Standards, Surfing, and Subculture

CROONING KRALL: With her striking good looks, distinctive husky voice, and more-than-proficient piano skills, it’s no surprise that Diana Krall is a modern-day jazz legend. What is a surprise, however, is the way she manages to keep making music that is simultaneously comfortable and cutting-edge-no small feat for an artist whose career is mostly built on covering well-known American standards. Her breakthrough album,All For You: A Dedication to the Nat King Cole Trio, earned her a Grammy nod back in 1996. Seven albums, one marriage to hipster icon Elvis Costello, and a set of twin boys later, Krall came out with her most recent release, From This Moment On, in 2006. Ranging from intimate piano bar-ready numbers such as “Exactly Like You” to full-scale big-band belters like “It Could Happen To You,” From This Moment On is Krall’s ode to the golden era of jazz. Check out Diana Krall with special guest Chris Botti at the Santa Barbara Bowl on Sunday, August 19. The show starts at 7 p.m., and tickets range from $55.50 to $87.50. Visit sbbowl.com, or call 962-7411. -Mollie Vandor

A CURRAN AFFAIR: Music is as much a part of surf culture as itsy-bitsy bikinis and well-waxed boards. In fact, one could argue that the two are as inseparable as surf and sand. Veteran surfer and newly-minted professional musician Timmy Curran knows this all too well. Raised in nearby Oxnard’s Silver Strand Beach neighborhood, Curran was already a professional surfer by the time he hit 16. Curran’s EP Citsuca has already garnered rave reviews from surfers and music fans alike, and his star has slowly been rising with shows in Ventura, Hollywood, and San Diego. His debut album,Word of Mouth, features Curran playing surf rock-inspired acoustic melodies with a decidedly folksy undercurrent. With their meandering melodies and soft-spoken, straightforward lyrics, songs like “Slow,” “Blue Eyes,” and “Selfish Ways” are just as appropriate for a beachside bonfire as they are for an intimate night onstage. On Tuesday, August 21, Curran will prove just that, playing an all-ages show at SOhO at 8 p.m. Visit sohosb.com for details. -MV

MONSTER MASH: Isla Vista’s beloved goblin-themed metal band is back to keep the walls of I.V. vibrating with double bass and goblin growls this weekend. Commonly compared to the likes of Dragonforce and In Flames, Nekrogoblikon knows how to intertwine catchy riffs, retro electric keyboard jams, and a truly hysterical stage show to create the ultimate eardrum-busting experience. The goblins come out to play at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 18 at The Green House, 6512 Del Playa. -Stephanie Flint

OLDIES BUT GOODIES: Attention old school punks; it’s time to bust out the tight jeans, hair gel, and rebellious snarl, because the Angry Samoans and Rat Pack are coming to town. Formed in 1978, the Angry Samoans have had years to refine their tight, catchy, hardcore music. Well-known for causing quite a stir in the music scene, the Angry Samoans deliver an enjoyably deranged sound, and they are certainly not afraid to offend. Since 1984, Rat Pack has kept the old scene alive with their raw punk attitude and aggressive riffs. And with influences like Black Flag, Circle Jerks, and the Damned, there’s no doubt that Rat Pack will bring that perfect dose of classic punk to the lineup. The madness starts at 9 p.m. on Friday, August 17 at Velvet Jones. Tickets are $10; 21 and older only. -SF

NOT SO TERRIBLE: Never mind that they live and play in Los Angeles. Three quarters of Them Terribles are Santa Barbara natives, and they’re headed back to the homestead this weekend to celebrate the release of their first record, Rock, Paper, Terribles. The 7-song EP offers an engaging sound, a solid no-frills rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic, and just a touch of glam. And while it’s no surprise they took first place in the S.B. Battle of the Bands a couple years back, this EP is a good indication of even bigger things to come. The release party starts at 10 p.m. on Saturday, August 18 at Velvet Jones. Visit velvet-jones.com. -Kiersten Tarr

962-7776 SOhO: Children of the ’80s rejoice-SOhO will soon be dialing your favorite phone number when Tommy Tutone comes to town on August 22. Best known for its frustratingly catchy hit, “867-5309-Jenny,” the central Californian quartet, formed in 1970 by vocalist Tommy Heath and lead guitarist Jim Keller, have been mostly inactive since their one-hit ticket to glory in 1982. But all that is about to change, as the band has signed a new deal with Spectra Records and plans to head to the studio once again to challenge their title as one-hit wonders. VH1 may never be the same again. Visit sohosb.com for details. -Levi Michaels