Metroland Online - Noteworthy

Everything has been coming together for Wetwerks, and we’re not just referring to the fact they were named Best Band by Metroland. These unrestrained electronic rockers are getting national exposure, having been profiled in Electronic Musician and Recording magazines, and they’re headed out to the left coast next month, where they are going to play the notorious Viper Room. So don’t miss ’em at Valentine’s, since they’re likely on their way to bigger things. Plus, you’ll get a free CD! The Switched On, a melodic, rocking Albany-based quartet, also will appear, and DJ Jaylien will be spinning progressive house music before the bands go on. (Aug. 9, 8 PM, $10, 432-6572)

Grand National, Titan Fist, North Allen, Nysm
Valentine’s, Friday

And in the Eager Beaver category: Grand National, who hit the downstairs stage of Valentine’s on Friday, are presently touring nationally in support of their debut release, KingSIZE, which ironically enough is a succinct five-song EP. The band began as a writing collaboration between singer Brian Woods and guitarist David Julian, but the duo’s catchy songs—of the Weezer and Superdrag school—soon caught the ear of producer Dave Trumfio (Wilco, Anniversary) and he dragged them to L.A. to get it all down on disc. After all that time in the rehearsal space and the recording studio, Grand National are apparently itching to see the light of day—or at least as much of it as they can catch through the van window on the way to the next club. We are, by the way, assuming that they know more than just the five songs. Also on the bill, Titan Fist, North Allen and Nysm. (Aug. 9, 9 PM, $5, 432-6572)

Lukas Ligeti and Mai Lingani
MASS MoCA, North Adams, Mass., Saturday

Your long quest is over, and you’ve the kind folks at MASS MoCA to thank: No more searching vainly for a venue providing an evening of electronic music, African rhythms and traditional Austrian dining. That’s right, at last, everything you’ve been looking for under one roof. On Saturday, Viennese composer Lukas Ligeti teams with West African (Burkina Faso, specifically, if you must know) chanteuse Mai Lingani, to charm listeners with an unusual blend of world musics. And, as an added bonus, the museum’s café will feature the foodstuffs of Legeti’s home country—in addition to all the delicious relaxing beverages they offer ordinarily. Yum. (Aug. 10, 8 PM, $10, 413-662-2111)

Parallax Project, John Faye, the Day Jobs
Fuze Box, Sunday

Bassist Michael Giblin, formerly of obscure pop band Cherry Twister, is at the center of a new musical assemblage called Parallax Project. With the demise of Cherry Twister, Giblin knew he didn’t have the desire or the means to do a solo album, so he set to work creating Parallax Project. The Project boasts an impressive lineup: Drummer Robby Crawford plays with Lisa Loeb; guitarist David Minehan has played with the Neighborhoods and Paul Westerberg; and guitarist Pete Kennedy has performed with the Kennedys and Nanci Griffith. As if that’s not enough, Jeffrey Gaines can be found on the band’s debut, Oblivious. Parallax Project also are part of the extensive lineup for Saturday night’s Brilliant Mistakes: A Tribute to Elvis Costello at Valentine’s [see Night & Day, page 41], but in conjunction with that show, they’ll play at the Fuze Box on Sunday with fellow Costello tribute players John Faye and the Day Jobs. (Aug. 11, 8 PM, $5, 432-4472)

Kitty Little, Nakatomi Plaza, the Chase, After the Fall
Miss Mary’s Art Space, Tuesday

The little venue that could, Miss Mary’s Art Space, has been too hot to handle lately, and Tuesday’s punk-rock show is no exception. Albany pop-rockers Kitty Little join New York City punks Nakatomi Plaza (whose songs include the promisingly titled “For Me to Live Happily, You Must Die”), Baltimore rockers the Chase and fellow Capital Regioners After the Fall in a no-holds-barred show that’ll surely raise the roof. (There are harder ways to come by more square footage, you know.) No word from Matto on whether the Kitty Little-ettes, last seen at the Hawaiian RawkFest, will be in attendance. One can always hope. (Aug. 13, 8 PM, $6, 439-0041)

Hudson River Bank & Trust Company Food Festival
Empire State Plaza, Wednesday

It’s time once again for the annual food festival at the plaza, 11 hours of gustatory splendor with more than 70 specialty food vendors. Whatever your favorite cuisine, odds are it will be available. Of course, there will be plenty of music, on two stages, to gorge yourself with. Headlining will be the ’70s Southern rockers the Marshall Tucker Band. We’re not sure exactly who’s in the band now, but we’re sure whatever they play “can’t be wrong.” Also appearing will be local favorites the Day Jobs (Metroland’s Best Pop Band of 2002) Dishwalla, Cryin’ Out Loud, Bari Koral and the Burners U.K. (Aug. 14, 11 AM-10 PM, 877-659-4377)

also noted

Hamell on Trial returns to us tonight (Thursday), with a show on the upstairs stage at Valentine’s. Kamikaze Heart Gaven Richard and Steve Gaylord’s the Wasted will play the downstairs stage (up: 8 PM, $10; down: 10 PM, $5; 432-6572). . . .In more Miss Mary’s news: To Hell and Back will play a show tonight with Sever, Forlorn and Eyes of Hate; the show is put on by the people of Bystander fanzine, www.bystanderfanzine.0catch.com (7:30 PM, $7, 439-0041, http://missmarysartspace.tripod.com). . . . Super 400 play Savannah’s with the Brian Kaplan Band tonight (10 PM, $5, 426-9647). . . . Carl Smith and his band will play the Fuze Box tomorrow (Friday), as a sort of preview for the Elvis Costello tribute at Valentine’s on Saturday; joining him will be out-of-town acts Paula Kelley, Julia Brown and Trouble Dolls (9:30 PM, 432-4472). . . . Greatdayforup will put on a rock show for all who occupy the Lark Tavern on Friday (10 PM, $3, 463-9779). . . . Santana and Rusted Root play SPAC on Sunday (7:30 PM, $38-$68, lawn $22, 476-1000). . . . And finally, there’s a new supergroup in town: Buck Malen (you may remember him from his work in such groups as Susan and the Surftones and Johnny Rabb and the Jailhouse Rockers) has formed a “swingy, rockin blues” combo, the Buckadelics! He’s on bass, and joining him are Mark Emanatian (guitar) and Pete Vumbaco (drums). The trio will play every Monday at Albany’s Bleecker Café, starting with this one (8 PM, 463-9382).

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