Sometimes it’s worth looking into past methodologies to try to glean another way forward after inexplicable circumstances open one’s mind to the idea that there are always alternatives to what one supposes would be this or that outcome. With that in mind, the following few lines are probably relevant this week, one way or another.They go like this, in case you are interested: “My friend says we’re like the dinosaurs/ Only we are doing ourselves in/ Much faster than they ever did.” Those are some lines from “Pets” by Porno for Pyros, by the way. Of course, it goes without saying that there are plenty of gigs, shows and other events out there this weekend, just waiting for you to joyously attend. Be safe but don’t be scared as you party on in a world that is always abruptly changing, even as this preview of public events is being written.
Show Up!: Thursday
“Spring break forever!” Or for at least the next week, depending on the institution that you attend out here in the sunny, sunny West where classes have not been canceled en masse due to the viral outbreak, yet. Anyway, why head to this or that beach when you can get plenty of authentic spring break feels at Hush Ultra NightLife (109 Fourth Street NW) on Thursday, March 12, when the hep to hip-hop club presents its Spring Break Stash Bash. The big event features headliners AML Corleone & Gu$to #Joat as well as co-headliner and heavy reggae rapper Judah, of Lions. Besides that stellar lineup, concertgoers can expect performances by Dreamor, Music Made and Steelo-One-Hunnid. The whole ill affair is hosted by Wayne Peezie, so you know you’re gonna dance with that special springtime vibe coursing through your head and body. 9pm • $5 general admission, $50 for VIP section • All-ages.
Show Up!: Friday, Part I
Every year Irish folks the world over celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. Every year, punk folks all over Albuquerque celebrate St. Punktrick’s Day. The day the punks celebrates differs from year to year, but one thing is for sure: They definitely give St. Patrick and his host of leprechauns and four leaf clovers a run for their money with totally excellent performances by some of the city’s most awesome bands. St. Punktrick’s Day 2020 happens on Friday, March 13 at Launchpad (618 Central Ave. SW) and features, as noted above, some of the most rocking units to crawl out of the wreckage known as Duke City, N.M. Those punk rock ensembles include Subtle Knife, Get Action, The Hi-Watts, Shadow Creeps, Fighting Monsters, Constant Harmony, The Coffin Stuffers, All Thicc, Intentional Misuse and Adam Hooks. Dang. 6pm • $5 • 21+.
Show Up!: Friday, Part Ii
Rakim is one of the most important artists in hip-hop nation. He’s at Sister (407 Central Ave. NW) on Friday, March 13. The rapper is a progenitor of the big East Coast sound popularized with producer/DJ Eric B and as a solo artist. “Eric B. Is President” set a new standard in the relatively new musical form back in 1986. Rakim is credited with the establishment of intricate internal rhymes, complex underlying and contrapuntal rhythms and lyrical cliffhanging as standard tools for rappers to employ in compositions that were literally off the charts. Rakim’s influence has been huge and diffuse. He’s been on the mind and in the collections of countless rappers who followed, from Jay-Z to Kendrick Lamar. If that’s not enough to get you to show up for this important show, then think about all the jazz in Rakim’s records. Got it? Now, go, home slice, go. 8pm • $20 to $29.95 • 21+.
Show Up!: Saturday
If someone from another time or town asked you to describe an archetypal Saturday night in Albuquerque, what would you tell them? Well, over on this end of things, we’d have to mention the Launchpad (618 Central Ave. SW) and Red Light Cameras, Burque’s most reliably rocking quartet. With just those two facts out in the open, it’s possible to define the altogether creatively cool and quirky town that is yours for the taking, dear concertgoer. And it just so happens that you’ll have that opportunity to take the town by strategy on Saturday, March 14 when the laudable outfit plays their tour kick-off at the aforementioned spaceship-themed venue. Also on that night’s menu: Pawn Shop Poster Boys, Abort Abort, Almost Always Never and The March Divide. 8:30pm • $10 • 21+.
Show Up!: Tuesday
On Tuesday, March 17, Phantogram is playing a gig at Sunshine Theater (120 Central Ave. SW). The duo is comprised of Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter, who both sing and play a multitude of instruments to create a sort of dreamy electronic trip-hop-flavored sound that just swirls listeners around through space in a world that’s both totally dark and sumptuously light. You’ll get it when you hear it. These two started out with musical experimentation and ended up creating some of the most provocative sounds available to listeners in the mid-21st century. I’m totally serious. And what’s more, local sensation Lindy Vision opens. Their follow-up interview graces the next page. Read it and then show up for the relativistic realities created by both outfits. 8pm • $25 • 13+.
