Friday, Dec. 13

Erin McKeown’s Anti-Holiday Spectacular It’s that time of year again: capitalism’s annual reminder that the only way to really show your friends and family how much you care is to spend, spend, spend. Indie-folk musician Erin McKeown has studied the phenomenon to such a degree that she sees through the pumpkin spice–flavored, “sale-priced” BS corporations shove down our throats earlier and earlier each year. To combat such manufactured (and expensive) holiday cheer, tonight she’ll reprise her 2011 F*ck That!: Erin McKeown’s Anti-Holiday Album, billed as “the world’s first anti-capitalist, pro-queer, suspicious-of-Christmas-as-patriotism, sex-positive, not-safe-for-work, multi-ethnic, radical leftist anti-holiday record.” With such catchy jingles as “Santa Is an Asshole,” “It’s a Very Queer Christmas,” and “Christmas (Love It or Leave It),” McKeown puts real spirit back into the holidays. Come early and listen as she plays songs from earlier albums, then end your night with the culminating “Anti-Holiday” performance, featuring a chorus of “Cranky Carolers.” Barboza. 7 p.m. $10 adv. 21 and over. ACP

Gems’ gloomy electro sound brings the synth-pop genre a certain grit. The Seattle band consists of two synth players and two drummers, a combo that manufactures an organic feel while it buzzes with otherworldly hums and takes on instrumental electronica jams with punk-rock tenacity. It’s rare to see the two styles work together so well. With Ponyhomie, Lazer Kitty. Blue Moon Tavern. 9:30 p.m. $6. 21 and over. DH

A Tribute to Harry Smith’s Anthology of American Folk Music “Harry was revered for his Anthology . . . and everyone from the most obscure guitar player to Bob Dylan was influenced by it,” writes Patti Smith in her memoir, Just Kids. She befriended the American music archivist while she was living at the Chelsea Hotel. (The two are not related, though she writes that after she recited some of Brecht’s “Pirate Jenny” to him, it “sealed the deal between us.”) Harry, who exhumed and popularized the work of groups and artists like The Carter Family and Mississippi John Hurt, is now widely celebrated as the leading figure who ignited the folk revival of the ’60s. With Frank Fairfield, Vikesh Kapoor, Hannalee, Fox and the Law, Br’er Rabbit, Pepper Proud, AP Dugas, Yucca Mountain, Levi Fuller and The Library, JD Hobson. Hosted by Greg Vandy of KEXP. Columbia City Theater. 8 p.m. $10 adv./$12 DOS. GWENDOLYN ELLIOTT

Pickwick The local soul-infused rock act, who’ve been playing fairly coy in the local scene as of late, return with a double header this week, and it can be assumed much sweat and dancing will occur. Expect lots of cuts from the group’s full-length, Can’t Talk Medicine, as well as favorites from their previous EPs. With Prism Tats. Crocodile. SOLD OUT. All ages/bar with ID. KP

Metalachi The words “mariachi” and “marriage” share a similar root, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that the genre is open to interpretation. Metalachi performs heavy-metal covers using traditional mariachi instrumentation (violin, trumpet, and guitar). The result is an acoustic set that nonetheless multiplies the energies of both styles. El Corazon. 9 p.m. $12 adv./$15 DOS. MFB

The Gundersen Family brings much-needed serenity to the holiday season with four-part harmonies the likes of which can only be found in voices that share blood and a siblings’ bond. These talented youngsters are a breath of fresh air in a world of bubblegum pop, glitz, and glam. With Le Wrens. Fremont Abbey. 8 p.m. SOLD OUT. JESSIE MCKENNA

Gaytheist is one of the most exciting bands coming out of Portland these days, and its latest record, Hold Me . . . But Not So Tight, is full of all the great punk-influenced songs the group is known for. Live, the trio is one of the tightest bands around, and equally impressive to watch. With Glose, Cougar, Blood Drugs. Sunset Tavern. 8:30 p.m. $8. JB

Zepperella The best female Led Zeppelin tribute act
this side of—well, anything, this fearsome foursome is here to rock out like it’s 1972. Beyond the surface gimmickry, Zepperella is one of the best cover bands out there today, and even earned a thumbs-up from Zeppelin’s own Jimmy Page. Tractor Tavern. 7:30 & 11 p.m. $15 ($25 for both shows). CORBIN REIFF

Anna Von Hausswolff, Vera Project. See our preview

here

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Saturday, Dec. 14

Looking at 19-year-old King Krule, aka Archy Marshall, it’s hard to imagine that deep, accent-heavy voice coming from the rail-thin British musician. Truth be told, his vocals, plus the loose-lipped way he handles syllables, reminds me of singer/songwriter Randy Newman. After a series of EPs, Marshall released his debut album, the jazz-rock 6 Feet Beneath the Moon, in August. With Willis Earl Beale. Barboza. 8 p.m. $12 adv. 21 and over. ACP

The Bushwick Book Club is not your mother’s book club. Taking inspiration from a variety of novels (past muses include Pride and Prejudice, A Wrinkle in Time, and Slaughterhouse-Five), the group writes and performs original songs that provide listeners with a new perspective on each book. This time, David Byrne’s How Music Works is getting the treatment. With Tamara Power Drutis, Wayne Horvitz, Nate Bogopolsky, Beth Fleenor, Alex Guy, Aaron Shay, Jason Goesel, Kimo Muraki. Columbia City Theater. 9 p.m. $8 adv./$12 DOS. 21 and over. ACP

Caleb Klauder Country Band This Portland honky-tonker (and former member of Calobo) never fails to entertain with his old-timey country tunes, whether a Hank Williams Sr. or Dolly Parton cover or one of his many fine originals. His country band is an exceptionally on-beat bunch that makes the music all the more danceable. With Sugar Cane, Home Sweet Home. Nectar Lounge. 8 p.m. $10 adv ./$12 DOS. GE

The Moondoggies & The Maldives are band “brothers” from another mother, so it’s fitting they host an annual “Family Christmas Show.” Fresh off a West Coast tour promoting the former’s latest record, Adios I’m a Ghost, these esteemed Seattle alt-country boys (and girl—the Maldives’ pulse-keeping powerhouse, Faustine Hudson) are spreading holiday cheer in fine Americana form. With Denver. Neumos. 8 p.m. $15 adv. JM

Second Annual SMooCH Benefit How in the heck do you get a bunch of awesome Seattle musicians to play together on a random night in December? Well, you tell them it’s for a good cause. Following the success of last year’s inaugural Seattle Musicians for Children’s Hospital (SMooCH) benefit, KEXP and Sub Pop partner again to raise funds for patients and their families with a badass concert that will include music from Allen Stone, The Helio Sequence, The Lonely Forest, and Shelby Earl. (In the words of Billy Joel, “Oh, what a night!”) But it gets better. In addition to showcasing some killer jams, the event—hosted by KEXP morning-show host and producer John Richards—will also offer a silent auction. Like last year, 100 percent of proceeds will benefit Seattle Children’s Hospital. Two words: Party time. Showbox at the Market. 6 p.m. $60–$200. 21 and over. KP

Nearly a decade after his single “Collide” appeared on nearly every prime-time drama imaginable, pop-rock singer/songwriter Howie Day is still at it. None of his recent singles have made as big an impact, but that hasn’t stopped him from maintaining a solid fan base through a series of well-received EPs and full-lengths, with album #4 in the works. With Tyler Hilton, Anna Rose. Tractor Tavern. 9 p.m. $17. 21 and over. ACP

Sunday, Dec. 15

On its forthcoming album Departure, Soft Hills turns toward the dark side, exploring the problems of capitalism and the emptiness of contemporary popular culture. Inspired by Nietzsche and Hesse, the band is moving away from its Americana roots toward a more purely psychedelic sound. With Fen Wik Ren, Special Guest. Sunset Tavern. 8 p.m. $6. 21 and over. MFB