Kyle Loomis is a journalism senior and Mustang Daily music columnist.
The coming of spring means many things: new classes for a new quarter, warmer weather and the soon-to-be arrival of summer vacation. But for me, springtime translates to concert and festival season.
As an admitted Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival junkie, spring means my favorite self-created holiday is finally around the corner (I just received my Weekend Two passes during the school break!). If you’re not going to this year’s festival in Indio, Calif., then don’t feel too left out, because there are some opportunities for you to check out Coachella performers making San Luis Obispo stops before, in between and after their sets in the desert.
Here are some shows that are definitely worth checking out in the coming weeks.
The Postal Service
April 12 at Alex Madonna Expo Center
One of the more highly anticipated tours this season is that of electronic-indie group The Postal Service. The duo has been the subject of rumors regarding an upcoming second album to accompany this reunion, but members Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie frontman) and Jimmy Tamborello (electronic music artist Dntel) have assured the public that no such work is in the making.
Fortunately for the band’s fans, there’s more activity between the duo than just a reunion tour.
A 10th anniversary reissue of the band’s first album, “Give Up” (2003), will be in stores on Tuesday, and will feature 15 tracks in addition to the original 10. The additional songs will include two new Postal Service songs, “A Tattered Line of String” and “Turn Around,” plus a handful of covers and remixes.
If you’re looking for a ticket for this Friday’s show at the Alex Madonna Expo Center, you might be S.O.L., unless you’re willing and able to buy an overpriced ticket on Craigslist. The show quickly sold out after the tour was announced in February.
Passion Pit
April 14 at Pozo Saloon
Another band cruising through San Luis Obispo County during Coachella season is the New England electronic quintet Passion Pit. The band will travel to the famous and historic Pozo Saloon following its Friday set at the Indio music festival.
Passion Pit released its sophomore studio album, “Gossamer,” this past July, to much praise by critics and fans, with single “Take a Walk” becoming popular on radio playlists. I’ve seen this band perform live, and it puts on a decent performance. At the amazing Pozo Saloon venue, it should be an awesome show.
Tickets are still available for approximately $30.
Modest Mouse
April 17 at Alex Madonna Expo Center
Hipsters in this town have a lot to get excited over this month. The third Coachella artist (and indie music community darling) to schedule a San Luis Obispo performance this month is Modest Mouse.
Besides the spring tour, the band has been quietly and slowly working on a new album. There has not been a new Modest Mouse record since “We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank” (2007). The name of lead singer and guitarist Isaac Brock’s record label, Glacial Pace, might be a good indication of how long fans may have to wait for the next release. Until then, we will all have to deal with trying to catch the band on its spring tour (which is pretty difficult itself; the Modest Mouse show at Madonna is sold out).
The Expendables
April 18 and 19 at SLO Brewing Co.
On April 18 and 19, reggae rock band The Expendables will play at SLO Brewing Co. downtown. The band, formed in Santa Cruz, Calif., often makes stops in San Luis Obispo, and its light-hearted, upbeat, “surfer” rock sounds have typically received much attention from the local college crowds.
The band released an acoustic album called “Gone Soft” in 2012, and is in the middle of its Life is a Beach tour, which will continue south to Los Angeles after back-to-back performances here in San Luis Obispo. Both shows cost $20 in advance and $22 at the door.
Andre Nickatina
April 26 at SLO Brewing Co.
Any fans of Bay Area rap will be stoked to hear that San Francisco rapper Andre Nickatina will stop at SLO Brewing Co. at the end of this month.
The veteran has released over a dozen albums since his debut in 1993 (back then he called himself Dre Dog), his most recent being “KHAN! The Me Generation” (2010). Some of his more popular songs are “Ayo for Yayo” (2003) and “Killa Whale” (1995).
Tickets are on sale for $23 in advance and will be $25 at the door.