Ozomatli, Pigeon John, Day One Symphony & Refinanced House

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Fri. Dec. 1, 6pm Smoke Tiki Lounge 152 Post St., San Jose 408.292.4266 No Cover Smoke Tiki Lounge 1-Year Anniversary AND MANY MORE: We can't believe its already been a full year of boozing in the friendly confines of Smoke Tiki Lounge, but alcohol wisdom tells us that missing time is an everyday part of a drinker's life and, according to witness accounts, we've spent a fair amount of time down in San Jo's own tropical digs, so...yeah, we guess the math holds up. The 1-Year Anniversary Party for Smoke will feature the same formula that has propelled this awesome bar to the front of the local Downtown scene so things to expect on this celebratory Friday would include: drink specials, food specials, DJs, live music, hot bartenders and more people than a lawyers convention in hell raising their glasses to continued success on the best patio in town.

Wed. Nov. 29, 9:30pm VooDoo Lounge 14 S. Second St., San Jose 408.286.8636 Usual Cover

Story Told NO BOOK NEEDED: Story Told is almost the perfect marriage of life in Silicon Valley. These local alt-rockers hit with a powerful lineup of driving guitars, melodic vocals and sexy bass lines that meld with near-symphonic keyboards and surging drums to create a mold breaking sound. Now, blend that with the tech savvy of cutting edge internet action to connect with other musicians and fans through interviews, videos, streaming web chats and basic, uh, storytelling that's played throughout their stage shows and the perfect marriage line above should become abundantly clear. Story Told plays with venerable San Jo outfit, Conway, and Mary Axe opens.

Wed. Nov. 29, 9pm The Blank Club 44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose 408.292.5265 No Cover

Down & Durdy GET DOWN FREE: A more appropriate band name has yet to be exploited by any amp junkie before and probably after, Down & Durdy (phonetic theory prevails) kicks out a chunky, grinding funk-rock sound that forces even the stodgiest of listeners to, well, get down. Hailing from San Jose and ripping it up three strong, Down & Durdy sonically rips you out of your everyday doldrums, slaps a beer in your hand and plants you at a Summer time back yard barbecue filled with like minded revelers that snagged a ride on the same musical trip. Down & Durdy kick it at The Blank Club tonight with Trikk Baby and 8 Past.

Wed. Nov. 29, 8pm The Fillmore 1805 Geary, San Francisco 408.998.TIXS $25 BUY TICKETS

Ozomatli BEATS OUT THE SCENE: Alt Latin hip-hop funky rocksters Ozomatli kick off a four night micro-tour tonight at the Fillmore in full world musical style that the 10-man (and sometimes many more) band has become known for since breaking onto the LA scene nearly a decade ago. Ozomatli shows are simply a benevolent riot with loud and crazy beats meshing with rock riffs and funk breaks with the entire crowd getting into it--and Ozomatli members often getting into the crowd--jam band style. For this run of four shows (Ozomatli plays through Saturday night) a different local band will pull opening duties nightly.

Thu. Nov. 30, 6pm The Attic 931 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831.460.1800 $12

Thriving Ivory LOCAL PRIMER: Thriving Ivory's growth can be credited to local radio stations KFOG and Live 105 putting the band's debut singles "Overrated" and "Angels on the Moon" in rotation in their increasingly decreasing local segments. Thriving Ivory makes handsome-boy rock in the vein of Train and Maroon 5 bucking the hipster grain of their San Francisco home. They're touring in support of their self-titled debut album and there's sure to be some screaming girls in the crowd.

Thu. Nov. 30, 10pm The Caravan 98 Almaden Ave., San Jose 408.995.6220 No Cover

Gunslinger SIX-GUNS LOW: Straight outta the angst washed digs of San Jo and Salinas, The Gunslinger throws in its punk rock two cents tonight at the Caravan as part of a three-band bill that also includes Los Dryheavers and The New Trust. Punk shows at the 'Van--hell any show you catch through the drunken haze of SJ's best dive bar--are, seriously, what gritty rock should sound and feel like. The drinks flow with ease, the place is loud, packed and dirty, there's questionable patrons that will cheers you or hit you in the blink of an eye and the bands set up in a gritty little corner with about a foot separating them from the teeming, drunken masses--damn we love that.

Thu. Nov. 30, 7:30 Angels Ultra Lounge 400 S. First St., San Jose 408.885.9588 $10

Pigeon John RULING THE ROOST: On Thursday, Inglewood emcee Pigeon John brings his style of funked, upbeat rap and hip-hop to Angels as part of Guardian, a night of live performances, DJs, fashion and dancing presented by Scion. The appearance for Pigeon John comes on the heels of a brief Australian tour with Lyrics Born and precedes a two-month tour of the western United States. Pigeon John, as always, brings his infectious beats and quirky, positive lyrics referencing everything from David Hasselhoff to Taco Bell, to the Ultra Lounge with turntable work by the likes of Reckless Ryan, Mario Dubbz, Geno Giovanni and DJ Wise.

Thu. Nov. 30, 6:30pm The Catalyst 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831.423.1336 $29 BUY TICKETS

Danzig ULTIMATE METAL FIGHTS: Despite getting knocked the %@*& out backstage at a show by a flabby behemoth--a video from a few months ago that has gained immortal internet fame--Glenn Danzig is still atop the heavy metal world even if it is with the help of lifters in his black leather boots. Danzig headlines the Blackest of the Black tour, which is the brainchild of the Misfits/ Samhain/ Danzig metal midget, that includes underground lords of the hard rock world Lacuna Coil, The Haunted, Belphegor and Asesino blowing amps and taking names as they cruise into the Catalyst tonight. Also, we have it on good authority that Danzig only tours now with lead singers weaker than he so as not to repeat the backstage glass-jaw debacle.

Thu. Nov. 30, 9pm Ruby Skye 420 Mason St., San Francisco 415.693.0777 $5

Frenchy Le Freak A VOTRE SANTE: Influenced by '70s funk, rock and reggae, Frenchy Le Freak started spinning when most of our voices were doing the Peter Brady falsetto to baritone scale every time we spoke. With a beat up garbage can mixer, Frenchy began his musical quest that took him from his native Toulouse to New Caledonia where he gained a Latin perspective into his growing house and hip-hop beat turntable lexicon before arriving in the current house capital of San Francisco to pander to the City's bass heads. Catch the 16-year veteran of the DJ booth laying down high-energy funky tracks at Ruby Skye tonight.

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Fri. Dec. 1, 9pm Taste Ultra Lounge 87 N. San Pedro St., San Jose 408.885.1016 Usual Cover Velvet Shop HOME SWEET HOUSE: The most venerated house beat party in Bay Area history makes its return to San Jose when the now monthly Velvet Shop rolls into Taste Ultra Lounge with a full slate of renowned turntable scientists. Miguel Migs, M3, MJ Gamez, Jimmy B and Mark Johns will be rocking the decks in the main room with the second room being commanded by Klubstar, Wen Davis and Mpenzi. All of you longtime bass heads know the reign the Velvet Shop has on the scene, so don't miss this sure to be packed Friday edition of the beat legend.

Fri. Dec. 1, 9pm Johnny V's 31 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.947.8470 $5

Victim Nation STATE OF THE PUNK: Victim Nation rips out straight Bay Area punk rock that has no qualms about turning the volume up, laying down fast licks and is easily just as comfortable kicking out socially conscious riffs on the state of the nation as they are at throwing out dissertations on relationships and the more comedic side of hardcore punk. Their songs are tight, poignant and the musicianship is more complex than your standard three-chord junkie screaming about highschool, listening to Victim Nation leaves you with a sense that there is hope yet for the musical future. Victim Nation hits Johnny V's tonight with Bad Strip and Six Steps to Hell.

Fri. Dec. 1, 8:30pm Hedley Club @ Hotel De Anza 233 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.286.1000 No Cover

Pimpsticks HEP CATS: Locally grown jazz, blues swingsters The Pimpsticks bring their unique retro sounds to the swanky Hedley Club for a dirty night of juke joint riffs and copious amounts of booze--these guys would feel right at home kicking it with Dino, Sinatra and the boys. The Pimpsticks have been playing together and in other local bands for years, their sound is tight and when these fellas get together for a jam session, rest assured the joint is gonna be jumpin'.

Fri. Dec. 1, 9pm Ruby Skye 420 Mason St., San Francisco 415.693.0777 $20

DJ Donovan TURNTABLE ROCK: DJ Donovan is a staple of the San Francisco house scene taking on the current trends toward commercialized mash-ups to a different level creating his signature rock-fused house dropping slick beats into well-known classic rock staples. This turn at Ruby Skye, where Donovan holds a residency, is a CD release for his latest "The Rock Show" that kicks with his own style. In keeping with the theme, Ruby Skye has pulled out all the stops with celebrity hosting from Green Day's Tre Cool, an early acoustic set by Chris Clouse and a few other Bay Area rockers all out in support of local music.

Fri. Dec. 1, 7pm The Rockit Room 406 Clement St., San Francisco 415.387.6343 $12

SF Emergenza Festival METAMORPHOSIS: The SF Emergenza Festival returns to The Rockit Room tonight for the first of two shows in the West Coast battle of the bands competition that sees two local favorites competing. Jade of Days, who just got done with a few amazing shows in San Jose fully flexing their alt-indie rock chops, top a bill that also sees the awesome sonic assault of local heavies Otto. Also playing on Friday are Relapse, The Thunders, Jerry Kennedy, Matadon and The Spins. Saturday's show, also at the Rockit Room, gets amp work from No Reception, Watersigns, Join Us In Our Fear, 13 Inches, Wit's End and Ghost Tree. Remember, this is just the first round of competitionin the 2007 Emergenza Festival with winners moving on for an opportunity to play major venues around the world, so get out and support your local favorites.

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Sat. Dec. 2, 9pm The Blank Club 44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose 408.292.5265 $10 Day One Symphony AURAL THERAPY: One of the most talented bands ever to come out of San Jose, Day One Symphony plays a triumphant homecoming show this fine December evening at The Blank. For those of you attuned to the local scene, you'll remember that DOS was involved in a devastating hit and run accident earlier this year that had a major impact on the band's career. This show sees a rejuvenated Day One Symphony--tight, melodic and ambient alt-rock experimentalists--hitting their hometown again for the first time and all of us involved in the local scene here in San Jo and the entire Bay Area are indebted.

Sat. Dec. 2, 9pm Johnny V's 31 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.947.8470 $5

Dirty Bangs LOCAL ROCK GARAGE: Treading on alternative metal and indie roads, the Dirty Bangs kick out a post-punk style, hard driving sound that hits loud and melodic simultaneously with garage sensibilities. More throwback than you're everyday 3-chord gutter punk, the Dirty Bangs skate the line between avant-garde '80s punk sound that's washed in the rougher seas of metal and hardcore. They'll be ripping it up at Johnny V's tonight with fellow sonic pushers The Devil Himself and Autumn Sara. The Devil Himself headed down the same path as the Bangs but opted for more rugged terrain hitting harder avenue of metal-core that just rips you the bone with blazing guitars, pounding bass lines and screaming vocals. Those down with the harder stuff should have a booze soaked blast tonight and some hearing problems in the morning.

Sat. Dec. 2, 9pm Slim's 333 11th St., San Francisco 415.522.0333 $25 BUY TICKETS

Wall of Voodoo UNDER THE SPELL: Wall of Voodoo was born in the swamp heap of the late '70s punk explosion intertwined with the fledgling new wave/ syth movement and early electronica yet firmly rooted in the quirkier side of roots Americana. The highly stylized cinematic narratives of singer/ songwriter Stan Ridgeway wove almost too well with the bands affinity for film noir, westerns, sci-fi and B-movie horror and their distinct twang and blues style, that led to Wall of Voodoo's unforgettable--and most well known--head squatter "Mexican Radio" hitting the airwaves and subsequent endless rotation on MTV in '82 almost becoming, in the process, a template for emerging alt rock. Wall of Voodoo has recently reformed and started touring to inflict strange noise pollution on a new generation.

Sat. Dec. 2, 9pm The Abyss Nightclub 146 S. Murphy Ave., Sunnyvale 866.291.1027 $15

Couture CATWALK BEATS: You know, its seems like this year's seen its fair share of the fusion of the fashion culture with the nightlife scene...not that the two aren't connected--one could actually almost say that the two are inextricable--it just seems as if it hasn't been nearly has predominant in the scene as in '06. Well kids, '06 ain't quite over yet, so tonight you can catch Couture at the Abyss Nightclub featuring the fashion designs of Pink Stripes on the ever-alluring HM Models. Also, what's a fashion show without beats and Couture is bringing in some local favorites to spin over the catwalk struts. We're all sitting on pins and needles to see if this trend continues on into 2007.

Sun. Dec. 3, 7:30pm Fox Theatre 2215 Broadway, Redwood City 408.961.5858 $35

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy MERRY COCKTAILS TO ALL: Like a perfectly shaken martini followed swiftly by a scotch on the rocks, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy hits you full bore with the kitschy action of the cocktail nation and a healthy swizzle of the true lounge culture. When Scotty takes hold of that oversized mike and the boys start swinging, you can almost see the ghosts of The Rat Pack pouring a drink, lighting up and grinning in that big nightclub in the sky. While the retro swing movement may have stalled in the hearts and souls of many Gen-Xers, the zoot suited, big band, swinging days of yore are too powerful to be dependent wholly upon the whimsical nature of the self-professed slacker generation. This show is part of BBVD's holiday tour that has become somewhat of a tradition of late.

Sun. Dec. 3, 7pm The Fillmore 1805 Geary, San Francisco 408.998.TIXS $20 BUY TICKETS

The Sounds NEW NEW WAVE: If you're out scouring the local record store bins, searching on Myspace or the internet and endlessly trying to find the next Blondie, you needn't look any further than The Sounds out of Sweden...heck, lead singer Maja Ivarssson even looks the part. These indie rock throwbacks more than recall the days of the new wave maven with a tight sound and style that has seen The Sounds play with some of the hottest pop/ emo "rock" groups on the scene today including this current tour that had them opening for Panic! at the Disco and Angels and Airwaves. Well, now The Sounds are getting their due by headlining the next leg of their tour for their second release, Dying to Say This to You, with opening support from Shiny Toy Guns and Tommie Sunshine.

Mon. Dec. 4, 6:30pm San Jose State Event Center 290 S. Seventh St., San Jose 408.998.TIXS $25 BUY TICKETS

All American Rejects THE FLAVOR LASTS: The All-American Rejects, one of the current pop-rock "it" bands make their way toward a show at the San Jose State Event Center Arena in early December near the tail end of their Tournado (get it, like a tornado) tour, blowing across the nation with several bubblegum punk bands and The All-American Rejects headlining. AAR is notorious for being a constant entity on MTV's Total Request Live count down as well as being in various MTV specials while their songs appear in a myriad of commercials. The most recent album from AAR, Move Along, was released in July 2005. Pulling opening duties for AAR on the Tournado Tour are Motion City Soundtrack, The Starting Line, The Format, Gym Class Heroes, and Boys Like Girls.

Mon. Dec. 4, 7:30pm Bottom of the Hill 1233 17th St., San Francisco 415.621.4455 $10

Voodoo Glow Skulls SALUD POR SKA: Ska-punk from the Inland Empire, Voodoo Glow Skulls roll into Bottom of the Hill tonight as part of their West Coast tour. The Voodoo Glow Skulls are one of a kind, blending the energy old style ska and punk with a healthy blend of slangy Spanish that--we suppose--qualifies them as a crossover, but not really. VGS kick out jams for their screaming, moshing fans like they're still playing backyard barbecues and, in the nearly 20 years they've been on the scene, have got to be one of the tightest outfits around. Their new album is Adiccion, Tradicion y Revolucion and the tour sees Against All Authority and Time Again pulling opening duties.

Tue. Dec. 5, 8pm San Jose Civic Auditorium 135 W. San Carlos St., San Jose 408.998.TIXS $38.50 BUY TICKETS

Primus LONG, STRANGE TRIP: For those of us who lost interest in Primus around the time that Tales From The Punchbowl was released in 1995, justification of said lapse is an exercise in futility. What are we going to say--that the twisted nihilist-psychedelic narrator of "Frizzle Fry" exchanged his walk-on drug-addled part as Captain Crunch for a leading role in the inwardly renowned relativist Professor Nutbutter's House of Treats? Or that lead guitarist Larry La Londe's increasing skill as a guitarist added kilter where it was once frenetically off? It's not even worth speculating as to whether or not our lapse had anything to do with drummer Tim "Herb" Alexander's departure from the band, but the fact that he and Les and Ler are back together again means they'll be playing plenty of the weirdness that comprises They Can't All Be Zingers, their recently released collection of greatest hits.

Tue. Dec. 5, 7pm HP Pavilion 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.998.TIXS $30 BUY TICKETS

Panic! at the Disco ADOLESCENT EMO: Suburban pop-emo outfit, Panic! at the Disco are barely out of high school and riding high on the emo wave set forth by bands like Fall Out Boy and Hellogoodbye. Even though these youngsters can't even shave, their perceptive lyrics and musical stylings make up for any lack of post-pubescent face stubble. The Las Vegas natives are selling out shows across the country and tonight's stop at the HP Pavilion is the only Nor-Cal one, so, put your floppy haired friends on notice. Jack's Mannequin and Cobra Starship open up.

Tue. Dec. 5, 8pm The Fillmore 1805 Geary, San Francisco 408.998.TIXS $20 BUY TICKETS

And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead EASY ENOUGH TO SPOT: Winners of the longest band name contest that thankfully, with band consent, can be shortened to Trail of Dead bring their heavy indie rock chops to The Fillmore tonight. Since blasting onto the venerable Austin rock scene in '98, Trail of Dead has perennially found themselves on nearly every critic's top-ten list--and if that doesn't convince you that this band is legit, the legion of fans and the band's penchant for the parroted rock tradition of destroying their instruments at the end of a show, certainly will. Okay, here we'll give the name its proper due...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead co-headline with Blood Brothers in addition to With Celebration and Brothers & Sisters opening.

coming up

Fri. Dec. 8, 8pm Avalon Nightclub 777 Lawrence Expwy., Santa Clara 408.241.0777 $15 BUY TICKETS

Fishbone @ PAC Collabo 4 AND COUNTING: Pacific Art Collective has never been afraid to smash together big name musical acts with local up and comers putting the whole musical mash up into the creative blender with a healthy dose of socially poignant live art productions and pouring the unsuspecting public a full tilt and mind-bending nouveau bohemian shake. Friday, December 8 will see the PAC Collabo four-year anniversary of music, art and life on the cutting edge by these local vanguards featuring a band that's the living embodiment of the PAC mantra, those frenetic heavy alt-ska rockers Fishbone performing live. Also plugging in and on stage for PAC's 4th birthday will be Bay Area futuro-rockers The Phenomenauts along with one of the best ska-funk-reggae-punk bands blowing amps on the local scene, FTB and the voodoo funk of Trikk Baby.

Fri. Dec. 15, 9pm VooDoo Lounge 14 S. Second St., San Jose 408.286.8636 $20

LA Guns IF THE PANTS FIT: The ongoing duality saga of LA Guns continues with this show at VooDoo being played by the "original" LA Guns led by Tracii Guns even though the other LA Guns, led by Phil Lewis, still play under the moniker. Sometimes they play together--the latest being a concert in early October at the Cathouse in Hollywood--sometimes they play apart; it's a strange twisted saga that only an '80s sleaze/ glam hard rock band could possibly produce. Regardless of which lineup hits the stage--for this one it's vocalist Paul Black, guitarist Tracii Guns, bassist Jeremy Guns and drummer Nickey "Beat" Alexander--you can bet the LA Guns will play loud, fast and dangerous. The Bullet Boys, Antidote, Diamond Lane and American Heartbreak open.

--This week's newsletter by: RO, MC, CT & AL

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