Monday 2.28
NOTEWORTHY: Michael Jackson cops eight Grammys for Thriller, 1984.
BIRTHDAYS: Quirky actor John Turturro, 1957; bouffanted B-52s vocalist Cindy Wilson, 1957.
Plants & Animals
High Noon Saloon, 8 pm
This Montreal trio like to describe their sound as "post-classic rock," though most listeners simply call it indie rock. Meanwhile, Pitchfork described their latest release, 2010's La La Land, as a collection of "beautifully strange gems." With So So Radio and Surgeons in Heat.
Tuesday 3.1
NOTEWORTHY: Punk genius Patti Smith marries MC5 guitarist Fred "Sonic" Smith, 1980.
BIRTHDAYS: Child-star-turned-filmmaker Ron Howard, 1954.
Wednesday 3.2
NOTEWORTHY: Dusty Springfield dies, 1999.
BIRTHDAYS: Singer-songwriter Lou Reed, 1942; former U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, 1953.
Wayne Hancock
High Noon Saloon, 8 pm
The artist known as "The Train" brings his locomotive of honky-tonk, blues, rockabilly and more to the most Western-themed of Madison venues, the High Noon Saloon. When you hear his restaurant-themed "Teardrops on Table 34," you are hearing real live country music. With Earl Foss and the Brown Derby.
Umphrey's McGee
Barrymore Theatre, 8 pm. Also Thursday, March 3, 8 pm
The "improg" sextet from Chicago draws its inspiration from King Crimson, Pink Floyd, Yes and Iron Maiden, but it draws many of its fans from its twice-monthly podcast of its live shows, with a listener base of 20,000.
Nicole Atkins & the Black Sea
Frequency, 9 pm
Atkins' singing has earned more than one comparison to Roy Orbison, while the artist herself has cited David Lynch's surreal films as an inspiration for her songwriting. Come witness this mesmerizing combination and get to know the songs from her just-released album, Mondo Amore. With Cotton Jones.
Thursday 3.3
NOTEWORTHY: L.A. cops beat Rodney King, 1991.
BIRTHDAYS: Radio host Ira Glass, 1959; rapper/actor Tone-Loc, 1966.
The Chieftains
Overture Hall, 7:30 pm
Irish traditional music might not be a worldwide sensation without the Chieftains, who began popularizing the genre in 1962. Six Grammys and more than 40 albums later, the quartet are as tuneful as ever: Check out their newest release, 2010's San Patricio, for evidence. With Madison Pipes & Drums.