Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox There’s nothing quite like a Postmodern Jukebox show. If you’ve never been, allow me to give you a rundown: Founded by jazz pianist Scott Bradlee, the band reinvents popular songs in the light of older “pop” music genres, mostly early 20th-century forms like swing and jazz. The band consists of a rotating cast of singers and musicians who often invite guest vocalists to perform with them. The group went viral on YouTube in 2012 for their jazzy rendition of Macklemore and Spokane native Ryan Lewis’ “Thrift Shop” and from there, it’s been over a decade of swingin’ and boppin’. Musical highlights from this recent tour include covers of “Thriller” by Michael Jackson and a rendition of the ever-popular “Dancing Queen” by ABBA. No matter your music taste, there’s something for everyone at a PMJ show.
Slick Rick The only thing more iconic, interesting, and intriguing than the stories Slick Rick tells on wax might be his own. Lasting through four decades, six presidencies, and countless trends, he endures as “the most sampled hip-hop artist in history” with GRAMMY® Award nominations and numerous multiplatinum albums to his name. It’s why he remains synonymous with rap music, culture, and fashion. It’s why he counts some of the most influential people in the world as ardent admirers from Jay-Z to Eminem claiming him as one of the most influential rappers to their career.
Slothrust, Weekend Friends While Slothrust isn’t a household name, the alt-rock outfit centered around Leah Wellbaum (vocals, guitar) and Will Gorin (drums) has an tremendously high approval rating among other current cool bands. It’s easy to understand, as Wellbaum’s deep vocal timbre manages to seem simultaneously ferocious and detached, which pairs excellently with the dark grungy instrumentals that bare a hint of shoegaze. This formula is on full display on the band’s 2014 album Of Course You Do, which (for a 10th anniversary conceit) Slothrust will play in its entirety on its upcoming tour that stops at the District Bar. Slothrust also achieved a new milestone in late 2023, cracking the Billboard Mainstream Rock charts for the first time with a scintillating and heavy cover of Ginuwine’s “Pony” off the band’s new EP, I Promise. Regardless of your entry point, don’t miss a chance to take a ride with Slothrust.
G3 Reunion Tour: Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson and Steve Vai One of the best aspects about guitar music is the vast chasm of ways one can approach the medium. While it’s approachable enough for a teen to pick up a six-stringer, learn how to play a sloppy power chord, and start a punk band, it’s equally valid to approach the instrument as if it’s a math problem to conquer with technical precision. For those who prefer listening to the latter, the G3 Reunion tour is here for you. Started by guitar wizard Joe Satriani (the best-selling instrumental rock artist of all-time), the G3 tours pair him with two other aces of the axe for a night of fret-burning, face-melting guitar virtuosity. While those flanking Satriani on G3s have rotated over the years, he’s going back to his original 1996 compatriots — Eric Johnson and Steve Vai — for the 2024 edition. Let the shredding commence.