WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24
B*tch Not quite sure how to categorize her music, but I'd say it could be called pop music with an attitude. She's described as a singer/songwriter/electric-violinist/poet/rocker and is currently on tour in support of her second album, Blasted! Her violin playing at times comes across more like Hendrix than anything classical. Like I said, attitude. The Evening Muse (Jeff Hahne)
THURSDAY, MARCH 25
An Horse Aussie duo An Horse, Kate Cooper (vocals, guitar) and Damon Cox (drums), write pared down tunes, stitched with raggedy guitar strumming, about life's travails, all with a perky, "hey that sounds good" hook. The no nonsense songcraft has an immediacy of sing-along lyrics to it. RIYL: The Breeders and female fronted alt-rock from the '90s. With The Lights Fluorescent and Van Edward. Neighborhood Theatre (Samir Shukla)
FRIDAY, MARCH 26
The Edwards Brothers (Take II) This make-up date from a recent white-out features the Brothers Edwards – more commonly known as the "Lou Ford Singers" – opting for a night out sans the LF back line. In their stead will be the Edwards' trusty 808-beats, samplers, looping pedals, synth orchestra, and ... well, no, most likely it'll just be brothers Alan and Chad, some guitars and top-shelf sibling harmonies, and rural rock songs so poignant your grandkids will be downloading them for deep catalog cachet. Reasons enough, friends. Early show at The Evening Muse (John Schacht)
Songs of Water In this primarily instrumental combo, the subtlety of mandolin, Spanish guitar and hammered dulcimer get drenched with percussion that may accent the piece or turn it into a downright knee-slapping hoedown. They're a celestial jam band experimenting with myriad acoustic instruments, percussion, folk, bluegrass, world rhythms, and exotic fusion sending the listener on global musical journeys. The N.C.-based group is releasing its fine new recording this evening. Also on the bill: Timbre and Matrimony. Visulite Theatre (Shukla)
SATURDAY, MARCH 27
Nashville Pussy The Amazonians, guitarist Ruyter Suys and bassist Karen Cuda, are reason enough to head out for the face-down-in-the-gutter, Southern hard rock of Nashville Pussy. Hell raisin' is a given when the Atlanta quartet pounce on the crowd with unabashed punk energy, fueled by cheap whisky, shattered guitars, and "Daisy Duke Gone Wild" shenanigans. What else do you need on a friggin' Saturday night? With Green Jelly, Psychostick, and 25 Minutes to Go. Tremont Music Hall (Shukla)
Jim Weider's Project Percolator Veteran guitarist Jim Weider has put in stints with The Band and is a current member of the Levon Helm Band. His latest recording, Pulse is an improv-enthused instrumental exploration of groove-laden rock with a sprinkling of something for everyone – funk, jazz, blues, sinewy psychedelic riffs. Weider's nimble fingers goad his Telecaster into genre-hopping singing. With Actual Proof. Double Door Inn (Shukla)
Japandroids/A Sunny Day in Glasgow Snug Harbor continues a welcome trend of booking current "it" acts that typically see CLT from their van's windows on their way somewhere hipper. Vancouver's Japandroids are a self-proclaimed "two-piece trying to sound like a five-piece" with a pummeling brand of garage rock-angst yanked into the 21st century. Philly-based A Sunny Day Is Glasgow is all guitar shimmer and thrumming groundswell, a "nu-gaze" shoegaze outfit (more Slowdive than MBV) run through that deliciously hazy 4AD filter – the vocals of twin sisters Robin and Lauren Daniels make Cocteau Twins comparisons practically inevitable, but this is no mere copy-catting. Btw: By the time you read this, likely sold out. With locals Weekenders. Snug Harbor (Schacht)
Overmountain Men David Childers disbanded his last act, the Modern Don Juans, to devote more time to his day job, various artistic endeavors, and not banging his head against the "members only" Americana door. Touring, too, had become onerous. So when Avett Brothers bassist and longtime fan Bob Crawford suggested a part-time side-project that Childers could engage when he felt like it, and Crawford's Avetts' busy sked allowed, it just made sense. So does Glorious Day, out now on Ramseur Records, which suggests Mr. Childers hasn't lost a thing in the interim. Live? Few deliver the goods with more conviction. With Ken Will Morton at the Thirsty Beaver Saloon. (Schacht)
SUNDAY, MARCH 28
The Sky Drops This band laughs in the face of stereotypes. Not only is the band's drummer female but you will hear her pipe out some vocals here and there. It is very rare that the drummer of a band will sing, unless you're talking about Phil Collins or Don Henley, but they are both different stories altogether. The male/female duo sports a '70s style and collaborate well creatively. Despite the band only having two musicians nothing seems to be missing. Each track sounds '60s psychedelic but on occasion will venture into a harder and slightly edgier indie groove. A new sound mixed with old influences – definitely worth checking out. With Hair Supply. Snug Harbor (Nicole Pietrantonio)
TUESDAY, MARCH 30
Amos Lee The Philadelphia-based singer/songwriter will be back in town in a couple of months when he opens up for the Dave Matthews Band, but here's a chance to see him doing what he does best for a much lengthier set. Instead of warming up a crowd, he'll be showcasing his wares in his own style – jazzy, bluesy, soulful music that hits the heartstrings. Visulite Theatre (Hahne)