America’s future president, Donald Trump, made waves in the music world last month when he opened a campaign event in Washington D.C. with R.E.M.’s “It Is The End Of The World” without first asking the alt-rocker’s blessing. While Michael Stipe was not impressed, perhaps we should be asking ourselves, Why did Trump choose this unlikeliest of tunes to engage the crowd? What does he know that we don’t? Just in case the end is well and truly nigh, go out and enjoy this week’s selection of live music shows.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6
Cannibal Ox at The Catalyst Atrium
The William Forrester of underground hip-hop, Cannibal Ox dropped their dystopian masterpiece, The Cold Vein, fourteen years ago and then vanished into the streets of their hometown of Harlem where their spirit would continue to inspire young artists from afar. Fast forward to 2015 and emcee Vast Aire and Vordul Mega are back as Cannibal Ox with a new album, Blade of the Ronin and tour. Catch them at the Catalyst Atrium before they disappear forever, again. 9 p.m. Tickets: $13/$15.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8
Scholar, TED fellow, and considered one of the top jazz musicians in the United States, Somi has been hailed as the new Nina Simone by The Huffington Post. The child of Rwandan and Ugandan immigrants, Somi’s latest and fourth studio full-length album, The Lagos Music Salon, debuted at #3 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Chart. Possessing a strong and vibrant voice, Somi hits those low notes with a guttural gutsiness not seen since Dianne Reeves. 7 p.m. Tickets: $25/$30.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9
One of the most important musicians of the last century and quite possibly the best songwriter from America’s northernmost state (Canada), Gordon Lightfoot is credited with defining the folk-pop sound of the 1960s and 1970s. The international folk legend has enjoyed chart-topping success throughout his long career. After taking a short break from touring in the 2000s due to health related reasons, Gordon has started touring again. Catch his latest, “Fifty Years on the Carefree Highway Tour,” at The Rio. 8 p.m. Tickets: $65.
Xavier Rudd at The Catalyst Club
Ever since his debut in 2002, Xavier Rudd has been traveling the world, enthralling crowds with his sultry voice and amazing musicality. This Aussie multi-instrumentalist plays guitar, drums, bass, didgeridoo and possibly, spoons and saw, we just haven’t checked yet. His diverse and dynamic music has provided the soundtrack to everything from shopping malls to surf movies. Catch him with The United Nations, a band of friends and musicians he picked up while touring the world, at The Catalyst. Passports not required. 9 p.m. Tickets: $25/$30.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10
Santa Cruz Music Festival in Downtown Santa Cruz
Featuring more than 130 international and local artists, the Santa Cruz Music Festival is back and bigger than ever. Taking over 14 stages in the city’s historic downtown, catch international acts like RJD2, Prof, and Delhi2Dublin together with local heavy-hitters including Boostive, Eliquate, and Coffee Zombie Collective. In addition to the head-banging, soul-thumping sounds, the third annual event includes a speaker’s forum, art walk, vendors and good vibes. Sure to go down in Santa Cruz music lore, clear out your Saturday to ensure your place in history. Official SCMF Pre-Party is on Friday, October 9 at The Blue Lagoon. Noon. Tickets: Saturday SCMF Wristband $40/$50. (Buy your ticket early and get access to FIGURE on Thursday, October 8 at The Catalyst.)
Pictured: Delhi2Dublin via SCMF.
