It's the transitional stretch between Christmas and New Year's, and while the town may be a little sleepy, there's still plenty of live music to get you through to 2015 and beyond. Here are our picks for the week ahead in a neighborhood close to you (we've left your New Year's plans up to you, but it should be noted that there will be a lot of music going on that night).
Location: Milk Bar
Start Time: 10pm
Price: $5
The “slackers” moniker might be a misleading title to describe this group of LA rockers. As evidenced by their self-recorded demos and newest single “I Got Time”, Bobby T and The Slackers clearly put their best foot forward when it comes to delivering the band's brand of garage rock. “Peach Fuzz”, a collection of home recordings from 2012-2013, is an excellent example of the work these guys put into their craft. If you’re in the mood for some Monday night garage rock straight from the source, look no further than Bobby T & The Slackers.
Tuesday, December 30th
Act: Kenya Baker
Location: The Addition
Start Time: 6pm
Price: FREE
Anyone who has ever seen the movie Menace II Society has heard Kenya Baker, his song “Top Of The World” being one of the catchier tunes featured in that movie's soundtrack. Originally from Oakland, Baker has worked with many other notable artists in his time, boasting collaborations with groups like Tony!Toni!Tone! and Eric Benet on his resume (Benet will also be performing on the main stage this night). Baker has deep roots in the SF music scene, and can be regularly seen performing around town, but Tuesday night is your best bet for a taste of this Bay Area local's sound.
Friday, January 2nd
Location: Boom Boom Room
Start Time: 9:30pm
Price: $18
The Honey Island Swamp Band returns to its birthplace in San Francisco to kick off 2015. According to legend, The Honey Island Swamp Band formed after Hurricane Katrina relocated the band's members to San Francisco. Chris Mule and Aaron Wilkinson came across fellow New Orleans refugees Garland Paul and Sam Price at the Boom Boom Room, formed a band and began gigging there regularly. The band moved back to New Orleans in 2007, and is heading back to SF to rock its birthplace. Only in town for one night, catch these guys while you can.
Saturday, January 3rd
Act: R.L. Boyce
Location: Brick & Mortar
Start Time: 9pm
Price: $6
Born in 1955 in Como, Mississippi, R.L. Boyce started on the drums as a teenager and later ended up as a guitar player and singer. Inspired by the classic blues sound, Boyce has been playing steadily since the day he started, primarily as a live performance artist (you’ll be hard pressed to find very many recordings of this guy). Those who appreciate a good John Lee Hooker-era blues sound will definitely find something here to like. Accompanied by the Chris Cobb Band, this is the show for revival band enthusiasts across the Bay.
Any other shows worth braving the cold for this week? Let us know in the comments.
