ’s favorite DJ. Having spent the past 35 years traveling the world as one of the hottest DJs to every grace a turntable, he has generated a cult following built on seamless, unstoppable house and disco sets year after year. Though DJ Harvey is a common visitor to Public Works in SF, this year he will be joining the ACCR team to put on what will undoubtedly be a highlight event for Mezzanine’s already-stellar year.

Supporting DJ Harvey will be Andy Butler, a member of disco-house group Hercules & Love Affair. Tickets are available for $25-30, or you could win a pair of tickets by submitting your full name and email below.

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.


Follow Showbams on Twitter for more contest giveaways throughout the week. Be the first to respond to our contest tweets to GO4FREE to these shows:

La Luz: June 29th (WED) @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall
Pity Sex: June 29th (WED) @ Slim’s
Ladyhawke: July 3rd (SUN) @ The Independent


Win-2-Tickets

Enter your name (First and Last) along with your email below. If you win a contest, you’ll be notified on the day the contest ends (details above). 21+ only.

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SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to MSTRKRFT at The Independent 6/10 (FRI)

MSTRKRFTWritten by Brett Ruffenach //

MSTRKRFT with Io Echo //
The Independent – San Francisco
June 10th, 2016 //

Born out of the raw, fist-clenching dance-punk coming from Toronto duo Death from Above 1979, MSTRKRFT (pronounced “Master-craft”) are a gritty, electronic side project composed of DFA 1979 bassist/keyboardist Jesse F. Keeler and producer Al-P (Alex Puodziukas). Formed in 2005, MSTRKFT bring the grit of DFA 1979 as well as the uplifting rhythms and synth melodies of artists like Daft Punk and Ratatat to the stage.

Now, MSTRKFT are returning to the stage with an entirely new live production. This year in an interview with VICE, the duo discussed the challenge of producing electronic music in a live setting — that computers and backing tracks are too safe, minimizing the potential to make any mistakes. Foregoing the offerings of Ableton and other beat-making software, the group has created its own setup that’s basically one big mess of cables, synthesizers and drums.

“We’re trying to make a setup that can fuck up,” Keeler explained candidly. “One that can have grand, massive errors. That’s sort of the fun of being in a band onstage. I mean it sucks in the moment, but that’s how you know when you’re seeing something real. It’s like why people watch NASCAR — they’re waiting for an epic car crash. Well, that’s why I watch it.”

This Friday, MSTRKRFT returns to the Bay for a live performance at The Independent with support from Los Angeles indie-rock band Io Echo, who will open the show up with a DJ set. Tickets are available for $25, or you could win a pair of tickets by submitting your full name and email below.

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.


Follow Showbams on Twitter for more contest giveaways throughout the week. Be the first to respond to our contest tweets to GO4FREE to these shows:

Mirah & Jherek Bischoff: June 9th (THUR) @ Swedish American Hall
Andre Nickatina: June 10th (FRI) @ Slim’s
Funk Fellowship: June 10th (FRI) @ The New Parish
DVSN: June 10th (FRI) @ 1015 Folsom
Lyrics Born: June 11th (SAT) @ The Independent
Lila Rose: June 11th (SAT) @ Slim’s
Mac Sabbath: June 12th (SUN) @ Slim’s
Kaki King: June 12th (SUN) @ Swedish American Hall
Israel Nash: June 12th (SUN) @ The Chapel


Win-2-Tickets

Enter your name (First and Last) along with your email below. If you win a contest, you’ll be notified on the day the contest ends (details above).

Like Showbams on Facebook, follow Showbams on Twitter and follow Showbams on Instagram. Subscribe to our social channels for a better chance to win!

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SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to Cut Chemist at Mezzanine 5/13 (FRI)

Cut ChemistWritten by Nik Crossman //

Cut Chemist with Alligator Spacewalk //
Mezzanine – San Francisco
May 13th, 2016 //

Lucas MacFadden, better known by his stage name Cut Chemist, originally made waves in the Los Angeles hip-hop scene as an avid contributor to Jurassic 5 and through his collaborations with Bay Area instrumental hip-hop/trip-hop producer DJ Shadow in the early 90’s. 

In 2006, MacFadden left J5 and released his debut studio album The Audience’s Listening on Warner Bros. Records, with the title track being used for a worldwide Apple TV commercial promoting its iPod nano product.

Building on his solo fame, Cut Chemist supported Shakira during her “Oral Fixation” tour in 2007, wowing crowds with his unique approach while pushing the limits of the audio-visual world. That same year, he made a cameo appearance as a chemistry teacher in the Academy Award-winning movie “Juno” that comically plays off his academic-sounding moniker.

This Friday, Mezzanine will celebrate seven years of MOM DJs with exclusive remixes and originals of your favorite Motown songs while headliner Cut Chemist and opener Alligator Spacewalk hit the decks. Tickets are available for $25, or you could win a pair of tickets by submitting your full name and email below.

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.


Follow Showbams on Twitter for more contest giveaways throughout the week. Be the first to respond to our contest tweets to GO4FREE to these shows:

Too Future: May 12th (THUR) @ 1015 Folsom
Marc Kinchen: May 13th (FRI) @ 1015 Folsom
Hot Buttered Rum: May 13th (FRI) @ The Fillmore
Beat Connection: May 13th (FRI) @ Swedish American Music Hall
Blackalicious: May 13th (FRI) @ Slim’s
TV Girl: May 13th (FRI) @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall
Chris Cohen: May 14th (SAT) @ Swedish American Music Hall
Bob Mould: May 15th (SUN) @ The Independent


Win-2-Tickets

Enter your name (First and Last) along with your email below. If you win a contest, you’ll be notified on the day the contest ends (details above).

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SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to Floating Points at Mezzanine 4/29 (FRI)

Floating PointsWritten by Nik Crossman //

Floating Points with Idris Ackamoor & The Pyramids //
Mezzanine – San Francisco
April 29th, 2016 //

Hailing from the UK, Floating Points (born Sam Shepard) has made a name for himself over the last 10-plus years through his unconventional approach to creating dance music, which remains strongly influenced by his childhood.

The co-founder of Eglo Records grew up singing in the Manchester Cathedral Boys Choir, and his work reflects a strong appreciation for live instrumentation. Consequently, Shepard often resembles a composer more than a traditional electronic producer.

With the release of his debut LP Elaenia late last year, Shepard has solidified his position as a composer by arranging a variety of string and keyboard instruments. Clocking in at more than 42 minutes, the seven-track album takes listeners on a transcendent journey through musical peaks and valleys while appropriately timing the descent.

This Friday, Idris Ackamoor & The Pyramids will provide support before Floating Points takes his SF audience at Mezzanine for an aurally empowering ride. Tickets are available for $20, or you could win a pair of tickets by submitting your full name and email below.

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.


Follow Showbams on Twitter for more contest giveaways throughout the week. Be the first to respond to our contest tweets to GO4FREE to these shows:

Say Anything: April 27th (WED) @ Slim’s
Garden & Villa: April 27th (WED) @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall
Fruition: April 28th (THUR) @ The Chapel
The Sam Chase & Dead Winter Carpenters: April 29th (FRI) @ Great American Music Hall
The Slackers: April 30th (SAT) @ Slim’s
Thao & the Get Down Stay Down: April 30th (SAT) @ The Fillmore


Win-2-Tickets

Enter your name (First and Last) along with your email below. If you win a contest, you’ll be notified on the day the contest ends (details above).

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CONTEST CLOSED.

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Fauxchella Shows of the Month // GO4FREE to Hudson Mohawke, Savages or DMA’s

Hudson Mohawke & SavagesWritten by Nik Crossman //

Can’t make it to Coachella this year? No worries! We’ve got you covered with tickets to some of the best Fauxchella shows in the Bay Area.

Win a pair of free tickets to one of our Fauxchella Shows of the Month by entering your name and email below.


DMA’s: April 15th (FRI) @ The Independent // BUY TICKETS

Releasing their debut LP in February, these Aussies continue to rise on the popularity of their single “Delete”. Before heading down to the desert for their Saturday set at Coachella, DMA’s will headline The Independent the day before to showcase their unique, layered harmonies and acoustic-to-electric transitions.

Contest ends Friday, April 15th at 3 p.m.


Savages: April 19th (TUE) @ The Fillmore // BUY TICKETS

Pulling their name from the 1954 novel Lord of the Flies, this London-based punk quartet is the “closest thing to art that post-punk has offered in a while,” writes The Guardian. Their latest and second full-length album Adore Life dropped in January and peaked at No. 26 on the UK charts. In between their two sets at Coachella, Savages will make a pit stop in SF to play The Fillmore.

Contest ends Tuesday, April 19th at 3 p.m.


Hudson Mohawke: April 21st (THUR) @ Mezzanine // BUY TICKETS

Better known by his stage name Hudson Mohawke, Ross Birchard is a Scottish DJ/producer from Glasgow who started his claim to fame by becoming the youngest ever DMC UK finalist. Building on his early popularity through his work as a turntablist, he continues to win over fans with his genre-smashing, wonky approach; in 2013, he signed on to Kanye West’s GOOD Music label. If you can’t make it to Coachella, make sure to catch him in SF for a Thursday night party at Mezzanine.

Contest ends Thursday, April 21st at 3 p.m.


Follow Showbams on Twitter for more contest giveaways throughout the week. Be the first to respond to our contest tweets to GO4FREE to these shows:

Chuck Prophet: April 15th (FRI) @ Great American Music Hall
(((folkYEAH!))) Presents Marc & the Casuals with special guest Sean Hayes & Extra Classic: April 15th (FRI) @ The Chapel
Haelos: April 19th (TUE) @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall
Bombino: April 22nd (FRI) @ The New Parish
Keller Williams: April 22nd (FRI) @ Great American Music Hall
Bombino: April 23rd (SAT) @ The Independent
Day Wave: April 25th (MON) @ The Independent
Say Anything: April 27th (WED) @ Slim’s
Garden & Villa: April 27th (WED) @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall
Fruition: April 28th (THUR) @ The Chapel
The Sam Chase: April 29th (FRI) @ Great American Music Hall
The Slackers: April 30th (SAT) @ Slim’s
Thao & the Get Down Stay Down: April 30th (SAT) @ The Fillmore


Win-2-Tickets

Enter your name (First and Last) along with your email below. If you win a contest, you’ll be notified on the day the contest ends (details above).

Like Showbams on Facebook, follow Showbams on Twitter and follow Showbams on Instagram. Subscribe to our social channels for a better chance to win!

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SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to Lissie at Slim’s 3/30 (WED)

LissieWritten by Nik Crossman //

Lissie with Skrizzly Adams //
Slim’s – San Francisco
March 30th, 2016 //

Before ever releasing her debut EP Why You Runnin’ in 2009 under the eponymous-inspired moniker “Lissie,” Elisabeth Maurus began her musical journey early in her life.

Influenced by her mother and grandfather, Maurus grew up taking voice lessons and secured the lead role in the musical “Annie” at the age of nine. During high school, she learned how to play guitar and began writing songs to cope with her typical teenage growing pains.

After a semester abroad studying in Paris, Maurus moved to Los Angeles to follow her dream of playing music professionally and signed with Sony Music UK’s Columbia Records prior to dropping her first full-length record Catching a Tiger in 2010. Since then, the folk-rock artist has released two more studio albums — 2013’s Back to Forever and My Wild West earlier this year — and used her music to help fund-raise for orphanages in Haiti and ALS research.

With opening support from singer-songwriter Skrizzly Adams, Lissie will headline Slim’s in SF this Wednesday. Tickets are available for $21, or you could win a pair of tickets by submitting your full name and email below.

Contest ends this Wednesday at 3 p.m.


Follow Showbams on Twitter for more contest giveaways throughout the week. Be the first to respond to our contest tweets to GO4FREE to these shows:

Earthless: March 31st (THUR) at Slim’s
Birds of Chicago: April 2nd (SAT) at Great American Music Hall


Win-2-Tickets

Enter your name (First and Last) along with your email below. If you win a contest, you’ll be notified on the day the contest ends (details above).

Like Showbams on Facebook, follow Showbams on Twitter and follow Showbams on Instagram. Subscribe to our social channels for a better chance to win!

CONTEST CLOSED.

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