Since the theme of Thanksgiving is, well, being thankful for what you have, it's fitting that the nation balances itself with a full day of excessive consumption. Like clockwork, the sales come and people flock. We all need breaks from exhausting American customs, and what better way to do that than with music? Shows can be a time to come together, regardless of your background -- so consider sharing a moment with your fellow human beings at a live concert. This weekend brings us rock, dubsteb, Americana, free-jazz, metal and more.
Friday, November 28
Bruxism 6 w/ Michael Williams, Riverbody, Sigulda, DJ Tiffany Minx Friday, November 28 Foam Coffee & Beer 9 p.m. | $5 Nathan Cook's concert series comes to an end, marking a full year of thoughtful, intricate experimental music. A collaboration between Cook's Close/Far music and the now-defunct Apop Records, Bruxism showcases electronic and acoustic artists working through improvisational sound. (JH)
Caspa w/ The Others Friday, November 28 2720 Cherokee Performing Arts Center 7 p.m. | $20/$25 Caspa kicks off a killer weekend for dubstep fans. Frequent collaborator Rusko will also play St. Louis on Saturday night at Old Rock House. Both artists here on the same weekend? This is no coincidence. Although there's been no public promise of a live collaboration, it makes you think... (JH)
Ha Ha Tonka w/ John Henry, Bo and the Locomotive Friday, November 28 Off Broadway 9 p.m. | $12/$15 Just one day removed from Thanksgiving -- on Black Friday -- Off Broadway will serve as a cornucopia overflowing with some of the finest boot-stomping rock & roll budding from the vast Midwestern soil. (BM)
Jay Farrar Friday, November 28 Old Rock House 8 p.m. | $20-$22 In his now four-decade long career, Farrar has produced highly-individualized, remarkably diverse music that draws on structures and styles not often associated with the alt-country label. Hard punk, synthesizer-laced rock, experimental sound collages, pure blues (acoustic and electric), piano ballads, horn-blasted rock & soul, and, most recently, swinging, twin-fiddle-driven honky-tonk all play a part. (RK)
The Urge Friday, November 28 The Pageant 8 p.m. | $10.57-$35 If you haven't already, be sure to check out our music feature this week -- an interview with the Urge's Steve Ewing on the state of the band. Also, hot dogs. (DH)
Saturday, November 29
The Bottle Rockets Saturday, November 29 Off Broadway 8 p.m. | $15 $15 is a small price to pay for the local roots-rock revivalists who have, over the years, gained status as a legendary band. Even if we hate ourselves for loving them. (JH)
Rusko w/ Late Night Radio, Widdler, PlunkiE Saturday, November 29 Old Rock House 8:30 p.m. | $25-$33 The English-born, Los Angeles-based producer Rusko has certainly gone through the dubstep ringer a few times. His latest, ! Volume 2 pulses with Seinfeldian slap-bass breakdowns, piano-pounding verses and, yes, the occasional (but restrained) bass drop. (CS)
Undertow - A Tribute to Tool w/ D-Railed, Go To Sleep Saturday, November 29 Fubar 8 p.m. | $10 Because tribute bands deserve love too. (DH)
Sunday, November 30
Cactus Truck w/ Dave Stone Free Jazz Unit Sunday, November 30 Lemp Neighborhood Arts Center 8 p.m. | $7 Free jazz trio Cactus Truck is flying halfway across the world from Amsterdam in a plane filled with warped horns and melted James White records. The band is stopping in St. Louis to play an intimate art space in south city. Wait, a free jazz group from Amsterdam? Whose members' median age is under 40? Really? (JH)
Battlecross w/ Wretched, War of Ages, Black Fast Sunday, November 30 The Firebird 7:30 p.m. | $14-$16 Thrash metal fans might know and love Battlecross, but local shredders Black Fast just signed to EOne Heavy records, and this show doubles as a signing party. Come celebrate and sample local metal on the rise. (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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