In the early-1990s, the Northwest was the epicenter of alt-rock, thanks to grunge. Among the bands that were letting both their emotions and flannel shirt tails fly were the Seattle-based Presidents of the United States of America. But unlike many of their peers, this band sidestepped the overly emotional, preferring to sing silly pop-punk songs with a good dose of irreverence. Over 21 years and six albums there have been breakups, false starts and reunions, but all the while the band has retained the playful spirit that set it apart. The latest release, this year’s Kudos to You!, sees the band still quirky, with songs including “Crappy Ghost,” “Finger Monsters,” and “Flea Versus Mite.”
INFO: 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26. Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $22/adv, $25/door. 423-1338.
WANT TO GO? Enter our Presidents of the United States of America Giveaway before 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 8, to win a pair of tickets to the show.
