Family Groove Company
Monday 9.22
Tuesday 9.23
Xavier Rudd
Majestic Theatre, 8 pm
The first of two guitar-centric shows this week that has jam-band followers and six-string addicts salivating showcases the talents of Australian fret wizard (and Peter Gabriel sound-alike) Xavier Rudd, who paints with thick strokes of distortion on his recent Dark Shades of Blue. Griffin House opens.
KatJon Band
Frequency, 9:30 pm
Kat Ex of post-punkers the Ex and Jon Langford of the magnificent Mekons collaborate in the KatJon Band, a smart, at times artfully shambolic Dutch treat that takes both its left-of-center politics and its pop-rock hooks very seriously. Dollar Store open. Raise-the-red-flag pick of the week.
Wednesday 9.24
Stephen J. Busalacchi
Borders West, 7 pm
The Madison author and former Wisconsin Public Radio correspondent interviewed dozens of physicians to write White Coat Wisdom, which collects their stories and relates the satisfactions -- and frustrations -- of practicing modern medicine.
Keller Williams
Barrymore Theatre, 8 pm
As an ambidextrous solo performer, singer-guitarist Keller Williams offers a smorgasbord of prog, jazz fusion, and rootsy material that drives the jam-band crowd batty. Tonight he pushes the envelope with help from his new band the WMD'S, which includes the String Cheese Incident's Keith Moseley on bass, guitar pro Gibb Droll and Aquarium Rescue Unit drummer Jeff Sipe. Cornmeal open.
Public Property
High Noon Saloon, 9 pm
A big, slick reggae outfit that's custom-made for skankin' dance parties down at the vegan coop, Public Property aren't especially original but they are fun. Mid-week brain-floss, anyone? Nama Rupa open.
Thursday 9.25
Family Groove Company
Majestic Theatre, 9 pm
Just like their name indicates, FGC excel at extended fusion grooves that owe a lot to '70s heroes like Herbie Hancock's Headhunters band. Their vocals aren't particularly strong, but all that crooning adds an extra texture to their derivative jazz rock. Steez open.
The God Damns
Mickey's Tavern, 10 pm
The achievements of Kiss, Cheap Trick and scads of other tuneful pop and rock acts get an exuberant shout from Kyle Motor's thoroughly entertaining power pop express the God Damns at this cozy CD release gig. Electric Automatic open.
