Look for America in This Weekend’s Music
A Post-Election Selection of Jazz, Americana, Funk, Disco, Neo-Folk
THE END OF A CYCLE: I write this column in an already outdated era, for in between its writing and publishing sit those dreaded unknown results of Election Day. I can only hope that what transpires is swift, and no contested victories or sociopolitical scandals protract what has surely been the most agonizing American election cycle to every living being on Earth. But I also know that the future I anticipate as solid now may be uncertain again tomorrow. I hope that, whatever the outcome, we can look back on the lessons of an election that has shown the darkest part of our collective consciousness as a nation — in all its seething and lurching hatred, conflict, obstinacy, idiocy, and ignorance — and make something good out of this side of ourselves.
Fortunately, no matter what regime helms that fought-for seat, music always finds a way to thrive along the airwaves and ether waves of the world. So may whatever music streams out of the State Street speakers this weekend shelter you from the exhaust of a droningly soul-sucking example of the United States political process. Hopefully, we can now relax.
CELEBRATE AMERICA: If you need a reminder of what makes our country great, just remember how much good music has come out of it. At the Arlington Theatre (1317 State St.), enjoy a tall serving of Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, who kick up the jazz for a good cause to rid the world of polio with the help of San Francisco–based opener The Stone Foxes on Friday, November 11, at 8 p.m. Feel a longing for the days before there was such a thing as a televised election? Go Americana at Cold Spring Tavern (5995 Stagecoach Rd.), where the Ventucky String Band plays a three-hour set, starting at 7 p.m.
