FRI 10/2: Tributes, Indie-Rock, Folk

I don't know why, but I was fascinated by this MJ tribute show. I didn't find a lot of info, and I put too much effort into it...

I believe future cheapness will be posted today, and that's a good start.

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FRI 10/2

8pm
"Celebrating the Music of George Russell"
at Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St, Boston (New England Conservatory/Fenway)
FREE

When he died this summer, The Guardian said, "There was no such thing as a typical concert by George Russell," which struck me as a high compliment that any musician or composer would appreciate.

A group of his former colleagues and students at NEC celebrate his genius by playing some of the tunes that still live on. Although it's a farewell toast, it's okay to make it an introduction.

FRI 10/2

9pm
Michael Jackson Tribute Show
at George Sherman Union, Basement, 775 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
$5 / FREE with BU ID

Feat: The Rosies, El Rio Humano, Black or White, The Novel Ideas, Chordially Yours, The Bostones, DJ Brothers, Nooka Jones

A tribute show like this is probably going to be a grab-bag, but I listened to the bands and it sounds promising. Some are probably going to get into the spirit and be more amusing than others.

All of the bands seem to know their way around a melody, and I think the King of Pop's stuff have a lot of potential for rock bands. I assume "Black or White" is a band that got together for this gig.

Hopefully no one is going to do Alien Ant Farm's version of "Smooth Criminal" -- maybe one of the BU a cappella groups...

FRI 10/2

The Besnard Lakes (Midnight), Thalia Zedek (11pm), New Numbers (10pm), St. Claire (9:05pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

Is it friggin' Quebec week at TT's? Last night, it was The Lost Fingers; now The Besnard Lakes are bringing their trippy, multi-layered, Montreal-style indie-rock. For some reason, Thalia Zedek reminds me of Leonard Cohen; maybe it's the weathered vocals over intense songs, but she veers more towards rock than Lenny -- even when she isn't loud. St. Claire have a sweet folk-noir sound that I enjoy.

FRI 10/2

8:30pm doors
Anne Heaton, Christina Courtin, Laura Cortese, Christopher Pappas
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$8 advance / $10 door /21+

If you're in the mood for most excellent folkiness, get thee to my favorite basement club in Cambridge. (It might be my favorite basement in greater area.)

Since WERS has the strongest non-commercial signal on my desk radio (and streaming audio is blocked in the office), I hear Anne Heaton and Laura Cortese periodically. I know, because their songs always jump out at me. Laura Cortese may be my favorite tonight, but Chris Pappas has definitely blown me away with his band The Everyday Visuals.

It looks like advance tix are still available ($8-ish).