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Nick Veronin on February 13, 2019
Fans of French electronic composer Anthony Gonzalez (better known as M83) are familiar with his capacity for creating vibrant and electrifying compositions. This is the man, after all, who named his hit 2011 album Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming. It makes sense, then, that Gonzalez was tapped to pen the soundtrack for Volta, the latest touring show from Canada’s high-flying performance troupe, Cirque du Soleil. The big show under the big top comes to San Jose this week. Combining traditional acrobatics and elements of action sports with the company’s standard psychedelic palette, it promises to be an extravagant and exciting entertainment experience. Continue reading »
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Julia Baum on February 12, 2019
Valentine’s Day has long ditched its historic Roman Empire roots and now simply enriches Hallmark execs, but many people still don’t seem opposed to a day that encourages eating tons of chocolate and having sex (hello, life goals). The anxiety of gift shopping undoubtedly contributes to V-Day’s rep as the most hated holiday around, but don’t trip on what to buy your boo this year because Pot Shots’ gift guide will cover your ass from that sneaky henchman Cupid and his quivering bow.
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Bill Kopp on February 7, 2019
Ask your average fan of Americana and related styles of music what it is that Steep Canyon Rangers play, and the most common answer you’ll hear is bluegrass. But ask a member of the popular, award-winning and long-running band based in western North Carolina the same question, and the answer isn’t quite so simple. Continue reading »
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Nick Veronin on February 7, 2019
A few years back, as the music blogosphere was taking a deep dive into Simpsonswave—penning think pieces on the YouTube-spawned micro-genre’s visual aesthetics, gauzy sonic textures and potential for conjuring bittersweet, spacey nostalgia—a group of Arizona metalheads were plotting a revolt. Phoenix-based Okilly Dokilly have a decidedly less chill take on The Simpsons, even if they draw their primary inspiration from one the show’s most tranquil characters. The quintet craft super-heavy, Ned Flanders-informed numbers which they call “Nedal.” They return to San Jose on Monday in advance of their new full-length, Howdilly Twodilly. Continue reading »
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Nick Veronin on February 7, 2019
Roger McNamee, is a Silicon Valley insider, venture capitalist and musician. Now he can add “author” to his list of bonafides. An early and enthusiastic adopter and investor in Facebook, McNamee has since changed his tune when it comes to the social network. His critiques will be familiar to anyone who’s followed Facebook in the news over the past few years. McNamee has concerns about privacy issues, the rampant spread of disinformation, and the use of the platform to sow political division. In his new book, Zucked: Waking Up to the Facebook Catastrophe, challenges the new normal of constant connection. Continue reading »
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Wallace Baine on February 7, 2019
Pull at the tap root of Nirvana, Soundgarden or Pearl Jam and eventually you’ll get to Mudhoney, the often overlooked pioneering band of the “grunge” era destined to go down in history as Kurt Cobain’s favorite band and primary influence. Maybe because they never got the payday of their most famous brethren, even 30 years after their debut recording, Mudhoney is as rowdy and aggressive as ever. Just check out their latest album, 2018’s Digital Garbage, which is as angry and dirty as anything they’ve ever done. Mellowing with age, apparently, is for whiskey and millionaires. Continue reading »
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Wallace Baine on February 7, 2019
The local and acclaimed piano trio colloquially known as Saint Mike (violin, cello, piano) turns its attention to child prodigies in a concert featuring music from composers who got an early start. They include some classical music brand names, such as Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Chopin, as well as a piece from a contemporary member of that august club: 13-year-old British pianist and wunderkind Alma Deutscher. Her opera, Cinderella, was produced by Opera San Jose back in 2017. Continue reading »
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Wallace Baine on February 7, 2019
Russian-born pianist Vyacheslav Gryaznov comes to town with a long list of honors and competition prizes, many of which evoke Rachmaninov, the Russian legend whose name has become shorthand for virtuosic piano mastery. A faculty member at the Moscow Conservatory, Gryaznov is also known around the world for his transcription work. He returns at the behest of the Steinway Society for an encore performance of his celebrated West Coast debut in 2016. Continue reading »
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Wallace Baine on February 7, 2019
Silicon Valley’s ace vocal choir The Choral Project addresses the issue of homelessness head on with Art of Sound: Seeking a Home. The program features David Lang’s Pulitzer-Prize-winning showcase The Little Match Girl Passion, inspired by the music of J.S. Bach and the stories of Hans Christian Andersen. The concert will also feature a reprise performance of “Somewhere” from West Side Story. Proceeds from the concert will be shared by a trio of homeless activist organizations in the South Bay. Continue reading »
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Wallace Baine on February 7, 2019
In case you need proof that reggae is the music of the world, check out the singer known to fans as “Sammy J.” He brings to reggae fans his own musical narrative as a New Zealander with Maori bloodlines and a background in social work. Steeped in the deep soul and R&B heritage of Sam Cooke and Stevie Wonder, Johnson is a familiar name on the reggae circuit. He makes his way to the Bay Area with a new album, Moonlight Lovers. Continue reading »
