I could not rightfully take off on any sort of dreamy few days away from this without telling you all about the next two holiday-themed weeks of damn good concerts coming your way between now and Jan. 1.Though it still strikes me as odd that it is already near to the year 2019, this quickening progression of time does have its benefits. I can imagine that such sped up, quasi-quantum events portend a wealth of super decent shows in the right now as well.And it’s true that the heart is a bloom that shoots out of the stony ground. I reckon music is like that too, only more forceful for the vibrations it sends into the world, here in Albuquerque and throughout the planet. Anyway here are some highlights of the days ahead, all of them beautiful—all of them waiting for you to kindly show up.Thursday, Dec. 20Levi Platero, one of this state’s most effectively awesome guitarists, has a gig at Moonlight Lounge (120 Central Ave. SW). The axeman will blow your mind with his heavy, heavy rendition of electric blues classics as well as his own stunning, stringy oeuvre. 9pm • $5 advance, $8 at the door • 21+.At Sister (407 Central Ave. SW) that same doggone night, Pope YesYesY’all, one of this burg’s heppest hip-hop inhabitants, gigs with A. Billi Free and DJ Flo Fader. 8pm • $5 • 21+.Friday, Dec. 21Guitar legend and former Burque resident Eric McFadden gigs at Launchpad (618 Central Ave. SW). If you’ve never heard this dude play, then now is the time to do so before Santa finds out you’ve been lax and brings you a lump of coal this year. 9pm • $10 • 21+.Saturday, Dec. 22The Launchpad (618 Central Ave. SW) hosts a very special night of Christmas music and Tom Waits covers called Tom Waits for Christmas. Guest performances at this beloved yearly yule gathering include Adam Hooks, Dust City Opera, Gunsafe and KAREN. 8:30pm • $8 • 21+.Thursday, Dec. 27Rock the fuck out like a rock star at the Launchpad (618 Central Ave. SW) when local lords of rock Crushed!?, ZETA, Distances and Pacenotes fill a bill that’s designed to thrill. 9pm • $5 advance, $8 at the door • 21+.Or you can run like a maniac on speed to the other, eastern end of Downtown to—wait for it—rock the fuck out at Moonlight Lounge (120 Central Ave. SW). Here be prepared to be transported into a luxurious local version of hell featuring Dead City Radio, Stem Ivory, The Talking Hours, Modus and yes, Manhigh! 9pm • $5 • 21+.Friday, Dec. 28Join other post-Christmas, pre-New Year’s Eve sufferers for Family Dinner III at the Launchpad (618 Central Ave. SW). It’s going to get hot in there with bands like Moonshine Blind, Sorry Guero, The Imperial Rooster and Cobra vs Mongoose getting down with the Burque sound. Be there or risk eating even more pie. 8pm • $5 • 21+.Saturday, Dec. 29Anytime you wanna let go of this obsession you have with the rocanrol music, just let me know and I will personally guide you toward some rewarding musical experiences that include jazz. If that time is now, then you might want to check this one out: Delphia and her Delphonic Orchestra are playing at the KiMo Theatre (401 Central Ave. NW) on Saturday and I am going to tell you now that I consider this to be a must-see show. Delphia is one of our area’s most talented players, her range and style have grown incredibly in the space of a couple of years on the local scene. Most importantly, her style of musical interpretation is rich, dream-like, exacting and most of all, damn good.Now touring again, Delphia has teamed up with an ensemble hailing from all points of the country, bringing with them killer backgrounds in performing jazz, soul, R&B and the blues. No stranger to arranging orchestral pieces, Delphia has brought in the assistance of three UNM graduate strings players to compliment the drums, bass, guitar, tenor sax, keyboard, piano and harmonies she’ll be jamming to on Saturday night. Sounds to me like you ought to show the heck up for this one, music lovers. 7:30pm • $28 to $42 • All-ages.
Show Up!: Two Weeks’ Worth
Half The Space, Twice The Shows
4 min read
