Xavier Rudd and the United Nations @ Turner Hall, May 21
Thursday, May 21
Xavier Rudd and the United Nations w/ Evan Christian @ Turner Hall Ballroom, 8 p.m.
At the risk of perpetuating a silly stereotype, we’ll offer the preface that not all musicians from Australia play the didgeridoo, but Xavier Rudd happens to. Then again, this Australian roots rock musician plays all sorts of instruments: slide guitar, harmonica, banjo, bass, the djembe hand drum, etc. Displaying more than a little Paul Simon influence (mostly in his vocals and in his affinity for world music), Rudd has become a favorite in jam circles, thanks largely to his flashy live shows, which feature plenty of instrument hopping. For this show he’ll be joined by the globally minded backing band the United Nations, with whom he recorded his latest album, Nanna.
Friday, May 22
Midwest Live & Loud 2015 @ Marian Center for Nonprofits, 3 p.m.
Dozens of punk, hardcore and oi! bands from around the region will crowd into town this weekend for three days of fast music at the Midwest Live & Loud festival, which takes place at the Marian Center for Nonprofits, 3211 S. Lake Drive. Headliners include Razorblade, Slapshot, Booze & Glory, Hardsell, Fatskins, Reducers S.F., The Bad Engrish, 45 Adapters and Broken Heroes. For full daily lineups, visit the event’s Facebook page. (Through Sunday, May 24.)
Booker T. Jones @ Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, 8 p.m.
Even after Booker T. recorded one of the most enduring soul grooves of all time, the 1962 Booker T. and the M.G.s hit “Green Onions,” he remained a prolific session player, backing soul legends like Otis Redding and Sam and Dave, as well as rock acts like The Who. Booker T.’s recent solo albums have found him in a collaborative mood. His 2009 effort Potato Hole paired him with alt-country favorites Drive-By Truckers and the great Neil Young on electric guitar, and featured covers of OutKast’s “Hey Ya” and Tom Waits’ “Get Behind the Mule.” His latest album, 2013’s Sound the Alarm, carries on in the same spirit, with guest appearances from Anthony Hamilton, Estelle and Gary Clark Jr. It’s his first release for the legendary Stax Records in more than four decades.
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VIVO @ Kasana, 8 p.m.
Fresh from their win at the Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) Awards this year for best jazz act, the Milwaukee ensemble VIVO will settle in at Kasana in the Third Ward for a night of live music. Featuring players Warren Wiegratz, Pam Duronio and Tim Stemper, the group plays a blend of pop, bossa nova, samba and contemporary jazz, which they captured on their debut album, On The Sunny Side.
Saturday, May 23
Big Sean w/ Casey Veggies @ Eagles Ballroom, 7:30 p.m.
When Big Sean signed with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music label in 2007, the young rapper seemed like a weak link in West’s otherwise impressive talent pool. But while Sean’s 2011 debut Finally Famous didn’t do much to prove the Michigan rapper as a lyricist, it delivered some solid hits, including the West-assisted “Marvin & Chardonnay” and the utterly ridiculous club clapper “Dance (A$$).” In the years since, Sean has improved markedly, as his punchlines have grown sharper and his flow more dexterous. On the back of the DJ Mustard-produced hit single “I Don’t Fuck with You” and a solid guest appearance from Drake on “Blessings,” this winter Sean’s latest album Dark Sky Paradise became his first to debut at number one on the Billboard charts.
Surfer Blood w/ Alex Calder and Shoot Down The Moon @ Cactus Club, 9:30 p.m.
West Palm Beach indie rockers Surfer Blood pretty much hit the nail on the head with their 2010 debut Astro Coast, which put a beach-friendly spin on the guitar-driven indie-pop of the band’s youth. The group paid even more overt homage to their influences on their sophomore album, 2013’s Pythons, which they recorded with Pixies producer Gil Norton. They even borrowed some of Pixies guitarist Joey Santiago’s equipment for those sessions. Having lost their major-label deal and much of the buzz that surrounded their debut, the group returned to square one for their latest album, 1000 Palms, self-recording it in an attic studio.
Joe Ely Duo @ Shank Hall, 8 p.m.
Along with Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock, Joe Ely was one of the founding members of the Texas country band The Flatlanders, a group that didn’t attract much attention during its original run together but whose stature has grown as its members went on to distinguished solo careers. Ely’s career may be the most wide-ranging of the three: He’s played with Bruce Springsteen, The Chieftains and Uncle Tupelo, and sung backing vocals on The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go.” In 2011, Ely released his latest album, Satisfied At Last.
Sunday, May 24
Vintage Car Show @ Five O’Clock Steakhouse, 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
Dryhootch Milwaukee will raise money for local veterans at this car show-fundraiser, which will feature a wide variety of vehicles built between the ’30s and ’60s, including a few truly exotic ones. The El Comedor food truck will provide Mexican food while the Five O’ Clock Steakhouse will serve beer and cocktails and Gabriel Sanchez will play live music, along with a host of players from the local blues, R&B and rock scenes. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. Guests who donate $20 will receive a $20 gift card to the Five O’Clock Steakhouse.
Tuesday, May 26
Kyle Kinane @ Turner Hall Ballroom, 8 p.m.
If you watch Comedy Central, you’ve heard Kyle Kinane before. Since 2011, he’s served as the station’s commercial announcer. And if you watch the station enough, you’ve probably seen him, too. The Chicago stand-up has been featured on “Comedy Central Presents,” “Drunk History” and “@midnight,” as well as the animated oddity “TripTank.” Cord-cutting comedy fans, meanwhile, may know him from his many podcast appearances on shows like “WTF with Marc Maron,” “The Nerdist Podcast” and “Getting Doug with High.” His latest comedy special is this year’s I Liked His Old Stuff Better.
