Live This Month: December 2010

Although things get a little quiet around Christmas, December’s got plenty of concert highlights. For some, like Casiotone for the Painfully Alone, this month’s show marks the end of a long run, while others, like Sic Alps and Millionyoung, already have big releases planned for early 2011.

About the bands:

Portland’s Hosannas (“When We Were Young”) have two Bay Area shows in support of their new album, Together. They’ll be at The New Parish December 3 and Showdown on December 5.

Austin-by-way-of-Sacramento duo Agent Ribbons (“I’m Alright”) released Chateau Crone this year on Antenna Farm Records. They’re playing at Bar 355 December 16, the Crescent Hotel December 17, and Amnesia with The Trifles December 21.

Please Stand By is the third album from country-rock band Brent Amaker and the Rodeo (“Pocket Calculator”). The band heads to Bottom of the Hill December 4 for the Terrorbird holiday party, with Maus Haus, Fol Chen and Exray’s.

Sonny Smith (“Throw My Ashes From This Pier When I Die”) caps off a busy year with a New Year’s Eve show in SF. Sonny and the Sunsets and The Fresh & Onlys are performing at Amnesia December 31.

Brilliant Colors (“Never Mine”) have released a bunch of 7″s this year. They’ll be performing with several other Slumberland Records bands at a birthday party for Mike Slumberland at Amnesia December 3.

Having relocated from the Bay Area to Brooklyn, French Miami (“Older”) are back with a brand new EP called Motor Skills. The band is at the Hemlock Tavern December 2 (TONIGHT!) and The Uptown on December 3.

Sic Alps‘ (“Message From The Law”) latest record, Napa Asylum, comes out in January on Drag City. They’re at the Rickshaw Stop on December 4 for a benefit show for Big Eagle singer/songwriter Robyn Miller’s mother.

Owen Ashworth finishes his run as Casiotone for the Painfully Alone (“Young Shields”) with an SF show marking the 13th anniversary of his first live performance. On Sunday December 5, he’ll play at Bottom of the Hill with The Donkeys and The Ian Fays supporting.

SF’s The Actors (“First Date”) were part of an all-local bill at the Rickshaw Stop December 1. (EDITOR’S NOTE: Sorry I wasn’t fast enought to get this podcast up in time!) They were joined by Phantom Kicks and Sunbeam Rd.

Florida’s Millionyoung (“Calrissian”) is touring in anticipation of Atmospheric Beast, out in early 2011. Teen Daze and The Great Mundane support at the Rickshaw Stop on December 9.

LA’s No Age (“Fever Dreaming”) wrap up some recent touring with a few California dates. They’ll be at The New Parish December 8 and the Brookdale Lodge December 9.

Thrill Jockey put out Ancestral Star, the latest from SF drone-rock duo Barn Owl (“Light From The Mesa”), a few months back. Barn Owl is performing at The Independent December 16 with Om and Lichens.