Muddy Waters Hosts Billy Corgan, Dave Navarro

TONIGHT, TONIGHT: If you’re reading this and you don’t yet know about Billy Corgan‘s solo show at Muddy Waters Cafe (508 E. Haley St.) tonight, don’t freak-tickets have been sold out for more than a week. Still, the nearly nonsensical coup of a concert does deserve some mention, as it may easily become the biggest little show Santa Barbara sees this year. Corgan (of Smashing Pumpkins, Zwan fame) will swing by the tiny coffeehouse-cum-rock-club this eve for a set with his most recently established backing band, Spirits in the Sky. Along for the ride will be newly minted Pumpkins drummer, 19-year-old Mike Byrne, and Jane’s Addiction/Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist (and one-time Mr. Carmen Electra) Dave Navarro.

And in case your head is not yet spinning, the Thursday show is one of only six solo tour dates Corgan has lined up. After that, it will be back to work on Pumpkins material and, if history repeats itself, a return to more appropriately sized arenas. So, for those lucky ticket holders planning to take in the show, I encourage you to pack light and dress cool, because it’s going to get real intimate-and real squished-this evening. And for those of you left in the cold, worry not, as we will have pics and set list info available bright and early Friday morning at independent.com.

TOP OF THE POPS: In between Hellogoodbye‘s packed house, J. Tillman’s beautifully brimming set, Built to Spill‘s big sell-out, and Diana Krall‘s Bowl-sized get-together, this weekend saw three days of live music from some of Santa Barbara’s finest up-and-comers. That’s right, round two of The Indy‘s Road to West Beach battle of the bands contest is a wrap-and three talented bands are now vying for that coveted spot on the West Beach Festival Mainstage. Friday night’s South County showdown at Sandbar ended with a victory for Carpinteria’s Lonesome Dub. On Saturday, The Goodland took North County (thanks to a couple unfortunate surrenders from their competitors). And on Sunday night at Velvet Jones (423 State St.), Santa Barbara’s own Grover Anderson barely wedged out Verna Beware for the S.B. win. A warm congratulations is due to all who competed.

Next Thursday, September 3, Lonesome Dub, The Goodland, and Grover Anderson will face off head-to-head at Velvet Jones for the Road to West Beach finals as part of 1st Thursday. Like the semifinals, winners will be chosen by audience ballot, so don’t forget to head out and cast your votes. The big battle starts at 5 p.m. Call 965-8676 or visit velvet-jones.com for show details.

PREPARE FOR TAKEOVER: Don’t go thinking the end of West Beach means the start of the winter lull, oh no. This fall, Santa Barbara will come alive with music when the New Noise festival hits town on October 8, 9, and 10. The inaugural weekend-long fest is outfitted like the next South by Southwest or Noisepop, with music conferences and panel discussions during the day, and boatloads of live entertainment around town at night. Thus far, the New Noise camp has announced concerts from Michael Franti & Spearhead (Thu., Oct. 8, at the Arlington), as well as performances from Har Mar Superstar, No Use for a Name, and Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, among many others.

But perhaps most importantly, the folks behind New Noise are looking to give back to S.B.’s music community, which means scouring for local acts to hook up with. Currently, the festival is looking for Santa Barbara music makers to help fill out the three-day lineup. Interested bands and musicians should apply through Sonicbids, or visit newnoisesb.com for details.

KATY DID: At last, the time has come for Katy Perry‘s long awaited homecoming show at the S.B. Bowl (1122 N. Milpas St.). This Sunday, August 30, the native pop tart will return to town to make good on her May 9 concert, which was cancelled due to the Jesusita Fire. While tickets from the May show will be honored, word on the street is that there are still seats available. For more info, call 962-7411 or visit sbbowl.com.