Sound Menu November 30 2005

THU/1

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ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA The young French conductor Stéphane Denève makes his ASO debut with music by Ravel, Debussy, and an opener by 35-year-old French composer Guillaume Connesson. German pianist Lars Vogt is soloist for the only non-French work on the program, Mozart’s “Piano Concerto No. 23.” $15-$53. 8 p.m. Symphony Hall. 404-733-5000. www.atlantasymphony.org. — Mark Gresham

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BROTHERS PAST This Philly quartet spices its jammy rock with enough electronic static to bring a subtle dance element into the melodic mix. The lead singer’s cutesy voice is on the sappy side (think Keane), but the music pushes boundaries into techno just enough to provide an edge many jam bands lack. Butterfly Stitch opens. $10. 8 p.m. Smith’s Olde Bar. 404-875-1522. www.smithsoldebar.com. — Hal Horowitz

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FRI/2

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THE AMERICAN ANALOG SET Beneath the smooth, soothing surface of Andrew Kenny’s breathy sigh and the band’s fragile, barely-there accompaniment lies an ominous edge that provides indie cred with the Set’s trademarked dreamy qualities. The group claims this is its final tour, so catch ‘em now if you have admired the less-is-more approach in the past. Chris Brokow, ex-Come, opens. $10-$12. 9 p.m. The Earl. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com. — HH

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ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA See Sound Menu listing for Thurs., Dec. 1. $15-$53. 8 p.m. Symphony Hall. 404-733-5000. www.atlantasymphony.org. — MG

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BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY One of the few survivors of the big “swing scare” of the early 1990s, BBVD have managed to maintain a high profile while mining the vaults of Ellington, Prima and Calloway. This year’s seasonal themed extravaganza will be an energetic kickoff to the holiday season. But, I hate Christmas. $35-$45. 8 p.m. Robert Ferst Center For The Arts. 404-894-9600. www.ferstcenter.org. — James Kelly

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RAHSAAN PATTERSON In 2004, Rahsaan Patterson issued a critically acclaimed album in After Hours, which brought him back to prominence after a years-long hiatus. He’s still promoting the album, which was independently released on the Artistry label, and his upcoming appearance will give local soul fans the chance to see and hear a fine, underrated artist. Local diva Trina Broussard opens. $15-$20. 8 p.m. EarthLink Live. 404-885-1365. www.earthlinklive.com. — Mosi Reeves

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SHAFFER THE DARK LORD, DEATH BY SEXY, BON VIVANTS, THE KIWIS, DQE NYC “rappist” Shaffer the Darklord bridges the gap between the Beastie Boys and Bill Hicks with a rapid-fire flow that takes aim at hip-hop clichés and hipster posing with demonic venom. Atlanta’s indie rock avant-garde stalwart DQE opens the show. DC duo Death by Sexy and locals the Kiwis and Bon Vivants are also on the bill. $6. 9 p.m. $7. 8 p.m. Lenny’s. 404-577-7721. www.lennysbar.com. — Chad Radford

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X, JULIANA HATFIELD Most of the legendary punk band played this same stage a few months ago as The Knitters, X’s alter-ego country cousin. Tonight, along with ever-smiling guitarist Billy Zoom, the quartet will plow through a career-spanning set of their classics — and maybe a Doors cover, too. Juliana Hatfield opens. $20. 7 p.m. Masquerade. 404-577-8178. www.masq.com. — Lee Valentine Smith

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SAT/3

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THE AMERICAN ANALOG SET See Sound Menu listing for Thurs., Dec. 1. $10-12. 4:30 p.m. The Earl. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com. — HH

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ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA See Sound Menu listing for Thurs., Dec. 1. $15-$53. 8 p.m. Symphony Hall. 404-733-5000. www.atlantasymphony.org. — MG

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DAVID SANCHEZ Latin jazz tenor saxophonist David Sanchez makes his Spivey Hall debut. Continuing to expand mainstream jazz to incorporate Afro-Latin influences, his most recent album, Coral, was voted best Best Instrumental Album at the sixth annual Latin Grammy Awards in early November. $30. 8:15 p.m. Spivey Hall. 770- 960-4200. www.spiveyhall.org. — MG

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MEDESKI, MARTIN & WOOD No longer conveniently pegged as acid-jazz, this trio keeps pushing boundaries into edgy pop even as it maintains its jazz roots. After playing together for nearly 15 years, the members have an innate connection to each other that translates into live shows that are as intense as they are volatile. This “evening with” allows plenty of time and space to stretch out and show their amazing chops. $25. 8:30 p.m. Variety Playhouse. 404-524-7354. www.variety-playhouse.com. — HH

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MINAMINA GOODSONG, COLLECTIVE EFFORTS, EX PATRIOTS Minamina Goodsong returns to Atlanta after several months of touring across the country. The group’s latest offering, Four Farmer Circus, is a mischievous and conceptual excursion into the ATL hip-hop underground. Sometimes psychedelic, sometimes scary, the Circus is a lurid and imaginative take on the cartoonish pitfalls of the real dirty South. ATF labelmates Collective Efforts and Ex Patriots open the show. $7. 10 p.m. The Earl. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com. — CR

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WRAS-FM Benefit Concert The good folks at WRAS-FM “Album 88” have planned a doozy for their annual benefit concert this year. Headlining the whole shebang is space-rock duo Parker & Lily, who will get you in that nice, warm, slightly depressed mood that’s perfect for the holidays. But, to quote Ethan Hawke in Training Day, it’s not all about smiles and cries, though smooth indie-rappers Mars Ill, happy indie-poppers I Am the World Trade Center, Deerhunter, 63 Crayons, Slushco, and Chris Devoe will all put a big smile on your face. Plus there are plenty of giveaways, including free CDs, DVD, video games and other stuff. $8. 6 p.m. Eyedrum. 404-522-0655. www.eyedrum.org. — MR

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SUN/4

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MICHAEL O’NEAL SINGERS & THE ATLANTA SYMPHONY BRASS QUINTET Classical, popular and traditional holiday tunes grace “Christmas Tidings,” a seasonal concert from the combined high-quality MOS and ASBQ. The program ranges from Daniel Pinkham’s “Christamas Cantata” to “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” familiar carols and audience sing-along of Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas.” $20 ($15 seniors/students). 3 p.m. Roswell United Methodist Church. 770-594-7974. www.mosingers.com. — MG

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FOREVER DOWN As Forever Down, singer/songwriter Casey Britt pens the acoustic songs that girls like — check his MySpace page (myspace.com/foreverdown), which lists over 4,000 friends of his, for proof. But don’t call him a Dashboard Confessional knockoff. Britt takes pride in writing tunes that are just as plaintive and emotional, but his vocals and melodies are distinct from Chris Carabba’s. Besides, he has a headlining gig at Swayze’s, so he must be doing something good, right? Opening are Counterfeit Holiday and Miami indie-pop band Baby Calendar. $7. 7 p.m. Swayze’s. 770-590-0111. www.swayzesvenue.com. — MR

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99X MISTLE TOE JAM 1 The first night of the “everything alternative” radio station’s two-night holiday show includes a headlining performance from loose and limber roots rockers O.A.R., a rare appearance from quirky ’80s minimalists Violent Femmes, and be sure to get there early for the opening set from the emotive and engaging Bain Mattox. $30. 6 p.m. (doors). The Tabernacle. 404-659-9022. www.ticketmaster.com. — LVS

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MON/5

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99X MISTLE TOE JAM 2 Night two of the alternative radio station’s holiday fete includes the effusive Our Lady Peace and the cerebral Coheed and Cambria with rousing opening sets from Rehab and Living Things. $30. 6 p.m. (doors). The Tabernacle. 404-659-9022. www.ticketmaster.com. — LVS

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TUES/6

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ROGUE WAVE Auteur/frontman Zach Rogue now has a full-time group to back him, which adds confidence and a more collaborative feel to his recently released sophomore disc. The band’s complex and moving indie rock and folk is challenging, unpredictable, edgy sometimes difficult but always tuneful. And Rogue is a magnetic frontman. Jet By Day opens. $8-10. 9 p.m. The Earl. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com. — HH

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WAYNE HANCOCK, THE ROUNDERS Sounding like the bastard son of Jimmie Rodgers and Hank Williams, Wayne “the Train” is as retro as it gets. Steeped in classic country-blues, his music is the real deal. The Rounders return to continue promoting its new outlaw-based country CD. $12. 8 p.m. Smith’s Olde Bar. 404-875-1522. www.smithsoldebar.com. — JK

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WED/7

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TENTH TO THE MOON, LOCKS, CHIIASI-OTO Traversing mutant new wave tones, heavy percussions and blasts of electronic improvisation, Tenth to the Moon’s sound takes shape as an artsy and industrial-strength electronic skulk. Chicago duo Locks plays a jumble of clunky and post-apocalyptic experimental jams for the low-fi lounge in the afterlife that’s situated south of heaven. Gainesville, Fla., duo Chiiasi-Oto opens the show with a set of dueling laptops. $5. 9 p.m. Drunken Unicorn. www.thedrunkenunicorn.net. — CR

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THU/8

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ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA & CHORUS The annual “Christmas with the ASO” directed by Norman Mackenzie, ASO director of choruses. This year, Mackenzie has restored the powerful opening and closing of the program as Robert Shaw initiated it, and some new pieces have been added, promising a show with even more emotional impact. Gwinnett Young Singers return as featured guests. $19-$58. 8 p.m. Symphony Hall. 404-733-5000. www.atlantasymphony.org. — MG

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JIMBO MATHUS Having drifted quite a distance from the derivative Squirrel Nut Zippers, Mathus has been exploring his Mississippi roots in depth, and brings some rather contemporary influences into the mix. Interesting stuff, I wonder what the Blues Nazis will think? Call for ticket prices. 9 p.m. Blind Willie’s. 404-873-BLUE (2583). www.blindwilliesblues.com. — JK

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· Check out our website at atlanta.creativeloafing.com. Click the “Music” category for a full selection of Soundboard events. CL online provides the address, a map and directions from your location.

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· Bands/performers/venues wishing to be included in Sound Menu’s noted-acts boxes may send recordings, press material and schedules two weeks in advance to Creative Loafing c/o Heather Kuldell, P.O. Box 54223, Atlanta, GA 30308, or e-mail information to: heather.kuldell@creativeloafing.com. To be included in the listings only, e-mail venue and band schedules by Friday at noon (for the issue that comes out the following Thursday) to soundboard@creativeloafing.com