Mark Kano & Mike Garrigan/Cravin’ Melon
Friday
7:30 p.m., Amos’, 1423 S. Tryon St., $10-$12, www.amossouthend.com
Nostalgic for `90s regional heavy hitters? The acoustic duo of
Kano and Garrigan are veterans of the `90s national rock acts Athenaeum and
Collapsis who along with Melon put out major label releases in the wake of
Hootie’s success.
Junior Astronomers/HRVRD
Get clued into some of the city’s best touring acts, both of whom
spent the better part of 2013 releasing cohesive indie rock albums on par with
the year’s best and touring nationally.
Acoustic Syndicate
“Rooftop Garden” - the NC act’s first album in almost 10 years sonically
connects Peter Gabriel, New Grass Revival, and the Grateful Dead and taps into
agriculture and environmental issues that concern the band as a multi-generational
family of farmers.
Jeff Timmons’ Men of the Strip
Saturday 8 p.m., Chop Shop, 399 E. 35th
St., $20-$25, www.chopshopnoda.com
The hunky 98 Degrees member turns his song and sex Vegas
Chippendale’s show into a touring male revue complete with music (he’ll sing 98
Degrees’ hits), choreography and skin courtesy of eight hot recruits that’ll also
be part of a reality series reminiscent of "Magic Mike."
Alternative Champs
No one quite does silly costumes, theme parties, and
tongue-in-cheek performances like this Charlotte rock institution fronted by
Jolene/the Catch Fire leader Mike Mitschele. Dig out those leg warmers, jelly
shoes, and banana clips because it’s an `80s new wave Christmas.
Sidewalks/Tusker
Former members of Lights Fluorescent hit reset with Sidewalks.
Its third show marks its last with drummer Zach Irvin (who’s moving). It joins
boogying Winston-Salem riff-rock outfit Tusker, which counts former Hopesfall
guitarist Mike Tyson in its ranks.
Double Door 40th Anniversary
The downtown blues club has hosted legendary acts like Eric
Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan and continues to feature blues staples, up and
comers, and locals. It turns 40 with club veteran Lenny Federal’s Federal
Bureau of Rock n’ Roll.
Temperance League
Sunday
5 p.m., Thirsty Beaver, 1225 Central Ave., Free, https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Thirsty-Beaver-Saloon/155129104571598
One of Charlotte’s busiest, most prolific rock bands (which is
made up of area music vets) continues this pre-holiday tradition. Expect most
of its two full-length albums, some of its early EPs, a new song or two, and
surprises during this likely marathon.
Paint Fumes
The Charlotte garage rock trio finishes out its month-long
residency with a Christmas night throwdown that’s sure to exorcise all the ham
and sweets, family drama, and holiday blues that may be a part of your
high-stress season.