Ithica, N.Y.-based artist Annie Lewandowski grew up in Minnesota, which she describes as “a place full of things that are long and longer: church services, dinner tables and worry lines.” She’s been performing and recording as powerdove since 2007, sometimes solo and sometimes accompanied. Lewandowski’s latest collaborative powerdove outing was written while traveling “along the scuzzy River Itchen in Hampshire, England” and once she settled into home again. Do You Burn? is aural cream skimmed from the realms of both “difficult,” dissonant noise and expansive nü-folk. Do You Burn? was recorded at the Albuquerque home of sonic partner John Dieterich (Deerhoof, Summer Assassins), along with a citizen of southern France, Thomas Bonvalet (L’Ocelle Mare). Experience powerdove, Teetotum and Adam Woods at Sister (407 Central NW) on Thursday, July 18. This 21-and-over shouldn’t-miss kicks off at 9 p.m., and admission is $5.
Four Up Mercury Rising
The Relatives
You’re supposed to avoid seasonal (and holiday-centric) ledes in journalistic writing, but my conversational skills have wilted amidst the blazing inferno that has been Burque weather until July—with its attendant rain and even hail—arrived. Perhaps not quite as wished-for and anticipated—megadrought fears trump entertainment yearnings every time—is the annual Albuquerque Summerfest. As always, there will be a host of solar/sonic offerings calling the Mother Road home from Friday, July 19 to Sunday, July 21. In conjunction with New Mexico Jazz Fest, award-winning Los Angeleno jazz fusion quartet Yellowjackets opens the celebration on Friday at Hiland Theater (4800 Central SE). It’s hard to even hit the highlights, but I’ll try: Yep Roc-signed psychedelic gospel-funk outfit The Relatives ; Brooklynite bhangra-funk octet Red Baraat; and swell locals like well-versed bluegrass foursome The Squash Blossom Boys, gypsy jazz/Western swing quintet Zoltan Orkestrar and talented Santa Fean singer/songwriter Max Gomez. Scope the full schedule for the dog and kid-friendly event at rt66central.com. Copious sunblock and an adventurous spirit are recommended for maximum enjoyment with minimal risk.
Four Up All That Jazz
Stanley Clarke
Steven Parke
Jazz. The word rolls off the tongue, but the associated genre geekery can confound the layman. Fear not, fellow laymen, because the annual New Mexico Jazz Fest is partnering with Summerfest to bring jazz brunch to four ginchy Nob Hill restaurants: Riverside Jass Trio at O’Niell’s; the Pat Malone Trio at Scalo’s; Café Bomba at Zacateca’s; and guitar/bass duo Michael Anthony and Colin Deuble at Zinc. On Sunday, July 21 the smooth sounds of jazz brunch start at 11 a.m. and zig-zag ’til 1 p.m. at all locations. As for the fest proper, consider expanding your horizons with: New Mexican multi-woodwind maestro Arlen Asher; Grammy-winning bassist Stanley Clarke and his electric funk/fusion band; Santa Fean 10-piece traditional New Orleans brass band The Mil-Tones Brass Band and the Larry Mitchell Band; West Africa-influenced jazz purveyor the Lionel Loueke Trio; and more. For all the frisson-inducing deets, visit newmexicojazzfestival.org or outpostspace.org.
Four Up Rocking The Cat’s Cradle
Bigawatt
Marisa Demarco
The fourth annual Gatas y Vatas is fast approaching, and this year’s first benefit concert for the solo, outsider women’s music fest happens at Blackbird Buvette (509 Central NW). On Sunday, July 21, solo showcase Me, Myself & I presents: witch house/dream-pop chanteuse Lady Uranium (Mauro Woody), Cthulha (Monica Demarco), Bigawatt (Marisa Demarco) and Anna Mall (Gena Lawson). This 21-and-over benefit kicks off at 8 p.m., and there’s no cover, but donations are welcomed. Gatas y Vatas fest proper happens on Friday, Sept. 20 and Saturday, Sept. 21 at The Kosmos (1715 Fifth NW) . For more info on GyV, visit bit.ly/gatasyvatas.
