This has to be the busiest January in history for St. Louis music. Five venues across the city team up to bring the Art of Live Festival, which provides a great opportunity to show-hop Friday through Sunday. Don't forget -- you're probably off work on Monday, so stay out late the night before (Vice at Fubar or Cloud Nothings at Old Rock House are both solid options). This 50 degree weather won't last forever, so join us in shaking off the ice cold shackles of wintertime, if only for a day.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16
Jukebox The Ghost w/ Twin Peaks Friday, January 16 The Ready Room 8 p.m. | $16-$18 Someone please explain this whole "jukeboxing a ghost" thing. I have no idea what it is, and these clean-cut indie rock guys clearly want us to partake. With contemporaries like Ben Folds and a stock of dramatic post-rock hymns, Jukebox the Ghost delivers -- nevermind the nonsensical name. (JH)
The Toasters w/ Disputed, Snooty and the Ratfinks, Skaboom Friday, January 16 Off Broadway 8 p.m. | $12-$14 Check out the interview we just published today with Toasters head honcho Robert "Bucket" Hingley and see why he told us "the hell with U2." Almost 35 years into the two-tone game and still going strong! (DH)
SATURDAY, JANUARY 17
2 Chainz w/ Yo Gotti, Fabolous, August Alsina Saturday, January 17 Chaifetz Arena 7 p.m. | $39-$129 Veiled as a civil debate, Nancy Grace tried her damnedest to degrade 2 Chainz on live television. Watch him keep as cool as a cucumber while she declines into a mess of sweat and bratty potshots. Now that the video has gone viral, we can only hope for a meager picket line of Fox News supporters outside the show. (JH)
New Music Circle Presents: Johanna Ballou w/ Stella Markou Saturday, January 17 The 560 Music Center 7 p.m. | $10-$20 Johanna Ballou's blend of clean keys with electronics builds a strong tonal contrast that carries well atop a natural sense of rhythm. As with all New Music Circle events, the price scales from $10 to $20 with the cheaper ticket reserved for struggling artists and students. (JH)
The Grifters w/ J Fernandez Saturday, January 17 Off Broadway 8 p.m. | $14 The Grifters' heydey was certainly in the '90s, but that doesn't mean they can't rip just as hard in 2015. Sure, some bands like to cash in on cult status after the fact but we're just happy to see this band pick up right where they left off. Don't sleep on Chicago's brightest psych rockers J Fernandez. (JH)
Railroad Earth Saturday, January 17 The Pageant 8 p.m. | $22.50/$25 Fans of Americana rejoice! Railroad Earth is on top of its game and ready to bring its freshest set of songs yet. Read our recent interview with founding member Todd Sheaffer for more. (JH)
Winter Wolves: A Benefit Show for the Endangered Wolf Center w/ A Hill to Die Upon, Bastard, Animated Dead, Dawn Patrol, Decay Crawler, Cycle of Ruin, Emaciation, Hemorrhaging Elysium, Savagery, Enflesh, Xaemora, Stormcaller, Quaere Verum, Vesicant Saturday, January 17 Fubar 5 p.m. | $12 Wolves are pretty much just dogs, which are clearly the finest of all animals. AND wolves are basically the most metal kind of dog you can get, making this lineup endlessly appropriate. Save the metal dogs! (DH)
Zola Jesus Saturday, January 17 The Ready Room 8:30 p.m. | $15 Pop music for people who think the human race should go extinct. For more, check out the interview we published with the singer yesterday. Part of the Art of Live Festival!
SUNDAY, JANUARY 18
Vice w/ Knocked Loose Sunday, January 18 Fubar 8 p.m. | $8 This band has clearly taken a shine to St. Louis, bringing its relentless brand of hardcore to our city several times over the last couple of years. Reciprocate the love! (DH)
MONDAY, JANUARY 19
The Promise Hero Monday, January 19 The Demo 7:30 p.m. | $10 The Promise Hero sits somewhere between pop-punk and alt-rock, making catchy tunes that crawl up in your head like little earworms. There's a certain heft to these riffs that drive each song with a subtle sense of classic rock. (JH)
Note: Though we wish we could, we can't feature every great show happening in town in just one post. Peruse the St. Louis concert calendar for more ideas, and let everyone know what else you're looking forward to seeing this weekend in the comments below. To be considered for coverage in RFT Music, submit show info online or drop us a line anytime.
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