Madison's summer soundtrack gets started this week with live music by Kurt Vile & the Violators with Black Bananas, M. Ward, The Kruger Brothers, Sam Llanas, Adam Faucett, and Keys N Krates.
Monday 5.21
NOTEWORTHY: Lauren Bacall marries Humphrey Bogart, 1945.
Kurt Vile & the Violators, Black Bananas
High Noon Saloon, 8 pm
Though best known for fronting the War on Drugs with Adam Granduciel, Vile is making waves as a solo artist, a role that lets him delve deeper into the roots of his lyrical, guitar-driven lo-fi rock. (See Tour Stop.) Formed from the ashes of Royal Trux, Black Bananas pair bluesy riffs and deconstructed classic rock with tinges of synth-pop and hip-hop. With True Widow.
Tuesday 5.22 NOTEWORTHY: Johnny Carson signs off as host of The Tonight Show, 1992.
Wednesday 5.23 NOTEWORTHY: University of Chicago announces it is ending its intercollegiate athletics program and withdrawing from the Big 10 conference, 1944.
Barrymore Theatre, 8 pm
The manlier half of She & Him shines as a solo act, where he performs Americana laced with hints of gospel, country and indie rock. Get to know his brand-new album, A Wasteland Companion, at this show. With Chris Scruggs.
Thursday 5.24
NOTEWORTHY: Brooklyn Bridge opens, 1883.
Stoughton Opera House, 7:30 pm
Launched in Switzerland by siblings Jens and Uwe Kruger, this innovative trio explore the line of Americana that spawned Doc Watson, Bill Monroe and Earl Scruggs. Their 2011 album Appalachian Concerto brims with nimble five-string banjo solos that traverse the boundaries of jazz and classical music.
High Noon Saloon, 8 pm
The Wisconsin-bred cofounder of the BoDeans will showcase his distinctive voice with a smattering of solo material, including selections from 2011's 4 A.M.
Frequency, 9 pm
This Chicago-based Arkansas native channels both Otis Redding and Pavement on his 2011 release, More Like a Temple, which teems with powerful vocals, poetic lyrics and complex finger-picking.
Majestic Theatre, 9 pm
Though their music inhabits the remix realm, don't expect this group of Toronto-based performers to hide behind their laptops all night. Live samples, drum and synth performances, and turntable wizardry fuel their show, which has earned numerous raves from URB magazine. With DJs Vinnie Toma and Wyatt Agard.
