Not a dull day goes by in the world of RFT. From in-house e-mail list exchanges between staff regarding ridiculous St. Louis dating stereotypes and equally maniacal suggestions for the official Missouri state greeting (actual topics of upcoming pieces -- stay tuned) to catching some photos in our news feeds of previous RFT editor Tom Finkel hanging out in his cushy New York offices with Lil Bub and Village Voice columnist Andrew W.K., it's been a pretty entertaining week, and the excitement doesn't end here.
This weekend's a doozy. For starters, look forward to local release shows from Popular Mechanics, Lizzie Weber and Love Surrounds. Besides that, Thrashamania III plows through the weekend, Paul Van Dyk returns to Europe Nightclub and the Tef Poe Experience goes down at the Gramophone. Read on for these concert recommendations and more.
Friday (January 31):
KSLU Sessions Part Deux w/ Scrub, Bruiser Queen, The Jerk, ShitStorm, Abnormal @ Saint Louis University 5 p.m. | free If you haven't seen what Saint Louis University's music community contingent has been up lately (including hosting rare performing artist Jandek this spring, for instance), now's your chance to hang out and see firsthand. KSLU DJs welcome a variety of local musicians to its studios -- including last week's featured Fill in the Blank artist, Scrub -- recording live performances for future broadcasts. All are welcome to attend. (MS)
Love Surrounds EP Release w/ Search Parties, Yankee Rain @ The Firebird 9 p.m. | $8-$10 Beautiful female vocals and piano lines are this local act's stock and trade, and they are so good at it that I'm almost ready to forgive the fact that I'm pretty sure they are a Christian band. Almost / pretty sure. (DH)
Popular Mechanics Record Release w/ Trauma Harness, Hathead Jones, Million Hits @ Plush 8:30 p.m. | $8 According to this 2013 profile, "Popular Mechanics trails down the beaten path of rock while working in beloved, but all-too-familiar pop trappings....Popular Mechanics finds common ground with '90s trends like grunge and early indie rock, but it never veers too far into one genre." At this release, the band releases a small run of random mixed color vinyl. (MS)
Maximum Effort w/ Cardiac Arrest, Rat Heart @ Fubar 9:30 p.m. | $8 This all-local punk and rock'n'roll rager ought to stir up the doldrums of winter, if only for one night. I think I read something somewhere about the presence of free chili cheese dip, as long as your bring your own chips. I'm pretty sure I'm not making that up, but don't hold me to it. (MS)
Paul Van Dyk w/ Luke Hansen, SlantE @ Europe Nightclub 9 p.m. | $25-$200 German trance DJ Paul van Dyk returns to Europe nightclub! His last show there was a well-attended affair, so make sure to show up early to make sure you get in. (DH)
Lizzie Weber CD Release w/ Ellen the Felon, The Duo @ The Gramophone 8 p.m. | $10 Local singer-songwriter Lizzie Weber rolls out her debut album, included on CD with admission. Get to know her in this 2013 profile. (MS)
The Tennis Lesson w/ Me Like Bees, Humdrum @ Schlafly Tap Room 9 p.m. | free The Tennis Lesson only plays out but a couple times a year with the goal of rolling out an entirely new set each show, so catch 'em while you can. Learn more about this local pop and rock group and hear some tracks in this 2013 profile. (MS)
Thrashamania III w/ Torn the Fuck Apart, Primal Breath, Animated Dead, Holy Smoke @ Cusumano's Pizza 9 p.m. | $5 Make sure you head to the Mad Magician the following night for day two of Thrashamania... that is, if you think you can handle it, poser! (DH)
For more options this Friday, check out BRUXISM at Apop Records, Greg Brown at Sheldon Concert Hall and Street Fighting Band at the Pageant. Just click the links to read more via critics' previews from earlier this week.
Saturday (February 1):
Benefit for Local Harvest w/ The Hobosexuals, Bathhouse Boys, Catholic Guilt, Black Panties, Relentless Approach, Maximum Effort, Rum Drum Ramblers @ Lemmons 9 p.m. | $5 This show for heavy hardcore hitters Relentless Approach of Omaha, Nebraska links up with a bunch more locals in order to help keep Local Harvest Cafe & Grocery open. Local support features projects of past and present Local Harvest employees, with plenty of surprise guests in store. (MS)
The Tef Poe Experience @ The Gramophone 12 p.m. | $10 No openers or headliners, just Tef Poe playing deep cuts and fan favorites from his musical career. Sure to be a good time! (DH)
Also on Saturday, Roky Erickson plays the Firebird for its five-year anniversary and Off Broadway hosts No Depression: A Tribute to Uncle Tupelo.
Yautja, a metallic hardcore band from Nashville featuring members of Coliseum and Gnarwhal, plays at CBGB Sunday.
Note: Though we wish we could, we can't feature every great show happening in town in just one measly post. Peruse the St. Louis concert calendar for more ideas any time. Let everyone know what else you're looking forward to seeing this weekend in the comments below, and submit show info online any time to be considered for inclusion on these lists.
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