Wednesday, January 4
Richard Buckner + David Dondero
Troubadour Buckner has toed the alt-country line since before it was cool, evoking Townes Van Zandt and Nick Drake with last year’s Dents and Shells (Merge). Kindred spirit Dondero’s South of the South is just out on Team Love, and fans of Bright Eyes should snatch one up quick. Tractor Tavern, 9 p.m. $12
Speaker Speaker
Only three actually released songs into their career and this power-pop band is making deserved waves. Red Pony Clock, Marlo, and Half Handed Cloud open. Crocodile Cafe, 9 p.m. $6
Thursday, January 5
Helio Sequence + Crystal Skulls + Wet Confetti
The followings of these bands are in for mind-expanding surprises here: Helio Sequence’s dreamy bombast is psych rock injected with power; Crystal Skulls take their cues from ’60s pop; art-punks Wet Confetti are the kind of band who list “Jars of Clay” and “Miami Sound Machine” as influences. Smart-asses. Chop Suey, 8 p.m. $8
Swampdweller
Marc Fendel of Bebop & Destruction heads up this shifting conglomerate, whose self-titled debut was one of 2005’s very best local releases. They have a new one in the can, so look out for that—and hope to hear some of it at this show. Nectar, 9 p.m. $6
Via + Touchdown Eagle + Blue Light Curtain
Behold the return of the Sunset’s “Chix With Stix” showcase, which gives props to the ladies that anchor the beat. Here, in moody, abrasive Via (Emily), Yo La Tengo–lazy Touchdown Eagle (Kellie), and dreamy dronesters Blue Light Curtain (Sky). Sunset Tavern, 9 p.m. $6
Jessica Williams
One of jazz piano’s looming legends, Williams will perform this two-night stand solo. Triple Door, 7:30 p.m. $22 Also Fri., Jan. 6
Friday, January 6
Acorn Project + Sea.Mine + Laszlo
SEE TALK TALK [SEA.MINE], P. 34. Showbox, 8 p.m. $7 adv./$10
DJ Premier
The Gang Starr producer and DJ has one of the most reliable production templates in hip-hop—steely, whittled down, catchy without being especially hook-laden—and there’s no reason to imagine what he’ll spin will be especially different. In fact, it’ll probably be really good. Chop Suey, 9 p.m. $12
Draumkvedet
The Norwegian folk ballad Draumkvedet is “the Dream Song of Olav Asteson,” who falls asleep on Christmas Eve and dreams his way through heaven and hades. Harp, fiddles and hurdy-gurdy (an actual instrument that sounds like a kazoo, bagpipe, and fiddle in one!) accompany a theatrical interpretation. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 8 p.m. $10 seniors and students/$15
Jett City + Devils Food + Black Bettie
Three tribute bands—Joan Jett, Alice Cooper, and Black Sabbath, respectively—prepare to rock you, secondhand-style. Stay Tuned open. Tractor Tavern, 9 p.m. $8
Saturday, January 7
Greg Davis and Sebastian Roux + Bird Show + Western Graves + Yann Novak
Of the minimal electronic composers at this Ong Ong release show, only Yann Novak’s work is found on the CD that accompanies the local zine. You’ll want to pick up CDs from Kranky’s Bird Show and Davis and Roux—who just released the glittery nature treatise Paquet Surprise (Car Park)—at the merch table. Gallery 1412, 8 p.m. $5–$15
Disturbed
These post-Pantera (and -Maiden, and -Tool) metallers have the dry early-year touring circuit all to themselves, in support of the new Ten Thousand Fists (Warner Bros.). Paramount Theatre, 8 p.m. $32.50
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Who loves rock ‘n’ roll? Who loves it enough to leave their comfy couches and drive to the Tacoma casino? If you didn’t get to see Jett and the Blackhearts on Lucky Strike’s dime a while back, then YOU DO! Emerald Queen Casino, 2102 Alexander Ave., Tacoma, 253-627-8497, 8 p.m. $20–$40
Sleepytime Gorilla Museum
This band’s name is like one of those games where you figure out your “porn star name” using the street you grew up on, your pet’s name, and your favorite color. Equally cobbled together, SGM’s mix of metal, avant, and prog has been called “a dark carnival of sound,” and their live show is a performance art spectacle. With Secret Chiefs 3. Neumo’s, 8 p.m. $13 adv./$15
Monday, January 9
Lady Krishna’s Peppermint Lounge
Natasha Lady Krishna channels Francois Hardy, Nico, Hope Sandoval, and other ingénues into smooth and sultry rock experiments with her Peppermint Lounge, who’ve opened for the Scissor Sisters, playing here with (!) Sweet Jesus. Nectar, 8 p.m. NC
