Notable Shows

Wednesday, August 2

An Evening With Ruth Brown

The early R&B queen turned actress (the original Hairspray), favorite of the Rainbow and Stars crowd, and longtime battler for artists' rights defines staying power: The 78-year-old fought her way back from a stroke several years ago and continues to perform live, as she did last week at the Triple Door. Tonight, she'll give an interview and audience Q&A. JBL Theatre at EMP, 305 Harrison St., 7:30 p.m. $6 members/$12 public

Bats of Belfry + Boys in the Coven

Every once in a while, the members-only Mercury opens its doors to the general populace, most notably for DJs Scorpio and Whiplash's Deep Cuts party. Tonight, they're joined by Bats of Belfry, who've earned accolades recently for their updated-classic rock sound and inspired performance, and the Holy Ghost Revival side-project Boys in the Coven. Mercury, 1009 E. Union St., 9 p.m. $5

The Epochs + the Braille Tapes + Eastern Grip

SEE FEATURE [The Epochs], P. 132. Crocodile Cafe, 9 p.m. $6

Thursday, August 3

The Avett Bros + the Everybodyfields

It's hard to say what it is exactly that the Avett Brothers do. With their high-lonesome harmonies and plucky work on old-timey instruments infused with punk-rock aggression, they could be lumped in with like-minded acts the Old Crow Medicine Show and the Hackensaw Boys. But that would do Avett Brothers a huge disservice. Since the best conditions to experience their music is in a live setting, it's best if you go see them and decide for yourself. Tractor Tavern, 9 p.m. $10

Bikery Benefit: The Maldives + Ray Reed + Cock and Swan + Correspondents

After the facilities of local bike advocacy organization the Bikery were burglarized twice in June, this benefit was organized, featuring country-folk band the Maldives and experimental electronic group Cock and Swan. Correspondents and Ray Reed play as well. Gallery 1412, 8 p.m. $5–$15

Django Reinhardt Festival

Gypsy jazz guitarist Reinhardt earned a fervent following in the 1930s and '40s, and still has plenty of admirers kicking around today. Tonight starts off a four-day tribute to Reinhardt's "hot swing" style, featuring guitarists Dorado and Samson Schmitt, accordionist Ludovic Beier, pianist Peter Beets and bassist Brian Torff. Dimitriou's Jazz Alley, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $23.50 Also Thurs., Aug. 3–Sun., Aug. 6

Ska Cubano

Putumayo Records is a benchmark of quality for fans of fun-loving world music, so it's well-advised they take a chance on Ska Cubano, whose recent Ay Caramba! was released on an associated label. The British ensemble blends Skatalite beats with Jamaican mento and the Afro-Cuban rhythms of salsa and son—a new take on some old and enduring sounds. Triple Door, 7:30 p.m. $18 adv./$20

Friday, August 4

Colette + DJ Heather

OM's got it going on! The successful label's DJs Colette and Heather have paired up for the latest House of Om compilation, which features serious mixing prowess and track selection (including a few by Colette, also a vocalist who's been known to sing while she spins). Miss Broadway represents for Seattle, and DJ Phase holds it down in Trinity's other sector. Trinity, 10 p.m.

Saturday, August 5

The Velvet Teen

2002's Out of the Fierce Parade is a fine example of indie rock done right: it's melodic, emotional, and captivating, even down to vocalist Judah Nagler's non-irritating falsetto. See how their newest, Cum Laude, represents live tonight—we bet it'll be just as sweet. With Sparrows Swarm and Sing, This Will Destroy You, and Elphaba. Paradox, 7:30 p.m. $8 adv./$10

Diplo + CSS + Bonde Do Role

SEE FEATURE [CSS], P 133. Neumo's, 8 p.m. $12 All ages

Headphones + Panda and Angel + S

Panda and Angel's brand of icy-emotional shoegazing has finally been made available on disc, a remarkable little EP released last week by Jade Tree. Live, they bring the same fragility of their recorded output and toss it up with unexpected guitar assaults reminiscent of Autolux. They've been gigging about town for a couple years now and have roots stretching back to Carissa's Wierd. This eponymous EP is just the beginning of what we can expect from these local faves. SEE FEATURE [S], P. 132. Crocodile Cafe, 9 p.m. $8

Heavy Lids + Tyler Potts + Yann Novak

Local experimental label Dragon's Eye is coming out with some fascinating stuff, and it's all on display at the Gallery for the next two days. This "Paper" event introduces two new DE acquisitions, Portland's Heavy Lids and Seattle's Ear Venom, playing on Sunday. From Potts' minimal, analog ambience to the micro melodies of Son of Rose (also on Sunday), both nights are a sure bet for fans of abstract, yet accessibly gorgeous music. Gallery 1412, 8 p.m. $5-$15 Also Sun., Aug. 6 with Ear Venom, Wyndel Hunt, and Son of Rose

India Independence Day Kick Off

Celebrate India's upcoming Independence Day (Aug. 15) with Seattle's superstar Bollywood DJs, including Anshul (who's releasing a CD tonight) and Advent. Chop Suey, 10 p.m. $5 ladies before 11:30 p.m./$10

Studio 66: The Scuzztones

This mod monthly is always a gas—DJs Brother James, Chrispo, and Vodka Twist are joined by the Tangerine Tonic go-go dancers tonight, with the Scuzztones providing live sounds to shake and shimmy to. Lo Fi Performance Gallery, 9 p.m. $7

Sunday, August 6

Kelly Clarkson