Miami Music Blog

​Is it just me or does it seem like there's a whole lot going on this weekend? This time of year always gets a bit crazy, I suppose. Thanksgiving (and Black Friday) is just a couple weeks away. Holidays and holiday parties right around the corner after that. Art Basel is fast approaching too... the list goes on and on. Competing for your affections this weekend, Sleepless Night, and FLIFF.

That's right, the 24th annual Fort Lauderdale Film Festival is already upon us, the festivities having kicked off yesterday on October 23rd. But tomorrow, there's a special treat you won't want to miss, and it doesn't compete with Sleepless Night at all! It's going down in the Paradiso Patio Courtyard at Cinema Paradiso--the Florida Filmmaker Party and Auteur Explosion, featuring a performance by one of Miami's most buzzed about bands, Radioboxer. If you haven't caught them live for yourself, you're seriously missing out on a hell of a live performance. And what better opportunity than this, in which you can support the arts across the board, and impress your friends and coworkers, saying, "Oh, tonight? Just going to support the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival." It'll make you seem classy. Unless you were already planning on going there, in which case, carry on.

Te event cost is a mere $5, unless you attend the A Taste of Florida Film screening just prior in which case it's free. Score!

The Florida Filmmaker Party and Auteur Explosion takes place at Cinema Paradiso (503 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale) on Friday, November 7 at 10:30p.m.and Radioboxer is expected to play at 11. The event is preceded by A Taste of Florida Film.

​The Lilith Fair has officially announced 18 dates for 2010, none of which include South Florida. But for the last three years, we've had our own all-women's music fest. FemmeFest has hosted xx-staples like Zombies! Organize!!, Astari Nite, and The State Of in the past. This year the two-day fest will include over 25 bands. The event starts this Friday, November 6 at Tobacco Road, and Murphy's in Boca will play host on Saturday, November 7. Each show is $10.

Full lineup and time slots after the jump.

via Flickr user whoSHOTyah?

​Like hip-hop and country music? You're in luck with today's concert announcements then. The New Boyz, creators of what might be the most annoying chorus in the history of music "You're a Jerk" have been tapped to open for Chris Brown. The show takes place on November 29 at Revolution Live. Tickets are $30 and are available now through Ticketmaster.

Hit the jump to hear the infamous chorus.

via Flickr user beana_cheese

​103.1, The Buzz has announced the lineup of their 14th annual Buzz Bake Sale 2009, which is slated to take place at Cruzan Amphitheater on December 5. This twelve hour music festival is taking place over three stages starting at 10 am. Tickets, which run $20 for lawn tickets and $40 for reserved seats, are available now through Live Nation's website. Want to know who's playing? Glad you asked:

On the US Army Main Stage: Say Anything, Sick Puppies, Our Lady Peace, Panic at the Disco, The Used, Matisyahu, Chevelle, and :30 Seconds To Mars.

The second stage features: Ladies & Gentleman, Halestorm, After Midnight Project, Metric, Manchester Orchestra, Anberlin, Cage The Elephant, and Skindred.

Finally, on the third stage: Fall of Envy, Transmit Now, Dharmata, The Mission Veo, and Atom Smash.

Tony Dez, performing at ULMC 2009

​Do you swoon like a schoolgirl at the mere mention of Wisin y Yandel's names (even though you're not one)? Are you anxiously awaiting Aventura's upcoming Miami show with your Romeo T-shirt already ironed? Can you frequently be seen driving around town with your windows down, blasting the latest Don Omar track? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this bit of news is just for you. And if you answered yes to the last one, I beg you: close your damned windows. You're interfering with my enjoyment of NPR. Now, curmudgeoning old man schtick aside, on to the low down...

This week SoFla hosts the 2009 Urban Latin Music Conference, where all kinds of industry types will convene to share ideas and info in the name of music. Unless you are an industry type, or are hoping to meet some industry types with that latest reggaeton demo you recorded in your Tio Chicho's guest bathroom tucked faithfully beneath your arm, this may not interest you much. Yet. But here's where it gets good--the conference is a one-day affair, taking place on Saturday, November 7 at the Hilton Downtown, and includes various panels and such. But the real fun comes via various parties and showcases from Friday through Sunday.

Showcases and festivities include Kukaramakara on Friday, with performances by The Group, GURU and Tony Dez, conference after party on Saturday at Karu & Y featuring Alejo 305 and DJ X, and another party Sunday at La Covacha. The conference on Saturday will also feature a pair of showcases and a cocktail. For more info and registration, hit them up here.

​Punk rock has always been more about the attitude than the music. Unfortunately, that "punk rock attitude" is often portrayed as a hate-everything, outsider-only, anti-social group. While some of those things may be true from time to time, things like this can also really show off what punk rock is all about: On November 14, Radio-Active Records is hosting a Thanksgiving Food Drive in conjunction with Big Mama. There is no cover for the show, but if you're going to show up, you'd better bring some canned and non-perishable foods along with you.

The all ages show starts at 6 p.m. and features Nobody's Hero, Unit Six, To Be Hated, Angry Pudding, and Here's to Nathan. Support local music, help end hunger for a day, and help save the image of punk rockers... all for just a few cans of Spam.

via Flickr user Mat McGee

​You might have heard of U2 before. They're this little band from across the pond who've redefined what stadium shows can be. Even playing in front of tens of thousands of people, U2s shows feel intimate and epic. The biggest problem with trying to see U2 live has always been finding and affording a ticket. Getting the tickets for this show will still probably be tough, but affording them? Not so much. On this tour, which U2 is dubbing the 360 tour, the stage set up is such that no matter where you sit, you should be able to have great sight lines. Thanks to the rotating bridges and huge cylindrical video system. Best of all, U2 has scaled back ticket pricing so 85 percent of tickets will be less than $95. Yup, General admission is $55 and at least 10,000 tickets per venue will be just $30. On July 9, 2010, U2 is playing Land Shark Stadium. Tickets aren't on sale yet, and there is no official on sale date. However, tickets for the first few American shows go on sale November 2, so this one shouldn't be too far behind. For up to the minute information, check out U2's site.

Jam super group The Word has announced a New Years night show at Culture Room. Robert Randolph, John Medeski, and the North Mississippi Allstars joined forces again this year for their first tour since late 2007. Tickets go on sale this Friday through Ticketmaster.

Finally, a little Revolution Live news: The good news is Gainesville ska-punk band Less Than Jake have announced a show on December 12. To see one of the most fun live bands to come out of Florida, all you'll need is $19 and access to Ticketmaster's website.

The bad news at Revolution: If you were planning on going to the Blue October show tomorrow night, you should make other plans. The show has been canceled. Refunds are available at the point of purchase.

​The late Spanish singer and actress Rocio Jurado wasn't known as "La Mas Grande" ("The Greatest") for nothing. From the mid sixties until only a few years ago, Jurado was, and likely still is, considered one of the motherland's most beloved performers of all time. The quintessential diva, her command of the stage, whether in concert or the silver screen, proved incomparable. She appeared in numerous films and put out more than 30 records over 40 years, beginning with her eponymous debut in 1969 and ending with s Sony-released compilation in 2006 titled Rocio Siempre (which, I guess, technically she didn't really release).

To say that she's befitting of a musical commemorating her life and career seems a bit superfluous. So I'll just feed you the skinny. Rocio No Habita En El Olvido is directed by cubiche Tony Acevedo and stars Ada Linares as Jurado. It opens in the Manuel Artime Theater (900 SW First St., Miami) this Wednesday, October 28 and will run nightly at 8pm through Saturday, October 31. Tix go for $35 or $20 for the cheap seats.

Photo by Kara Starzyk

Astari Nite

Halloween won't fall on a weekend again until 2014, and it won't fall on a Saturday again until 2015. So Palm Beach residents will have no excuse Saturday. No "next year," no "I'm too tired after working all week." This is a call for them to take to the streets for the free street party Moonfest.

Dress code will include favorite celeb/public villain (cough, Sarah Palin, cough), condiment (Florida orange), idiom (dead ringer: dress as a zombie and bring a bell!), or anything creative.

Music will include performances by Astari Nite, Leading the Heroes, Nothing Rhymes with Orange, Mission Veo, and Surfer Blood, the last of which seems positioned to be our next rock heroes after receiving favorable reviews from Spin.com and Pitchfork, among others.

Other entertainment will feature street performers, a haunted house, circus acts, rides, games, and an adult costume contest including $1,000 in cash and prizes. The party starts at 4 p.m. and will be held from the 500 block of Clematis Street to the end of Clematis in downtown West Palm. VIP tickets for the private R.I.P. tent cost $35 and include free food and drinks.

Moonfest afterparties will be held at Oshea's Irish Pub (531 Clematis Street) and Respectable Street (518 Clematis Street).

via Flickr user Whiskeyboytx

​American Idol season seven winner David Cook has made the big time. After winning Idol, he released a self-titled album which has gone platinum. Now he's coming to Nova University in Davie November 29. Hmmm. Tickets are available here.

Orlando five-piece ska boys the Supervillains are back again, this time they'll be playing at Culture Room on December 19. Check out the video after the jump for a preview of the pot-loving rude boys.

Sweet Bronco performing at The Bubble

​This Halloween, indie space the Bubble (810 NE Fourth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale) will again be Broward's hub for local art and rawkin' local bands. Some of the bands/acts include:

Sweet Bronco: Largely the solo project of Chris Horgan, Sweet Bronco delivers the kind of lyric-centric, expressive folk reminiscent of early '90s indie. Literate, authentic, and self-aware (in a great way), Sweet Bronco sparkles with heart-on-sleeve poetics.

Dooms De Pop: Bubble co-founder Garo Gallo's rock trio Dooms De Pop used to be a prog-noise act, but it has recently transitioned to a more, say, "experimental" alternative rock sound. The members still take risks, they just aren't afraid of a little melody.

Stonefox headlines Alligator Alley's Saturday send-off.

​Sad news for music fans throughout South Florida. Alligator Alley, home to the best combination of food, beer, and music in Broward County, is shutting its doors for good after this weekend. The two-day farewell party begins tomorrow night with Alley staple Albert Castiglia; Jeff Watkins, John Yarling, and Kilmo also take the stage. As they're winding down business, leave your credit cards at home and just bring piles of cash to send them off in style. This show is $7 and the doors open at 7 p.m.

Saturday night is the final farewell to Alligator Alley. Stonefox, Whirl, and surelyquite a few special guests will start playing at 8:30 p.m. The show is also $7, with a 7 p.m. door time.

via Flickr user Lander Photography

​George Lucas is back to squeeze a little more cash out of the Star Wars franchise. This time, it's not a new line of toys, a cartoon, or even another prequel. Nope, this time the multimedia event is Star Wars: In Concert. The two-hour performance uses a full symphony orchestra, choir, and of course clips from the films to make geeks wet dreams come true. And just to make it a little cooler, Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) provides the narration. STIC is at BankAtlantic Center October 30. Tickets are available now through Ticketmaster.

Electro-pop is hot hot hot right now and Owl City is the latest band to start getting heat on the scene. They've recently released their second album Ocean Eyes and are taking it on the road on a worldwide tour. They're heading over to China and Japan, then it's back to America where they'll be hitting Culture Room on February 4. Tickets are available now via Ticketmaster.

Finally, Chris Brown has been in the news for everything but his music lately. On November 29, he'll be showing up to Revolution Live hoping that his fans can forget about the awful things reported about him earlier this year. Are R&B fans forgiving enough to drop $30 to hear him sing about what an awesome, caring, and loving guy he is or how he can "Transform ya?" Tickets go on sale Saturday via Ticketmaster.

​Pop-singer and fashionista Lady Gaga will be coming to the James L. Knight Center in Miami December 31. The diva's recent tour with Kanye West fell through because West "needed a break." Can West just drop out of the limelight for a few months? Get his ego in check?

She counts Madonna and Marilyn Manson as fans and is probably a more honest Katy Perry. Perry kissed a girl and she exploits it. Gaga's bisexuality seems more genuine, though her authenticity in various areas is up for debate. Hmm, moreover, does the Perry vs. Gaga debate conjure up Aguilera vs. Spears of yesteryear? Comment below.

​So they all met in high school, started a band, built a solid local following, and they're starting to take off. The Summer Set isn't exactly the most unique pop-punk band to hit the scene, but the genre isn't about innovation anymore. It's about throwing together catchy hook, having awesome hair, and touring until you're famous.

he Summer Set are stopping at The Dugout (7413 NE 54th Street, Miami), an all ages, alcohol free venue, this Saturday starting at 6 pm. They'll be playing with And Then There Was You (who are throwing their CD release party that same night) Jacob's Ladder, Falling Alarm, and Space Station 5. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.

Hit the jump to see The Summer Set's newest video in which they spoof Saved By The Bell.

via Flickr user Lost Albatross

​That would be one of the most interesting double billings in history. For now, the concert promoters are keeping these two shows separate. The Zac Brown Band is coming first, on November 14 to be exact, to the Sunset Cove Amphitheater. The Academy of Country Music Award winning group are touring in support of their major label debut "The Foundation" which has already shot out three top ten singles. Tickets are on sale now for $29 through Ticketmaster.


Tegan and Sara, aka the best thing to come out of Canada since hockey, are finally coming back to America thanks to a huge push to promote their upcoming album "Sainthood." The pop-rock twins are scheduled to play Sunset Cove Amphitheater on February 21, but tickets go on sale this Friday for those of you who like to plan things out. As a special treat, those who want to be really dilligent and pre-order your tickets can begin today through their website via Ticketmaster, so long as you use the super secret password: Sainthood. You're welcome.

via Flickr User whittlz

​Queen Latifah, star of the mid-'90s Fox show Living Single, a.k.a. the greatest sitcom ever, is coming to Fillmore Miami Beach on November 17. Unfortunately, she's not taking Synclaire, Maxine, Regina, and Overton with her to do live Living Single theater. No, instead she'll be banking on her musical talent to entertain the crowd during "The Persona Tour." Persona is Latifah's first album in six years, and it's getting mixed to positive reviews. Tickets are available now through Live Nation.

Taylor Swift, country music's hottest thing and my guiltiest of pleasures has announced a second leg of her "Fearless" Tour will be coming to South Florida. According to Live Nation, the 19-year-old sensation will be visiting Sunrise on March 7, so it only makes sense she'll be playing BankAtlantic. Tickets aren't yet on sale, but stay tuned to Crossfade or Ticketmaster for updates. And check out Taylor Swift's adorably cheesy award-winning video after the jump.

​The bluesy, punkabilly Dex Romweber Duo is a must-see for any roots rocker. Fronted by Dexter Romweber, the brother/sister pair (or at least Dex, who played in the iconic underground group Flat Duo Jets) has been cited as a major influence by numerous artists such as Cat Power, Neko Case, The Black Keys, and Jack White. (Side note: The Dex Romweber duo is currently a bro/sis group, but they weren't until 2007, long after Jack and Meg White fanned rumors of their alleged sibling status).

In the music documentary, It Might Get Loud, Jack White pays homage to the band by playing its version of "Froggie Went-A-Courtin'" off its second LP, Go Go Harlem Baby, for Jimmy Page and The Edge. He has also called Romweber "one of the best kept secrets of the rock 'n roll underground." Dex Romweber Duo draws from across the musical spectrum. They're blues with a snarl, American music meets American Gothic, and infused with punk-pluckin' soul. See a live performance from March 2009 after the jump.

via flick user NRK P3

​Do you think David Ellefson might miss playing for Megadeth? He left the band in 2002, and declined to rejoin the band when Dave Mustaine tried to get them back together in 2004. In fairness, every other original member of Megadeth declined to rejoin Mustain, save guitarist Chris Poland. But Ellefson has been downplaying his career with Megadeth, sometimes even failing to mention it during interviews. Sure there was a pretty big falling out thanks to some royalty issues, but Ellefson was a founding member of one of the biggest thrash metal bands of all time. Now, David Ellefson will be performing at The Talent Farm on November 7, just 18 days before his former band plays at Revolution Live. Tickets are $27 and are available at the Talent Farm's website.

​Insanely talented musician, poet, cabaret act, and acquired taste Emilie Autumn is playing Culture Room November 26. You might have heard her playing with The Chelsea (an all female band fronted by Courtney Love) and Hole, or on Metalocalypse playing the violins for the London Philharmonic. Tickets for the show go on sale October 16.

​Breakbeat, Latin, progressive house and folkloric deconstruction are but a few of the terms used to describe LA-based electro outfit, Palenke Soultribe's music. I like folkloric deconstruction best. It's a description that bears razor-fine precision. And it reminds me of Top Chef, minus the foams and emulsions. The trio is comprised of two Columbian producers by the names of Insectosound, Popa and drummer/percussionist Andres Zuluaga, whose parents apparently couldn't come up with as colorful a moniker as his future bandmates'.

Four years after the group's inception, Palenke Soultribe has already earned critical acclaim, thrilling critics and fans alike with their creative use of Afro-Columbian rhythms over modern, underground electronica, and won an award in the Dance/Electronica category of the Independent Music Awards for their 2007 debut Tropic an Heaven.  This year saw the release of their sophomore effort ORO, a slick progression in the otherwise uncharted waters they began to navigate on their first record.

Catch them live in Miami this week when the L.Aliens come to the Magic City for a little Transit-style fun.

Palenke Soultribe performs live at Transit Lounge (729 SW 1 Ave) this Saturday, October 3. No cover.

photo by Jim Rassol via myspace.com/theheavypets

​The Heavy Pets had really seemed to hit their stride earlier this year when they enlisted Felix Pastorius on bass. The son of bass legend Jaco Pastorius, Felix is a respected musician in his own right who has shared the stage with bass greats Victor Wooten and John Patitucci, among others.

At the start of 2009, the Heavy Pets didn't have a bassist, so they secured Mark White from the Spin Doctors. Felix then replaced White, and it seemed like the Heavy Pets had made a great decision, because Felix not only had the chops but also the name recognition.

But now it looks like Felix was only there for the season. When I interviewed them in May, Felix made it clear the festival circuit was not for him. "I prefer playing in my living room," he said. In June, I saw the band perform at Bonnaroo, where between Snoop Dogg and Phish sets they attracted over 100 people into some tent (Bonnaroo gets confusing with That Tent, Those Tents, This Tent, That Stage, whaever). They pleased the crowd with a 60-minute cocktail of funk, reggae, wailing guitars, and Latin rhythms. One of my criticisms was that they didn't spotlight Felix enough. Well forget that. According to the band's PR rep, they've secured Justin Carney, formerly of Los Angeles jazz loungers Marty and Elayne, after buying out his contract. At least we can expect a lot more shows from Felix, who lives in Broward and will probably be playing a lot more around town.

The Heavy Pets will perform with its new lineup Friday 10 p.m. at Tobacco Road. Admission costs $6. They have also lined up some shows opening for Particle in November in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New York.

photo provided by myspace.com/raffaandrainer

​Miami duo Raffa and Rainer will bring their quirky folk to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Lauderdale, a place bustling with yogis, peaceful meditation classes, and humanist causes. The show will be at the Church's Labyrinth Cafe on October 10.

For those unfamiliar with one of South Florida's best acts, Raffa and Rainer possesses the calm beauty of a flower that's just emerged in the morning dew: uncluttered, naturally charming, and authentic. The sweet Raffa Jo Harris floats her jazzy vocals over understated acoustic guitars (her own and her partner Rainer Davies'), betraying idiosyncrasies that befit the conclusion of a Wes Anderson film, when the messiness has been cleaned up and the emotional bruises are healing. The group's lyrics traverse the moors of hopeful unlove as in "Preventative Heartache," love potential as in "Black Night," or disappearing from sight as in "Highheeled Shoes." The duo, which was featured in a 2008 New York Times article about Miami's burgeoning music scene as well as on NBC6 Miami, will perform a couple shows in Brooklyn, NY, this month, before returning home for the show. The Unitarian Universalist Church is located at 3970 N.W. 21st Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Admission is $12. 

​It's rare I get to have fun with a name exuding such a tremendous degree of awesomeness as Bossacucanova. And yet here it is. Try it out for yourself; just rolls off the tongue, doesn't it?

But the Rio de Janeiro-based group has much more going for it than just a really fun name to pronounce. Polishing and refinishing the traditional, easy flowing Brazilian sounds of bossa nova with a modern touch lent by the influence of electronica, Bossacucanova dub their fusion a "respectful but imaginative blend." Imaginative it certainly is, lending modern beats and rhythms to the jazzy, swaying melodies. And if you got any more laid back than you feel listening to these dulcet grooves, you'd be the feet staring in a Corona ad.

Check them out this Friday just outside the AAA (in the East Plaza, to be exact) for part of a killer celebration of all things Brazilian that kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Capoeia demonstrations, dancers, drummers and food are just some more reasons to join the fun, put together to celebrate a new sidewalk and landscaping design for the Biscayne Boulevard New World Design conceived by Roberto Burle Marx.

​Jam fans, you're in for yet another treat thanks to a couple announcements to add to the never ending stream of jam bands hitting South Florida.

Rusted Root, the Pittsburgh based bluegrass jam band, are about to celebrate 20 years of making music together with a November 28 stop at Revolution Live.

Jazzy funk soldiers Galactic are also making an appearance at Revolution Live on January 9. The New Orleans based outfit has been steering further from their jazz and funk roots in the last few years, now branching out to underground hip hop superstars like Lyrics Born, Boots Riley, Chali 2na, Mr. Lif, Lateef the Truth Speaker, and Gift of Gab to lace their tracks with the poetry only they can provide. It makes for an interesting listen, provided you're a fan of either of the two genres.

Speaking of genre fans, Polka aficionados are messing themselves over the news that Jimmy Sturr, aka the "undisputed King of Polka" is playing the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek on November 14. Local polka act Blue Velvet & The Polka Express are opening the show and there will be free polka dancing lessons provided for those who truly want to roll out the polka.

Finally, Miami singer/songwriter Cris Cab (whose web site only states he started playing guitar at 11, and is influenced by Bob Marley, Jack Johnson, and Slightly Stoopid) is playing at Culture Room on October 10 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $20 at the door.

​Laura Pausini is considered by many to possess one of the most powerful female voices in all of Latin pop. And rightfully so. The Italian songstress, who's sold over 40 million copies worldwide, boasts a truly blessed set of pipes, as evidenced by her vocal work on such hit singles as "Inolvidable," off her 1996 release Las Cosas Que Vives, her duet with James Blunt, "Primavera Anticipada," off her most recent record of the same name, the title track off her Latin Grammy-winning 2006 release Yo Canto, and of course, the haunting "Viveme," off her 2004 release Escucha. Add to those stats and the aforementioned exhibits A through D her multiple armloads of awards, including Grammy, Latin Grammy, Billboard, ASCAP and Lo Nuestro and it's no wonder the sexy Italian has earned a place alongside fellow renowned exports, Eros Ramazzotti and Andrea Bocelli.

Well, if you're one of her millions of fans worldwide, guess what? The lovely Laura will be giving fans a rare chance to catch her live stateside coming up in October, when her Primavera Anticipada tour, which just kicked off, brings her to Hard Rock Live in what will be one of only four scheduled US stops.

Laura Pausini performs at Hard Rock Live on Saturday, October 24 at 8pm. Tickets run $75 - $125.

​

A victim tells his story: Thanks, In Flagranti. I just checked out your new-ish album Brash & Vulgar, released back in March on Codek Records, and I have to tell you ... I can't stop dancing! Whenever I close my eyes, it's a crazy party in my brain. There are naked ladies, mustachioed dudes, and a bear skin rug, all thump-thumping each other's rumps to your non-ironic retro groove. Then, the waterbed bursts and there's water flowing everywhere, but the thrusting doesn't stop! Party time just got wetter! Hahaha! 

​How about a little soul in your life? A couple concert announcements today could go a long way toward getting your groove on this year.

Blues Traveler has been through a ton. They hit it big with a couple singles "Run-Around", "Hook", and "But Anyway". Then things started getting a little crazy. Lead singer John Popper suddenly had to battle his obesity in a very public light and bassist Bobby Sheehan was found dead of a drug overdose in 1999.  After being dropped from their label, Blues Traveler regrouped and refocused on their more jam-blues based sound. Now, Blues Traveler is back to full time touring and is playing Culture Room October 27. Tickets are $20 are on sale now through Ticketmaster.

Grammy-winning saxophonist Dave Koz is bringing his 12th annual "Smooth Jazz Christmas" tour to the Dreyfoos Hall in West Palm Beach on November 29. Koz is touring with trumpet player Rick Braun, guitarist Peter White, Keyboardist Brenda Russell, and pianist David Benoit to form a sort of Voltron of jazz. Tickets aren't yet on sale, but check Ticketmaster for more details.

​Alligator Alley has a stacked lineup for Saturday, which includes the most rawkin', grrrliest band in South Florida, Angry Pudding. The foursome is one of the best punk groups around, playing with a femme-driven grit that, well, is sort of hard to find in these parts. I admit, I have a serious soft spot for the XX-set, but South Florida, come on! I feel like our tri-county punk scene is dominated by testosterone. Can we borrow Kathleen Hanna from Willie Mae Rock Camp and send her over to the Talent Farm? Angry Pudding will play along with some of our favorite bluesy garage rockers Stonefox, and psychedelic indie groups Psycho Daisies and the Dirty Boxes. Doors open at 8 p.m., music at 9:30. You may want to show up at Alligator Alley early because it'll feel like a packed house even if only the bands show up. Admission costs $7.

​The last time Lady Gaga was in town, she was playing Revolution Live in front of a sold out crowd. It looks like she's moving up considerably in the entertainment world, as she's just announced the Fame Kills tour will be hitting up the American Airlines Arena on December 9. Joining Lady Gaga on tour is some guy named Kanye West. Tickets go on sale October 3 through Live Nation.

If you're looking to hear some growling, grinding, and screeching but don't want to risk angering God, it's a good idea to steer clear of most metal bands. Christian metal-core band Underoath are an exception, as they're proud of having the highest charting Christian album in the last 15 years. They'll be bringing upbeat metal to Revolution on November 24. Tickets go on sale this Saturday.

Think Pink Rocks, a benefit for Breast Cancer Charities at Mizner Park Amphitheater, is going down on Saturday October 3. Akon, Shontelle, Melanie Fiona, and American Yard are joining together to help raise awareness and money while entertaining the hell out of Boca Raton. Tickets are $30 at Thinkpinkrocks.com.