Noise Pop 2019: Here are the shows you can’t miss

February 25, 2019 by 1 Comment

Noise Pop 2019Written by Molly Kish //

Noise Pop //
Bay Area venues – San Francisco & Oakland
February 25th-March 3rd, 2019 //

Noise Pop returns this year for its 27th installment with a lineup that features more than 130 acts spanning 18 Bay Area venues. In addition to the debut of the “Ear Up Global Showcase” this Saturday, March 2nd, NP2019 boasts a brand-new venue located in SF’s Mission District that’s known as the Brava Theater Center.

Attendees can still look forward to plenty of happy hours at Bender’s Bar & Grill as well as special showcases curated by DoTheBay, San Franpsycho, BFF.fm, Sea Witch Productions and Text Me Records. Plus, you can also view the “Noise Pop Festival Photo Retrospective” this Tuesday, February 26th at The Royale to relive some of the best moments in Noise Pop history through the lenses of the Bay Area’s top photographic talent.

Brava Theater Center


Brava Theater Center

The festival’s art this year highlights the Bay Area’s very own Kristin Farr, whose work can be seen on public murals, office building interiors and festival stages in SF and beyond and was even included in the Emmy Award-winning KQED Art School series.

Noise Pop badges and individual tickets to shows are still available and can be purchased here. To help you sort it all out, we have broken down the 2019 lineup and offered our top performances that you won’t want to miss below.

Noise Pop 2019 - Bob Mould

TUESDAY 2/26

  • Men I Trust @ Great American Music Hall

WEDNESDAY 2/27

  • Noise Pop Happy Hour with Coke
  • Baths @ Great American Music Hall
  • The Marías @ The New Parish

THURSDAY 2/28

  • Vetiver and Fruit Bats @ The Chapel
  • DJ Boring & Jacques Greene @ 1015 Folsom

FRIDAY 3/1

  • Saul Williams @ Brava Theater Center
  • Tourist @ Gray Area
  • Vagabond @ Swedish American Hall

SATURDAY 3/2

  • Beirut @ Fox Theater Oakland
  • Bob Mould @ The Fillmore
  • Princess Nokia @ UC Theater
  • VHS Collection @ The Independent

SUNDAY 3/3

  • Partner & Dude York @ Cafe du Nord
  • Daughters @ The Independent

Check out the monthly Noise Pop Podcast series to discover more new music and create your own customized Noise Pop schedule here.

Noise Pop 2019 - Phase 3 lineup

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SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to George Clanton at Rickshaw Stop 1/25 (FRI)

January 23, 2019 by Leave a Comment

George ClantonPhoto by Mark Benjamin // Written by Molly Kish //

George Clanton with S U R F I N G, Satin Sheets, ESPRIT 空想, Aaron Shadrow //
Rickshaw Stop – San Francisco
January 25th, 2019 //

An early pioneer in the sample-based subgenre vaporwave, George Clanton originally started his career under the moniker ESPRIT 空想 in 2011 and gained traction through the release of his debut album virtua.zip.

Departing from his pseudonym and experimenting with a pop album in 2015, Clanton rejuvenated his image with one of Gorilla vs. Bear’s 10 best albums of the year in 100% Electronica and hasn’t looked back.

The next year, he opened for SOPHIE and Charli XCX at their South by Southwest showcase, which garnered plenty of praise from critics, and formed a record label he also named 100% Electronica with his girlfriend. Since then, he has toured among the ranks of internet-based, vaporwave sensations. His 2018 LP Slide sold out all of its copies during the pre-order phase, earning favorable reviews from a number of major media outlets such as Pitchfork.

This Friday, Clanton will perform a headlining set at Rickshaw Stop and revive his ESPRIT 空想 project while also receiving support from S U R F I N G, Satin Sheets and Aaron Shadrow. Tickets are available for $15, 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:

• Chrome Sparks: January 24th (THUR) @ The Chapel
• Gardens & Villa: January 25th (FRI) @ August Hall
• Anika: January 27th (SUN) @ Rickshaw Stop
• Juan Wauters: January 27th (SUN) @ Swedish American 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). Must be 18+.

CONTEST CLOSED.

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Deap Vally unleash a full-on assault at The Chapel

November 19, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Deap VallyBy Mike Rosati //

Deap Vally with Shana Falana //
The Chapel – San Francisco
November 12th, 2018 //

LA indie-rock duo Deap Vally assaulted Bay Area fans at The Chapel with their grungy riffs and garage-heavy sound last Monday.

Lindsey Troy (guitar, vocals) and Julie Edwards (drums, vocals) played songs from both of their albums — 2013’s Sistrionix and 2006’s Femejism — as well as two new ones that they released this year. Toward the end of the set, someone dressed as a dinosaur joined them onstage for “Bring It On”, their latest track to get the music video treatment, with friends, family and military veterans filling the room.

Serving as support were New York-based shoegaze band Shana Falana. The two-piece have two studio LPs to their name, both on the indie label Team Love co-founded by Bright Eyes leader Conor Oberst, and are currently touring the U.S. through early December.

Setlist:
Baby I Call Hell
Bad for My Body
Little Baby Beauty Queen
Get Gone
Smile More
Heart Is an Animal
Walk of Shame
Teenage Queen
Gonna Make
Critic
Bring It On
End of the World

Encore:
Grunge Bond
Royal Jelly

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SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to Paul Oakenfold at 1015 Folsom 1/27 (SAT)

January 24, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Written by Chandler Kirkman //

Paul Oakenfold //
1015 Folsom – San Francisco
January 27th, 2018 //

Paul Oakenfold can easily be seen as an electronic music legend. For the past three decades, the English record producer and DJ has elevated and shaped an entire genre while remaining one of its leading forces.

Growing up as the son of a musician, Oakenfold became a young DJ in the late 70’s who was influenced by funk music before taking a couple of life-changing trips in the 80’s that helped skyrocket his career. The first came in 1984, when he returned to his hometown of London to work in the A&R department at Champion Records and became the promoter for the Beastie Boys and Run-DMC. The second was in 1987, when he visited Ibiza and was inspired by the local Balearic sound.

Oakenfold began his career after the latter of the two trips, bringing the sounds of Ibiza back to his home country, but it wasn’t until he earned a residency at UK superclub Cream that he became a globally respected master of electronic music following the release of the Grammy-nominated Creamfields compilation in 2004.

Oakenfold’s role as a DJ and entertainer has taken him to the edges of the world beyond just nightclubs and festivals, including three world tours supporting Madonna and U2, a live gig on the Great Wall of China and two sold-out shows at the one and only Hollywood Bowl. His music more recently has taken him from the DJ booth to several movie studios, where he has produced the soundtracks for a number of blockbuster hits.

This Saturday, Oakenfold will visit pay visit to 1015 Folsom and hit the stage to perform an extended set for his Bay Area fans. 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:

• The Mynabirds: January 25th (THUR) @ Café du Nord
• Whiskerman: January 26th (FRI) @ The Independent
• Peter Murphy: January 27th (SAT) @ The Chapel
• GusGus: January 27th (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). Must be 21+

CONTEST CLOSED.

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

November 20, 2017 by Leave a Comment

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

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).

CONTEST CLOSED.

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SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to HUMANS at Café du Nord 11/10 (FRI)

November 8, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Written by Chandler Kirkman //

HUMANS with Starfari //
Café du Nord – San Francisco
November 10th, 2017 //

Since forming in 2010, Canadian indie-electronic pop duo HUMANS have consistently impressed audiophiles with their composition skills and reputation of performing with unbelievable amounts of energy.

Vancouver’s own Robbie Slade and Peter Riq created HUMANS after spending the summer making music together and then dropped their self-released EP Avec Mes Mecs, which was quickly accepted as a house-party staple by fans around the globe.

HUMANS have established a unique sound through their successful fusion of experimental-electronic elements and catchy, indie-pop hooks that entered the spotlight on their 2012 EP Traps. Consequently, they held the No. 1 spot on the Earshot Electronic charts for six weeks following the release and continue to receive high praise from music media outlets such as Resident Advisor, DJ Mag and Exclaim!

Over the past few years, HUMANS have toured North America with festival slots at South by Southwest, Squamish Valley Music Festival, Bass Coast Music and Arts Festival, CMJ Music Marathon and more, and have been featured in projects with Red Bull, Entourage and MTV. The duo has also steadily been expanding its creative endeavors into the world of directing and visual artistry.

HUMANS’ latest EP Water Water came out in 2016 and has been a hit with electronic music fans as they continue to bring their high-energy, visually-based performances that use live audio input from the crowd, making each show feel like a one-of-a-kind experience, much like HUMANS’ signature sound.

This Friday, HUMANS will hit the stage at Cafe du Nord as Orange County’s own Starfari gets things started with a DJ set. Tickets are available for $15, 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:

• Shigeto: November 9th (THUR) @ Rickshaw Stop
• Pell: November 9th (THUR) @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall
• Kelley Stoltz: November 9th (THUR) @ The Chapel
• Eric Bellinger: November 9th (THUR) @ The New Parish
• Escort: November 10th (FRI) @ Mezzanine
• Rebirth Brass Band: November 11th (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).

CONTEST CLOSED.

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Tank and The Bangas deliver thrills at The Chapel

October 10, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Tank and The BangasBy Norm de Veyra //

Tank and the Bangas with Sweet Crude //
The Chapel – San Francisco
October 3rd, 2017 //

With a capacity crowd gathered and the anticipation running high after winning NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest this year, Tank and The Bangas put on a rousing, high-energy performance at The Chapel last Tuesday.

Led by the powerhouse vocals and animated presence of frontwoman Tarriona “Tank” Ball, the New Orleans-based group had the sold-out crowd grooving to their genre-spanning set consisting of funk, soul, hip-hop, rock and R&B.

Fellow New Orleanians Sweet Crude, a six-piece that dropped their debut LP back in April, opened the show and were equally engaging.

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Sheer Mag bring their feverish, high-spirited brand of rock ‘n’ roll to SF

October 6, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Sheer MagBy Norm de Veyra //

Sheer Mag with Tenement, Marbled Eye //
The Chapel – San Francisco
September 29th, 2017 //

Sheer Mag brought a sold-out crowd at The Chapel to its knees with a blazing set last Friday. Led by Tina Halladay and her piercing growl, the Philly-based rockers unleashed a feverish set that was highlighted by their latest LP Need to Feel Your Love for the first of two shows in the Bay Area.

Marbled Eye, the local boys from Oakland, set a raucous tone early in the evening and were followed by Tenement, a Wisconsin-based rock trio, which nicely amped up the energy just prior to Sheer Mag taking the stage.

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Peaches leaves her fans at The Chapel dripping wet

October 4, 2017 by Leave a Comment

PeachesPhotos by Marc Fong // Written by Misty Dawn //

Peaches //
The Chapel – San Francisco
September 27th, 2017 //

Peaches has been a regular fixture in my playlist for about 13 years now. I’ve always loved her flawless, candy-coated voice as well as her unapologetic lyrics and unique expression when it comes to all things sex, sugar and electric.

I had been dying to see Peaches for years and finally got the opportunity to do so last year — and she didn’t disappoint. It was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen.

So when she was in town again this year at the mortuary-turned-music-venue/restaurant, aka The Chapel, I jumped at the opportunity to once again bask in her fleshy glory. And yet again, I left the weekday show sweaty, beaming and covered in cheap champagne. I love Peaches.

Peaches made her grand entrance onstage in a full-body merkin with a larger-than-life vagina headpiece to the song “Rub” because you always have to warm up before diving in to the main event. Glitter, grit and sweat was thick throughout the crowd.

Peaches

After she got us wet, Peaches moved below the belt and brought out her vagina-clad backup dancers to visually support her ode to her gash “Vaginoplasty”. Her dancers were dressed in what I can only assume were replicas of her lady bits covering their heads and long, flowing pastel merkins — and that was it. I’m happy to know that while Peaches is blessed with huge lips, she also likes to keep it nasty.

As the show went on, it was one costume change and kick-ass song after another. Highlights included “Dick in the Air” in which Peaches inflated an enormous “condom” over the crowd and proceeded to crawl through the shaft-casing while the crowd chanted “Dick! Dick! Dick” in support.

The show climaxed with champagne sprayed over the crowd directly from Peaches. Everyone went nuts, and she leaned over the audience and poured whatever liquid wasn’t sprayed into her fans’ eager mouths.

A Peaches gig is 50 percent rock show, 50 percent genitalia-forward performance art and 100 percent awesome — and you’re sure to leave dripping wet.

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SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to Andrew W.K. at The Independent 9/28 (THUR)

September 27, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Andrew WKWritten by Chandler Kirkman //

Andrew W.K. with SHAME WAVES //
The Independent – San Francisco
September 28th, 2017 //

Creating feelings of pure joy, total love, endless freedom and infinite possibility are just brief glimpses into the musical stylings of multi-faceted singer-songwriter and performer Andrew W.K. (born Andrew Fetterly Wilkes-Krier). After starting his musical career when he was four years old, it didn’t take long for the Michigan native to explore some experimental interests that ultimately led to creating his own high-energy brand of rock music.

Skipping out on college at the age of 18 and moving to New York City to pursue music on his own, W.K. developed his sound through various solo projects and eventually moved to Florida to start a band with drummer Donald “D.T.” Tardy, leading to the release his first EP Girls Own Juice (abbreviated as AWKGOJ) on Bulb Records. Fast forward to 2017, and the self-proclaimed party animal has been rockin’ hard for over a decade with nine studio albums, including his infamous debut I Get Wet that features smash hit “Party Hard”.

Over the past few years, Andrew W.K. has been steadily expanding his creative endeavors to the worlds of motivational speaking, production, TV and broadcast media, and music venue ownership. Starting in 2008 with the opening of his co-owned music venue and nightclub in New York City called Santos Party House, Andrew W.K.’s hunger for more has earned him a number of appearances on MTV and VH1 along with a Grammy nomination while working as a record producer. He’s also releasing a new album next year on Sony Music Worldwide, but until then, fans will just have to keep partying because well, the party never dies.

This Thursday, Andrew W.K. will be back in SF by popular demand to play a second night at The Independent with Oakland quartet SHAME WAVES opening. Tickets are available for $25, 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:

• Sonny and the Sunsets: September 28th (THUR) @ The Chapel
• Vagabon: September 28th (THUR) @ Swedish American Music Hall
• Rayana Jay: September 28th (THUR) @ The New Parish
• Rakim: September 29th (FRI) @ The New Parish
• Flosstradamus: September 29th (FRI) @ 1015 Folsom
• Middle Kids: September 29th (FRI) @ The Independent
• Wax Idols: September 29th (FRI) @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall
• White Panda: September 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).

CONTEST CLOSED.

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SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to Sango at 1015 Folsom 9/22 (FRI)

September 20, 2017 by Leave a Comment

SangoWritten by Chandler Kirkman //

Sango with MIKOS DA GAWD, Antonio Guedes, Matt Haze, Kush Arora, DOUBLE B, Danado, Izzy Wise //
1015 Folsom – San Francisco
September 22nd, 2017 //

It’s time to keep a close eye on Seattle-based beatsmith and producer Sango. His quickly growing fan base and worldwide critically acclaimed music are rapidly expanding as he prepares to release his first major commercial record via Wright Music Group.

Infusing Afro-punk, Brazilian baile funk and hip-hop with soulful R&B, Sango produces tracks that combine various elements into his own distinctive sound, as evidenced by his popular remixes of Aaliyah, Drake, Little Dragon, Nas and The Weeknd in addition to his debut album North, and his Baile Funk EP series Da Rocinha. Plus, not only has he been producing his own music since the age of 12, Sango is a talented graphic designer who impressively has designed all of his releases up to date.

In the past four years, Sango has taken his production skills from his college dorm to cities worldwide and now consistently collaborates with some of the best in the business. Along with touring his Da Rocinha projects in more than 50 cities worldwide, he has produced for some of the industry’s hottest acts, such as Tinashe, Bryson Tiller and Mick Jenkins. It’s clear that he is more than just a producer, but an artist in his own right — and his music is just one component of the growing statement he wishes to make.

This Friday, Sango will perform at 1015 Folsom with a slew of support from MIKOS DA GAWD, Antonio Guedes, Matt Haze, Kush Arora, DOUBLE B, Danado, Izzy Wise and more as part of  SF’s Brazilian Party put on by Braza! 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:

• Fruit Bats: September 20th (WED) @ The Chapel
• Paul Kalkbrenner: September 21st (THURS) @ 1015 Folsom
• Psychic TV: September 21st (THURS) @ The Independent
• Japanese Breakfast: September 21st (THURS) @ Swedish American Music Hall
• Valley Queen: September 21st (THURS) @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall
• Deerhoof: September 21st (THURS) @ Great American Music Hall
• Martha Wainwright: September 22nd (FRI) @ Cafe Du Nord
• Savoy: September 23rd (SAT) @ Mezzanine
• Public Service Broadcasting: September 24th (SUN) @ Swedish American Music Hall
• Downtown Boys: September 24th (SUN) @ Starline Social Club

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).

CONTEST CLOSED.

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

August 17, 2017 by Leave a Comment

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

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).

CONTEST CLOSED.

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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Chris Robinson delivers chills at The Chapel

June 28, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Chris RobinsonBy Benjamin Wallen //

Chris Robinson with Mapache //
The Chapel – San Francisco
June 21st, 2017 //

It was about eight years ago when a girl messaged me on an online dating website.

“Hey, I don’t think we’d be a good match, but I got an extra ticket to the Chris Robinson Brotherhood show in Oakland,” she wrote. “I see you like the same kind of music. Do you want to go with me?”

“Why not?” I thought. I had no idea who Chris Robinson was, and I said so.

“Never heard of him, but why not?” I replied. She informed me that he was a member of The Black Crowes.

I thought to myself, “Wait, a country band?” So, I did a quick Google search.

I had always thought that Chris Robinson Brotherhood were a country band, but boy, was I wrong. Instead, I came to find that they were an amazing rock band and quickly fell in love with their music. I wrote back to the girl, “Hell yeah! Let’s do this!”

Chris Robinson

That night, I fell in love even more with Chris Robinson as he blazed through a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues”. It was one of the most memorable nights. Not only was it an amazing show, but I also met a new friend and fell in love with a whole new band.

Well, years have past and I was able to see Chris Robinson Brotherhood on a couple of other occasions, including at High Sierra Music Festival and again at The Chapel last Wednesday for a solo acoustic performance — something that I imagined would be incredible and absolutely proved to be.

Robinson’s voice gives me chills and seeing him at a venue as intimate as The Chapel was truly amazing. You always worry about solo acoustic shows being hard for the audience to keep its attention at or that it doesn’t feel quite as powerful as when a band performs live.

Well, I can say that Robinson is even better as a solo acoustic act. The sound at the first of his two SF shows was impeccable, and the vibe was all smiles. Even in a near-silent room, you could feel it.

From start to finish, it was an amazing night. Mapache, an acoustic duo from Los Angeles, kicked things off with great songs that were led by wonderful harmonies. I’ve since added them to my “must-see again” list, but in the end, the wonder that is Chris Robinson stole the show. While the crowd politely kept it down, the music took to the air and enchanted us all. The highlight for me was when he played “Sunday Sound”, a song by Chris Robinson & The New Earth Mud, midway through the set.

If you get a chance to catch Robinson perform solo, do it. You will not be disappointed. Just keep it down and get as close as you can. You won’t regret riding the rail for this one.

Setlist:
Hotel Illness (The Black Crowes song)
Bad Luck Blue Eyes Goodbye (The Black Crowes song)
Someday Past the Sunset (Chris Robinson Brotherhood song)
Fables (Chris Robinson & The New Earth Mud song)
Silver Car (Chris Robinson & The New Earth Mud song)
Shadow Cosmos (Chris Robinson Brotherhood song)
Blonde Light of Morning (Chris Robinson Brotherhood song)
Hark, The Herald Hermit Speaks (Chris Robinson Brotherhood song)
Glow (Chris Robinson Brotherhood song)
Train Robbers (Chris Robinson & The New Earth Mud song)
Sunday Sound (Chris Robinson & The New Earth Mud song)
Good Friday (The Black Crowes song)
Blue Star Woman (Chris Robinson Brotherhood song)
If You Had a Heart to Break (Chris Robinson Brotherhood song)
Beware, Oh Take Care (Chris Robinson Brotherhood song)
California Hymn (Chris Robinson Brotherhood song)
Jealous Again (The Black Crowes song)
Appaloosa (The Black Crowes song)

Encore:
High Head Blues (The Black Crowes song)
Oh, The Rain (Blind Willie Johnson cover)

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Woods lead an eclectic night of music at The Chapel

May 30, 2017 by Leave a Comment

WoodsBy Norm de Veyra //

Woods with Peacers, Golden Daze //
The Chapel – San Francisco
May 21st, 2017 //

Bay Area music fans were treated to an eclectic evening at The Chapel as Brooklyn folk-rock band Woods performed for a Sunday night crowd in support their new album Love Is Love.

Hailing from Los Angeles, fellow indie rockers Golden Daze kicked off the show while SF outfit Peacers filled out the sounds for the evening with their buzzy, harder-edge tunes.

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Emily King dazzles a sold-out crowd at The Chapel with an intimate acoustic show

April 28, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Emily KingBy Norm de Veyra //

Emily King //
The Chapel – San Francisco
April 21st, 2017 //

You know when a show starts off with the audience singing along to Bill Withers’ “Lean on Me” over the PA system that it’s bound to be a special night. Such was the case last Friday as Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Emily King brought her stripped-down, acoustic “You and I Tour” to The Chapel.

With nothing but a couple of guitars, a desk lamp and her powerful voice, King hypnotized the sold-out crowd with pared-down versions of tracks off her 2015 studio album The Switch.

None of the songstress’ typical funk or groove was lost with the minimal production onstage. In fact, the exact opposite happened, with King’s star power shining even brighter while she navigated through her 90-minute set without the accompaniment of her full band or backup singers. King has shows lined up for May and August, and if she’s coming to a city near you, we recommend checking her out.

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Twin Peaks, Hinds hit The Chapel before Coachella

April 21, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Twin Peaks


Twin Peaks

Photos by Christopher Vigue // Written by Eben Benson //

Twin Peaks & Hinds with White Mystery //
The Chapel – San Francisco
April 14th, 2017 //

Twin Peaks and Hinds stopped by The Chapel this month for a two-night stint during their co-headlining tour along the West Coast that ended with two performances on Coachella’s new Sonora Stage (read our festival review here).

Hinds, for one, were sure to show off their energetic brand of garage punk in SF, where they performed in front of a sold-out crowd at a venue known for hosting a myriad of electrifying garage-rock shows. White Mystery were the first to appear onstage, blasting through a fairly short set of fuzzy psych-rock that certainly woke up the audience and set the stage for their fellow Chicagoans in Twin Peaks, but not before it was Hinds’ turn to fill our ears.

Hinds


Hinds

Hinds are originally from Spain (Madrid to be exact), but at first listen, you might think they sound like they’re from Southern California. They mix in elements of classic rock ‘n’ roll and lo-fi pop, and they’re not afraid to pick up the pace if it gets folks to dance. As co-headliners on this night, a large contingency — full of singing fans and a lot of dedicated enthusiasm — was there to see Hinds play.

To close the show, indie-garage rockers Twin Peaks took the stage to a blaring applause and got right down to business, playing crowd favorites and a good portion of their 2016 LP Down in Heaven. They seemed to be right in their element in a city like SF, which has churned out a number of psych-rock artists from Ty Segall to Thee Oh Sees — and it’s clear that their legacy is in good hands for now.

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In their return to SF, Dead Meadow deliver a heroic dose of psychedelic rock at The Chapel

April 5, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Dead MeadowPhotos by Christopher Vigue // Written by Eben Benson //

Dead Meadow with Matt Hollywood and The Bad Feelings //
The Chapel – San Francisco
March 29th, 2017 //

Rounding out a tour that’s taken them across most of the country, Dead Meadow returned to SF last Wednesday to play their face-melting, stoner-psychedelic jams at The Chapel after an impressive set from ex-Brian Jonestown Massacre guitarist Matt Hollywood and his band The Bad Feelings.

Matt Hollywood’s current project is a refreshing take on classic psych-rock, emphasizing the slower, ballad-type songs while still offering some high-energy rock ‘n’ roll elements as well. Their set served as a tasty appetizer for the full-blown, psychedelic assault that the evening’s headliner delivered.

Dead Meadow

Dead Meadow arrived onstage accompanied by fog and a production that included visuals of monks in black robes and tripped-out videos which flashed bizarre patterns in a multitude of blues, greens and reds. The next two hours were a journey through their long, loud and trippy catalog of powerful psych-rock that’s influenced heavily by their stoner-rock predecessors.

Barely a moment passed where the crowd wasn’t entirely in motion, collectively entranced by vocalist/guitarist Jason Simon’s relentless shredding. Dead Meadow are a tried-and-true Bay Area favorite, drawing big crowds in a region of the country well-known for its interest in all forms of psychedelia.

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SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to Japandroids at The Fillmore 3/15 (WED)

March 13, 2017 by Leave a Comment

JapandroidsWritten by Brett Ruffenach //

Japandroids with Craig Finn & The Uptown Controllers //
The Fillmore – San Francisco
March 15th, 2017 //

Singer/guitarist Brian King and drummer David Prowse are all who make up Japandroids. Listening to their music, it may surprise you that there are only two members in the band. With a sound big enough to fill arenas, you’d expect them to be more than just a duo, but somehow they manage to the find the energy simply within themselves.

Releasing their critically acclaimed debut LP Post Nothing back in 2009, Japandroids broke into the mainstream with their 2012 follow-up Celebration Rock, certified by UPROXX music critic Steven Hyden as one of the greatest records to drive a car to and get in a fight to — an opinion that’s hard to disagree with if you ask me. In January, the Canadian garage rockers released Near to the Wild Heart of Life, a blistering, full-length assault that further expands their sound into more pop-friendly territory.

With their capabilities onstage receiving equal acclaim to their studio efforts, it’s no surprise that they’re playing two nights at The Fillmore, with the second show set for this Wednesday. Tickets are available for $25, 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:

• Thao (of The Get Down Stay Down): March 15th (WED) @ The Chapel
• Emily Wells: March 16th (THUR) @ The New Parish
• Keys N Krates: March 17th (FRI) @ 1015 Folsom
• G. Love & Special Sauce: March 17th (FRI) @ The Independent
• Poor Man’s Whiskey: March 18th (SAT) @ Great American Music Hall
• Xiu Xiu: March 19th (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!

CONTEST CLOSED.

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SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to The Coathangers at Brick & Mortar Music Hall 3/10 (FRI)

March 9, 2017 by Leave a Comment

The CoathangersWritten by Brett Ruffenach //

The Coathangers with Girl Tears, The Heartlights //
Brick & Mortar Music Hall – San Francisco
March 10th, 2017 //

In keeping with the themes of International Women’s Day and the general relentless push forward toward crushing the patriarchy (something we welcome here at Showbams), we’re psyched to see The Coathangers in SF this week.

An all-female trio hailing from Atlanta, The Coathangers started as a no-frills garage-punk band, playing house parties here and there. Now a decade later, they’ve made a name for themselves with their jagged guitar hooks and boisterous choruses, reaching new heights thanks to their most recent album Nosebleed Weekend.

Combining elements of post-punk, pop rock and their tried-and-true garage-fun sound, Nosebleed Weekend has been hailed as a breakthrough for the trio, with Paste not only considering it “a triumph,” but also their “strongest top-to-bottom album.”

This Friday, you can catch The Coathangers at Brick & Mortar Music Hall after Girls Tears and The Heartlights open the show. Tickets are available for $15, 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:

• Pure Bathing Culture: March 9th (THUR) @ The Chapel
• Gavin Turek: March 9th (THUR) @ The New Parish
• SG Lewis: March 10th (FRI) @ 1015 Folsom

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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Noise Pop 2017 Shows of the Week // GO4FREE to Weyes Blood, Desert Daze Caravan, Kelis & more

February 20, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Noise Pop 2017Written by Molly Kish & Brett Ruffenach //

Noise Pop //
Bay Area venues – San Francisco & Oakland
February 17th–27th, 2017 //

Noise Pop is officially here, and the Bay Area is serving as home to some of the world’s best independent artists this week. There’s so much to see and hear in some of our favorite bars and venues — and we want you to get out there and participate!

While most Noise Pop shows are sure to sell out, we have you covered with tickets to a wide variety of them. Pick your favorite show from the list below and enter to win tickets.

Hint: Those who directly tweet @showbams or tag us on Instagram with their personal requests will have that much better of a chance of winning!

Contests for all weekday shows end at 3 p.m. on the day of show. Contests for all weekend shows end at 3 p.m. this Friday.

Weyes Blood

Weyes Blood: February 21st (TUE) @ Swedish American Hall // BUY TICKETS
GunkTVRecords founder as well as longtime Ariel Pink collaborator Weyes Blood brings her ethereal edge to the Swedish American Hall. Accompanied by Half Waif, Young Moon and a celebration of 20 Minute Loop’s record release and 20th anniversary, this singer-songwriter showcase will be one for the books. – MK

Contest ends this Tuesday at 3 p.m.

Hazel English

Hazel English: February 21st (TUE) @ Rickshaw Stop // BUY TICKETS
Females are holding it down on Tuesday at Rickshaw Stop as Aussie-turned-Oakland-resident Hazel English gets top billing thanks to her interspersed, dreamy and melodic vocal abilities. Joined by sister artists Elsa y ElMar, Tanukichan and Maggie Y/O, the lineup offers a stacked bill that beautifully spans indie rock, shoegaze and pop. – MK

Contest ends this Tuesday at 3 p.m.

Desert Daze Caravan

Desert Daze Caravan: February 22nd (WED) @ The Chapel // BUY TICKETS
Desert Daze, the innovative psychedelic-rock festival that took place last October in Joshua Tree, is bringing a special showcase to Noise Pop that’s led by UK experimental-rock outfit Temples, who bring their 60’s vibes to The Chapel alongside intriguing up-and-comers like psych-R&B group Night Beats and the fast-and-fierce female rock duo Deap Vally. – BR

Contest ends this Wednesday at 3 p.m.

Kelis

Kelis: February 22nd (WED) @ 1015 Folsom // BUY TICKETS
Kelis is one of New York’s most famous female hip-hop acts over the last decade. Best known for her 2006 smash hit “Milkshake”, Kelis is surely one of the bossiest artists to take the stage at Noise Pop this year. Grab your diamonds and grills, folks. – BR

Contest ends this Wednesday at 3 p.m.

Julia Holter

Julia Holter (solo): February 22nd (WED) @ Swedish American Hall // BUY TICKETS
Singer, songwriter, director, composer and artist, Julia Holter continues to wear a number of different creative hats. Headlining a show full of baroque pop and ambient music, she’ll be joined by Midnight Sister, Madeline Kenney and Doncat for what should be a unforgettable night at the Swedish American Hall. – MK

Contest ends this Wednesday at 3 p.m.

Moon Duo

Moon Duo: February 23rd (THU) @ The Chapel // BUY TICKETS
Portland-based psychedelic-rock group Moon Duo combine the entrancing nature of shoegaze with the transcendent feeling of psych-rock and enough flange to satisfy even the most ardent Tame Impala fans. Touring in support of their new album Occult Architecture Vol. 1 & 2, Moon Duo’s visceral synth and entrancing guitar work is surely not something to miss. – BR

Contest ends Thursday, February 23rd at 3 p.m.

Japanese Breakfast

Japanese Breakfast: February 23rd (THU) @ Rickshaw Stop // BUY TICKETS
Thursday is all about avant-garde folk, with a roster featuring experimental fusions of pop, indie rock and world music. Philadelphia’s own Japanese Breakfast (born Michelle Zauner) headlines the show, which includes opening acts Miya Folick, Dante Elephante and Flying Circles for what is easily one of Noise Pop’s most unique lineups. – MK

Contest ends this Thursday at 3 p.m.

Barclay Crenshaw

Barclay Crenshaw: February 23rd (THU) @ 1015 Folsom // BUY TICKETS
As it turns out, Claude VonStroke’s real name is even cooler than his fake one. From the man behind the Bay Area’s favorite record label Dirtybird, Barclay Crewshaw is a new project that turns from VonStroke’s thumping upbeat house beats that we’ve come to love to the exciting world of experimental hip-hop, sometimes known as West Coast bass. His production skills are out of this world as he takes you on a spacious, booming and psychedelic journey that’s sure to satisfy any bass head’s appetite. – BR

Contest ends this Thursday at 3 p.m.

Crocodiles

Crocodiles: February 23rd (THU) @ Bottom of the Hill // BUY TICKETS
Hitting Bottom of the Hill with a wave of garage rock and punk, Crocodiles will be hitting the stage for a raucous warm-up on the final leg of their cross-country tour. They’ll be taking the stage alongside Hot Flash Heat Wave and NRVS LVRS, making it one of Noise Pop’s strongest and most compelling bills. – MK

Contest ends this Thursday at 3 p.m.

Kevin Abstract

Kevin Abstract: February 23rd (THU) @ The New Parish // BUY TICKETS
Kevin Abstract is a jack-of-all-trades. Filmmaker, writer, singer and songwriter, Abstract has managed to achieve quite a bit before he celebrates his 21st birthday this year. With a smooth flow and pop sensibility, he’s sure to deliver a powerful performance at The New Parish. – BR

Contest ends this Thursday at 3 p.m.

Deviation

Deviation: February 24th (FRI) @ 1015 Folsom // BUY TICKETS
With a lineup featuring Hudson Mohawke, Francois K, Teklife, Seven Davis Jr., Jay Daniel, and Benji B and Judah performing back to back, it’s hard to capture how much good music will be blaring through 1015’s numerous rooms during Deviation. Hudson Mohawke is likely the main draw for all future-beats fans, but it’s Teklife and BBC Radio 1’s Benji B who you should really stick around for. This should be a good one. – BR

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.

The Joy Formidable

The Joy Formidable (acoustic): February 24th (FRI) @ Swedish American Hall // BUY TICKETS
Welsh alt-rock powerhouse The Joy Formidable return to the Bay to take over the Swedish American Hall with some help from Emily Jane White and Everyone Is Dirty. All three acts bring their own blend of pop, hi-fi, garage rock and post-punk, this is a true blend of local and international talent that knows how to push the envelope. – MK

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.

Mothers

Mothers: February 24th (FRI) @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall // BUY TICKETS
Emerging from the tried-and-true arts and music scene in Athens, Ga., Mothers started as singer-songwriter Kristine Leschper’s solo project before morphing into a four-piece band. Combining Leschper’s haunting vocals and drummer Matthew Andregg’s punchy rhythms, Mothers have found an entrancing sound that is sure to captivate fans of female rock stars like Courtney Barnett and Angel Olsen. – BR

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.

The Mother Hips

The Hip Replacements: February 24th (FRI) @ The New Parish // BUY TICKETS
One of the West Coast’s longstanding jam-rock bands, The Mother Hips are a California rock ‘n’ roll institution, touring the world and writing songs as both consummate instrumentalists and seasoned songwriters before Bill Clinton entered the White House. With singer/guitarist Tim Bluhm unable to perform due to an ongoing injury, the rest of the band — Greg Loiacono (guitar, vocals), John Hofer (drums) and Scott Thunes (bass) — will join forces with Bob Reed (Overwhelming Colorfast, Oranger), Johnny Irion and Dave Zirbel (San Geronimo) to unveil a mixture of songs by The Mother Hips and The Replacements on this night. – BR

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.

The Family Crest

The Family Crest: February 25th (SAT) @ Swedish American Hall // BUY TICKETS
An evening of ensemble acts headlined by The Family Crest comes to the Swedish American Music Hall on Saturday, bringing an audible range of local talent to the stage at the intimate venue. In what promises to be a night of orchestral indie-rock bliss, all four acts will present their own unique genre-melding style, making for a neo-symphony on Saturday night. – MK

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.

Ceremony

Ceremony: February 26th (SUN) @ The Chapel // BUY TICKETS
Ceremony are a no-nonsense punk band from Sonoma County. Both focused and at times sonically explosive, Ceremony have found their own sound and set themselves apart from similar-sounding groups such as Black Flag and Dillinger Escape Plan. They’re capable of balancing melody and musicianship with that intangible, white-knuckled feeling that can only be described as pure rock ‘n’ roll. – BR

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.

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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