Concert Preview: December '07

Are you having trouble figuring out what to buy your friends and family for Christmas? Let me suggest straying from the generic holiday socks and goofy neckties and opting for a gift that’s a little lot more unique and entertaining such as tickets to one of the many shows coming to Milwaukee this month.

Local venues are welcoming some exceptional, up-and-coming bands, plus many festive performances throughout December. And what do you know? They’re just in time for the holidays!

Here are some recommendations that will be just the thing for everyone on your ‘people to buy for’ list this year…

Cloud Cult and The 1900s
Friday, December 7 at Turner Hall Ballroom

This is a great two-for-one deal and the ideal present for your “hipster” friend.

Cloud Cult’s unique sound has been called “insane genius” by Pitchfork Media and has been compared to Modest Mouse, Flaming Lips and Beck. The live band is made up of a cello, violin, trumpet, flute and much percussion, along with an accompaniment of standard guitars, bass, keyboard and drums.

If I remember correctly, they opened last year for the Dresden Dolls. When I saw them then, I was a little confused but certainly awed. Their elaborate theatrics like the live painters that work on stage during the concert and the footage of the audience and band, paired with an awesome video backdrop makes their show seem a little chaotic, but artistically, it somehow makes complete sense.

About two years ago, I saw The 1900s when they only had six songs under their belt and were the opening band during a concert in Chicago. Shortly after, the band jumped into a whirlwind, instantly becoming one of the most talked about bands in the Midwest. Since then, The 1900s kept popping up at the concerts I’d attend. They toured with Iron & Wine and Midlake among others, and performed at this year’s Lollapalooza.

The seven piece psychedelic pop group has an awkward stage presence that's probably due to the steamy on-off relationships and Fleetwood Mac style breakups, which are obvious from the audience – you can actually see who’s feuding! Like their off-stage drama, their music is at times melancholic and haunting and at other times breezy and full of sunshine. Every aspect of The 1900s should not be overlooked by fans of modern indie pop, or anyone looking for fresh, beautifully made music.

$12 General Admission advance/$14 day of

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A Christmas Carol
Friday, November 23 through Sunday, December 23 at the Pabst Theater

This is the most extravagant and delightful holiday production in Milwaukee. For over 30 years, A Christmas Carol has been a beloved story that has been fashioned into one of the most anticipated and treasured annual theatrical production around the world. Each year the Rep’s portrayal of Charles Dickens’ message of hope and redemption ensures you leave with your soul touched and holiday brightened. Give it as a gift to your family this year and experience a holiday tradition that’s unlike any other in Milwaukee.

Prices range from $32.50 to $65 Reserved Seating
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A John Waters Christmas
Wednesday, December 12 at Turner Hall Ballroom

If you have someone on your list that needs a good laugh or perhaps just an entertaining night out on the town, A John Waters Christmas is just the ticket.

John Waters has been considered an infamous writer and director for his notorious films like Pink Flamingos and Hairspray. Currently, Waters is stepping away from film for the holidays and touring as a wayward Santa for the Christmas obsessed. By sleigh he’ll deliver seasonal observations as only he can imagine – in a rapid-fire monologue that puts the “X” in X-mas.

Perhaps you’d rather give a gift that will last for years (or as long as there are CD players). One suggestion for a John Waters fan is a copy of his Yuletide compilation CD A John Water’s Christmas. It’s sure to make even the most cynical person on your list chuckle, or at least grin in mild amusement.

$35 General Admission
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Big Snow Show
Sunday, December 16 at the Riverside Theater

According to FM 102.1, last year’s show sold out, which must mean that tapping into teenage angst has been working for them. It could also work in your favor if you purchase a pair of tickets for that high school punk on your list – you’d be the coolest sibling ever!

This year’s Big Snow Show’s line-up features Jimmy Eat World, Coheed and Cambria, Shiny Toy Guns and The Starting Line. Pop-punk band Jimmy Eat World has been pumping out more borderline Fall Out Boy-sounding anthemic rock and finger-snapping dancey numbers while Coheed and Cambria fuse metal, progressive and emo-core with complex and edgy sounds and scratchy vocals. And let’s not forget that with their hit “Le Disko” climbing the charts ever since its release last year, the infectious, danceable synth-pop of Shiny Toy Guns puts them on track as one of the hottest new rock bands in America, according to folks at FM 102.1.

$34.50 General Admission
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The Response
Saturday, December 22 at Turner Hall Ballroom

Local rockers The Response celebrate the release of their new album, With Friends Like You… Who Needs Enemies, in time for Christmas. This will be one of their first shows since their two recent additions: lead singer Steve K from Radio Tokyo and John Kraft from Since by Man. And after playing shows with bands like the Benjamins and Starlight Mints, they’re ready to show Milwaukee a night of harmonized guitars, rich vocals and hard hitting, bass ripping rhythms, oh, and of course Yuletide, punkish cheer!

So, along with that black T-shirt and pair of Vans, I suggest getting your 16-year-old nephew a great night of local pop/punk mayhem, even if he was on Santa’s naughty list this year.

$9 General Admission

As you can see, there’s something for everyone this Christmas. But if you need more info, check out the Rave or Pabst, Riverside and Turner Hall for more gift ideas!

And if you want some album recommendations, check out what's on my iPod by clicking on the "About" link under my lovely photo or right here. I try to update that list every month.

Comments

[mjonthemove]

Cloud Cult. Thanks for the head's up. I dig their myspace stuff. I may just have to head out there. I'm already into the Turner Hall Ballroom, so, it could be a sweet evening.

[Karen]

I have yet to see a show in the Turner Hall Ballroom. It’s ridiculous. I hear the renovation looks pretty sweet though.

I think you'll enjoy the show tonight. If you make it, let me know what you think of them live.

[Dave]

I got an email from Turner Hall that eluded to bean bags. Can someone confirm that they have bean bags at Turner Hall...or did I just make that up in a dream?

[Scott]

I believe the bean bags you are refering to are love sacks (sp?)/(tm?). I saw this listed as well and I do not recall for what show specifically. I do believe it is promotion based and not for every show.

I attended the They Might Be Giants show and there were no bean bags/love sacks in sight. For the record though, I thougt it was a great venue for a show and look forward to seeing more shows there in the future.