Friday, April 18
Local psychedelia by way of Texas—where the Austin Psych Fest has embraced the band—Night Beats play basement trance rock; it’s reverb-laden, muffled, and delivered with sass, grit, and a disintegrating beat that demands that you dance. Last September’s Sonic Bloom is filled with mind-bending revelations that can warp the walls of a small club like LoFi. With Cosmonauts, The Pharmacy, Black Sea. 9 p.m. $10. MB
Fading West perfectly encapsulates Switchfoot, despite being more of an organic pop effort than previous releases. Fading was inspired by the band’s 2012 world tour, which was chronicled in a documentary of the same name. Jon Foreman’s lyrics are as thought-provoking as ever, and remind listeners that you can still find hope in rock & roll. With The Royal Concept. The Showbox. 8:30 p.m. $25 adv./$28 DOS. All ages. BRIAN PALMER
Da Mafia 6ix Five of the original Three 6 Mafia members (alas, no Juicy J or Project Pat) have reunited to honor their former bandmate, the late Lord Infamous. The new project, which was encouraged and supported by fans, keeps the hits alive, while new material moves toward a more EDM-influenced sound. With The Menace, guests. Studio Seven, 110 S. Horton St., 286-1312, studioseven.us. 8 p.m. $15 adv./$17 DOS. MICHAEL F. BERRY
All sorts of feelings will be had tonight as endings and beginnings collide in a big swirling goop of all-ages goodness. Us on Roofs have sadly declared this its last show. Conversely, the band formed in the wake of Nude Pop’s demise, Mallows, have declared this its first show. The all-ages Lord giveth, and the all-ages Lord taketh away. The night also sees Special Explosion ride home from a massive nationwide tour for the hometown release party of The Art of Mothering EP. With Seacats. Vera Project, 305 Harrison St., 956-8372, theveraproject.com. 7:30 p.m. $10. All ages. KELTON SEARS
Saturday, April 19
Star Anna This performance comes near the end of the Blue Moon Tavern’s two-week celebration of its 80th anniversary. If you’ve missed the others, don’t worry; this is the show to see. Star Anna’s country balladry is as beer-soaked and filled with heartache as the tavern’s walls. She also happens to be just as resilient as the old bar, soldiering on through her split with backing band the Laughing Dogs and putting out her strongest album yet, Go to Hell. With Blackheart Honeymoon. Blue Moon, 712 N.E. 45th St., 675-9116, bluemoonseattle.wordpress.com. 9:30 p.m. $10. MB
After growing restless musically, Cataldo’s Eric Anderson decided to pair his brainy lyrics—for example gems like “Noli me tangere, motherfucker”—with newfound pop sensibilities. The resulting album, Gilded Oldies, serves as a new beginning for Anderson and crew. Its solid danceability comes from stark drum beats, bright acoustic riffs, and warm vocal melodies. With Arkomo, Jason Dodson. Columbia City Theater, 4918 Rainier Ave. S., 723-0088, columbiacitytheater.com. 9 p.m. $8 adv./$10 DOS. 21 and over. ACP
Hip-hop duo The Underachievers may hail from Brooklyn, but its abstract sound channels West Coast hyphy and Chi-Town soul. While MCs AK and Issa Gold aggressively trade bars, tripped-out, swooning beats keep the atmosphere cool and soothing. The act’s old-school flavor belies the fact we’re living in the digital age. With Denzel Curry, Dillon Copper, Azizi Gibson. The Crocodile. 8 p.m. SOLD OUT. 21 and over. DH
Those lucky enough to see the Dillinger Escape Plan in the late ’90s know that very few bands come close to the intensity of those early performances. Chaotically fusing jazz, metal, and prog, DEP has always been at the forefront of heavy music, practically creating its own genre. After replacing original vocalist Dimitri Minakakis with Greg Puciato, the band’s ensuing record, Miss Machine, was a game-changer in extreme music. Ideas were fleshed out and more melodic, causing some fans to turn on the band. Since then, DEP has gone through several other lineup changes while losing little vitality. Last year’s One of Us Is the Killer, the band’s fifth LP, stands among some of its best work to date. With Trash Talk, Retox, Shining. El Corazon, 109 Eastlake Ave. E., 262-0482, elcorazonseattle.com. 7:15 p.m. $20 adv./$23 DOS. All ages, bar with I.D. JB
Snoop Dogg is pleased with Washington. With the passage of I-502, Snoop Lion is bringing his 4/20-inspired “Wellness Retreat.” It’s worth noting that opener Wiz Khalifa is one of the two people, Snoop has said on record, who have outsmoked him. (The other is Willie Nelson.) Contact high included with price of admission. WaMu Theater, 1000 Occidental Ave. S., 381-7555, centurylinkfield.com/wamu-theater-booking. 9 p.m. $47.50. All ages. DH
Sunday, April 20
This year marks the 25th anniversary of The Great Adventures of
Slick Rick, a masterpiece of hip-hop storytelling. Rick’s charismatic charm, conversational flow, and clever punch lines made him one of the game’s most influential MCs, despite the legal problems that may have stifled his output. With Fearce Vill, Thaddeus David, DJ Kun Luv. Neumos. 8 p.m. $20 adv. MFB
Dark Star Orchestra continues its popular program of Grateful Dead songs. On 4/20, naturally. The Showbox. 8 p.m. $25–$30. SW
The Temptations Motown’s popular R & B group has retained just one original member, Otis Williams, but the new configuration still delivers with soul and continues to record, releasing Still Here in 2010. With the Four Tops. Snoqualmie Casino, 37500 S.E. North Bend Way, Snoqualmie, 425-888-1234, snocasino.com. 7 p.m. SOLD OUT. SW
Any thought that the Portland Cello Project was just some sort of gimmick has long been dispelled. Seven years in, the Project continues to grow under the stewardship of Douglas Jenkins, its showmanship growing along with its vast and diverse catalog, which numbers more than 800 songs at this point, including everything from Bach to Britney. For this performance, the Project will play with fellow Portland group Alialujah Choir, featuring members of Weinland, Norfolk & Western, and M. Ward. Triple Door, 216 Union St., 838-4333, thetripledoor.net. 7:30 p.m. $20–$28. MB
