Madison's spring concert calendar is as busy as ever this week, with shows by Chad Valley, The Cactus Blossoms, Josh Ritter & the Royal City Band, Lucero with Langhorne Slim, Ray Lawrence Jr., On and On, Euforquestra, and Pert' Near Sandstone.
Monday 4.22
NOTEWORTHY: First Earth Day celebrated, 1970.
High Noon Saloon, 8 pm
The bongos and high-pitched croons of the band's latest release, Young Hunger, have earned some unfavorable comparisons to Billy Ocean. But for the most part, the album "soars rather than floats," according to Pitchfork. With Ghost Beach and Midas Bison.
Tuesday 4.23
NOTEWORTHY: Boston Latin School, nation's first public school, founded, 1635.
Barrymore Theatre, 6 pm
This band has been heating up the Twin Cities music scene -- and earning praise from CMT -- with boot-stompin' originals and inspired country covers.
Wednesday 4.24
NOTEWORTHY: Snuppy, world's first cloned dog, born in South Korea, 2005.
Josh Ritter & the Royal City Band
Overture Center's Capitol Theater, 8 pm Many artsy folks have praised this brainy musician's songwriting, including filmmaker Cameron Crowe. He'll share selections from a new album, The Beast in Its Tracks (see Music). With Sea Wolf.
Majestic Theatre, 8:30 pm
Lucero draw upon Memphis' musical heritage when fusing rock, soul and country, and Langhorne Slim pays homage to his tiny hometown of Langhorne, Penn., with storytelling that Rolling Stone has dubbed "damn near perfect" (see Music).
Thursday 4.25
Willy Street Pub & Grill, 8 pm
This once-homeless admirer of Hank Williams III made a fan out of Hank himself when he played some original tunes in the back of the famous country punk's tour bus. Williams quickly recorded the tunes, and Lawrence has been touring the country ever since. With Owen Mays & the 80 Proof Boys.
Regent Street Retreat Stage, 8:30 pm
This project grew out of the recently disbanded Scattered Trees, but its debut album, Give In, is more upbeat than the mournful indie rock of the Trees' final release, Sympathy. Revel in the group's buoyant electro beats at this show. With Sat. Nite Duets and Heavy Looks.
Frequency, 9 pm
These Iowa natives call their sound "Afro-Caribbean barnyard funk," which apparently refers to their danceable combination of bass-heavy grooves, island dub and salsa music. With Ifdakar.
High Noon Saloon, 9 pm
This Minneapolis outfit explores the bluegrass tradition with the aggression of a hardcore punk band. With Horseshoes & Hand Grenades.
