Friday, Nov. 21
Like the palace that inspired his stage name, Henry Saint Clair Fredericks is internationally known. The blues musician, who fronts the Taj Mahal Trio with bassist Bill Rich and Kester Smith on drums, has been performing for 50 years and recently won the Lifetime Achievement for Performance Award at this year’s Americana Honors and Awards. A look at Fredericks’ extensive discography backs up the praise: more than two dozen albums, including his latest, the aptly titled Maestro, and a variety of live albums and compilations. He has also appeared on a variety of movie soundtracks and can play as many instruments. Now with his trio, the self-taught musician is adding more acclaim to his career, returning to Jazz Alley for his annual residency. Through Sunday, Nov. 30. 2033 Sixth Ave., 441-9729, jazzalley.com. 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. $36.50. All ages. ACP
Singer/songwriter David Bazan is perhaps best known for fronting Pedro the Lion and for his two solo albums, Curse Your Branches and Strange Negotiations. With the Passenger String Quartet, led by Andrew Joslyn, the songwriter is reimagining tunes from both stages of his career on Volume 1. Longtime Bazan fans needn’t worry; the songs are not reworked beyond recognition. Instead, the orchestral arrangement elevates what Bazan created. The songs feel fresh without losing the emotion behind his lyrics. With David Dondero. The Neptune, 1303 N.E. 45th St., 877-STG-4TIX, stgpresents.org/neptune. 9 p.m. $22 adv./$25 DOS. All ages. ACP
“We’re gonna haunt you/Twenty-four seven,” Deerhoof’s Satomi Matsuzaki sings on “Black Pitch” off the band’s 12th full-length, La Isla Bonita. And haunt you it does—only with catchiness, not creepiness. Matsuzaki’s voice is bright and playful, clear like a bell, while the band runs through a variety of genres. There’s the more ethereal “Mirror Monster,” the groovy “Tiny Bubbles,” the Ramones-inspired “Exit Only,” and the punk “God 2.” Now in its 20th year, Deerhoof is known for being spontaneous, and La Isla Bonita follows suit. With Busdriver, Go Dark. Neumos. 8 p.m. $15. All ages. ACP
Saturday, Nov. 22
Punk-rock supergroup Childbirth—Tacocat’s Bree McKenna, Pony Time’s Stacy Peck, and Chastity Belt’s Julia Shapiro—takes the riot-grrl sound to a whole new, cruder level with their debut, It’s a Girl! Song titles like “I Only Fucked You as a Joke,” “Crossbitch,” and “How Do Girls Even Do It?” give a pretty good idea of what’s to come, but to actually hear the hospital-gown-clad trio sing about regretful hookups, sister wives, the mysteries of lesbian sex, and menopause is a whole other hilarious thing. Really, what’s more punk than childbirth? This show doubles as a birthday celebration for Highline booker Brian Foss’ wife Cyndi, so come ready to party. With the Dee Dees, the Witches Titties, Culture Shakti. The Highline, 210 Broadway Ave. E., 328-7837. 9 p.m. $7. 21 and over. ACP
Against Me!’s Laura Jane Grace isn’t one to tone things down. Transgender Dysphoria Blues, the band’s first album since she came out as trans, tackled body and gender issues with ripping guitars and blaring vocals. Even with all the screaming, the singer managed to express her story relatably. Now she’s stripping back all the noise for an acoustic performance and a discussion on trans-activism, giving a rare, intimate look at one of modern punk’s most compelling figureheads. UW’s North Hub Ballroom, 4001 W. Stevens Way N.E., 543-8191, depts.washington.edu/thehub. 7 p.m. $8 students/$15 GA. All ages. DUSTY HENRY
Sometimes sad records are one-dimensional and leave listeners feeling empty; other times they have layers that feel a bit more reflective. The melancholic self-titled album from rock quintet Modern Ruins falls in the second category. There’s a somberness to singer/guitarist Leigh Stone’s voice, especially when she sings lyrics like “You come from there/I’m over here/Why can’t you see me?” (“Theories”). But brighter instrumentation, albeit with droning guitar riffs, makes the album seem almost hopeful. There’s a beauty to Modern Ruins’ gloomy sound that adds depth. Fans will get a chance to experience both sides of the band at this album-release show. With Wishbeard, DJ Meaty Okra. Vermillion, 1508 11th Ave., 709-7979, vermillionseattle.com. 9 p.m. Free. 21 and over. ACP
Alt-rock quartet Dark Hip Falls and 3rd Shift Dance have teamed up for a jam-packed one-night-only event, something the band is calling Shift Sessions: Volume 1. Not only will audience members get to hear Seventy Four, the group’s debut album, played in full, they’ll also get to enjoy original dance pieces from 3rd Shift Dance artistic director Xaviera Vandermay and five other choreographers inspired by the album, and catch the premiere of the music video for “Lam2: Red Hands.” Seventy Four is sparse and lacks any huge choruses, but the band’s moody vibe and musical diversity will give the dancers a lot to work with. Westlake Dance Center, 10703 Eighth Ave. N.E., 621-7378, westlakedance.com. 7 p.m. $12 adv./$20 DOS. All ages. ACP
Sunday, Nov. 23
At this Tribute to The Last Waltz: A Benefit for Rain City Rock Camp for Girls, the nonprofit, which is dedicated to building self-esteem in girls and encouraging musical expression, is honoring The Band’s iconic final show. Local musicians, including Leif Dalan of Clinton Fearon and the Boogie Brown Band and Bill Nordwall and Jasen Samford of Exohxo, will fill in for The Band. And like the original star-studded event, this show will feature plenty of guest vocalists, including Star Anna, Stephanie Anne Johnson, Nouela Johnston (People Eating People), Fredd Luongo (the Swearengens), Joel Schneider (My Goodness), and many more. Tractor Tavern, 5213 Ballard Ave. N.W., 789-3599, tractortavern.com. 8 p.m. $10. 21 and over. ACP
