NOVEMBER 2 Ray LaMontagne & the Pariah Dogs Lauded singer/songwriter Ray LaMontagne is kicking off his fall tour right here in Jacksonville this month. Supported by his band the Pariah Dogs, LaMontagne will bring to life the Americana folk rock that he’s famous for. Don’t expect a huge, theatrical production, though. LaMontagne is all about the music and his stripped down live shows are the perfect way to experience his craft. The Levon Helm Band and the Secret Sisters will open the November 2nd show at the Times-Union Center. Tickets: $55.45- $66.45. Times-Union Center- Moran Theatre, 632-3373
NOVEMBER 5 Maps & Atlases Chicago’s progressive songsmiths Maps & Atlases are touring in support of their debut album Perch Patchwork, which is out now. Known for their virtuosic musical ability, the four-piece write pop songs with a magnificent aptitude for texture and a distinctive blend of both the intricate and organic. See them perform live at Jack Rabbits on November 5th with guests Tera Melos and the Globes. Jack Rabbits, 398-7496
NOVEMBER 5 Inspectah Deck / Masta Killa / DJ Allah Mathematics Wu-Tang fans, get ready: three hip hop pioneers are making their way to TSI this month. Inspectah Deck, Masta Killa and DJ Allah Mathematics will be performing live at the Bay Street hot spot as part of the Wu-nited States of America Tour. Local hip hop all-stars Paten Locke, Arsun Fist and the $Big Bucks$ DJ crew will also be in the house. Tickets: $15/advance, $20/day of show. TSI, 424-3531
NOVEMBER 6 Ritz Jazz Jamm With Gerald Veasley The world-renowned contemporary jazz bassist, radio host, and instructor has played his share of commercial music but definitely has the chops needed for more improvisatory settings. His recordings have ranged from the mellow, smooth album “Love Letters” to the energetic, funk-inflected grooves of “Fast Track”. He will perform two shows at the Ritz Theatre and LaVilla Museum, 7 & 10 pm. Tickets are $21 advance and $25 at the door. 632-5555, www.ritzlavilla.org
NOVEMBER 6 The Gourds The Gourds are a good-time, honky tonkin’ band with enough quirk and underground appeal to justify the “alternative” tag in “alternative country-rock.” Part of Austin’s vibrant scene and popular performers at the city’s national music showcase SXSW, the band broke through to college radio in 1997 with their unconventional take on songs like Bowie’s ‘Ziggy Stardust’ and Snoop Dogg’s ‘Gin and Juice.’ See just how much they evolved since then when the Gourds perform at Mojo Kitchen on November 6th. Tickets: $20. Mojo Kitchen (Jacksonville Beach), 247-6636
NOVEMBER 7 Southern Culture on the Skids True to their name, North Carolina’s Southern Culture on the Skids offers an affectionate parody of white-trash trailer-park culture, matching their skewed outlook with a wild, careening brand of rock n’ roll. Their music is a Southern-fried amalgam of rockabilly, boogie, country, and blues with a liberal dose of California surf guitar, a hint of punk attitude, and the occasional mariachi horns. Come hungry to their show at Jack Rabbits this month: the band is known for throwing fried chicken and banana pudding into the audience. No, we’re not kidding. Tickets: $15. Jack Rabbits, 398-7496
NOVEMBER 11 Frank Turner A former member of punk rock band Million Dead, Frank Turner turned his attention to folkier, acoustic music after the demise of the aforementioned hardcore outfit. The British-born troubadour has since become a hot commodity, sharing the stage with bands like the Gaslight Anthem, the Offspring, Flogging Molly, Green Day and many more. Turner is currently headlining his own US tour and will stop by Jack Rabbits on the 11th. Rebels & Rouges and Beau Crum will also be performing. Tickets: $10. Jack Rabbits, 398-7496
NOVEMBER 12 Mannheim Steamroller Kick off your holiday celebration with Mannheim Steamroller’s spectacular 25th Anniversary production. Grammy Award winner, Chip Davis has created a show that features the beloved Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with state of the art multimedia effects in an intimate setting. The spirit of the season comes alive with this ultimate family experience. Tickets: $53.20- $111.20. Times-Union Center- Moran Theatre, 632-3373
NOVEMBER 18 Josh Thompson In Josh Thompson, working-class country has found its most authentic spokesman in a generation. A compelling singer, he is an artist whose songwriting reflects both the gritty realities of blue-collar life and the beer-fueled release of the Friday-night honky-tonk. Since opening for artist like Jamey Johnson and Hank Jr., Thompson has perfected his live show and knows how to wow audiences with his brand of high-energy country. See Josh Thompson at Mavericks with Branch and Dean on November 18th. Tickets: $15- $20. Mavericks Rock N’ Honky Tonk, 356-1110
NOVEMBER 21 Celtic Thunder Celtic Thunder is known for its eclectic style with songs ranging from a soloist to an ensemble focus. The group is backed by the Celtic Thunder Band on their concert tours, and their live shows are known for the use of dramatic effects via lighting and choreography as well as a stage set resembling an ancient stone pathway suggestive of those referenced in Celtic lore. Experience this unique musical event on November 21st when Celtic Thunder comes to the Times-Union Center. Tickets: $48.10- $111.20. Times-Union Center- Moran Theatre, 632-3373
NOVEMBER 28 Crowbar Formed in New Orleans in 1989, Crowbar has become renowned as one of the country’s foremost sludge metal bands. The group has released eight full length CDs over the course of their 21 year career and has been hard at work creating a ninth record. The band is taking a break from recording and hitting the road with Black Tusk this fall. Check them out on November 28th when they come to Brewster’s Pit. Tickets: $15. Brewster’s Pit, 223-9850
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