Music
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Astro King Phoenix
Unconstructed Dream Space, the latest from Seattle rapper Astro King Phoenix, could not be more spot-on. Using sparse synths (sometimes bordering on the psychedelic) and layered vocal effects, Phoenix creates an album that sounds as though it has one foot in reality and the other in an ambient dreamland. Phoenix, born Aubrey Rhodes, majored in English with minors in philosophy and writing-which no doubt helps him create rhymes that come across more as stories than as songs, about issues such as feeling like he’s being controlled by someone else (“On a String”). Phoenix’s is a fresh perspective that’s sure to turn heads. With ZZ Top’s Drummer’s Drum Machine’s Manager’s Band, Dex Dynamite Saga. At the Crocodile’s Back Bar. All ages. The Crocodile, 2200 Second Ave., Seattle WA 98121 $5 Sunday, December 28, 2014, 8pm
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Poncho Sanchez & His Latin Jazz Band After nearly 40 years in the business, Grammy-winning singer and conga player Poncho Sanchez is a major figure in both the jazz and Latin-music communities. His latest with His Latin Jazz Band, Live in Hollywood, combines both sides of his musical background and his expertise as a bandleader. The ensemble’s performance is so on-point that if the audience applause and Sanchez’s moment of tribute to musician Clare Fischer were removed, Live in Hollywood could pass for a studio recording. This level of perfection doesn’t happen often, and is a testament to Sanchez’s command of the genre. All ages. Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 Sixth Ave., Seattle, WA 98121 $32.50 Monday, December 29, 2014, 7:30pm
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The Roots Somehow, between hanging out with celebrities and helping with sketches like “Slow Jam the News” and “History of Rap” as Jimmy Fallon’s house band, Philadelphia-born neo-soul/hip-hop eight-piece The Roots found time to release its 11th full-length, . . . And Then You Shoot Your Cousin. The concept album is a big departure from the more playful side of the band that’s seen on TV-an honest look at African-American stereotypes told through the eyes of various characters and the voices of multiple featured artists. With Lion Babe. All ages. The Showbox, 1426 First Ave., Seattle, WA 98101 $65 adv./$75 DOS Monday, December 29, 2014, 8pm
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Soyaya If they can manage to leave the couch, this Soyaya show is perfect for armchair travelers young and old. Ghanaian-born, Shoreline-based musician Mohammed Shaibu leads a quartet from Ghana, Colombia, Benin, and Senegal in tunes that capture the essence of his West African home. As Shaibu puts it on his website, Soyaya (which means “love and affection” in Hausa, his native language) combines elements of palm-wine and highlife music with indigenous R&B. The mostly instrumental acoustic songs feature a variety of percussion, with Shaibu on guitar, and practically dare listeners to resist dancing. It’s all the culture without the jet lag. With Rafael Tranquilina. All ages until 10 p.m. The Royal Room, 5000 Rainier Ave. S. Donation Tuesday, December 30, 2014, 8pm
Lenny Williams Live The notable R&B and soul artist plays while you enjoy a buffet dinner and gift bag. Royal Esquire Club Inc., 5016 Rainier Ave. S.Seattle, WA 98118 $100-$175 Wednesday, December 31, 2014, 7pm
Leroy Bell & His Only Friends The onetime X Factor standout will deliver a night of deep soul that will likely earn him even more friends. Different packages are available, including concert, Champagne, and credit toward food/drink/tax/gratuity. 7 p.m. (all ages) and 10:30 p.m. (21 and over). The Triple Door, 216 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $70-$100 Wednesday, December 31, 2014, 7pm
The Beatniks The Beatniks Playing music of the ‘60s and ‘70s, this band will bring energy, charisma, and chemistry to the party. Skagit Valley Casino Resort – Pacific Showroom, 5984 North Darrk LaneBow, WA 98232 $90 Wednesday, December 31, 2014, 7:30 – 8:30pm
Beat Connection The indie-electronic band closes out an impressive year with promises of more in 2015. With Pillar Point, Manatee Commune, CUSTOMS Crew Neumos, k o m o n o. 21 and over. Neumos, 925 E. Pike St., Seattle, WA 98122 $20 adv. Wednesday, December 31, 2014, 8pm
Common Kings This night is devoted to good vibes with a mix of rock, reggae, R&B, and classic soul influenced by acts such as D’Amgelo, Stevie Wonder, Led Zeppelin and Maroon 5. With Two Story Zori, Lions Ambition. Showbox SoDo, 1700 First Ave. S., Seattle WA $30 adv./$35 DOS Wednesday, December 31, 2014, 8pm
Eldridge Gravy & the Court Supreme The 14-member “funk juggernaut” will crowd the stage at Columbia City Theater. With Breaks and Swells. Columbia City Theater, 4916 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98118 $20/$25 adv. Wednesday, December 31, 2014, 8pm
Eldridge Gravy & the Court Supreme The 14-member “funk juggernaut” will crowd the stage at Columbia City Theater. With Breaks and Swells. Columbia City Theater, 4916 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98118 $20/$25 adv. Wednesday, December 31, 2014, 8pm
Ever So Android The Seattle-based rock duo rallies crowds at live shows with music described as “dark industrial electro-dance-rock.” With VibraGun, C-Leb & The Kettle Black, Dirty Dirty. High Dive, 513 N. 36th St., Seattle, WA 98103 $10 Wednesday, December 31, 2014, 8pm
The Dwarves The Dwarves If shocking hardcore punk is your thing, this is your party, featuring a band notorious for its subversive stage show and for once faking the death of its guitarist. With Fang, the Derelicts. 21 and over. The Highline, 210 Broadway Ave. E., Seattle, WA 98102 $20-$25 Wednesday, December 31, 2014, 8pm
The Nines This five-piece takes you through the evolution of music from the ‘70s to 2015, including Studio 54 funk, synth, and rock. Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St., Seattle, WA 98109 No cover. Wednesday, December 31, 2014, 8pm
The Cave Singers This trance-inducing roots-rock outfit has some serious Seattle street cred, rising from the ashes of Pretty Girls Make Graves. With Gazebos, Corey J Brewer. Tractor Tavern, 5213 Ballard Ave. N.W., Seattle, WA 98107 SOLD OUT Wednesday, December 31, 2014, 8:30pm
Artist Home New Year’s Eve Party Talking Heads cover band This Is Not My Beautiful Band will warm up one of the city’s oldest watering holes before an all-star band featuring members of Cumulus, OK Sweetheart, and Tea Cozies rings in the new year with hits ranging from LCD Soundsystem to Tom Petty. 21 and over. Conor Byrne, 5140 Ballard Ave. N.W., Seattle, WA 98107 $18 Wednesday, December 31, 2014, 9pm
Donald Glaude Making his Q debut, the Tacoma native brings 20-plus years of party-starting to the dance-floor. 21 and over. Q Nightclub, 1426 Broadway, Seattle, Washington 98122 $30 Wednesday, December 31, 2014, 9pm
Emerald City Soul Club & Dug Normally hosted at the LoFi, the DJs of the ECSC and Dug take to Chop Suey to celebrate the new year with two rooms of soul and funk. 21 and over. Chop Suey, 1325 E. Madison St., Seattle, WA 98122 $15 Wednesday, December 31, 2014, 9pm
Junior on the Prowl Get down to your classic rock favs with fun and energetic covers from this trio. 21 and over. Musiquarium at the Triple Door, 216 Union St. Seattle, WA 98101 No cover. Wednesday, December 31, 2014, 9pm
Massy Ferguson and Staxx Brothers Enjoy a hearty American meal followed by a concert by all-Americana rock band Massy Ferguson and soul group Staxx Brothers-complete with a midnight Champagne toast. Hard Rock Cafe, 116 Pike St. Seattle, WA 98101 $20 Wednesday, December 31, 2014, 9pm
Neon New Year’s Eve This is the perfect spot for the ‘80s music junkie with synth group Nite Wave, New Wave, post-punk devotees the West, and more. 21 and over. Nectar Lounge, 412 N. 36th St., Seattle, WA 98103 $20-$25 Wednesday, December 31, 2014, 9pm
Shabazz Palaces Greet the new year on a different planet with Seattle’s top experimental hip-hop group. The Neptune, 1303 N.E. 45th St., Seattle, WA 98105 $25 Wednesday, December 31, 2014, 9pm
Young Fresh Fellows Celebrate the new and improved you at the new and improved Sunset Tavern with these veterans of the Seattle music scene. With the Fucking Eagles, Less Than Equals. 21 and over. Sunset Tavern, 5433 Ballard Ave., Seattle WA $10 Wednesday, December 31, 2014, 9pm
Reignwolf Jordan Cook has earned comparisons to Jack White and was deemed a “One-Man Blues-Rock Army” by Rolling Stone. With Rose Windows, Thunderpussy. 21 and over. The Showbox, 1426 First Ave., Seattle, WA 98101 $27.50 adv./$30 DOS Wednesday, December 31, 2014, 10pm
