Twin Peaks, White Reaper Wednesday, Sept. 7 Headliners With big, messy throwback rock and fuzzed-out punk tendencies, attached to hooks that can somehow be ferocious, bubblegum and ominous within the same song, White Reaper has been a hometown favorite for the last few years. And thats partly because they bring it in a live setting. Kindred spirits Twin Peaks also deliver waves of raucous, dirty riffs filtered through a 60s garage lens.
Andrew Bird Friday, Sept. 9 Headliners Singer-songwriter Andrew Bird is probably best known for the wild, virtuosic things he does with a violin and writing melancholy, breezy folk-leaning songs, but hes a really versatile musician. Skill and flexibility allow him to run across the spectrum, blending roots, pop, classical and quite a bit in-between.
Ms. Lauryn Hill Tuesday, Sept. 13 Louisville Palace Initially part of the influential, massively-popular hip-hop/soul group The Fugees, which incorporated jazz, Caribbean and an abundance of different styles into the mix, Lauryn Hill eventually went solo, releasing The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, after which she was largely inactive for a while. So, this is a great opportunity to see her live.
Lydia Loveless Friday, Sept. 16 Zanzabar Lydia Loveless sound has fluctuated and filled out over the years, and while her songwriting has also steadily evolved, her one constant has been her greatest asset the confessional, yet clever, sharp and witty lyrics that make her fall somewhere in-between folk master and punk hero.
JEFF The Brotherhood Sunday, Sept. 18 Zanzabar If you like straightforward rock with some strange psychedelic twists, JEFF The Brotherhood is the band to see this month. Brothers Jake and Jamin Orrall take magnetic riffs and slacker attitude and apply it a no-frill approach thats highly likable.
Morrissey Tuesday, Sept. 20 Louisville Palace New-wave crooner and ex-frontman of The Smiths, Morrissey seems to have one of those careers that has pushed him into limelight, while allowing him to still possess a long-term cult following. Its one of those shows that you already know whether youre going to, but it remains one of the most notable in the city this month.
Schoolboy Q Wednesday, Sept. 21 Louisville Palace With clever production, heavy lyrics and a slick style, Schoolboy Q who has a collective with Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock and Ab-Soul is one of the best rappers out there right now.
Against Me! Saturday, Sept. 24 Mercury Ballroom One of the best punk(ish) bands that rely heavily on the sensibilities of arena rock n roll, Against Me!s smart, anthemic songs hit bullseyes in terms of combining aggressive chords with soaring vocals.
Waterfront Wednesday Wednesday, Sept. 28 Big Four Lawn The last Waterfront Wednesday of the year, featuring veteran alt-rock band Nada Surf, psych-infused Southern folk-rocker OJR and Louisvilles satirical hip-hop mastermind Howell Dawdy.
Thursday, Sept. 29 Jason Isbell Louisville Palace With a long and storied career for someone who still has so much more to deliver, the solo career of the former Drive-By Truckers member has ranged from messy, blasting rockers to quiet, careful, sharp ballads. With vocal stopping power and pure musical prowess, Isbell and his band is a powerful live act.
This article appears in August 31, 2016.
