After taking a short break from our weekly music dispatches, we’d like to extend our apologies for the lack of musical recommendations recently, but we hope you took advantage and got some rest.
There won’t be much time for that this weekend.
Friday, May 13th
The Wild Reeds at The Crepe Place
Since releasing its debut album “Blind and Brave” to a huge audience in 2014 at The Troubadour in West Hollywood, this L.A-based band has been winning hearts and ears down south with the ability to harmonize “like triplets separated at birth,” according to their bio. With elements of folk, some country twang, and good old-fashioned rock and roll rhythm, the Wild Reeds are sure to scratch that miscellaneous musical itch.
9pm, $5 at the door.
Saturday, May 14th
7 come 11 at Moe’s Alley
Their weekly show at The Crepe Place is one of the most storied, sweatiest and funkiest nights of live music in all of Santa Cruz. It’s safe to say these guys have something special in store for their album release party this weekend at Moe’s Alley. Gianni Staiano will be working his signature Hammond organ while the guys deliver a classic funk set with homages to some powerhouse rock of the past. Special guests, like Ryan Avellone of Brothers Comatose, will also perform.
9pm, $7 in advance and $10 at the door.
Saturday, May 14th
Tech N9ne at The Catalyst
Tech N9ne, who got his name from his fast delivery and chopper-like rhyming style, has risen to heights that people would have once never thought possible for an artist without major label backing. Now on his aptly named “Independent Powerhouse” tour, Tech N9ne is solidifying himself as the biggest independent hip-hop act of all time, on the back of a uniquely intense live show that has taken him all over the globe, including festivals like Coachella to the Gathering of The Juggalos. Witness the madness.
$36 in advance and $38 at the door show at 8pm
Saturday, May 14th
The Bad Light at The Blue Lagoon
If you’re not feeling the hip hop, or the funk on Saturday night, The Bad Light has you covered. This three-piece brings some serious noise, delivering some sludgy, stoney, doom metal with a tasty southern twang. The combination of male and female vocals, backed by one of the most insane custom drum kits and eccentrically awesome drummers this side of the delta guarantees a one-of-a-kind musical experience.
5$ at the door, 9pm
Monday, May 16
Charles Bradley and his Extraordinaires at The Catalyst
He may look like, and even sound like, a long-lost jazz or Motown legend of yesteryear, but 68-year-old Charles Bradley’s improbable career didn’t begin until 2011. He was homeless, working menial jobs and trying to make it in the music industry when he was discovered by Daptone’s Gabriel Roth. A few television appearances, one breakout SXSW performance, and a debut album later, Charles Bradley is now bringing his passionately impressive soul performance to The Catalyst. Come down and enjoy some good old-fashioned, feel-good music, from a true rags to riches success story.
$20 in advance, $35 at the door
