Jim the Critic’s Top Bay Area Concert Picks of the Week (March 5-11)
It’s a great week for live music in the Bay Area, highlighted by appearances from multiple Rock and Roll Hall of Famers.
KISS, David Lee Roth
Talk about a fun doubleheader.
Topping the bill is KISS, ready to say “so long” to fans on its so-called final tour. Yes, we’ve heard that one before, given that the band embarked on its first farewell tour 20 years ago.
Still, fans will flock to Oakland Arena on March 6 to hear the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame act perform such favorites as “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Detroit Rock City.”
Opening the show is the ever-entertaining Roth, who was inducted into the Rock Hall as a member of Van Halen back in 2007.
Details: 7:30 p.m.; $39.50-$250, ticketmaster.com
Patti Smith and Her Band
The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer was absolutely amazing during her previous stand at the Fillmore, which came in early 2019, and we’re willing to bet that local fans will be wowed once again when Smith and her great band returns to San Francisco’s most iconic venue for two nights, March 8-9.
Oliver Ray is also on the bill.
Details: 8 p.m.; $55, livenation.com
Mads Tolling
The accomplished jazz violinist leads the Mads Men, with Colin Hogan on keys, Daniel Lucca Parenti on bass and Eric Garland on drums, into Yoshi’s in Oakland for two shows on March 8. The evening also features special guest vocalists Kim Nalley and Kenny Washington.
Details: 6 and 8 p.m.; $26-$54, yoshis.com
Thundercat
The Grammy-winning R&B/jazz/funk artist, who has worked with Kendrick Lamar and Flying Lotus, visits the Fox Theater in Oakland on March 6.
Details; 8 p.m.; $37.50-$52.50, ticketmaster.com
The Soft White Sixties
The Los Angeles rock outfit headlines Andrew St. James’ latest Fast Times.! music showcase, also featuring the Younger Lovers, DJ Omar Perez and James himself, on March 5 at the Chapel in San Francisco.
Details: 8 p.m.; $15-$20, thechapelsf.com
American Nightmare
The hardcore punk act, which got its start in Boston in the late ‘90s, performs March 6 at the Fillmore in San Francisco.
Ceremony is also on the bill.
Details: 9 p.m.; $25, livenation.com
Jim the Critic's Picks of Week, w/ @noisepop @BestCoast @RaphaelSaadiq @ToveLo Benjamin from @dcfc @wearegalantis @sfmasonic @RegencyBallroom @foxoakland @BillGrahamCivic @AugustHall_SF @LiveNationSF @apeconcerts @GoldenvoiceSF @mercnews @EastBayTimes https://t.co/XeVzyxkX2g
— Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) February 24, 2020
“I think we have pretty well established that I like slow, depressing songs,” @SarahMcLachlan says during great @foxoakland show. Read review, see photos from concert. @mercnews @apeconcerts @EastBayTimes https://t.co/bgt4M81Ki5
— Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) February 25, 2020