July winds down and summer enters its final third this week with a solid lineup of live music that includes shows by Dax Riggs, Golden Donna, Foals, Aaron Williams & the Hoodoo, Heartless Bastards, and Wook. The calendar also includes: the final Concerts on the Square of the season.
Monday 7.29
NOTEWORTHY: First Hague Convention signed, becoming one of first formal statements about laws of war, 1899.
Tuesday 7.30
NOTEWORTHY: "In God we trust" becomes national motto when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs a joint resolution of Congress, 1956.
Frequency, 9 pm
After sharpening his chops as leader of sludge-metal outfit Acid Bath, Riggs launched a solo career that draws upon 1960s psych-rock and 1980s goth-rock. (See Tour Stop.) With the Boneyard and Train Company.
Wednesday 7.31
NOTEWORTHY: Cuba's Fidel Castro transfers power to brother Raúl, 2006.
Capitol Square, 7 pm
This summer's final Concerts on the Square event celebrates two singer-songwriters who made it big in the '70s: John Denver and Dan Fogelberg. Guest artists Bob Stillman, Le Ann Etheridge, Casey Kelly, Pat McInerney and Troy Engle will join the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra for beloved tunes like "Sunshine on My Shoulders" and "Annie's Song."
UW Memorial Union Terrace, 8 pm
Madison residents and FADER favorites, this band featuring Joel Shanahan and friends explores vintage-pop territory and psychedelic frontiers with synthesizers. With Kiazma.
High Noon Saloon, 8:30 pm
These English indie rockers set Europe ablaze with their first two albums, and their third release, Holy Fire, cracked Billboard's top 100 chart in the U.S. in February. Though the album is lean on pop hooks, its rhythm-driven post-punk has lured plenty of fans to festivals like Coachella. With Drowners.
Thursday 8.1
NOTEWORTHY: MTV begins broadcasting in U.S. by airing the Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star," 1981.
Brink Lounge, 7 pm
Williams and company will channel summer's sizzle into a hot set of blues rock. Afterward, there will be an open mic as Madison Area Music Award winners pick up their trophies.
High Noon Saloon, 9 pm
These Austin-based rockers haven't released a new album since February 2012, but their live show is as vibrant as ever thanks to Erika Wennerstrom's alluringly androgynous vocals and a super-solid rhythm section. With Hugh Bob & the Hustle.
UW Memorial Union Terrace, 9:30 pm
This local four-piece is both laidback and ambitious, packing their schedule to the gills with shows that meld sounds from the jam-tastic worlds of Lotus, Umphrey's McGee and Dave Matthews Band.
