BOMBS & BEATING HEARTS
Joining local dining establishments Caffe Niche, Pat’s Barbecue and Sun & Moon Cafe, among others, Vertical Diner recently embraced the winning combination of tasty vittles and sounds. The vegan-friendly restaurant launched its live-music series July 17 with a performance by Hyrum Summerhays’ latest project Menlo and hopes to host bands on the patio throughout the year, weather permitting. Tonight, grab a Sunshine Burger and side of Vertical’s famous Tender Tiger—fried “chicken” tenders with dairy-free ranch dressing—or hand-cut fries (diner booking agent David Berg swears they’re the best in town) and experience Salt Lake City anarchist folk-punk rockers Bombs & Beating Hearts. A staple among members of the Boing! extended family, BBH often plays guerilla style—on TRAX, for example, in an attempt to subvert the status quo. Tonight’s all-ages gig is arguably one of the more-traditional shows on their schedule. Vertical Diner, 2280 S. West Temple, 8 p.m. All-ages
Brother Reade speak up for the little guy/gal: “This is for the strippers and the fans of the Clippers, ‘cause life ain’t easy for ya’ll.” And they speak from experience. Arguably, things could be better for the Los Angeles-based duo, whose emcee Jimmy/Major Jamz and DJ/producer Bobby Evans are two of the most underrated/sub-radar artists working today’s hit-or-miss hip-hop circuit. Their tracks have an irresistible old-school flavor that’s more playful than tough and blessedly free of tired misogyny. Rap Music (2007) belongs in your permanent collection; your body deserves to bounce to its smooth flow and “Damn—that’s some flavor!” beats. W Lounge, 358 S. West Temple, 9 p.m.
STARLIGHT MINTS
On May 21, 2003, the Starlight Mints played Liquid Joe’s to a crowd of maybe 15 people, all of whom were disappointed to learn that the evening’s headliners, Philly’s Burning Brides, had canceled at the last minute. Few knew of the Mints, on tour in support of their sophomore release Built on Squares (2003), but by the end of the night everyone who paid attention to the set was sold on their deliciously devilish sound, which—like their Norman, Oklahoma neighbors The Flaming Lips and, more recently Stardeath and White Dwarfs—favors lushly orchestrated and reverb-heavy experiments in psych-pop sound. The Mints came through town again in 2006 promoting Drowaton, and return tonight with an album well-worth the three-year wait. Change Remains glimmers and beguiles, venturing further into synthesized territory. It’s not quirky or bizarre or unsettling—it’s an addictive, sugary, space snack powered by Allan Vest’s droopy-sexy voice. Velour, 135 N. University Ave., Provo, 8 p.m. All-ages.
ACOUSTIC ALL-STARS
Tonight, use your inside voice—or, better yet, refrain from talking altogether. The kick-off to the second annual Acoustic All-Stars highlights music by artists who shouldn’t have to compete with bar chatter to get their sound across. Local singer-songwriters Tyler Forsberg and Melody launched the
event to foster a spirit of community and strength in numbers, giving
added strength and support to individuals who often perform solo. Their
inaugural event, featuring popular Utah acts including James Shook and
Parley’s Drifters, couldn’t have gone any better. This year’s lineup
continues the positive momentum with the festival founders, plus Greg
Downs, Muhaw, Cambriah & Kinfolk, Steven Swift, McCall Erickson,
Jeremiah Maxey, Silver Glen, Brett Turner, Timmy Pearce, Zayn Jones,
Jablue, Josh Johnson, Nicole “Kole,” and Dustin Bangerter. Star Bar, 268 Main, Park City 8 p.m. Tickets: 24Tix.com (also Sunday, 2 p.m.)
Tuesday 8.4
Pat’s
Barbecue’s Summer Concert Series continues with Damon Fowler, who while
up-and-coming on the national platform, is a seasoned veteran of
Florida’s impressive blues scene. In 2005, the now-29-year-old musician
hit a major speed bump, sustaining serious injuries in a car accident
that eliminated a good chunk of his skull and stole bits of his
left-arm’s deltoid. That he returned to the studio and is now touring
in support of Sugar Shack (Blind Pig) is impressive enough, but
the guitarist not only retained but improved his chops! His new album,
a collection of original material plus covers of works by Merle
Haggard, Billy Joe Shaver and The Amazing Rhythm Aces showcases his
piping-hot guitar/steel guitar skills, and soars on the sounds of
hard-earned redemption. See it to believe it. Pat’s Barbecue, 155 W. Commonwealth Ave., doors, 5:30 p.m., show, 7 p.m. (also The Wine Cellar, Aug. 6)
COMING UP
Q. Tip, B.O.B (Gallivan Center, Aug. 6); Badgrass Reunion (South Shore, Aug. 7); Vans Warped Tour (Utah State Fairpark, Aug. 8); Frankie J (W Lounge, Aug. 8); Loud & Clear Benefit (Kilby Court, Aug. 8); Nebula (Club Vegas, Aug. 9); Priscilla Ahn (Murray Theater, Aug. 11); EOTO (Star Bar, Aug. 13); Spy Hop Records Release (In the Venue, Aug. 13); Sunn O))), Eagle Twin (Avalon, Aug. 14)
