It's fairly quiet this week around Madison, a breather before the big holiday blowouts that close out the month. But the calendar does include music by Garaj Mahal, Billy Flynn, and Isthmus Brass.
Monday 12.14
NOTEWORTHY: The Clash release London Calling, 1979. BIRTHDAYS: Porn queen/B-movie actress Ginger Lynn Allen, 1962.
Garaj Mahal
High Noon Saloon, 8 pm
Lots of jam bands like to noodle their way from jazz to bluegrass, but San Francisco quartet Garaj Mahal goes all the way to India for their inspiration, blending ragas with rock and much more at their live shows and on their new studio recording, w00t. With Not on Mars.
Tuesday 12.15
NOTEWORTHY: Supermodel Rachel Hunter marries rock star Rod Stewart, 1990.
BIRTHDAYS: Clash bassist Paul Simonon, 1955; actress Helen Slater, 1963.
Billy Flynn
Frequency, 5:30 pm
It's not L.A. drummer Billy Flynn, whom many people know from his gigs with Geggy Tah and the Black Eyed Peas. It's Chicago blues legend Billy Flynn, who knocks the socks off fans every time he plays the Frequency's Chicago Blues Tuesdays series. With the AJ Love Band.
Isthmus Brass
First United Methodist Church, 7:30 pm
This new 10-piece group presents its debut concert with a program that includes Vivaldi's "Winter."
Wednesday 12.16
NEW MOON
NOTEWORTHY: Protesting American colonists throw a Boston Tea Party, 1773.
BIRTHDAYS: Gargantuan former Chicago Bears defensive tackle/running back William "The Refrigerator" Perry, 1962; actor Benjamin Bratt, 1963.
Thursday 12.17
NOTEWORTHY: Elvis Costello fills in when Sex Pistols fail to show up for Saturday Night Live, 1977.
BIRTHDAYS: R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills, 1958; actress Milla Jovovich, 1975.
