Enjoy a compilation of selected tracks by artists playing shows we're excited about in Madison during the week of Nov. 25-Dec. 1, 2016. For more information on these shows, read on under the Spotify playlist!
Rucksack Jamboree, Friday, Nov. 25, Majestic Theatre, 8 pm: At their core, folk songs are timeless stories. So it makes sense that these artists are choosing to present their work as a combination of intimate storytelling and musicianship. Rucksack Jamboree will include storytelling and songs from Adam Greuel (Horseshoes & Hand Grenades), Sarah Vos (Dead Horses), Chicago Farmer, Joseph Huber (.357 String Band), and Pat Ferguson (the Smokin’ Bandits).
Clay Lyons Jazz Trio, Friday, Nov. 25, Babe’s, 8 pm: Saxophone wonder Clay Lyons, a Madison native and graduate of the Berklee College of Music, has been breaking into the NYC jazz scene lately, and he is part of Bon Iver’s latest album. Catch him in his stomping grounds with local veterans Nick Moran (bass) and Michael Brenneis (drums).
Drew Michael + Chris Redd, Friday, Nov. 25, Comedy Club on State, 8 & 10:30 pm; Drew Michael is a narcissist. Chris Redd (pictured) is a former kinda-thug who likes to antagonize his current thug cousin. Both are funny guys headlining a show together for one hilarious and economically conscious night of comedy. We have a huge nerd who compares new dating cycles to playing Ocarina of Time, and we have a featured player from Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping telling stories about how Californians have no idea what Chicago cold is like. Which is which? Who knows?! Leave your leftovers alone for a second and come to this show to find out. With Kevin Bozeman. ALSO: Saturday, Nov. 26, 8 & 10:30 pm.
Sam Lyons, Saturday, Nov. 26, Club Tavern (Middleton), 9 pm: Madison native Sam Lyons can’t stop kicking out bouncy earworms, and now he’s got a hot-off-the-presses new EP, Let’s Go. He recorded it in New York City with another Madisonian, Grammy-nominated, Oscar-winning producer Leo Sidran. The infectious tunes are bound to get everyone dancing and singing along.
Don Stiernberg Trio + Harmonious Wail, Saturday, Nov. 26, Brink Lounge, 8 pm: Now here’s something to be thankful for: a visit from Chicago’s Don Stiernberg (pictured), one of the world’s leading jazz mandolin players. He’s played on more than 50 albums and has shared the stage with Chet Atkins and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, among others. Also on the bill are gypsy jazz veterans Harmonious Wail, a fixture on the local scene for almost three decades, featuring smoky vocals from Maggie Delaney-Potthoff.
Carcass, Sunday, Nov. 27, Majestic Theatre, 8 pm: Liverpool’s extreme metallers Carcass return to Madison for a headlining gig after opening for Slayer and Testament at the Orpheum in March. With a history dating back to 1985 (including a 12-year period of inactivity between 1995 and 2007), this is not a band for the weak of heart. Considered pioneers of so-called grindcore — an abrasive, corrosive mix of punk, metal and industrial — Carcass became known for gruesome lyrics and album covers. The band has toned down the gore over the years, but its latest album, 2013’s Surgical Steel, still includes song titles about cadavers and blood clots. With experimental black-metal band Deafheaven and Virginia headbangers Inter Arma.
Tony Monaco Trio, Sunday, Nov. 27, Brink Lounge, 7 pm: Monaco has been an indefatigable proponent of jazz organ for decades. Starting his performing career behind the Hammond B3 as a teen, he then continued gigging while also running various family businesses. More recently, Monaco has been focused strictly on music, both as a player and as an educator. This Live at Rick’s concert will feature his trio out of Columbus, Ohio.
PartyNextDoor, Monday, Nov. 28, Orpheum Theater, 7 pm: After penning hits for Drake, Rihanna and other chart toppers, the suave Canadian crooner PartyNextDoor is stepping out from behind the curtain and into the spotlight in a major way. This should be a great date-night show, with smooth, slow jams about love and lust like “Come and See Me” and close-dancing jams like “Not Nice.” With Jeremih.
Mannheim Steamroller, Monday, Nov. 28, Overture Hall, 7:30 pm: If ever a Christmas tradition deserved to have “steamroller” in its name, it is this Chip Davis-helmed multimedia juggernaut, making its 32nd annual holiday season tour. The Overture Center show will include players from Madison Symphony Orchestra and other local musicians.
Copeland, Wednesday, Nov. 30, Majestic Theatre, 8 pm: When Copeland called it quits in 2009, they took with them a catalog of thoughtful, piano-driven indie pop. But you can’t keep a good band down for long: the Floridians re-formed in 2014 to release Ixora, their fifth full length. And listening to it, in all of its heartfelt, mathy goodness, it’s clear the band never lost a step. With Rae Cassidy, a Milwaukee native who formerly served as frontwoman of indie buzz band San Fermin.
Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show, Thursday, Dec. 1., UW Memorial Union-Shannon Hall, 8 pm: ’ Tis (nearly) the season for holiday music, and what better way to celebrate than with gospel institution the Blind Boys of Alabama? Performing cuts from their cozy 2014 album Talkin’ Christmas! and traditional tunes, the group promises to please — be prepared to smile, stand and sway all night long. Joining the Blind Boys of Alabama as opener is fellow gospel artist Liz Vice, who released her debut album, There’s a Light, last fall. Here’s hoping she joins the Boys in a song or two.
Amanda Shires, Thursday, Dec. 1, Frequency, 7 pm: Even if you’ve never heard Amanda Shires’ voice, chances are you’ve heard her fiddle. The Texan has played with the likes of John Prine, Justin Townes Earle and her husband, Jason Isbell, in addition to releasing six albums of her own. The most recent, this year’s My Piece of Land, is another demonstration of her masterful musicianship, which has won her comparisons to both Emmylou Harris (vocally) and Tom Waits (lyrically). With Andrew Leahey.
Thibaut Garcia, Thursday, Dec. 1, Gates of Heaven Synagogue, 7:30 pm: Toulouse-born guitarist Thibaut Garcia has been playing since he was 7, honing his skills at Spanish-influenced, classically inspired guitar. Now 22, he’s a darling of the international circuit. Recipient of numerous guitar prizes (including first place at the 2015 Guitar Foundation of America International Artist Competition in Oklahoma City), Garcia brings a light, dancing touch to his work. For a taste, check out his new album Leyendas, released earlier this year.
You can find the entire rundown of this week's Isthmus Picks here.
