24 October 2024

BISS List 10.24.24: Spotlight on Halloween + Best of BISS this Week

Happy Thursday, BISS Listers! I know, I know—it’s a Thursday drop this week, but trust me, it was worth the wait. There is so much to catch up on, so let’s dive right in.

Last Thursday, I found myself at the Boom Boom Room grooving to DangerAte, and as always, they did not disappoint! Pics and videos are up—so you can relive the vibe.

Friday, I hit The Dip at the Fillmore, and while I might have been hanging out toward the back, that didn’t stop me from capturing some of my favorite tunes. It’s hard not to capture the moment when you’re feeling it, right? After the show, I made my way over to the Boom Boom Room, where Sonamo turned the place into a dance party with its high-energy Latin rhythms. I’ve got some fantastic shots and clips for you to check it out.

Saturday was non-stop, with Music City SF’s third annual singer-songwriter festival during the day, followed by their grand opening bash at night. I rolled in around 3 PM and soaked up everything from daytime strumming to the big nighttime party. They had the crowds, the tunes, and the energy to match. I’m working on a full review, complete with interviews, photos, and the inside scoop—so stay tuned for that next week!

Then, on Sunday, I wrapped up my musical marathon weekend with the Summer of Music finale, thanks to the folks at Noise Pop & Civic Joy Fund. Free music events have been everywhere in SF all summer long, and this one brought a bit of everything. I snapped plenty of photos to capture the essence, so be sure to check out the album on the BISS List. You can find videos from the whole day on my own page.

Now, looking ahead to this week, JRAD is in town for Thursday and Friday at The Fox, but I’m opting for Thursday’s show so I can catch Andre Cruz & Chris Lujan (*WIN*) at the 4 Star Theater on Friday. I hear there are still a few tickets left, but don’t wait too long! And then, if we’re feeling adventurous on Friday, we might just head over to Music City afterward cause I love Tori Roze & The Hot Mess! If you went to the park on Sunday, you might have also caught Prophet Martian on the Busker Stage. If you get to Music City early enough, you can see them open for Tori.

Saturday, I’m off to Chico for a little gathering of good friends, good music, & good vibes (you all know who you are), and I plan to get there early so I don’t miss a thing! I am going to try to sneak out before the party winds down so I can be ready for Sunday’s adventure to Stockton. I’ll be there cheering on Lantz Lazwell and his band, LAZWELL, as they open for the one and only ZZ Top. This one’s going to be epic—I’m beyond excited!

I mentioned last week that I was putting together a curated list of Halloween shows, so scroll down for the full spotlight on Halloween, including our picks and YOUR picks! It’s a two-week celebration this year with so many options to choose from. Plus, below that, you’ll find this week’s Best of BISS w/ all the shows you won’t want to miss. Then be sure to check Gabriel Barkin’s reviews & photos from multiple shows from the past week!

For even more shows and your chance to win FREE tickets, head over to the Full Calendar and the Win Tickets page. And while you’re at it, check out the ‘Coming to a Stage Near You,’ playlist to get in the mood for all the great music coming up.

One more thing before I go: Thank you to all the BISS Listers who’ve joined our Patreon so far—you’re helping keep this labor of love alive! Your support means the world, and it’s already making a difference as we keep bringing you the best of the Bay Area music scene. We heard you loud and clear! It turns out some of you think we didn’t have enough ways for you to throw money at us, er, support the BISS List. So, we’ve answered your call and created more ways to show your love—new tiers, same perks, with more goodies to come down the road. Here’s what we’ve cooked up:

GA Pass – $5: All the perks you love, including Instant Wins, Dance Card Fillers, Exclusive Giveaways, & more! Perfect for those who want to keep it classic.
VIP Pass – $10: Want to feel a little fancier? Go VIP – Same perks, better bragging rights!
Backstage Pass – $25: With the BISS List, you’re already hanging out behind the scenes with us. Same perks, just a way to give extra love and keep the magic alive!
On the Tour Bus – $40: You’re rolling with the big kids now! This one’s for those who are in it for the long haul.
Blind Faith – $100: Ah, the grand gesture. For those who believe in the BISS List with all their hearts (and wallets). And if $100 isn’t quite grand enough for you, feel free to click that button and make it any number you like! We promise we won’t stop you…

You can now pick the perfect support level that speaks to you. Let’s keep this musical journey going strong. We can’t wait to see where it takes us! Please check out the page for more details and learn more about our awesome perks!

That’s it for now, BISS Listers—catch you next week! Over and out.

~ Pamela aka Miss BISS
#seeyouattheshows

SPOTLIGHT ON HALLOWEEN

Halloween Highlights

With Halloween landing on a Thursday this year, the celebrations are stretching across two weekends, and I’m planning to make the most of it! My choice, on Halloween, is Buckethead—I’ve always had a thing for him. Ever since that unforgettable backstage moment when he looked at me from behind his ghoulish rubber mask, sized me up, and said, “You’d fit.” Then he left me with this cryptic line: “All the best things are found when you dig a hole about five feet down.” Catching him live for Halloween seems like the perfect fit!

I’ve got other options, too. My long-time favorite, RonKat, is performing at Yoshi’s, which is always a great time. However, there’s the possibility of a three-show Halloween run in the Fillmore area. It would start with my “bro” Daniel, aka D3, and his band DangerAte at Sheba Lounge on the early side, and then on to Buckethead at The Fillmore and end with the SF is Dead All-Stars at the Boom Boom Room. It’s shaping up to be a tough decision, but either way, Halloween’s going to be a blast!

Here’s our Best of BISS picks for this Halloween:

Want even more ideas? I posted to ask about your Halloween plans. Here are some fantastic ideas from our fellow BISS Listers: Check it out, and feel free to add your own!

*Check out all of our Featured Shows

BISS REVIEW

BISS List Reviews

It was a busy week for BISS List staff photographer Gabriel Barkin, who has a four-pack of reviews and photos to share with us!

Melt w/ Special Guest MARIS at The Independent “Melt’s recorded music is equal parts indie pop and soul. On stage, they add a corresponding amount of high-energy rock. True to a band name that straddles different physical states of being, Melt is both cool like Sade and hot like Alabama Shakes. They’re a tight, fun ensemble with flowing, wavy melodies and tight arrangements. Veronica Stewart-Frommer’s vocals soar. She has the kind of stage-front star power that suggests a bright future. Her vocal range is striking, and she wields it skillfully to convey vulnerability, power, confidence, and desire. Stewart-Frommer’s vocals are never forced; she can sing the phonebook without breaking a sweat.” Check out the full review & photos.

Danny’s Live Dead: Skeleton Krew Trio at Peri’s Tavern “Skeleton Krewe is a dynamic amalgamation of virtuosos featuring Hawaiian slack-key guitarist Stephen Inglis, guitarist/pedal steel player Barry Sless (Bob Weir & Wolf Bros, Phil Lesh & Friends), and keyboardist Rob Barraco (Dark Star Orchestra, Phil Lesh & Friends, The Other Ones). The three longtime friends and collaborators are in the midst of a multi-date tour of Northern California, appearing at times with special guests on board. The trio hooked up with drummer Luehring and bassist JP McLean for this week’s installment of “Danny’s Live Dead” at Peri’s Tavern in Fairfax, CA.” Check out the full review & photos.

Friko & Royel Otis at The Fox Theater “Friko’s album Where we’ve been, Where we go from here is one of the most interesting, emotional, and exciting albums of 2024. It’s everything rock is supposed to be. Anthemic, loud guitars? Check. John Lennon-ish angst and introspection? Check. Earwormy, Paul McCartney-ish melodies? Check. Youthful passion, poetry, and poignancy? Check. The Kinks. The Pixies. Radiohead. Jeff Buckley. Cage the Elephant. Friko is an evolutionary offshoot on a branch of rock that has yielded some of the most thoughtful, intelligent music of the past 60 years. I had high hopes for a moving performance. Friko rewarded those hopes.” Check out the full review & photos.

Mr. Hat Presents Dead Set on the Bay VI Featuring Dave A’Bear (Steely Dead, JGB), Elliott Peck (Phil & Friends, Midnight North) Zach Jones (Lovin’ Dead, Mars Hotel, Dead 70’s), Danny Eisenberg (Mother Hips), Anna Elva (The China Dolls), JP McLean (Melvin Seals & JGB), and special guests Bella Rayne and Jeff Hobbs. Extra special guest The San Francisco Bay in all its glory. Check out the photo gallery.