Tonight marks the debut appearance of Hot Cops, a band made up of former members of local noisemakers Green Light Go and Cameo Turret. Yes, you read that correctly — an Arrested Development reference in all its glory. Hot Cops will open a show at the Canopy Club this evening, followed by Hathaways (the group composed of siblings Kate and James Hathaway), who are playing all over the place this week. As James ages he seems to look more and more like CU-to-San Francisco transplant Darrin Drda, or maybe it was just that one night … I’m not sure. Headlining the show is rock band Snowsera, who have picked up several fans in recent months (behind the release of an EP) thanks to their solid hooks and the high-tenor lead vocals of Bill Arteaga (who finds an interesting accent in his singing voice). This show will start at 9 p.m., and you can get in for $5 before 9:30.
For something completely different, Thursday also offers a show from former Jet Blonde front-lady G. Lee. She will once again grace the tiny corner of Aroma Café (can’t the warm weather hurry up and get here?), this time with former CU-ite (and former New Yorker) now living in Nashville, Keith Harden. Keith still makes frequent stops locally, always bringing a guitar and his road-tested alt-country numbers along. I imagine that these two CU scene veterans will collaborate over the course of the evening, which will run from 8 to 10 p.m. The show has no entry fee, but tips are most definitely appreciated. Check out aroma-cafe.com for more info about upcoming shows.
Friday has a lot to offer in the way of music. Earliest of the options is an 8 p.m. show at Techline (24 East Green St. in Champaign), where you’ll find a fundraiser for the Community Center for the Arts entitled “An Evening of Music for the Grown-Ups.” The first half of the program will feature chamber music (from German Baroque to 20th Century American) from an array of faculty members, while the second half will be filled by Oberon, the Possum King performing traditional dance tunes. You will be encouraged to turn that mother out. Tickets for the event are $15, and include wine, coffee and dessert. Proceeds will go to the Community Center for the Arts, located in Lincoln Square Mall in downtown Urbana. The center offers classes in various art forms, and is hoping to use the money to install a new floor. Check out c-4a.org for more info.
At 9 p.m. on Saturday, the Iron Post will unleash Brandon T. Washington upon the unsuspecting crowd, in his first show since the December reunion of his band Temple of Low Men. Look for him to play some familiar songs from that band, along with cherry-picked covers — all sung with his ridiculously great voice. Washington will be followed by rockers Lucky Mulholland and The Brother Whys (who will offer up a brand new CD). $5.
Saturday brings even tougher choices to lovers of live music. The Canopy Club will host two shows: early at 6:30 p.m. is a Green Street Records (greenstrecords.com) showcase featuring Animate Objects and The Lifeline); and to follow at 10 p.m. is a show from The Funky Monks (seriously a Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute act).
High Anxiety Music Center (highanxietymusic.com) will host a show again on Saturday (check out the great poster on the website). The all-ages venue will present Krukid (can’t throw a rock without hitting him in the middle of one of his shows lately) and Jonah at 8 p.m. with only a $6 cover.
Another show option is at Cowboy Monkey (yes, you read that correctly), where Elsinore lead singer Ryan Groff will headline a show also featuring local folk duo/trio/who-knows-how-many-will-show-up Casados and tight Washington D.C. band Vandaveer (myspace.com/vandaveer). The show will kick off at 9 p.m. and will give those who haven’t checked out Cowboy Monkey’s new look a chance to scope it out. The bar has been open here and there (without much fanfare) on weekends while the finishing touches have been applied. A strong crowd showing at these first few shows back could help ensure that more will follow (including the return of Open Mic Night — now on Tuesdays — featuring another return: bartender Tim Fahey).
Nekromancy (the industrial/goth Monday night residency) is still going strong at C Street. But be warned, Nekromancy! DJ mingram will have returned to the Highdive on Mondays as of this issue. Carnage shall ensue as the sweet pipes of Steve Perry lure away even the most hardcore members of your audience. No one will be spared.
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