Go to There: March 5 - 11

By Andrew Hertzberg

Bobby Conn

Tuesday, March 5th: Bobby Conn at Hideout (9 PM, 21+, $5)
A new month, a new Tuesday residency at the Hideout. This time is the avant-pop artist Bobby Conn, playing four themed nights: Art Rock, Musicals, Ballads, Epics. Tonight promises tracks from last year’s Macaroni, as well as covers, and features Shana East from Girl Group Chicago.

Wednesday, March 6th: Erik Hall, J Fernandez at the Whistler (9:30 PM, 21+, FREE)
It’s experimental pop night at the Whistler. Erik Hall (Nomo, Wild Belle) has been performing under the moniker In Tall Buildings for a while, crafting dynamic, textured, and eclectic pop songs. J Fernandez (Distractions) creates a similar sound, but with a more lo-fi aesthetic.

Thursday, March 7th: Videotape at Burlington (9 PM, 21+, $6)
The first in a new monthly series called Divergent Interests, featuring ambient, drone and shoegaze acts. It is sponsored by new WCR ally Notes and Bolts. Videotape starts the show in continuation of their support of last year’s fantastic This is Disconnect. Cinchel and Scott Cortez perform as well.

UPDATE: Videotape is actually headlining the evening. Additionally, the show doubles as a cassette release party for both Videotape and Cinchel. For more details check out the Facebook event.

Friday, March 8th: Rambos at Coles (10 PM, 21+, FREE)
More than an average garage rock band (or junk-rock as Gene likes to call them) Rambos fuse their dirty sound with catchy harmonies and clever lyrics.

Saturday, March 9th: SXSW Sendoff Party at Hideout (3 PM, 21+, $10)
The annual sendoff party returns for those of us who aren’t able to make it to Austin. The all-day fest features Twin Peaks, Judson Claiborne, Frontier, Summer Girlfriends, Outer Minds and more. Check out the full lineup and schedule on Hideout’s website.

Sunday, March 10th: The Whole Damn Day at Empty Bottle
Start the day off with another of Al Scorch’s afternoon performances (1 PM, FREE), stick around for the Pear Traps (7 PM, $3) in the evening, and make it a late night with Brooklyn jazz trio Zs and psych-doom heathens Guardian Alien (10 PM, $8). Greg Fox drums for both and has impeccable precision as well as stamina. Zs and Guardian Alien play Friday night at Experimental Sound Studio as well (all Empty Bottle shows 21+).

Monday, March 11th: The Specials at Vic Theater (7:30 PM, AA, $31)
Legendary ska/punk act return from the dead. I’m usually pretty skeptical of reunion acts, but being born a generation too late doesn’t give me a lot of options. The politically and socially conscious group doesn’t sound too dated either; ‘Ghost Town’ is still a unique reggae jam in a genre that’s easily homogenized.