Laura Jane Grace first rose to fame as the singer for Against Me!, one of those punk bands who were so political that a lot of people really were bothered when they eventually went to a major label. She’s done some solo stuff since then and written a memoir. Her new project, Laura Jane Grace & the Mississippi Medicals, adds some roots-rock touches while still keeping that punk energy. They’re at the Wild Buffalo on Wednesday, April 23.
On the last Friday of every month, a group known as Oracle Orchestra creates live scores to old silent films at the Odd Fellows Temple Room. I caught the tail end of one a few months ago and was pleasantly surprised by just how much I enjoyed it. The music gets pretty avant-garde at times but the combination of sounds and images ends up being surprisingly captivating. This month’s installment happens on Friday, April 25. They’ll typically announce what film they are going to accompany a few days in advance.
Friday, April 25 at the Blue Room is just a straight-up bill of some of the best young indie rockers around, all either based here or having got their start here. You’ve got Magenta Wave, Cuttlefish and then pantsuitguy. Magenta Wave have a new EP coming out and are kicking off a West Coast tour.
A bunch of the top musicians in the local country, folk and Americana scenes are putting together a Grand Ole Opry-style revue at the Arcadian Public House (formerly the Conway Muse) on Saturday, April 26. Tim Mechling & the Duct Tape Dandies, Steel Reserve and Buddy Mac are all performing, along with solo acts including Lee Pence, Pete Ruble, Hannah Wyatt and more. Hay bales and matching suits are also apparently in the offing.
Jesse Stanton’s music column, The Beat Goes On, appears weekly. Reach him at jsbhammusic@gmail.com; @JSBhamMusic. Check with individual venues to make sure events are still taking place as scheduled. Live music events in Whatcom County: http://www.cascadiadaily.com/category/living/arts-and-entertainment/music/music-calendar
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