WHAT: Reverend Horton Heat, The Legendary Shack Shakers, Feudin’ Hillbillies
WHERE: The Highdive ($20)
WHEN: Tuesday, November 9th at 8:00 p.m.
It seems like the Rev comes through town close to every year, which means that most readers need no introduction to his high energy show. The fact that he’s able to pack a venue as large as Highdive on regular basis is certainly testament to the fact that he deserves to be seen.
WHAT: Ben Weaver, The Leadership
WHERE: Mike ‘N Molly’s ($5)
WHEN: Wednesday, November 10th at 10:00 p.m.
Oregon-via-Minneapolis singer/songwriter Ben Weaver has just released his seventh (!) album, and his sixth was named best Minnesota album of the year by the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. You can check out a Daytrotter Session from March 09 here, or a more recent recording over at Empty’s Tapes. Support comes from relatively new locals The Leadership, featuring members of Tall Tale and Organic Flow.
WHAT: Jared Bartman, Art Majors, The Palace Flophouse, Emile Z.
WHERE: Mike ‘N Molly’s ($5)
WHEN: Friday, November 12th at 9:00 p.m.
Peoria’s Jared Bartman mixes oddball instrumentation and off kilter melodies to stunning effect, not unlike another sort of local band — the late, great Ohtis. And his shows in C-U are similarly rare, so you’d do well not to miss this one. St. Louis group Art Majors, locals the Palace Flophouse and Chicago’s Emile Z. top off the bill.
WHAT: Psychic Twin, Village, No Joy, Take Care
WHERE: Cowboy Monkey ($7)
WHEN: Friday, November 12th at 9:30 p.m.
Cowboy Monkey brings a show packed with new incarnations of local standbys — Headlights offshoot Psychic Twin will headline at their second-ever show (the live band is Erin, Brett, Tristan, and Adam [Fein]). Supporting in a long-overdue return to Champaign-Urbana will be Village, Steve Ucherek’s new project (his previous band, the Living Blue, made our #1 album of the past decade). Also on the bill are No Joy, Best Coast labelmates who recently popped up in Pitchfork’s CMJ coverage, and Take Care, members of which previously played in fireflies and Exhale Look Down.
WHAT: Black on Brown, Withershins, the Diamond Stretch
WHERE: Red Herring ($TBA)
WHEN: Friday, November 12th at 10:00 p.m.
Two man band playing hyper fuzzy blues-punk? Death From Above 1979 comparisons would appear to be in order for Black on Brown. Withershins and the Diamond Stretch (an utterly fucking insane live act if there ever was) support. Plus, nothing makes me happier than seeing the Herring doing shows again. Additionally, if you know where to find it, the Dude Ranch has an excellent bill booked prior to this show.
WHAT: Jay Moses x TheGr8ThinkaZ, Second City Citizens, Top Gunz
WHERE: Canopy Club ($7)
WHEN: Saturday, November 13th at 10:00 p.m.
After turning in an impressive opening set for Nappy Roots back in September, Jay Moses will bring his live act (and live band, TheGr8ThinkaZ) to the Canopy once again. With big plans in the works for the coming year, including a potential slot at SXSW, you may not be able to see him in such an intimate setting for much longer. Support comes from Top Gunz and Second City Citizens (who are from Chicago, if you hadn’t guessed).