Positively State Street
From Blues to Bravery
THE BRAVE LITTLE ROCKERS: Hailing from the synth rock capital of the world, New York neo-New Wavers The Bravery are poised to pack the house for their Wednesday, September 19 stop at SOhO (1221 State St.). Since bursting onto the music scene in 2005, the boys have been touring heavily and feuding publicly with fellow synth darlings The Killers. But don’t let the bickering dissuade you; Rolling Stone has named The Bravery an artist to watch, and The Village Voice dubbed the band “New York’s Official Next Best Thing.” Missing this intimate performance would be a mistake you don’t want to make. The show starts at 9 p.m., and tickets are $20 in advance. Visit sohosb.com for more info. -Aly Comingore
NAUGHTY, BAWDY & BLUE: Famed songstress Maria Muldaur brings her sultry blues standards to the Earl Warren Showgrounds (3400 Calle Real) on Saturday, September 15 as part of the Santa Barbara Blues Society’s Tribute to Classic Blues Queens. Muldaur-best known for her 1974 hit, “Midnight at the Oasis”-will be on board to cover classics from the likes of Bessie Smith, Memphis Minnie, Sippie Wallace, and many others. Her S.B. gig is part of a larger national tour in support of her recent release, Naughty, Bawdy & Blue. The show starts at 8:30 p.m., and tickets can be purchased at Folk Mote Music (1034 Santa Barbara St.), Jensen Guitar (2830 De la Vina St.), or at the door. Visit sbblues.org for more info. -Aly Comingore
FUNKY AS THEY WANNA BE: When Isla Vista comes to mind, one can’t help but think of beer cans, bicycles, and bongs. That said, it’s hard to believe an innovative band such as Boombox Orchestra was spawned from the depths of this litter-filled seaside collegiate province. Even with the departure of their singer/rapper, Pat Male, the boys of Boom are funkier than ever. Their sound-a whirlwind of jazzy saxophone, slappin’ bass guitar, and lyrics that range in subject from partying to politics-makes it hard to corner them into a single genre. And they intend to keep it that way. Head down to Velvet Jones (423 State St.) on Thursday, September 20 at 8 p.m. and be prepared to dance. -Jessica Small
ART-DAMAGED RIOT CHICAS: San Antonio’s indie pop trio Girl in A Coma will rock Muddy Waters (508 E. Haley St.) on Friday, September 14 at 8 p.m. Fronted by dulcet-toned singer/songwriter/guitarist Nina Diaz-whose singing style registers somewhere between Patsy Cline and Bjrk-the band also includes her sister Phanie Diaz on drums and bassist Jenn Alva. Stylistically, the group-which took the inspiration for its name from The Smiths’ classic tune “Girlfriend in a Coma”-has been favorably compared to Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Sleater-Kinney, and the Pixies. Their debut disc, Both Before I’m Gone, was released in May. L.A.’s The Randies-another rockin’ trio of violent femmes-will open the show. Come check these ladies out at one of S.B.’s truly alternative venues. -Sean Mageean
TRIP ON THIS: From packed parties in Isla Vista to stuffed stadiums in Europe, the boys of Tripdavon have had quite a musical journey. They got their start in the I.V. party scene, where they provided a hard-rock alternative to the town’s usual reggae and hip-hop party fare. Upon returning from a European tour, they headed straight for the studio, where they recorded their first major studio album. The Enlightened Operative showcases the band’s introspective lyrics and deceptively simple sound. Their music is straightforward rock ‘n’ roll, with driving guitars, infectious drums, and a melodic, lilting lyrical delivery that can best be described as resembling Incubus during their earlier, harder-rocking days. Check out Santa Barbara’s own Justin Fox, Greg Doscher, Adam Coons, Dave Heer, and Russ Cummings at SOhO on Friday, September 14. The show starts at 9:30, and tickets are just $8. -Mollie Vandor
