Monotonix
Spring hasn't really started yet, but it sure feels like it has. Take full advantage of the balmy conditions this week and hit the town for live music by Bastards of Young, K'naan, The Neville Brothers with Dr. John & the Lower 911, James Eisele, Miss Tess and the Bon Ton Parade, the Randy Rogers Band, Wingra Woodwind Quartet, and Monotonix.
Monday 2.9
FULL MOON
Noteworthy: U.S. forces defeat Japanese at Guadalcanal, 1943.
Birthdays: Singer-songwriter Carole King, 1942; actor Joe Pesci, 1943.
Tuesday 2.10
Noteworthy: House of Reps passes Civil Rights Act, 1964.
Birthday: Actress Laura Dern, 1967.
High Noon Saloon, 6:30 pm
It's about time Madison spawned a Replacements tribute band. Bastards of Young is applying for the job, and Tuesday night's your chance to put them to the test.
Wisconsin Union Theater, 7:30 pm
The U.S. managing editor of the Financial Times newspaper discusses the state of the world. Be the first to ask: What's up with the pink paper?
Annex, 9 pm
Somali-Canadian rapper K'naan was born in a place nicknamed "The Lake of Blood" during the Somali Civil War -- an experience he credits for making him tougher than his counterparts who live in Hollywood mansions. Songs like "Strugglin" and "What's Hardcore" are daring both music- and message-wise -- and a must-see if you get the chance this week. Also appearing: Dumate.
Wednesday 2.11
Noteworthy: Nelson Mandela freed after 27 years in South African prison, 1990.
Birthdays: Actress Jennifer Aniston, 1969; singer-actor Brandy, 1979.
The Neville Brothers, Dr. John & the Lower 911 Overture Hall, 7:30 pm
Just in time for Mardi Gras, the two legendary New Orleans acts raise the roof (see preview).
Brink Lounge, 7 pm
The Madison guitarist celebrates the release of not one but two CDs: 3rd Degree Blues and the funkified Coming Into a New Age.
Miss Tess and the Bon Ton Parade
Brink Lounge, 8:30 pm
The Boston-based singer-songwriter and her band mine American vernacular sounds -- country, swing, jazz -- on their latest release, Modern Vintage. What ties it all together is their good taste and her dreamy alto.
Thursday 2.12
Noteworthy: NAACP est., 1909.
Birthdays: Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek, 1939; actress Christina Ricci, 1980.
Majestic Theatre, 7 pm
Raspy-voiced Texan Rogers and his group have released a series of appealing country records, though they haven't quite yet broken on through. Real live Nashville country stars don't play in downtown Madison very often; now's your chance to see one up close.
Morphy Hall, UW Humanities Building, 7:30 pm
You knew Lincoln's birthday was right about now, but what about Felix Mendelssohn's? In this faculty concert, the storied quintet salutes both with Mendelssohn's "Quintette in E-flat major" (arr. David Walter) and "Abe Lincoln's Songbook," favorite songs of the Honest One compiled by horn prof Douglas Hill.
High Noon Saloon, 9 pm
If you missed Monotonix's set at Forward Fest, don't walk -- run -- to the High Noon. The band's live shows, featuring a crowd-surfing drum kit (drummer included) and pure, sweaty chaos, have gotten its members banned from clubs in their hometown of Tel Aviv and are likely to thrash about in your memory for years to come. Milwaukee's Call Me Lightning and Juiceboxxx put on killer live shows of their own to kick off the evening.
