VAMPIRE WEEKEND (Show is Sold Out)
When delving into the musical world of Vampire Weekend, factions split and lines divide. Vampire Weekend are chart-toppers and their shows are selling out, but these boys—clean-shaven, yet newly tough-skinned—really can piss people off. Is it because they’re Ivy Leaguers or, maybe, because they lit a fire in a stale New York City rock scene? Even the woman on the cover art for the 2010 release Contra looks bewildered. Is it Contra, as in contradiction? Wearing argyle sweaters and playing African Pop-inspired music with hints of The Strokes, or attending Columbia but not growing up ripe with wealth sure can confuse folks. At one time, they were proclaimed by Stuff White People Like as the whitest band around and “pushing it to levels unseen.” Well, they are pushing boundaries, but in more ways than preppy-schoolboy charm. Dodging the sophomore slump, Contra didn’t suck; in fact, it’s better than their first, self-titled, album. And, in concert this young band is confident, as bouncy as their albums. Sweater vests and martinis are not needed to thoroughly enjoy yourself tonight. In the Venue, 579 W. 200 South, 7:30 p.m.
Friday March 19
SKA SHOW
The blossoming ’90s Utah ska scene had too much brass to support itself and began to fade away by the decade’s end, but the 2008 film The Upbeat captured the essence of skankin’ from southern Utah to Logan to ska central, Provo, and taught us that ska will never die. Never to be written off as a fad, adhering to the mantra “pick it up, pick it up,” it is resuscitated continually. These days, labels like “post-reggae” help sell tickets to shows. Label it what you will, skankin’ to live ska is fun, and tonight’s show shouldn’t disappoint. When there’s one ska band, there’s six: Arizona’s The Braskies will headline, preceded by Utah’s Storming Stages & Stereos, Hot Air Platoon, Skank Race, Superhero and Rebellious Cause. Kilby Court, 741 S. 330 West, 801- 364-3538, 5:30 p.m. All-ages. Tickets: 24Tix.com
Saturday March 20
LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO
Sunday March 21
SWEATSHOP UNION
Wednesday March 24
SCOUT NIBLETT
Coming Up
Tim Barry (Burt’s Tiki Lounge, March 25), Quasi (Urban Lounge, March 25), Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights (The State Room, March 26), Tracy Lawrence (The Westerner, March 26), Xiu Xiu (Urban Lounge, March 26), Story of the Year (Murray Theatre, March 26), Tyrone Wells (Kilby Court, March 27), Devendra Banhart & The Grogs (The Depot, March 29), Mac Lethal’s Alive Tour (Urban Lounge, March 29), Five for Fighting (The Depot, March 30), Cymbals Eat Guitar (Kilby Court, March 31)