Truly. Downtown’s overall picture of Halloween night is the best I’ve ever seen in Albuquerque (and certainly during my five years at the Alibi ). After years of school-night trick-or-treating, Oct. 31 finally falls on a Friday. And since the election has people frothing with anxious excitement, this Halloween could be the party of the decade. From big-name blowouts to the cream of Bernalillo and Sandoval Countys’ crops, Downtown’s pimp chalice of live music runneth over. Here’s what you can’t miss on Oct. 31. The FaintThe U.S. of A.’s greatest live electronic touring band for several years running brings its insane video and light show to the Sunshine Theater’s cavernous floor, where dancers of all ages are invited to shimmy. The show starts at 8 p.m. $18 advance tickets at sunshinetheaterlive.com.
Music To Your Ears
The Grave of Nobody’s Darling Dip a paintbrush in water drawn from a deep, still well. Mix in a little Civil War blood and rust, and set up your easel to face an expanse of Westward mesas. You’ll have an idea of what Jessica Billey–backed by her bearded, banjo- and pedal steel-playing husband, Bud Melvin; ex-MindySet drummer Jill McArthur; and bassist Clifford Grindstaff–accomplishes with smoldering clarity in The Grave of Nobody’s Darling. The group releases its much anticipated debut album, FireBird , at Burt’s Tiki Lounge (21+, free). Leeches of Lore and The Squash Blossom Boys open.
Music To Your Ears
Night of the Living Cover Bands The Launchpad (21+) comes alive with all of your favorite bands for one low $5 cover. Get there by 9 p.m. for White Zombie ( Mechanism Of Eve), The Ramones ( Catfish Hunter), ZZ Top ( The Old Main), Nirvana ( The Ground Beneath), The Beatles ( Soular), The Cure ( Ya Ya Boom), Type O Negative ( Five Minute Sin), The Dictators ( The Unemploid), The Pixies ( The World On Fyre, an offshoot of Unit 7 Drain), The Misfits ( Dead On Point Five) and Weezer ( The Kronic Obsession).
Don't ruin Halloween by driving drunk. Call a cab: Albuquerque Cab Co. 883-4888, Yellow Cab 247-8888, Lowe's Taxi Cab 604-7185, Checker Cab Co. 243-7777, Giant Cab Co. 293-4222.
