WEDNESDAY, FEB. 23
THE MALAH This S.C. trio’s electronica makes for spacey driving music on starlit nights. It’s not all chill-out music, though; there’s a dance undercurrent in some of their compositions. The atmospheric instrumentals are tempered with grooves and earthy tones. Judging from their pics and videos, their visuals aren’t too shabby, either. $7. Double Door Inn. www.doubledoorinn.com. (Samir Shukla)
THURSDAY, FEB. 24
PILE The Beantown rock combo drenches the songs with punk sentiments and a knowing control of guitar noise. The guitar riffs channel Neil Young, as when his six strings are plugged in and he is pissed. Pile’s songs have staying power in their own right. RIYL: Superchunk, Sonic Youth, Hüsker Dü. With Public Relations, Sister Fister and Rita’s Gift. $6-$8. The Milestone. www.themilestoneclub.com. (Shukla)
FRIDAY, FEB. 25
BIRDS OF AVALON Guitarists Cheetie Kumar and Paul Siler regrouped as Birds of Avalon after disbanding The Cherry Valence. Now the duo (also a married couple) ply the roads of hard pop and moody psych-rock with a playful interplay that’s occasionally tinged with jazzy breaks. Their noise-assisted, blues-inflected rock will satisfy lovers of inspired indie rock. Also on the bill are Pullman Strike and Temperance League. $7. Snug Harbor. www.snugrock.com. (Shukla)
CHASING EDISON VS. ACTUAL PROOF The best way to keep fans entertained is to keep it interesting, entertaining and different. Both bands exude live energy with every performance and Actual Proof has been known to experiment on the visual side of things. This time around, both groups are going to give it all they have in an alternating set format that will leave even the casual observer exhausted. Better save your energy for this one, it’s bound to get wild up there. $8-$10. 9 p.m. Visulite Theatre. www.visulite.com. (Jeff Hahne)
SATURDAY, FEB. 26
DEAD PREZ Often boxed as pro-Black militants, what’s lost with that label is the lyricism Dead Prez has been all about since their debut. Politically charged and conscious, they burst on the scene in 2000 with their album, Let’s Get Free, and the classic, “Hip Hop” but since then they’ve maintained an underground badge of honor even while doing mainstream things like having their songs on video games and movie soundtracks. Sonny Cheeba from Camp Lo, Royal-Tee and Mr. Invisible are also on the bill. $20-$23. Amos’ Southend. www.amossouthend.com. (Mike McCray)
THE BAD DADDIES Ten years after their formation, the Bad Daddies have earned the right to say they’re a little bit more than a cover band. But in celebrating their anniversary, fans should expect the things they’ve come to enjoy the most from this party band: covers of Led Zeppelin, ABBA, the Grateful Dead, even Prince and Michael Jackson. Better yet, it won’t cost you a dime; they’re just sharing their love with you. Free. Visulite Theatre. www.visulite.com. (McCray)
DAVID WILCOX Western Carolina folkie Wilcox was referred to as the next James Taylor for most of the ’90s, but for whatever reason — perhaps the fact that acoustic emotive music doesn’t exactly crank out the breakout stars — he never quite got the cappuccino circuit coronation like, say, a Norah Jones. His Nick Drake-y, felt-fingered style is more of an acquired taste anyway, and isn’t the kind of thing to get folk singing along in unison at last call. He’s still a talent, however, no matter how beige and banal the trimmings. $22.50-$25. McGlohon Theatre. www.blumenthalcenter.org. (Timothy C. Davis)
SUNDAY, FEB. 27
FISHBONE The ska-infused alt-rock of Fishbone hit its peak in the early 1990s and fell off the radar of most people as original members were constantly replaced. Now, the trend has reversed itself as Walter A. Kibby (aka “Dirty Walt”) and longtime drummer John Steward have rejoined the band and rumor has it they’re back in the studio. Singer Angelo Moore always has the energy, but I’m guessing the lineup has brought new life. Opening for Slightly Stoopid. $25-$25. Doors at 7 p.m. Amos’ Southend. www.amossouthend.com. (Hahne)
MONDAY, FEB. 28
FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS You’re a legend when your tickets are in such high demand you add an extra night to accommodate your fans; which is what Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons did for Charlotte. With an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Broadway play Jersey Boys, loosely based on the lives of he and his original bandmates, Frankie Valli shows no sign of retiring anytime soon. But don’t call it a comeback; the musical icon has more than 50 years under his belt as a performer and assures his fans a night to remember. $39-$85. Belk Theater, www.blumenthalcenter.org. (Johnathan Cruse)
TUESDAY, MARCH 1
FAIRPLAY When you’ve done live sessions with musical greats like Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles and Gladys Knight, you have my full attention. Professional musician and Charlotte native Donnie Marshall has done that and more since he began making music 28 years ago. Marshall’s versatility between all musical genres keeps him on the road and in high demand. He’s a regular in the band Fairplay which also features Bobby Donaldson, Tuff Blanton and Cary Sims. Lucky Lou’s Tavern. www.luckyloustavern.com. (Cruse)
This article appears in Feb 22-28, 2011.
