Michael Bublé, Matisyahu, 311, Wilco & Huey Lewis and the News

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Fri. Aug. 24, Sat. Aug. 25; 7:30pm Mountain Winery 14831 Pierce Road, Saratoga 408.998.TIXS $50-$85 BUY TICKETS Huey Lewis and the News BREAKING NEWS: A prime example of a bar band made good, Huey Lewis and the News became a fixture on the Top 40 charts in the 1980s. Kids and adults were digging singles like "Workin' for a Livin'," "Heart and Soul," "The Heart of Rock and Roll" and "Power of Love." Over time, as the rock band evolved, it began experimenting with jazz and reggae. Today its fun, familiar tunes make it a summer concert favorite. The Marin County-based group represents the North Bay with a two-night run.

Wed. Aug. 22, 7:30pm Mountain Winery 14831 Pierce Road, Saratoga 408.998.TIXS $38.50-$50 BUY TICKETS

Ziggy Marley RISING SON: The great thing about David Nesta "Ziggy" Marley is that he plays a lot of Bob Marley songs, sounding remarkably like his dad. The problem with the guy is that he plays a lot of Bob songs, sounding remarkably like his dad. As the eldest child, I guess it's fitting that he be the one to carry on his father's legacy. Unlike his brother Damian "Junior Gong" Marley, who mixes dancehall with rap, Ziggy sticks close to the irie vibe Bob was known for (this is your father's reggae). "Rainbow in the Sky" is probably Ziggy's catchiest tune, but he says a mouthful on "True to Myself," which feels like Otis Redding-style light rock R&B. Combined with his activist bent and a continuation of his father's loving message of social change, Ziggy's own sound is potent indeed.

Wed. Aug. 22, 9pm Bottom of the Hill 1233 17th St., San Francisco 415.621.4455 $8

Boneless Children Foundation (CD release) NO BONES ABOUT IT: San Francisco-based Boneless Children Foundation are set to release their debut full-length CD, Stars for Anyone, at a rockin' Bottom of the Hill show. BCF plays music ranging from melodic pop punk to harder garage rock. David Sophia (vocals, guitar), Jonathan Kepke (bass, back-up vocals) and J. Logan Barrier (drums, back-up vocals) draw from influences like The Kinks, Modest Mouse and REM, to name a few, creating a unique NorCal sound. The May Fire and Jessie Deluxe also perform.

Wed. Aug. 22, 9pm VooDoo Lounge 14 S. Second St., San Jose 408.286.VODO Usual Cover GUEST LIST

Rivals DIY: A hard-rocking local San Jose band,the Rivalsare slated to slam VooDoo in this high-energy show. Once the Rivals hit the stage, the show doesn't slow down, but continues like a non-stop sprint to the finish line. The Rivals aren't your typical local band--since 2001 they've self-released five albums and played hundreds of shows, including tours in the Pacific Northwest. The band even designs its own merchandise. From the moment they hit the stage, it's evident that they really care about the music. Castaway, Point 3, Otto and Alabaster support.

Thu. Aug. 23, 7:30pm Mountain Winery 14831 Pierce Road, Saratoga 408.998.TIXS $32.50-$45 BUY TICKETS

Big Bad VooDoo Daddy SWING TOWN: The modern swing band Big Bad VooDoo Daddy never scored a big crossover hit like the Squirrel Nut Zippers ("Hot") or the Cherry Poppin' Daddies ("Zoot Suit Riot") did, but their reputation as mainstays in the L.A. lounge/swing scene scored them a cameo in Swingers and an appearance at Superbowl XXXIII, neither of which hurt the band's already sizeable following. Neither did crossover stabs like "I Wanna Be Like You," a swinging, Latin-infused cover of the anthem of Disney's The Jungle Book, and their hoppin' alcoholic single "You & Me & the Bottle Makes 3 Tonight." They also play popular originals like "King of Swing," "She's Gone" and "You Known You Wrong," and do a nice job covering Cab Calloway's call-and-response classic, "Minnie the Moocher."

Thu. Aug. 23, 9pm Vault Ultra Lounge 81 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.298.1112 Usual Cover GUEST LIST

Rhythm Ritual @ Vault DROP IT LIKE IT'S HOT: Vault's weekly Thursday night event, Rhythm Ritual, brings in Rick Preston and Tony Hewitt to get the dancing going through the ultra luxurious lounge. Taking over the upstairs area with '80s, disco, funk and house will be David Q on the turntables along with Jesse Martinez and Jay Rees. Resident DJs Gabriel Black and Arturo Garces will also heat things up. These guys are going to drop it like it's hot for all the party people in Vault living the high life and soaking up the class on a fine Thursday evening.

Thu. Aug. 23, 5:30pm Music in the Park Plaza de Cesar Chavez, Market Street and Park Avenue, San Jose Free

Grupo Fantasma AUSTIN LATIN: They say it takes a village to raise a child, but apparently it takes the city of Austin to raise Prince's new favorite band. Rolling 11-strong, Grupo Fantasma caught the purple pantalooned pop star's eye when they played at his club in Vegas, and he's since taken it upon himself to fly them back and forth to London, where he's currently doing a residency. But Prince isn't their only devoted fan--bringing a considerable depth of talent to their blend of cumbia, Afrobeat, funk, salsa, hip-hop and merengue, GF turn wallflowers into sweaty groove machines by the truckload.

Thu. Aug. 23, 9pm Cafe du Nord 2170 Market St., San Francisco 415.861.7374 $12-$14

Earlimart EARLY BIRD: The band might be based out of Los Angeles, but don't judge Earlimart on this unfortunate fact--they're actually pretty damn good. Their mellow, indie sound has been compared to that of Elliott Smith, The Pixies, Sonic Youth and Pedro the Lion. Their new album, Mentor Tormentor, was released on Aug. 21 and the band is excited to promote it on this tour. It's a great time to catch the band for less than $15 before they blow up and start playing larger venues for larger amounts of cash. Patrick Park opens.

Thu. Aug. 23, 9pm Taste Ultra Lounge 87 N. San Pedro St., San Jose 408.885.1016 Usual Cover

LUX @ Taste LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL: Thursdays can be boring, but each week Taste provides a public service by striving to eradicate mid-week monotony with LUX, often called the South Bay's biggest Thursday night party. Drinks will flow while premier DJs keep partiers on their feet. LUX features an outdoor BBQ and bar, plus no cover charge for ladies all night. All three dance floors will be open, so come prepared with your best dance moves.

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Fri. Aug. 24, 8pm Fox Theater 2215 Broadway, Redwood City 650.369.4119 $35-$65 The Dave Brubeck Quartet OLD STANDARDS: Like Salvador Dali's The Persistence of Memory or Michael Cimino's The Deer Hunter, the Dave Brubeck Quartet's "Take Five" is a piece you know whether you're familiar with the rest of the artist's work or not. And certainly, with its sly 5/4 rhythms and infectious melody, "Take Five" is an endearing, if not utterly charming tune, but when you're talking about a body of work as vast as Brubeck's, it's a mere drop in the bucket: Aside from helping to legitimize jazz as an art form with his pioneering use of odd times, polyrhythms, polyphony and classical influences, the man has composed innumerable operas, musicals, scores and ballets. Brubeck's latest recording, Indian Summer, fondly revisits standards from the days of the Quartet's zenith, all the while conveying a tone of closure that suggests we'd be wise to catch him in concert while we have the opportunity.

Fri. Aug. 24, 9:30pm Taste Ultra Lounge 87 N. San Pedro St., San Jose 408.885.1016 Free until 11pm w/ guestlist

Lisa Lampanelli @ Taste QUEEN OF MEAN: Pretty much every time Lisa Lampanelli's name is mentioned, the epithet "Queen of Mean" follows. How clever. Good thing Lampanelli's jokes are better written than her clichéd title. She's most famous for being an insult comic and has participated in the roasts of Pamela Anderson, Jeff Foxworthy, Flavor Flav and William Shatner. Many a drink has shot out a nose because of Lisa Lampanelli's standup--it's that good. Red Light District with DJs Don Lynch, LP and Jose Melendez is also featured during 94.9's Official Comedy Jam Pre-Party.

Fri. Aug. 24, 7:30pm Greek Theater UC-Berkeley, Berkeley 408.998.TIXS $39.50 BUY TICKETS

Wilco SO MISUNDERSTOOD: Die-hard fans of Wilco like to muss and fuss about the minor (or, in their minds, major) stylistic shifts between each new Wilco album. Frontman Jeff Tweedy takes his persnickety fans in stride, laughing each time the chorus cries "Where's Wilco" when they think he's lost his touch. Inevitably, though, the plaintive-voiced Americana band keeps making palatable, head-bobbing rock songs and country ballads that sound more like the scenery outside your window than cowboy fiction. They tour in support of their latest, Sky Blue Sky.

Fri. Aug. 24, 9pm Vivid 8 S. First St., San Jose 408.279.4444 Usual Cover

Official Planet Beach Bikini Contest @ Vivid BIKINI CONTEST: Beautiful bikini-clad contestants from across the country compete for a chance to win $25,000 in prizes and the opportunity to go to New Orleans to represent Planet Beach--which means they're going to compete hard. In bikinis. Anyway, Vivid is known for throwing awesome parties with some of Northern California's best DJs who keep the dance floor hopping. Don't miss this chance to see some of the hottest ladies donning almost nothing at this premier San Jose nightclub.

Fri. Aug. 24, 8pm The Warfield 982 Market St., San Francisco 408.998.TIXS $50 BUY TICKETS

Beastie Boys INSTRUMENTAL: The Beastie Boys are touring to promote their new all-instrumental album, The Mix-Up. The new tunes are innovative and will make for a great live set. It's not too often that well-known bands successfully re-invent their sound, but it seems that the Beastie Boys have done it--it would probably get old doing the same thing for more than two decades. For a chance to hear some of the new songs live, don't skip out on The Warfield this Friday.

Sat. Aug. 25, 8pm Brookdale Lodge 11570 Hwy. 9, Brookdale 831.338.6433 $22 adv./$25 door

Bert Jansch FREAK FOLK: Bert Jansch has long been a hero to guitar players who valued intricacy and songcraft over flash and fireworks. Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr has been an avowed Janschian for years, as has Brit chanteuse Beth Orton, yet it's only in the past handful of years that the Jansch appreciation train has reached critical mass. Once relegated to cutout bins and self-releasing albums, Jansch teamed up with tastemaking American indie label Drag City for his latest release, The Black Swan. For Jansch, however, it's just another step in a career that has ebbed and flowed but never stalled for lack of creativity or production.

Sat. Aug. 25, 8pm Oracle Arena 700 Coliseum Way, Oakland 408.998.TIXS $68.25-$92.25 BUY TICKETS

Michael Bublé YOUNG BLUE EYES: The story of jazz singer Michael Bublé is heartwarming: a young musician, influenced by his grandfather's love of Sinatra, adopts the swing-era sound and croons his way to mainstream success, leaping across a generational gap 60 years wide. With vocals as smooth as a baby's rear and a tone rich enough to strike gold, Bublé's elegant melodies have landed him No. 1 hits abroad as well as a few Top 10s in the States. Now with seven albums recorded since his 2003 debut and a couple of Grammy nominations forecasting plenty of sunshine, the young balladeer is establishing a prosperous career singing tunes that would make Old Blue Eyes proud.

Sat. Aug. 25, 8pm The Catalyst 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831.423.1338 $35 BUY TICKETS

Matisyahu OY TO THE WORLD: When Hasidic Jewish rap/reggae artist Matisyahu broke onto the scene with 2004's Shake Off the Dust...Arise, many dismissed him as a novelty act ala Vanilla Ice. But, Matisyahu was--and is--for real, packing in fans, gaining critical acclaim and making a solid musical connection that screams a solid unity sentiment that it doesn't matter what culture you're from because good music is still good music. And heck, seeing a Chasid stage diving, sideburns flying behind him, yarmulke ablaze behind solid raps and dancehall reggae beats is totally worth the price of admission.

Sat. Aug. 25, 8pm The Blank Club 44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose 408.292.5265 $10

The Aggrolites REGGAE HIT L.A.: Stemming from the combination of former bands the Vessels and Rhythm Doctors, The Aggrolites originally formed as a backup band for legendary reggae vocalist Derrick Morgan. Though nothing ever came of the project, the band decided to continue making music together. Since their formation in 2002, The Aggrolites have released three albums, often improvising many of their own lyrics while recording in the studio. The band recently collaborated with famed punk rock vocalist Tim Armstrong of Rancid on his solo debut, and in June The Aggrolites released their third album, Reggae Hit L.A. These are some busy guys. Check them out this Saturday at The Blank Club for what's sure to be a great show.

Sat. Aug. 25, 8pm The Fillmore 1805 Geary, San Francisco 408.998.TIXS $50 BUY TICKETS

Macy Gray BIG TIME: Macy Gray is one of most unique personalities in the music industry today. The raspy-voiced singer first caught the attention of the public back in 1999 with one of the biggest singles of the year, "I Try." Since the success of her first album, On How Life Is, the singer has collaborated with Fatboy Slim and The Black Eyed Peas, in addition to winning a Grammy in 2001 for "I Try." Gray's latest album, Big, has been deemed her best yet, both vocally and creatively. This Saturday, Gray showcases her vocal talents in the intimate setting of the Fillmore in San Francisco.

Sat. Aug. 25, 9pm Vivid 8 S. First St., San Jose 408.279.4444 Usual Cover

Runway @ Vivid PROJECT RUNWAY: Vivid's Runway: The Lingerie Edition, hosted by Mike Jones and Done Deal, is also a birthday party for Ralph from the San Jose tattoo parlor Players Ink. Rub elbows with beautiful lingerie-clad women as DJs spin the latest hip-hop, R&B and Top 40 hits. Dance among some of the Bay Area's hottest cover models and celebrities in this South Beach-style setting. The nightclub boasts cabana-style bottle service booths and the latest in video mixing. Watch as these women strut their stuff down the runway for what's bound to be one hot Saturday night in San Jose.

Sun. Aug. 26, Noon Montalvo's Garden Theater 15400 Montalvo Road, Saratoga 408.998.TIXS $45-$65 BUY TICKETS

Songwriter Festival THE CRAFT: The Montalvo Arts Center presents the Fourth Annual Songwriter Festival, which features an impressive lineup of musical talent and literary genius. Headlining is James McMurty, a Texan singer/songwriter known for his folk-infused melodies and gritty depictions of American life. McMurty's stirring lyrics and faultless guitar work have earned him a solid reputation in folk-rock circles, while critics praise him as one of the greatest modern songwriters. McMurty shares the bill with 10 other musicians, each handpicked to embody the theme of meaningful composition and American tradition. Alabama-born Etienne De Rocher's self-titled release last year has already caused quite a stir, as the one-time UC-Berkeley physics student uses complex arrangements and provocative lyrics to create a uniquely sophisticated folk rock sound. Catch Rocher, McMurty, Buddy Miller, Jessie Sykes and others at Saratoga's Montalvo's Garden Theatre.

Sun. Aug. 26, 7:30pm Mountain Winery 14831 Pierce Road, Saratoga 408.998.TIXS $38.50-$48.50 BUY TICKETS

Madeleine Peyroux CARELESS LOVE: Out of the jillion or so excellent acts at the Mountain Winery this summer, this young jazz singer still stands out as a brilliant contemporary performer whose success is relatively recent. Sure, she had a lot of help from Billie Holiday, whose voice she emulates with near flawless accuracy. Her album of covers, Careless Love, got picked up by seemingly every coffee shop in the nation, including Starbucks, but the attention was deserved. All 12 tracks are soothing gems, varying only slightly in pace, but just enough in mood to keep it interesting. Peyroux's haunting rendition of Elliott Smith's "Between the Bars" is almost better than the original, and her cover of Leonard Cohen's "Dance Me to the End of Love" is decidedly so.

Mon. Aug. 27, 7:30pm Mountain Winery 14831 Pierce Road, Saratoga 408.998.TIXS $49.50-$85 BUY TICKETS

Heart SISTER ACT: If you had your radio dial set to a classic rock station on the way to work this morning, chances are you were dished out at least one song by enduring arena rockers Heart. The creative brain-child of sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, Heart's initial success in the '70s exploded a decade later, turning the band into a hit-making juggernaut capable of selling out any venue on the planet. Hit singles like "Crazy on You," "Magic Man" and "Barracuda" continue to be classic rock mainstays, while their latest album, 2004's Jupiter's Darling, confirms that Heart still has the goods that made it one of the bestselling rock acts in history. Also appearing at the Monterey County Fairgrounds are the reunited '80s rockers Loverboy.

Tue. Aug. 28, 7:30pm Mountain Winery 14831 Pierce Road, Saratoga 408.998.TIXS $75-$125 BUY TICKETS

Gipsy Kings DON'T MESS WITH THE JESUS: Americans may know Gipsy Kings best for their flamenco version of "Hotel California" in the Cohen brothers' movie The Big Lebowski, but worldwide they are viewed with astounding reverence for their wide collection of pop-infused Latin melodies. The band began in the early '70s when brothers Nicolas and Andre Reyes, together with cousins Jacques, Maurice and Tonino Baliardo, formed Los Reyes, a traveling Gypsy band playing mostly traditional flamenco music. Passionate, talented and deeply devoted to performing, they soon attracted the attention of visionary producer Claude Martinez, whose contemporary focus led to the world-beat sound that would later define the Gypsy Kings. Despite harsh criticism from flamenco purists, the group's sensuous melodies captivated a global audience and earned them a chart-topping debut album in 12 countries. Their subsequent successes are too long to list.

Tue. Aug. 28, 7:30pm Concourse Exhibition Center 620 7th St., San Francisco 408.998.TIXS $37.50

311 DOWN IN NEBRASKA: Omaha-bred rockers 311 have been a fan favorite since they first introduced their brand of reggae, rock, rap and whatever feels good in the early 1990s. After becoming disheartened with the L.A. music scene, drummer Chad Sexton returned to Omaha and formed a band called The Ed's with his old high school chums Nick Hexum and Tim Mahoney. The boys later added singer SA Martinez and bassist P-Nut and finally became 311. After a few rough years, the band launched into superstardom with the release of their self titled album in 1995, which included hits "Down" and "All Mixed Up." The band is finally back on the road after a much-needed rest, performing this Tuesday with supporting acts Matisyahu and Dirty Heads.

coming up

Sat. Sept. 1, 9pm PollyEsthers in the Stratosphere Hotel 2000 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas 702.889.1980 $40-$110

Rockstar Las Vegas VEGAS BABY VEGAS: Labor Day Weekend's biggest party is worth the trip to Las Vegas to party like a rockstar. Northern and Southern California's top promoters come together to create Rockstar Las Vegas, maybe the most extravagant Labor Day party...ever? Polyesthers Club has four insane rooms, each with a different atmosphere. The first room features '70s and '80s hits with DJ Fashen, Herrick Hell and DJ David Q spinning old-school tunes. The second room is the main house room and has a huge stage where two live drummers and house DJs will keep the dance floor hopping. The Pure VIP room is reserved just for important people and is dedicated to those who purchase VIP ultra tickets. Hosted by Jesse Metcalfe of Desperate Housewives, this room also houses two live fashion shows during the evening. The hip-hop room features Northern and Southern California's best DJs spinning today's hits. For those who take Labor Day seriously, nothing can beat Rockstar Las Vegas.

Tue. Nov. 6, 6:30pm HP Pavilion 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.287.9200 $39.50-$50.50 BUY TICKETS

Maroon 5 THIS LOVE: Grammy Award-winning Maroon 5 is back in action after a hiatus that followed their 2002 Songs About Jane album. Maroon 5's new material has been blowing fans and critics away--it's sexier and better than ever. The music world has seen tons of artists infusing soul into their music, but Maroon 5 excels at it, making them heartthrobs for many adoring female fans. Funky beats and Adam Levine's unique vocals are still what set Maroon 5 apart from other alternative rock bands. The HP Pavilion might be a huge venue, but Maroon 5, The Hives and Phantom Planet will undoubtedly fill it up with fans and beautiful music.

--This week's newsletter by: RO, DB, SL, MC, GW, CT, SP, AL

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