A couple of young bands with a lot of talent and a little distortion make the cut this week in “Six Picks,” our new column featuring some of the best in local music. We’ve got two Diamonds, Twin Peaks, SCOTS and more this weekend. Check out What’s Up below, and send suggestions for future Picks to Ken Abrams here.
Southern Culture on the Skids Thursday
Chapel Hill, NC band Southern Culture on the Skids sings songs about “Ditch Diggin,” “White Trash,” and the charmingly titled “Daddy Was a Preacher But Mama Was a Go-Go Girl.” Their sound is an ironic blend of punk, rockabilly, and general bad-assery. So get “Liquored Up and Lacquered Down” and head to the Met tonight. You won’t be disappointed! PVD’s Thee Itchies open. Details here.
Twin Peaks Friday
Chicago’s Twin Peaks are one of the top young indie bands on the music scene today. They create a blend of 60’s garage rock and 2000’s punk – think Stones meets Velvet Underground meets Strokes with youthful exuberance, sweet grooves, and a crap load of energy. They headline a rock show tomorrow night at Fete in Providence. Opening acts include riff master Ron Gallo and local rockers Gymshorts. Details here.
Jack Johnson Friday
With the weather warming this weekend, it’s definitely time to hit the outdoor venues. Don’t miss the laid back beach-side sounds of Jack Johnson Friday night at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield. Expect to hear all the favorites plus some tunes from a new album expected later this summer. Even better, Boston’s popular R&B band Lake Street Dive opens the show. Details here.
Tiny Diamond Friday
Tomorrow night is an album release show for Tiny Diamond (featured picture above) at Aurora in Providence. The lo-fi indie-pop trio of Piera Leone, Mia Dady, and Jess Texieira blend guitar, cello and drums with elegant harmonies to create a truly original sound. Look for their new EP Light Codes at the show. A stellar opening cast includes Kid Mountain, The Quahogs, and Teddy Farkas. Music around 9PM – Details here. Check out their “off Broadway” Newport Live Session here.
Tune In Tune Up Sunday
Sunday at The Met, there’s a special event organized by Tune In, Tune Up, a health awareness program from the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame. “Feelin’ Alright” is a concert and health fair featuring some of Rhode Island’s top musicians … and top health professionals. The musical highlight will certainly be the Tune In Tune Up All-Star Band with the Fabulous Tunettes, featuring some of RI’s best like John Cafferty, Duke Robillard, Becky Chase and Mark Cutler. Get in tune at the Met Sunday evening starting around 4PM. Details here.
Neil Diamond Sunday
The man, the myth, the song-maker… Reach out and don’t miss Neil Diamond at Mohegan Sun on Sunday June 11. It’s the 50th anniversary tour for Diamond who’s still going strong behind classics like Cherry Cherry, Girl You’ll be a Woman Soon, and of course, that Fenway favorite, “Sweet Caroline.” So good! Details here.