Bearfoot
This buzzworthy young acoustic band from Anchorage, Ak. is known for their emotion-drenched vocal harmonies and rock-solid rhythm section. Their stylistic influence range from trad bluegrass to more progressive jazz, and they’ve been showcased at the International Bluegrass Music Association Festival, as well as the Wintergrass, Rockygrass and Telluride Bluegrass Festival (where they won the 2001 Band Competition, an honor previously bestowed upon such now-famous acts as Nickel Creek and The Dixie Chicks). This would seem like a great opportunity to see a group of rising stars in a cozy, intimate setting. $18 advance tickets are on sale now, and seating is extremely limited. Call Randy Wood Guitars at 748-1930, or go to www.randywoodguitars.com to reserve yours. Sat., 8 pm, Randy Wood’s Concert Hall (1304 E. Hwy 80, Bloomingdale) - ALL-AGES.
Celtic Rock Showcase
Murphy’s law Public House continues to bring in a steady stream of some of the top names and rising stars on the national and regional Celtic rock circuit. This week, they feature a major coup in bringing the infamous Tossers to town. Born in Chicago’s South side, this group on the Victory Records label is one of the premiere of their kind on the whole country, and have opened for Shane McGowan of The Pogues, among others. The Siderunners open that show with an even more fierce brand of unhinged melodic punk. Later in the week, S.C.’s Loch Ness Johnny returns for a slightly more rootsy take on U.K. folk-infused roots rock, and finally, NYC’s Ruffians close out this batch of shows with a set of tunes that have earned them comparisons to Flogging Molly and The Dropkick Murphys. Whether this is too much of a good thing for some folks to dig on, one thing’s for sure — this club’s working hard and investing a lot to develop a strong local demand for this type of music. Consider giving any of these worthy bands a try. Wed., (The Tossers, The Siderunners), Fri. (Loch Ness Johnny), Sat. (The Ruffians) - all shows start at 10 pm, Murphy’s Law.
OktoberFest w/Firefall, Spin Doctors
This beloved annual event is geared toward the whole family, with plenty of food, arts and crafts people, and libations galore. Musically, fans of classic rock and light pop can catch the current incarnation of K-Tel warhorses Firefall —best known for their smash hit “You Are The Woman.” They’ll headline Friday night, sandwiched between two sets by local Southern rock and modern country cover act High Velocity.
Saturday night’s headliner is the reconstituted early ‘90s jam-pop hybrid Spin Doctors, who virtually defined the term Flash In The Pan, but whose impeccably-played, jangly, Steve Miller Band-esque hits “Two Princes” and “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong” have not aged nearly as badly as one might have thought at the time of their release. Fri., 9:30 pm (Firefall), Sat., 9 pm (Spin Doctors), River St. - ALL-AGES.
SCADRadio’s Free Show
The 1st in a proposed series of gigs showcasing local talent, this triple-bill features the cockeyed art-metal of Sinister Moustache (formerly known as Gravy), the psychedelic blues-rock of Seven Gates To Elsewhere, and the intense electronica duo Hungry Nurses. Let’s hope all those kids who complain there’s never any interesting shows to go to show up for this one. Tues., 8 pm, Orleans Hall (210 Barnard St.)- FREE TO ALL-AGES.
Starland’s 1st Friday
This outdoor party in a Midtown neighborhood that’s seen by many as a burgeoning hub of Bohemia and commerce features the slinky R & B and soul grooves of the loose-limbed local cover combo A Nickel Bag of Funk, fronted by the dynamic female vocalist Leslie Gadson. Fri., 7 pm, Back in The Day Bakery (near Bull & 40th Sts.) - FREE TO ALL-AGES.
Tybee Island Pirate Fest
w/Mother’s Finest
This awesome Atlanta-based band has lost little if any of their powerful gospel-funk punch over the past 3 decades. Commercially marginalized in the USA, they remain massive stars in Europe, filling large theatres and arenas. Don’t expect a blast from the past, because this band is all about the present, baby. On record, their newer material sounds a bit forced, but onstage, they flat tear it up, and it jibes seamlessly with their older hits like “Mickey’s Monkey,” and “Baby Love.” The show starts early, with opening sets by popular local roots-rockers The Train Wrecks (featuring Jason Bible), and the eclectic rock, soul and country covers of The 8-Tracks (featuring members of Superhorse and Hot Pink Interior). Plus, there’s bound to be pirates around. Sat., 3:30 pm (The Train Wrecks), 6 pm (The 8-Tracks), 8:30 pm (Mother’s Finest) - FREE TO ALL-AGES.
