Jan. 26-Feb. 1, 2005
Wednesday, Jan. 26
Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio
Backed by guitarist Peter Bernstein and drummer Gregory Hutchinson, Smith's pioneering B3 and synth work provides the bedrock from what will probably be a funky good time. Dimitriou's Jazz Alley, 7:30 p.m. $18.50–$20.50
Vells + Treasure State
Though the Vells' Flight from Echo Falls (Imputor?) is somewhat snoozy, it's something of a grower, too, and they're working on new material as you read this (unless, um, they aren't). Well regarded indie rockers Treasure State are celebrating the release of their new album, Migration. Chop Suey, 9 p.m. $6
Thursday, Jan. 27
Hassan Hakmoun
Morocco's best-known vocalist, Hakmoun (who now lives in New York) is a hypnotic singer and gimbri—a steel-stringed instrument—player, especially in a concert setting. Triple Door, 8 p.m. $22
Daniel Higgs
Don't expect the thickly bearded, eccentric, much-revered Lungfish frontman to mine his band's back catalog tonight. He recently released a Jew's harp improv album on Ian MacKaye's Northern Liberties label, which explains why he's performing at the 1412 collective's unassuming new Capitol Hill art space. Gallery 1412, 1412 18th Ave., 206-322-1533, 8 p.m. $5–$15
Q-Bert + Jazzy Jeff + Grand Wizard Theodore + DJ Flare + DJ Juni
SEE SW THIS WEEK, P 39. Chop Suey, 8 p.m. $15
Scissor Sisters
SEE FEATURE, P 41. Paramount Theatre, 8 p.m. $21–$23. Members will also DJ Wed., Jan. 26 at Baltic Room.
Wall of Sound Night: Molly Tenebaum + Sam Mickens
This installment of Wall of Sound's monthly happenings focuses on those who work the strings. Poet and old-time banjo wrangler Molly Tenebaum ought to be dark and funny; Dead Science singer/guitarist Sam Mickens might just be dark. Rendezvous, 10:30 p.m. $5
Friday, Jan. 28
Hem
SEE CD REVIEW, P 43. Tractor Tavern, 9 p.m. $15
No Motiv
This is the type of interchangeable, Bic-flicking emo tripe Bryan Adams would've made if he'd come of age in the early '90s. Sure, it's a little more mature than Simple Plan or Good Charlotte, but what's the point of gearing heartcore toward an older audience? Paradox Theatre, 1401 N.W. Leary Way, 8 p.m. $8
Saturday, Jan. 29
Aquarian Birthday Bash: IQU + Apeshape + the Lights
Not sure whose birthday(s) this is, but as an excuse for some good, varied bands to play together, we'll take it. IQU are one of the city's best electronic groups; Apeshape feature members of Halo Benders, Unwound, the Jicks, and Built to Spill. Slo Asions and DJ Sappho also perform, and "special guests" are said to be involved as well. Crocodile Cafe, 8 p.m. $7
Death by Stereo
DbS is a step up from the usual Warped Tour crapola, if only in terms of production value and content. The vocals border on System of a Down jibber-jabber, the drumming is rote punk-by-numbers, and the sporadic metal solos are totally out of place, yet it all somehow congeals into something listenable and kinda raucous, if not particularly vital. Neumo's, 6 p.m. $10 adv.
Merle Haggard
Is Haggard country music's greatest songwriter? It's a tough call, but he may be it, from early classics like "Mama Tried" and "Sing Me Back Home" to more recent goodies like "That's the News." Last year saw the issue of 40 #1 Hits, which says it all and is as essential as its title implies. Helluva singer, too. Emerald Queen Casino, 2024 E. 29th St., Tacoma, 888-831-1655, 7 p.m. $25–$50
Home Alive Benefit
This show celebrates, and benefits, Home Alive's new space by pairing the purposeful pop-punk of Ms. Led with Free Verse, who are a female-fronted metal-punk band. Botox Aftermath and the Insurgence practice socially conscious punk as well and Mark Brubeck is a spoken word artist. Home Alive Studio, 1415 10th Ave., 9 p.m. $5
Lateef the Truth Speaker + the Perceptionists
Lateef was (is? Hope so) one-half of Latyrx with Lyrics Born, and he's got a rambunctiously bumpy and infectious flow. The Perceptionists is Mr. Lif, a great MC, and Akrobatik, a good one, teamed up and hopefully political, since Lif does that better than just about anyone in hip-hop. A great bill. Chop Suey, 6 p.m. $12 adv.
OTEP
The eponymous vocalist of this band calls herself "a conductor," whom things "just flow through." Uh-huh. Your official Tori Amos Quack-o-Meter may run red, but luckily, her band is steeped in death-metal black. The only thing coffee shop about OTEP is the Cookie Monster in her primordial growl. Catwalk, 7 p.m. $13 adv./$15
The Ruby Doe
Hopefully, tonight's release of Always With Wings will vault this been-around-forever local trio out of relative obscurity. The new tracks fall nicely in line with the Doe's driven, economic post-math catalog. Akimbo headlines. VERA Project, 7:30 p.m. $7 with club card/$8
Tuesday, Feb. 1
Johnny A
Instrumental rock is more plentiful than ever thanks to the post-rock imperative taking over indieland in the mid-'90s, but Johnny A's more of a traditionalist, playing relatively straightforward and driving instead of moody and unwinding. He also does Hendrix's "Wind Cries Mary" as acid jazz, so make of that what you will. Triple Door, 7:30 p.m. $16
Regina Carter
The Detroit-bred jazz violinist brings a four-piece backing band that includes drummer Alvester Garnett, pianist Alon Yavnai, and bassist Chris Lightcap. Dimitriou's Jazz Alley, 7:30 p.m. $20.50–$24.50
