Slims – Showbams

WIN TICKETS: The Orwells at Slim’s 9/27 (SAT)

September 26, 2014 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

The Orwells with Skaters //
Slim’s – San Francisco
September 27th, 2914 //

Making a stop on their nationwide tour in support of their second album Disgraceland, The Orwells headline this Saturday night at Slim’s. Known for their explosive live shows punctuated by frontman Mario Cuomo’s onstage, full-body fits, The Orwells deliver a refreshingly brash take on contemporary rock music. Echoing aesthetics pulled from 1960’s-era rhythm and blues, Vietnam War anthems and lyrical stylings pulled directly from the forefathers of punk, The Orwells’ sound is as unique as it is timeless. Revisiting a lost era of clangy guitar hooks, driving beats and raw emotion-filled songwriting that has since lost its way in the modern music scene.

For your chance to check out one of the most exciting live performances currently touring though the Bay Area, enter here at Showbams. -Molly Kish

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Enter below if you can attend this show on Saturday, September 27th at Slim’s in SF.

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Contest ends Friday, September 26th at 3 p.m. The winner will be picked at random and notified by email on Friday. Your email will be kept private -– we will share your email with no one.

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Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: Skaters, Slims, The Orwells

WIN TICKETS: Built to Spill at Slim’s 8/17 (SUN)

August 15, 2014 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

Written by Kevin Quandt //

Built to Spill with Slam Dunk and The Warm Hair //
Slim’s – San Francisco
August 17, 2014 //

Built to Spill love the West Coast. The Boise natives have always treated SF to a handful of shows practically every year for as long as I can remember, and their annual pilgrimage to Slim’s is rapidly approaching. Doug Martsch and associates will be spending three nights in the SOMA playing tracks off the bevy of impressive releases they have amassed over two decades.

This late-summer jaunt will feature the relatively new rhythm section consisting of drummer Steve Gere and bassist Jason Albertini. Having not released an LP in almost five years, attendees can expect the grand possibility of new tracks featured in this intimate club. Fans of guitar-driven rock have flocked to BTS shows over the years, as the combination of rawness and melody have placed them at the forefront independent alternative rock for quite some time. Slam Dunk and the Warm Hair will set the table for the evening before the main dish is served. Saturday’s show is sold out, and the remaining nights’ ticket allotment is moving quickly, so don’t sleep on this opportunity.

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Contest ends Friday, August 15th at 3 p.m. Winners will be picked at random & notified by email. Your email will be kept private — we will share your email with no one.

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Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: Built To Spill, Slims

WIN TICKETS: Andrew Jackson Jihad at Slim’s 7/28 (MON)

July 26, 2014 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

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Andrew Jackson Jihad with Hard Girls and Dogbreth //
Slim’s – San Francisco
July 28th, 2014 (Monday) //

Releasing its fifth full-length album Christmas Island on Side One Dummy Records in May, Andrew Jackson Jihad makes a stop in SF on Monday night for a headlining show at Slim’s as its 36-date North American tour this summer winds down. After breaking out in 2006 thanks to some high-profile festival appearances, the Phoenix-based folk-punk outfit has been going strong for almost a decade now after singer/guitarist Sean Bonnette spent much of last year touring solo with Ian Graham of Cheap Girls. Opening things up will be Phoenix four-piece Dogbreth and San Jose punk rockers Hard Girls, whose latest album A Thousand Surfaces on Asian Man Records dropped June 24th. -Josh Herwitt

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Contest ends Monday, July 28th at Noon. Winners will be picked at random & notified by email. Your email will be kept private — we will share your email with no one.

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Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: Andrew Jackson Jihad, Dogbreth, Hard Girls, Slims

WIN TICKETS: The Polyphonic Spree at Slim’s 7/16 (WED)

July 15, 2014 by The Bam Team 3 Comments

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The Polyphonic Spree with Sarah Jaffe //
Slim’s — San Francisco
July 16th, 2014 (Wednesday) //

Celebrating 14 years as a band/collective/pseudo-religious experience, The Polyphonic Spree will be anointing the sacred ground of Slim’s this Wednesday night with support from Sarah Jaffe. Twenty-two members strong, the band’s current lineup is in the middle of its Summer Tour 2014 and on the verge of releasing a remix EP, following its completion. Originally formed in July 2000 as the product of lead singer Tim DeLaughter’s vision to reproduce a “sound he dreamt about”, the band’s unique take on choral rock and theatrical performance art hit the ground running rather quickly. Its sound, featuring multiple levels of instrumentation between flute, trumpet, French horn, trombone, violin, viola, cello, percussion, piano, guitars, bass, drums, electronic keyboards, EWI and a full choir, is one that has inspired nearly every ensemble act over the past decade. With five full-length albums, three EPs, several film scores, as well as countless festival appearances and world tours, the Polyphonic Spree are an inimitable tour de force, a bucket-list band whose live show is truly inspiring. With this being the only Bay Area stop on the West Coast leg of its tour, it’s not a show worth missing. -Molly Kish

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Contest ends Wednesday, July 16th at 2pm. Winners will be picked at random & notified by email. Your email will be kept private — we will share your email with no one.

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Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: Sarah Jaffe, Slims, The Polyphonic Spree

PHOTOS: The Soft White Sixties at Slim’s 4/25

April 28, 2014 by tom dellinger Leave a Comment

By Tom Dellinger //

The Soft White Sixties with Chicano Batman, A Million Billion Dying Suns //
Slim’s — San Francisco
April 25th, 2014 //

One of the most talked about San Francisco bands, The Soft White Sixties, returned for an engagement at Slim’s this past Friday night. The band has been touring steadily since their last appearance at The Chapel in February which included a successful run at SXSW. With the winds of mounting critical acclaim at their back, they sailed into town and demonstrated once again why critics continue to claim, “this is a band to watch.”

Anticipation was in the air on Friday as the two openers, the eclectic Chicano Batman and A Million Billion Dying Suns got things rolling. It was a late night and by the time TSWS hit, the room was packed and ready for the hometown band to strut their stuff, which is exactly what they did. A heavy touring schedule has been kind to the Sixties. They were both fresh and crisp the instant they took the stage. In addition to his vocal abilities, lead singer Octavio Genera is one of the most energetic and charismatic performers around and on Friday, he once again put it all on the line as he worked that stage; delivering a performance as if there would be no tomorrow.

Everyone in the band seemed to have that extra punch in them as they drove through the set with an intensity that was palpable. Joey Bustos on drums was particularly sharp and driving hard as the band responded. At the end of the night one could see those sparkling eyes and smiles on the faces of the fans as they knew they had just experienced something special.

Next month will find the band at BottleRock in Napa. Just as one of the most talked about bands at last year’s event was Vintage Trouble, one can reasonably expect that to be the case for The Soft White Sixties. Much like Vintage Trouble, and their vocalist, Ty Taylor in particular, you simply can’t build a stage too big for Octavio and TSWS. Expect them to explode.

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: A Million Billion Dying Suns, Chicano Batman, Slims, The Soft White Sixties

WIN TICKETS: The Soft White Sixties at Slim’s 4/25 (Friday)

April 24, 2014 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

Photo by Tom Dellinger //

Enter to win a pair of free tickets to this show below.

The Soft White Sixties with Chicano Batman, A Million Billion Dying Suns //
Slim’s — San Francisco
April 25, 2014 (Friday) //

As part of the promotional odyssey for their debut LP Get Right, San Francisco’s very own The Soft White Sixties will be headlining Slim’s this Friday night. Presented by Performer Magazine, and with support from Chicano Batman and A Million Billion Dying Suns, this local buzz band brings their infectious brand of “Working Class Soul” back to the Bay. Their first hometown performance since their electrifying appearance at the Noise Pop Festival 2014, anticipate a rowdy night with the boys, ready to “get right” in their local haunt. Gearing up for next month’s gig as part of the festival bill for Bottlerock in Napa Valley, this will be the last San Francisco stop on their tour leading up to the festival. Catch your sneak preview of what undoubtedly will be a highlight set of that weekend.

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Contest ends Friday, April 25th at Noon. Winners will be picked at random & notified by email. Your email will be kept private – we will share your email with no one.

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Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: Slims, The Soft White Sixties

WIN TICKETS: The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion at Slim’s 4/14

April 11, 2014 by The Bam Team 1 Comment

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The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion with Shockwave Riderz, DJ Tone-Arm //
Slim’s — San Francisco
April 14, 2014 (Monday) //

The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion don’t play favorites when it comes to genre-specific sounds. “I do not play no blues, I play rock & roll” spews Spencer on the song “Talk About The Blues” from their 1998 album Acme, only to be followed by a “Sabotage”-era Beastie Boys breakdown that eventually turns soulful. That’s the thing though — this is anything but a simple blues band. The trio that began in 1991 draw influences from garage rock to rockabilly, from punk to hip hop. With the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, it’s best to check expectations at the door.

JSBE are performing both Fridays of Coachella in the desert down south, so get in on the Fauxchella action this week in San Francisco.

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Contest ends Monday, April 14th at Noon. Winners will be picked at random & notified by email. Your email will be kept private – we will share your email with no one.

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CONTEST CLOSED

Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: DJ Tone-Arm, Shockwave Riderz, Slims, The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion

WIN TICKETS: Goat at Slim’s 4/12

April 9, 2014 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

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Goat with Holy Wave //
Slim’s — San Francisco
April 12, 2014 (Saturday) //

Out of the multitude of Swedish prog-afro-fusion bands playing, Goat has got to be one of the best. All joking aside, Goat is a serious musical project that has been active for almost 40 years, hailing from a small, possibly haunted town in Sweden called Korpilombolo. The largely rotating members are true kindred spirits in an entirely forward-thinking music genre that pushes the limits of hard-edged world-fusion.

They’ll be gracing Slim’s the weekend of their first of two banner Coachella sets for what is sure to be a highly buzzed about psychedelic freakout featuring masks, costumes and a barrage of crazy-ass music. This is also the ‘collectives’ first trek to the Western United States – hope that’s the icing on the cake to get you folks out to Goat.

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Contest ends Friday, April 12th at Noon. Winners will be picked at random & notified by email. Your email will be kept private – we will share your email with no one.

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CONTEST CLOSED

Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: GOAT, Holy Wave, Slims

WIN TICKETS: Chuck Ragan & The Camaraderie // The White Buffalo 4/3

April 2, 2014 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

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Chuck Ragan & The Camaraderie / The White Buffalo with Jonny Two Bags //
Slim’s — San Francisco
April 3rd, 2014 (Thurdsay) //

Former guitarist and vocalist of Hot Water Music Chuck Ragan will be headlining at Slim’s SF in celebration of his fourth studio album Till Midnight. Crafting his own blend of punk rock and bluegrass, Ragan has been touring and releasing material as a successful solo artist since 2007. Pulling from a roster of genre-spanning counterparts, he has collaborated with many influential artists to craft several well-received albums and full scale tours. Curating full line ups to join him on the road since 2008, Ragan conceptualized a cooperative acoustic event entitled “The Revival Tour” in which he brought together critically acclaimed names in country, bluegrass, punk rock and more, to join forces on stage as a shared bill. Off stage, Ragan revels in this type of shared music experience in the studio as well. His latest effort, Till Midnight features members of Lucero, Social Distortion, Foo Fighters, The Wallflowers and Blind Melon. To witness this truly exceptional musical troubador in action this Thursday, with co-headliners The White Buffalo, register here via showbams.

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Contest ends Thursday, April 3rd at Noon. Winners will be picked at random & notified by email. Your email will be kept private – we will share your email with no one.

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CONTEST CLOSED

Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: Chuck Ragan & The Camaraderie, Slims, The White Buffalo

WIN TICKETS: Betty Who at Slim’s 4/2

April 1, 2014 by The Bam Team 2 Comments

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Betty Who with Zak Waters, Cardiknox //
Slim’s — San Francisco
April 2nd, 2014 (Wednesday) //

Who is Betty Who? A Synth-Pop starlet about to break out into the mainstream? An Aussie that now lives in New York, whose professed goal, “I’d just like to make people dance”, is becoming a reality as she tours the US? An an energetic twenty-something slated to release her new EP, Slow Dancing, next week? No trick here, all three statements are true, and you have a chance to witness Betty Who perform Wednesday at Slim’s in San Francisco. Even better, enter your name and email below for a chance to win two tickets. No April fools here…

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Enter to win if you can attend this show Wednesday, April 2nd at Slim’s in San Francisco.

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Contest ends Wednesday, April 2nd at Noon. Winners will be picked at random & notified by email. Your email will be kept private – we will share your email with no one.

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CONTEST CLOSED

Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: Betty Who, Slims

Stephen Malkmus shreds Slim’s

March 31, 2014 by Steven Wandrey Leave a Comment

Photos by Patrick Kelly // Written by Steven Wandrey

Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks with Speedy Ortiz //
Slim’s — San Francisco
Thursday March 27th, 2014 //

The sold-out crowd at Slim’s filled in early as many were interested in catching the opener, Speedy Ortiz. Those present weren’t disappointed with the hard-edged 90s-reminiscent indie rock, though this was in no way a nostalgia act. Fronted by frighteningly powerful female vocals from Sadie Dupuis, it’ll be exciting to see how this band develops. After only one full length, 2013’s highly acclaimed Major Arcana, the potential with this group is through the roof. Speedy Ortiz is a great fit as opener for Malkmus & The Jicks; the opener displays the grungier side of Pavement that Malkmus has left behind in favor of a cleaner, fuller sound.

That’s not to say that Malkmus is shooting for a mark and missing it. Malkmus is firmly in control of this group, heading in a tighter and more focused direction than his previous work. Malkmus exhibits tasteful restraint with ripping guitar solos in small spots. Still chock-full of dry humor and ivy-league stoner sarcasm, Malkmus surprisingly kept his between-song commentary to only a few sentences. The glib and overly witty lyrics parallel the music in that they’re both quick and jaunty, feigning heaviness, though usually lighthearted. The show quickly took off, opening with “Cinnamon and Lesbians” off of his newest LP, Wig Out At Jagbags. The night would feature almost the entire new album, with the lone Pavement cover coming in the encore slot (an amped up “Stereo” singalong).

The four piece is firing hot on all cylinders, sounding tight, focused and energized. Sometimes the second guitar player would move over to the keys, further fleshing out the band. One highlight was a spirited rendition of “Houston Hades” off the new album. The crowd was soothed and then brought to its boiling point as the band repeatedly belted out the song’s driving ending. In general, the attendees were subdued, perhaps reliving their 90s stoner history with more than just memories. However, they were also highly attentive; there weren’t many talkers and not a single person was seen walking out the door before the encore began. It’s refreshing to see someone with Malkmus’ pedigree refusing to rest on his laurels and continuously pushing himself to create modern, relevant rock. Here’s to hoping he and The Jicks continue to push themselves in new and interesting directions.

Filed Under: Featured, Live Music Reviews Tagged With: Slims, Speedy Ortiz, Stephen Malkmus, Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks

The Orwells’ joyful anarchy underscores a band on the rise

March 27, 2014 by The Festival Lawyer Leave a Comment

By The Festival Lawyer //

The Orwells with Twin Peaks and Criminal Hygiene //
Slim’s — San Francisco
Sunday March 23, 2014 //

The Orwells ended their show at Slim’s last Sunday night in a fit of joyful anarchy. Vocalist Mario Cuomo (yeah you heard me, Mario Cuomo) ended the show by climbing the scaffolding at the right side of the stage while belting out Iggy Pop’s “I Wanna Be Your Dog”.

Beneath him, the crowd was going bananas. In the mosh pit below Cuomo, I counted 2 Descendents (!) t-shirts, a half a dozen crowd surfers and so many people were stage diving that I had to check the date on my phone to confirm that this was in fact, a Sunday night.

You may not have heard of The Orwells. If you’ve heard anything, it’s probably something about how young they are. Vocalist Cuomo, his cousin Dominic Corso (guitar), twins Grant (bass) and Henry Brinner (drums), and friend Matt O’Keefe (guitar) have been playing together since late 2009. They’ve already had quite an epic 2014. Earlier this year they had an appearance on Letterman that went viral and their set at SXSW was one of the festival’s most talked about performances. Oh and did I mention they were in the 9th grade in 2009? And that they rushed their high school graduations just last year so they could become rock stars? …Amazing.

The band opened with “Other Voices” which, besides rocking hard, has this very interesting low fi, fuzzy, 60s garage band feel to it. A lot of the band’s material feels like it would be right at home on one of those Nuggets compilation CDs, right between The Electric Prunes and The Knickerbockers. The band even worked a tiny portion of “Build Me Up Buttercup” by The Foundations into their set.

Right before their show in San Francisco, the band tweeted: “Is This It …is equivalent to death…..it’s just not fair.” It’s clear that the band loves the Strokes. But at the same time they don’t ape them. A song like “Who Needs You” has a fantastic Strokes kind of sound to it, but in a bashed up, garage band way. Other show highlights included “Mallrats La La La” and “In My Bed”.

Singer Cuomo gets most of the attention onstage because he is a maniac live. At times he is falling on the stage and screaming. Other times he stands completely still and stares into the crowd as if his mind is a million miles away. But make no mistake, the Orwells aren’t a backup band for Cuomo. This band is tight and has clearly learned a ton from their hectic touring schedule. They played a crisp, no nonsense hour-long set that left the crowd happy yet wanting more.

Within minutes of the show ending, the band was already on the floor, taking pictures and hanging out with fans. The crowd had a sweaty, happy vibe as if we had all been in the stands together and then collectively ran onto the floor after our team had hit the winning basket.

As we filed out, a young kid next to me asked, “Wasn’t that great? I don’t get why they aren’t bigger? Shouldn’t they be a huge band?”

“They really might be soon,” I told him.

Filed Under: Featured, Live Music Reviews Tagged With: Slims, The Orwells

WIN TICKETS: The Orwells at Slim’s 3/23

March 20, 2014 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

The Orwells with Twin Peaks and Criminal Hygiene
Slim’s — San Francisco
March 23, 2014 (Sunday)

Elmhurt, Illinois may not be known as a hotbed for garage rock, but the Orwells are doing their best to put this small town on the map as they climb the ranks as one of the buzziest bands of 2013. Now that the honeymoon is over, these young rockers embark on a national tour that’s stopping at Slims this Sunday evening. Part Strokes and a pinch of Cage the Elephant makes for one helluva live performance, a performance that had David Letterman calling for an encore on his late night program. Expect new material as they pen out their follow-up to 2012 release, Remember When. Twin Peaks and Criminal Hygiene round out this bill, so get down there early.

Buy tickets if you know you want to go!

Enter to win if you can attend this show Sunday, March 23rd at Slim’s in San Francisco.

Submit your full name and email address below.
Contest ends Friday, March 21st at Noon. Winners will be picked at random & notified by email. Your email will be kept private – we will share your email with no one.

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CONTEST COMPLETE

Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: Criminal Hygiene, Slims, The Orwells, Twin Peaks

PHOTOS: The Sam Chase, Bonnie & The BANG BANG, Before the Brave at Slim’s 3/14

March 19, 2014 by BenJamin Wallen 1 Comment

By Benjamin Wallen //

The Sam Chase, Bonnie & The BANG BANG, Before the Brave
Slim’s — San Francisco
March 14, 2014

Having not been back to Slim’s since I started photographing concerts, I was very excited to get back to a place I grew up coming to as a wee one living in Marin. I knew I was in for a high energy show this past Friday, and Before The Brave, Bonnie & The BANG BANG and The Sam Chase all delivered.

Before the Brave was new for me, and I must say I really enjoyed their music. Rooted within a singer-songwriter style, deep songs layered in modern pop music floated throughout the venue. Catchy playing and lyrics grabbed me right off, but songs expanded, taking us all deep within soft melodies. Going to keep an eye out for these guys in the future.

Bonnie and The BANG BANG was the initial reason I was at Slim’s Friday. I have seem them a few times in smaller venues in and around SF and was stoked to hear their highly anticipated new tunes and see them play a bigger venue (with some other lighting than small club red). When the lights dropped, the classic Nancy Sinatra hit foretold the basis of bands name — “My baby shot me down….” Frontman Patrick James Stiles brings energy to lead singing we don’t often see from many bands. Barefoot and pacing the stage, the emotion and strength of songs was felt by all. Backed by a set of awesome guitarists that feed off each other, bleeding into songs with passion, is the secret ingredient here. I can’t wait to hear the new stuff from these guys. If you get a chance to see them, do so. You will leave a fan.

Last and certainly not least was The Sam Chase. After addictively listening to their music for days in a row, I knew The Sam Chase had something special going into their set. Many members fill the stage with all sorts of styles, making it so you couldn’t hide the foot stomping and dancing that came along when they played. Dressed to a T, the band brought it. Genre-varied, they were backed with a bit of horn and lots of banjo, showcasing that they are a great all-around band. It’s music I’d imagine you would hear in a roadhouse somewhere from Texas to the streets of New Orleans. The dirty-clean contrast of the rock is just what the doctor orders when knocking back some shots and kicking those heals up, having a blast.

Keep an eye out for these names. Good things are sure to come from this trio of talent.

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: Before The Brave, Bonnie & The BANG BANG, Slims, The Sam Chase

12 reasons to grab a Noise Pop festival badge

February 14, 2014 by The Bam Team 6 Comments

Written by Mike Frash, Molly Kish, Kevin Quandt & Kevin Raos //

Noise Pop //
Bay Area venues – San Francisco & Oakland
February 25th-March 2nd, 2014 //

This time of year can often be a bit slow for live music, but not during Noise Pop Festival in San Francisco. This week-long event spread out amongst the 22 finest venues in the City by the Bay makes for the best extended independent music showcase on the west coast. Noise Pop Fest shows offer in-depth evenings — the best thing to do is to show up early and catch emerging artists before they graduate to headliner status.

One great way to get the most value out of the week is with by springing for a badge. The purchase of a General or Super Fan badge gets you into all general admission shows, films, happy hours, NPHQ and more, along with a screen-printed festival poster. There’s also a Noise Pop Fest app to help keep you connected.

The lineup is as good as ever this year — our list doesn’t include top-notch artists Com Truise, Rogue Wave, Throwing Muses, Beardyman, Ladytron, No Age, Shabazz Palaces, Mikal Cronin, Bleached, Trails and Ways, The Fresh & Onlys, The Limousines, The Soft White Sixties, amongst others. Presented here are 12 compelling reasons to consider a badge upgrade, in day-to-day order.

Click artist names to buy individual tickets below, or simply buy a General or Super Fan badge.

Noise Pop HeadQuarters (NPHQ @ The NWBLK) //
All week //

New this year in Noise Pop’s 22nd incarnation, Noise Pop Headquarters at The NWBLK is now the centerpiece of Noise Pop Festival. Festivalgoers can swing by the stunning gallery-turned-multimedia-space to grab a drink, watch a film, get some food, do some shopping, and experience a pivotal part of this year’s festival with friends and artists before heading out for the night’s events. Purchase tickets or RSVP to all free shows, which will grant you priority entry once capacity has been reached. Yet another reason to go big with a badge.

Lord Huron, Superhumanoids //
The Fillmore – San Francisco
Tuesday, February 25 //
SOLD OUT // BUY A BADGE

A coupled bill of indie folk, rich with thick vocal harmonies and dense soulful compositions, Lord Huron and Superhumanoids pair perfectly to cover the modern state of rhythm and blues. Americana based, the Lord Huron dabble in psychedelic and experimental pop elements, which also can be heard in their counterparts Superhumanoids. The Los Angeles-based trio features genre bending soundscapes, delivering a groove-driven journey through layers of pop, soul and electronic musical arrangements. Each band, although unique in their melodious executions, cover a vast array of roots-rock influences while updating the archetypal sounds in their own innovative manners. This sold out show highlights a great pair of bands to kick off the festival and is one worth splurging a bit extra on a badge to guarantee entry. -MK

Matthew Dear Presents Audion Live: Subverticul //
The Regency Ballroom – San Francisco
Wednesday, February 26th //

The latest project from Ghostly International co-founder and experimental artist Matthew Dear, Audion Live: Subverticul is an all-encompassing multi-media experience. Teaming up with the innovative crew from LA-based design studio Vita Motus, Subverticul features a live set debuting new material from Matthew Dear. Audion Live promises to be a unique show, fashioned to resemble a moving audio visual sculpture. Composed of multi-layered experimental EDM and dazzling abstract art installations, Subverticul is an impressive feat in both live music entertainment and creative enterprises. Making its Bay Area debut in celebration of the Noise Pop 2014 and playing unreleased tracks off of his upcoming album, Matthew Dear’s Audion Live: Subverticul will undoubtedly be a highlight performance of this year’s festival. -MK

Mistaken for Strangers (Film) //
Roxie Theater – San Francisco
Wednesday, February 26th //

Let’s not forget that live concerts aren’t the only offering from the citywide Noise Pop Festival as the film series has some gems being screened, including Mistaken for Strangers. This documentary follows budding horror filmmaker, Tom Berninger, embarking on a massive national tour with his brother’s little band that some may know as the National. The ensuing months shows the younger Berninger brother tossed into the indie touring machine as a functioning crew member while keeping focus on his ambitions as a creator himself. -KQ

Papercuts, Vetiver, The Donkeys, EDJ, Vinyl DJ Selections by Britt Govea //
The Chapel – San Francisco
Wednesday, February 26th //

Artists under brand new label Easy Sound Recording Co. plan on presenting the future of folk at The Chapel during Noise Pop week. Jason Quever’s SF-based Papercuts have a new album Life Among the Savages in the works. The group’s sixth LP is set to release in May, so plan on seeing the group preview new tracks from their forthcoming album. They just released the albums’s lead single “Still Knocking at the Door”, and it’s promising. Vetiver is on the roster, another local group led by Andy Cabic. Their 2011 record The Errant Charm is oh so mellow and excellent, and we expect good things coming soon. The Donkeys are an emerging psyche-garage rock formation from San Diego, blending surf rock and jam sentiments into a bouncy, enjoyable time. -MF

“Our Vinyl Weighs A Ton” Film Screening and Live Show //
The NWBLK (NPHQ) – San Francisco
Wednesday, February 26th (6:30 pm) //

Gain access to rare concert footage, backstage documentation, home videos and intimate portrayals of some of the most influential hip hop artists of our time in this cutting edge documentary brought to you by the iconic Stone Throw Records posse. Featuring appearances by Snoop Dogg, Mike D, Talib Kweli, Kanye West, Tyler the Creator and more, this feature length delves into the inner circle of the groundbreaking label to bring you a fresh perspective on the evolution and current state of modern day hip hop. Followed by a Q&A with director Jeff Broadway and Stones Throw Records founder Peanut Butter Wolf, tickets are still available with an additional option to upgrade to a “Film and Live Show Ticket”, granting access to a live performance after party with Peanut Butter Wolf, J Rocc, JonWayne and Knxledge. Happening at the Noise Pop 2014 headquarters NWBLK, this event is a great way to get into celebratory spirit and check out the brand new festival facility. — MK

Bob Mould: 25 Years of Workbook, Zach Rogue, Jon Ginoli //
Great American Music Hall – San Francisco
Thursday, February 27th //
SOLD OUT // BUY A BADGE

Celebrating the groundbreaking icon’s diversion from his scene-defining hardcore act Husker Du, Bob Mould revisits his first album as a solo artist, Workbook, with help from fellow artists and friends. Mould pushed the boundaries of the independent rock scene with this record whilst mapping out an era of alternative music that influenced generations of artists for years to come. Mould will be joined on stage by longtime bassist Jason Narducy, along with Rogue Wave’s Zach Rogue and Jon Gignoli of San Francisco’s own Pansy Division. Gearing up for the deluxe double-album edition of this seminal record to be released February 25, this show will be the first live revisiting of the material in full since its 1989 debut. One of the first shows of the festival to have sold out, a badge is necessary for entry and in this case is well worth the cost of this once in a lifetime experience. — MK

Digital Mystikz, DJ Rashad //
1015 Folsom – San Francisco
Thursday, February 27th //

Sure, Digital Mystikz may be one of the higher listed names you have never heard of, but producers, Mala and Coki, nearly single-handedly built the UK bass-culture scene which eventually was termed, dubstep. This South London duo has been working together since teenagers, while also maintaining solo careers, eventually starting the progressive label, and club night, that goes by DMZ. After a few failed attempts to perform on the West Coast as a duo, it appears the day is almost here for Digital Mystizk to make their big San Francisco debut at 1015 Folsom with DJ Rashad and a slew of local warriors to back ‘em all up. —KQ

Cold Cave, Painted Palms, Dirty Ghosts, Happy Fangs //
Slim’s – San Francisco
Friday, February 28th //

Truly one of the more stacked bills this year will feature LA darkwave mastermind Wesley Eisold, popularly known as Cold Cave. With a release slated for 2014, expect new material that Eisold describes as a “mix between some of the bigger sounds on Cherish and more minimal stuff I’m interested in now.” Local psych-pop duo, Painted Palms are also featured on this bill after the release of a recent album on Polyvinyl. Expect a breezier affair before the headliner with these San Francisco rising stars. Local trio Dirty Ghosts will also be on hand to lend support via their female-fronted take on psych-pop with a tinge of world influence. —KQ

Real Estate, The Shilohs, Dream Boys, Dominant Legs //
The Independent – San Francisco
Friday & Saturday, February 28th & 29th //
SOLD OUT // BUY A BADGE

It wasn’t too long ago that fans of breezy surf-rock were enjoying Real Estate at Treasure Island, but this time we get a pair of more intimate shows over the busy Noise Pop weekend. The recently expanded 5-piece band is prepping their third studio album set for release the first week of March and will go by the title, Atlas. Expect new songs peppered with old favorites for these sold out shows, which will be supported by Vancouver songsters The Shilohs, along with Dominant Legs on Friday and Dream Boys on Saturday. —KQ

An Evening with Mark Kozelek (Sun Kil Moon) //
Great American Music Hall – San Francisco
Saturday, March 1st //

While Mark Kozelek’s music comes in the form of many groups and collaborations, his new record Benji with Sun Kil Moon will likely solidify this group as his legacy. The lyrics are heartbreaking, the control of his cadence immaculate, and the words often relate to Bay Area locales, a place he calls home — there’s the Night Stalkers’ final victim who lived in San Mateo, barbecues in San Rafael, his Tenderloin summer (when he likely made the album), and going seeing the Postal Service perform at the Greek Theater only to rush to a hot tub-refuge in Tahoe. Billed as an evening with Mark Kozelek, an incredible live artist with throngs of records under his belt with Red House Painters, Sun Kil Moon and by his lonesome, expect a varied setlist with a heavy doses of cuts from Benji stealing the show. — MF

Dr. Dog, Saint Rich, Moses Sumney //
The Warfield – San Francisco
Saturday, March 1 //

Dr. Dog make their Noise Pop debut as headliners atop a talented lineup of performers. Road warriors and prolific song writers, these indie rockers from Pennsylvania make the west coast swing in support of their latest album, 2013’s B-Room. Dr. Dog has been making a name for themselves for 15 years, building a loyal fan base and graduating to larger venues along the way. Supported by Saint Rich and Moses Sumney, Saturday March 1st at the Warfield will showcase some of the finest indie rock around. Floor seats may be sold out, but you can still make your way to the dance floor with a Noise Pop badge. Don’t sleep on this show. -KR

Filed Under: Featured, Festivals Tagged With: 1015 Folsom, Beardyman, Bleached, Bob Mould, Cold Cave, Com Truise, Digital Mystizk, Dirty Ghosts, DJ Rashad, Dominant Legs, Dr. Dog, Dream Boys, EDJ, Great American Music Hall, Happy Fangs, Ladytron, Lord Huron, Mark Kozelek, Matthew Dear Presents Audion Live: Subverticul, Mikal Cronin, Mistaken for Strangers, Moses Sumney, No Age, Noise Pop, Noise Pop Festival, NPHQ, Painted Palms, Papercuts, Real Estate, Regency Ballroom, Rogue Wave, Roxie Theater, Saint Rich, Shabazz Palaces, Slims, Sun Kil Moon, Superhumanoids, The Chapel, The Donkeys, The Fillmore, The Fresh & Onlys, The Independent, The Limousines, The NWBLK, The Shilohs, The Soft White Sixties, The Warfield, Throwing Muses, Trails and Ways, Vetiver

SF Beer Week Events + Close Shows = Best Week of the Year!

February 4, 2014 by Steven Wandrey 1 Comment

For beer lovers, San Francisco Beer Week is one of the finest weeks of the year. Okay, let’s be honest: It IS the best week of the year! So how can we make the best week of the year even better? By combining primo beer week events with great music.

These tastefully selected pairings have been curated specifically with the intention for you to enjoy a unique beer week offering and follow it up with a show within walking distance. That way, you can (responsibly) enjoy all the libations of your choosing and make it to the show safely. Beer will be flowing like the salmon of Capistrano all over San Francisco from February 8th through the 16th, and here are my picks for perfect beer and music matches:

Date: Sunday, 2/9
Show: Delorean @ The Independent
Beer: Barleywine Night @ Noc Noc
Distance: 13 minute walk

Our first night will find you at the Noc Noc for their Barleywine night. If you’ve never had a barleywine, they’re big, bold, fruity, intense, and very high in alcohol. Sounds great, right? Noc Noc will be serving five in particular from Northern California Breweries, including Marin Brewing’s Old Dipsea and Sierra Nevada’s Barrel Aged Big Foot (don’t miss this one). When you’re done you can walk 13 minutes up Haight and down Divisadero to the Independent where you can hit Delorean. They’re a four piece combining dance music and indie pop who had to cancel their last show at the Independent due to being kidnapped in South America. Let’s hope they make it safely to the show this time. Hopefully everyone else that goes to Noc Noc makes it to the show safely, too, because I have my doubts after all that barleywine.

Date: Tuesday, 2/11
Show: Hospitality @ Rickshaw Stop
Beer: Oskar Blues Night @ The Beer Hall
Distance: 4 minute walk

If you’re in the mood for infectious indie pop and heady northern Colorado brews, buy your tickets for Hospitality right now (only $10!). The Beer Hall is hosting this stellar lineup of forward-thinking Oskar Blues and it’s only a four minute walk to Rickshaw Stop. Oskar Blues have been a pioneer in the craft canning movement, and for good reason. Cans are lighter (cheaper to transport), impermeable by light (stays headier longer), more easily recyclable, and they get cold faster. There won’t be any cans here though, as the offerings will be on tap, starring Oskar the Grouch (smoked IPA), Merlow BA Chaka (Belgian Strong Ale), and Old Chub ON NITRO. At the Rickshaw you’ll be ready to ingest Hospitality, this peppy stripped down trio has been on the rise for over a year now.

Date: Wednesday, 2/12
Show: Boombox @ The Independent
Beer: Coronado Brewing Takeover @ Noir Lounge
Distance: 7 minute bus ride

Get your groove on and dance for a couple hours with Boombox at the Independent. Slinky, sultry, sexy strutting beats await you after your trip to the Noir Lounge for Coronado Brewing’s Tap Takeover. This California mainstay has been impressing craft beer lovers for a few years now but only recently has the brewery seen more of a national exposure. One sip of their Idiot IPA and you’ll realize why. Give it a try along with all of the other selections and then step on the 21 for a 7 minute bus ride up Hayes to the Independent.

Date: Friday, 2/14
Show: Blackalicious @ Slim’s
Beer: Sierra Nevada 62 Tap Takeover @ Zeitgeist
Distance: 13 minute walk

If you’re in the mood for some hip hop, Blackalicious is a must see on this Friday Valentine’s Day. It may not be the best for getting your romantic vibe on, but it’ll be great if you want to dance and shake your ass. And what else is better than shaking your ass with that special someone? Shaking your ass AND drinking beer! I’m straight up befuddled by the beer week listing this night at Zeitgeist: Sierra Nevada SIXTY-TWO TAP TAKEOVER. That’s not a typo. I was never even aware that they had 62 unique beers. We’ll see if this is some tomfoolery on 2/14. If it truly is 62 beers, you’d better believe the place will be loaded with hard to find rarities from the cellar. Supposedly they’re tapping the “extra special” kegs in the later afternoon/early night time, so if you hit this event before before you head to Slim’s you’ll be in good standing to sip on the best the brewery has to offer.

Bonus Pick!!! – Because I have extra love for Valentine’s Day.

Date: Friday, 2/14
Show: Quilt @ Bottom of the Hill
Beer: Beer Tasting + Sweets @ Blueprint Tap Room
Distance: 15 minute walk

Maybe some gentle psych rock is more your style on the country’s most romantically manufactured holiday of the year. Quilt has made a big impression lately with their pseudo-sixties revival indie rock. While sometimes soothing in its swaying pop melodies, on occasion it necessitates a full-body psych rock freak-out. Blueprint Tap Room is doing a dessert and beer pairing that is making my mouth water as I type this. Coffee and chocolate bread pudding with salted caramel sauce will be paired with Anderson Valley’s fantastic Bourbon Barrel Stout, and olive oil citrus cake will be paired with Buzzerkeley’s Belgian Strong Pale Ale. And there are more pairings. There are also a wide variety of West Coast breweries being featured, such as Deschutes, Ninkasi, Lost Abbey, Ballast Point, Green Flash, and Calicraft. When it’s beer week, these guys and gals don’t come unprepared. There will be some really great beer getting tapped here.

Date: Saturday, 2/15
Show: Jerry Garcia Band featuring Melvin Seals @ Great American Music Hall
Beer: Midnight Sun Brewery @ Amsterdam Cafe
Distance: 3 minute walk

Any night with the Jerry Garcia Band feat. Melvin Seals ends in a sweaty tired mess, and it’s great. It’s so soulful and cathartic that you’ll feel like you’re at church, but with only half the guilt. Midnight Sun is a brewery from Alaska that you may not have heard of, but they have been on point for years now. I’ve only been largely impressed with everything I’ve tried from them, and this beer lineup looks to be stacked with special releases. They’ve got a dark strong ale with spices and chilies, oak-aged T.R.E.A.T. (imperial chocolate pumpkin porter on nitro), and XXX-Black Double IPA. This pair is sure to impress – you’ll be having fun all the way through the midnight moonlight!

Filed Under: Featured, Live Music Previews Tagged With: Blackalicious, Boombox, Bottom of the Hill, Coronado Brewing, Delorean, Great American Music Hall, Hospitality, Jerry Garcia Band featuring Melvin Seals, Midnight Sun Brewery, Noc Noc, Oskar Blues, Quilt, Rickshaw Stop, San Francisco, SF Beer Week, Sierra Nevada, Slims, The Independent

WIN TICKETS: The Mowgli’s at Slim’s 12/7

December 5, 2013 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

Southern California eight piece folk rock outfit The Mowgli’s will be bringing their sun-kissed sound to the Slim’s stage in SF this weekend. Started by a close knit group of friends in a San Fernando Valley garage, the band preaches the message of unity and togetherness through the bond of artistic collaboration. Drawing influences from indie pop, country, classic rock and all genres in between, the Mowgli’s harness California coast vibes to deliver their musical message in a most uplifting way.

Compared to the group dynamics of modern ensembles such as Arcade Fire and Broken Social Scene and finding similarities in positively charged melodies of Cults and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, the Mowgli’s set out to win over their audiences by “making love with music” (and a fair amount of handclaps). Looking to melt away your winter blues, this show will defrost even the iciest of temperaments. Register to win tix for Saturday’s show below via Showbams!

Buy tickets if you know you want to go!

Win 2 Free Tickets!
Enter to win if you can attend this show Saturday, December 7th at Slim’s in San Francisco.

Submit your full name and email address below.
Contest ends December 6th at Noon. Winners will be picked at random & notified by email. Your email will be kept private – we will share your email with no one.

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Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: Slims, The Mowgli's

WIN TICKETS: Albert Hammond Jr. at Slim’s 11/21

November 20, 2013 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

Hot off the release of his solo EP on fellow bandmate Julian Casablanca’s Cult Records label, Strokes guitarist and keyboardist Albert Hammond Jr. will be headlining Slim’s this Thursday night! On tour promoting AHJ, the third release outside of his work with the iconic New York five piece, Hammond Jr. will be taking over SF’s gritty little rock club with opener Rathborne.

Following commercial success from his two previous efforts, (Yours to Keep and Como Te Llama?), Hammond Jr. takes a sober approach to songwriting with principle themes of love, growth and his recently publicized battle with drug addiction serving as the focal points of his five song AHJ EP. Filled with his signature guitar riffs and pristinely belting vocals, AHJ effortlessly delivers a polished, hook-laden collection of pop bliss compositions.

Getting ready to start the European leg of his tour, this Thursday will be the last stop of the AHJ run in CA. Shifting gear up to the Pacific Northwest before globetrotting overseas, you’re going to want to catch this pedigree of rock star when you can.

Buy tickets if you know you want to go!

Win 2 Free Tickets!
Enter to win if you can attend this show Thursday, November 21 at Slim’s in San Francisco.

Submit your full name and email address below.
Contest ends November 21 at Noon. Winners will be picked at random & notified by email. Your email will be kept private – we will share your email with no one.

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Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: Albert Hammond Jr, Slims

WIN TICKETS: Born Ruffians at Slim’s 11/16

November 14, 2013 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

Canadian indie rockers Born Ruffians are currently in the midst of a 12-date trek of North America, and they will bring a Saturday spotlight show to Slim’s this weekend. Fans of Temper Trap and the Airborne Toxic Event should take note if not already familiar with Born Ruffians, as they share sonic similarities.

It’s been a long summer for this four-piece as they have tirelessly toured behind a spring release entitled Birthmarks, a more personal effort as a remote barnhouse served as their studio. GRMLN will be on hand to open the night. So, if you’re looking to hear some new, catchy rock tunes or see a great Canadian export, Slim’s is sure to be a destination on your Saturday night.

Buy tickets if you know you want to go!

Win 2 Free Tickets!
Enter to win if you can attend this show Saturday, November 16 at Slim’s in San Francisco.

Submit your full name and email address below.
Contest ends November 15 at Noon. Winners will be picked at random & notified by email. Your email will be kept private – we will share your email with no one.

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Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: Born Ruffians, Slims

WIN TICKETS: Jello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of Medicine at Slim’s 11/15

November 14, 2013 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

Alternative Tentacles is celebrating their 33 and 1/3 years anniversary, and you have the chance to join the party for free. Jello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of Medicine will serve as this odd ball’s headliner, along with some hand-selected support from Jello’s label. The former Dead Kennedy’s frontman is still kicking out the jams and has been feverishly touring this crazy world stirring the pot and making controversy in his wake.

This is not just your average night of political-stained punk anthems, as the psychobilly legend Mojo Nixon will be bucking retirement once again to grace the Slim’s stage with Jello. Prairie Home Invasion was regarded as a cowpunk, satirical masterpiece, and was rarely performed on stage, making this one unique evening. Death Hymn #9 and Pins of Light will be supporting this whole wild evening, and is a must-see event for any fan of punk rock and it’s outlying styles.

Buy tickets if you know you want to go!

Win 2 Free Tickets!
Enter to win if you can attend this show Friday, November 15 at Slim’s in San Francisco.

Like Showbams on Facebook and follow Showbams on twitter to be eligible to win.

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