The Suspect: Tiempo Libre
This group calls ita concerts a “Cuban musical party.” The music is timba, a high-energy combination of Latin jazz and traditional son cubano. This three-time Grammy-nominated band has performed on NPR and Dancing with the Stars, and last month they released My Secret Radio.
Can Be Found: The Orange Peel, Sunday, June 12.
RIYD (Recommended if You Dig): Marc Anthony, Buena Vista Social Club.
You Should Go If: you own a non-costume shirt with ruffles; even though you do most of your shopping at Belk, you love bartering with the salesclerks; you list “Student of the world” as your occupation; you’d do anything for a shopping spree at … J & R Cigar Outlet.
The Suspect: Blair Crimmins and the Hookers
Banjo, ukulele, horns, accordion and piano are wielded with vaudeville-style panache in this Hot-lanta band. Think sexy extreme ragtime with the outfits and attitudes to go with it.
Can Be Found: Mo’ Daddy’s, Saturday, June 11.
RIYD: Squirrel Nut Zippers, The Blue Rags.
You Should Go If: You were kicked out of your kindergarten pageant because your teacher had no appreciation for improv; wearing your pants over your belly button just feels right; you always wear your Bluetooth so you’re free to do jazz hands; you’d do anything for a shopping spree at … Tops for Shoes.
The Suspect: Los Straightjackets
Ever wonder what you’d get if you tossed Nacho Libre/Jack Black a guitar? Maybe something very close to Los Straightjackets, an instrumental surfer/rockabilly outfit from Nashville whose members perform dressed in black and wearing personalized Mexican wrestling masks.
Can Be Found: The Grey Eagle, Tuesday, June 14.
RIYD: The Ventures, Dick Dale.
You Should Go If: Your luggage set is two king-sized pillowcases; you think everything tastes better when cooked in your industrial smoker; you feel uncomfortable in rooms with no discernible theme; you’d do anything for a shopping spree at … Madame O.’s Bondage Warehouse.
The Suspect: Lloyd Cole
This legendary British singer-songwriter’s career has spanned nearly 30 years, most famously as the lead of Lloyd Cole and the Commotions. The band’s first album, Rattlesnakes, is often cited by music critics as one of the greatest debuts of all time. His latest release, an alt-country tinged Broken Record, came out last year.
Can Be Found: The Grey Eagle, Thursday, June 16.
RIYD: Elvis Costello, The Magnetic Fields.
You Should Go If: You grasped the power of hair mousse even before you saw Pretty Woman; now that you’ve finally made peace with the idea of selling out, everyone is broke; you didn’t believe in the apocalypse until you got a Groupon for a “mobile organic spray tan”; You’d do anything for a shopping spree at … Asheville Wine Market.
Umm…there is no “g” or “h” in Los Straitjackets. Also worth pointing out they’re on a double-bill with Dave Alvin, founder of The Blasters. Here’s a Q&A with Los Straitjackets on the eve of tonight’s show. http://blog.billkopp.com/?p=537