Friday night features freak-punk outfit The Dwarves at the Bluebird, while downtown at The Walnut Room things will be kept a little more light and carefree with The David James Band and Petals of Spain.
Saturday's where the fun really begins, as the Hi-Dive is hosting Come As You Are, an all-local lineup of bands covering every track from Nirvana's Nevermind. Slim Cessna's Auto Club will be keeping it real across the street at Three Kings, and on the opposite end of the spectrum, Low will be playing with Mercuria and the Gemstars at the Bluebird.
Sunday again serves up rocks to roll, with Grave Babies playing the Hi-Dive (with locals Sauna and The Manxx) and Candlebox (remember Candlebox?) down at the 'Bird. It's all ready and perfectly timed for that flannel shirt kinda season.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
What better way is there to kick off a weekend than a good blood-soaked, drug-fueled punk rock show? Tonight, The Dwarves, with Nashville Pussy and Holley 750 are at The Bluebird Theater. Show starts at 10 p.m., tickets are $18, and don't forget, it's BYOB: Bring your own bandages.
The David James Band w/ Petals of Spain
If you're feeling like you'd like a little pop mixed up with your rock, The David James Band with Petals of Spain will also be playing at The Walnut Room. Both bands straddle jazz-influenced musicianship with catchy hooks and danceable riffs. The show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $8.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Slim Cessna's Auto Club at Three Kings Saturday, you can get your dark Americana kicks at Three Kings Tavern with Slim Cessna's Auto Club. Openers include Old Man Markley and Kentucky Street Parlor Pickers. The show starts at 9 p.m. and tickets are $12, $15 day of show.
Come As You Are: A Tribute to the 20th Anniversary of Nirvana's Nevermind
And seeing as everyone's so hopped up on nostalgia these days, why not head down to the Hi-Dive for Come As You Are: A Tribute to the 20th Anniversary of Nirvana's Nevermind. The event features local bands The Swayback, Pacific Pride, Night of Joy, Il Cattivo, Hearts in Space and Science Partner covering every track off of the pivotal album. The show's at 9 p.m. and entry is $8.
Low w/ Mercuria and the Gemstars
If you're feeling a little more ethereal, then head down to the Bluebird Theater and check out Low, playing Saturday at 9 p.m. Local rock stars Mercuria and the Gemstars will be opening, making a perfect match for an awesome show. Tickets are $18, $20 day of show, and the undefinable, slow-core-ish group is guaranteed to make a sonic splash.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Grave Babies w/ The Manxx, Sauna and Perpetual Ritual
Need an excuse to bust out the leather jacket? Then head down to the Hi-Dive again Sunday night for Grave Babies, the simultaneously pop/garage/noise band that Sonic Youth fans are likely to enjoy. And with local openers The Manxx, Sauna and Perpetual Ritual, this lineup isn't about to disappoint. Doors are at 9 p.m., and tickets are $8 or $10 day of show.
If you're still wanting to bask in some '90s goodness, why not get yourself to the Bluebird for old-schoolers Candlebox? It's a perfect way to roll in this alt/grunge kind of weekend. Doors are at 8 p.m. and tickets are $28.50.
Follow Backbeat @westword_music and facebook.com/westwordmusic
