Sisters Bianca and Sierra Casady unfurl their folktronic mantle as CocoRosie at Sunshine Theater (120 Central SW) on All Hallows’ Eve at 9pm. Gender-bending lionmasters, pirates and reindeer herders can join the eldritch siblings at their enchanted, theatrical autumn fête and find themselves in fine company. Formed in 2003, CocoRosie’s moniker is a portmanteau of their childhood nicknames; Bianca’s was “Coco,” and Sierra’s was “Rosie.” With five full-lengths under their fishnet-and-wool hoop skirt, the act has relentlessly toured and successfully cultivated a national and international fan base. If you’re not already an über-fan, give “Lemonade” or “Gallows” a listen and find yourself charmed. Local songbird Jenny Wren, DJ Nicolatron and Reighnbeau open. Festive revelers aged 13 and over are cordially invited to join the circus. … if only for one night. Presale tickets are $17.
Four Up Redux Resurrection
Teenage Werewolves’ Jack Atlantis
Jack Atlantis
Everybody’s got their own opinion about the value of the “cover band.” The various paeans to and indictments of the genre—for lack of a better categorical model—always remind me of Jim Jarmusch’s thoughts regarding originality (nonexistent) and authenticity (invaluable) in the creation and transmission of art; then, Jarmusch quotes Jean-Luc Godard: “It’s not where you take things from—it’s where you take them to.” Cramps cover band Teenage Werewolves doesn’t radically reinterpret or revision the legendary punk band’s oeuvre, but its members are clearly authentic in both celebration and imitation. Judge for yourself on Thursday, Oct. 31, at Sister (509 Central NW) when the Werewolves deliver their homage. But that’s not all. The Grave of Nobody’s Darling pays tribute to Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground, and Full Speed Veronica dresses up as the Ramones. This 21-and-over gig rises from its coffin at 8pm, and admission is $10.
Four Up Descanso Descant
Charles S. Anderson
Karaoke rules. Whether you prefer to keep your faculties sharp or down liquid courage, the act of singing to a room of strangers can be very liberating. My personal favorite is “Islands in the Stream,” but it’s always a challenge for this Dolly Parton fanatic to find a gent willing to attack Kenny Rogers’ vox. Whatever your level of vocal skill, make an ass out of yourself for a really good cause at Day of the Dead Skaraoke at Low Spirits (2823 Second Street NW) on Friday, Nov. 1. All Saints’ Day seems a fitting time to fundraise for Camp Rising Sun, a residential summer camp program for youths on the autism spectrum. Makeup artists will be standing by to transform your visage into a calavera. Rock both muerto maquillage and the mic at this 21-and-over shindig starting at 9pm. Admission is only five bucks.
Four Up Spacegrass Soirée
Clutch
Courtesy of artist
Okay, I’ll admit I haven’t paid much attention to stoner rock group Clutch since the mid-’90s. Clutch released their second, self-titled full-length in ’95, and it was in heavy rotation on my portable CD player in high school. The whole album’s pretty strong, but “Spacegrass” is the sticky stoner masterpiece—and a total earworm. “Dodge Swinger 1973, top down, chassis low/ Panel dim, light drive, Jesus on the dashboard/ T-minus whenever it feels right, Galaxy 500.” My ignorance of Clutch’s post-’90s catalog is no reason to miss what promises to be a nostalgic yet forward-looking concert at Sunshine Theater (120 Central SW) on Thursday, Nov. 7. Austinite metal outfit The Sword and ’70s-meets-’90s punk-rock band American Sharks open. This 13-and-over show revs up at 8pm, and presale tickets are $23.
