Songwriters Smorgasbord

COLD CUTS: Though their Cinderella march
through NBC’s StarTomorrow — a Web-based American Idol
spin-off — ended far too soon, the Kings of Spain are back by
popular demand, live at the Cold Spring Tavern this Friday,
November 24. Following America’s most celebrated day of sports and
food gluttony, indulge in America’s second-oldest pastime: rock ’n’
roll. The foursome — lead vocalist and guitarist Will Loomis,
drummer Adam Baltieri, guitarist Thomas Masker, and bassist Adam
Reiber — plan on blasting several hours worth of smokin’
blues-based rock into your ears, starting at 7 p.m. Special guest
Clarke! brings his blend of pop, grunge, and harmony to spice up
the mix. For more on the Kings of Spain, visit myspace.com/thekingsofspain
or thekingsofspain.com.
For a more in-depth look at the band, check out the feature on them
at independent.com.
 — Josh Brayer

CUBA GROOVE: Maybe the most exciting part about
Cuban salsa outfit Somos Son is that seeing a performance allows
you to watch the work of people with job titles like “bongocero”
and “timbalero.” If that’s not enough, this nine-piece ensemble
hails from S.B. Support our local boys as they bring us the best of
Cuba’s take on the popular genre at SOhO on Friday, November 24 at
9:30 p.m.  — Drew Mackie

GREETINGS: The floppy-haired style of the boys
of Hellogoodbye is a good way to describe their sound. Fortunately,
it’s a good sound — power pop somewhere along the lines of where
Weezer should have taken theirs. This Huntington Beach foursome
released their debut, Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs! earlier
this year. Their local stop teams them up with Reggie and the Full
Effect and Cute Is What We Aim For at the Majestic Ventura Theatre
on Saturday, November 25 at 7:30 p.m. Floppy hair music: It’s good
for you.  — DM