Thursday, 3/20: The Mountain Goats First Unitarian Church, All Ages
Prolific lo-fi veterans The Mountain Goats are beloved for their intelligent lyrics and warm experimental folk style. It is no surprise that they have amassed a passionate following that hangs onto every word of their eloquent, human tales interlaced with mythology and metaphor. This show is sold out, but try your luck on Craigslist. $10.
Saturday, 3/22: Hotel Café Tour: Cary Brothers, Ingrid Michaelson, & others World Café Live, All Ages Come out to World Café Live to support acoustic artists the Cary Brothers, Ingrid Michaelson, Joshua Radin and others who are part of MySpace's Hotel Café Tour. The tour is in its fourth year and prides itself on showcasing some of the best up-and-coming talents alongside established artists. The lineup changes from city to city with the exception of the Cary Brothers, who play every show, so get there early to make sure you don't miss out on any of the surprises. Like The Mountain Goats, this one sold out, but you never know what might turn up. $17 in advance, $19 day of show. Tuesday, 3/25: Morcheeba The Trocadero, All Ages You can pretend you're still lounging on the beach when you give yourself over to the soothing melodies of Morcheeba. If album titles like Big Calm and Dive Deep are any indication, the trip-hop masters are well-versed in the art of relaxation. Do yourself a favor and remember what it's like to be stress-free before those papers start piling up again. $25.
Wednesday, 3/26: Xiu Xiu First Unitarian Church, All Ages
Bring your thinking cap and aural curiosity to the First Unitarian for Xiu Xiu, a noise-folk outfit from NorCal. Their unorthodox style incorporates elements of punk, rock, folk and even classical, and their weighty lyrics will appeal to your pensive side. $10.
Wednesday, 3/26: Blitzen Trapper Johnny Brenda's, 21+
The mountain men of Blitzen Trapper are charming urbanites everywhere; they've recently signed to Sub Pop after receiving critical acclaim from Rolling Stone, Spin, Pitchfork and NPR's All Songs Considered. These Oregonians are bound to have you stomping your feet to their bouncy experimental folk. $10.
