The Olympics used to include music in its competitions alongside literature, poetry, architecture and painting. While it’s unfortunate that we’ll never get to see Bukowski fight Brautigan for the bronze, or Kanye West and Taylor Swift grapple for gold, you can still award your own medals for greatness this week. So get out there and do some judging of your own—just don’t hold up your scorecards up in the pit.
Thursday, August 11
Kurt Vile at The Catalyst Club
There’s no shortage of spaced out and weird-sounding guitar frontmen out there, but Kurt Vile is easily one of the most well-liked and experienced. His lyrics are far out without being pretentious, and his music makes you go “…What?” while you enthusiastically bob your head. Vile has released five EPs and six albums since his debut in 2008, and is arguably the most talented pioneer of the modern “weird rock” rebirth that laid the groundwork for the rise of artists like Mac Demarco and King Krule. Come down and watch the wizard himself at work.
Show at 9pm. $24 in advance/$25 at the door
Thursday, August 11
Your Friend at The Crepe Place
The Crepe Place has a tradition of bringing insanely talented up-and-coming indie artists to Santa Cruz. In this case, no, you probably don’t actually know her, unless you can call artist Taryn Miller, who records under the moniker Your Friend, your actual friend. After releasing a small EP, she spent the last year performing at SXSW, completed her first US tour, and has just released her first full-length album, “Gumption.” Come watch a star on the rise.
Show at 9pm. $10 at the door
Friday, August 12
Marty O’Reilly & The Old Soul Orchestra at Moe’s Alley
These hometown heroes are never, ever a show to miss and now they are back at their favorite local venue to boot. These guys are earthy and create incredible soul-filling music. Their minors swing like Tom Waits’ darker works flavored with a little bit of the Junior Kimbrough blues sadness with some G-Love-esque special sauce on top. If you are in Santa Cruz and like music and you don’t go see these guys, you are totally blowing it.
Show at 9pm. $12 in advance/$15 at the door
Saturday, August 13
Galactic at The Catalyst Club
After more than 20 years in the jam band game, it’s safe to say that these musical sages out of New Orleans have solidified their place in the genre’s history. The group uses elements of funk, jazz, R&B, rock and pop to make some of the tastiest tracks you’ll ever hear. Since they got their start in 1994 Galactic has constantly pushed the boundaries of what a jam band normally does, including occasionally featuring lyrics, and releasing and performing tracks with Gift of Gab, Boots Riley, and even Chali 2na. You never know who’s gonna be in town to hop up on stage…
Show at 9pm. $25 in advance/$30 at the door
