Friday, Dec. 27
Bottoms Up For better or for worse, 2013 was marked by twerking; you know what they say, if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. This monthly queer dance party presents a formidable lineup of DJs and hip-hop artists suitable for prime booty-popping, and it’s your last chance to get in your twerks before the year ends. With DJ Action Jackson, Party Tribe Trolls, DJ Jam Jeanz. Chop Suey. 9 p.m. $5 before 11 p.m., $7 after. 21 and over. DH
Black Breath 2012’s Sentenced to Life is a refreshing throwback to classic death metal, but its modern thrash and punk edge keeps things from getting too bogged down in nostalgia. Tonight, the band closes a busy year in front of their hometown crowd—time to get all that post-holiday family-fueled rage out in a proper setting. With Paralyzer, Old Skin, Countdown to Armageddon. Crocodile Cafe. 8 p.m. $10 JAMES BALLINGER
Even though this is only its second show, Burien has already garnered impressive buzz. Consisting of members from local acts like Brokaw and Master Musicians of Bukkake, the group plays late-’70s-style melodic punk-rock reminiscent of Gang of Four. With Tombs of Ligea, Le Cancer. JewelBox Theater. 10 p.m. 21 and over. JB
Boulder’s The Motet seamlessly blends funk grooves, electronic beats, and African and Latin rhythms into a crowd-driven live show reminiscent of those of the Grateful Dead or Phish. Its new album, due in January, is its first in four years, and will feature songs co-written by all nine band members. With World’s Finest, DJ Leopold Bloom. Nectar Lounge. 8 p.m. $12 adv./$16 DOS. MICHAEL F. BERRY
Boise’s Built to Spill earned its place as a Northwest indie institution with a canon of revered albums like 1999’s Keep It Like a Secret and 2001’s Ancient Melodies of the Future, and its flawless guitar rock and jangled, pop-inflected melodies influenced the likes of the Shins and the Unicorns. Neumos. With La Luz. Through Saturday. $25 adv. 21 and over. DUSTY HENRY
Zoe Muth may well have been born in the wrong era—not to mention the wrong part of the U.S.—but however she came to be ours, Seattle ought to consider her its own country-music treasure, precious in its rarity. (Sadly, we have to share her with Austin, Texas these days.) Muth owns a mike like an old soul with stories to tell, daring her audience not to listen. With the Dusty 45s, the Swearengens, Miller and Sasser. Tractor Tavern. 9 p.m. $15 adv. 21 and over. JESSIE MCKENNA
Saturday, Dec. 28
Stained by a Killer Lush harmonies and bowed upright bass give this roots-rock quartet a surprisingly deep, rich sound. The solid instrumental performances are complemented by Annie Lockwood and Charles Wilson’s inventive songwriting. With You Knew Me When, Ned Collette, Aaron Daniel. Blue Moon. 9 p.m. $6. MFB
Reignwolf was relatively quiet for much of 2013, likely regrouping after a 2012 that saw the band—which generally consists of just its primary member, virtuosic blues guitarist Jordan Cook—break out and land on just about every festival lineup in the area. Then December came, and in the course of a week the band announced an opening slot for Black Sabbath; premiered a new growling blues-rock single, “In the Dark,” on rollingstone.com; and went on a quick Australian tour, where Cook further solidified his legendary status as someone willing to play his guitar anywhere, with any item onstage, while standing on any questionably stable surface. That’s pretty much as rock ’n’ roll as it gets. With Ravenna Woods, Hobosexual. The Neptune. 9 p.m. $20. 21 and over. MARK S. BAUMGARTEN
Sunday, Dec. 29
The definition between pop-rock and indie rock has blurred in recent years. Taking its cues from the Strokes and Spoon, Uh Oh Eskimo has the look of indie rockers, but embrace its pop sensibilities. With Tim Fantastic & the Styrofoam Meat Trays, Joey Farr. High Dive. 8 p.m. $6. 21 and over. DH
Jeff Crosby makes exactly the kind of music you’d expect from an Idaho boy who moved to L.A. to get famous. He plays spud-farm folk with fancy finger picking, but his sound is polished for a mass audience and best when backed by the soaring organ of his backing band the Refugees. With Pepper Proud. Nectar Lounge. 8 p.m. $5 adv./$8 DOS. 21 and over. DANIEL PERSON
The Sangster Family Band When John M. Sangster Sr. passed away suddenly in November, the Sangsters wondered if the show really had to go on. After some debate, the multigenerational country/rock/blues band decided to keep the date and perform in John’s honor. You’ll no doubt recognize his sons Jim and John from their work in every Seattle band from the Tripwires to Young Fresh Fellows. With Miles & Karina, Christy McWilson. Royal Room. 6 p.m. Free; donations accepted to benefit Children’s Hospital. All ages. ACP
Saxophone in hand, Kareem Kandi and his band have quietly become regarded as one of the hardest-working jazz outfits in the Pacific Northwest. In the daytime Kandi serves as artist in residence at the Tacoma School of Art, while at night he lets it wail for audiences seeking to hear the real shit. Seamonster Lounge. 10 p.m. Free. CORBIN REIFF
Brian Setzer Orchestra The former Stray Cats frontman struts his stuff for the 10th year running in his “Christmas Rocks!” holiday show, featuring original (rockabilly!) renditions of classic holiday tunes and songs penned by Setzer himself. The 20-member group is one of a dwindling few big bands touring the globe today. Bonus: For the holidays, they’re known to don classic red and white . . . and leopard print. Snoqualmie Casino. 7 p.m. SOLD OUT. 21 and over. JM
