Culture Fiend

Four Concerts to Catch This Weekend

Two CD release parties, one rock orchestra, and the return of G. Love and Special Sauce.

Posted by: Laura Dannen on Feb 29, 2012 at 01:00PM 0 Comments

The Lonely Forest

Despite being a bit bummed that all three nights of the Cold War Kids at Columbia City Theater have sold out, there are other ways to get a live music fix this weekend.

G. Love and Special Sauce
Mar 2, Showbox at the Market, 8pm
The bluesy hip-hop band provided the soundtrack to many lazy days—a commitment to “just sitting around strummin’ guitar/wasting time.” But on their 11th album, they drop the hop and retreat to covers of time-honored blues. $25.

Vagabond Opera CD Release Party
Mar 2, The Triple Door, 7 & 10pm
Portland’s “bohemian steampunk operatic cabaret” delivers comedy, Balkan belly dancing, and gypsy-jazz odes to Marlene Dietrich—complete with an accordion solo by a man with the slickest of ’staches. $18-$28.

Grynch: Perspective Album Release
Mar 2, Neumos, doors at 8pm
Seattle hip hop is one of the strongest scenes in the city thanks to acts like Macklemore, Blue Scholars, Shabazz Palaces, THEESatisfaction, and rising star Grynch, a 21-year-old MC whose new album of party tracks drops Friday. $10, all ages.

The Lonely Forest with Seattle Rock Orchestra
Mar 3, Neptune Theatre. Special guest: Black Whales, 9pm
The Anacortes-born indie rockers play behind 2011’s Arrows, their debut on Trans Records (the label imprint of Death Cab guitarist Chris Walla); they’re backed by the city’s only orchestra that prefers Beck to Bach. $15–$17.

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Tags: Concert, Triple Door, Neptune Theatre, Neumos, Showbox at the Market

On Sale Saturday: Fitz and the Tantrums Tickets

January just got less dreary—the LA soul band plays two nights at the Showbox.

Posted by: Laura Dannen on Nov 18, 2011 at 04:00PM 0 Comments

I recently tried to request Fitz and the Tantrums’ "MoneyGrabber" at a wedding reception in Rhode Island, and the DJ blew me off. Two likely reasons why:

1. “MoneyGrabber” sounds like “MoneyGrubber,” which is the last thing a new bride wants to hear at a wedding. Exception to the rule: Kanye West’s “Gold Digger.”

2. The six-piece LA soul band isn’t as recognizable as a Gaga, Spears, or Perry—yet. Front man Michael Fitzpatrick and his crew have been packing clubs in Southern California with their dance-friendly ‘60s retro since 2008, but it wasn’t until the release of their 2010 debut album, Pickin’ Up the Pieces, that they started picking up steam. This year they were late-night regulars (Jimmy Kimmel, Conan, and Leno) and did a tour of summer festivals that would have exhausted James Brown. Hopefully by 2012, they’ll be in rotation with “Edge of Glory” and “Billie Jean” at a wedding reception near you.

Until then, see Fitz and the Tantrums at Showbox at the Market on January 20 and 21. Tickets ($20-$25) are on sale Saturday, November 19, at 10am at showboxonline.com.

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Tags: Concert, Ticket Alerts, Showbox at the Market