First, and most importantly: Wise Blood is a local feller who's getting some buzz in the Internet-world: he was featured today in Pitchfork's Rising section (I just linked to the Rising tag because the permalink to his story is kind of messed up -- he should be at the top of this page for a few days at least).
Prior to his Pitchfork splash, Wise Blood (real name: Chris Laufman) got some attention over at Pittsburgh Music Report -- that interview is interspersed with tracks of his that you can check out. It's sample-heavy, dreamy stuff with nods to other pop cult-pastiche artists like (as mentioned in the Pitchfork interview) Girl Talk (only less party-heavy). Dig!
Second, and also importantly, but not AS importantly maybe, weekend things you might consider doing:
Friday (tonight): In addition to those things highlighted in the paper (Ursa Major, My Morning Jacket, These United States), the biggest thing going is DEVO-Fest, a Devo tribute night at Howlers to benefit the Animal Rescue League. It's organized by the Ceiling Stares' Bill Julin and features bands like Microwaves and Test Slices (a hybrid of Slices and Test Patterns). It starts at 10 and there's a $5 minimum donation but COME ON it's for animals who need rescued for cripes' sakes.
Saturday: We've got a benefit at the Bloomfield Bridge Tavern for restoration efforts in the wake of the Gulf Coast oil disaster -- this one features the Typewriter Girls, Phat Man Dee, belly dancer Olivia Kissel and Christiane D. Elsewhere, Karl Hendricks Trio headlines at Brillobox.
Jumping ahead to Monday, it behooves me to inform you that free jazz legend Henry Grimes is appearing at Thunderbird Cafe; we missed it in the listings, but it’s a Big Deal and you should probably go see him. His story is a pretty amazing one.
Have a good weekend, my children!
