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Kenny Ngo on November 20, 2019
San Francisco-based house music DJ and producer Ardalan is practiced in the art of restraint. On his latest full-length set with Dirtybird Records, Mr. Good, Ardalan gives his grooves time and space to bloom. He revels in the dry thud of an over-compressed kick on album-opener “I Can’t Wait,” allowing the bass drum to take center stage for nearly a minute before introducing a fragmented ice splinter lead and stuttering vocal snippet. The Tehran-born selector comes to San Jose with support from Miss Dre. Continue reading »
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Conor Agnew on November 20, 2019
Whether you’re eagerly awaiting a hearty meal and some quality time with your family or anxiously anticipating some really uncomfortable political discussions, one thing is certain: The night before Thanksgiving is ideal for letting off steam—and maybe, if you play your cards right, hooking up with your long-lost high school crush. In honor of this joyous time of year, The Ritz is hosting this admission-free all-vinyl party. Resident spinners Pardi B and Basura will be joined by special guest Cutso. Together they aim to keep the dance floor lit while The Ritz’s bar staff help you get into the holiday spirit. Continue reading »
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Nick Veronin on November 20, 2019
He sees you when you’re sleeping… He knows when you’re awake… Every year, a bearded, immortal elf makes a list, checks it twice and then descends from the icy wastes of the Arctic Circle to break into every single home in Christendom. It doesn’t get much more metal than that. Founded in the mid-’90s by a cadre of virtuosic session shredders, Trans-Siberian Orchestra are known for their face-melting arrangements of classical, hymnal and folk Christmas music—and, of course, for soundtracking yuletide light shows of Griswold-ian proportions. Continue reading »
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Nick Veronin on November 20, 2019
Somewhere, on an alternate plane of existence, Kevin Gates is the universe’s greatest late-night host. There he is, trading witticisms with his guests, seamlessly dropping into outrageous and uproarious non-sequiturs, and waxing philosophically about the merits of Blink-182, Miley Cyrus and the health benefits of a bootylicious diet. In this timeline, however, the Louisiana rapper is simply one of the best emcees in the game. He has followed up his critically acclaimed 2016 LP, Islah, with his second full-length, I’m Him, which dropped in late September. Gates comes to Santa Cruz behind his latest effort. Really really. Continue reading »
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Metro Staff on November 20, 2019
Pairing West Coast hardcore with classic SoCal surf rock, Agent Orange raced to the head of LA’s burgeoning punk rock scene in 1980 like a bat out of hell. Their debut 7-inch became a soundtrack for skate punks with the urgently infectious anthem “Bloodstains,” featuring the tweaker-friendly refrain: “blood stains, speed kills, fast cars, cheap thrills.” With the help of KROQ’s Rodney Bingenheimer—a DJ famous for being ahead of the curve on punk and new wave artists—and the reputation they earned shredding Orange County house parties, the band climbed through LA punk clubs and onto a touring schedule that has spanned more than 30 years. Continue reading »
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Metro Staff on November 20, 2019
Back in June, Amy Dabalos (a.k.a. Amy D.) gave fans a taste of what she’s been working on, screening the video for her single “Like You”—a potent affirmation of women’s empowerment, agency and authenticity—at The Continental. This Friday, the local singer and San Jose Jazz regular will pull the curtain back on her full album with a party at Cafe Stritch. The collection showcases Dabalos’ raw vocal talent, which she has deployed in a number of styles over the years, including in the service of rueful soul, energetic R&B and lively reggae arrangements. Continue reading »
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Conor Agnew on November 20, 2019
Take a healthy dose of Emo Phillips, throw in some Michael Scott at his cringey-est, top it off with the most terrified open-mic performer you’ve ever seen, and you may have some idea of Joe Machi’s comedic persona. But the Pennsylvania native’s excruciatingly awkward timing boosts some solid punchlines, and his appearances on Last Comic Standing, Comedy Central, HBO and the late night circuit prove he’s not being forced to perform by an offstage tormentor. Treat yourself to one of his sets at Rooster T. Feathers this week and let his pain be your gain. Continue reading »
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Metro Staff on November 20, 2019
When it comes to tradition, perhaps the only true constant is resistance to change. Told in real time over the course of a single 90-minute act, The Humans centers around the Blakes—a family spending an uncomfortable Thanksgiving in a Manhattan basement apartment, far from their suburban home in Scranton. In this innovative production, which won the Tony Award for best play in 2016, playwright Stephen Karam deploys elements of horror, comedy and drama to examine the modern American consciousness at a time when we, as a country, are more divided than ever. Runs through Dec. 15. Continue reading »
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Nick Veronin on November 20, 2019
There’s always a lot riding on a band’s second LP. According to conventional industry wisdom, a band has its entire life to hone a debut, but only a year to come up with an even bigger follow-up. And so, when an artist can put out a third set with a handful of iconic singles, as Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers did with Damn the Torpedoes, it says something about that group’s staying power. As part of the Classic Albums Live series, the Montalvo Arts Center presents Petty’s 1979 triple-platinum release, performed by a cover band in its entirety. Continue reading »
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Josh Flynn on November 20, 2019
These days, Patton Oswalt’s primary job is being a dad. But even after starring in the Pixar hit Ratatouille, shining in indie darlings like Young Adult and regularly stealing scenes on network sitcoms, Oswalt maintains a love of the stage. Continue reading »
