New Year resolution: see more music

To say the San Francisco Bay Area has given birth to an eclectic mix of highly influential bands over the last 50 years, is beyond understatement.   From folk to punk to rap to gothic/industrial, the region has served as a creative incubator for iconic bands in nearly every genre of music including The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, The Dead Milk Men, The Tubes,  Metallica, Faith No More, 4 Non Blondes, Digital Underground, and Switchblade Symphony.

With this rich history it’s unbelievable that many Bay Area live music venues have considered or have  been pressured to close their doors due to rent increases, (924 Gilman) neighborhood gentrification, (DNA Lounge)  and shifting zoning laws (Bottom of the Hill), but they have.

If these venues close, not only will we lose a huge piece of the history of music in the bay area, we will lose the next wave of musicians who  undoubtedly will change the face of the industry in the years to come.

Don't let that happen Wyldies! All over town amazing bands are playing, pick your favorite genre and support the scene at any one of the clubs throughout the area including:

Legendary and SF born hardcore thrash punks DRI come to Slims/Image courtesy of SLIMS SF 

Friday 1/14: SLIMS in SF has the hardcore/punk/thrash line up you need to burn through all that office drone angst and get the weekend going, with DRI, Attitude Adjustment and Instant Asshole. All ages, $17, doors at 9. SLIMS TICKETS for advanced sale.

Saturday 1/15: The New Parish in Oakland is hosting an MLK tribute with house legends Frankie Feliciano and Timmy Regisford. Doors at 9. $10 in advance on Eventbrite, $20 at the door.

First time in nor cal in 15 yrs, Zion Train at the ElboSunday 1/16 : The Elbo Room in SF presents  Dub Mission, an electro-reggae show with Zion Train, featuring Perch and Rocker T. Doors at 9, $12 in advance at Brown Paper Tickets, or $15 at the door.

Monday 1/17: The longest running Goth/Industrial club in the country DEATH GUILD is at it's usual digs, the DNA Lounge in SF. Featuring legendary dark DJ's Melting Girl and Sage. $3 before 10, $5 after.

SW favorites Tokyo Raid and Era Escape hit Bottom of the Hill on TuesdayTuesday 1/18: Bottom of the Hill in SF goes post-punk-experimental-pop with  Tokyo Raid, Era Escape and Down Down Down doors at 8:30, $8. Advance tickets available at STUBMATIC

Wednesday 1/19: The Uptown in Oakland has Pirate Cat Radio, Locals Only Weekly Showcase featuring: Matthau
7 Orange ABC,  and  One Moment.  Doors at 9, no cover

Thursday 1/20: Popscene (at Rickshaw Stop) closes our week out with a pop-meets-experimental night,  The Royal Bangs, and Foster the People doors at 9, $12 advance  at SNAG TICKETS.