On the Mike

ROCK ROCHAMBEAU: When hearing of this band,
don’t think about news headlines regarding avalanches and school
field trips. Rock Kills Kid is more interested in its electronic
twist on the oh-so-popular sound styles of The Cure, The Smiths,
and Joy Division. Just imagine if any of those bands had somehow
skirted time and grew up listening to Nine Inch Nails and you’ll
get the idea. Plenty of angst here — ironically, lead singer Jeff
Tucker credits his involvement with the Los Angeles band as saving
him from a life of youthful self-destruction. Rock Kills Kid plays
at the Wildcat Lounge — which just happens to be the former
employer of Reed Calhoun, the band’s drummer and keyboardist — on
Friday, December 8 at 10:45 p.m. S.B. band The Strays open at 10
p.m.  — Drew Mackie

IN THE ROUND: Every month, the Trinity
Backstage series introduces an intimate audience to a diverse crowd
of singer/songwriters. While many travel far to enter the Trinity
Hall, some of my faves are when organizers Kate Wallace and Doug
Clegg host evenings in the round. This Saturday’s December
coffeehouse features one of those events. Wallace and Clegg will be
occupying two microphones, sharing the stage with Peter Gallway and
James McVay. Guest pickers and singers will also be invited into
the circle. The night of lyrical music with some of the best voices
around will be well worth the $10 donation to benefit Jubilee
Economic Ministries, a group working for sustainable economics. The
show takes place at Trinity Episcopal Church, with doors opening at
7:30 p.m.  — Felicia M. Tomasko

THE PHISHERMAN: Trey Anastasio, of on-hiatus
jam legend Phish, really needs no introduction. For those who
appreciate his work, he’s a god among men. For those with whom
Phish flopped, however, he’s just a guy with a guitar. In short, if
you didn’t already have any interest in seeing a live performance
of Anastasio’s solo compositions, then you probably already skipped
down to the next item. As for those who made it to this sentence,
let’s assume you’re already going to see him perform at the
Majestic Ventura Theatre on Saturday, December 9.
 — DM