Bloglander

One question before we get into the goods happening this weekend: Have you bought your ticket for Volume yet?

OK, now we can proceed. 

FRIDAY
Do not look up the term “itchy kitty” on Urban Dictionary. Do, however, check out Spokane’s self-described “pussy punk” band Itchy Kitty. The female duo (Bassslut Nom/Naomi Eisenbrey and Frontbitch Ami/Ami Elston) — featuring a backing drummer — play guitar and bass on stage while hissing, moaning and meowing into their microphones. They swear like sailors at the audience and talk about cats as much as possible. Their music is animalistic to the core, powerful and totally badass. It’s easy to see how this band could be misconstrued as corny, but they take their music quite seriously. It’s light-hearted punk that’s a hell of a good time to see live. Check them out tonight at Jones Radiator, along with Why Did Johnny Kill, at 8 pm.

As writer Dan Nailen suggests, you should definitely check out Jon Spencer Blues Explosion over at the Bartlett tonight. The three men in the act have never met a genre they didn’t gleefully tear into and destroy (in a good way!) during their two decades-plus together. Singer and guitarist Spencer brings the serious frontman attitude to JSBX’s live shows, and together with drummer Russell Simins and guitarist Judah Bauer, he turns every show into a sweat-drenched dance party that everyone from metalheads to indie-rock snobs can love. Hear them along with We Are Hex at the all-ages venue starting at 8 pm.


SATURDAY
We’re hoping for glorious weather this weekend. If that happens go ahead and make the drive down to Moscow’s John’s Alley to hear the glorious funk/rock/African tunes of Simba and the Exceptional Africans. That show starts at 9:30 pm. Stop and get a beer at Paradise Creek Brewery in Pullman before you go.

SUNDAY
Sundays are always fantastic days to have your face melted off. That’s why you’ll want to head over to the Big Dipper this Sunday to see heavy metal acts Losing Skin, the Helm and East Sherman. This is especially a treat as Spokane act Losing Skin hasn't played locally in six months and Tacoma's the Helm hasn't been here in six years. The evening will be the perfect way to blow some steam before headed into the workweek. The all-ages show begins at 8 pm and is $5.

MONDAY
Old-school ska band The English Beat brings their searing brand of sociopolitical commentary to the Bartlett Monday night,  Read this week’s story on the act here. The all-ages show starts at 8 pm and is $35. This show is huge!