This weekend is shaping up to be a pretty good one. In case you’ve been living under a rock, we just wanted to remind you that Hardly Strictly Bluegrass kicks off today and I can’t believe I’m stuck at work while MC Hammer takes the stage. Anyhoo, the whole festival is absolutely free – personally, I want to see the following: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Robert Earl Keane, Steve Earle, Earl Scruggs, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie “Prince” Billy, and Iron & Wine. However, I’m not too well versed in the bluegrass arts, so readers, feel free to make suggestions for the benefit of people like myself.

Also of note is Sigur Ros at the Greek tonight. I’ve seen them a couple of times before, both in outdoor venues, and the Greek is the perfect setup – the only thing that could be better is seeing them in their native elvish setting (check out Heima for some amazing concert footage). This is also my pick for “substance abuse” show of the weekend.

However, it is Friday night and it would be misleading to suggest that Sigur Ros is going to rock your socks off. So if you’re in need of some good old drunken fun, might I suggest the Sigur Ros after party at Blakes on Telegraph ($10 cover)? I’m certainly headed that way, mostly to check out San Diego’s Lands on Fire (friends of mine), but also because apparently “If you haven’t been to Blakes, you haven’t been to Berkeley.”

On Saturday night, Deerhoof hits the Great American Music Hall which should be an interesting show given the small venue. While Deerhoof might not float everyone’s boat, they’re a local band so expect their performance to be spot on. Sssssssssspirit ditties’s of no tone.

Be safe,
VP