Sebadoh, a renowned indie rock band formed in 1986, will finally make it to central Arkansas this weekend for a show Sunday night at Stickyz Rock ’n’ Roll Chicken Shack.
“I don’t think we ever played Little Rock,” says bassist Lou Barlow. “But I think I played there once in my earlier band, Dinosaur Jr.”
Sebadoh, like many bands of its era, prospered during the last decade of the 20th century, then its three members (Barlow, guitarist Jason Loewenstein and drummer Bob D’Amico) went their separate ways. Occasionally, the trio would get together, but without the benefit of fresh recordings - until 2012, when the EP Secret came out, followed Sept.17 by the full album Defend Yourself.
“There had been some reissue projects of Dinosaur Jr., and the manager we had thought we should get Sebadoh back together,” Barlow says. “So we’ve been doing that off-and-on for about seven years. Back in the ’90s, I had a band called Folk Implosion, and we even scored a film, Kids, that got us some attention.”
Barlow says the band’s new album is definitely autobiographical, consisting of songs about the failure of his marriage.
A band, yet to be named, will open the show at 8:30 p.m.
Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 the day of the show.
Stickyz Rock ’n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 107 River Market Ave., Little Rock, (501) 372-7707, stickyz.com
Juanita’s suggests that music fans should cruise into the club Saturday night, prepared to Abandon All Ships, or at least hear the band bythat name.
The 9:30 p.m. show will have three opening acts: The Browning, My Ticket Home and I Am King.
Tickets are $13 in advance, $15 day of show.
Juanita’s, 614 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, (501) 372-1228, juanitas.com
Andrew Tobiassen, who grew up in Newport and formerly lead guitarist for Deer Tick and The Shivers, will bring his current project, Roses, to the White Water Tavern at 9 p.m. today, when the club will also feature New York City Queens and Brother Andy and His Big Damn Mouth.
Matt DeCosta and Nick Dawson are also members of Roses.
Admission is $6.
At 10 p.m. Friday, the club presents a Valentine’s Day Hip Hop Dance Party, hosted by Joshua Asante of Amasa Hines.
Admission is $7.
Saturday night, the Cedric Burnside Project returns to the club. Burnside won the 2013 Memphis Blues Award for Drummer of the Year. Trenton Ayers, who excels on guitar and bass, will accompany Burnside.
Admission is $10.
White Water Tavern, West Seventh and Thayer streets, Little Rock, (501) 375-8400, whitewatertavern.com
The Rev Room has booked a pair of shows this weekend that could not be more different.
“Red dirt” country singer Granger Smith will perform Friday night, with Backroad Anthem opening the show at 9 p.m.
Texas native Smith is touring to promote his latest album, Dirt Road Driveway.
Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 day of show.
On Saturday night, the club will present a cabaret/ burlesque evening, the Pretty Things Peep Show, which is being called a Valentine’s Hangover Ball.
The show will start at 8:30 p.m., with three opening acts: Cabaret Kittens, The Revolutioners and Jessica Carder.
The Peep Show cast includes: The Indestructible Woman, Brianna Belladonna, a sword swallower; the “Impressaria of Undress,”Go-Go Amy; and the “Dapper Dan of Danger,” Donny V. The 22 acts include juggling, whip-cracking, a strait-jacket escape, a Chinese execution blade box, belly dancing, comedy and magic.
The cast has been featured in television shows, including How I Met Your Mother and AMC’s Freakshow.
Revolution Room, 300 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, (501) 823-0090, revroom.com
Three bands will serenade lovers and others on Valentine’s Day at Maxine’s in Hot Springs on Friday.
The headliner will be Texas roots-rock band Sideshow Tragedy, with opening acts The Letdowns and Ohio folk rockers Ben Knight and the Welldiggers. Admission is $5.
Saturday night, the club will turn the stage over to Cult Fiction, a Hot Springs based improv, sketch comedy outfit, for a free show.
The shows start at 9 p.m.
Maxine’s, 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs, (501) 321-0909, maxineslive.com
Weekend, Pages 34 on 02/13/2014