Tuesday, October 6: Though the ravages of aging and other general life/celebrity perils mean the Dead Kennedys aren’t the same lineup as when they debuted their political AF hardcore punk sound in the late 1970s, there’s still nothing like their primal sonic output. Get yer ass to the Showbox and rage.
Wednesday, October 7: Like a Frank Frazetta comic book cover come to righteous life, the Brooklyn-based outfit Castle Rat wields axes in both the figurative and literal sense. Attaching medieval imagery to their unique doom metal sound, their sets are epic, interactive and fun as hell, so get thee to the Showbox.
Friday, October 9: Listen to your heart when he’s calling for you. And it’s calling you to Auburn (yeah, I know) to enjoy the emotion-shattering Swedish duo Roxette, now with Lena Philipsson as lead vocalist, at the White River Amphitheatre. If you’re coming in from Seattle, maybe book a room at the Muckleshoot Casino nearby. (And hey, stay for a week and catch Nelly at the resort the following Friday).
Sunday, October 11: There’s nothing new about mixing music with comedy, but SoCal’s Wolves of Glendale stand out not just for their absurd sense of humor, but for making actual GREAT music (in a sort of pre-millennium pop fashion). Check them out at Fremont’s Nectar Lounge and learn why you shouldn’t buy a horse if you live in a major American city.
Thursday, October 15: Sometimes, you make a weird internet music video telling people that you’re a cow and, within a couple years, you’re one of the best-selling rappers of all time and sell out arenas. Paint the town red as Doja Cat swings by Climate Pledge Arena with her irresistible concoction of eclectic pop-rap.
Friday, October 16: Chilly down with the fire gang as “Labyrinth,” Jim Henson’s 1986 musical fantasy extravaganza starring a young Jennifer Connelly, a codpiece-wielding David Bowie and hundreds of weird-ass Muppets celebrates its 40th anniversary at the Moore Theatre. And this event isn’t simply a screening of one of the most joyous films of all time, IMO; it also includes a live band playing Bowie’s earworm songs and Trevor Jones’ triumphant, synth-loving score.
Monday, October 19-Tuesday, October 20: Not satisfied with only being one of the best singer-songwriters of her generation, Sara Bareilles composed and starred in one of the top five Broadway musicals of the century (“Waitress”) and proved herself a sharp comedic force on television (the outstanding and sorely missed “Girls5Eva”). Now touring through the Paramount with her seventh studio album, “Good Grief,” your soul will soar further than you ever thought possible.
Thursday, October 29: So much for the afterglow. Portland’s own Everclear, who had a threepeat of platinum-selling alt-rock bangers of albums leading right up to the millennium, have recaptured something delightful in their newest set of songs. But don’t worry, not only will they cover their catalog, they’re letting the fans choose their setlist at each tour stop. Vote, head to the Showbox and enjoy the headbanging.
