WHAT: Blues at the Crossroads with Big Head Todd and the Monsters, David “Honeyboy” Edwards, Hubert Sumlin, Cedric Burnside & Lightnin’ Malcolm
WHERE: Krannert Center for the Performing Arts ($ varies)
WHEN: Tuesday, March 8th at 7:30 p.m.
Big Head Todd and the Monsters, we know. Blech. But look a little further down the bill and you’ll spot David “Honeyboy” Edwards, one of the last surviving delta blues musicians. And Hubert Sumlin? He was the massively influential guitarist in Howlin’ Wolf’s 1950s bands. Down at the bottom sit (on this bill, at least) the newcomers, Cedric Burnside and Lightnin’ Malcolm. They play jerky two-man blues rock (think Black Keys). This bill is clearly aiming for some kind of chronological retrospective of the blues, and by all looks succeeding.
WHAT: Bad Catman
WHERE: Red Star Liquors (free)
WHEN: Thursday, March 10th at 9:00 p.m.
Bad Catman are coming off a phenomenal EP release show this past Sunday, and have gradually become quite the live band, with a solid group of original’s and some fantastic covers (Minutemen, CCR). Plus, when was the last time you went to a show in downtown Urbana?
WHAT: Exit 182 Festival with Now, Now Every Children, Santah, Adventure, My Gold Mask, Jay Moses, Slothpop, Great Life, California Wives, Chris Bathgate, Jesse W. Johnson
WHERE: Mike ‘N Molly’s ($5)
WHEN: Thursday, March 10th to Saturday, March 11th
This three-nighter at Mike ‘N Molly’s features a bunch of bands on their way to SXSW next weekend. While all three nights are sure to be great, if you can only make it out to one, check out Wham City-artist Adventure (pictured) on Thursday, along with Santah and Now, Now Every Children.
WHAT: Ben Campbell, Kurt and Gautam’s 100% Natural Good-Time Family Band Solution, Abbi Rajasekhar, Dustin Sendejas, John Henry Brown & the Berrypickers
WHERE: Red Herring ($TBA)
WHEN: Friday, March 11th at 10:00 p.m.
If there’s one thing Smile Politely’s militant hipster music staff loves, it’s Arrested Development references. Well played, Kurt and Gautam’s 100% Natural Good-Time Family Band Solution. We’re thinking this is going to evolve World’s First Flying Machine members in some capacity, as Ben Campbell is also on the bill.
WHAT
: The Dirty Feathers, Dastardly, Hot Cops
WHERE: Cowboy Monkey ($5)
WHEN: Saturday, March 12th at 10:00 p.m.
The Dirty Feathers should need no introduction to the area’s avid music fans, but Dastardly and Hot Cops are a little less familiar. Hot Cops’ don’t tend to play out too often, but their emo-influenced sound is a major precursor to the current emo/punk revival in the local scene, while Dastardly make their return to Champaign after January shows at Indigo Gallery and Geppetto’s Workshop.
WHAT: The Tossers, Roberta Sparrow
WHERE: Cowboy Monkey ($12)
WHEN: Monday, March 14th at 9:30 p.m.
The Tossers’ St. Pat’s day performances have become something of a tradition around these parts. We’re guessing a smaller venue than their usual spot at the Highdive will result in an extra-energetic set.