April is bowing out as billed, but all this rain is accompanied by a flood of live music this week. Clubs around town will be featuring shows by the Dex Romweber Duo, MC Chris, The Thermals, Josh Kelley, Jucifer, Decibully, Peanut Butter Wolf, an all-star 100th anniversary concert for The Progressive, Horse Feathers, Mustard Plug, and Colin Hay; along with book readings by Martín Espada, and David J. Tenenbaum with Terry Devitt.
Monday 4.27
BIRTHDAYS: B-52s singer/organist Kate Pierson, 1948.
Annex, 8 pm
If you remember the 1980s documentary Athens, Ga. Inside/Out, about that Southern burg's music scene, you remember Romweber as the half of the thrilling rockabilly twosome Flat Duo Jets. These days he tours with sister Sara Romweber on drums, and he's still thrilling. With Catfish Haven and Roboman.
High Noon Saloon, 8 pm
Aqua Teen Hunger Force wouldn't be the same without MC Chris' voice and warped sense of humor -- immortalized in the character MC Pee Pants -- and the nerdcore branch of hip-hop also embraces dorks and geeks thanks to him, even though he's made a big effort to eschew the label. Whole Wheat Bread and I Am the Dream open.
Tuesday 4.28
NOTEWORTHY: Thor Heyerdahl sets sail on Kon Tiki, 1947.
BIRTHDAYS: Chef Alice Waters, 1944; actress Penelope Cruz, 1974.
High Noon Saloon, 9 pm
Portland, Ore., power trio the Thermals made their way to SubPop Records -- and the airwaves -- through Death Cab for Cutie's Beth Gibbard. They have since worked with tons of first-wave indie notables, from Brendan Carty of Fugazi to Joanna Bolme of Stephen Malkmus' band the Jicks. This time, the group's visiting town to promote its 2009 album Now We Can See. Also playing: the Shaky Hands and Point Juncture, WA.
Wednesday 4.29
NOTEWORTHY: Muhammad Ali stripped of heavyweight belt for refusing induction into U.S. Army, 1967.
BIRTHDAYS: Twisted Baltimore filmmaker John Waters, 1946; Oscar-winning dreamboat Daniel Day-Lewis, 1957.
Majestic Theatre, 8 pm
The young Georgian performs creditable, mellow rock in a singer-songwritery vein, like others before him and others still to come. Also on the bill: the Kin, Brandon Whyde and Ryan Cabrera.
Annex, 8 pm
Initially, Jucifer may have received a lot of attention because it's one of few sludge-metal acts with a pretty girl (Amber Valentine) calling the shots. Thankfully, most fans have gotten over their initial crush -- or have managed to look past it and realize that the Athens, Ga., duo is making some of the darkest, densest and most powerful stuff out there at the moment. Also: Siv and Decapitado.
Café Montmartre, 9 pm
One of Milwaukee's favorite indie supergroups, which once included Jason Gnewikow of the Promise Ring and now features two former members of Camden, is set to space out and rock out for its Madison fans. Foundry Field Recordings and Crane Your Swan Neck open.
High Noon Saloon, 9 pm
Wolves are dangerous, and lately so is peanut butter, but the only health threat Peanut Butter Wolf presents involves overly enthusiastic dancing. The hip-hop DJ and producer founded Stone's Throw Records and helped turntablists such as DJ Q-bert, Cut Chemist and DJ Z-Trip get their start. Peanut Butter Wolf visits Madison as part of the Stone's Throw U.S. DJ Tour. James Pants, Mayer Hawthorne and Dam Funk open.
Thursday 4.30
SECRETARIES DAY
NOTEWORTHY: Saigon falls as last helicopter leaves U.S. embassy, 1975.
BIRTHDAYS: Grammy-winning singer/songwriter/guitarist/Farm Aider Willie Nelson, 1933; actress Kirsten Dunst, 1982.
Ani DiFranco, Indigo Girls, Dar Williams, Melissa Ferrick
Orpheum Theatre, 7 pm
Folky feminists represent at The Progressive's celebration of 100 years as a beacon of left-wing culture and politics. And it's not shy, bleeding-heart folk, the kind that gets drowned out in protests: It's gals (and a few guys) who know how to rock out as a form of social activism. Find out more in this week's Tour Stop. Also playing: Hamell on Trial, Catie Curtis and Peter Mulvey.
UW Pyle Center, 7 pm
The Brooklyn-born poet and University of Massachusetts-Amherst prof presents Poetry of the Political Imagination. He's a UW-Madison alum, and he was a Pulitzer finalist in 2007, which ain't hay.
David J. Tenenbaum, Terry Devitt
Borders West, 7 pm
The authors discuss The Why Files: The Science Behind the News (see Books).
UW Memorial Union Rathskeller, 9 pm
Though the West Coast duo is named after a Marx Brothers film, its rustic melodies and sharp hooks have a slightly disturbing edge, the kind that'll leave a mark on your memory for quite some time. Joe Pug and American Fiction open.
High Noon Saloon, 9 pm
Who says ska is dead? It certainly isn't in Grand Rapids, Mich., the stomping grounds of '90s sensation Mustard Plug and its goofy lyrics, crazy horns and all-around hyperactivity. In other words, you'll remember how to skank in no time. Madison ska-heads Something to Do and the Socialites open.
Majestic Theatre, 9 pm
The ScottishAussie front man of Men at Work has gained a cult following among Zach Braff fans thanks to an appearance on Scrubs and a contribution to the much-loved Garden State soundtrack, "I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You." Chris Trapper opens.
