Saturday, Nov. 16
Lynx This Bay Area songwriter and producer amalgamates an orchestra’s worth of strings with electronic textures and acoustic drums. Fitting for this electro-acoustic polymath, she’s collaborated with EDM stars Bassnectar and Beats Antique as well as Blues Traveler harmonica virtuoso John Popper. With Natasha Kmeto, Spyn Reset, Ganjaology. Nectar Lounge. 9 p.m. $8. AG
Kronos Quartet No chamber ensemble in recent history has done more to advance the cause of contemporary art music than the Kronos Quartet. The group, founded in Seattle by violinist David Harrington, played its first concert here 40 years ago this month. Since then, the Kronos has collaborated not only with the most prominent contemporary composers—like Phillip Glass, Steve Reich, and John Adams—but also with a number of popular musicians, such as Amon Tobin, Sigur Ros, and most recently Bryce Dessner. The National’s guitarist supplied four compositions for the quartet’s most recent album, Aheym (“homeward” in Yiddish). Tonight’s concert will feature Dessner’s “Tenebre” as well as a performance of Predator Songstress: Warrior with the Degenerate Art Ensemble. Other works on the program highlight the group’s diverse and extensive repertoire, from Wagner to Penderecki. The Neptune. 8 p.m. $44. MFB
Alejandro Escovedo For more than 40 years, Escovedo has been following, seeking, and leading the rock-’n’-roll spirit, from his time as a young punk in Bay Area band the Nuns to his pivotal role in the Americana movement of the ’90s. Currently he’s touring with the Sensitive Boys, continuing to play new material in a rustic but raucous style he’s termed “American Baroque,” at age 62. He might just be more rock ’n’ roll than ever. With Amy Cook. Tractor Tavern. 9 p.m. $20 adv. MSB
Sunday, Nov. 17
Thundercat Stephen Bruner is a frighteningly talented bassist and a musical eccentric, two facts that led to him signing with Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder Records, an electronica-heavy label where he’s something of an outlier. His music—joyous, falsetto-led electro-funk—is also far more danceable than anything his labelmates put out. With Kingdom Crumbs. Barboza. 8 p.m. $15 adv. AG
Seattle’s Darkpine is like a dreamier Yeasayer, chock-full of dark synths and bouncy bass lines that sound dance-ready in an off-kilter way. Tonight the band is celebrating the release of its self-titled EP, produced by Scott Colburn, who’s also worked with Arcade Fire and Animal Collective. With Hibou, Us On Roofs, Uh Oh Eskimo. Chop Suey. $7, 8 p.m. All ages. KELTON SEARS
Moonface Spencer Krug (Wolf Parade, Sunset Rubdown) writes masterfully composed indie epics full of cryptic lyricism that would stand up to academic literary analysis. Moonface, his newest project, has kept up that momentum. On his new record, Julia With Blue Jeans On, Krug strips his setup all the way down to solo piano, which will make tonight’s performance one of his most intimate yet. With Special Guest. Columbia City Theater. 8 p.m. $10 adv./$12 DOS. 21 and over. KS
2cellos Classically trained cellists Luka Šulic and Stjepan Hauser bring new life to both classic tunes and modern favorites in the most beautifully unexpected way. You may think you know Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” or Rihanna’s “We Found Love,” but these arrangements will open your ears to familiar songs in a whole new light. The Moore. 7 p.m. $32.50–$42.50. KEEGAN PROSSER
Cults has moved in an ever-so-slightly darker direction with sophomore album Static, a record informed by two solid years of touring and the dissolution of a four-year relationship between the band’s primary members Madeline Follin and Brian Oblivion. The group’s classicist indie-pop is now denser and weightier, with less of a saccharine sheen. With SACCO, Mood Rings. Neumos. 8 p.m. $18 adv. All ages. AG
