Concert Picks: Amateurs, Rodriguez, Stripmall Architecture…

If you’re on the East or West coast, here are a few shows you can’t miss…

• Amateurs | Friday, May 15 | 8:30 pm | $8 | 21+ | Spaceland, Los Angeles, CA – Map | All right, I’m going to say it: they don’t sound like amateurs to me. (I’ll be here ’til Thursday; tip your waitress.) The Los Angeles-based band is skilled in crafting instrumental visuals Ska, meet swing, and sit alongside indie folk laced with a 70′s vibe, which . The release party for their new EP “If We Dare Win” will feature musical acts Death to Anders and Never at Night. Click here for tickets.
• Rodriguez | Friday, May 15 | 8:00 pm | $18 | 18+ | Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY – Map | One listen to Rodriguez’s heart-wrenching “Sugarman” is enough to stir wonder inside listeners – as in, how could such inspiring music fall off the face of North America for as long as it did. His 1969 release, properly titled “Cold Fact”, is served with choice-cut lyrics – pure, simple, yet drenched in undisputed truth. Do yourself a favor and listen to a couple of his tracks… and if so inclined, click here for tickets.
• Mother Hips | Saturday, May 16 | 8:00 pm | $15 | 21+ |  Mercury Lounge, New York, NY – Map | Classic rock done well never gets old. We believe that if every band could interject at least one sizable psychedelic jam interlude into every other set the musical world would be a much better place, and the Mother Hips – oh, they do it so well. Click here for tickets.

• Stripmall Architecture | Saturday, May 16 | 9:00 pm | $8 | Retox Lounge, San Francisco, CA – Map | The at times ambient and most always mood-heavy creations emitting from the Bay Area band blend well with vocalist Rebecca Cooseboom’s stance at front and center. While taking a leaf from the book of the most audibly distinct female vocalists I can think of (Dolores O’Riordan comes to mind), she holds the ability to stand out audibly despite the comparison. We’ll see what’ comes from what is promised to be a forthcoming album. The evening will feature performances from Bloodwire and Mountain Animal Hospital. For more information, call (415) 626-7386.
• The Grouch & Eligh | Sunday, May 17 | 8:00 pm | $18-$20 | Key Club, West Hollywood, CA – Map | Continue along their Say G&E ! tour,  members of  the underground hip-hop group Living Legends will treat fans and long-time followers to literal tongue–tripping rhythms. There is a reason why they call them artists. Afro Classics and Root Beer will also take the stage. Click here for tickets.

Photo by Alexis Roohani